ZD Winery Chooses Azul for Unveiling New Releases

(Frank Mangio/SD/11-30-07)
ZD Winery, that respected family winery along the Silverado Trail in Napa, was in San Diego recently and stopped at the Azul La Jolla for a formal wine dinner to present its new releases. Chris Pisani, the winemaker, has a lineup of lovely wines that I wanted to taste. I visited this innovative winery in 2005 and now the harvested grapes were ready for release. Azul La Jolla is a member of the Brigantine Family of Restaurants and is the showcase for the company with a lovely bay view and richly appointed furnishings. Helen Nguyen, manager; Kendra Morales-Gillette, ZD Sales; and Summer Lang, Azul Sommelier and wine director, all shown in the accompanying photo, tasted the wines and matched the menu. They paired the 2005 Reserve Chardonnay with the White Truffle Lobster Purse and the 2005 Napa Cabernet with Tahitian Vanilla & Cracked Peppercorn Crusted Tenderloin of Beef. Both wines were the standouts in a memorable evening. For more on Azul, access www.azul-lajolla.com. ZD’s site is www.zdwines.com.


San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival Wrapup
November 14 thru 18 was an incredible wine week in San Diego, thanks to the efforts of event producers Michelle Metter and Ken Loyst. Just in, the winner of the “Chef of the Fest” out of 55 creative makers of cuisine is Chef Gary Thompson of Viejas Casino, taking home first place honors for his Grilled Tequila Marinated Shrimp and Spicy Tomato Gazpacho. A Fiji Island trip and $3,000. in cash were among the prizes in the contest, presented by Nature Sweet D’vines Tomatos. Over 700 wines were poured in the 5 day extravaganza.

New Leader in French Wine Country

Frank Mangio / SD / 11-30-07
The #1 wine in the world this year according to Wine Spectator is from the southern French district of Chateaneuf-du-Pape ( shatoe noof-do-pop), part of the Rhone Valley. Not only was this appellation first, it had 4 other wines in the top twenty. What’s going on there!

The grape of choice in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape area is Grenache. This high powered grape demands low yield to produce its dynamic berry and current flavors along with traces of minerality. No stranger to vintages, this was France’s first wine district. The terroir can be complex: sand, clay, limestone and most interesting, stones. These stony areas provide muscular, dark wines high in alcohol. About 7,900 acres are in vine, with 95% red and 5% white.

The #1 Wine Spectator selection was the Clos des Papes 2005 priced at $80.

The ’03, ’04 and ’05 vintages all were historically excellent in character and body.

The winemaker is no stranger to accolades. He had the #2 wine in 2005’s list.

The Clos des Papes red is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mouvedre and the rest Syrah, all native to the Rhone Valley. The wines are aged in small wooden barrels for up to 12 months before the blend is put together. The pervasive stones that you see everywhere are vast rock beds from the receding Rhone River, and originally from melting glaciers.
For you travelers, yes there is a village of Chateaneuf-du-Pape, ( it means new castle of the pope) about 60 miles north of Marselle. Wine is king here and all tourism and attractions evolve around these lovely varietals. Wine shops abound and tasting is assumed and most don’t charge for a healthy sip. “It’s the only way we know how to do it,” declared one wine shopkeeper. The long viticultural history attracts many to this traditional European village.

Opolo Wineries in Paso Robles Featured at San Diego Bay Wine-Food Festival 2007

M.Bragg/SD/11-29-07

Paso Robles / Opolo Vineyards / Rick Potruch
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La Cereza Announces Sangiovese Release

by Cheri Linn

It was bound to happen eventually; it was never a matter of “if,” but only “when.” In congruence with the winery’s Mediterranean flair and winemaking gumption, and to the delight of its many fans (and hopefully soon-to-be fans), La Cereza is preparing to “up the stakes” with the first-ever release of a Sangiovese wine.

So what is it about this wine that’s causing so much buzz among the folks at La Cereza?

Well, perhaps it was the wine’s immaculate reception during its premier at Temecula Valleys Harvest Barrel Tasting, held November 3 – 4, 2007.

The barrel tasting allowed participating Temecula wineries to showcase their “best of the best” to about a thousand wine drinkers, many of whom had yet to experience some of the hidden gems found only in Temecula. Never to be outshined, La Cereza audaciously introduced a wine that was essentially still in the works at the time; a wine that hasn’t even been bottled yet (creating for many a truly authentic barrel-tasting experience), and had never been released under the La Cereza label.

“We feel that this wine is particularly special, “ said Buddy Linn, owner of La Cereza Vineyard and Winery. “Not only because it’s a new endeavor for us, but because it just tastes so darn good. And now after such a successful reception during the tasting, we’re even more excited about its release.”

Produced by La Cereza’s winemaker Gus Vizgirda and his staff, this earthy, fruit-forward wine is similar in style to many of the Sangiovese wines grown in California.

“It’s a little bigger, a little fruitier than its Italian cousin, “said Vizgirda. “It has aromas a bit more subtle than some other reds, but has a mid-palate loaded with spice, ripe strawberry, blueberry and vanilla, along with some faint floral and violet accents. The acidity is even and balanced and the tannins are very soft and smooth.”

Introduced in California in the late 1800’s by Italian Immigrants, this noble and ancient grape varietal, originally called Sanguis Jovis, the Latin translation for “Blood of Jove,” traces its ancestry back thousands of years, as it is believed to have been cultivated by the pre-Roman Etruscans. Since then, Sangiovese has flourished in Northern Italy’s Tuscan region, known by most wine drinkers as Chianti. Well-suited to southern California’s hot, dry summers, paired with consistent sunny days, Californian wine growers, however, are now beginning to see astonishing results in the production of this grape.

And La Cereza is proud to now be among those ranks.

Folks interested in purchasing La Cereza’s Sangiovese can do so by filling out a pre-order sheet at the winery, by telephone (1-951-676-1711), or at the winery’s website at www.lacerezawinery.com. This wine can be purchased for $18.95.

Wine Spectator Reveals Top 10 Wines in the World

The long-awaited top 10 wines for 2007 according to the leading wine publication in the world, Wine Spectator, has just been unveiled. They reviewed over 15,000 wines in blind tastings. 3,500 earned 90 points or more. The average price for these wines was $42. Average score in the 10 was 93 points. They are:

Ø 10- Krug Brut Champagne France 1996: 99 points. $250.
Ø 9- Robert Mondavi Cabernet Reserve Napa CA. 2004. 95 pts. $125.
Ø 8- Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Australia 2006: 95 Pts. $80.
Ø 7- Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Bolgheri Italy 2004: 97 pts. $150.
Ø 6- Chateau Leoville Las Cases France 2004: 95 pts. $90.
Ø 5- Two Hands Shiraz Barossa Valley Australia 2005: 95 pts. $60.
Ø 4- Antinori Tignanello Tuscany Italy 2004: 95 pts. $79.
Ø 3- Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape France 2005: 95 pts. $49.
Ø 2- Ridge Chardonnay Santa Cruz CA. 2005: 95 pts. $35.
Ø 1- Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape France: 98 pts. $80.

I will be compiling my own annual top ten based on all my tastings this year. It will be unveiled in the December 9th column.

Briar Rose – Old Europe in Temecula

A few weeks ago, Temecula Wine Country opened its doors to enthusiastic crowds, there to see and sip this years’ Harvest Wine Celebration. 21 participating wineries generously opened their best bottles and paired them with gourmet food at each location. If you haven’t been to an event in this appellation, mark your calendars now for the next: the Winter Barrel Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, January 26 and 27.

I first met the fascinating owners of the newest winery in Temecula, Briar Rose, a few months back at the Temecula Wine Classic. Dorian and Les Linkogle were so enthusiastic about their wines that I couldn’t help but be drawn to their offerings: an estate Zinfandel 2005, and an estate Viognier 2005. Both had been anointed with medals in tough competition this year. The Zin captured Gold and it’s easy to understand why. First of all, it’s California’s wine…a beautifully crafted, lush concentrated mouth-feel, with currant and blackcherry accents and a gentle powerful finish. At $24., it’s royalty in a bottle.

But there is more to behold than just wine at Briar Rose. After a careful navigation that led me to the winery at an out-of-the-way Calle Cabrillo location, I was awe-struck by the cottage atmosphere of the buildings. Come to find out, the hideaway was designed by the Disney architect who drew up the plans for Snow White’ cottage in Fantasyland. If you let your fantasy run, you feel a sense of the lovely murals and cottages of Bavaria in old Germany. This winery has played host to some of the biggest names in Tv and movies who come by invitation and spend quiet moments in the intimate Briar Rose Tasting Room, talking wine with Dorian and Les. You see, this winery is different, and like the European model, it is available to the wine consumer only by invitation and reservation.

Briar Rose is a boutique family owned winery, dedicated to producing small lot, limited production wines made from intensely flavored grapes…about 2,400 cases per year. Other varietals are Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Riesling, Chardonnay, Orange Muscat, Sherry and Special reserve Aleatico Port.

Dorian, (2nd from left, shown in photo, with Les and employees Tiffany Mclain and Terrie Griffitts) welcomes guests to enjoy the wines, explore the atmosphere of early European tradition, wander the gardens and savor the enchantment. The oohs and aahs will will just add to the enjoyment of the wines. It’s like no other winery I have ever seen in California. Phone 925-984-1179 or access their website at http://www.briarrosewinery.com

Learn About Wine and Chocolate Pairing

Evan Goldstein, a master sommelier, showed TasteOfWineTV.com co-host David Rogow the art of matching fine wine and chocolate. The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival was invaded by foodies, wine lovers, and fun seekers on Nov. 17th 2007

Learn About Wine and Chocolate Pairing and Tasting
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San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival - All About Wine Glasses

Give Thanks to these Holiday Wines

The Fall season is always an exciting one for wines as new releases are brought to market and the current year’s harvest is completed. I understand that California from coast to coast had a banner harvest with little rain as an impediment and rich concentration of juice, with no overproduction. The only exception was the Pinot Noir crop. The dry weather has left vineyards scrambling for grapes to make this wine. The shortage of Pinot could lead to rising prices for this fragile grape. But we won’t be able to taste the goods for a year or two.

• San Diego Wine Company is touting the Chateau Bellisle Mondotte, St. Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux, 2005, for just $28.95. ‘05 was an incredible year in France.
  
  
• Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 2004. Just out as the #9 wine in all the world from Wine Spectator at 95 points. $125. This was the last year that the Mondavis had a hand in the winemaking before being taken over. But wait…I just tasted the ’04 Mondavi Cab, not the reserve, but a rich, beautifully structured non-reserve wine, for just $20… your choice. Just don’t bother with the ’05: a stinging taste and flavor…ugly!
  
  
• Banfi Chianti Classico, 2005. Well balanced, easy to please the palate Sangiovese grape. Easy price at $10.
  
  
• Pedroncelli “Mother Clone” Zinfandel 2005. Sonoma’s most pleasing old vine Zin. Full-bodied classicDry Creek Valley wine. Just a touch of Petite Syrah for a bit more bang. “ Mother” is 100 year old vines. Great concentration. Worth a look at www.pedroncelli.com. $18.

The Local Sip / San Diego

Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego has an “all about Zin” tasting event Friday Novembr 23 from 4 to 9pm. $15. per person. Big , bold, jammy Zinfandel or soft and smooth. They have them all. Call 619-236-0005.

Vino 100 in San Marcos is highlighting the World of Bubbles Friday November 23 from 5 to 9pm. $15. per person. Try some champagnes and sparkling wines. Call 760-591-9113.

The San Diego Wine and Culinary Center is focusing on Beaujolais Nouveau Friday November 30 from 6 to 9pm. $12. per person covers the band and its Gallic music. It’s across from the Convention Center on Harbor Drive in San Diego. Call 619-249-8839 for more.

Wine and Food Pairing for Thanksgiving

I am already in training for the big Thanksgiving holiday feast coming this year on Thursday November 22^nd. By that I mean I am hitting the gym and going to light salads and bran, and tasting a lot of wines. I usually buy the wines on the big day. My family expects that, being that I am a wine writer. I journey out to Dallas-Fort Worth where wine is more of a curiosity. I haven’t found a “lone-star” wine that I could enjoy, so it winds up being a cross-cultural selection of wine and beer at the table.

So, for those undecided types, here is a wine-food 101 check list of pairing for the food feast. For soups, salads, light pasta and mild seafood, chicken and turkey, serve: Unaoked Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, most Italian whites like Pinot Grigio, German Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

For full flavor seafood, chicken and turkey, game birds, veal and mild cheeses: serve full-bodied whites like Oaked Chardonnay( shown in the photo courtesy of Farrari Carano), White Burgundy, Pinot Gris, Roses and my favorite white…Viognier.

For rich-bodied pasta, rich varieties of seafood, fruit-based pork, veal and rich cheeses: serve reds like Bordeaux, Cab Franc, Sangiovese, Chianti, Rhone blends, Grenache, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

For heavy-bodied tomato meat sauce pasta with sharp cheeses, duck, game birds, herbed pork/veal, beef steaks, stews, ribs: try Italian Barbaresco or Barolo, Brunello, Rhone Valley reds, Cabernets, Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec and Zinfandel.

If you were looking for my favorite red in that grouping, I really can’t focus in on one. I enjoy several Zindfandels, Cabs, Barolos, Sangioveses ( especially Brunellos) and Syrahs. Let’s go to the next article and spotlight a few.

More info. at www.TasteOfWineTV.com

Taste Of Wine TV Showcases Nature Sweet Tomatoes

What part of sitting down to a great meal with wine, but without tomatoes don't you understand?

On Saturday, our friends at Nature Sweet will stop by our TV booth to talk tomato. Think of the pasta, salad, and other pairing possibilities....See you Saturday at The San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival.

TOMATO TIDBITS

· Tomatoes were originally cultivated in the Americas by the Aztecs and Incas.

· Columbus “discovered “the tomato and brought it back to Europe.

· A tomato is botanically a fruit, not a vegetable, because it develops from the ovary of the plant after fertilization has occurred. However, it is categorized by its use, thus making it a vegetable by law. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1893 that because the tomato is eaten with the main part of the meal instead of dessert, it is indeed a vegetable.

· NatureSweet recommends that you NEVER refrigerate your tomatoes –

it destroys their natural sugars and they don’t last as long.

Keep your D’Vines™ on the counter (out of direct sunlight) for optimum flavor and convenient snacking.

· The French labeled the tomato “love apple”; the Germans called the tomato “apple of paradise.”

· By 1850, the tomato was an important produce item in every American city.

· There are over 4,000 varieties of tomatoes.

· Americans eat roughly 18 lbs. of tomatoes per capita on average each year.

· Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene - the stuff that makes tomatoes red -which research suggests may reduce prostate cancer in men. Tomatoes are also a source of dietary fiber, potassium, iron, phosphorous and some B vitamins. They are low in sodium and contain no cholesterol.

Win a Cruise to Ensenada, Wine, Food, more This Saturday

Mention this blog entry when you visit the Taste Of Wine TV booth Saturday at the San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival, and you can enter our special drawings for wine, dinners, and a Cruise to Ensenada. (Must be 21 or over to participate. (Winners will be contacted by cellphone during the festival via text messaging, or e-mail). Ensenada cruise courtesy of Kimberly at www.BraggAboutTravel.com

11:15 Falkner Winery, Temecula

11:30 Opolo Winery, Paso Robles

11:45 Pedroncelli Winery, Sonoma

12: noon Williamette Valley Winery, Oregon

12:30 Ghiardelli Chocolates

12:45 La Cereza, Temecula

1p.m. Nature Sweet

1:15 Vina Robles, Paso Robles

1:30 Flora Springs, Napa

Still time to get tickets for the biggest wine even on the West Coast:
www.WorldOfWineEvents.com

EVAN GOLDSTEIN, Master Sommelier

Note: Evan will be showcasing his talents this Saturday at the Grand Event of the San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival. WorldOfWineEvents.com

With his remarkable palate, wine and chocolate pairing comes easily to Evan Goldstein, renowned Master Sommelier. Evan, who will appear at the San Diego Wine & Food Festival November 17, has created Top Ten Wine and Chocolate Pointers for Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate, a new line of gourmet dark chocolate with sophisticated ingredients. He will share his pairing tips in person with festival goers.

Evan is an exceptional teacher and author, who began his career at age 19 in the Paris kitchens of the Restaurant Le Saintongeais and the Hotel Lancaster. He returned to the U.S. to work at Auberge du Soleil in the Napa Valley, and Chez Panisse Café in Berkeley.

Accomplished in cooking, Evan found he had a remarkable natural aptitude for wine. In 1984, he joined his mother, Joyce Goldstein, in opening the celebrated San Francisco restaurant Square One, where as sommelier, his wine lists received numerous awards.

In 1987, Evan became the eighth American and youngest at the time to pass the prestigious Master Sommelier examination. In 1990, he was appointed director of the Sterling Vineyards School of Service & Hospitality in Napa Valley where he trained more than 15,000 professionals in the finer points of restaurant service, from food and wine to spirits.

Seven years later, Evan became a vice president for Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines Company then joined Allied Domecq, where he created the highly respected Academy of Wine, which has educated thousands annually. In 2005, he joined the Beam Wine Estates team and brought the Academy with him. In his current position as Vice President of Global Wine & Brand Education for Beam Wine Estates, Evan continues in his role as director of the Academy, orchestrating educational seminars around the world and overseeing training for all of the company’s winery hospitality and educational programs.

Evan has served two terms as chairman of the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, served as an advisor to the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, and served on the Board of Directors of Women Chefs’ and Restaurateurs (WCR). He was a finalist for the coveted James Beard “Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional” award in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2005. Evan was named “Wine Professional of the Year” by Sunset magazine in 2006.

Evan is the author of Five Star Service: Your Guide to Hospitality Excellence and the critically acclaimed book, Perfect Pairings: A Master Sommelier’s Practical Advice for Partnering Wine with Food. In addition, he co-authored with Joyce Goldstein Wine and Food Pairing in the Williams-Sonoma Lifestyles series and authored the wine notes for Enoteca, a book on Italian small plates with wine matches.

Evan continues to be recognized for his outstanding abilities as a teacher, moderator, and trend analyst. He is a regular editorial contributor to America’s Santé magazine, a contributing editor for Singaporean magazines Wine & Dine and Indulgence, an American wine correspondent for South Korea’s Wine Review, and a recurring guest wine expert on NBC’s syndicated television show, “In Wine Country.” Evan also makes regular guest appearances on the “Ronn Owens’ Show” on KGO-AM and on Saturday morning’s KPIX/UPN “Eyewitness News” – both in San Francisco. He continues to train and examine candidates for the Court of Master Sommeliers as a Founding Board member.

# # #

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is Just About Here

If there is only one wine event that you must experience, it’s the San Diego Bay 4^th annual Wine and Food Festival, ready to go Wednesday November 14 thru Sunday November 18, at several locations downtown. World of Wine Events, the producers, have five days of fun and education on wine and food, unmatched anywhere in Southern California.

I do hope my readers and viewers come to the Saturday Grand Tasting at the Embarcadero North Park next to Seaport Village from 12 Noon to 4pm.

Just beyond the entrance, Mike Bragg, executive producer of Taste of Wine Tv.com and myself, (shown in the attached photo) will be interviewing several wine and food personalities from Noon to 2pm and would love to have you stop by and talk wine with us. Over 160 wines will be poured, with food service from 60 restaurants and food suppliers. The “chef of the fest” is a highlight competition that’s sure to attract. Olive oil tasting, fine wine auctions and entertainment put a bow on the whole scene.

Start-up is the Wednesday “Wine Rave 2007” from 7 to 10pm at the Little Italy Urban Bar and Restaurant. A hip “Bling and Bubbly” will rock the downtown Ivy Hotel from 6:30 to 9pm with fashion and show-stopping champagnes and cuisine. Thursday has 7 seminars on wine and cuisine at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center and Macy’s. Friday finds 8 seminars at the same venues, and a super Reserve and New Release Tasting from 6:30pm to 9:30pm on the good ship Inspiration, docked near Broadway and Harbor Drive. 150 wineries and spirits producers will wow the visitors, along with delicious cuisine from notable restaurants and caterers.

Sunday from a 10:30 am boarding to 1pm, the table is set on the Hornblower with a cruise around the bay that includes a lavish brunch, free-flowing Mumm Napa Brut and other fine champagnes from Mumm. The music’s on fire too with the David Patrone Band. Reservations are a must for this attraction.

Now to the most important part of this journey of wine and food, how to get tickets and get in on the action. Two ways to do it: Call 619-342-7337 for any date, or a package for all! You can also access ticket information on-line at www.worldofwineevents.com.

TasteOfWineTV.com Presents: Collectible Record Shop in Temecula Wine Country/Old Town

TasteOfWineTV.com Presents: Free DVD on How to Build a Wine Cellar

Pre November Wine News Posts (LiveJournal)

These are the posts prior to November 2007
http://tasteofwinetv.livejournal.com/

Cure for the Wine or Beer Hangover???

From Yahoo! News Network

By MARCUS WOHLSEN, Associated Press Writer

BERKELEY, Calif. - The effects are all too familiar: a fancy dinner, some fine wine and then, a few hours later, a racing heart and a pounding headache. But a device developed by University of California, Berkeley, researchers could help avoid the dreaded "red wine headache."

Chemists working with NASA-funded technology designed to find life on Mars have created a device they say can easily detect chemicals that many scientists believe can turn wine and other beloved indulgences into ingredients for agony.

The chemicals, called biogenic amines, occur naturally in a wide variety of aged, pickled and fermented foods prized by gourmet palates, including wine, chocolate, cheese, olives, nuts and cured meats.

"The food you eat is so unbelievably coupled with your body's chemistry," said Richard Mathies, who described his new technology in an article published Thursday in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

Scientists have nominated several culprits for "red wine headache," including amines like tyramine and histamine, though no conclusions have been reached. Still, many specialists warn headache sufferers away from foods rich in amines, which can also trigger sudden episodes of high blood pressure, heart palpitations and elevated adrenaline levels.

The detector could prove useful to those with amine sensitivity, said Beverly McCabe, a clinical dietitian and co-author of "Handbook of Food-Drug Interactions," a book cited by the article for its descriptions of the effects of amines on the brain.

The prototype — the size of a small briefcase — uses a drop of wine to determine amine levels in five minutes, Mathies said. A startup company he co-founded is working to create a smaller device the size of a personal digital assistant that people could take to restaurants and test their favorite wines.

The researchers found the highest amine levels in red wine and sake and the lowest in beer. For now, the device only works with liquids.

Mathies suggests the device could be used to put amine levels on wine labels.

"We're aware of the consumer demand for information. But that has to be tempered by the manner in which wine is made," said Wendell Lee, general counsel for the Wine Institute, a California industry trade group.

PORT: It Isn't Just for Dessert Anymore...

by Frank Mangio

I have noticed that many more wine dinners offered by upscale restaurants, are serving some lovely sweet or dessert wines. Most delicate pastries demand a sweet Port, late harvest Riesling, Ice wine or my favorite, the Muscat Canelli.
This southern French and Italian style dessert wine is made from the Muscat grape. More about that later.

I was interested in how the wines get so sweet as to be a dessert in itself. Grapes that are used have to be very high in sugar content. They get that way by being picked after the normal harvest. The sugar may be maximized by allowing the grapes to “raisinate” by laying out on racks before crushing. This waiting process is labor intensive and makes for a more expensive price point for the wines.

Alcohol levels are higher, usually 16 to 19% due to the very high sugar level.

Now to the lovely Muscat Canelli. Muscat grapes were known to have been some of the oldest in France and Italy, brought in by the Phoenicians and Greeks.

The aromas on these dessert wines are captivating. They reek of racy tastes like orange, melon, peaches and apricot. With the holidays fast approaching, the popularity of these dessert wines increases. They have a settling quality about them after a king-size meal. Now here’s a large sized tip for you. Some of the best Muscat Canellis in the country are from the Temecula Valley. Recently the Wall Street Journal profiled this lovely dessert wine and found two from this neighborhood appellation that they thought were among the best. Another surprise was these Muscats were lower than normal on the alcohol, about 10 to 12%, and although sweet, contained enough acidity to balance the innate sweetness. Served chilled, it relaxes the mind, and the heart.

The two Temecula wineries that made the short Wall Street Journal list of best Muscat Canelli Wines were: Maurice Car’rie ’06 for about $12.95 and Callaway’s ’05 for about $18. Check them out at www.mauricecarriewinery.com.
and www.callawaywinery.com.

San Diego Wine Events

The Harvest Wine Celebration in Temecula Wine Country is two days of wine and food tasting for the one price of $83. per person Saturday and Sunday November 3rd and 4th from 10am to 4pm. 21 wineries are participating. This has been a storybook harvest and you will see big smiles of the faces of the winemakers who will be present. For tickets contact 800-801-9463, or access www.temeculawines.org.

Jim Barrasso, the food and wine expert who runs Firefly in Encinitas will share his secrets in a series of classes at the Kitchen Witch Gourmet Shop in Encinitas November 26 and December 10, all starting at 6pm. Preparation and selection will be emphasized. $55. per person per class. Call 760-942-3228 for details.

Sorry to report that one of my favorite annual wine events, the City of Hope outdoor Wine and Food Festival at the Del Mar Plaza on Sunday November 4th has had to postpone the fund raiser to another date due to the fires in the county. For further information, call 858-452-6846.

The beautiful, elite Azul Restaurant in La Jolla is planning a lovely four course dinner to compliment the wines of ZD Vineyards and winery in Napa, Tuesday, November 6 starting with a butler-served Champagne reception at 6pm. Kendra Morales, California Sales manager of ZD will speak to the assembled on ZD’s classic, expressive wines. Wines with the courses include: the ’06 Chardonnay, the ’05 Reserve Chardonnay, the ’06 Pinot Noir, the ’05 Cabernet and a rare ’01 Cabernet. RSVP at 858-454-9616.

The North County Wine company in San Marcos has installed the latest version of an automated wine dispenser which they call the “Wine Cuvinator.” This is a very effective way to taste a number of new wines to try before you buy. Among the current wines installed for tasting: Dominus Merlot, Ridge Zinfandel, Luna Cabernet, even some Ports. Call for more info at 760-744-2119

Bacchus Wine Market and Tasting Room in the Gaslamp district downtown San Diego has 7 Bordeaux style blends from various parts of the world in a tasting on Saturday November 3 from 12 Noon to 9pm. $20. per person. Details at 619-236-0005.

The Four Seasons Aviara presents Rob Fry, wine educator at Bon Climat on the Central California coast, Thursday November 8th starting at 6:30pm. Their Pinot Noir, Chardonannay and Pinot Blanc wines are well received. $125. per person. To RSVP, call 760-603-3790.

Quintessa Wines are spotlighted in a lovely wine dinner at Pamplemousse Grill in Del Mar, Tuesday November 13 at 6:30pm. Phone 858-792-9090. $175. per person.

Via Italia celebrates ten years in Encinitas Tuesday November 13 with the legendary Sassicaia Family Wines from Italy’s top rated Bolgheri district in Tuscany. Dinner and wine tasting $110. Start time is 6:30pm. Call 760-479-9757.

Poseidon on the beach in Del Mar is initiating a wine dinner series Wednesday November 14 with Moet and Chandon Champagnes. Check with the restaurant for pricing and dinner menu at 858-755-9345.

Barry Podwell’s Firenze Trattoria proudly welcomes Marchese Antinori to the table Wednesday November 14, starting at 6pm. Antinori is the maestro of great wines in Tuscany. One of the wines on the menu will be their ’01 Brunello, a knockout! $85. per person. Call 760-944-9000 for more.