Two brothers, Jacob and Frederick Beringer, from New York moved to Napa Valley and started the Beringer Winery in 1876. Now in its third century of crafting classic wines from Napa’s finest appellations and vineyards, their winemaker, Laurie Hook, is producing quality and elegant wines. Two that I like are the Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay. There aren’t many wineries that have the range of quality that Beringer has. Its extraordinary range of quality starts with its White Zinfandel, Moscato and moves up to its outstanding Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 - This wine comes from the Knights Valley appellation and is a well-rounded, balanced wine that features outstanding flavors of dark cherry and hints of spice. Hook did her homework when making this well-crafted wine that pairs easily with steaks, chops, pasta with marinara or meat sauce. Dark chocolate is always an excellent pairing, and this wine can be stored in a wine cellar for 10 to 12 years. This wine retails at $24.99.
Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay 2010 – This is another outstanding wine that hits the mark with bright texture aromas of apple, pineapple and nectarine. This Chardonnay was picked from the southern part of the Napa Valley (Yountville) and handcrafted to bring out the bright fruit and richness in each bottle. This wine pairs well with smoked salmon, crab cakes, chicken with a cream sauce or by itself, shared with great friends. You can find this wine discounted at a retail price of $14.99.
Look for these wines at your favorite Acme Fresh Markets, Papa Joe’s, West Point Market, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Heinen’s, or ask for them at your favorite wine stores such as 750ml, Riverside Wine & Imports, Mustard Seed Market or other retailers in the Greater Akron area.
Wine Wisdom
How to Store Wine
Wine should be stored in a location – be it a basement, closet or wine cellar – with a consistent temperature. Heat, widely fluctuating temperatures and direct sunlight are wine’s three enemies.
/ Rick Rodger is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Company.
