Danny Gold taught Champagne 101 this morning.

Champagne/Sparkling Wines in order from dry to sweet:
Brut Natural
Extra Brut
Brut
Extra Dry
Dry
Demi Sec
 
Champagne comes from Champagne, France all others are Sparkling. If you see a bottle of non French Champagne marked Champagne it must be followed by the term “Methode Champenoise” meaning they make it in the same process.
 
Cava is the equivalent to Spanish bubbly done “Methode Champenoise”
Prosseco is the equivalent to Italian bubbly done “Methode Champenoise”
 
 
 

Danny Gold gave us some great information in our “Wine 101” segment on Sunday. I asked him for resources for further information and he gave us these websites:
Winespectator.com
thepartysource.com
Robertparker.com

And these books
Wine Bible
Oz Clarke pocket wine guide

Here are the Big 6, and sometimes 8, most popular varietals

Whites:
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Riesling
(Pinot Grigio)

Red:
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
(Shiraz)

Tune in each week for more great wine tips from Danny.
Cheers!
Amy

Thanks to everyone who played the 1st week of the weekly wine quiz.

Question 1.
If the wine label is marked Burgundy, France and the color of the wine is red, what grape varietal is it?
Answer: Pinot Noir

Congratulations to Lance Norvell, this week’s winner. Listen to Amy’s Table on Q102 every Sunday from 9-10am for Danny Gold’s Weekly Wine Quiz and your chance to win.
Best!
Amy

Second Chance Merlot 2005

$9.99S Aisle 6A

This wine has a lot of really great key components that make it a no brainer to pick up today. First its a softer Merlot, the tannins are rather low for its young age and the big juicy ripe fruit really is on point. Second its from Paso Robles, California which is a masterful location for Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet, Merlot and spicy Zinfandel. Third the vintage, it is not a bad thing at all to be backed by the 2005 vintage. The world is filled right now by wine champs from this super hero vintage. Finally fourth is the price, $9.99. I think that’s enough said.

Food: Grilled steaks, bbq chicken or the classic cheese burger.

Cheers,
Danny Gold

D' Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne 2006

$12.99 Aisle 7A

The Hermit Crab in my opinion is the best white wine from Australia under $20. This wine always has amazing press behind it and was highlighted as a Wine Spectator top 100 wines of the year in 2007. Apricots and peaches segue into a plump, rich, dense palate that says au revoir with an almond finish. D'arenberg always delivers an interesting twist on delicate French varietals.

Food: Lobster or monk fish, sushi and grilled fruit such as pineapple glazed shrimp and apricots topped with goat cheese.

Cheers,

Danny Gold

Hofer Gruner Veltliner 2005

$13.99 Aisle 7B

It maybe a little hard to say and yes, it’s much easier to drink, but Grüner Veltliner (pronounced GRUWN-ur VELT-lean-er) is making a case for itself as one of the hottest white wines on the market. It’s laced with notes of jasmine tea, lime and a little vegetation. Hofer also offers a nice full mouth feel on the mid palate before dialing out to a stony mineral and crushed herbal finish. Discover what many around the world already know and pick up something outside the box like Hofer Grüner Veltliner today.

Food: Asian cuisine, spicy Thai dishes crab salads or ceviche

Cheers,

Danny Gold

Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2004

$9.99 Aisle 9A

I have always been impressed by this little wine since the first time I tasted a 97' vintage 7 years ago. Impressive to the palate for its Italian charm overall quality and extreme affordability. This lush soft wine has dashing notes of savory red cherry fruits and is well deserving of its 90 point Wine Advocate score. Flip the bottle over and see its an offering of Leonardo LoCascio's Winebow portfolio, another great way to discover new wines is to try them by the importer.

Food: Classic grilled or smoked sausages, Veal dishes, pizza or burgers on the grill.

Cheers,

Danny Gold

Danny Gold- Wine Expert at The Party Source

Wine of the Week

Alta Vista Torrontes

$9.99, Argentina Aisle 7A

Ah Torrontes, what a fasinating wine. It seems every one we tell, turn on to or let taste falls in love with this unique wine. Indeginous to Argentina Torrontes has the acidity of Itailian Pinot Grigio the grassyness of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the minerality of white Bordeaux but with it's own original South American twist. The essence of bubble gum makes you think it might come off sweet but no sugar here just a lovely balance of flowers,herbs and crushed stone. Very cool wine and a must try.
Food: Asain, Thai or spicy cuisine, fruit and cucumber salads, bell pepper and asparagus pizza.

Danny Gold-Wine Expert at The Party Source

Wine of the Week

Strong Arms Shiraz $10.99, Aisle 7A
Austraila

Yet another affordable masterpiece from Aussie phenom wine maker Chris Ringland. This is the newest best bang for the buck from the great portfolio of importer Dan Phillips ruler of the Grateful Palate. Strong Arms isn't high octane or over spiced it's flavors are bold yet balanced with out getting to loud or out of hand. The finish is long and smooth with just the right kiss of blue and blackberry currant. 91 points Wine Advocate.
Food: Bbq pork or chicken, bison burgers with bacon and blue cheese.

Danny Gold's Wine of the Week, Wine Expert at The Party Source

Ninet Viognier $8.99, France Aisle 7B

The aromatics of this wine are as dazzling to the nose as the exciting fruit flavors are to the palate. 
Lemon zest, apricots and honey dew are pungent on both ends of the spectrum and finishes clean crisp and refreshing. This wine leaves the white wine lover satisfied and quenched. Ninet Viognier is my favorite white wine discovery under $10. 88 points Wine Advocate.
Food: Sushi, Oysters Rockefeller, cevich