Tag: red wine

What’s Pouring: Great Value 2023 California Pinot Noir

2023 California Pinot Noir
September
9
2025
by Michael Nagy

The 2023 vintage of California Pinot Noir is considered to be one of the best vintages in a very long time. According to Wine Spectator, the composite score for all the Cali Pinot Noir is a whopping 96 points.

Personally, I don’t tend to gravitate toward Pinots from California because of their style and high price point, but there are some worth pursuing from this outstanding vintage. The criteria I use for a great value wine, specifically Pinot Noir, which is generally more expensive and difficult to grow and produce on a year-to-year basis, is under $40 USD and a minimum score of 90 points from multiple rating sources. Most highly rated PN from California will cost you between $60-$100, with some well above $120.

Why was this vintage so spectacular? If you are a wine guru or want to learn more the magical transformation of grape to wine, here is a deep dive into the factors that helped make this so.

The 2023 California Pinot Noir vintage may go down in history as one of the best because of the wet, cold winter that replenished and fortified soils, followed by a long, slow, cool growing season with mild temperatures. This allowed for gradual ripening and optimal development of flavor, acidity, and balance in the grapes. The extended “hang time” on the vines resulted in complex, vibrant wines with remarkable balance and structure.

The best regions can be found in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara, Sta. Rita Hills, Napa Valley, and Anderson Valley.

Beneficial Winter Rains: Abundant rainfall during the winter months revitalized the soils, improving nutrient availability for the vines and promoting healthy canopy growth. 

Extended, Mild Growing Season: Cooler spring and summer temperatures created an unusually long and temperate growing season. 

Gradual Ripening: This slow, even ripening allowed the grapes to develop complex flavors and aromas while maintaining vibrant acidity. 

Enhanced Acidity: The cool weather and extended maturity period resulted in higher acidity, which is crucial for the balance and aging potential of Pinot Noir. 

Optimal Balance: Vintners achieved a rare balance of ripe fruit flavors, balanced sugar levels, and lively acidity, a hallmark of a great vintage. 

Increased Yields: The healthy vine canopies and improved soil conditions led to above-average yields for Pinot Noir. 

The result – vibrant flavors, remarkable balance, and excellent age-ability solidified its place as a benchmark year for California Pinot Noir. 

Karen MacNeil, author of “The Wine Bible”, one of my favorite wine books, said this “Every century, every place has its legendary vintages. I have no doubt that 2023 will go down as one of the most phenomenal vintages ever in Napa Valley. Every vintner I’ve talked to about 2023 has been nothing short of ecstatic.”

Look for these best buy Pinot Noirs from this vintage. Many of them will be difficult to find in your local shops but should be available online.

Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2023, 94 pts, $40

Failla Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2023, 93 pts, $36

Alma De Cattleya Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2023, 92 pts, $35

Sean Minor Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Signature Series 2023, 92 pts, $28

Morgan Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Twelve Clones 2023, 91 pts, $39

Truchard Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros 2023, 91 pts, $38

BONUS –

2023 was also good vintage for Oregon Pinot Noir, which experienced similar climate and weather conditions. Here is short list of some of those value wines:

Elk Cove Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2023, 92 pts, $34

Ken Wright Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2023, 92 pts, $38

Solena Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Planet Oregon 2023, 90 pts, $24

Cheers, Michael Nagy

The Michael Pour

(Cover photo courtesy of Wine Spectator & James Molesworth, this story is not used for monetization)

Wine of the Week: Little Known Red from Austria

Zweigelt Wine of the Week
January
6
2025
by Michael Nagy

I had the pleasure of sipping this wine over the holiday season with in-laws. It was a nice change of pace from what I typically drink even though it reminds me of a nice Pinot and Lemberger all in one bottle.

Did you know that the country of Austria produces some really good wine? Can they grow red grapes and produce red wine in their cold climate? Although Austria is better known for its white wine, it does grow and produce some surprisingly good reds that are unique to the red wine world.

Austria as a whole is still white wine country, but of the 30% or so red vineyards, the most widely planted grape is Zweigelt by far. Zweigelt (pronounced TSVY-galt) and other reds are nothing like the new world reds in California, Chile, Argentina, and Australia nor old world reds in France, Italy, and Spain. Austria’s reds are very similar in style to Germany reds.

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by eight countries – Germany to the northwest, Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia to the south, Italy to the southwest, and Switzerland to the west

Zweigelt is a relatively young grape variety, having been created in 1922. The grape is a cross between the St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch grape varieties, which are native to Austria. It is a versatile grape that is grown throughout Austria’s wine regions. It is well-suited to Austria’s cool climate, as it ripens early and is resistant to cold temperatures. This allows the grape to be grown in cooler, higher-altitude vineyards, which are not suitable for many other grape varieties. 

Weis Vineyards Zweigelt

When you go to buy red wine and looking for something new and different, consider Zweigelt, and in particular the one I’m featuring in this post as well as one from Weis Vineyards, German winery off Keuka Lake located in the beautiful Finger Lakes, NY. Weis also produces a Dry Rose from the Zweigelt grape. Check them out! They are one of the best wineries in New York State.

The grape generally produces medium-bodied wines with moderate acidity and tannins. The wine has a vibrant ruby color and aromas of dark berries, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as spicy notes of pepper and cinnamon. On the palate, it has a smooth, velvety texture with flavors of dark fruit, warm spice, vanilla, and sometimes even a hint of chocolate.

Zweigelt is a very food-friendly wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is especially good with meat dishes, like roasted pork, beef, lamb, and duck, as well as with hearty vegetable dishes and warm stews in the winter.

Zweigelt is also an excellent choice for those looking for a more affordable alternative to some of the more well-known red wine varieties. While it is not as well-known as some other grape varieties, Zweigelt is gaining popularity among wine lovers, both in Austria and abroad. 

Austrian wine, in general, has gained a reputation for high quality and unique flavors, and Zweigelt is no exception. In recent years, Austrian winemakers have increasingly focused on producing high-quality Zweigelt wines, and the grape has been gaining recognition and awards at international wine competitions. 

In all, Zweigelt is a versatile, affordable, and high-quality red wine grape variety that is gaining popularity among wine lovers worldwide. With its unique flavor profile and food-friendly nature, it is definitely worth trying for anyone looking for something new and exciting in the world of wine. 

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Schlosskellerei Gobelsburg Zweigelt, Niederosterreich, 2019 (cover photo)

Btw, German and Austria wines have very long wine names and sometimes hard to pronounce. This bottle of Zweigelt brings forth a nuttiness of almonds and dark cherries and berries on the nose along with a spicy and peppery aroma. It has a light-medium body and well balanced with enough acidity, although not crispy.

This Zweigelt offers a toasty character from some oak, but still fresh and youthful on the palate. It is a juicy, but elegant, energetic red wine with a nice aroma that lasts through the palate and medium finish. 12.5% alcohol.

It has reached its age of maturity in 2025 (not an age-worthy wine by tradition so drink now when it’s good). It is most likely at its peak for drinking.

Try this wine or search for more at your fine wine shop. Most local wine shops only carry 1-2 Zweigelts in inventory so call beforehand or just order this one online. You will not be disappointed! My rating is 8 out of 10 (very good). I won’t feature a wine unless it receives a score of 7 (good) and above. My personal rating system is out of 10; different from most professional ratings….Cheers, M

Wine of the Week: Cono Sur Pinot Noir Organic 2022

Cono Sur Organic Pinot Noir 2022
October
15
2024
by Michael Nagy

This week’s featured “wine of the week” returns to the new world wine country of Chile, South America with my favorite varietal, Pinot Noir. Not every wine I try becomes a wine of the week, but with careful research, looking for a great value, knowing the region and country of origin along with the varietal, and my handy ‘delectable’ app, I am confident that my choice will be a good one.

What makes this wine special is the fact that it is organic, vegan, and is under $15. The organic wine category in the wine industry is booming. The demand for organic wine is on the rise. It represents about 4% of the worldwide wine consumption, and it is becoming more and more relevant. It is expected to be one of the biggest growing categories in the wine business, which can lead to a decrease in price in the future. Producers are committed to a minimal environmental impact. This means a conscious use of natural resources, like water, and natural products that replace chemical agents.

Some benefits of organic wine include protection against harmful chemicals. The organic product excludes the use of pesticides.If you’re allergic or sensitive to sulfites, organic wines are a good option, since they usually have smaller concentration of sulfites. The consumption of organic wine is a way of promoting the use of green technologies that favor the care of the planet.

How much does organic wine cost? Organic wine may cost a little more compared to “conventional” wine as a result of production costs. The use of chemicals in the vineyard helps reduce costs in traditional wine growing. However, you can find high quality organic wines at reasonable prices (this wine, for example), which allows conscious and frugal consumers to give it a sip.

Cono Sur Organic Pinot Noir 2022

Viña Cono Sur was born around the first Pinot Noir vines planted in the Colchagua Valley of Chile. In the 60s, the region was considered a cool climate area and ideal for the variety. And that inspired them to adopt Pinot Noir as their flagship variety and established a goal of producing the best Pinot Noir in Chile. Cono Sur was the first Chilean winery to export Pinot Noir and currently produces different styles of Pinot, organic (fairly new from their product line), non-organic, single vineyard, and reserve. The labels on the bottles depict the brand’s iconic bicycle.

Cono Sur (Spanish) translates to “The Southern Cone”, which is a geographical and cultural subregion composed of the southernmost areas of South America, mostly south of the Tropic of Capricorn. 

Made from organically grown grapes sourced in the Colchagua, San Antonio and Bio-Bio valleys, this well balanced, delicate, and surprisingly juicy is brimming with floral, fig, red fruit, in particular cherry, savory, and earthiness. With soft medium tannins, medium flavor intensity, medium body, it was a joy to drink. This bottle does have a whopping 14.5% alcohol content, which is on the higher end of PN. I love the winery’s commitment to the environment. On the back label, there’s a certification stamp for being carbon neutral as well.

Serve it with grilled mushrooms, baked salmon, pork, goat cheese and pizza (a favorite of mine). Highly recommend! Look for it online or at your favorite shop.

Cheers,

Michael

Wine Spotlight: Chilling with 6 Summer Reds

chilled red wine
July
8
2024
by Michael Nagy

If you’re like me and love red wine but have difficulty sipping on a red during the hot and humid summer months, here are some lighter-styled reds you can enjoy by chilling. Some of these wines are well known, like Pinot Noir and Gamay, while others are lesser known. For purposes of this story, I am focusing more on obscure reds.

Chilled reds have increased in popularity recently and the worldly and local options are becoming better, more available, and food friendly. Because of changes in the vineyard due to climate change as well as the expansion of people’s palates and tastes, it has become necessary. Chilling red wine has become more common all year-round.

The higher temperature speeds up the ripeness in fruit and increases alcohol levels of red grapes. As a result, people who want to find a more approachable red without the intense fruit bombs and high alcohol levels, can turn to these chilled, lighter reds that offer more acidity, crispness, and versatility. With the trend of ‘natural wine’, red wines are being produced in a much brighter and lighter style. 

Remember to always store wine on its side, especially reds, in a cool, dark place, preferably a cellar or basement. To chill in advance and save time, place in a wine fridge set around 50˚F. Some of these wines (lighter styles) will be ready to serve upon exiting the fridge while others (medium to fuller styles) should be placed on the counter to warm up slightly. For adventure seekers, I have included images of some of these wines.

Cinsaut wine

Cinsault (“sin-so”)

Legally spelled “Cinsaut”. It is widely planted throughout Provence, Rhone Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, and Southern France. It is mostly one of the minor blending grapes in GSM blends and Provence rose, but also appears as a single varietal on occasion. Cinsaut is on the rise in South Africa’s Stellenbosch region.

The grape’s thin skin produces delicate tannins well-suited for chilling. It is also known for its fruity flavors of raspberry, red currant, and red cherry and floral, like violet. Chilling Cinsaut actually helps bring out its flavors. The acidity works well with lighter and mildly spicy foods, like Indian cuisine. Chill for 15-20 mins then serve or leave on the counter after being chilled for 15-20 mins. Serve slightly below room temp at 60˚F. 

Frappato wine

Frappato (“fra-pat-toe”)

This rare grape from Sicily carries medium acidity with a burst of aromas, like sweet red berries and wildflowers. It is sometimes blended with Sicilian signature red grape, Nero d’Avola, to add complexity.

Its strawberry, pomegranate, white pepper flavors are enhanced when the wine is cold. Frappato pairs well with dishes that feature roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomato, and turkey dinner with cranberry sauce. Chilled Frappato is great with olives and goat cheese served regularly in Sicily. Chill for 15-20 mins then serve or leave on the counter after being chilled for 15 mins. Serve 50-55˚F.

Weis Zweigelt

Zweigelt (“zz-why-galt”)

Austria’s most planted red grape is a cross between Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent (tastes like Pinot Noir) and hails from the southern Burgenland region. It also produced in New York state and the Finger Lakes wine region. Zweigelt are typically crisp, tart, and fruity for a red varietal. It is considered to be the ultimate picnic red that goes with barbeque and grilled chicken, macaroni salad, and earthy mushroom risotto. It is known for flavors of chocolate, licorice, red cherry and black pepper with moderate tannins.

When chilled, Zweigelt displays distinct fruit-forward notes, and its acidity will help tone down the sweetness of barbeque sauce. Chill for 15-20 mins then serve or leave on the counter after being chilled for 15-20 mins. Serve 55˚F.

Valpolicella (“val-polla-chellah”)

One of Italy’s most famous wines with many different styles produced. Valpo is a location/sub-region, not a grape varietal. Some of these will be more medium to full bodied depending on the style. The best bottles for chilling will be light bodied and labeled simply as Valpolicella or a Valpolicella Classico. These will be the youngest, freshest and fruitiest of all the styles with notes of tart cherry, cinnamon, almond, and green peppercorn.

The low alcohol content, high acidity, low tannins, make it a great candidate for chilling. Valpolicella pairs well with a juicy cheeseburger, roasted vegetables, and braised meats. Chill for 15 mins then serve or leave on the counter after being chilled for 15-20 mins. Serve slightly below room temp at 60˚F.

Brachetto (“brak-kett-toe”)

A rare, sweeter red from the Piedmont region of Italy famous for its perfumed aromatics and creamy texture. Very low tannins, low alcohol content, low to medium acidity, and medium sweetness. Also, can be produced as a semi-sparkling wine, which you would serve well chilled. The most prominent flavor profile is orange zest, candied strawberry, apricot, and black current. It is sometimes produced as a light styled rose wine.

Although not classically a dessert wine, Brachetto pairs well with rich, creamy truffles, ganache, and mousse. Try it in gelato for summer to create an ice cream float. It is a fairly inexpensive wine but may be hard to find. For an alternative to this wine, try Lambrusco, which is produced in Italy, but more widely available in the USA than Brachetto. Serve right from the fridge at 50˚F or colder.

Carmenere wine

Carmenere (“kar-men-nair”)

Once thought to be a nearly distinct Bordeaux variety, it has become known that nearly 50% of the Merlot planted in Chile is actually Carmenere. It is the signature red grape of Chile and produced in nearly every region of the country north to south. It is rarely produced anywhere else in the world. The herbal, peppercorn flavors of Carmenere lends itself to be paired with roasted meats from chicken to beef.

Other flavors of bell pepper, paprika (Hungarian specialty), black plum, and vanilla, makes it a very unique flavor profile. It is a home run with the spice Cumin. With low to medium acidity, tannins, and alcohol, it can be lovely chilled. Carmenere is one of my favorite red wines, but hard to find. Chill for 15 mins. Serve slightly below room temp at 60˚F. 

Others –

Pinot Noir 

Chill for 15 mins. Serve slightly below room temp at 60˚F. 

Gamay or Gamay Noir or Beaujolais

Chill for 15-20 mins then serve or leave on the counter after being chilled for 15 mins. Serve 50-55˚F.

Wine Glass

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