Rikke Korff, looking as a Danish designer should.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but if there were an Iggy Pop of the wine world, it would be Charles Smith. He’s big, he’s bad, and I’m sure he’s karaoked to “1969” at some point in his life. I mean, just look at him:

I say, "oh my" and a "boo-hoo."

It comes as no surprise that before starting his booming wine venture, he managed rock bands in Scandinavia, home of glorious metal/industrial/folk fusion and purveyor of 90’s garage rock.

But anyway, this isn’t about Charles Smith. This is about Rikke Korff, Smith’s bestie of 15 years. Born in Denmark, Korff is famous for her simplistic (hello, Danish aesthetic), yet ingenious designs that mingles clean modern with edgy grunge. Beginning her flourishing career at Levi Strauss & Co., she became Design Director for their premium denim line before starting her own design house, The Korff Kounsil. When Smith decided to start K Vintners, he could think of no one better to assist with all of the visual aspects of his brand, including the winery itself, its tasting room, the logo, and of course, the labels that would make a really awesome sleeve tattoo for some big Charles Smith wine fan.

Some of our best sellers are Charles Smith wines, like the meaty 2008 Velvet Devil (oh look, it was my staff pick and everything), and the so-big-it-could-smack-you-around 2007 Chateau Smith. While the wine in the bottle makes us fall in love, it’s their saucy, raw labels that draw us in like an Opeth fan to a double bass drum fill. Check out some more of Korff’s work:

“My style of design has always been and is always rooted in the pure perspective of functionality, timelessness & simplicity. I blend that well with the guts & raw directness of rock n’ roll to create future icons and cult brands.” Rikke Korff

Finally, an alternative to those Jersey Shore reruns: PBS is showing a 24-hour Wine Marathon starting at 6AM on January 30th! The marathon will consist of Uncorked: Wine Made Simple, and the first season of JG’s Official Favorite Television Show, The Winemakers. Just a reminder: Just Grapes’ very own Don Sritong is a contestant on Season 2 of The Winemakers, for the first 15 of what we hope will be his many minutes of wine-based fame!

So not only is this wine show marathon going on, but there’s also The Great American Wine Riddle: a series of four riddles that, if you answer correctly, get you the chance to win a trip to California’s wine country! To join in on the fun, join the Winemakers Facebook, where they’ll announce the first riddle tonight at 11:59PM. An additional riddle will be posted on the 28th, 29th and 30th, and you’ll have to post your answers before 6AM on January 31st to the Winemakers’ Facebook page in order to get a chance to win.

Because we want you, our loyal blog reader and customer, to get the chance to go to California, we’ll sneakily hide clues to the riddles on various pages of our website. And, ahem, Just Grapes may or may not be giving hints to where the clues are hidden on our website, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The winner will be announced on February 8th at 7PM on Facebook.

One more thing: On January 30th, along with the Wine Marathon, TasteLive and Brian von Dedenroth will host a virtual tasting of the winner’s wine from 5PM to 7PM, and we’ll all be able to talk about via the interwebs. Of course, Just Grapes will pour the wine at the time, so stop on by and join in on the fun!

TV, wine, prizes: it doesn’t get any better, and Just Grapes is where its at. See you there!

We at Just Grapes love a good wine label as much as the next person, so we’re starting a series of blog posts dedicated to the artists that make those bottles great! Fess up to it or not, the way a wine bottle looks is almost as important as what’s on the inside. The label is a marketing tool, meant to make a bottle jump off the shelf and into your arms. Save for a few countries where the wine produced is so ubiquitous, they could put a drowned kitten on the label and people would still buy and love it (France, anyone?), most wineries don’t have that kind of luxury.

If you’ve been in the shop anytime in the past, oh, three months or so (oh you haven’t, you say? Well you’re due for a visit!), you may have seen some very distinctive labels on a few of our bottles. The 2007 Skulls, the cheeky 2007 Chateau Chateau Chateau, and the epic Anamorphosis all have one thing in common (besides being Australian and having Parker ratings): the art of Hungarian István Orosz graces each of their labels (and in Anamorphosis’ case, the incredible poster that is meant to be reflected in its mirrored bottle).

Born in 1951, Orosz—who also goes uses the pseudonym Utisz, which means “no one”—is an accomplished painter, graphic designer, printmaker, animated film director and a bunch of other titles of media manipulation and creation I’m sure he’d want me to list here (artists…). Often compared to M.C. Escher, Orosz loves creating images of impossible objects and geometric, mathematical illusions.

Resurrecting anomorphoses (Greek for “re-transformation”), an illustration that plays with perspective and optical illusion that was popular during the Renaissance, Orosz breathes fresh life into the technique. Early is his career, he focused on producing theater, movie and exhibition posters. With all the democratic changes in Eastern Europe in the 80’s, he was into drawing political posters as well. So he was quite the revolutionary as well.

Check out some of his art that isn’t on our wine bottles:

“There are things I can imagine and I can draw. There are things I can imagine but I cannot draw. But, could I draw something that I cannot imagine? That interests me greatly.” – István Orosz

http://www.utisz.net/

Tags: anamorphosis, artist, Garnacha, Just Grapes, just grapes chicago, wine, Wine Education

If there is ever an appropriate time to drink bubbly—though, personally, every time is an appropriate time for bubbly—it’s New Year’s Eve! Here at Just Grapes, we’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing the perfect sparkling wine for the plans you’ve got going on for counting down that last few hours before 2010.

The Quiet, At-Home New Year’s Eve

A seriously underrated NYE option, the At-Home celebration is a wonderful alternative to the crowded bars and stuffy parties that seem far too frequent on New Year’s Eve. Why slip on four-inch, pinchy heels when you’ve got cozy slipper socks from the Mom-in-Law? And instead of a $70 cover for watered down drinks and stale appetizers at a crowded club, you’ve got your SO cooking you up a home-cooked meal (or Easy Mac, which is fine too. It’s the thought that counts). For this occasion, break out the good stuff, because you don’t have to share with your drunk friends and can still maintain a low-key celebratory vibe. Check out the Duval Leroy Champagne, a gorgeous, creamy, toasty bubbly with oh-so-subtle berries.

The Motley Crew of Friends

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a non-cerebral night of 15-20 of your closest friends. Well, you may not know half of those people now, but come 3am when you’re all mumbling your 5th encore of Auld Lang Syne, the whole crowd will be thick as thieves. Now, before all that goes down, consider Varichon and Clerc, an absolutely delicious sparkling Chardonnay from Savoie. With pretty white flowers on the nose and toasty, delicate vanilla on the palate, this incredible value will be sure to earn you some friend (and at a price like this, earn more cred by stocking up so no one has to do a drink run in the middle of the festivities).

The Girls Only NYE

Sip on something pink, because girls love pink. From the candied Bitch Bubbly to the slightly off-dry Meinklang sparkling Pinot Noir, we have roses for every taste. Our newest addition to our pink sparkling is the Varnier-Fanniere, a delicately structured, toasty, traditional Champagne…until you get to those slight strawberries at the finish. If you closed your eyes, chances are you would barely perceive this as a rose, until those berries sneak up on the finish! So beautiful!

The Night of Party Hopping

When on a tight, party-hopping schedule, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of drinks at each pit stop. Word to the wise: Roll no more than three deep; taking a crowd and pillaging the booze supply at every stop will ensure you’re not on the guest list for NYE 2010. Bring a quality bubbly that everyone, everywhere will appreciate. The 2006 Raventos Cava, is a brut, clean and minerally sparkling that makes for a crisp and refreshing drink.

Whatever your plans, be sure to stop in and pick up some bubbly for the occasion. We’ll also pour six awesome Champagnes and sparkling wines from 4 to 8 pm today for you sample and see which is the best fit for you! Happy New Year!

Photo by Susannatron

Welcome back to the Just Grapes Gift Guide 2009: Part Two! This week we’ll be tackling those people who are extra hard to shop for, because everyone knows we leave them for last.

For Mom

When Constantine Alexis Zahoudanis, owner of Demetria Estate, asked his mom to pick out her favorite wine he had produced in 2006, she picked this Pinot Noir, and he named it after her! The 2006 Demetria Cuvee Sandra is packed with lush cherries, spice, and a touch of cola. There’s also some smokey earthiness to this Pinot Noir that makes it stand out from the crowd. My mom, who also happens to be named Sandra and a Pinot Noir lover, may or may not find this under the tree come Christmas morning. And by “may not,” I mean “she will.” I hope she doesn’t read this.

For Dad

If your Dad is a patient man, he’ll be delighted when he unwraps the 2004 Behrens and Hitchcock. Why? Because this supremely lay-downable Cab is so toasty, spicy and plummy/blackberry that Robert Parker said it would easily age at least 12 years, right before he gave it 92-94 points. If your Dad is not a patient man, he’ll still be delighted, because this huge Cab drinks deliciously now, too.

For the Art Snob

Do you know how difficult it is name-dropping Arte Povera painters at cocktail parties when no one’s listening to you? Show your very own Art Snob that you’re not one of the bourgeoisie with Chateau Chateau Chateau, a 2007 Australian Grenache whose balance and structure would rival a Giuseppe Penone.  This Grenache manages to be complex with its cherry/strawberry fruit, spices and earthy woodiness, but maintains approachability. Plus the label is done by M.C. Escher-inspired, super cool artist extraordinaire Istvan Orosz, whose labels make multiple appearances in our store, as well as our gift guides.

For the Wine Geek you’re Afraid to buy Wine for:

Her knowledge is intimidating, or at least, she thinks it is. This seemingly untouchable breed of wine geekery can be unnerving to buy a holiday gift for, but our Points Palates Wine Club is the perfect solution. Each month, we’ll send this oenophile two bottles that have been rated 90+ points by a wine authority. These wines are hand-selected by our wine buyer as she acts as your personal sommelier. Even better? If you were to come in the store and buy the same two bottle we send out, it would actually cost MORE than if you just got it through our Wine Club. With subscriptions up to 12 months, this truly is the gift that just keeps on giving.

For Everyone Else on your List:

Has our innovative, comprehensive guide somehow missed someone you still need to shop for? Check our our Gift Cards! Usable for any merchandise we have in the store, including Tasting Cards, events and classes, a Just Grapes Gift Card will make the receiver’s face light up with a child-like wonder akin to a 6-year-old’s visit to the Mall Santa.

Photo by Larry and Renee

Holiday shopping got you down? Just can’t find the perfect gift for those people on your list? Just Grapes has the answer! We’re truly a one-stop shop for everyone on your shopping list (even the little ones–our never-expiring tasting cards will still be valid once they turn 21!). To make it even easier, we’ve put together a guide for all those hard-to-shop-for loved ones.

For your BFF Since Like, Grade School:

She’s seen you at your best, dolled up to the nines in your Christian Louboutin knock-offs, and at your worst, with your head in the toilet of some dive (and she even held your hair back). Show her how much you care with Bitch Bubbly. This sparkling Shiraz/Grenache blend is just fruity enough with its candied raspberry-cherry-ripe strawberryness. It’s saucy and sweet with just a little bit of an edge, just like your bestie.

For your Hipster Friend Who Really Likes Wes Anderson:

2008 Mod: A cheeky, technicolor Vespa label and a cool, crisp white on the inside? Sounds perfect! This Alsatian-esque Pinot Gris actually comes from Victoria, Australia. Light, crisp and nuanced, this lemony-limey white will have your hipster friend sweeping his bangs out of his face to get a whiff of that white-flowery nose; he won’t believe his beard! After a thank you in the form of a fist-pound, he’ll nestle this in his messenger bag, right next to his aviators and a cd of a band you’ve never heard of.

For The One:

The One needs no introduction; you just know The One. Same goes for The Wine. Robert Parker gave this 2004 Shiraz 99 points, which means to him, this is about as close to perfect as it gets. This Wine is so deeply complex with its smoky, woody, black-and-blueberry notes right off the bat–and that’s barely scratching the surface! The Wine continues with licorice, spice and chocolate, and a bunch of other notes my tiny mortal mind can barely comprehend. If infinite ecstasy had a flavor, it would taste like The Wine. Gift it wisely.

For the Friend-You-Wish-Were-More-Than-a-Friend:

The story usually goes something like this: boy meets girl, girl likes boy, boy likes girl, but they just stay friends. Why? Quit asking so many questions! Regardless, 2003 The Fight has enough game for both of you. Sure, there’s two sweaty dudes duking it out on label, but think of it as metaphor for yourself boxing your own insecurities…or something to that effect. Round and juicy, this incredible Shiraz has hints of earth and licorice, which also happens to be a recipe for love. Just make sure she opens this big Shiraz with you over dinner, and not with some other guy.

For the College Kid Who Just Turned 21:

He’s lean, he’s mean, he’s a beer-chugging machine. He’s also almost out of college, and someone needs to let him know that doing keg stands of Natty Light shirtless just doesn’t cut it in the real world. Do him a favor with the 2007 Sineann; a Cab so lush, so approachable, so bursting with blackberry jamminess that it just might blow his precious little mind. Full-bodied enough to make him feel like Big Man on Campus, yet silky and fruit-forward enough for a kid just dipping his toes into a good wine. You’re welcome, little guy.

For the Person You Just Really Want to Impress:

Sometimes, we just need a gift that will render the receiver utterly speechless. For this occasion especially, the  2005 Anamorphosis Shiraz was conceived. With perhaps the most epic packaging in Wine History, the mirrored Anamorphosis sits in the center of a poster by Hungarian artist Istvan Orosz, and a mystical image appears in the reflection (to me, it looks like either William Shakespeare or a mustachioed Jeremy Irons)!  Our second 99-pointer on the list (could it be Mr. Parker is getting a little loose with those double nines? Nah–it’s just that Just Grapes has got all the good stuff), this fruit behemoth can be enjoyed now, or put to bed for 20+ years.

That’s it for now! Check back soon when we tackle the people who are really hard to shop for, like Mom and Dad, Joined-at-the-Hip-Couple, and Wine-Geek-You’re-Afraid-to-Buy-Wine-For!

Tags: Cabernet Sauvignon, chicago, gift guide, Just Grapes, red, white, wine, wine review, winter

While very few welcome winter with open arms, there is something undeniably charming about softly falling snow, the tiny white lights glittering from trees lining the streets, and the general warm fuzziness of family and friends around the holidays. In Chicago especially, there are tons of wintry events going on to keep the holiday cheer at full throttle, and we at Just Grapes have wines that go with winter goings-on of all kinds, from shopping to skating to snowball-throwing.

Now is the ideal time to grab someone you don’t mind falling over in front of and partaking in the free ice skating at Millennium Park, where you can lace up your skates and practice your triple axles in the center of the ice to the awe and admiration of a rink full of onlookers (or, more likely, clinging desperately to the wall at the edges like I do). Either way, good times are had, and they’re made exponentially better by warming up with a post-skate bottle of the toasty 2004 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon. This big, dense Cab is like chocolate, cherry and black jelly beans rolled into one deeply complex and delicious wine. It even displays notes of coffee and something that reminds me of dried leaves. Bottom line, this yummy Cab is sure to bring some warmth after a day at the rink.

What’s December without cookies? Pretty lame, I say. Whether it’s gingerbread men, meringues or just plain ol’ sugar cookies, decorating those babies with everything from traditional sugary snowflakes to (my favorite) icing caricatures of your best friends make sweet-and-silly gifts. And what goes perfect with gingerbread? Tempranillo, of course! The ripe, red berries of our 2005 Solabal will compliment the gingery cookie, while the notes of baking spices in this gorgeous Rioja with underscore the spiciness of the confection. Que delicioso!

Physically, mentally and emotionally, holiday shopping is on par with running a marathon. In heels. As a Sumo wrestler. The stress of picking out the perfect gift for a listful of loved ones, wrestling the savage crowds at department stores, and coming to terms with the fact that your credit card has melted into a warm, pliable version of itself before your very eyes is enough to drive anyone insane. So after a long, hard day of mall-hopping, why not crack open a bottle of 2008 Andrian Pinot Bianco? This crisp white with its peachy, apple, and honeyed pear notes will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle the 6AM Best Buy lines.

Cooking for a family of five is work enough, but when aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and everyone’s boyfriend or girlfriend comes along, preparing a holiday feast can be downright laborious. Our lovely 2009 Maquis Calcu rose is sure to ease some of that tension. With touches of strawberry and ripe berries, along with a little bit of spice, this crisp and citrusy rose is just enough to take the edge off without mixing up the salt and the sugar.

The Chicago Loop Alliance’s Winter Wonderloop is sponsoring the Merry Mistletoe Gallery. Holiday elves will be roaming the Loop for the month of December dangling sprigs of mistletoe over unsuspecting Loop-goers. Their resulting smooch will be displayed on their online gallery for all of Chicago to see. Grab some of our Rosenblum Desiree dessert wine to make your kisses that much sweeter. This chocolately Zinfandel blend is jam-packed with vanilla, cherry and a smidge of coconut. Surprisingly light-bodied, this dessert wine is a perfect way to end an evening.

There’s tons to do around the city during the holidays, and Just Grapes has the perfect wine to go with it! Stop in the shop to see the other wintry wines we have in stock.

Tags: chicago, food pairing, holiday, Just Grapes, just grapes chicago, white wine winter, wine, wine review, winter

Norman Rockwell

Miss our Thanksgiving Pairing class and still clueless about what to imbibe on Turkey Day? Well, we can forgive the whole “skipping class” thing (but don’t let it happen again!) and have recap to boot.

Now, we couldn’t just taste wine and try to imagine how great it would be with Thanksgiving fare–we at Just Grapes had to prove it! We served up a traditional Thanksgiving meal that included stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams with candied walnuts, grilled squash, adorable tiny pies and, of course, turkey with a selection of 8 delectable wines to sample along as we ate.

First up was the light-bodied, agile 2008 Banyan Gewurztraminer. This guy is our favorite go-to for sushi and Asian cuisines, but like some kind of dynamic ninja wine, he also is a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving table. With white peach, rose petal and lychee, this delicate, aromatic and crisp wine matches the texture of turkey as well as the smoky, savory citrus of the meat. Banyan would also go great with:

-Butternut Squash Risotto with Bacon and Sage

-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Dried Fig and Mushroom Sauce

-Fast-Track Baby Back Ribs

-Pan-Seared Pork Chops

Next was the coy 2007 Diva Riesling. This off-dry, peachy Riesling has racy acidity and matched the turkey in a very similar way to Banyan: both the turkey and the Riesling are delicate in texture. However, the sweetness in the Riesling contrasts the savory of the turkey, highlighting the best in each other. Also try Diva with:

-Cumin-crusted Lamb

-Plank-Cooked Salmon

-Sirloin Steak with Beurre-Naise sauce

Our 2008 Donausonne was third, and is one of only two sweet reds we carry at the store. Action-packed with fresh strawberries, cherries and allspice, this Blaufrankisch went fantastically with the savory turkey, much in the same way we love sweet cranberry sauce with turkey. Give him a go with:

-Oven-Charred Asparagus with Cheese and Balsamic Vinegar

-Lemon-Herb-Prosciutto Shrimp

-Spice-Pained Salmon

-BBQ Chicken

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to whip out Black Chook, our sparkling Shiraz. This medium-bodied, creamy-yet-acidity red is deceptively light (hint: it’s because of the bubbles!) and when eaten with food, turns into a whole new beast. The turkey brings out the peppery spiciness of the Shiraz, while the fruits of the wine compliment the turkey. Try Black Chook with:

-Roasted Chicken

-Seared Shrimp and Chorizo

-BBQ Chicken (again.)

Next up were two of our very limited quantity Beaujolais: 2007 Louis Jadot Chateau Lumieres Morgon, and 2007 Louis Jadot Cheateau des Jacques Moulin-A-Vent. It never ceases to surprise me how these villages can be so near each other and produce such different wines! Chateau Lumieres has bright cherries, raspberries and strawberries, a little violet, with supple tannins and nice acidity. Chateau des Jacques still has those detectable fruits (though a little less ripe and crisper) with smoky meatiness to it.  The Morgon contrasted the turkey with its fresh fruit, while the Moulin-A-Vent underscored the smoky gaminess. Try both of these Gamays with:

-Bean and Black Olive Bruschetta

-Seared Tuna and Lemon

-Flank Steak with Spicy Herb Oil

-Sherry-Glazed Pork Chop with Mushrooms

Finally, we came across our two big, bad Pinots: 2007 Lucia and 2006 Alma Rosa. The more subtle, nuanced Lucia–with its floral notes, sweet spice and earth–brought out the savory aspects of the turkey while bold Alma Rosa’s medium body contrasted the turkey’s delicate texture. Pair these up with:

-Grilled Pork Loin

-Salmon Fillets

-Crispy Chicken and Shallot Hash

-Rosemary and Sweet Garlic Roast Chicken

Just because the holidays are upon us doesn’t mean that pairing delicious food with delicious wine is just a special occasion kind of deal; the fact is that most wine works with most food, so go on and pick up a bottle of wine for a middle-of-the-week dinner–it’ll make it that much more enjoyable. Be adventurous with your food/wine pairings and throw convention out the window.

Don’t forget to check out our complimentary Thanksgiving Tasting on November 25 from 4-8pm, and our exciting upcoming classes, like our December 10th Holiday Sweets and Dessert Wine class and the Bubbly and Champagne Seminar on the 17th.

Tags: chicago, food pairing, Gamay, Just Grapes, November, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, sparkling, Thanksgiving, wine, Wine Education, wine tasting

By Maggie Smith

Tags: Barrel Project, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, just grapes chicago, wine, wine tasting, winemaking

By Raquel Scianna

Summer:

First let me start off by saying I am fully aware that it’s November. Fully, agonizingly aware.

But really, Summer. WTF.  You leave us mid-September (oh yes, I remember those 80 degree September days fondly) and just as we’re about to resign to impending winter, you give us an incredible, 70 degree weekend–only to take it away…again! Well guess what, Summer, I don’t need you or your tricksy ways anymore. Yes, I miss your dozens of colorful street festivals, your sweltering humidity, your sun browning my shoulders! Sure, I miss lying by the pool, being fanned by palm fronds and fed sliced, exotic fruits by hunky Ryan Gosling look-alikes while sipping on some good Riesling. (Ok, that never happened, but only because there wasn’t enough time.) But I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve too, in the form of new, downright tropical whites we just got in here at Just Grapes to keep the party going just a little longer.

The 2007 La Vis Dipinti Pinot Grigio is beautifully aromatic with white, summery flowers, and hints of peach–the kind of wine that’s meant to be sipped while lying in a hammock in the shade on a hot, June day, or during a deep Chicago freeze while fantasizing about that hot, June day.

Our 2007 Andrian Pinot Bianco is crisp and refreshing, with nice minerality, ripe melons, and a smidge of honey. This is  reminiscent of picnics in the park and maybe even a kite-flying date, and would be lovely with chicken-asparagus risotto or some grilled shrimp-onion-pineapple kabobs.

If an Indian Summer were somehow bottled in all its delightfully unexpected glory, 2008 Conundrum would be it. Way juicy apple, nectarine, pear and yummy white flowers make this medium-bodied white blend the perfect surprise for a cool, fall afternoon. I see this going fantastically with a chicken salad with some tart, vinegary dressing.

Part of our Gluttons for Gamay series of Beaujolais wines at the shop, 2008 Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc Chardonnay is a lovely, minerally white that eases you into fall. Like a sunny November day, this Beaujolais Blanc is crisp and crunchy, but also has a ripe, peachy juiciness and a touch of citrus.

Summer, we had some fun together, didn’t we? And these wines just remind me of the good times. With friggin’ Winter looming just around the corner, you’ve faded just like my once-immaculate tan…for now.