2018 Wilde Farm Dolcetto Fox Hill Vineyard

2018 Wilde Farm Dolcetto Fox Hill Vineyard

I’ve been a fan of Wilde Farm Wines for several years, ever since the New Jersey-based owners, Loren and Amy Grossman, started doing wine-themed dinners at local restaurants. It’s been incredible to have the opportunity to see the wines and portfolio evolve over the years, and this year, I’ve been enjoying the 2018 Wilde Farm Dolcetto Fox Hill Vineyard.

About Wilde Farm Wines

The Grossmans named their winery after Wilde Farm, a horse farm on the on the estate of Samuel Wilde which was built in 1907 in northern New Jersey. About twenty years ago, the Grossmans purchased he estate and raised their family there.

About the Wines and Winemaking

Wilde Farm makes a small quantity of wines by hand from old vines located in the finest vineyards in California. The emphasis is a balance of acid and fruit for wines that can age well.

Acclaimed winemaker Pax Mahle is the genius behind the winemaking at Wilde Farm. Mahle and the Wilde Farm team source grapes from old vine, low yield sites, where soil, climate and honest farming practices allow for a full expression of the type of grape and the place the grapes come from.

The 2018 Wilde Farm Dolcetto Fox Hill Vineyard is an easy-drinking wine that’s affordable enough to be uncorked on pizza night (a very nice pizza night) but would also pair well with grilled meats or duck breast at a dinner party. The juicy cherry and fresh fruit flavors with spiced notes paired well with the cheesy pasta I served this young wine with, a bit chilled as was recommended.

Looks: Bright red in the glass

Smell: Bright aromas of cherry and dark berries with spiced notes

Taste: Juicy cherry and fresh fruit flavors with floral and spiced notes on the palate

Texture and Finish: Light/medium-bodied, sweet/tart on the finish

Pairings: Grilled meats – pork, chicken, cheesy pasta

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Dolcetto

Region: Mendocino, CA, USA

Price: $28

Cheers,

Veronique

Wilde Farm Wine Dinner at Fascino

Wilde Farm Wine Dinner at Fascino

Wilde Farm Wine BottlesThursday night, I had the pleasure of attending the Wilde Farm wine dinner at Montclair’s Fascino. Chef Ryan Depersio’s food was beautifully paired with Wilde Farm wines to create a delicious culinary adventure.

Loren Grossman, the owner of Wilde Farm, was in attendance and provided insightful information about the wines he produces with famed winemaker Pax Mahle. The pairings went as follows:

Oysters

Oysters

Course 1

2013 Rosé North Coast

Island Creek Oysters with Watermelon Granita

Course 2

2012 Chardonnay Brosseau Vineyard Chalone

Crab Stuffed Zucchini Flower with Red Chili Aioli

Course 3

2012 Pinot Noir Donnelly Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley

House Cured Duck Prosciutto with Compressed Melon, Whipped Ricotta, Aged Balsamic

Melon and Duck Proscuitto

Melon and Duck Proscuitto

Course 4

2012 Heritage Bedrock Vineyard Sonoma Valley

Bone Marrow Crusted Filet Mignon, Potato Puree, & Broccoli Rabe, Roasted Garlic Jus

Course 5

2012 Heritage Bedrock Vineyard Sonoma Valley

Chef’s Selection of Artisanal Cheeses, Fig Terrine, & Fresh Fruit

Tenderloin

Tenderloin

The wines are approachable and as food-friendly as one can hope for. I recently reviewed the sold out Rosé and will fully review each wine savored at this dinner in a future post.

For information about future wine-paired dinners at Fascino, follow the restaurant on Facebook.

Cheers,

Veronique

2013 Wilde Farm Rosé North Coast

2013 Wilde Farm Rosé North Coast

Wilde Farms RoseI first became a fan of Wilde Farm Pinot Noirs when I attended a wine-paired dinner co-hosted by the winery’s owner, Loren Grossman. That dinner is where I also learned about the upcoming release of the Wilde Farm Rosé. Knowing the Pinot Noirs were stellar, I opted for a half case of the rosé. Boy was that a mistake! Half case? I should have ordered two cases!

The wine is bright salmon in the glass with lovely floral and wild strawberry aromas that remind me of picking wild berries as a child in Québec. The aromas of strawberry continue on the palate with juicy watermelon and a bit of pepper on the dry finish.

Famed winemaker, Pax Mahle, produced 45 cases of this wine, which is now sold out at the winery, and I feel fortunate to have enjoyed six bottles of it. It’s pretty darn great on a warm summer day and very food-friendly.

Pairings: Grilled chicken or pork, salads, served as an aperitif.

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: North Coast, California, USA

Price: $20