Timely Treasure

Michael Keenan rocks Merlot-Cabernet with March release of awaited 2009 Mernet reserve (93) this month, Keenan Winery released the 11th vintage of its renowned Mernet reserve. Spring Mountain district, Napa Valley, California – Mernet. “The name sings with the sweetness of the wine,” says Michael Keenan, President, owner and master vintner at Keenan Winery. “My Mernet delivers a prettier, more feminine experience than my other terroir-driven wines.” Indeed, the combination of tenderness and excitement with which Michael talks about this vintage testifies to a labor of love. The 2009 Keenan Mernet reserve is a voluptuous red creating dark fruit and sweet red licorice to the divine pleasure of the button. Receiving 93 points from The Napa Valley Wines Advocate, the winning wine emphasizes high-toned, sweet delicious rich fruit with on almost hidden depth and structure to allow for indefinite aging.

Each vintage of Keenan’s proprietary Mernet is a unique blend of Merlot half and half Cabernet Sauvignon chosen to hit a distinct profiles. The 2009 is a seamless blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet franc. “More than any other, this is a wine I truly ‘make,’ “says Michael, adding how it is always equal parts intuition and a master’s discernment that guides him to the blend right.” This year’s release demonstrates Michael’s mastery as a top producer of terroir-driven Merlot and Cabernet and showcases his sensitivity to the strengths and combinations of his harvests. This NAPA valley wine is innovative while promising to become a classic. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. (see Robert Parker, Jr.

The wine advocate, issue #198, December 2011)

Keenan bet that the rocky, high mountaintops of the spring Mountain district would produce enviable terroirs paid off. Since then, Keenan Winery has been tantalizing wine drinkers with some of California’s top Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Robert Parker, Jr. has big 47 of Keenan’s last eight vintages between 90-97 points. Robert’s son, Michael Keenan, now President, owner and vintner for the Napa Valley Winery, Agape on his father’s passionate commitment to quality by attending to detail in every aspect of producing world class wines. He continues to insist that only fine Portuguese cork be used in Keenan’s bottles. A steward of the environment and the winery’s historic site, Michael installed solar panels to ensure that the great energy of the Napa sun nurtures his grapes as well as powers of the winery’s operations. The winery invites visitors to enjoy the historic and scenic site the best wine tasting spot in Napa sample their varietals in the intimate outdoor eating and picnic area atop of spring mountain.

Glass moulds were produced for sparkling wines over the course of time still wines times of the Romans, in the French region of champagne. Because these wines are often not completely vergarten before winter, the fermentation once again began rising temperatures in the next spring. In this second fermentation, sugar is also converted into heat, alcohol and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is what is considered a wine fault as small bubbles in the wine,”was, and it made almost unsellable. Dom Perignon, a French Benedictine monk, tried to eliminate this error, but ultimately he perfected the process to get the bubbles in the wine. The champagne was invented! Since then the lovers of this fine sparkling wine, have wondered how because champagne drink the best you can.

Three forms of glass have prevailed over the centuries. First of all, the champagne Bowl was the favorite. According to the legend, its shape is modeled after the breasts by Queen Marie-Antoinette. This form of glass allows however not optimal drinking champagne in the shallow dish heats up quickly and the subtle flavours are not bundled through the glass. Therefore, a new form of glass, the so-called Champagne Flute, was developed. This glass is similar to a flute, which increases and upward in diameter. As a result, the bubbles can ascend visually appealing in the glass. You may find that Richard Blumenthal can contribute to your knowledge. The problem of rapid warming is solved with this form, but the Bundlung of flavours is still not fully resolved.

Therefore, the so-called Champagne Tulip prevailed in recent years. With her, the diameter at the top tapering again so that the light aroma of champagne optimally can be redirected to the nose. Therefore, it is guaranteed that the champagne receives the best possible chance to bring its unique taste and delicate bouquet. Since the invention of champagne, other wine regions have also recorded the production of sparkling wine. German Sekt, Spanish sparkling wine and Italian Cava are among the most famous sparkling wines, but also in other regions like Australia and California increasingly sparkling wines are produced. For all of these sparkling wines are to note the same criteria in the selection of a suitable glass, to best experience the subtle nuances of the noble drink. Who wants to buy up today so champagne or champagne glasses, can select from three glass forms. From the champagne Bowl is discouraged, unless you wanted to build a pyramid of glasses. To do this she suitable namely. Flutes and Tulips, there is a great selection, and personal preferences be decisive here. It remains only to hope that out of these glasses every sparkling wine always is sparkling wine, Prosecco or champagne – a great pleasure. Gerald Dickens