The March Oak Ridge Winery selections come from the multigenerational Maggio family of winemakers. The family tradition continues at Oak Ridge with a twist. Its operation is overseen by three great grandaughters of the partiarch, Angelo. Their Maggio label has been a wine club selection with Maggio Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. We also offered Maggio Estates Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon at a great price as a holiday duo. (We still have some of these special bottles on hand.)
This month’s wines are under the Blazon label. What makes Blazon wines different from some of the other Oak Ridge Winery labels is the relationship of wine and oak. Both wines 2021 Blazon Chardonnay and 2021 Blazon Merlot are aged 10 months in oak, the Chardonnay primarly in French Oak and the Merlot in Hungarian Oak. Both of these wines will offer a chance to better understand how oak affects fermentation and taste values. Once again, for those who “think” they do not like Merlot, the Blazon may change your mind.
2021 Blazon Chardonnay, Lodi, California $11
This Chardonnay has a rich, creamy texture and medium-bodied; tropical notes with aromas of pineapple, mango and ripe peach. Toasted coconut with a slight hint of vanilla contribute to a lingering finish. It is 95% Chardonnay topped with 5% Pinot Grigio. A nice well-balanced and full bodied wine. Alcohol: 14.5%
2021 Brazon Merlot, Lodi, California $11
One review calls this a “fantastic wine! Easy to drink, soft tannins, fresh fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Really enjoyed this!” This is a perfect way to get past Merlot’s reputation This is in fact 84% Merlot, 10% Petite Sirah 6% Petit Verdot so there is a nice soft mouth and light tannins. Alcohol: 14%
La Grande Ribe, Rhone red blend from Cotes du Rhone Villages Centenaire is a true value wine.
Maurice Spector
Rioja is the DO for wines grown and produced in La Rioja in north central Spain. Most of the grapes grown in the region are Tempranillo and Garnacha. This is a rich, full-bodied wine made from 85% Tempranillo, and 15% Garnacha and Graciano grapes. Aging in oak give this wine great depth. It has spicy aromas, berry fruit flavors and a velvety finish. There is a hint of roasted coffee and delicate spice. The balance is smooth and the tannins very soft. This wine needs to be opened an hour or so before drinking. It is a great pairing for grilled meats and hearty meals. Alcohol: 13% $14.00
