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Black Men Gone Wine

8/15/2014

2 Comments

 
Black men gone wine, the tale of two paths that end with making and distributing delicious fine wines.  Last week I poured at Therapy Wine Bar in Brooklyn and had the pleasure of pouring wines made by two of my favorite brands, Esterlina Vineyards and Indigene Cellars. What made this tasting experience unique and engaging is the story behind the juice.  In summary it is the story of African American men gone wine!

Esterlina Vineyards is owned by the Sterling family; three brothers and their Dad. The brothers grew up on the family farm in the Northern Coast of California. All three were professionals with individual success in their respective careers when their Dad called them home to the family farm to make wine. Now the family owned wine brand is distributing wonderfully, artistically made wines across the country. 
Indigene Cellars is owned by Raymond Smith. In his early 20's Raymond fled the rough streets of Oakland to settle in Paso Robles wine country. While in Paso Raymond worked on vineyards learning and crafting his skills as a wine maker. Some 15 years later he decided it was time to make his own wines and created the brand Indigene. Today his wines are highly acclaimed and placing first and second in various wine competitions.

I poured a total of 4 wines for our Wine Tweet Party at Therapy Wine Bar. From Esterlina Vineyards; 2012 Cole Ranch Riesling and the 2011 Cole Ranch Pinot Noir. The Riesling, dry in style, fruity, crisp and refreshing. Feedback was overwhelmingly pleasing with customers finding the wine off dry in taste having a hint of sweetness from the fruit concentration, not syrupy like some had anticipated. Two word take away: lively and pleasing.  The Pinot Noir, classic! True to the grape profile; smoked cheeries, smooth with a richness of complex flavors and aromas. Customer feedback: Easy to drink, smooth start with a tart like lingering finish.  Two word take away: elegant and fruity

We tasted a white and a red from Indigene as well.  The white was a 2012 Leroi Sauvignon Blanc aged in oak barrels. This is not your typical Sauv Blanc. The wine was creamy in texture, rounded with hints of green pepper, grass, tropical fruit all wrapped in honey and vanilla flavors. Customer feedback; pleasantly surprised and approachable Sauvignon Blanc.   Two word take away: herbalicios and rounded.  Lastly I poured  Indigene's red wine blend Phillanthopist.  The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot is always a crowd favorite whenever I pour it.  Well balanced with pronounced tannins that match the high concentration of fruit. Customer feedback: Fresh, big and approachable.  Two word take away: Fruity and layered.

Esterlina and Indigene represent only two the African American men and women who producing extremely well made wines in the United States. Cheers to their continued success in the wine business!  

For more info about these wine brands please visit their websites:
http://www.esterlinavineyards.com/https://www.indigenecellars.com/wines.php



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2 Comments

To Just Pour, Aerate or Decant..... that is the question!

12/29/2013

2 Comments

 
There are basically three options after you open a bottle of wine; Just Pour, Aerate or Decant.
  
1) Pour from bottle directly to glass.  This is the most popular option and great for your everyday ready to drink wines.  Wines you usually buy in the grocery store and common wines available on restaurant menus.

2) Aerating is the another option.  This is used for young wines that may need to open up.  Usually when wines are age worthy, meaning you can enjoy for a number of years after the vintage date the wine making style may include lots of tannin.  When these high tannin wines are opened within the first 5 years of the vintage date aerating make be required to reduce the strong tannin impression.  There are a few ways to aerate wine.  Simply taking the cork out and leaving the bottle open will not work.  My favorite method is Splash Decanting.  Splash decanting is swiftly pouring wine into a decanter straight down ensuring that the wine hits the bottom of the decanter and splashes up around the edges. The splash effect ensures that the wine moves around a lot and maximizes the air contact with the wine. After the wine is poured in the decanter leave and let it stand for at least 45 minutes before serving. This method ensures that as much air as possible comes in contact with the wine thus aerating it.  If you are pressed for time use a aerating pourer.  There are many on the market and range in price from about$15 to $65 depending on the brand.  My two favorites in the $20 price range are the Soiree and the Metrokane Rabbit.

3) Simple Decanting is an option reserved for older wines.  In this method you slowly pour wine over a strainer to collect sediment that has formed in bottle. Never allow the wine to sit for more than 15 minutes.  Contrary to popular beliefs older wines do not need time to breath.  Older wines are gentle and should be consumed immediately after opening.  Too much exposure to air can ruin your older wines.

Remember aerate young wines and slowly decant older wines!
2 Comments

Wine Suggestions

12/20/2013

1 Comment

 

From: AW
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 9:15 AM
To: Tuanni Price
Subject: Suggestion?

Hi Tuanni,
I am visiting Canada over the holiday and thought to bring a good California Wine. I’m thinking red. Would you happen to know something to bring and where to purchase?
Thank you,
AW


From: Tuanni Price
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 9:22 AM
To: AW
Subject: RE: Suggestion?

Definitely take Zinfadels, it's California’s wine.  Like Malbec is to Argentina. Here are other suggested varietals that are Cali fav's with the best regions:

Syrah- or GSM blends-  Santa Ynez (Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, Solvang)
Cabernet- Napa Valley
Zinfandel- Paso Robles and Napa Valley
White Wine:
Viognier (Vi-ohn-yay)- Santa Ynez

My favorite places to shop for wine:
Barsha- Manhattan Beach
K&L in Hollywood
Wine House- West LA

Let me know if you want to go wine shopping!!! 
1 Comment

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    Tuanni Price, the owner of Zuri Wine Tasting. A wine Enthusiast and adventurer, loves everything about the wine experience

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  • About Us
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