Wine of Note: Guenoc Victorian Claret

Claret is a British term, somewhat genericized in the United States (but so are many wine names... an argument for another day,) used to refer—nowadays—to a dark red, dry Bordeaux wine. If you pay attention during The Supersizers Go Victorian, you'll notice that Claret is one of the most frequently consumed wines—after all, Bordeaux wines are classic, they're delicious, and they're what French Wine was known for for many years.

Guenoc, a label of Langtry Vineyards, produces a wine they call "Victorian Claret." It was brought to my attention during The State Dinner, when one of our guests brought it with her to share. A simply delightful wine, I had to go out and find another bottle (or three) so I could have a drink of it when I was not in the kitchen, running around like a madman.

The Wine Buyer quotes the winemakers at Guenoc, who say,

The [...] North Coast Victorian Claret is a complex blend of our award winning wines. Dark ruby in color, the wine has a wonderful fruity nose bringing on black cherry, plum, and blueberry aromas. Rich and soft on the palate, the hints of vanilla and nutmeg, from 12 months of barrel aging, add to the complexity and the long smooth finish.

I have a penchant for drinking Big Red Wines. I like Zinfandels, Shirazes, and Chiantis—things that make my palate stand up and take notice, things that don't taste at all watery. The other night I had some Italian wines that are supposedly delightful—but they tasted watered-down to me, and I didn't enjoy them. In that regard, this Claret does not disappoint—the flavors are full and strong, yet the wine is eminently drinkable, even by people who may not like the aforementioned big spicy wines.

The Victorian Claret is available in stores and on-line, and retails for anywhere from $10 to $15, depending on local taxes, discounts, etc. Don't buy any in Michigan, though, I have dibs on it all.

Wine of Note: Grüner Veltliner

Graf Georg von Ziger, my principal Steampunk Persona, is Austrian. This is in homage to my maternal grandparents, both of whom grew up in Vienna, Austria, and lived there until they were forced out during the Holocaust. In honor of his (and their) nationality, I would like to bring a wine to your attention.

Grüner Veltliner is the most popular grape in Austria. It creates a wine that is full of "expressive fruit" character, with a "typical pepper and grapefruit note," according to the winemakers who create the particular bottle I'm going to recommend to you today.

Wolfgang Grüner Veltliner is a delicious wine. I first had it about a month ago, and wasn't impressed. I'd already tasted several other wines that evening, all of them with much fuller flavors than this wine, which made it seem flat and boring by comparison.

I decided to give it a second chance, however, after having another sip at the end of that evening and being more intrigued by it; further, after tasting Sauvignon Blancs, Muscadets, and Chardonnays back-to-back, I had a better appreciation for the subtleties of white wine; with that knowledge now in place, this wine does not disappoint. It's similar, I would say, to a Sauvignon blanc, in that it has a lightly fruity flavor with a crispness about it that makes it very easy to drink. It's not like a Chardonnay, packed full of flavors; it's more delicate, more subtle, and more refined.

It's a wonderful wine, and what's more, it's only $11.99 for a bottle here in Michigan. Look for it, Aaron recommends it.