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Biography |
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Home > People
> Kathy Kongelbak |
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Kathy Kongelbak
Freelance Wine Writer, Educator, Marketing/PR Tour
and Event Coordinator. Owner/Creator: WineStyle.com.
Weekly Wine Columnist/Photographer: “Record Bulletin” newspaper.
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Kathy’s company, Wine Style, offers affordable winery marketing/PR
and event/tour coordination for small to medium-sized wineries
throughout Washington State as well as food and wine education
for the general public. Wine Style also Produce’s the "Men of
the Washington Wine Industry... After Hours" calendars and the
"Taste This Washington” cookbook. |
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Personal
Picks |
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Willow Crest “Collina Bella” 2003 (Washington) $25
A “Super Tuscan” styled wine, this blend of Sangiovese and
Cabernet Sauvignon is full enough for big red wine lovers to
enjoy yet still smooth enough to work with a wide range of
foods. Offers touches of cinnamon and vanilla on the nose all
quite elegantly intertwined. Mellow and soft on the palate, with
fresh fruit flavors-- not "jammy" in the least.
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Bookwalter Gewurztraminer 2005 (Washington) $14
There are very few Gewürztraminers outside of Alsace, France,
that I am willing to pay more than ten dollars for-- Bookwalter
Gewürztraminer is at the top of that short, but (semi) sweet
list. I love the distinct Gewürztraminer aromas of this wine--
the lechee, honey, light sugars and spice, a distinct and
incredibly tasty medley of fresh garden flavors in one glass.
Fantastic with almost any chicken or turkey dish, delectable
with soft goat or cow cheese and fresh fruit, perfectly simple
with summer salads and it kicks you know what with most Chinese
or Thai foods.
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I honor late family member Ron Schmidt, with the following two
"new release" reviews- both are sadly from Ron's last vintage at
Two Mountain Winery. Ron was the co-winemaker as well as part
owner of both the winery/vineyards and the family orchards. He
will be greatly missed by all. -Kathy Kongelbak
Two Mountain Winery Riesling 2005 (Washington) $15
Two Mountain 2005 Riesling is razor-like with light, crisp, and
dry fruity notes. (It tastes like riesling-not sugar.) Lovely
pit fruit aromas on the nose and lots of tasty citrus flavor for
the palate. Certainly one you will want to reach for time and
time again over the coming summer days or its fantastic with
just about any Thai dish.
Two Mountain Winery Chardonnay 2004 (Washington) $17
More classically French than Washington in style, this Chardonnay
is a breathe of fresh air. (Glass of fresh wine?) With
well-integrated French and yes, American oak, layered over rich
flavors of crème brúlee, apple pie and the slightest hints of
herbs. Would hold up brilliantly to rich sauces, chicken or
veal. Save yourself some money-this baby drinks like a $27
Burgundy!
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Coyote Canyon Winery “Life is Rose” 2005 (Washington) $15
This 100% Barbera Rose¹ offers a classic ³French² nose of fresh
Strawberries and wild herbs. Fantastic with almost any summer
fare… truly your BBQ’s best friend!
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Coyote Canyon Winery Syrah 2004 (Washington) $28
A ripe nose of mixed cherry-raspberry liquor and chocolate on a
satin-smooth finish. Ripe and lush, with amazing "over-all"
balance. The tannins are well-integrated, meaning you taste the
varietal, not the barrel.
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Nickel and Nickel Truchard Chardonnay 2002 (California) $35
Sitting in the heart of Carneros Truchard vineyards are blessed
with balanced levels of sun and breeze and a perfect South-Western
exposure, creating through nature’s “kiss” one of the best single
vineyard California Chardonnays I’ve ever had the pleasure to
experience. One gets the feeling when tasting this wine that the
winemaker kept this in mind and simply placed the fresh juice in a
barrel (we know it’s a little more complicated, but this sounds so
earthy) and let mother nature continue to take the wine where it
wanted to go, and it goes far! Classic, old-world style, full of
golden apple and Bosc pear with a soft nuttiness and touches of
grandma’s favorite baking spices. Creamy, not woody and simply
lovely.
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Santa Julia Torrentes 2003 (Argentina) $6
Torrentes is a native grape of Argentina. With its honeysuckle,
rose, pink grapefruit and white ginger notes this wine has a
pleasurable and crazy Gewürztraminer-Pinot Gris-Riesling thing
going on that for six bucks a whack brought a big smile to my
face. Simple and delicious, this wine will do you well sitting on
your deck or patio while the sun is setting and the friends are
getting chatty. Serve it up with lighter fare, Asian foods or on
its own, just serve it! I mean really, at this price…Get a case!
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Snoqualmie Cirque Du Rosé 2002 (Washington) $6
Having Ham Dinner for Easter? This is your wine! Snoqualmie Cirque
Du Rosé is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy all those tasty Cabernet
Sauvignon flavors without the all the heavy weight! This is an
almost DRY rosé loaded with fresh strawberries, hints of spice and
a little bit of a “tannic kick” on the finish. (Cab Light?!) Rosé
is often grouped in with white zinfandel, a generally lower-end,
sweet & common wine. In contrast, rosé is one of the hardest
working wines on the shelf. Equally at home with salad, steak and
potatoes as it is with scallops, salmon and rice this wine speaks
in diverse food languages…we should be listening!
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Seghesio Zinfandel “Home Ranch” 2001 (California) $25
This wine is perfect for a night out (or in) with someone fun. It
starts out a bit tight and restrained but by midpoint, it is open
and delicious. Over the course of our two-hour meal this wine
changed several times and each time, it just kept getting better.
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Seghesio Zinfandel “Cortina” 2001 (California) $25
(My personal favorite) Flashy & fruity. The grapes for this wine
are left to hang two full weeks after the Home Ranch grape. This
is the ultimate food zin! Grazing off my friend’s plates (I did
ask first) I tasted this wine with steak, tuna, fries, broiled
chicken and grilled mushrooms. Fabulous all the way around the
table!
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Seghesio Zinfandel “Old Vines” 2001 (California) $25
(Old Vines 30-80 year old vines.) Made from selected lots:1/2 each
Cortina and Home Ranch. Lively acids, lush, ripe berries and great
depth this wine wants a little high-fat food to go with it or some
ice cream to be poured over. I want to jump in my car with it and
drive down to Cannon Beach for a little beach fire with a few
friends. Although, at this time of year I’d settle for the
fireplace in my living room. Some “indoor” s'mores would be nice
too! I am thinking Belgian dark Chocolate and French Marshmallows
with locally made graham crackers.
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Justin Monmousseau Sancerre 2001 (France) $13
With an emphasis on elegance, J.M. Sancerre offers a fantastically
fragrant bouquet of white flowers and passion fruit followed by
the classic Sancerre flavors of melon, gooseberries, cloves and
flint all on a “zesty” finish.
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Banfi Principessa Gavi Perlante 2001 (Italy) $15
This is a perlante white wine (say: pair-law-N) made from 100%
Cortese grapes grown at the 77-acre Principessa Gavia Vineyard in
Piedmont, Italy. It is dry and crisp, and reveals hints of lemon
and honeysuckle balanced on soft mineral notes. Perlante wines
contain just a hint of carbonation – barely enough to make them
prickle, yet just enough to provide a pleasurable difference – and
are a pleasant change from the expected fully sparkling wines that
(I am sad to say) many guests do not always seem to get excited
about. This perlante is a perfect departure from the usual
bubblies employed for toasts and special occasions. I personally
enjoy it as an aperitif before a meal or served after dinner with
lighter desserts such as an angel food cake with fresh berries or
a selection of soft cheese.
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Jean Laurent Brut Rose Non-Vintage (France) $32
100% Pinot Noir. 1% residual sugar, 2 years+ on the lees. (On its
own yeast.) A soft nose of raspberries and cherries followed by
touches of leather, cherries and fresh baked bread on the palate
make this a refreshing bubbly for hot summer nights on your deck,
at friend’s get-together or any kind of celebration/excuse. (Jean
Laurent Brut Rose is also handy when you’re just sitting in your
living room with a bag of potato chips watching a movie and in
need of a beverage.) This Rose is aggressive in a much-understated
fashion. I love it!
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Arboleda Carmenère 2000 (Chile) $14
This wine has one of the loveliest bouquets I have ever come
across, plus generous spicy-meaty-berry flavors that seem to go on
forever. I believe everyone should try it! A natural match with
beef or lamb.
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Grand Archer Chardonnay 2001 (California) $14
100% barrel-fermented. We all know how hard it is to find a
bright, oaky, tasty, well-rounded Chardonnay with lots of
character for under $20! Well, look no farther, friends, because
this gem offers “all that,” with pear, apricot and lemon aromatics
added to the mix. Go ahead, get the chardonnay you REALLY want and
still save a few bucks.
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Bargemone Rosé 2002 (France) $11
Made from Grenache and a touch of Syrah, this rosé is DRY with
light notes of Provençal herbs and ripe fruit flavors. Great with
grilled meats and veggies, it is THE perfect wine for spring and
summer!
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Pierre Boniface Apremont 2002 (France) $10
NO OAK! Produced from the Jacquére varietal, Pierre’s Apremont is
dry and crisp, lightly aromatic, and quite fresh with a good burst
of fruit on the palate and excellent balance. Perfect as an
aperitif or enjoyed with lighter foods such as freshwater fish,
grilled chicken, and vinegar-based salads. Also works well with
cheese – try Tomme de Savoie, Reblochon and Raclette, or a fondue.
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Campanile Pinot Grigio 2001 (Italy) $10
Pining after a decadent risotto alla maranese (seafood risotto) or
coda di rospo al vino bianco (monkfish in white wine)? Maybe
you’re steaming clams or mussels tonight, or looking for a tasty
wine to go with basic fish and chips. If so, this is your wine –
great to cook with and tasty to drink! Campanile Pinot Grigio is a
dry, fairly neutral white wine with medium body and some spice,
making it a great choice for any light dish, seafood or otherwise.
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David Traeger Shiraz 1998 (Australia) $28
A bit like drinking a “dry” peppermint patty, this wine challenges
you to sit back and enjoy at a leisurely pace as it entertains
your mouth with a dance of spice and blackberries, wild mushrooms,
and chocolate. Traeger Shiraz is great on its own or with dark
chocolate torte, lamb, stew, or BBQ. Open anytime between tonight
and 2008!
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Hangtime Pinot Noir 2000 (California) $13
Jam-packed with lush flavors of boysenberries and peppered
violets, I simply love this Pinot, on its own or with seafood!
Because of its complex flavors, velvety fruit, low tannins and
medium body, Pinot Noir is one of the few red wines that pairs
well with young, medium-to-hard cheeses such as Camembert,
Cheddar, Gruyere, Mahon, Manchego, Maytag, and Tomme de Savoie.
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Saint-Pierre Minervois 2000 (France) $9
Estate grown and bottled. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
from France's Languedoc region, this wine is loaded with flavors
of ripe, plummy fruit, roasted herbs, pepper, and exotic spices.
It is medium-bodied with silky, sweet tannins and oak from aging
in new barriques. Try it with hearty duck, lamb, or beef dishes.
Also tasty served with spicy foods or hard cheeses.
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Plantagenet Omrah Shiraz 1999 (Australia) $15
White-peppered blackberries, a “killer” woody-herbal-spice combo,
and well-integrated tannins take this wine to places where other
wines only dream of going. Value priced!
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Pepi Chardonnay 2001 (California) $13
Zero-percent malolactic fermentation means you get to enjoy all
the bright tropical fruit flavors that can exist in Chardonnay
plus REAL acidity levels and some tartness! Repeat after me: “My
Chardonnay does not need to be buttery.” Try it on its own or with
grilled seafood (I like it with grilled halibut cheeks), crab
cakes (fantastic), chicken or portabello mushroom salad,
risotto...the list is endless.
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Justin Monmousseau Vouvray 2001 (France) $8
This is a DRY Vouvray. With a classic bouquet of nutty pears,
peach, and honeysuckle this wine pairs nicely with most soft
high-fat goat or cow cheeses. Why? Chenin Blanc’s natural
high-acidity level balances the fats from the cheese. Enjoy this
Vouvray today with a selection of goat cheese such as Chévre and
“Sainte-Maure de Touraine,” then add a fine Triple Cremé and serve
on a plate with assorted nuts, figs and sliced pears. For a main
dish try it with a goat cheese soufflé!
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Recommended
Books |
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 American
Vintage: The Rise of American Wine
By Paul Lukacs. Everything you ever wanted to know about the
Gallos and the Mondavis but were afraid to ask! If you drink
“Californian” you should be reading “American Vintage.”
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 French
Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew
By Peter Mayle. If a meal has never changed you life for the
better then this is a necessary read! If, like me, many have, then
sit back and relive your memories with this collection of
gastronomic tales.
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 The
Physiology of Taste. Or, Meditations on Transcendental Gastronomy
By Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. So dry it makes toast seem
moist; I love it!
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 Garlic,
Wine and Olive Oil: Historical Anecdotes and Recipes
By Thomas Pellechia. Be prepared to have fortnightly cravings for
olives and wine while reading this one, and for weeks after! (Tom
also owns one of the best wine shops in the U.S., Is Wine, located
in Greenwich Village, NY. Check them out at
Is-wine.com.) |
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WineSquire
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