Parma Ridge Vineyards Release Party

Another notice received. This one from the Boise COOP Wine Shop. Cheers!

Weekend Tasting: Parma Ridge Vineyards

April 14, 2011

Parma Ridge Vineyards is owned and operated by Dick and Shirley Dickstein. Dick is the winemaker and Shirley handles design and marketing. Planted in 1998, on what was once an apple orchard, Parma Ridge Vineyard?s vines were selected for Idaho?s long, warm summer days and cool nights. Located on 9.5 acres at an elevation of 2400 feet, overlooking the Boise River in Parma, Idaho, the first grape varieties were Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Gewürztraminer, Viogier and a small block of Zinfandel. The unique layout of Parma Ridge allows the varieties preferring a cooler climate, such as the Gewürtztraminer, to be planted on a northeast slope, while the red varieties are planted in the warmer sections of the vineyard. Due to the cold winters that control insect populations, all vines are planted on their own roots, thereby preserving the true varietal flavor of the grape. All Parma Ridge wines are produced and bottled at the winery on site, allowing the grapes to be processed within a very short time of harvest. 2010 Mills Run Un-Oaked Chardonnay, $11.99

Clean, crisp aromas of spring blossoms give way to flavors of tart grape and apple, balanced by a soft citrus finish and a lingering acidity. A beautifully pure, stainless steel-aged, un-manipulated expression of the Chardonnay grape. 2009 Viognier, $11.99

This traditional Rhône grape loves the Idaho soil and climate. This Viognier starts with a big aromas of apricot, honeydew and orange blossom. A creamy mouthfeel leads to tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya and mango, while a gentle citrus flintiness and sparkling acidity on the finish make this a complex and refreshing white wine. 2008 Merlot, $12.99

Parma Ridge?s first wine was a Merlot. They found the perfect corner of their vineyard for Merlot grapes, one that gives just the right balance of sun and moisture. The Estate grown fruit is then aged in American and French oak barrels for 13 months. The resulting wine exhibits all the traditional aspects of the grape: flavors of dark berry, ripe cherry and plum, along with a silky mouth-feel and soft tannins. To put their own stamp on this classic variety, Parma Ridge crafts this Idaho Merlot to be slightly more expansive, with flavors that are just a little bigger than a Merlot made elsewhere, yet still retaining a smooth, easy-drinking personality. 2006 Malbec, $15.99

The Malbec grape needs a great deal of sun and heat to fully ripen and our Idaho summers provide just that, producing an expansive, rustic wine. A vibrant, inky purple color with complex flavors of cocoa, plum, blackberry, wood and vanilla, backed by firm tannins on the finish. 2002 Melange, $21.50

A Bordeaux styled blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet, 12% Malbec and 3% Cab Franc. A blend of varietals not commonly found from Idaho producers! This is our version of a Claret; a Bordeaux-style red wine showcasing classic French characteristics. Full-bodied and expressive, the Mélange possesses an amazing structure that will open up, layer after layer, in the glass, rewarding patient drinking over a period of hours. Rich, fruity and earthy, with good acidity and undertones of limestone and clay. Subtle, dry tannins and all the textures the Snake River Valley terroir can offer give this wine a finish that lingers on and on. Dick Dickstein will be in the shop this Friday, April 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 to pour and talk about his wines. On Saturday, April 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Parma Ridge sales manager, Brian Livesay will be on hand to do the same.