Alternative Wine Varietals - Not your average Chardonnay

There are 184 varietals of grapes used in wine making, plus a few created grapes not typically listed, such as Souvignier Gris, that was created in 1983. To learn about the differences and where they fall, the Quiet Enoteca recommends DeLongs wine grape varietal table.  (www.delongwine.com) It is a very helpful tool, especially if you want to try wines that are not the mainstay of restaurant dining. 

Pommard is produced in the commune of Pommard in Côte de Beaune of Burgundy     This lushes red wine is predominately Pinot Noir but can have as much as 15% total of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.  This mix gives the Pommard a very nice flavor.  So far the best Pommard that the QE has tasted is from Saffron Fields, from the Willamette Valley Oregon.  The Saffron Field Pommard has been sourced from clones from the Pommard France area in the 1940.  

The result of the age and care of the vines is evident in in the end product. If you like Pinot Noir's you will absolutely adore this Pommard.  It is like drinking a wine "gusher", the soft acidity just opens up the mouth to this lovely rich dark red fruits and finishes with soft tannin's that linger to a hint of vanilla and lavender. Pommard, typically has a lower alcohol level at 10.5% then a grand cru the comes in at over 11%. As a side note the Pommard style typically has a higher tannin level then most Pinot Noir.  This bottle is excellent and you will get what you pay for in this one.  

Please Check out their website at www.saffronfields.com  and if you have the opportunity check out their tasting room in Oregon.  Talk about calming.

Carignan is a medium bodied wine that is native to southern France.  It is an excellent wine for parring with foods as it robust but does not overpower the taste buds.  Typically showing nice fruit flavors and light tannins. 

Tank Garage Winery takes this to a new place by fermenting the grapes with a carbonic process. (see notes in our creating wine section)  The 2019 Buena Onda is a young wine with a nice full flavors.  Rich fruit right off the blocks with just enough acidity to wake up the tongue, to earth and vine flavors finishing with a linger tingling dryness that makes you want to take another sip.

This is a delightful take on the Carignan, which is such a nice varietal.    If you like medium bodied wines then this one is for you.

Do check out Tanks Website, sadly this was limited run on this production.

www.tankgaragewinery.com they are located in Calistoga CA. Go visit this creative winery. 

Well, once again Tank Garage Winery deliverer's something unique. The summer of 69 is a blend of  67% Treixadura and 33% Godello. Wines both commonly found in Spain and have a unique taste profile.  For us the nose was like smelling a freshly backed pineapple upside down cake.  That wonderful acidic smell from the pineapple, wafting over the vanilla richness of the cake, followed by that lovely caramel smell of the pineapple juice baking with the butter.  Amazing.  

The taste follows the same lines, acidic pineapple and vanilla followed by a pepper spice flavor that can only be describe as being wrapped up on a cedar plank.  Just a hint of wood laying behind, like a perfectly roasted marshmallow over a pine fire on a mountain side.

These two grapes are not commonly found in the states, but if you have a chance order these before they are gone and check out more information at Tank Garage Winery's web site.

www.tankgaragewinery.com they are located in Calistoga CA. Go visit this creative winery.