Wine Tasting: The Five S's

Wine tasting differs profoundly from wine drinking.  To truly taste wine there is a clear and definite process you can follow that enhances all aspects of the wine experience.  This process is known as Wine's Five S's.  These five simple steps can help you more fully enjoy wine and to deepen your ability to communicate your experience to others. Wine tasting is both a solitary and social endeavor.  The Five S's can heighten your enjoyment in both areas.


The Five S's


You've probably seen people very pretentiously holding wine glasses up in the air, swirling the glass, making sniffing noises and pontificating about their wine.  They, in their own way, are using the Five S's.  Putting aside the pomposity, the Five S's are truly helpful steps to enjoying wine tasting.  The Five S's are:

• See
• Swirl 
• Sniff 
• Sip 
• and Savor.  

All are very simple and doable.  When done properly the Five S's open up a vista of enjoyment and camaraderie you may not have contemplated.  Let's get started.
See 
Pour some wine into a clear wine glass.  It's important that the glass is clear and allows a full, unencumbered view of the wine.  You are looking for clarity and color.  The color of a wine can tell you much about the wine.  It may indicate its age.  The color of wine changes over time.  Take a moment to look at the wine. If it's a white wine  it may be gold, straw or watery white in color.  If the wine is red it may be ruby, purple or garnet.  Wines can vary widely in color depending on the grape varietal and its age.


Swirl 


This is one of my favorite steps.  Take the glass in your hands, holding it by stem or the base.  Your wrist needs to be held stiff.  Now swirl or rotate the glass.  The wine will swirl around the glass leaving what are called legs, long streams of wine.  The swirling allows more oxygen to mix with the wine allowing it to breathe and open up its aromas.  It may also give some hint as to the age of the wine. 


Sniff


After you have swirled the wine place the glass at your chest and breathe in.  What do you detect?  Next, bring the glass to your chin and breathe in again.  What do you sense now?  Finally, bring the wine glass to your nose and take in a very full breath.  If you noticed an aroma at the chest level, the wine could be classified as highly aromatic.  Some wines are barely aromatic at all and are classified as neutral.  Red wines generally show earthiness, red berries, chocolate. vanilla and spice.  White wines present  apples, pears, melons, gooseberry and strawberries.   


Sip 
Now you are ready to sip.  Pick up the glass and imbibe a good but modest amount of wine.  After the wine enters your mouth breathe in some air.  This will send oxygen to the wine opening up its flavors and aromas even more. Let the wine curl around your mouth.  Your taste buds will take care of the rest.  


Savor
As you are swirling the wine around your mouth, begin to savor it.  Note your sensations.  Are you picking up sweetness?  Is your mouth dry?  What about fruit and other flavors?  Do you get a sensation of fullness or lightness?  And what of the finish?  Does the flavor of the wine stay with you for a brief time or much longer?.  Is the finish sweet or bitter?  Did your savoring differ from what you sniffed?  You may notice layers of flavors in a good wine.  In fact, a good wine will change as it sits.  Watch for these changes.  


If you take some time with the Five S's, you  will begin to connect with the wine in very unexpected ways.  You may be surprised at what you experience.  I remember the thrill of picking up a strong whiff and taste of pineapple in a California Sauvignon Blanc.  Keep in mind, at the beginning you may not be able to pick up many aromas and flavors or you may find it difficult to distinguish one from the other.  Do not despair, it takes time.  But with some effort you  will grow to fully enjoy the wonderful world of wine tasting.  


Salute!

Good Party Wines

Having a party can be a wonderful yet stressful experience.  Whether the party is large or small there's a lot of preparation that goes into making it successful.  Choosing the right wine is a key piece to the success and enjoyment of any shindig.  I have a few ideas about party wine selection that may take some of the angst out of the decision making process and simultaneously give you the satisfaction of providing your guests with quality wine selections. 

When it comes to selecting wines for a party, I have found that many people rely on overly sweet and mass produced wines of lower quality.  The justification is simple: cost!  Party givers usually have a budget of some sort when contemplating wine purchases.  However, one does not have to sacrifice quality even on a tight budget.  With a little exploration, wines can be found that will bring enjoyment to your guests while they mingle, talk and eat.  The wines should also compliment a wide range of foods usually offered at a party. Let's get started.

The Plan

• It's critical to have an assortment of reds, whites and possibly roses on hand. In the world of wine there are always those who "only like white" or "only like reds."  Having both on hand is important to give your guests adequate choice.  

• Party wines need to be familiar, at least for the most part.  If you stock up on dry Riesling your guests may balk at drinking something they are unfamiliar with.  You don't want people experimenting with wine when you actually want them relaxed and talking. However, as you will see, offering new versions of old favorites can be a winner.  Also, slipping in new and accessible wines can add an exciting dimension for your guests.

•  Since you will be buying in bulk, attempt to sample the wines you have chosen before hand.  Buy a few bottles well in advance of the party to make sure the wine is what you are comfortable with and corresponds to what you know of your guests' tastes.  Knowing the level of wine sophistication of party goers can help immensely in the planning process.  

The Wine

 Many parties I have been to offer cheap Californian or Australian wines.  Although drinkable, they do not represent the quality one can achieve at comparable prices.  Inexpensive American Merlots, Cabs and  Chardonnays are often dull, weak or too sweet to impress.  Another favorite, Pinot Grigio, is usually too thin and characterless to show well.

My advice is to look at a wider range of wines that are inexpensive and offer great variety and top notch taste.  All of the wines I list below can be purchased between $10 and $15.  

Whites

Pinot Grigio - Often the butt of jokes, Pinot Grigio can be tasteless and lackluster.  However, there are Pinot Grigios that stand out.  When purchasing, look or ask for Pinots that come from the Friuli area of Italy.   
Ruffino Orvieto Classico -This is a very charming and tasteful wine that is inexpensive but enjoyable with nice fruit for your guests to ponder.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc -SBs are a great crowd pleaser.  This wine is refreshing, crisp and especially good for summer parties. I suggest you stay away from some of the over the top labels that exhibit too much gooseberry and grapefruit . 
Muscadet - From the Loire Valley in France, Muscadet is a dry, pleasant, juicy but sometimes tart wine with good body and complexity.  It will impress your guests. 
Vinho Verde - Especially good for party's in warmer weather, the Portuguese Vinho Verde possesses great minerality, crispness, refreshing fruit and is mildly effervescent.  

Reds 

Portuguese Reds - These wines are becoming available in greater quantities than every before.  The reds are rich, earthy, and dry.  Guests will be intrigued and pleased by the experience.  Portuguese reds are still inexpensive.  I highly recommend them.  Look for reds from the Douro Valley.
Pinot Noir - Granted, really good Pinot Noir is costly.  But there are inexpensive labels available that are fruity and nicely acidic that can please any crowd.  PNs are lighter bodied, more delicate reds that are exceptional.  I am particular to Oregon State but good, inexpensive California Pinot Noirs are there for the picking. 
Cabernet Sauvignon - Great Cabs are being grown in Latin America. Chile and Argentina have produced exceptional vintages.  The Chilean Cabs are spicy and herbal and even express hints of chocolate.  Guests will be intrigued. 
Beaujolais-Village - This French wine is an easy but very enjoyable, soft red.  White wine drinkers may find the Beaujolais-Village quite enjoyable.  Its addition to the party menu will give guests greater choice and add to their experience.  Do not mistake Beaujolais-Village with Beaujolais Nouveau.
Spanish Rioja - Wines from the Rioja region in Spain are up and coming.  They are based on two major grapes, Tempranillo and Granacha with most wines being blends of the two.  Rioja is noted for the use of oak in its wines.  These are earthy and spicy.  Your guests might notice the French influence and be intrigued. 

There are numerous wines you can chose that do not sacrifice taste but are easy on the pocket book.  Wine can be an integral and enjoyable aspect to any party or gathering.  By taking a little time to focus on the quality of wine you purchase, your guests can have a memorable experience.  You don't have to break the bank to offer exceptional wine to your friends and associates.   You might also find tasting the wine before hand an enriching experience in itself.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments. 

Good luck!

Rose: Chateau Guiot 2009 - A Real Summer Treat

Roses are great for the summer.  The best roses are light and exhilarating.  You can enjoy them outdoors as an aperitif at a barbecue, family party or sitting around the pool.  One excellent rose is Chateau Guiot, Costieres de Nimes 2009.  Mary and I were introduced to this rose by Kim Caldwell of Young's Fine Wines at a recent wine tasting given by Kim. 

The Chateau Guiot Rose has a fantastically deep rose color, deeper than most roses I've had.  It is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah.  The nose is reminiscent of rose petals, cherries and ripe strawberries.  The taste is of ripe fruit and red berries.  It does all of this without being overly sweet.  This is a far cry from the Berringer and Mateus Roses some of you might remember from some years ago (they are still around today, if that's your thing).  I am especially impressed with the harmonious and well structured qualities of the wine.  You will find this rose quite enjoyable on a hot, slow summer's day or evening. 

There are really endless possibilities for pairing rose with food.  Roses are great with tapas, salads and vegetables. Cold grilled asparagus is an exceptional pair with rose.  Grilled shrimp and tuna go great with the more full bodied roses.  You can pair rose with savory chicken and pork easily enough, as well.  Rose is a very versatile wine.   Try one with cold salty meats that enhance the rose's flavor.  Experiment, I think you will be surprised.

Another great aspect of the Chateau Guiot is its price.  You can pick up a bottle for around  $10.00.

Enjoy!

Leitz Rheingau Riesling 2009: A Superb Wine for Summer

The 2009 vintage of Josef Leitz' Eins Zwei Dry Riesling is superb.  Hailing from the Rheingau region in Germany with south facing slopes and high, cool altitudes, this vintage contains a marvelous acidity that is refreshing, lively but not overwhelming. There is no sweetness here.  Acidity is its most prominent feature.  It is highly aromatic, crisp and laced with lemon, peach and apple. The finish is long and very pleasing.  I found this Riesling very alive.  There's a great deal of activity going on.  Each taste awakened me to a new level of appreciation.  Never shocking, the Eins Zwei Dry is a spectacular success. Each sip is new and exciting.  My palate never tired of the experience.  If you appreciate dry Riesling this will not disappoint.

By the way, the Leitz 2009 is a QbA.  This is a EU designation indicating that the wine is of quality and comes from a designated region.

Another positive about the Riesling is its price.  At Young's Fine Wines in Manhasset it sells for $14.95.  Considering the high quality of this wine the price is right.  It is affordable for everyday use.  I unreservedly recommend it.  Stock up and enjoy.  

Restaurant Review: Ornella Trattoria Italiana by David Oliva

Hi everybody! This is my second review for Wine Taters.  This time I’m reviewing an Italian restaurant called Ornella Trattoria Italiana located in Astoria close to Ditmars Blvd. Ornella has been open for a few years. A co-worker of mine highly recommended it. I was filled with anticipation and hoped it stood up to its reputation.

We arrived at Ornella Trattoria around 7 PM on a very pleasant Friday in June. The front of the restaurant is entirely glass. The door and front wall allowed a fresh breeze to come in. There are a few tables outside if you choose to eat there.  My wife and I were greeted immediately as we entered.

The restaurant is not wide but it is long. There is just enough room to walk through as the waiters and waitresses scurry by. The walls are painted nicely with artwork depticing an Italian village.  We did feel as if we were in Italy. Once we were seated we were ready to order. 

Here is our order with estimated prices:

Antipasti:  Buffalo Mozzarella, Arugula, and Prosciutto di Parma (special of the day) - $10 (estimated)
Dinner: Rigatoni Alla Matriciana - $15, and Short ribs with Gnocchi and Brown Sauce - $21
Dessert: Tiramisu - $5 (estimated)
Wine: Half Carafe of Pinot Grigio $15 (estimated)
Total Bill: $85 w/tip (estimate)

Source: Ornella Trattoria Italiana

We were first served brucshetta on toasted Italian bread. The brucshetta was very good. I remember tasting all of the ingredients when taking a big bite.  I could eat this all day, it was so good. As a free item, the brucshetta was a great piece of the meal.

Buffalo Mozzarella, Arugula, and Prosciutto Di Parma

This special antipasti of the day interested me the most. I can never refuse a Buffalo mozzarella dish.  Since my wife (Angela) loves Arugula (I do not), I was able to taste the mozzerella and Prosciutto di Parma in its finest forms. The mozzarella was good, not great, but good. The prosciutto was excellent! The slices were cut thin and the taste was amazing.  Angela said the Arugula was outstanding. Overall, everything on the dish was well balanced.

Rigatoni Alla Matriciana


The Rigatoni Alla Matriciana contains tomato sauce, guanciale, onions and fresh peas (I do not like peas so I told the waiter to hold them). The rigatoni was cooked Al Dente. The sauce had some tomato skin and a great taste. There was a little kick to the sauce. As I started to eat I liked it more and more. I think the reason for that was that I started to taste more of the garlic, which I love. For $15 the portion size was average but the quality was above average.

Short ribs with Gnocchi and Brown Sauce

Angela ordered the ribs and found them very tender with the meat falling off the bone. The gnocchi was light with a perfect texture. You can tell that the gnocchi was homemade. I have been in restaurants where the gnocchi is hard and tasteless. This gnocchi was one of the best I have ever eaten in my life. To top if off, the brown sauce complimented the whole meal. If you are to put all the ingredients in your mouth at one time, you will be in heaven. This dish was simply amazing. . The quantity was just right. But the price of $21 was expensive for my taste. With the price aside, when you go to Ornella’s this is a must order!

Pinot Grigio

The wine was a simple house wine, a Pinot Grigio.  The wine was not fantastic, but it went well with the meal.  I have had better wines, but this wine was satisfactory for the dinner it accompanied.  Basic Pinot flavor, nothing outstanding.
  

Tiramisu

The Tiramisu had a wonderful balance between the Marscapone and the Espresso.  The Lady Fingers were perfectly soaked in the Espresso.  The flavor of this Tiramisu was unique and different from other Tiramisu's I have had.  I cannot put my finger on it, but whatever it was, it took the Tiramisu to another level of flavor. The Tiramisu was homemade and the texture was phenomenal. The cake melted in my mouth while savoring the flavor. I was full from eating dinner but couldn’t refuse the cake once I had one taste of it.
  
I highly recommend Ornello Trattoria for both the food and the friendly service. The owner Giuseppe spoke with us and is a very pleasant man. He is filled with energy and passion towards his restaurant. Thank you Giusseppe, we had a great time and will be back!

Scale 1-10 (1 is gross and 10 is stupendous)

Location: 8
Décor: 9.5
Food: 9
Service: 9.5
Price: 7
Overall: 9

Ornella Trattoria Italiana
2917 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
(718) 777-9477‎

Hours:
Mon    12pm    –    10pm
Tue     12pm    –    10pm
Wed   12pm    –    10pm
Thu     12pm    –    10pm
Fri      12pm    –    10pm
Sat     12pm    –    11pm
Sun    12pm    –    11pm

Transit: Astoria-Ditmars Blvd Station (0.2 mi) 


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