Run away, don’t walk, from new blue wine

Glorious 4th. You betcha! This week’s column will cover some disparate wine happenings and a review or two. Please remember I rarely pan a wine, but sometimes I just can’t refrain. Let’s start with “blue wine.” You are well aware, I’m a huge red, white and blue kinda guy, so you can imagine how quickly I looked into the new blue wine from Spain. Spanish wine company Gik has deployed an electric blue wine made from a mixture of red and white grape juices. I swear that’s what they said. The bright blue color is derived from a pigment found in the skin of the grapes and an indigo plant extract. AKA blue dye. A sample was sent with the adviso that it was only available in Europe at this time, but arriving on our shores soon. I don’t think you are missing out on anything, other than the very lovely color, which reminds me of Blue Curacao. Co-founder Aritz Lopez, who promotes his new product, claims to have no winemaking experience. “Gïk is not just about blue wine. You are drinking creation, inspiration, and rebellion. You are breaking old rules and creating your own,” says Lopez. My advice, you would be better off finding a teenager to hang out with. These are sweetened with non-caloric sweeteners. Senor Lopez says he’s targeting the Hipster Millennials. The phrase indicates he’s out of touch with both. I hope we raised our Millenials to know better. Most of the Hipsters I know are now suffering hip replacement or are on the wrong side of the grass. Gik recommends sushi, pasta carbonara, tzatziki, smoked salmon, and nachos with guacamole as compatible foods. I recommend just eating those foods. That said, LoL, Rad, Yelp, forty-two skidoo, Howl and good Karma on ya. For my old pals and longtimers, this article from Huffington Puffington Post describes the modern Hipster, with tongue-in-cheek comments. Made me laugh: www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/05/you-call-that-a-hipster_n_4717993.html.

Finally! Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir NV Carneros got its props, winning double gold and Best in Show, Sparkling at the San Fran International Wine Competition.

I’ve been a fan of these since the ‘90s but the wine snobs have refused to give a $16-$18, domestic sparkler NV more than 87-89 points. This year in a blind tasting it knocked out the Europeans, last accomplished in 2010 by Mumms Napa Brut Rosé NV. Ferrer also won for its Blanc de Blanc 2012. This is not the incestuous SF Chronicle tasting, which, although it is prestigious, is notorious for favoring Cali wines. Rather it is a panel of top-flight international judges. The 2016 entries set a record at 7,164 wines. If you wish to see the category winners go here: winejudging.com/medal-winners. Sure wish I had been impaneled.

Those interested in the entire rating can go to the website: www.sfwinecomp.com/ but please read the entire paper, including the ads, first. Thank you!

J. Lohr Gesture Viognier 2015 was another big winner These are from the Paso Robles area in California. I enjoyed Gesture. It was pale yellow, with orange blossom, honeysuckle and pie spice aromas.

On a nicely fruit/acid balanced palate, look for nectarine, oranges and a pleasing mineral note. Finishes cleanly with repeat of flavors. Lohr’s Gesture has been scoring well in the under $30 category, so this win in the over $30 was a big deal to them. A very nice wine. However, I think QPR is just average. Lohr also won Winery of the Year from Tasting Panel Magazine.

Nobilo from Marlborough, NZ, has two categories of Sauvignon Blanc - Regional Collection under $14 and Icon Collection around $23. While both are enjoyable, and as price conscious as I am, pay the $23 and go Icon.

These are fairly typical Marlborough SB, when the vintage is good. Very pale green-tinged, they open to passionfruit, citrus and peach aromas. On the crisp, clean palate, you should find lemon, peaches and more passionfruit with a wet stone minerality in the clean finish, 89 points McD. Will go well with our local fresh-caught flounder and crab dishes. Maybe not so much with Old Bay.