Quick Sip: Markus Wine Co. 2014 Nuvola
Hello Friends,
Today’s Quick Sip is the 2014 Nuvola from Markus Wine Co. in Lodi, California. This delightfully dry wine is produced from 100% Gewürztraminer, an Alsatian white wine grape that’s not a household name in Lodi, much less California. Swiss-born winegrower Markus Niggli, who founded this label last year, also makes wine for highly-regarded Borra Vineyards and has a knack for highlighting the region's brighter, more energetic side through his diverse selection of wines. His portfolio currently includes a Lodi-grown Torrontés as well as a few delicious Kerner-based blends. In a region largely known for red wines, particularly Zinfandel, Markus is among a number of small, artisanal producers doing something totally different and exciting. It comes as no surprise that a region [Lodi] with some of the nation’s oldest Zinfandel and Cinsault vines and over 75 wine producing grape varieties was recently nominated for Wine Enthusiast's 2015 Wine Star Award's "Region of the Year."
The Gewürztraminer fruit that went into this bottle of wine was sourced from Mokelumne Glen Vineyards and grown along the banks of the cooling Mokelumne River. The result is a sleek and fresh wine that is very versatile at the table -- one that begs to be shared with friends and food. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention something I’m sure you picked up on too – the attractive, eye-catching packaging. The artwork on all Markus Wine Co. labels is made possible through a long-term collaboration with University of the Pacific art students. Many consumers, especially wine shoppers, buy with their eyes. This bottle clearly stands out on a crowded store shelf, but most importantly, the juice inside the bottle is quite tasty. For further information and where you can find this Gewürztraminer, please see my tasting notes below.
Review: Markus Wine Co. 2014 Nuvola (SRP $18.99): This is a lean and lively rendition of Gewürztraminer that shows subtle aromas and flavors suggestive of citrus fruit, honeyed pear, and green apples backed by dried herbs and spice. The palate is streamlined, crisp, and tight, with palate-cleansing acids that drive through the medium-long, clean finish. Overall, a reasonably priced wine with unique character and a vibrant personality that partners well with almost every occasion, every palate preference, and a wide variety of dishes. The producer recommends, which I entirely agree, enjoying a bottle with a big bowl of creamy butternut squash soup topped with toasted onions and a dollop of crème fraiche. Only 65 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Lodi, California. Other info: ABV 13.2%, native yeast, no ML, 100% stainless, screw cap enclosure. Rating: 90 Points. Click here to find this wine.
Have a question about this post? Feel free to drop me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com or hit me up on Facebook or Twitter. Stay tuned ...more to come. Happy Sipping, my friends! Disclosure: This wine was provided for review. Thoughts are my own.
Today’s Quick Sip is the 2014 Nuvola from Markus Wine Co. in Lodi, California. This delightfully dry wine is produced from 100% Gewürztraminer, an Alsatian white wine grape that’s not a household name in Lodi, much less California. Swiss-born winegrower Markus Niggli, who founded this label last year, also makes wine for highly-regarded Borra Vineyards and has a knack for highlighting the region's brighter, more energetic side through his diverse selection of wines. His portfolio currently includes a Lodi-grown Torrontés as well as a few delicious Kerner-based blends. In a region largely known for red wines, particularly Zinfandel, Markus is among a number of small, artisanal producers doing something totally different and exciting. It comes as no surprise that a region [Lodi] with some of the nation’s oldest Zinfandel and Cinsault vines and over 75 wine producing grape varieties was recently nominated for Wine Enthusiast's 2015 Wine Star Award's "Region of the Year."
 |
| Learn more at borravineyards.com/markus |
The Gewürztraminer fruit that went into this bottle of wine was sourced from Mokelumne Glen Vineyards and grown along the banks of the cooling Mokelumne River. The result is a sleek and fresh wine that is very versatile at the table -- one that begs to be shared with friends and food. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention something I’m sure you picked up on too – the attractive, eye-catching packaging. The artwork on all Markus Wine Co. labels is made possible through a long-term collaboration with University of the Pacific art students. Many consumers, especially wine shoppers, buy with their eyes. This bottle clearly stands out on a crowded store shelf, but most importantly, the juice inside the bottle is quite tasty. For further information and where you can find this Gewürztraminer, please see my tasting notes below.
 |
| Markus Wine Co. 2014 Nuvola |
Review: Markus Wine Co. 2014 Nuvola (SRP $18.99): This is a lean and lively rendition of Gewürztraminer that shows subtle aromas and flavors suggestive of citrus fruit, honeyed pear, and green apples backed by dried herbs and spice. The palate is streamlined, crisp, and tight, with palate-cleansing acids that drive through the medium-long, clean finish. Overall, a reasonably priced wine with unique character and a vibrant personality that partners well with almost every occasion, every palate preference, and a wide variety of dishes. The producer recommends, which I entirely agree, enjoying a bottle with a big bowl of creamy butternut squash soup topped with toasted onions and a dollop of crème fraiche. Only 65 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Lodi, California. Other info: ABV 13.2%, native yeast, no ML, 100% stainless, screw cap enclosure. Rating: 90 Points. Click here to find this wine.
Have a question about this post? Feel free to drop me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com or hit me up on Facebook or Twitter. Stay tuned ...more to come. Happy Sipping, my friends! Disclosure: This wine was provided for review. Thoughts are my own.
