Wines by Jennifer - Wine Tasting Selections

Parkville, Missouri 64152

Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Saturday
12 PM - 8 PM

"March Madness - Euro Regional"

Week of March 17th, 2009

Wines by Jennifer's "Road to the Surviving Six"

Congratulations to the two winners from last week's Americas Regional, Oregon Pinot Gris and California Zinfandel, who nailed down their spots in the Surviving Six with impressive victories over a formidable field of competitors.

Oregon Pinot Gris withstood a late rally by upstart Torrontes of Argentina, a wine that came out of nowhere to capture the hearts of upset-minded tasters all week long.

And what else can be said about California Zinfandel that hasn't already been said? The depth of "Men-Zin" was quite impressive, as one solid performer substituted for another late in the game and allowed them to hold off the hard-charging finish of Argentina Malbec, a wine that, while supremely disappointed in falling short this week, should be encouraged by a seemingly very bright future.

So, what did we learn from the Americas Regional? I think we discovered that Argentina is definitely a program on the rise, but perhaps not yet up to the level of the Americans, a group so talented that not even the mediocre performances this week of two of their erstwhile stalwarts, California Chardonnay and Oregon Pinot Noir, could keep them from claiming both coveted berths in the Surviving Six.

But we're just getting started, because the March Madness continues this week in our Tasting Room with the uber-competitive Euro Regional. This is likely the deepest regional in the tournament, with six wines representing some of the most beloved and classic Old World regions fighting it out for two of the four remaining spots in the Surviving Six.

Will the early favorite Germany Riesling have sufficient "juice" to hold off talented-but-green Vinho Verde of Portugal, and will Austria's Gruner Veltliner have what it takes to make a "groovy" title run?

And who from among the traditional powers of Chianti, Rioja, and Bordeaux will emerge from that star-studded bracket?

It's up to you, because the wines that sell the most will advance, so come on in to Wines by Jennifer, where we encourage you to "vote early, vote often!"

Be sure to follow the tournament with our online bracket, and remember, the more you taste, the better your odds of being the big winner!

The 2007 vintage is full of intense pineapple, lychee, and star fruit aromas, along with a subdued bouquet of wild herbs and laurels. It shows plenty of minerality and fruitiness and stands out through a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. This is a classic off-dry Mosel Riesling which is firm and compact, but should open up over the short term. Best served with, among other dishes, Asian cuisine.

Vinho Verde literally means "green wine," referring to its youthful freshness rather than its color. Made from the best Loureiro, Trajadura and Arinto grapes in the Minho region of Portugal, this non-vintage Vinho Verde is a fresh, fruity light wine that offers freshness to the palate and romanticism to the spirit. Its simple label and the deep green bottle reveal what you are about to experience: a vivacious and smooth white Vinho Verde that can be the perfect match for light meals, seafood, or served as an appetizer.

The winery is located in the quaint town of Moenchhof, Austria's oldest wine growing community (1217), 35 miles east of Vienna on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl, near the Hungarian border. Grüner Veltliner is the most important variety grown in Austria and generally, these are light, effervescent wines that are best drunk young. Green apples on the nose, peppery spice, fruity, usually dry, with citrus on the palate, this 2006 vintage goes with almost any food, but pairs especially well with salads, fish, chicken, turkey, and meats in sauces. Grüner Veltliner can also make fantastic late harvest wines, and this winery produces a yardstick example of this style as well.

This 2006 Chianti Classico is a blend of 92% Sangiovese and 8% Canaiolo, and has an intense, ruby red color with garnet reflections. Attractive strawberry and red cherry aromas mingle with pine resin, and subtle but sweet wood spice notes. The wine shows very clean and fruity aromas of blackberry and flowers. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, silky and clean finish, drink this one now through 2012 with rustic southern Italian fare served with a slight chill.

The 2007 vintage was exceptional for Rioja. These vineyards are located at some of the highest points within all of Rioja and are farmed organically. The wine is a blend of Spain’s two original star varieties, Tempranillo (50%) and Garnacha (50%). Full of bright red fruit with ripe undertones of blackberry jam, fresh plums and hints of the Mediterranean country herbs, this wine is simply harmonious and very well balanced. Meant to drink now through the next four years, this wine can be served slightly chilled and is the perfect accompaniment to any dish.

Overlooking the Garonne River from just south of the city of Bordeaux and extending all the way to Cadillac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux is a long and narrow stretch of vineyards, more than 50 kilometers (30 miles) long and 5 kilometers (3 miles) wide. This means that the soils, the grapes grown, and the wines made are quite diverse. This wine, from the renowned 2005 Bordeaux vintage, is colorful and strong, with typical aromas and flavors of red and black fruits and spice, and is best served with red meats and strong cheeses.

For more specific information on these great wines, or to taste for yourself, stop by the Tasting Room at Wines by Jennifer this week. We look forward to seeing you!