by Frank Mangio
Rose wines (pronounced roe-zay) both bubbly and traditional are those pink wines that virtually nobody has much to say about. They are those “retro” wines that were all the rage in the 60’s when Gallo made them famous. Then white Zinfandel was the rage in the 80’s. “Blush” wines were the wines of choice, with their sweetness and pretty looks.
But with America’s turn to dry, less sugary wines, pink was out and “reds” and “whites” were in. Now it seems, Rose is coming back, only more dry and acceptable to today’s palate. It is still a casual sip, easy to consume and stands well on its own. At its best, it shows a lively cherry, melon and berry flavor with a touch of acidity in its flavor, which separates it from its “oldies” ancestor. Sales of imported Rose grew by 40% in the last reporting period, 2004. The southern French region of Provence, the traditional home of this style of wine has upped its production 50% over 2005.
Here, it’s the Grenache and Mourvedre grape that is used to make Rose wine.
Closer to home, Pedroncelli of Sonoma is making award winning Rose with Zinfandel grapes. The Dry Creek ’06 entry has won double gold at the San Francisco International Wine Show, and gold at the L.A. County Fair. Cost is $8.99 a bottle.
Ponte Winery in Temecula has just released its Rose Spumonte, an Italian sparkling wine. Subtle flavors with a soft floral nose, this one is sweeter with its sparkling effervescence. It’s one of the few “pink” wines offered in the Temecula appellation. Price is $24.95 from the website at www.pontewinery.com.
Learn more about Pedroncelli at www.pedroncelli.com.
The Local Sip will resume with the next column.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Master Chef with a Passion for Wine
By Frank Mangio
Steve Hamlin is a man on a mission. His passion: spread the gospel of fine food perfectly matched with fine wine. His venue: Temecula Wine Country.
I mentioned Steve in my last column on wine and chocolate pairing when he was opening up minds and palates on that very subject a few years ago when his Allie’s Restaurant, named after his lovely wife Alicia, was a popular restaurant at Callaway Winery in Temecula Wine Country. Prior to that, Steve competed for 13 years in the culinary arts space and was named “Best Up and Coming Chef” and “Best Chef in the West.” He advises and teaches at San Diego State University in its wine extension studies program, oversees a thriving catering and special events business and is seen at many winery dinner events, making sure that every detail is of the highest quality.
I last had the opportunity to feel the energy of this wine and food renaissance man at Keyways Vineyard and Winery (see accompanying photo of this writer and Steve Hamlin). During a lovely four course event there, Steve found an opportunity to fire up the taste buds of those in attendance with a rousing talk on the essence of the wine/food pairings been served. He meticulously unveiled the “holy grail” of the wine offered and exactly why it was meant for the food companion that it was mated to.
Now to the best part of this testimony on Steve and his impact in Temecula Wine Country. After a period of time without a restaurant to call his own, Steve and Allie are about to open their newest creation: “Allie’s Tapas au Vin” a Wine Bar and Café, on Overland Drive in Temecula. It will be a contemporary upscale wine lounge and restaurant, with premium wines, including Charles Krug, Jordan, Franciscan, many Bordeaux names and a lovely list of Temecula wines. It will also have a cocktail menu, a Mediterranean style of Tapas, entree selections from Brasato Tortelloni to Rack of New Zealand Lamb. A “Café Menu,” like roasted Vegetable and Cheese Panini and Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap will be presented with Mediterranean Fusilli and Fried Leeks.
A Grand Opening is planned for 6pm Saturday January 12,with proceeds going to the couple’s favorite charity: the George C. Glenner Alzheimer Family Center, a facility that is close to the family, since Allie’ s “grannie” was lost to this disease in 1998. Since then the Hamlins have donated more then $250,000. to this cause. Tickets are $75. per person. A live auction for great items will be at 8pm.
You can RSVP by calling 951-235-9219 or e mail ….steve@alliestapas.com. The website to learn more about Steve and Allie Hamlin is: www.alliestapas.com.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Wine Girl Reports on San Diego Bay Wine/Food Fest. 2007
JANENE ROBERTS - San DiegoThere were many interesting merchants at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food festival that was held in November. Here are some of my favorites.
* For the girly-girl in me the Sence Rose Nectar was a stand out. A non-alcoholic product, it can be added to sparkling water for a refreshing drink or mixed with spirits like vodka, tequila, cognac, or rum. The website (www.sencenectar.com) says it's made with "the aromatic and flavorful extract of the Kazanlak Rose". It mentions that it has vitamin C and can be used as a juice or soft drink alternative. The reps said you could find it at Whole Foods.
* Celebration Cellars out of Temecula, California, (www.celebrationcellars.com) offers wine labels etched with star's names like Madonna or even your own name if you'd like.
* I found Traverso's 2003 Syrah at last year's event and still find it intriguing. It's a double gold medal wine.
Wine Girl
Wine Girl Says...
JANENE ROBERTS - San DiegoIt's a mix of one bride and groom, a beautiful Syrah, and a drunken guest, all at a Sonoma winery-no it's not a Harlequin romance novel, but a wedding I attended during this fall's harvest.
So a wedding at a winery in Sonoma, California, what could be more romantic than that? I was thinking that anyway when my friend Dave, asked me to go to his cousin's wedding at Nicholson Ranch. It was September and the wineries would be harvesting their latest creations and I couldn't wait. Like all romance novels, err, weddings, there are unique characters wound into an almost too beautiful to be real setting. The sun was lowering itself as the bride and groom said their vows under a flower-embellished arbor among the vineyards.
There was a glint of emotion in the groom's eyes and voice. The bride was beautiful in a shoulder less dress that reportedly was a copy of the one worn by Marcia Cross. The four bridesmaids all wore a different shade of purple. In the background was a hilly knoll of grass that had turned into straw.
A family friend officiated and the vows were quickly exchanged. Once the bride and groom strolled down the aisle the guests luxuriously walked through a thick carpet of rose pedals toward the reception that was held in the courtyard of the winery. White lights flanked guests overhead. I kept wondering if I had stepped into a photo shoot for Wine Spectator magazine.
Round reception tables were dressed in white and purple floor length tablecloths that blew in the wind. Heat lamps blazed near the tables and the guests found their seats. Wine was flowing around the table and that's when the star appeared. Of course, the star beyond the bride and groom. The object of my attention was dressed in deep purple and sparkled against glass.
When I gazed intently at it I thought I was being winked at. The aroma was a mix of my favorite cologne and luscious raspberries. I became intoxicated by the scent. It wasn't enough just to look at it and breathe in the aroma. I had to have a taste. I drank in the warm glow of plush berries and perfume. This, I decided was what they meant when they described a wine as being perfumy. I imbibed in a full glass of the 2004 Bennett Valley Syrah, and was so thrilled to have found a wine soul mate that I barely noticed the drunken guest sitting next to Dave.
She was loudly clanging the wine and water glasses and eventually aroused enough attention in the bride and groom that they kissed. I was so enthralled with the wine that I just smiled and sank in the sparkle hoping some of its star power would glow inside of me.
You can find the wine at http://www.nicholsonranch.com/syrah.shtml
2004 Bennett Valley Syrah (listed $35/bottle)
Pairing Wines with Chocolate
FRANK MANGIO - Carlsbad
I was first introduced to the fascinating flavors of red wine and chocolate by Temecula master chef Steve Hamlin who was doing a cooking seminar for the San Diego State University “Business of Wine” classes. I thought it odd at the time, but Steve, who breaks barriers regularly, insisted that the togetherness would knock us out. It did and I have become a fan of the pairing since. It’s simple to do. Place a piece of chocolate in your mouth and chew, mixing the natural saliva of your mouth. When the chocolate is of a thin consistency, take a sip of wine about the same amount as the chocolate. Gently swish the two ingredients together and swallow. Then take more wine to wash the last of the chocolate from your mouth.
Practice makes perfect so keep trying with different reds. I enjoy Grenache from the Rhone Valley ( also Garnarcha, same thing , from Spain) and Cabernet. Ports are also delicious with desserts based on chocolate.
This week there are no Local Sip events due to the holiday parties. The January calendar is starting to fill up, so expect big events in wine next month.
I was first introduced to the fascinating flavors of red wine and chocolate by Temecula master chef Steve Hamlin who was doing a cooking seminar for the San Diego State University “Business of Wine” classes. I thought it odd at the time, but Steve, who breaks barriers regularly, insisted that the togetherness would knock us out. It did and I have become a fan of the pairing since. It’s simple to do. Place a piece of chocolate in your mouth and chew, mixing the natural saliva of your mouth. When the chocolate is of a thin consistency, take a sip of wine about the same amount as the chocolate. Gently swish the two ingredients together and swallow. Then take more wine to wash the last of the chocolate from your mouth.
Practice makes perfect so keep trying with different reds. I enjoy Grenache from the Rhone Valley ( also Garnarcha, same thing , from Spain) and Cabernet. Ports are also delicious with desserts based on chocolate.
This week there are no Local Sip events due to the holiday parties. The January calendar is starting to fill up, so expect big events in wine next month.
Time for Champagne this New Years Eve
FRANK MANGIO - Temecula
Once a year I get re-aquainted with venerable old names from a special place called Champagne, France. Names like: Moet et Chandon, Dom Perignon, Krug and Bollinger are suddenly available at prices that can take your breath away. Prices for the four mentioned, average about $250. per bottle for a vintage in the 90’s.
If you’re still with me and I haven’t chased you away with that price range, let’s explore why these sparkling wines are so in demand. Champagne is a product of either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Chardonnay is the only white grape grown in the area and used in virtually all Champagnes. “Blanc de blancs” are exclusively Chardonnay.
The Pinot Noir gives the Champagnes tint, texture and aroma. The region that can call its wines Champagne is a district of France that is East of Paris, in the Reims area. The name Champagne is derived from Campagnia, a latin term for the countryside near Rome, Italy. The conquerors from Rome brought winemaking to the hills of Champagne. The inventor though was a French monk, Dom Pierre Perignon, who really was motivated to find a way to make white wine out of red grapes.
Today, that is no problem, but in his day, in the 17th century, he kept getting something terribly wrong…he kept getting frothy bubbles. Eventually the “champenois” or winemakers, began to think the sparkle wasn’t so bad after all and maybe, this was something special they could introduce to the world.
How many bubbles does a bottle of Champagne have? The answer is about 56 million, but that is only after the bottle is opened. If the bubbles are tiny, then you have a fine bottle, aged well, in the right temperature, in smaller wine cellars. The soil of Champagne is very chalky and porous. The weather is among the most cool of any vineyards in the world.
Champagne is a difficult and complicated wine to process. It evolves from a secondary fermentation during which gas is trapped inside each bottle, to become champagne bubbles. You would not want to drink this “blend” right away. The winemaker is envisioning what the drink would taste like years beyond. So it is that Champagne really will taste more beautiful with age. Highly rated years for Champagnes were 1990, 1995 and 1996.
A dry Champagne, that is one with very little sweetness added, is termed a “Brut.” It is best drunk as an aperitif or with a meal. “Sec” or “demi-sec” are sweetened Champagnes that really shine at the end of a meal or with fruit desserts. Of course, the vast majority of Champagnes are Brut with very little sugar in the content. Alcohol content is generally held to about 12%.
Non-vintage champagne requires great skill on the part of the winemaker who blends the grapes and takes it through the double fermentation, then shortly after, bottling and selling occurs. Locally, Thornton Winery and Wilson Creek Winery, both in Temecula, have sparkling wines that are very popular and are non-vintage value wines.
Chilled Champagne is best for drinking. Keep it refrigerated for some four hours before serving, but NEVER chill in the freezer…it will ruin the aromas and flavors.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Ring in the New Year in Temecula Wine Country
FRANK MANGIO Dec. 18A flood of event previews have come in from the wine capital of Southern California, Temecula Wine Country. Celebrating with friends and loved ones, in the friendly confines of a wine cellar, to me, has a lot of appeal. Some of these venues are hardly cellars; they are more like ballrooms in the vines. Check out these choices when the clock strikes 12 on January 31:
§ White Hot New Year’s at Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyard 7pm to 1am. (See accompanying photo). “White Hot” parties are big in New York and L.A.
A five course sit-down dinner with tray-passed appetizers, chicken, steak and dessert. The popular Tony Suraci band plays for dancing while guests enjoy Wilson Creek Wines and the famous Almond Champagne. $175 per person. Call 951-699-9463 for reservations.
§ Ponte Winery hosts their New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, “City Lights,” with décor and “street food” from the world’s biggest capitals. Instead of New York City hot dogs, think “lobster dogs!” A full Ponte wine list. Live music all night. $130. per person. Call 800-689-1292.
§ Flashback to the 80’s and you have the unique celebration at Wiens Family Cellars on New Year’s Eve. A luxurious menu of prime rib, king crab legs and dessert with chocolate velvet butter cake with whipped Grand Marnier mousse. A live 80’s band, the “M-80’s” will perform. $160. per person. Reservations at 951-694-9892.
§ Thornton Winery’s guests will stroll a red carpet at its Hollywood Gala party. Enjoy the King Biscuit Music Review, a gourmet meal and a balloon drop and champagne toast. $175. per person. Details at 951-699-0099.
§ Keyways will host the Black, White and Silver New Year’s Bash. A four course wine paired gourmet dinner by popular chef Steve Hamlin will be highlighted by filet mignon and prawns. Live music and dancing. Commemorative champagne glass. $135. per person. RSVP at 951-302-7888.
§ An elegant party awaits guests at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, at the beautiful Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Wine, dine, dance and delight in a huge balloon drop to bring in the new year. Nice thing about South Coast is that they have those plush villas that can be rented, while they last. Party is $120. per person. Reserve at 951-587-9463 Ext. 7205.
While you’re at Temecula Wine Country be sure to see a “Green Christmas” that includes 200,000 lights powered by solar power, a joint effort by Keyways Vineyard and Winery and South Coast Winery Resort and Spa. The nightly light show begins at both locations at dusk and lasts til 9pm. Includes horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides through the vineyards, wine and cider, carolers and surprise visits from Santa.
Most wineries have well stocked gift shops for that special wine related accessory that makes for a lovely gift. Many of them are offering discounts on their wines, and have produced special bottles for the season. The warm surroundings of an intimate shop at the wineries makes shopping ooh so easy.
Make Your Own Wine With Don Reha (Temecula's Thornton Winery)
Become a winemaker for a day at Thornton Winery’s Winemaker’s Blending Party on January 19 from 2 pm to 4 pm. Join winemaker Don Reha as he guides participants through a tasting and blending exercise in the Champagne Caves.
“Our guests will have the opportunity to put their creative talents to work in a small group setting,” said Reha. “I am looking forward to sharing the secrets, passion, and expertise that goes into making a premium blend.”
The class begins with tasting barrel samples, breaking down the components of each sample and discussing what makes the fruit forward wines of the Temecula Wine region so unique. Reha will offer tips on how to become more adventurous with wine tasting, while coaching guests how to blend their own personal mixture based on personal likes and dislikes. Cost is $65 per person and includes a winemaker signed bottle of your personal blend.
“Our guests will have the opportunity to put their creative talents to work in a small group setting,” said Reha. “I am looking forward to sharing the secrets, passion, and expertise that goes into making a premium blend.”
The class begins with tasting barrel samples, breaking down the components of each sample and discussing what makes the fruit forward wines of the Temecula Wine region so unique. Reha will offer tips on how to become more adventurous with wine tasting, while coaching guests how to blend their own personal mixture based on personal likes and dislikes. Cost is $65 per person and includes a winemaker signed bottle of your personal blend.
Bring in the New Year in Style in Wine Country
DON MCAULIFFE - DEC. 18
Wine Country is making it easy to celebrate the start of the New Year in grand fashion. No fewer than six wineries will be hosting festive New Years Eve parties, many with special themes. Thornton Winery for example, invites its guests to stroll down the red carpet for an evening with the stars during its Hollywood Nights gala. For $175 per person enjoy the sounds of King Biscuit Review, a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Liam Griffin and a balloon drop and champagne toast. At Wiens Family Cellars, New Year’s Eve is all about a Flashback to the ‘80s. The evening features prime rib, king crab legs, and chocolate velvet butter cake with whipped Grand Marnier mascarpone mousse. Music of the 1980s will keep everyone hopping all night long. Tickets: $160 per person.
Keyways will host the Black and White (and Silver) New Year’s Bash to bring in the New Year in a special and intimate way. The evening, which starts at 6 p.m., includes a four-course wine paired gourmet meal prepared by Wine Country Chef Steve Hamlin highlighted by filet mignon and prawns, live music and dancing and a commemorative champagne glass. Cost is $135 per person. Not to be outdone, Wilson Creek promises a White Hot New Years. The evening will begin with a festive glass of the award winning Almond Champagne then an array of gourmet white cheeses, a fresh fruit display with warm white chocolate dip. Sit down to a five-course dinner and dance the night away to the music of The Tony Suraci Band. Cost: $175 per person.
Celebrate an elegant New Year’s Eve at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa for $120 per person. Ponte Family Estate Winery promises the best party of the year for those attending its New Year's Eve Extravaganza. Enjoy wine, exciting live music and entertainment, festive noise makers, and a champagne toast as the clock strikes 12. Price: $175 per person.
Wine Country is making it easy to celebrate the start of the New Year in grand fashion. No fewer than six wineries will be hosting festive New Years Eve parties, many with special themes. Thornton Winery for example, invites its guests to stroll down the red carpet for an evening with the stars during its Hollywood Nights gala. For $175 per person enjoy the sounds of King Biscuit Review, a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Liam Griffin and a balloon drop and champagne toast. At Wiens Family Cellars, New Year’s Eve is all about a Flashback to the ‘80s. The evening features prime rib, king crab legs, and chocolate velvet butter cake with whipped Grand Marnier mascarpone mousse. Music of the 1980s will keep everyone hopping all night long. Tickets: $160 per person.
Keyways will host the Black and White (and Silver) New Year’s Bash to bring in the New Year in a special and intimate way. The evening, which starts at 6 p.m., includes a four-course wine paired gourmet meal prepared by Wine Country Chef Steve Hamlin highlighted by filet mignon and prawns, live music and dancing and a commemorative champagne glass. Cost is $135 per person. Not to be outdone, Wilson Creek promises a White Hot New Years. The evening will begin with a festive glass of the award winning Almond Champagne then an array of gourmet white cheeses, a fresh fruit display with warm white chocolate dip. Sit down to a five-course dinner and dance the night away to the music of The Tony Suraci Band. Cost: $175 per person.
Celebrate an elegant New Year’s Eve at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa for $120 per person. Ponte Family Estate Winery promises the best party of the year for those attending its New Year's Eve Extravaganza. Enjoy wine, exciting live music and entertainment, festive noise makers, and a champagne toast as the clock strikes 12. Price: $175 per person.
Judges Select 18 80-plus Temecula Wines
DON MCAULIFFE - DEC. 17
Many wine lovers in Southern California already know that Temecula is a premiere wine-making region. But last month, nearly two dozen Temecula Valley wineries took steps to ensure that the rest of the world gets the message as well. One out of three Temecula Valley wines that took part in a pioneering blind tasting in November were high enough quality to receive a good rating from the industry’s premiere trade publications, according to seven judges made up of winemakers and wine buyers. The panel concluded that 18 of 58 wines submitted for evaluation from 14 Temecula wineries were good enough to represent the region in future and be submitted to Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast for evaluation.
Wines were judged in five major categories: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Sangiovese and blends, Syrah and blends, and Cabernet Sauvignon and blends. Judges included winemakers Mike Tingley, Don Reha, Steve Hagata, Doug Wiens, and Jon McPherson and wine buyers Jennifer Lofland from Pechanga Resort & Casino and Jeff Slankard from Barron’s. The judges were asked to determine which wines would receive at least an “80” rating from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. “I greatly appreciate the difficult work put in by these individuals and hope that their efforts will help us better promote the image of quality wines in Temecula Valley as well as provide us great, expert insight into what each of us can change to improve our wines even more,” said Ray Falkner, winery co-owner and president of the winegrowers association.
No medals were given. Wineries whose wines were not selected will receive wine notes so that they can read what independent wine experts thought about their wine. Wines receiving ratings of 80 or more included: Leonesse 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Maurice Carrie 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, South Coast 2006 Elevation Sauvignon Blanc, South Coast 2006 Musque Clone Sauvignon Blanc, Falkner 2006 Viognier, La Cereza 2006 Viognier, Falkner 2004 Amante Super Tuscan, Hart 2005 Sangiovese, Mount Palomar 2005 Castelletto, Palumbo 2005 Due Figli, South Coast 2005 Wild Horse Thunderbolt, Falkner 2004 Rockcreek Vineyard Syrah, Leonesse 2004 Syrah, South Coast 2005 Rolling Hills Syrah, South Coast 2005 Lone Bolder Ridge Syrah, Thornton 2005 Estate Syrah, Briar Rose 2005 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and South Coast 2004 Wild Horse Peak Block 4 Cabernet Sauvignon.Oak Mountain Winery has become the newest member of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, which represents more than 60 wineries and growers. The winery and vineyard sit on 10 acres just off DePortola Road in the southern part of Wine Country between Keyways Winery and Leonesse Cellars.
Many wine lovers in Southern California already know that Temecula is a premiere wine-making region. But last month, nearly two dozen Temecula Valley wineries took steps to ensure that the rest of the world gets the message as well. One out of three Temecula Valley wines that took part in a pioneering blind tasting in November were high enough quality to receive a good rating from the industry’s premiere trade publications, according to seven judges made up of winemakers and wine buyers. The panel concluded that 18 of 58 wines submitted for evaluation from 14 Temecula wineries were good enough to represent the region in future and be submitted to Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast for evaluation.
Wines were judged in five major categories: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Sangiovese and blends, Syrah and blends, and Cabernet Sauvignon and blends. Judges included winemakers Mike Tingley, Don Reha, Steve Hagata, Doug Wiens, and Jon McPherson and wine buyers Jennifer Lofland from Pechanga Resort & Casino and Jeff Slankard from Barron’s. The judges were asked to determine which wines would receive at least an “80” rating from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. “I greatly appreciate the difficult work put in by these individuals and hope that their efforts will help us better promote the image of quality wines in Temecula Valley as well as provide us great, expert insight into what each of us can change to improve our wines even more,” said Ray Falkner, winery co-owner and president of the winegrowers association.
No medals were given. Wineries whose wines were not selected will receive wine notes so that they can read what independent wine experts thought about their wine. Wines receiving ratings of 80 or more included: Leonesse 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Maurice Carrie 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, South Coast 2006 Elevation Sauvignon Blanc, South Coast 2006 Musque Clone Sauvignon Blanc, Falkner 2006 Viognier, La Cereza 2006 Viognier, Falkner 2004 Amante Super Tuscan, Hart 2005 Sangiovese, Mount Palomar 2005 Castelletto, Palumbo 2005 Due Figli, South Coast 2005 Wild Horse Thunderbolt, Falkner 2004 Rockcreek Vineyard Syrah, Leonesse 2004 Syrah, South Coast 2005 Rolling Hills Syrah, South Coast 2005 Lone Bolder Ridge Syrah, Thornton 2005 Estate Syrah, Briar Rose 2005 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and South Coast 2004 Wild Horse Peak Block 4 Cabernet Sauvignon.Oak Mountain Winery has become the newest member of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, which represents more than 60 wineries and growers. The winery and vineyard sit on 10 acres just off DePortola Road in the southern part of Wine Country between Keyways Winery and Leonesse Cellars.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Miramonte to Supply Z Gallerie Decorative Wine Bottle.
(Don McAuliffe/Temecula/Dec. 9, 2007) Miramonte Winery has agreed to supply home furnishings retailer Z Gallerie with wine for its first decorative wine bottle, in addition to providing 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon for Z Gallerie’s Skeleton Cellars decorative wine bottle,
Miramonte will manage all of the online sales of the product, which can be purchased empty or full of fine wine at www.zgallerie.com and www.celebrationcellars.com. The empty 750 ml bottle sells for $32, while the version filled with Miramonte wine is available for $64
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to further expand our line of custom art label wines,” said Cane Vanderhoof, who owns Miramonte and Celebrity Cellars custom bottling and etching business. “To meet growing demand for these specialized products, we are in the process of increasing our staff by about 40 percent.”
Earlier this year Miramonte agreed to provide etched bottles and wine to Celebrity Cellars, a California company that produces highly collectible, very limited edition, star tribute wine bottles for notables such as the Kiss, Rolling Stones, Madonna and Celine Dion.
Miramonte also created and manages wine clubs for the celebrities.
The Z Gallerie bottle comes with an artful canvas label illustrated with a chic silver skull. The 2005 Miramonte Cabernet Sauvignon features deep, concentrated blueberry, blackberry and cherry flavors, with nuances of lavender, fresh mocha and toasted oak. It was aged two years in premium French oak.
Founded in 1979, Los Angeles-based Z Gallerie employs more than 1,000 workers at 76 stores in 24 states. One of its newest stores recently opened at Dos Lagos south of Corona.
Miramonte this year moved the Celebration Cellars bottle-etching business out of its winery on Rancho California Road to a 5,700-square-foot industrial building in Temecula. It employs as many as 50 workers during peak periods.
Celebration Cellars has been a leading producer of etched and personalized wine and champagne bottles for individuals, corporations and celebrities for the past 15 years. In that time, the company has shipped thousands of bottles of wine to customers from Antarctica to Saudi Arabia.
Since acquiring Miramonte in 2001, Vanderhoof has help make it one of the most respected and heavily awarded wineries in Southern California.
He works hard to produce wines of depth, character and sophistication in a style that focuses on intensity, individuality, regional distinction and elegance of expression.
More Food and Wine News at: www.TasteOfWineTV.com
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Mangio's Top Ten Tastings for 2007
(Frank Mangio-SD-12-9-07)
This year has been a huge one for wine sales, an increase in wine events and the many individuals in the industry that I have met who have a passion for wine.
As the Italians would say…”finche c’e vini c’e sperenza” (as long as there is wine, there is hope.)
I have attended roughly 200 wine events this year, always seeking wines that I can call my own. If your palate is like mine, it is constantly changing. What might have been lovely last year is so last year’s news.
This year I found 3 Cabs from Napa to merit my 10….last year there was none. Italy is again represented with 2 entries. Nearby Temecula keeps getting better and this year a cab whose grapes come from above and beyond the appellation scored in the ten. There was a repeat from last year, a delicious old vine Zinfandel from Sonoma. Chile also repeated with a consistently wonderful Syrah.
And rounding out the ten, an oh-so-smooth Shiraz from Australia.
The wines are listed alphabetically and not by rank. All are excellent for the varietal they represent. Prices listed may vary and are mostly taken from actual purchases or the winery websites.
¬Antinori Toscana Tignanello, Italy, 2004. $75. The trophy wine of the Piero Antinori family. The ’04 harvest bloomed beautifully all over Italy for this “Super Tuscan,” a blend of Cab, Cab Franc and Sangiovese. Concentrated and velvety, this vintage is close to the heavenly ’97 harvest.
www.italianwinemerchant.com.
¬B Cellars Blend 24, Napa Valley Ca, 2004. $36. 75% Cab, 15% Merlot and 10% Syrah, this ’04 does well to typify the exciting yield of the ’04 Napa harvest. Sweet red fruit fills the palate with fresh raspberry and currants. Fine balance on the finish. www.bcellars.com.
¬Bogle Reserve Petite Syrah, Clarksburg Ca, 2004. $20. The top “PS” varietal at the big San Diego Wine and Food Festival. Has a heady scent of ripe fruit with spicy oak evidence from14 months in French and 1 year in American Oak. Nice backbone…could age 10 years. www.boglewinery.com.
¬Chateau St Jean Cabernet, Napa Valley CA, 2004. $19. Highly acclaimed veteran winery that doesn’t disappoint, it’s a lavish wine with smooth tannins and smoky flavor; a pleasing price. www.chateaustjean.com.
¬Gaja Sperss Nebbiolo, Piedmont Italy, 2001. $50. In keeping with the powerful character of the Nebbiolo brand, this is a wine for the ages, from the legendary hand of Angelo Gaja. ( Accompanying photo shows daughter Gaia with this writer.) 94% Nebbiolo, 6% Barbera; 12 months in small oak, 12 months in large casks. Classic hints of the land: tar, licorice and a touch of truffles. www.terlato.com
¬Montes Syrah, Chile, 2005. $25. A repeat from last year’s ‘04, this hot appellation should be in anyone’s collection. The ’05 has some Viognier in the mix. From the Colchagua Valley. Sweet texture. www.monteswines.com.
¬Pedroncelli Dry Creek Zinfandel, Sonoma CA, 2005. $14. This “mother clone” old vine Zin shows style and class with a deep garnet hue. Demands respect as any matriarch would. www.pedroncelli.com.
¬Robert Mondavi Cabernet, Napa Valley, CA, 2004. $20. The final touch of the Mondavi family before they got bought out. Every bit as great as the “reserve” that cost over 4 times a much as this gem. www.mondaviwines.com.
¬South Coast Wild Horse Cabernet, Temecula, CA, 2003. $28. Best of class medaled at the CA State Fair, these cab grapes come from high ground Palomar Mt. area. Ripe and big…from the hand of award-winning winemaker John McPherson. www.wineresort.com.
¬Schild Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2005. $17. 400 acres of estate vineyards, about 1/3 devoted to luscious Shiraz. 25 year old vines. www.schildestate.com.
This year has been a huge one for wine sales, an increase in wine events and the many individuals in the industry that I have met who have a passion for wine.
As the Italians would say…”finche c’e vini c’e sperenza” (as long as there is wine, there is hope.)
I have attended roughly 200 wine events this year, always seeking wines that I can call my own. If your palate is like mine, it is constantly changing. What might have been lovely last year is so last year’s news.
This year I found 3 Cabs from Napa to merit my 10….last year there was none. Italy is again represented with 2 entries. Nearby Temecula keeps getting better and this year a cab whose grapes come from above and beyond the appellation scored in the ten. There was a repeat from last year, a delicious old vine Zinfandel from Sonoma. Chile also repeated with a consistently wonderful Syrah.
And rounding out the ten, an oh-so-smooth Shiraz from Australia.
The wines are listed alphabetically and not by rank. All are excellent for the varietal they represent. Prices listed may vary and are mostly taken from actual purchases or the winery websites.
¬Antinori Toscana Tignanello, Italy, 2004. $75. The trophy wine of the Piero Antinori family. The ’04 harvest bloomed beautifully all over Italy for this “Super Tuscan,” a blend of Cab, Cab Franc and Sangiovese. Concentrated and velvety, this vintage is close to the heavenly ’97 harvest.
www.italianwinemerchant.com.
¬B Cellars Blend 24, Napa Valley Ca, 2004. $36. 75% Cab, 15% Merlot and 10% Syrah, this ’04 does well to typify the exciting yield of the ’04 Napa harvest. Sweet red fruit fills the palate with fresh raspberry and currants. Fine balance on the finish. www.bcellars.com.
¬Bogle Reserve Petite Syrah, Clarksburg Ca, 2004. $20. The top “PS” varietal at the big San Diego Wine and Food Festival. Has a heady scent of ripe fruit with spicy oak evidence from14 months in French and 1 year in American Oak. Nice backbone…could age 10 years. www.boglewinery.com.
¬Chateau St Jean Cabernet, Napa Valley CA, 2004. $19. Highly acclaimed veteran winery that doesn’t disappoint, it’s a lavish wine with smooth tannins and smoky flavor; a pleasing price. www.chateaustjean.com.
¬Gaja Sperss Nebbiolo, Piedmont Italy, 2001. $50. In keeping with the powerful character of the Nebbiolo brand, this is a wine for the ages, from the legendary hand of Angelo Gaja. ( Accompanying photo shows daughter Gaia with this writer.) 94% Nebbiolo, 6% Barbera; 12 months in small oak, 12 months in large casks. Classic hints of the land: tar, licorice and a touch of truffles. www.terlato.com
¬Montes Syrah, Chile, 2005. $25. A repeat from last year’s ‘04, this hot appellation should be in anyone’s collection. The ’05 has some Viognier in the mix. From the Colchagua Valley. Sweet texture. www.monteswines.com.
¬Pedroncelli Dry Creek Zinfandel, Sonoma CA, 2005. $14. This “mother clone” old vine Zin shows style and class with a deep garnet hue. Demands respect as any matriarch would. www.pedroncelli.com.
¬Robert Mondavi Cabernet, Napa Valley, CA, 2004. $20. The final touch of the Mondavi family before they got bought out. Every bit as great as the “reserve” that cost over 4 times a much as this gem. www.mondaviwines.com.
¬South Coast Wild Horse Cabernet, Temecula, CA, 2003. $28. Best of class medaled at the CA State Fair, these cab grapes come from high ground Palomar Mt. area. Ripe and big…from the hand of award-winning winemaker John McPherson. www.wineresort.com.
¬Schild Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2005. $17. 400 acres of estate vineyards, about 1/3 devoted to luscious Shiraz. 25 year old vines. www.schildestate.com.
The Local Sip - San Diego
Dec. 9, 2007 (Mangio-SD)
Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula is presenting a Holiday Candlelight Dinner in the Barrel Room, Saturday December 15 at 6pm. The sound of carolers provides a seasonal setting for the chef’s cuisine and beautifully paired wines. $100. per person. RSVP at 951-676-4001. Callaway has just released a special seasonal wine, a 2007 Cab Nouveau. Very little tannin, ready for immediate drinking. $18.
Check it out at www.callawaywinery.com.
San Diego Wine and Culinary Center downtown has an intimate music venue called Dizzy’s and it’s packing in the wine and music lovers. Sunday December 16 at 7pm, a Scottish fiddle champ, with a mandolin player with entertain. On Friday December 28, it’s a CD release event with a mambo orchestra. For more info, call 619-231-6400.
Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula is presenting a Holiday Candlelight Dinner in the Barrel Room, Saturday December 15 at 6pm. The sound of carolers provides a seasonal setting for the chef’s cuisine and beautifully paired wines. $100. per person. RSVP at 951-676-4001. Callaway has just released a special seasonal wine, a 2007 Cab Nouveau. Very little tannin, ready for immediate drinking. $18.
Check it out at www.callawaywinery.com.
San Diego Wine and Culinary Center downtown has an intimate music venue called Dizzy’s and it’s packing in the wine and music lovers. Sunday December 16 at 7pm, a Scottish fiddle champ, with a mandolin player with entertain. On Friday December 28, it’s a CD release event with a mambo orchestra. For more info, call 619-231-6400.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Wineries Kick Off Eye-Catching Holiday Light Festival
(Don McAuliffe) Keyways Vineyard & Winery and South Coast Winery & Resort are helping to brighten up everyone’s holidays.
In December the wineries will host the Temeculights Holiday Festival, a spectacular month-long celebration that includes more than 200,000 LED (light emitting diode) lights powered by solar power that stretch over rooftops and vineyards and provide more than 14 miles of low-wattage visual excitement.
The nightly show begins at dusk and lasts until 9 p.m. and includes horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides through the vineyards, mulled wine and cider, Christmas carolers, award winning wines, Christmas cookies and snacks, a gift shop that carries unique holiday gifts, surprise visits from Santa and fun for the entire family.
Horse-drawn wagon rides $10 adults; kids $5 (5-13); under 4 years free.
“The lights are truly beautiful,” said Wendell Locklin, chief executive of Four Seasons Lighting, the Murrieta-based company that provided the lights. LED lights are not only brighter than typical incandescent lighting but they use 90 percent less electricity, according to Locklin. When used in combination with solar arrays, the lighting represents the ultimate in low energy consumption.
Keyways and South Coast hope all of Wine Country will embrace Temeculights in the years to come as an eco-friendly holiday event that promotes awareness about alternative energy sources.
To make Temeculights possible, the wineries have partnered with The Green Lights Project, an Arizona-based firm that put on Red Rock Fantasy, a two-month-long, nationally recognized holiday festival of lights that attracts more than 250,000 people each year to Sedona.
For more information call (951) 302-7888 or go to www.KeywaysWine.com
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