Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1125082
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 22 JULY 2019 CONTACT thewinetrust.com AVAILABLE AT: Andover Classic Wines, Andover, andoverclassicwines.com; L'Andana Grill, Burlington, landanagrill.com; The Cave, Gloucester, thecavegloucester.com; Busa Wine & Spirits, salembusawineandspirits.com; Essex Country Club, Manchester, essexcc.org berry ripening. As August arcs toward autumn, all eyes are on the imminent harvest. This is a time when joy and passion meet prudence and practicality, and the matter of quality is center stage. Quality for value pricing in wine production is often elusive, and it is a constant quest for both winemak- ers and consumers alike. The Wine Trust is an importer and dis- tributor of exceptional high-quality wines, and is run by Tim Clew, Brian Moto, and Jackie Thomson, who all worked in finance before deciding that they could—and, more impor- tantly, wanted to—transfer their business skills to the world of wine. Through the years, their portfolio has grown to include many high-profile, collectable producers and a loyal following. Finding themselves engaged in con- versations with discerning customers on the challenges of sourcing affordable, everyday value-driven wines of character, they launched their exclusive brand, Rotation Cellars. Working with a fastidious and patient winemaker in Lodi, California, The Wine Trust has focused tirelessly on their goal to create a line of wines that satisfies customer demand and stays true to their mission, which is "to support heritage, tradition, and craft, while honoring product, provenance, and price." The name of the brand was influenced by the nature of seasonal rotation and the art of blending to create wines of consistency and familiarity. Single-variety wines might come from different parcels each year, and the blends vary in varietal percentage depending on vintage variation. The label is elegant and suggests a minimalist and purist approach— precisely the intention in both the vineyard and cellar. South of Sacramento, the appellation of Lodi is part of the Central Valley wine region, which can and does become very hot during the summer, and over-ripeness and grape growing in general can be a challenge. Proper temperatures are important. Too much heat and the grapes will be too high in alcohol and lacking in acidity. Too much cold and the acid- ity will dominate and the fruit will be lacking. Lodi has near-perfect growing conditions, with adequate diurnal shifts in temperature: Abundant warm days for optimal ripening are met with cooling breezes from the Sacramen- to—San Joaquin river delta and crisp nights, which help the grapes retain acidity. Balance is key. Averaging $12.99 a bottle, Rotation Cel- lars is quietly delivering an entirely different category of pedigreed, value-driven everyday wines. These are wines of equal parts grace and verve, made respectfully and honoring provenance. Of note, the Northshore magazine Grand Tasting + Culinary Marketplace in March presented an opportunity to taste the wines of Rotation Cellars as they were poured by Matthew Sidmore, national sales manager for the brand. E AT + D R I N K Summer in New England, how effortlessly we fall for you year after year, willing as we are to succumb to your splendor. As the days grow warmer, we embrace the fragrant gardens in full bloom, oceans that beckon, and the chance to decompress from the rigors of our everyday lives. For winemakers in the Northern Hemisphere, vineyards are a perfect portrait of nature's potential. As June begins, flowering gives way to fruit-set, and come July, veraison (which means when the grapes have finished growing) indicates the beginning of The Wine Trust works to support heritage and craft when choosing wines. BY PAIGE FARRELL WEST COAST WINES E AT + D R I N K PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE WINE TRUST Clockwise from top left, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, red blend, and sauvignon blanc The newest wine from the brand is made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc and sings with abundant citrus, teases with a hint of fresh herbs, and is taut, lean, and bright, with discretionary tropical fruit and stony minerality. The California sun shines bright in the Chardonnay, to which a touch of Viognier was added to provide a lovely perfume. Brilliant acidity, thanks to a portion of early-harvest grapes, meets opulent fruit, making this a mouthful of liquid gold. A playful, riveting rosé of Chenin Blanc and Syrah is eager to please and perfectly delivers with lush, ripe fruit and a taut, nervy undercurrent meant for easy summer sipping and buoyant conversation. Old vine Zinfandel, the prize of Lodi, beautifully dominates the Red Blend, which includes Merlot, Petit Syrah, and Syrah. Full of rich, ripe, dark brambly fruit, figs, black pepper, and baking spices, with a decidedly savory finish, this bold wine has a regal touch. A wine of posture, power, and confidence, Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with a touch of Petit Syrah for added structure. The result is silky smooth, packed with black currants, black cherry, mocha, and vanilla, with soft, well-integrated tannins. THE WINES