Celebrate International Plavac Mali Day!

Today is International Plavac Mali Day!

Five years ago, in 2021, the Croatian Wine Alliance, a group of global teams promoting Croatian wines led by the US-based duo, Aroma Wine Co., and Croatian Premium Wine Imports, Inc., made September 21 to be International Plavac Mali Day. This collaboration is a public and private partnership among organizations from the US, Canada, Australia, Europe and Croatia – all dedicated to telling the many stories of this indigenous and predominant Croatian red variety. 

Plavac Mali is a descendant of Zinfandel (aka Tribidrag or Crljenak kaštelanski) creating a natural hybrid with another indigenous variety, Dobričić. Plavac Mali produces several styles of wines, from medium-bodied and easy-drinking, to elegant and robust wines. The aromas in Plavac mali are predominantly dark berries and Mediterranean herbs with expressive tannins, and mineral on the palate. Plavac Mali means ‘little blue’, referring to its appearance, small and dark blue berries.

I've twice visited Croatia, and written over 85 articles about my experiences in that beautiful and wondrous country, as well as Croatian wine experiences I've had locally. I learned much about Plavac Mali, having visited numerous vineyards and wineries, and tasted a variety of the wines. That diversity is compelling, as you can enjoy fresh and light Plavac Mali wines, as well as heavier, more robust wines that will age very well. So, you can enjoy Plavac Mali with a wide assortment of foods, just dependent on which style you prefer. If you enjoy red wine, you should experience the pleasures of Plavac Mali.

My article, Volarević Winery: Organic Rakija & The Complexity of Plavac Mali, provides more information about Plavac Mali, its origins, as well as the efforts to study and research this fascinating grape. In some respects, and despite the long history of Plavac Mali, there is still much to learn about this grape, and that that times, research and experimentation. As I said in that article, "This is a grape which can present greatness, which can compare well to other famed red grapes around the world." 

If you're interested in trying some Plavac Mali, Croatian Premium Wine Imports is offering a special Plavac Mali bundle, which includes 3 different Plavac Mali wines with a 15% discount. If you just want a single bottle of Plavac Mali, they offer over 20 different wines, and my personal favorites are from the Volarević winery.

How will you celebrate International Plavac Mali Wine Day?

Murray's Tavern: Croatian Wine Dinner

Superb seafood and lamb, delicious and intriguing Croation wines. It was quite an event, and the attendees all seemed to thoroughly enjoy the wine dinner.   

Recently, I was invited as a media guest to attend a Croatian Wine Dinner at Murray's Tavern in Revere. Owned and operated by brothers John and Greg Murray, the restaurant was established in May 2021, over five years ago. Their menu serves elevated classics, and is diverse and interesting, with some of their dishes include Spanish Octopus, Chicken Parmigiana Eggrolls, Irish Beef Stew, Chicken Schnitzel Piccata, Bolognese, Shrimp Scampi, and Skillet Mac and Cheese. They have a full liquor license and serve many local beers and their own inventive cocktails. It's a homey, neighborhood spot, a place for dinner for family and friends. 

John Murray was one of the hosts of the dinner, and he's very personable and clearly has a true passion for wine and food. 

Two of the other hosts were Mirena Bagur and Win Burke, the owners of Croatian Premium Wine Imports. For over five years, they have been importing over 100 Croatian wines into the U.S., and promoting Croatian wines all across the country. Through their website, you can get their wines delivered to most places across the country. I've known them since 2019, and they have become good friends. 

I'm also an ardent fan of Croatian wines, and have traveled to Croatia twice with Mirena and Win, having visited about 35 wineries, and tasted over 600 Croatian wines. Croatia produces plenty of excellent wines, of all different types, including Whites, Reds, Sparkling, Rosé, and Orange Wines. You can check out my 85+ articles about Croatia in my compilation post, All About Croatia. Those articles cover a range of topics from Croatian cuisine to the history of Croatia, from wine reviews to winery visits. If you haven't tried Croatian wines, you should seek them out. 

The guest chef for the wine dinner was Chef Johnny Sheehan, pictured above, whose primary restaurant is now at the Porto restaurant. Sheehan started working in restaurants at age 14, starting by washing dishes. He eventually graduated from Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Cambridge. He has worked in a number of restaurants in the Boston+ area. He has also visited Croatia, exploring its culinary scene, and worked with local chefs there. He spent time with Chef Sasa Began at the Labrax restaurant, located in Zadar, and this visit inspired the food menu for the Croatian Wine Dinner. 

The menu was seafood-heavy, and as I love seafood, that was very appealing, and all of the seafood was prepared well, showcasing its flavors. His lamb dish was also excellent, and it's clear that Chef Sheehan is very talented. 

The dinner began in the bar area, where all of the attendees, about 35 in all, could mingle, enjoy some wine, oysters and shrimp cocktail. There were two local oysters, Duxbury and Wellfleet, both with a green apple and apricot mignonette. I enjoyed both oysters, offering that tasty briny element, but my preference were the larger Wellfleet ones. The mignonette was a nice accent to the oysters, adding a hint of sweetness and some acidity.   

The Shrimp Cocktail offered plump, tender shrimp with a slightly spicy cocktail sauce. A very good way to begin the wine dinner. 

The first wine of the evening was the 2023 Volarević Pošip, and Pošip is a perfect choice for pairing with oysters and other seafood. The Volarević winery, in the Komarna region, is one of my favorites in Croatia. The Pošip for this wine was produced on the island of Korčula, which some claim was the birthplace of Marco Polo. The wine is complex, crisp, and compelling, with a fine melange of flavors, including citrus, peach, and a hint of almonds. It's medium-bodied and possesses a lengthy, pleasing finish. It's an excellent wine for summer weather or paired with seafood. With the briny oysters, it was a superb pairing! 

After the oysters and shrimp, we were seated in the dining room and our first course was Pan Seared Scallops, with a corn puree, Chanterelle mushroom, and a summer succotash. A well balanced and delicious dish! The scallops were tender and sweet, and the corn puree was an excellent sauce (and I feel that scallops and corn is such a harmonious pairing). The earthy mushrooms provided a nice balance to the sweetness, along with some of the different elements of the succotash. The plating was also very enticing. A great start to the meal.

The wine pairing was the 2022 Zure Grk, from Korčula/Dalmatia. "Grk," which means "bitter" in Croatia, is also known as Grk Bijeli. It's a rare grape, and is primarily grown on the island of Korčula. Much of the Grk, which grows in sandy soils, evaded phylloxera because of those sandy soils. The grapes in this wine saw a bit of skin contact. It's a bigger white wine, smooth and tasty, with mild tannins, subtle fruit flavors and hints of spice. Complex and intriguing, it was one of my favorite wines of the dinner, and worked very well with the scallops.  

The second course was Ahi Tuna Steak, with a strawberry balsamic reduction and insalata verde. The tender tuna, which was cooked perfectly, was delicious, especially with the sweetness of the reduction, and balanced out with the more bitter greens.

With the tuna, we enjoyed the 2023 Volarević Plavac Mali Rosé La Chic, which is produced from 100% Plavac Mali, the most dominant red grape in the Dalmatian region. It only sees stainless steel, and had a rich pink color. It's a dry and crisp Rosé, with bright red fruit flavors, especially strawberry and watermelon. A pleasant summery wine, and it did well with the tuna. It would probably be a good choice for Thanksgiving dinner as well. 

The third course was Grilled Lamb Chops, with a salsa verde, smashed potato, and swiss chard. The three chops constituted a very hearty dish, and the lamb was tender and delicious, enhanced by the salsa verde. The lamb wasn't gamey at all, and was cooked just right, making quite a superb dish. This is a dish that calls for a bigger red wine, and that's what we received. 

The 2022 Rizman Tribidrag is primarily produced from the native grape Tribidag, with a small percentage of Tempranillo. You might have tasted Tribidag before, as it has spread from Croatia to Italy and California. In Italy, it's known as Primitivo while in California, it's known as Zinfandel. Yes, Zinfandel, which is often seen as an American grape, actually originated in Croatia! The grapes for this wine were from the Komarna region, and the wine was aged in old French and American barrels for about 8-10 months. It's a bigger, bolder wine, with moderate tannins, and a complex blend of flavors, including ripe plums, black cherry, chocolate, and spice notes. A lengthy finish, well balanced, and perfect for lamb chops to steak. Why not try the original Zinfandel? 

For dessert, I thoroughly enjoyed Grandma’s Chocolate Cake, with a cherry cola buttercream, almond brittle, and vanilla gelato. Such a delicious mix of textures and flavors, it actually seemed like a light dish. The buttercream was light and creamy, and the cake was moist and full of chocolate flavors. An excellent way to end the dinner.  

With dessert, we drank the 2015 BIBICh Bas de Bas Crno, a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Merlot. In an episode of No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain visited the BIBICh winery, and this wine was one of his top favorites. This wine, only made in certain vintages, is oaked for about 2 years. This is a powerhouse of a wine, yet with sufficient restraint so that it doesn't overwhelm. Bold tannins, strong black fruit flavors, a spicy backbone, and a lengthy finish. It's an impressive wine, well balanced, and would also pair well with a juicy steak or game meat. 

After dessert, we were presented with one additional wine, the 2021 Crvik Amber Blaise, an orange/skin contact wine, made from the Malvasia Dubrovačka grape, which has existed since the time of the ancient Greeks. The grapes for this wine were fermented in a barrel, and then aged with the pomace for about eight months, and then aged for another four months without the pomace. I've previously enjoyed the 2017 vintage, and the 2021 vintage is very similar. The wine is complex and intriguing, with a fascinating melange of flavors, including peach, almonds, orange peel, floral notes, and a subtle mineral aspect. Excellent acidity, well-integrated tannins, and a lengthy finish. There is so much going on in each sip, and you could easily sit and savor a glass for hours, reveling in what can be found with each taste. 

Many thanks to John Murray, Mirena Bagur, Win Burke, and Chef Johnny Sheehan, for presenting a fun, delicious and informative Croatian Wine dinner. So, I recommend that you dine at  Murray's Tavern and Porto, and also order some Croatian wines from Croatian Premium Wine Imports. 

Tasting Recommendations & Wine Classes For The Boston Wine Expo

The Boston Wine Expo will be here at the start of March, held once again at the Park Plaza Hotel. The large-scale tasting event will be held on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, and Tickets are still available. The 2-day event will feature over 100 participating wineries from all over the U.S. and select international ones as well. 

In December, I provided Advice on Attending the Expo and now I'm here to provide some Tasting Recommendations, the exhibitors at the Expo where you should stop and sample their wines. At the Grand Tasting, there will be hundreds of wines which you can taste, which is an overwhelming amount of wine. As you can only practically sample a tiny fraction of those wines, which should you choose to taste?

The list of the exhibitors for the Expo are listed HERE. When choosing which winery tables to visit, I recommend that you don't drink wines you already know and like. You can do that anytime and anywhere else. Instead, take this opportunity to expand your palate and try different wines, hoping to find new wines to enjoy. With all the diversity of wines available, it makes little sense to spend your time drinking the same wines you drink at home all the time. Be willing to experiment and taste something different. Make the Expo an opportunity to explore the wide world of wine. 

To assist in your choices, I'm going to provide you with my own recommendations for some wine tables you should check out. This list will include some exhibitors which I visited at prior Expos and thoroughly enjoyed. Others on the list will include wines which I know well and believe worthy of your attention. Of these recommendations, they are also the wine tables which I will probably be visiting again this year, seeing what new wines they are presenting. 

There are obviously other wine tables which may interest you, and which I will check out too. Although the Expo website presents a list of all of the Exhibitors, it doesn't present a list of the wines which each exhibitor will offer at the Expo. So, consider my recommendations as a starting point, and after checking out those exhibitors, explore the rest of the Expo.  

Croatian Wines

I love Croatian wines, and have twice visited the country, visiting dozens of wineries and tasting hundreds of wines. Their wines are diverse, delicious and interesting, a significant number using indigenous grapes you won't find elsewhere. Croatian Premium Wines, owned and led by Mirena Bagur and Win Burke, will once again be at the Expo, showcasing a number of excellent Croatian wines. They are the importer of these wines, and their wines are readily available locally, as well as through online sales. So, if you find Croatian wines you enjoy, you will be able to later purchase them. 

Georgian Wines
The country not the state. Once part of the Soviet Union, Georgia might be the historical birthplace of wine production. It now produces some intriguing and delicious wines, including some made in a very traditional manner in qvevri, earthenware vessels. I've enjoyed many Georgian wines and continue to seek out new ones too. The Wines of Georgia will be represented at the Expo, so I expect they will showcase a diverse selection of wines. 

South Africa

From Chenin Blanc to Pinotage, South Africa offers an interesting and tasty selection of wines, and they will be represented at the Expo by Wines of South Africa. Again, there's no list yet of the specific wines they will showcase but it will likely also be a diverse selection of wines. You can even find some excellent Pinot Noir in South Africa. 

Italian Wines 

Fantasy Fine Wines, based in Boston, has an excellent Italian wine portfolio, and a number of those wines are available for purchase at Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet in Melrose. I've personally tasted a number of their wines and can attest to their quality and taste. 

Israeli Wines

Have you ever tasted an Israeli wine? Golan Heights Winery will be showcasing some of their wines at the Expo, and you have the opportunity to experience such wines. This is your chance to try wines from a country which doesn't get much exposure in the U.S. 

********************

Wine Tasting Classes: Although initially, the Expo had mentioned there would be twelve tasting classes, only five are listed on their website HERE. There will be three on Saturday and two on Sunday, including: South African Chenin Blanc, Sicily: A Winegrowing Continent, a Tasting Tour of Cotes du Rhone, Saint-Emilion – Pomerol – Fronsac / Right Bank, and Old Vines Classic Wines – Australian heritage in a Glass. Each class costs $68.39, and does not include admission to the Grand Tasting Sessions. 

My personal recommendation for those classes would be the Sicily one, as Sicily has an exciting wine industry, with some fascinating native grapes, volcanic soils, and an interesting history. 

********************'

I hope you find my recommendations helpful in making your plans for the Boston Wine Expo. Expand your palate and seek out wines new to you!

Tasting Recommendations For The Boston Wine Expo

The Boston Wine Expo will be here at the start of April, held once again at the Park Plaza Hotel. The large-scale tasting event will be held on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 and Tickets are available. The 2-day event will feature over 100 participating wineries from all over the U.S. and select international ones as well. 

Last month, I provided Advice on Attending the Expo and now I'm here to provide some Tasting Recommendations, the exhibitors at the Expo where you should stop and sample their wines. At the Grand Tasting, there will be hundreds of wines which you can taste, which is an overwhelming amount of wine. As you can only practically sample a tiny fraction of those wines, which should you choose to taste?

When choosing which winery tables to visit, I recommend that you don't drink wines you already know and like. You can do that anytime and anywhere else. Instead, take this opportunity to expand your palate and try different wines, hoping to find new wines to enjoy. With all the diversity of wines available, it makes little sense to spend your time drinking the same wines you drink at home all the time. Be willing to experiment and taste something different. Make the Expo an opportunity to explore the wide world of wine. 

To assist in your choices, I'm going to provide you with my own recommendations for some wine tables you should check out. This list will include exhibitors which I visited at prior Expos and thoroughly enjoyed. Others on the list will include wines which I know well and believe worthy of your attention. Of these recommendations, they are also the wine tables which I will probably be visiting again this year, seeing what new wines they are presenting. 

There are obviously other wine tables which may interest you, and which I will check out too. Although the Expo website presents a list of all of the Exhibitors, it doesn't present a list of the wines which each exhibitor will offer at the Expo. So, consider my recommendations an excellent starting point, and after checking out those exhibitors, explore the rest of the Expo.  

Croatian Wines

I love Croatian wines, and have twice visited the country, visiting dozens of wineries and tasting hundreds of wines. Their wines are diverse, delicious and interesting, a significant number using indigenous grapes you won't find elsewhere. Croatian Premium Wines will be at the Expo, showcasing a number of excellent Croatian wines. They are the importer of these wines, and their wines are readily available locally, as well as through online sales. So, if you find Croatian wines you enjoy, you will be able to later purchase them. 

Portuguese Wines
As I've often said, Portugal produces some of the best value wines in the world and if you want inexpensive, but delicious, wines then you need to explore Portugal. Portugal also makes many fine, higher end wines as well, including delicious Ports, which are well worth the price. I've been to Portugal twice, visiting numerous wineries, and have enjoyed so many superb Portuguese wines. Portugal has lots of intriguing, indigenous grapes, making their wines unique in a number of ways. Brands of Portugal will be at the Expo once again, showcasing many intriguing Portuguese wines, and overall, I believe they are the best local distributor of Portuguese wines. A number of their wines have ended up on my annual Top Wine lists. I looked forward to tasting the new wines they will showcase this year. 

This year, there's also a new Portuguese company at the Expo, Granvinhos, which represents several different wineries, including Quinta de Ventozelo. On my last trip to Portugal, I stayed at their hotel for a few days, and got to enjoy some of their wines as well. Granvinhos also represents Dalva and their tasty Ports, such as their compelling 20 Year Old Dry White Port. I'm eager to check out which wines they will sample at the Expo.

In addition, MS Walker will be present showcasing the Ports of Van Zeller & Co., a well know and much lauded winery. You definitely should stop by to sample their Ports, although I recommend making them one of your last stops during your time at the Expo. 

Uruguay Wines

Bodega Garzón, located in the small South American country of Uruguay, produces plenty of excellent wines, at various price points. Their wines are made from grapes such as Tannat, Albarino, Cabernet Franc, Marselan, Pinot Noir, and more. Many consumers aren't familiar with wines from Uruguay, and this is a great chance to sample some, especially considering these are delicious and well-made wines. 

New York Wines

The Finger Lake Wine Alliance will be showcasing a number of wines from that region of New York. I've visited this region before and found many excellent wines, so there should be plenty of intriguing and delicious wines presented at the Expo. These wines are also more local than wines from the West Coast, and generally come from much small wineries. And if you enjoy Riesling, the Finger Lakes are well known for producing quality wines from this grape..

Georgian Wines
The country not the state. Once part of the Soviet Union, Georgia might be the historical birthplace of wine production. It now produces some intriguing and delicious wines, including some made in a very traditional manner in qvevri, earthenware vessels. I've enjoyed a number of Georgian wines and continue to seek out new ones too. There will be at least two Georgian exhibitors this year, including Homeland Kodasheni & Demurashvili and Marnaveli.

I hope you find my recommendations helpful in making your plans for the Boston Wine Expo. Expand your palate and seek out wines new to you!

Top Twenty Wines of 2024

As 2025 approaches, it's time once again to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor pleasant memories. Previously, I posted three of my food-related Favorites lists and it's now time to cover my Top Twenty Wines of 2024. 

This list includes wines that not only I enjoyed, but which I also found to be particularly compelling for various reasons. They might be especially delicious, something more unique or just excellent values for the price. They all stand out, for some particular reason, above the other wines that I've tasted this past year. This list also includes only wines I reviewed on my blog, although I tasted some excellent wines that I didn't write about. Those wines might be mentioned elsewhere in my Favorites lists. 

This is a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" wines out there. It is primarily the wines which spoke to me the loudest, even when they were subtle wines. These are all wines that I strongly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers would also enjoy.

The wines are not listed in any particular order and each choice is linked to my more detailed prior review. All of these wines are worth your consideration but please also note that the prices are approximations and the actual price may vary in your area. In addition, some of the wines might not be available in your local region, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

************

1) 2021 Villa Matilde Fiano di Avellino ($22)

I enjoyed this wine at a wine dinner at A Tavola in Winchester. Made in the Campania region, this wine is made from 100% Fiano, and the vineyards have limestone soils with a top layer of volcanic soil. The wine is aged for about four months in stainless steel, and will age well. It possesses an alluring aroma of citrus and floral notes and on the palate, it's complex, dry, and crisp. You may get notes of apple and lemon, floral notes and hazelnut, as well as a backbone of minerality. A lengthy, pleasing finish completes this well balanced and delicious wine.  

2) 2019 Palladino Langhe Nebbiolo D'Alba ($25)

At the same wine dinner at A Tavola, this was my favorite wine of the night. Fermented in stainless steel, it's then aged in Slavonian oak. It possessed an alluring aroma, a palate of complexity, and epitomized pure deliciousness. Such an intriguing melange of black cherry, raspberries and ripe plum, with hints of violets and mild spice. Restrained tannins, well-balanced, elegant and compelling. This is a wine to slowly savor over the course of an evening, enjoying how it evolves over time. 

3) 2022 C&C Lecareux L'Hydrophobe ($28)
Produced by Domaine Les Capréoles in the Brouilly appellation in Beaujolais, this wine was produced during a rough vintage where hail destroyed much of their vineyard. However, they persevered with what grapes they could save, some of their Gamay vines being over 80 years old. With an intriguing nose of cherries, violets, and subtle spices, on the palate, it was bright, fresh, fruity and complex with silky tannins. A delightful melange of ripe plum, black cherries, hints of forest, a touch of minerality, and even a subtle briny note. Well balanced, good acidity, and a lengthy, pleasing finish. You can easily enjoy this wine on its own, but it also will pair well with a variety of foods, from pizza to burgers. 

4) 2019 Sant'Or Santameriana Orange Wine ($25)
Santameriana is a traditional Greek grape, with a lengthy history, but it was devastated by phyloxera in the first half of the 20th century. Fortunately, a few vines have survived. This wine was made from 100% Santameriana which were fermented with native yeasts. The wine was amphora aged (the amphora being around 200 years old), with 20 days of skin contact. It was also unfined, unfiltered, with a very low level of sulfites, and is vegan. With a 13% ABV, the wine possessed a light orange color, with an intense, complex and intriguing nose of citrus, pear, dried fruits, and tea notes. On the palate, it was medium-bodied and elegant, with good acidity and a minerality streak. The flavors were complex, including orange, pear, honey, and dried fruit, with prominent tannins and a length, satisfying finish. It was also savory, not sweet, with subtle hints of herbs and spices. A fascinating wine which benefited from slowly sipping it over time, allowing it to evolve, presenting different flavors and aromas over time. 

5) 2018 Korak Stare Sorte Amber Wine ($60+)
I purchased this wine while I was in Croatia, and it's probably not available currently in the U.S. The Korak Family Estate is well known for its Sparkling Wines, but it also produces several different skin contact wines. This wine, inspired by "In Search of Lost Time" by Marcel Proust, is an intriguing field blend of grapes, many old vines, including Šipelj, Belina, Plavac Zuti, Rizvanac, Grasevina, Veltliner, Silvanac, and Traminac. The grapes were macerated for about 60 days, natural yeasts were used, there was no added sulfur, and it was only 12% ABV. Only 500 bottles were produced! This was an amazing wine, complex and well balanced, with such a depth of flavor. Tannic, herbal notes, subtle spices, dried fruits, minerality, and much more. Great acidity and a long, lingering finish. Each sip delights the palate, bringing something new with each taste. One of the more unique wines I tasted in Croatia. 

6) 2018 Clai Sv. Jakov Malvazija ($50+)
This was another wine I bought during my last Croatian trip, although it is available in some places in the U.S. This wine was produced from 100% Malvazija, which are certified organic, and the vineyard is about 42 years old. This wine is only bottled in excellent vintages, and the 2016 was the previous vintage bottled before the 2018. The grapes spend two months with skin contact, and later aged for two years in large oak barrels, ending with a 15% ABV. It possesses an alluring and complex aroma, and on the palate, the complexity remained, each sip bringing something new and exciting to my palate. Savory, delicious and compelling, a type of wine which is hard to easily describe. 

7) 2021 FIOL Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry ($22)

I'm not usually a fan of Prosecco but this wine was a stand-out. A Prosecco DOC Rosé must be a blend of Glera and Pinot Nero (10-15%) and undergo a minimum 60-day secondary fermentation in tank (double the time for a “classic” Prosecco). It must also be vintage-dated. This wine was a blend of 85% Glera and 15% Pinot Nero, with an alcohol content of 11% and residual sugar of 13 g/L. The Charmat method was used to produce it. The wine possessed a fine pink color and a pleasant aroma of red fruits with citrus notes. On the palate, it was dry and crisp, with plenty of tiny bubbles and prominent flavors of strawberry and raspberry, with more subtle notes of apple, lemon and peach. It also possessed a fairly long, clean and pleasing finish. It was a well balanced and delicious sparkling wine. A great choice for people seeking a Prosecco which differs from the rest of the crowd. 

8) VOGA Prosecco DOC Still ($15)

Again, I found another interesting Prosecco but this time it wasn't Sparkling. Were you aware that the Prosecco DOC includes Still wines, known as Tranquilo? It's not a style which is commonly available in the U.S. The VOGA Prosecco DOC Still, with a 10.5% ABV, is produced from 100% Glera, which commonly has high acidity and is known for a taste of white peaches. This wine possessed a pleasant nose of citrus, especially pear and melon notes. On the palate, it was light, crisp and dry, with tasty flavors of pear, green apple and a touch of floral notes. It was an easy drinking wine, although it wasn't overly simple. A fine summer wine for patio sipping, or to accompany seafood and light chicken dishes.

9) 2023 Parajes del Valle Bobal Ecologia Rosado ($16-$18)
This Spanish Rosé is made from 100% Bobal, organically grown, from the Manchuelo DOP, in high-elevation vineyards, which average 45 years old, with solids rich in clay and limestone. The Bobal grapes are pressed, without maceration, and fermented with native yeasts in concrete. The wine is then aged in concrete tanks until bottling. With a 12% ABV, the Rosé has a darker pink color with an alluring nose of red fruits with subtle herbal notes. On the palate, it's dry and crisp, with delicious and complex flavors of raspberry, cherry, and strawberries and more subtle citrus and melon flavors. It's also accented with intriguing herbal notes, a touch of minerality, and possesses a lengthy and pleasing finish. An excellent Rosé, it works well on its own during summer weather but also is very food friendly, doing well with seafood. 

10) The 2022 Mersel Red Velvet ($25)
This Lebanese wine is produced from 100% Cinsault, from ten year old organic vines located at Deir El Ahmar in the Bekaa Valley, at an altitude of about 1,200m. With native yeasts, it was fermented in a sealed concrete tank and eventually underwent malolactic fermentation too. The wine was also unfiltered and unfined. Even though it's a red wine, the winery recommends that it be served chilled, as you would a white wine, and I followed their suggestion. With a 13% ABV, the Red Velvet had a pleasant smell of red fruits with a touch of spice, and on the palate, it was light-bodied, dry, and with a hint of spritz. The flavors included strawberry, cherry, cranberry with subtle spice notes. Definitely a nice summer wine, especially with the chill to the wine. Easy drinking, but not overly simple. Would be a good wine with barbecue or even just pizza. 

11) 2016 Cara Nord Trepat ($17)
This Spanish red wine is produced from Trepat, an indigenous grape. This wine was fermented in a stainless steel tank, and then aged for an additional ten months in the tank, seeing no oak aging. With a 12.5% ABV, the wine is a dark red, almost purple color, with a pleasant nose of red fruits and the hint of herbs. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and complex, with plenty of flavors of cherry, strawberry and ripe plum, with herbal accents and subtle earthy notes. A moderately long and satisfying finish. Interesting and delicious, indicative of the potential of Trepat. This would be an excellent wine with grilled meats or even just pizza. 

12) Bodegas 501 Gades Amontillado Viejisimo VORS Sherry ($50-$65)
This winery no longer exists, so wine could be difficult to find. This is a VORS Amontillado, a wine that must average at least 30 years old, but this wine is likely even older. An Amontillado is a type of sherry which undergoes both biological and oxidative aging. This Amontillado possessed a light amber color, with an alluring aroma. On the palate, it was dry and complex, with harmonious flavors of salted nuts, caramel, mild spices, and a touch of tobacco. It also possessed a lengthy and intriguing finish, providing much pleasure. As I slowly sipped the wine over the course of the evening, the wine evolved in the glass, with other complex flavors seem to peek out at times, making this a wine to savor slowly over time, relishing its fascinating profile. A superb sherry! 

13) 2019 Achados e Perdidos Codega do Larinho Vinho Branco ($12)

An excellent example of a value wine. This Portuguese white wine is made from 100% Côdega do Larinho, a rare, indigenous grape, primarily found in the Douro and Tras-os-Montes regions. It's a pale-skinned grape which is aromatic and floral, with notes of citrus and tropical fruit. It often has low acidity, so tends to be blended with higher acidity grapes. In the past, the grapes were often used in field blends for white Port. The grapes for this wine come from a 100-year old vineyard, which is organically farmed, on black schists soils with some granitic sands. During production, there's minimal skin contact and fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, using native yeasts. The wine, with a 12% ABV, is then aged in the bottle for a year. Despite the grape commonly said to have low acidity, this wine proves exceptions exist. It actually possesses a crisp acidity, a nicely balanced wine, and is a sheer pleasure to drink. Notes of tart lemon, ripe peach and juicy pineapple with a backbone of minerality. A pleasing, lengthy finish.

14) 2022 Troupis Hoof & Lur Moschofilero ($20-$25)
A Greek wine made from 100% Moschofilero, an indigenous grape whose history probably extends back to antiquity. It's a pink-skinned, aromatic white grape, and used in White, Rosé and Sparkling wines. The winery states that this wine is "an homage to the wines native to the high plateau of Mantinia for millennia." The Moschofilero grapes spent three months on the skins, and then were fermented, with wild yeasts, in terra cotta spheres, with stirring of the lees. The wine wasn't fined or filtered, and also is vegan. This is supposed to be the style of wine that their parents and grandparents once enjoyed. The color of this wine is a dark blood orange, the hue from the pink grape skins more than evident. It's much darker than many other amber colored, skin-contact wines. You might almost think it were a light red wine. The aromas are enticing, an intriguing blend of citrus and spice. And on the palate, there's a complex blend of flavors, bright citrus, red berries, spice, and touches of honey. Crisp acidity, moderate tannins, a rich mouthfeel and a lengthy, pleasing finish. Overall, an intriguing and tasty wine which will appeal to adventurous wine lovers.

15) 2021 Chateau Musar Levantine De Musar ($35)

This Lebanese wine is produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Tempranillo. The winery has been growing Tempranillo for about 12 years, having planted it due to the effects of climate change. Another effect is that they now harvest about two weeks earlier than they once did. It took about three months to come up with the name of this wine, and the first vintage was in 2016. This is a small production wine, only about 10% of the production level of the Chateau Musar Jeune Red. This unoaked wine is silky smooth, with low tannins, and delicious flavors of red and black fruit, and subtle spice notes. If you enjoy Spanish reds, you will likely enjoy this wine.  

16) 1997 Chateau Musar Blanc ($80)

This Lebanese white wine is one of the flagship wines of this acclaimed winery. The Blanc is a blend of 75% Obeideh and 25% Merwah, two indigneous grapes from organic vineyards, which are 100-120 years old. This vintage possessed a darker, more amber color, and also possessed a fuller body, than younger vintages. It was elegant and ethereal, with complex, but more subtle flavors of fruit, spice, honey, caramel and herbs. Each sip brought new flavors to mind, and I was mesmerized by the quality of this wine and how well it had aged. It's a wine that must be experienced, and for which words cannot do proper justice. 

17) 1997 Chateau Musar Rouge ($160):

This Lebanese red wine is the other flagship wine of this acclaimed winery. It is produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan (from organic vineyards), which underwent a lengthy fermentation in cement vats before aging in French oak for a year. The wine is then typically released 7 years after the harvest. I enjoyed this wine at a special dinner at Prezza, paired with luscious Lamb Chops. It was an amazing vintage, still with plenty of intriguing fruit flavors and plenty of acidity. It was aromatic and ethereal, complex and intriguing. Another wine that changes over time in the glass, and which will cause you to consider the various flavors that evolve over time. It's another wine that must be experienced, and for which words cannot do proper justice. 

18) 2012 Ippolito 1845 Ripe del Falco Ciro Riserva ($24) 
I ordered this wine at the Sogno Restaurant in Woburn. This Italian wine, from the Calabrian region, is produced from 100% Gaglioppo grapes from a 40+ year old vineyard. I found it to be complex and interesting, with an intense aroma and a pleasing taste of red and black fruits, spice notes and some subtle herbal notes. Good acidity, restrained tannins and a lengthy and satisfying finish. It was an excellent food wine and I'll be seeking out this wine to purchase at retail. 

19) 2022 Thymiopoulos Xinomavro Young Vines ($20). 

This Greek wine is produced from 100% Xynomavro, an indigenous grape whose name roughly translates as "acid-black." Xinomavro is the second most planted red grape in Greece. The grape is most often compared to Nebbiolo (and sometimes Burgundy), and tends to possess strong tannins and high acidity, meaning it also can age very well. As the wine ages, it starts to lose its red fruit flavors and begins to acquire savory notes, especially tomato and olive. This wine presented delicious juicy red fruit flavors, accented by good acidity, a subtle earthiness, and some herbal notes. Fresh and bright, it's a fine summery red wine, and pairs well with a variety of foods.

20) 2017 Bocale Montefalco Sagrantino ($35-$40)
I enjoyed this wine at Il Ponte in Woburn. This Italian wine is produced from Sagrantino, an indigenous grape in the Umbrian region. It's considered to be one of the most tannic grapes. It possesses an alluring aroma, and on the palate it's complex and intriguing, with prominent tannins, which still are restrained so they don't overpower. Black and blue fruit notes, some floral elements, and a mineral backbone. Some spices notes, a touch of almost chocolate, and a lengthy, pleasing finish. Well balanced and delicious. An excellent food wine, especially with a steak or another hearty dish, like a meaty ragu. 

**********

Seven countries made the list this year, with Italy in first place, occupying six spots on the list. Lebanon is in second place with four spots and Greece and Spain are tied for third place, each occupying three spots on the list. In fourth place was Croatia with 2 wines and with a single spot each on the list, there's Portugal and France. As for wine types, the list is also broken down into 1 Sparkling, 1 Rosé,  4 Whites, 9 Reds, 4 Amber, and 1 Fortified Wines. 

I have other wine recommendations on my blog and you just have to search for them. If you have some of your own recommendations for excellent wines you've enjoyed in 2024, please add them to the comments.

A New Wine Shop in Melrose: Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet

There's a new wine shop in Melrose.....

About 15 years ago, Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet, owned and operated by Rebecca & Gene Beraldi, was established in Melrose, and I worked there for 12 of those years. In mid-August, the Beraldis sold the store, which is now known as Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet. I have remained as an employee at the new store. 

The new owners, Vijay, Andy, Brian and Puja, are very sincere people and they intend the shop to be an artisan wine, beer and spirits shop. They are not seeking to turn it into a package store or convenience store. They have been expanding the available selections on a variety of levels. Obviously, with the new ownership, there have been changes at the wine shop, but they have largely been positive, and the owners have been very open to suggestions about such changes. 

For example, one of the minor changes is that Rosé wines are now stocked in the chiller, which I believe is an excellent idea. This has been met with positive feedback from many customers. Another change is that numerous different beers, especially IPAs, are now stocked in the chillers, although many old favorites are still stocked, and that new beer selection has also been met with raves from the beer customers. 

A variety of new wine selections have also been added, with many more coming in the next few months, including wines from Portugal, Georgia, Greece, Lebanon, Moldova, Croatia, and more. Customers will have many intriguing choices in what wines to purchase. I've had some input in the new wines and Sakes that have been brought in, such as the Ramos Pinto Ports, including their amazing 20 Year Old Tawny. Another example is that I also suggested wines from Lebanon, from the famed Chateau Musar (pictured above). Come see me at the store and I'll show you all of the new wines.

Chartreuse, the acclaimed liqueur made by Carthusian monks, is also now available at the shop. As devotees of this spirit know, there has been a shortage of Charteuse for several years, and it has been difficult to find in local shops. So, if you're interested in this French herbal liqueur, you now know where you can find a bottle. Although it might sell out soon, so take action if you want to purchase a bottle. 

We're conducting Wine Tastings every Saturday, from 1-4pm, sampling new wines, as well as every Thursday night, starting at 5pm. Soon, we will also be conducting Beer Tastings on Friday nights, and additional special tasting events might occur on other nights. Please come by at any of these times to expand your palate and taste some delicious and fascinating new wines!

We will be holding a special Sake Tasting event on Saturday, September 28, in honor of International Sake Day on October 1. We shall have several Sakes to sample, accompanied by some nibbles, and everyone who attends the event will receive a special handout with information about Sake, including a food recipe and a couple cocktail recipes. More information about this Sake event will be posted soon. 

If you live in Melrose, check out Victoria Hill and see what your new neighborhood wine, beer & spirits shop has to offer. If you live outside Melrose, please also check out Victoria Hill as you are likely to find a number of selections that aren't available at your neighborhood wine shop. Victoria Hill is intended to be a destination spot, where people from all of the surrounding communities will want to come because of its unique and diverse selection.

Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet

538 Main Street, Melrose

(781) 665-3332

Monday to Wednesday: 10am-8pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am-9pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm.

Birthday Wines: Two Croatian Amber Wines

Over the weekend, as I continued to celebrate my birthday, I opened two special wines, both Croatian Amber wines. In 2022, on my last trip to Croatia, I visited 28 wineries and brought home a number of wines, filling my luggage with as many bottles as I could within the weight limits. I had to carefully choose which wines to choose, which included many of my top favorites. 

While in Croatia, I tasted hundreds of wines and found many fascinating and delicious wines, including Sparkling, White, Rosé, Red, Amber, Dessert and others. Some of those wines are not yet available in the U.S. but the local Croatian Premium Wine Imports has a large portfolio of excellent Croatian wines, and they can ship those wines to most places around the U.S. Croatian wines deserve the attention of all wine lovers.

Saturday night, I decided to open the 2018 Korak Stare Sorte Amber Wine. You can read more about the winery in my article Korak Family Estate: A Return to Plešivica ("Croatia's Champagne"). The winery is also well known for its Sparkling Wines. This wine, inspired by "In Search of Lost Time" by Marcel Proust. The wine was an intriguing field blend of grapes, many old vines, including Šipelj, Belina, Plavac Zuti, Rizvanac, Grasevina, Veltliner, Silvanac, and Traminac. The grapes were macerated for about 60 days, natural yeasts were used, there was no added sulfur, and it was only 12% ABV. Only 500 bottles were produced! 

This was an amazing wine, complex and well balanced, with such a depth of flavor. Tannic, herbal notes, subtle spices, dried fruits, minerality, and much more. Great acidity and a long, lingering finish. Each sip delights the palate, bringing something new with each taste. One of the more unique wines I tasted in Croatia. Highly recommended!

Sunday night, I opted to uncork the 2018 Clai Sv. Jakov Malvazija. You can read more about the winery in my article Clai Winery: Natural Wines in Istria. The Malvazija grapes, which are certified organic, for this wine come from their oldest vineyard, which is about 42 years old. This wine is only bottled in excellent vintages, and the 2016 was the previous vintage bottled before the 2018. The grapes spend two months with skin contact, and later aged for two years in large oak barrels, ending with a 15% ABV. 

It possesses an alluring and complex aroma, and on the palate, the complexity remained, each sip bringing something new and exciting to my palate. Savory, delicious and compelling, a type of wine which is hard to easily describe. Highly recommended!

Concerning Croatian news, I also want to mention that Vinarija Rizman was chosen as the Most Beautiful Vineyard in Europe. I visited the winery in 2019, and I can attest to its picturesqueness. Two other Croatian wineries were also located in the Top Ten, including Kastel Sikuli (at #7) and Vitis Winery (#10). I've also visited the beautiful Kastel Sikuli, but I haven't been to the Vitis Winery. It's fascinating that Croatia has more wineries in this Top Ten than any other country. Italy has two spots on this list, but France, Portugal, Armenia, the UK, Albania, each occupy one spot. 

Expand Your Palate: Three Wine Countries I Recommend

As I've often said, the best way to learn about wine is to taste as much as you can. And you would benefit by expanding your palate, tasting plenty of unfamiliar wines, to experience different grapes and to sample wines from different regions. Don't just drink the same old wines. 

You could easily drink only the wines you know well, but why do that? It won't teach you anything or provide you a new experience. If you don't try different wines, then you might never find some new favorites. Sure, you probably won't like everything new you taste but that shouldn't be an issue. If you dislike a wine, it might help you understand what other wines you will enjoy. It's well worth the risk, to potentially find some delicious, new wines, which you will want to drink and share with others.

I want to direct your attention to the wines of three countries of which you might not be paying sufficient attention. You probably are already familiar with the wines of California, Italy and France, and grapes such as Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. However, how much do you know about the wines of Croatia, Greece and Portugal? How much do you know about grapes like Posip, Xynomavro and Baga? 

In 2024, I strongly recommend you become acquainted with the diverse, fascinating and delicious wines of Croatia, Greece and Portugal! 

Croatia: I've traveled to Croatia twice, having visited the regions of Dalmatia, Istria and Slavonia. I've visited over 30 wineries, and have tasted over 500 Croatian wines. In my compilation post, All About Croatia, you'll find over 85 articles I've written about Croatia and its wines. Specifically, you might want to start with my article, Ten Reasons to Drink Croatian Wines. Croatia produces a wide diversity of wines, including Sparkling, White, Red, Rosé, Amber, Dessert Wines, and more. The country has plenty of indigenous grapes, some not found anywhere else, and the Zinfandel grape (of which you probably already know) actually originated in Croatia. If you find difficulty finding Croatian wines on the shelves of your local wine store, you can order them online at Croatian Premium Wine Imports, which ships to most of the country, and has over 100 selections. 

Portugal: I've also traveled to Portugal twice, and may visit again in 2024. In my compilation post, All About Portuguese Wine & Food, you'll find 100 articles I've written about Portugal and its wines. I'm also a Knight of the Brotherhood of Port Wine and a Certified Wine Location Specialist (which covers Port and Champagne). Portugal produces a wide diversity of wines, including many which the average wine consumer might know about. You might know of Vinho Verde as a light, fruity and slightly effervescent wine. However, do you know about quality, white Vinho Verde that isn't effevescent? Do you know about Red Vinho Verde, which once was the most common wine from that region? You probably know about Ruby and Tawny Ports, as well as Vintage Ports. However, do you know about White Port, or aged White Ports? Do you know about Late Bottled Vintage or Colheita Ports? There is so much more to Portuguese wines than you might expect. In addition, I've also often said that many of the best values in the wine world come from Portugal. Locally, you can seek out wines from distributors such as Brands of Portugal or LGL Imports.

Greece: I have not yet traveled to Greece, but it's on my short list of countries to visit. However, I have tasted numerous Greek wines, attending many tastings and seminars. In my compilation post, All About Greek Wine, Spirits & Food, you find nearly 60 articles I'ver written about Greek wines. Specifically, you might want to start with my article, Ten Reasons to Drink Greek Wine. Greece produces a wide diversity of wines, and have many intriguing and tasty indigenous grapes. You can taste wines made from grapes which extend back over 2000 years, and might have once been enjoyed by ancient Greeks like Socrates and Plato. Locally, Krasi is a Greek restaurant, located in Boston, with the largest Greek wine list in the country. It's a great place to explore Greek wines. There are other excellent Greek restaurants in the area which also have very good Greek wine lists too. 

Expand your palate, and explore the wines of Croatia, Portugal and Greece!

Join Me For A Croatian Wine Tasting at Moldova Restaurant: May 17

On Wednesday, May 17, from 6pm-8pm, please join me for an educational wine tasting, with Croatian wines, at the Moldova Restaurant in Newton. I'll be joined by Mirena and (and maybe Win) of Croatian Premium Wine Imports. We'll be tasting 6 wines from the Komarna wine region of Croatia, a region I've previously visited and wrote about. This new wine region is exciting, with all organic wines, and specializing in indigenous Croatian grapes. 

This is a great time to learn more about Croatian wines. I've visited Croatia twice, tasted hundreds of their wines, and have written 85 articles about Croatia. Plus, Croatian Premium Wine Imports, which is based in the Boston area, imports about 80 different Croatian wines. Boston is an epicenter for a passion for Croatian wines. Come to this event and learn more about these fascinating and delicious wines. 

The wines we will be tasting include: 
- Terra Madre Posip
- Volarevic Rosé, from Plavac Mali
- Rizman Tribidrag (aka Zinfandel)
- Terra Madre Plavac Mali Premium
- Komarna 7 Plavac Mali
- Volarevic Syrtis Blue Label 

Bites will be provided (and the food at Moldova is excellent!). Guests will be able to order food from dinner menu, but you're encouraged to have dinner before the event and enjoy the tasting with the bites pairings provided. Note: This is a 21+ only event.

And if you enjoy the wines, you will also have the ability to purchase the Croatian wines to take home with you. 

Tickets cost $85 per person and can be purchased at Eventbrite. However, I can offer a 20% Discount to four of my readers if you enter the Promo Code: FOODIE20. This code will expire on May 14, and as only four people can use the code, then I recommend using it sooner than later so you don't miss out.