Wine of the Month (February)

Verdicchio
Verdicchio is a white Italian grape variety from the central region of Italy known as the Marche region. This type of grape has been growing there since the 14th century. It is also thought that the Verdicchio varietal may be indigenous to the Marche. There are clones which share similar genetic info as the Trebbiano and Grecogrape varieties grown in the Lombardy and Soave areas.

 The wine is not very aromatic, but it does offer elegant armomas of citrus and nuts, in particular, lemon and bitter almonds. Often, the grape lends itself well to the production of spumante (sparkling) wines, a specialty on the Adriatic coast. It is best mached to broad bean salad with peanut dressing, fish and the very tasty, roasted peppers.

Vieux Château du Roi (Château Neuf Du Pape)

Vineyards located at Château Neuf Du Pape

The name roughly translated is "old house of the king".  Vieux Château du Roi or VCR is a name that wine kits makers' use to represent Château Neuf Du Pape ("new house of the pope") like wine blends.  The original name was coined from the time when Pope Clement V moved to Avignon in 1305 due to a conflict between the Papacy and the French Crown in the historic region in the southern Rhone Valley in France. Apparently, the Pope was an avid wine lover. Aside from being infatuated with wine, Pope Clement V's other memorable historical note was that he was ultimately responsible for suppressing the order of the Knights Templar.

Getting back to the subject of wine, in California, VCR is produced from a blending of a variety of grapes to imitate the complexities possessed by the original Château Neuf Du Pape. Such attributes as the ripeness of the grapes and the oak barrels used in ageing the red wine creates a lush wine with a polished texture.

References

1. The Wine Rambler
2. Reinhold Haart
3. Wine-Searcher
4. The Wine Cellar Insider