Hi All! October has finally arrived after a long hot summer!!! I hope some of the summer wine selections helped see you through (the bubbly Rosés where my favorites)! In my mind, October has always been a "magical" month. Cooler weather, leaves changing from green to gold, the prospect of little ghosts and goblins knocking on your door participating in the much anticipated "candy harvest 2009"!

Wineries located in the Northern hemisphere are also finishing up their own much anticipated, "magical", harvesting of the grapes. Also known as "crush" in the new world, referred to as "vintage' in Europe. Depending on the weather and ripeness of the grapes, harvest months in the Northern Hemisphere are August thru October. A "Late" harvest can go on thru early November. The grapes being picked now will be bottled as 2009 vintage. The Southern Hemisphere has already harvested their grapes (February-March). Some of the young 2009 wines meant to be consumed now are already on the shelves. Other 2009 grapes are in vats fermenting someday to be wine.       

Grapes traditionally are harvested by hand. In the 1960s, mechanical harvesting was introduced as a way to save time and labor costs. These machines can pick 80-200 tons of grapes as opposed to the 1-2 tons of grapes that experienced human harvesters can pick. While more costly, a lot of winery's still prefer handpicking over the machine. The mechanical harvester cannot distinguish ripe healthy grapes from rotten unripe ones. There is also a possibility of damaging the grape skins when the machine is used.  The entire winemaking process is fascinating! Winemakers are a combination of farmer, scientist, vision-quester and artist. If you would like to read more on the process, pick up "The Wine Bible" by Karen Macneil or "Jancis Robinson's Wine Course" by Jancis Robinson.
     
Wishing you all a magical month. Enjoy!

Molly

 
Now for some really great wines...                                                            

* Bazzini Pinot Grigio (2008) $11.99 - Aromas of pear, lemon and freesia. Medium bodied, medium dry with crisp flavors of green apple, pear, lemon and mineral. Good juice, great value! This wine is a liter bottle, so you are getting a glass and a half to two glasses (depending on how you pour) more than your average 750ml bottle of wine. Great to bring to a pumpkin carving party!!                 

* Tuffeau Saumur (2008) $12.99 - This wine is a beautiful Chenin Blanc from the French Loire Valley. Medium dry, crisp with aromas of peaches and honey. A nice full, round mouth-feel of peaches, honey, marzipan with a hint of quince paste. A nice lingering finish. A perfect compliment with hard cheeses or fried chicken (For Real!).

* Clayhouse Adobe Red (2006) $14.99 - A blend of 58% Zinfandel, 47% Syrah, 43% Petite Syrah and 42% Malbec. What first caught my eye about this wine was the unique blend. I like all the grape varietals, but how will they taste mixed together? DELICIOUS!! Full bodied, medium dry a lush, dark berry taste sensation. Aromas of dark-berry fruits and wisp of smoke. On the palate, plum, black-raspberry, blueberry, cherry, chocolate with a kiss of vanilla and black pepper. The tannins are present, yet barely noticeable. Perfect for sipping on a cool fall evening.

* The Left Bank (2007) $12.99 - A nice big, full bodied Cabernet/Shiraz blend from South Africa. On the nose hints of coffee, earth, plum and anise. Black cherry, blackberry, coffee, chocolate and anise round out the palate. Smooth tannins with a nice long , lingering finish. This wine is crafted by Neil Ellis, one of South Africa's premier winemakers. A perfect accompaniment with a roast or squash casserole.