Wine Club Newsletter - October 2023
Is It Okay To Drink The Sediment In The Bottom Of Your Red Wine Bottle?
Is It Okay To Drink The Sediment In The Bottom Of Your Red Wine Bottle?
If you've ever decanted or reached the end of a bottle of red wine, you've no doubt taken note of the tiny flecks of dark sediment collected at the base of the bottle. Your first instinct might be that something has gone wrong with your wine, or that it might not be safe to drink. However, you would be wrong — instead of tossing that perfectly good bit of wine down the drain, leave it alone. The sediment that collects at the bottom of the bottle is completely okay to consume.
Just as the dregs of coffee and loose-leaf tea sometimes find their way to the bottom of their respective pots, so too does the organic matter in wine. Sediment in red wine is not indicative of poor quality, however — far from it. You find sediment in your red wine simply because of the fact that natural components in the wine have sunk to the bottom of the bottle while the wine ages. The longer it has been aged, the more sediment tends to collect.
So, while the sediment is completely harmless both to the wine and whoever drinks it, it doesn't exactly look appetizing. Understanding what exactly is going on in the bottle might help in determining whether or not you choose to keep the dregs as they are or filter them away.
The sediment found in the bottom of the red wine is a form of lees. There are two types of lees: The first type is called gross lees. These are the collected mass of dead yeast, grape skins, seeds, stems, and tartrate crystals. The red wine is primarily fermented in this gross lees, providing the wine with its characteristic tannic flavor. These are removed before bottling, but there is still another type of lees present in the wine.
Fine lees, on the other hand, are the sediment you encounter at the bottom of the bottle. These tend to settle and separate while the wine ages, forming a silky layer of sediment at the bottom of the bottle. And because red wines are not traditionally stabilized in the way whites and rosés are, the sediment is allowed to build up in the bottle. Again, the longer the bottle is allowed to sit and age, the more sediment there will be. Reds like Bordeaux varieties and Cabernet Sauvignon tend to contain a fair amount of sediment.
So, while sediment is in no way harmless to drink, you might not always want to. The solution to this is to simply decant your red wine through some nice cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve. It will catch the sediment and leave you with a perfectly clear decanter of red wine.
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Demand for wine has fallen so much that France is spending $215 million to distill excess wine into ethanol used in cleaning products!
Wine producers do not toil for months so that their wine can be put to industrial uses. But that nonetheless will happen in France this year thanks to falling demand for wine among French drinkers, weaker sales in China, and greater competition in export markets.
With EU help, the French government plans to spend about $215 million to pay for “distillation aid,” as the Financial Times reported on Sunday, with most of the assistance going to the Bordeaux and Languedoc regions. The process involves distilling excess wine into ethanol, which can then be put to various industrial uses, including the manufacture of perfume, cleaning products, and the hydroalcoholic gel found in hand sanitizers.
On Friday, Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau said during a distillery visit that the government aimed to shore up wine prices and help winemakers “find new sources of revenue,” the FT reported. Farmers must “adapt to changes in consumption and adjust production to the demand of tomorrow,” he added.
In another program, farmers are compensated for destroying vineyards, converting the land to woods, and leaving it fallow. In Bordeaux, about 1,000 farmers have participated, leading to the removal of about 8% of the region’s vines, the British paper reported. Other public funds help grape growers switch to other products, including olives.
As the BBC reported this weekend, wine consumption has fallen across Europe—including by 7% in Italy, 10% in Spain, 15% in France, 22% in Germany, and 34% in Portugal—for the year to June, according to European Commission data. Meanwhile, wine production across the bloc rose 4%.
Also hitting the sector is a cost-of-living crisis—linked to soaring energy prices and the Russian invasion of Ukraine—that has spurred many European shoppers to become more frugal and spend less on nonessential items. Meanwhile craft beer and other drinks have presented increasing competition.
But demand for high-end wine has held up better than the more affordable variety, so some producers in France have opted to move upmarket rather than convert their land to something else. In February, Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of LVMH, added Provence rosé producer Château Minuty to its portfolio of luxury wine labels.
As the Guardian reports, this isn’t the first time Europe has suffered a “wine lake.” In the mid-2000s, the overproduction of wine, stimulated by subsidies, prompted the EU to reform its farm policies.
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Cheers!
Gary Parker, Owner
The WineSellar & Brasserie
2022 Viognier, Sculpterra
Growing Region Paso Robles, CA
Varietal Composition 100% Viognier
Fermentation 100% Stainless Steel
Alcohol Content 14.7%
Suggested Retail $38.00
WineSellar Club Price $22.49
Broad Strokes:
“2022 was Sculpterra Winery’s 15th vintage crafting Viognier. Viognier in Paso Robles is known as a “Red Wine Drinker’s White Wine,” since it has a rich mouthfeel and strong structure. For 2022 our Viognier is a blend of four different vineyards. Each vineyard was hand-picked and fermented in separate lots with a unique yeast strain chosen for fermentation. There are over 20 different soil types combined in these vineyards. Each vineyard is hand pruned, shoot thinned, cluster thinned, and hand harvested at the precise time that I desired. Frankel Vineyard Estate was the ripest of the bunch and was harvested at 27.0 BRIX in early September. Robert Hall Home vineyards was next up and was also on the super ripe side. Sukhy Suran Home Vineyards were harvested in mid-September and were mid-ripe with fresh tart flavors being expressed. Finally, Deerfield block which is located on the westside of Paso Robles in a much colder location and was harvested in late-September.”
Appearance:
The label is clear and iconic Sculpterra. It has the cat clearly depicted on the bottle. Back label describes which vineyards the grapes come from; love it! The wine is lovely with a pale white/yellow hue.
Nose:
The first attack sings of honey suckle. Perfume of white blossoms, lychee, and mandarins. Classic viognier! Notes of peach and nectarine shine through as well.
Texture:
Medium to full bodied with honey and grapefruit. The wine is slightly honeyed and slightly more viscous, but the acidity cleans up the otherwise weighted finish. Mouthwatering after each sip.
Flavors:
Slightly fruit forward with pears, pineapple, and honeydew. Maybe even some roasted artichoke and chamomile. The honeyed body creates a luscious mouthfeel.
Serving Suggestions:
Perfect for lunchtime fall wine or by the fireside in those cool Autumn evenings.
2019 Lolita Red, Dominion Tantara
Growing Region Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County
Varietal Composition Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Petit Verdot, Syrah
Fermentation 60% New French & American Oak
Alcohol Content 15%
Suggested Retail $55.00
WineSellar Club Price $33.29
Broad Strokes:
From the Winery: Tantara was the name of a horse owned by Bill Cates some years ago. After Tantara was retired to pasture, she defied predictions of an imminent demise and lived to a ripe old age. Horses symbolize elegance, grace and power and in Tantara's case, long life, all of which are qualities we embrace for our wine.
Created in 1997, Tantara has quietly been producing world class wines primarily from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. Tantara wines can be found in the very best restaurants throughout the U.S. (Very few retail wine shops are able to access these killer wines).
Appearance:
It’s a nice-looking package overall, as are all the Tantara wines. Black/deep ruby at the core, still showing signs of youth with a glistening magenta rim. It’s kind of a quiet label and packaging, all be it in heavy bottle. Looking like it is going to be high quality.
Nose:
Red raspberry, black ripe plum and black cherry fruit hover over a wispy scent of smoke. Chocolate, chocolate chips, vanilla, red roses and fresh strapped leather. Cinnamon spice, freshly ground black pepper, herbs in the garden.
Texture:
Big, rich, and full bodied is the first impression. Loads of creamy dark fruits coat the palate without getting a thick jam sense. The tannins are there, but not obtrusive or harsh in any way.
Flavors:
The chocolate component just keeps coming to me, and I love it! It is there from beginning to the end of the palate. Very dark cherry fruit, black plum, raspberry, and boysenberry fruits are lovely. Other flavor notes include leather, cinnamon, of course the smoke, tobacco, black pepper and fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
This wine can be cellared for years to come, or enjoy with BBQ meats, stinky cheeses, pastas with tomato sauce, hamburgers. CHECK OUT THE SAVINGS OFFERED TO YOU!!!
2017 Project Espana Red, Derby Wine Estates
Growing Region Paso Robles, California
Varietal Composition 60% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 10% Grenache, 20% Carignane
Fermentation French & American Oak
Alcohol Content 15.3%
Suggested Retail $34.00
WineSellar Club Price $30.59
Broad Strokes:
Proprietors Ray and Pam Derby moved to the Central Coast area in the early 1990’s with the intention of retiring. In 1998, they purchased their first vineyard property, now known as Derbyshire Vineyard and their thoughts of retirement were replaced by the inspiration of being a part of the wine world. In the years following, Ray next acquired the historic Laura’s Vineyard (in east Paso) and then the Westside property, now called the Derby Vineyard. Needless to say, their plans of retirement never came to fruition.
After experiencing nearly a decade as a grape grower, the potential strengths of each property became apparent and in 2008, Ray and Pam launched Derby Wine Estates. They are extremely selective in terms of what goes into the bottle under the Derby label. The commitment to the land is appreciable, with only 20 hand-selected acres being used to provide fruit for their own brand. Grapes from the remainder (some 90% of their total acreage) are sold to some of the finest wine producers in California.
Appearance:
A sleek, quasi-Darth Vader look, that comes off classy and distinctive. The “Espana” font looks very Spanish, nice touch! The wine is black at the core, and yields out to the edges (somewhat) to a deep ruby red.
Nose:
Perfumed aromatics of violets, blueberries, dark berries, chocolate and cappuccino. Layered with notes of cola, vanilla, strawberry and dark wood.
Texture:
Medium in body, but very full regarding expression and presence. Good line of acidity from top to bottom, and as the wine cruises through the palate. Somewhat firm feel, but ultimately balanced with a little sweetness and a slightly tart impression.
Flavors:
Reminding me of previous vintages of this wine: Vivacious, spirited, solid dark cherry fruit with hints of soy/teriyaki, black pepper and balsamic. Nice notes of cola/root beer, fresh figs, date, smoke, oak and tobacco leaf.
Serving Suggestions:
Make sure you have this wine opened for at least an hour before consuming.
2021 Pinot Noir, Funky Jory, El Pino Club
Growing Region Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal Composition 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation 16 Months French Oak, 20% New
Alcohol Content 14.5%
Suggested Retail $70.00
WineSellar Club Price $46.79
Broad Strokes: 91 Points Cellar Tracker
El Pino Club is for Pinot fanatics: people who love this fickle, funky grape that defies expectations and always surprises. The curated collection of exceptional wines in El Pino Club hail from the coastal corners of the world where the grape thrives, allowing Pinot lovers to see the world through the eyes of this wonderful little grape. To fully appreciate the range of Pinot Noir requires a journey, and the charismatic Pinot Noirs that make up El Pino Club are ready and willing guides through the world’s most acclaimed AVAs. To capture the fullest expression of terroir, each wine is entrusted to a winemaker expert in the nuances of their region’s Pinot Noir. The winemakers in ‘the Club’ are given creative license to artfully blend clones selected from their best estate vineyard blocks. Their passion and individual winemaking styles result in site-specific wines that showcase the best of their Pinot Noir.
Appearance:
The label is depicting the deep red Jory soil that defines the lands of Dundee Hills, Oregon. Bigger, heavy style bottle for Pinot Noir. The wine features classic looking Pinot Noir wine lightish edges of cranberry and ruby coloring, with a slightly darker, grayish coloring at the still clear center.
Nose:
Definitive Pinot Noir essence on the nose, yes, that means varietal correctness. Wood scents of smokey oak are subtle, laced with dark cherry and red fruits. Vanilla, strawberry, and spices round out the truly enjoyable olfactory experiences.
Texture:
Medium in body. The wine is medium in weight, nicely balanced, and has concentrated, vibrant fruit. Still, the rich fruit layers come off soft and elegant. It stays in your palate (and memory) for a long, smooth finish.
Flavors:
Solid and firm red and black fruits, raspberry, charry and red currants. You may detect the clove, spices and forest floor/earth notes as well. Tobacco leaf, oak, and a touch of vanilla round out the flavor profile. Will age for 6-8 years.
Serving Suggestions:
This will keep nicely for 3-8 years, perhaps more. Check out the discounted price!!!
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ehlers Estate
Growing Region Napa Valley, California
Varietal Composition 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cab Franc
Fermentation 23 Months French Oak, 53% New
Alcohol Content 14.5%
Suggested Retail $77.00
WineSellar Club Price $65.69
Broad Strokes: 97 Points The New Wine Review
Nestled at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains in Saint Helena, the narrowest part of the revered Napa Valley, Ehlers Estate is an organically farmed, 42-acre vineyard with a beautiful stone winery completed in 1886. The talented Ehlers Estate winemaking team produces small, world-class, and quietly elegant wines. The product is the result of Ehlers Estates’ founding principles: a passion for wine, dedication to excellence, and commitment to an enduring legacy. Ehlers Estate is owned by the Leducq Charitable Trust, established by Jean and Sylviane Leducq in 1996. After spending most of their life in Paris and a few years in Virginia, their passion for food, wine, and the American Dream brought them to Napa Valley, where they modeled the property after a traditional Bordeaux château. The vineyards are planted with vines that produce Bordeaux varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon and are all certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers nonprofit organization, or CCOF.
Appearance:
The wine has a deep purple and black color, opaque at the center, ruby red on the rim, looking clean, rich, and inviting.
Nose:
Focused, concentrated aromatics of tightly wound Howell Mountain black fruits, especially blackberries. Dark berry jam, pine nuts, vanilla oak, and dairy, with black pepper, fresh rosemary, cedar and cassis.
Texture:
Medium full in body and weight. Rich, very smooth character reminds me of drinking chocolate milk in my youth. Dairy feel. An exciting mouth feel, great acids, very long finish.
Flavors:
The entry is so cool, with the very dark ripe fruits accenting the luscious, gorgeous, sweet vanilla oak. Concentration from the nose to the palate. . . sweet cherries, black plum, dark berries, tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla, of course!!! Spices, mocha, minerals pop up after an. Hour of airing.
Serving Suggestions:
This will keep nicely for 10-15 years. It will be a good investment into your cellar.
NV Jean Josselin, Cuvee Jean, Extra Brut
Growing Region: Champagne, France
Varietal Composition (Cepage): 100% Pinot Noir
Vinification (From the winery): Methode Champenoise, Based on 2 vintages 2011 & 2012. Aged for 3 years on the lees.
Dosage: 4.5 g /l
Alcohol Content: 12.5 %
Suggested Retail: $60.00
WineSellar Club Price: $49.49
From the Winery:
Jean Josselin & Fils has been an independent Champagne producer since 1957.
Located in Gyé sur Seine in the Seine Valley (south of Côtes de Bar.) The family cultivates 11.7 hectares of vines on Kimmeridgian soil. The average age of the vines is 30 years old.
Appearance:
Pale gold in color
Nose:
Figs, strawberries, orchard fruit, & pain grille
Texture:
Bright & lively
Flavors:
Green strawberries, Rainer cherries, wild raspberries, apples, orange peel
and finishes with a note of fresh peaches.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto for an elegant and autumnal treat!
NV Champagne Cossy, Cuvee Elegance, Brut Rosé
Growing Region: 1er Cru village of Jouy-lès-Reims -Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
Varietal Composition (Cepage): 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Meunier, 10% Chardonnay
Vinification (From the winery): Methode Champenoise, Harvest of 2015, with reserve from 2013, & 2014
Dosage: 8 g/l
Alcohol Content: 12.5 %
Suggested Retail: $66.00
WineSellar Club Price: $59.39
From the Winery:
In 1764 the first grapevines were introduced in the Cossy family. The initial goal was to grow grapes to sell, then in the 1950’s Sophie (now head of the family estate )’s grandparents decided to make their own Champagne. After Sophie’s father, Francis had passed away, and her mother, Genevieve in 2017 retired, the Estate was passed over to Sophie. In 2016 Sophie was awarded Champagne’s Winemaker of the Year Award and continues to make elegant, & graceful Champagne.
Appearance:
Rich rose in hue
Nose:
Aromas of blood orange, strawberries and rose petals
Texture:
An elegant, energetic, & lively mousse
Flavors:
An abundance of red fruit from strawberries, cherries, raspberries, plums, and notes of blueberries sneaks in too, as well as fresh basil!
Serving Suggestions:
This is a gorgeous holiday Champagne…serve at Thanksgiving with
your Turkey, and all the classic accoutrements!
Moroccan Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 1 500 gram box instant couscous
- 1 large shallot, finely minced
- 1 large clove garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- pinch of each ground cloves and white pepper
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cup dried black currants (or raisins)
- 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
- finely grated rind of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup champagne vinegar
- 1 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mint leaves, cut into chiffonade (about 1 bunch)
- 1/2 cup minced fresh coriander leaves
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted, skinned and finely diced
- 2-3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
For the couscous
Bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of the salt, pour over the couscous in a large mixing bowl, cover and let sit for 10 minutes.
Rake over with a fork to separate the granules.
For the vinaigrette
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Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat, add the shallots and garlic, and lightly sauté until soft and translucent. Add the cayenne, cumin, cloves, and cinnamon stick, continue cooking for about 30 seconds to release the flavor of the spices.
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Stir in the currants, ginger, orange rind and honey, reduce heat and add the vinegar, simmer until mixture starts bubbling, remove from heat and cool.
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Stir in the olive oil, remaining salt and white pepper.
To assemble salad
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Pour the vinaigrette over couscous and mix thoroughly, stir in the scallions, mint, coriander, and red pepper. Season with additional salt if desired and enough sherry vinegar to balance the acids.
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Refrigerate and remove cinnamon stick before serving.