Month: March 2025

Beyond the Fig, German, Germany, Pinot Noir, Spätburgunder, Wine, Wine Blog, Wine Blogger, Wine Club, Wine Lover, Wine Pairing, Wine Review, Wine Tasting, Winery

Spätburgunder! Pinot Noir German Style!

Appetite for Wine

Why just call it Pinot Noir, when you can venture to Germany and declare Spätburgunder!?

That’s right, German Spätburgunder is the same grape most know as Pinot Noir. Such a versatile grape, presented in many different styles, from light and elegant, to big and bold.

Tonight, we opened the Weingut Steintal Buntsandstein Spätburgunder 2020. This is a spectacular wine, tasting great now and with the potential for a few more years of aging. Paired with Roast Chicken with Meyer Lemon and Smoked Paprika (recipe from discovercaliforniawines.com) with its smoked paprika seasoning, it was a match made in heaven.

Ruby color in the glass. Aromas lead with smoke and baking spice, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and mushroom. On the palate, delightful flavors of plum, red cherry, earthy notes, minerals, and tobacco smoke. Medium body, soft tannins, and perfectly balanced acidity. A spectacular Spätburgunder.

Have you had a German Spätburgunder? Let us know in the comments what you thought!

  • By Kent Reynolds and Robyn Raphael-Reynolds
Beyond the Fig, Frappato, Involtini, Italian Wine, Italy, Nero d'Avola, Pistachio, Sicilian Wine, Sicily

2023 Occhipinti SP68 Rosso

Appetite for Wine

When your wine shop owner tells you that one of this month’s club selections, the 2023 Occhipinti SP68 Rosso pairs well with his sister-in-law’s pistachio-crusted pork involtini, you find a recipe and try it out. First, I had to look up involtini, cuz I’d never heard of it. Then, I couldn’t find pork cutlets, so I used beef instead. All I can say is: “WOW!” What an a wonderful mouthful of flavor, and yes, this is an amazing wine pairing!

The 2023 Occhipinti SP68 Rosso, from Sicily, is 70% Frappato, 30% Nero d’Avola. Winemaker Arianna Occhipinti is a rising star in the wine world and we will seek out her wines in the future.

Ruby color in the glass. On the nose, fresh red cherries, strawberry, and red currant notes. Flavors of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and lychee, with minerals, baking spice, and hints of licorice and smoke. Medium body with youthful tannins and bright acidity. Medium finish of red fruit and floral notes. A beautiful and elegant wine.

  • By Kent Reynolds & Robyn Raphael Reynolds