Kirk
Sprenger is a wine expert and proprietor of Chappaqua Wine &
Spirits in Chappaqua, NY. Kirk provides his expert opinion and advice
on our wine selections, and,
in many cases, advises us on wine
selections, pairings, and rules.
Read on for the latest commentary on Hot Wines by Kirk.
Summer Wine Suggestions :
Whether it is a far off island, a local beach or a simple backyard barbeque, the feel of summer is the same. Under the summer sun, when the grills are fired up, Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing wine selection . The 2005 Selaks Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand is a great accompaniment to a wide range of fish, seafood, or grilled veggies. This "90" point rated wine is a true classic. Once poured, ripe tropical flavors of grapefruit, lemon and melon just jump from the glass. This style of wine serves three purposes: first, the flavors match the accents of the foods to a tee, second, the crisp character of the wine helps to cut through the spiciness of any barbecue recipe, and third, it is light and delicate without weighing on the palate. No single wine can deliver more.
If grapefruit and lemon are not what you bargained for, try a French Loire favorite, Sancerre. A frequently requested repeat at Chappaqua Wine & Spirits is Domaine Jean-Paul Balland 2005. While still possessing the Sauvignon Blanc characteristic of citrus base, it tends to do it in a more low key profile. The subtle style of this wine is a very pleasant pairing to your grilled favorites.
 Best "Green" Wines
With
today's blitz of "think green", it is only fitting that the wine
industry would follow suit. Though organic wines have been around for decades,
they are certainly gaining more recognition. The grape growers have long sought
ways of limiting the use of herbicides and pesticides in their farming
techniques. In addition to organic farming, many vineyards are incorporating
the technique of sustainable farming. This, simply put, is a code of practices
by which the entire eco-system is kept in balance and preserved. This includes
the effect on soil composites, water supplies and surrounding environments.
Some of
our favorites at The Chappaqua Wine & Spirit Company include Penny Farthing
Chardonnay. This white has delicate flavors of pear and green apple and a crisp
finish without the buttery edge found in many of today's California Chards. It
also happens to be farmed sustainably. For a more weighty white we recommend
Bonterra Chardonnay which shows beautiful bright fruit and gentle underlying accents of oak.
Of
course, for the red wine lover our choices are just as alluring. Penny
Farthing's Syrah is a rich and satisfying Rhone style with plenty of berry
notes and integrated highlights of vanilla and exotic spices.
One
producer, Lolonis Vineyards of Mendocino, California took organic farming to a
different level by releasing hoards of ladybugs on their vines. These natural
predators aid in keeping away aphides without the use of chemicals that might
harm the ecology. This has been a practice of theirs for the last fifty years.
They produce a Cabernet Sauvignon which is rich and vibrant in fruit with a
velvety texture. Remember
to enjoy these eco friendly organic wines as you would any other. "Go
Green".
Wines For Passover
Kirk Sprenger's recommendation's - as printed in The New Castle New and Options Weekly
Kirk Sprenger of Chappaqua Wine and Spirits recommends something on the
lighter side with turkey, like the kosher Joseph River Chardonnay 2005
for $13.99 from Australia.
"Something not quite as dry, because turkey's a neutral meat and
anything goes will with it," Sprenger suggested, "a Golan 2006 from
Israel, an Emerald Reisling, which is semi-dry with a little fruitiness
and a slight tinge of sweetness to it for $14.99".
"For those who prefer a lighter-styled red that would go perfectly
with turkey," Sprenger suggested, "I would recommend one of the Borgo
Reale. I have two of their wines, a 2004 Sangiovese from Puglia in
southern Italy for $14.99 or a 2006 Chianti called Vespertino from
Tuscany for $19.99."
"For reds to go with brisket, I would recommend Teperberg from
Israel. I's 2006 vintage Meritage, a blend of cabernet sauvignon ,
merlot and cabernet franc from Israel is a bit richer and bolder for
$21.99."
“I have couple of French selections I would recommend also,”
Sprenger added. “One from Saint-Emilion, Chateau Tour-des-Agasseaux
2001 vintage, predominantly merlot, richly flavored but a little softer
and rounder, featured at $36.99, and Chateau d’ Arsac from Margaux,
2003 vintage, a very big lush full bodied cabernet blend. It’s a
predominantly cabernet sauvignon and typical Bordeaux blend for
$59.99.”
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