by Frank Mangio
2009 was the year of the customer in wine, food and all other aspects of the economy. The straight-up expansion of wineries, resorts, restaurants and wine shops came to a screeching halt, and cracks appeared as there were severe discounts and some closings.
The smart operators did what they had to as 50% discounts were in evidence for high end premium wines and restaurant menus. Small- bite menus and small portion wine pairings were the new buzz words. Argentina and Chile kept the pressure on the establishment wine countries, with lovely tasting native wines like Malbec and Camanere.
The mantra of the health benefits of red wine continued to impress as the anti-oxidant Resveratrol and its cardiovascular benefits were reported by medical experts.
Over 20 or the top 100 wines of the world, reported by the respected Wine Spectator were under $20. suggested retail, a symptom of the times.
I attended over 270 wine events at wineries, restaurants, hotels and special events, tasting thousands of wines, and documenting their tasting characteristics.
The list contains wines that impressed me with price to value. Prices can vary and are generally what I have observed on their web sites and in retail stores. All are equal in consideration and are NOT ranked 1 to 10, but are listed by alphabetical order. Web sites are listed for your further information.
* Amavi Les Collines Syrah, Walla Walla WA , 2007. $34. The essence of great Rhone Syrah. Fantastic intensity of fruit with the right balance of acidity. 16 months in French oak. Farmed sustainably. www.amavicellars.com.
* Banfi Vintners Casillero del Diablo Camenere, Rapel Valley,Chile. $11. A touch of Cab and Syrah add to this native grape, with its dark, crimson look and taste. Toasty American oak gives it depth and structure. A true Chilean wine. www.banfivintners.com.
* Brolio Ricasoli Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy. 2003. $11. An incredible value for a six year old Italian classic from a winery that dates back to the 12th century. 100% Sangiovese. This family created modern- day Chianti. www.ricasoli.it
* Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley CA. 2007. $85. A hallmark name in Bordeaux style Napa winemaking. The estate only grows this varietal. Historic brand in a peak performance. www.caymus.com.
* Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon. 2006. $20. Heart and Earth both contain letters that are used in Erath and sum up the grapes made in this part of the wine world. Luscious ripe strawberry taste that floats on the palate. www.erath.com.
* Justin Isosceles, Paso Robles, CA. 2006. $62. Intense flavors come through from 86% Cabernet, 9% Cab Franc and 5% Merlot. 24 months in French Oak. Lovely flavor retention once opened. A top ten repeat. www.justinwine.com.
* Miner Viognier, Napa Valley, CA. 2007. $16. Has complex tropical notes that Viognier lovers look for. Spice and almond make it a lovely white wine. www.minerwines.com.
* Pedroncelli Dry Creek Mother Clone Zinfandel, Sonoma, CA. 2007 $15. Only select hand-picked grapes on old vines are allowed in bottle. Spice and pepper accent ripe blueberry finish. A repeat for this multi-generation Italian family-founded winery. Signature performance. www.pedroncelli.com.
* Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon. 2007. $38. Discovery of the year! Radiates soft, smooth tannins with a dusty cola/mocha ambience. Black cherry and raspberry heart. A triumph. www.sokolblosser.com.
* ZD Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros Napa Valley, CA. 2007. $65. A tribute to the memory of ZD founder Norman deLeuze, and his favorite wine. This is the 4th Pinot Noir on this list, a banner year for this epic grape. Fifteen months in French Oak. A gourmet’s Pinot with natural depth and complexity. Limited production. www.zdwines.com.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Four Great Ideas for Holiday Cheer in San Diego
* San Diego Wine Company is featuring their favorite wines of the year in a tasting on Sat. Dec. 26 from 11 to 4:30pm. Tasting fee of $10. Details by calling 858-586-9463.
* 3rd Corner downtown Encinitas has a Prix Fixe Menu paired with 3 great wines Sun. Dec. 27 served from 5 to 10pm for $25. Entrée is Shrimp Scampi over Linguini. RSVP at 760-942-2104.
* Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp San Diego is holding a New Years’ Eve Early Bird event on Thurs. Dec. 30 from 3 to 6pm. Sample 7 premium wines. Cost is $40. Get more at 619-236-0005.
* The Grand Del Mar is celebrating New Years’ Eve at Amaya with a 4 course dinner from 5:30 to 10:30pm, plus wine pairings in an elegant setting. Cost is $175. pp. RSVP at 858-314-2727. In the larger Addison, it’s a 7 course experience from 6 to 11pm. Chef Bradley has his brilliant touch in every step of the way, with live entertainment in the Lobby Lounge. $300 ea. with wine pairings. RSVP at 858-314-1900.
* 3rd Corner downtown Encinitas has a Prix Fixe Menu paired with 3 great wines Sun. Dec. 27 served from 5 to 10pm for $25. Entrée is Shrimp Scampi over Linguini. RSVP at 760-942-2104.
* Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp San Diego is holding a New Years’ Eve Early Bird event on Thurs. Dec. 30 from 3 to 6pm. Sample 7 premium wines. Cost is $40. Get more at 619-236-0005.
* The Grand Del Mar is celebrating New Years’ Eve at Amaya with a 4 course dinner from 5:30 to 10:30pm, plus wine pairings in an elegant setting. Cost is $175. pp. RSVP at 858-314-2727. In the larger Addison, it’s a 7 course experience from 6 to 11pm. Chef Bradley has his brilliant touch in every step of the way, with live entertainment in the Lobby Lounge. $300 ea. with wine pairings. RSVP at 858-314-1900.
Peter Mondavi on the Grandeur of Cabernet
by Frank Mangio
For as long as I have known about wine, I have known that the Mondavi Family of Napa Valley was the standard by which all others aspired, in making great Cabernet Sauvignon. So it was with high expectation and a twinge of nervous energy that I sat down with a family member, Peter Mondavi Jr. He and his brother Marc, whom I had spoken with earlier in my wine-writing days, have major roles in the Charles Krug Winery near St. Helena.
Charles Krug has a long history of winemaking in Napa Valley, being the first winery to open its doors in 1861. Fast-forward to 1943 when the Mondavi family purchased the property, with Peter Sr. and Robert Mondavi jointly building the brand with Cabernet as its signature wine.
Peter Mondavi of Charles Krug Winery in Napa Valley compares 7 Krug Cabernet vintages in a classic “Vertical Tasting” from 1980 to the newest 2006 release.
In 1966, Robert opened his own winery in nearby Oakville and Peter Sr. turned to his sons Peter and Marc to carry the load of quality winemaking and marketing.
Peter was in San Diego to conduct a “Vertical Tasting” of 7 of his Cabernets during the recent San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. “I’m looking forward to sharing some of our older vintages, from our current 2006 release all the way back to 1980,” he said. I reminded him that it would be like a historic footprint of the rise of Cabernet to the grandeur that it enjoys today. “Well that may be true,” he agreed, “but the real education will be in the tasting of the wines that have evolved over time, how the age enhances the taste so that the experience of the wines will be the best teacher. Definitely, Cab is king in the valley and it will be coming out of the Napa Valley for decades to come.”
I asked him about the 2009 harvest as I heard there were issues. “The ’09 season was challenging. It was cooler than normal with a much longer growing season and heavy rains, the heaviest since 1962. We were out picking grapes the end of October.”
After the teaching session, Peter asked the assembled for a show of hands as to which vintage was their favorite and it was the 1995, followed closely by the 2004. The current release also did well with its classy and opulent flavor with hints of chocolate and espresso at the finish, preceded by notes of blackberry and licorice, with 23 months in French Oak barrels. The Vintage Selection is suggested at $70. with the ’06 Yountville Cab retailing for $27.
I found that the more age in the bottle, the more mineralized the taste became, such as the bottles from the 80’s. They were also bigger wines with higher alcohol. Krug and others are now achieving more balanced flavor with lower “PH” or sugar content in the grapes, resulting in a less alcoholic wine that pairs well with fine food. It is now a sustainable practicing vineyard with sensitivity to the environment, using only natural additives. See it all at www.charleskrug.com
For as long as I have known about wine, I have known that the Mondavi Family of Napa Valley was the standard by which all others aspired, in making great Cabernet Sauvignon. So it was with high expectation and a twinge of nervous energy that I sat down with a family member, Peter Mondavi Jr. He and his brother Marc, whom I had spoken with earlier in my wine-writing days, have major roles in the Charles Krug Winery near St. Helena.
Charles Krug has a long history of winemaking in Napa Valley, being the first winery to open its doors in 1861. Fast-forward to 1943 when the Mondavi family purchased the property, with Peter Sr. and Robert Mondavi jointly building the brand with Cabernet as its signature wine.
Peter Mondavi of Charles Krug Winery in Napa Valley compares 7 Krug Cabernet vintages in a classic “Vertical Tasting” from 1980 to the newest 2006 release. In 1966, Robert opened his own winery in nearby Oakville and Peter Sr. turned to his sons Peter and Marc to carry the load of quality winemaking and marketing.
Peter was in San Diego to conduct a “Vertical Tasting” of 7 of his Cabernets during the recent San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. “I’m looking forward to sharing some of our older vintages, from our current 2006 release all the way back to 1980,” he said. I reminded him that it would be like a historic footprint of the rise of Cabernet to the grandeur that it enjoys today. “Well that may be true,” he agreed, “but the real education will be in the tasting of the wines that have evolved over time, how the age enhances the taste so that the experience of the wines will be the best teacher. Definitely, Cab is king in the valley and it will be coming out of the Napa Valley for decades to come.”
I asked him about the 2009 harvest as I heard there were issues. “The ’09 season was challenging. It was cooler than normal with a much longer growing season and heavy rains, the heaviest since 1962. We were out picking grapes the end of October.”
After the teaching session, Peter asked the assembled for a show of hands as to which vintage was their favorite and it was the 1995, followed closely by the 2004. The current release also did well with its classy and opulent flavor with hints of chocolate and espresso at the finish, preceded by notes of blackberry and licorice, with 23 months in French Oak barrels. The Vintage Selection is suggested at $70. with the ’06 Yountville Cab retailing for $27.
I found that the more age in the bottle, the more mineralized the taste became, such as the bottles from the 80’s. They were also bigger wines with higher alcohol. Krug and others are now achieving more balanced flavor with lower “PH” or sugar content in the grapes, resulting in a less alcoholic wine that pairs well with fine food. It is now a sustainable practicing vineyard with sensitivity to the environment, using only natural additives. See it all at www.charleskrug.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Holiday Happenings in Temecula Wine Country
Starting Dec. 22 and lasting until Dec. 24, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa will give Southern Californians a chance to chill out this holiday on their Family Courtside Skating Rink. Enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate and other beverages and food as you skate the day away on an 1,800-square-foot ice skating rink.
Stuart Cellars will hold a Holiday Open House on Dec. 16 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The evening will include food, musical entertainment and a special library tasting for guests. Cost: $15. For reservations call (951) 676-6414.
Get free tastes of Falkner Winery’s holiday mulled wine called “Hot Lips”. This wine is available to everyone over 21 purchasing a wine tasting at the winery or dining at the restaurant. Two bottle gift packs including the spices and recipe are only $33.95.
The GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery has teamed up with the skin care professionals of Kerstin Florian to host an exclusive "Fabulous Facial" event on Dec. 16. Schedule an appointment at the spa between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and you'll receive an ultimate 40-minute advance results facial, plus a one-on-one educational session with a skin care professional for $40.
The Inn at Churon Winery wants to rub you the right way. Its Chateau packages include an overnight stay; 50 minute in-room massage for two including wine reception and breakfast. Cost: Sun-Thurs: $355; Fri-Sat $465; Want to Soar above it all? Try a balloon ride for two and overnight stay, including wine and breakfast. Cost: Sun-Thurs: $585; Fri-Sat $710.
Stuart Cellars will hold a Holiday Open House on Dec. 16 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The evening will include food, musical entertainment and a special library tasting for guests. Cost: $15. For reservations call (951) 676-6414.
Get free tastes of Falkner Winery’s holiday mulled wine called “Hot Lips”. This wine is available to everyone over 21 purchasing a wine tasting at the winery or dining at the restaurant. Two bottle gift packs including the spices and recipe are only $33.95.
The GrapeSeed Spa at South Coast Winery has teamed up with the skin care professionals of Kerstin Florian to host an exclusive "Fabulous Facial" event on Dec. 16. Schedule an appointment at the spa between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and you'll receive an ultimate 40-minute advance results facial, plus a one-on-one educational session with a skin care professional for $40.
The Inn at Churon Winery wants to rub you the right way. Its Chateau packages include an overnight stay; 50 minute in-room massage for two including wine reception and breakfast. Cost: Sun-Thurs: $355; Fri-Sat $465; Want to Soar above it all? Try a balloon ride for two and overnight stay, including wine and breakfast. Cost: Sun-Thurs: $585; Fri-Sat $710.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Bring in the New Year in Wine Country
by Frank Mangio
Temecula Valley’s Wine Country is a “Camelot” experience anytime, but when New Year’s Eve celebrating is right around the corner, the wineries that can orchestrate the event do an especially exciting production as the vineyards ring out the old year and bring in the new. Seasoned chefs prepare their best and the winemakers pair up each course to match the flavors, from appetizers to desserts. Themed entertainment captures the moment with fun, fun and more fun.
Let’s take a tour of Temecula wineries that are planning some festive New Years’ Eve parties to make your evening memorable. Thornton Winery has a Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Gala. Come in costume or evening wear as the fun starts at 7:30pm with a champagne toast and dancing to the live band “Faultline.” Cuisine includes Lobster Napeleon and Tournedos of Beef. Wines include Brut Reserve, Viognier, Merlot and Zinfandel. $125. each. RSVP at 951-699-0099.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has the Spirit of Carnivale. Rio music and merriment abound with great food and wines in an array of venues throughout the winery. Pricing averages $209 per person. Phone 951-587-9463.
Colorful celebrations and gourmet dinners paired with top quality local wines make up the New Years Eve attractions in Temecula Wine Country.
Wiens Family Cellars is presenting a Vintage Hollywood Soiree, celebrating the golden age of Hollywood. Amazing food, wine and high energy music and dancing. “Old Hollywood glamour” attire is encouraged. $100. each, with an RSVP by calling 951-694-9892.
Wilson Creek Winery has a Mardi Gras Celebration with masks and beads provided by the winery. 4 course New Orleans style gourmet dinner featuring Filet Mignon. Dance to the sounds of Audiocast. Ticket price is $160. each. RSVP at 951-699-WINE.
Keyways Winery turns the clock ahead for a New Year’s celebration, New York time. This event goes from 5:30 to 9:30pm with unique “family style” food service. Entertainment with comedian Ron Ruhman and dancing to Joey P and the Hats. Tickets start at $95. each. RSVP at 951-302-7888. If you want a lift to one of these events, call Going Grape Transportation Service, at 951-852-1923.
Raise that toast to the New Year with champagne and wine at the source - one of the many memorable events in Temecula Wine Country.
Is Merlot the Forgotten Red?
The Top 100 Wine Spectator wine selections are out and as we pointed out, some surprises were woven in, starting with the #1 selection: a 2005 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon. (if you are looking for that vintage, chances are you won’t find it. Try the 2006 which is available.)
Not one Merlot is listed in the 100 best. This is a varietal that was a household name recently. Two things happened that sunk the brand: too many vineyards growing inferior Merlot, chasing the bubbled market, and the near-fatal blow of a campy movie about saintly Pinot Noir wine, called Sideways. Some unkind remarks about Merlot came out of the movie, and sales dropped over 25%. Merlot still remains in the cellar.
At its best, Merlot is a soft, round and fruitful grape with origins in the Bordeaux area of France. Other appellations that do well are: Washington State, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Chile and Italy.
In Escondido, the Orfila Winery has established a reputation for its “Futures” where customers come from many parts of the country for a November event and the opportunity to purchase the following year’s Merlot release. I tasted the 2007 “futures” wine and I feel it has more going for it, but ’06 is what you will find on most shelves and that is enough to please. Orfila’s Ambassador’s Estate Reserve Merlot is as good as it gets with a price of $28.
Merlot is quirky in that it tastes more refined at cellar temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees than at room temperature, and most are best without aging. Up in Washington State, try the St. Michelle Indian Wells 2005. It sells at retail for about $14. and is a great value at that price.
Wine Bytes
Il Fornaio in Del Mar has kicked off its last of a series of “Festa Regionale” Wine and Food Pairing events. This time it’s Sicily, now through Sun. Dec. 20. Roberto Gerbino, from Catania, prepares the local Sicilian cuisine, paired with such wines as Nero d’Avola and Scurati Bianco. Call 858-755-8876 for details.
Wine Styles in Encinitas has a six-pack wine tasting from 10 choices on Sat. Dec. 19 from 1 to 7pm. The tasting is FREE with a any wine purchase or $10. without purchase. Paninis and 4 cheese plates available. For more, phone 760-633-0057.
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents the “Year’s Best Wine Tasting” Sat. Dec. 19, 3 to 6pm. Bubblies, big reds and dessert wines. $15. pre-sale, $20. at the door. Call 760-745-1200.
Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has a “pre-release” party Sun. Dec. 27 from 2 to 4pm. Preview their finest just-bottled wines, including 6 new reds. Admission is FREE. Open house format. Get more info at 760-796-7557.
Temecula Valley’s Wine Country is a “Camelot” experience anytime, but when New Year’s Eve celebrating is right around the corner, the wineries that can orchestrate the event do an especially exciting production as the vineyards ring out the old year and bring in the new. Seasoned chefs prepare their best and the winemakers pair up each course to match the flavors, from appetizers to desserts. Themed entertainment captures the moment with fun, fun and more fun.
Let’s take a tour of Temecula wineries that are planning some festive New Years’ Eve parties to make your evening memorable. Thornton Winery has a Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Gala. Come in costume or evening wear as the fun starts at 7:30pm with a champagne toast and dancing to the live band “Faultline.” Cuisine includes Lobster Napeleon and Tournedos of Beef. Wines include Brut Reserve, Viognier, Merlot and Zinfandel. $125. each. RSVP at 951-699-0099.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has the Spirit of Carnivale. Rio music and merriment abound with great food and wines in an array of venues throughout the winery. Pricing averages $209 per person. Phone 951-587-9463.
Colorful celebrations and gourmet dinners paired with top quality local wines make up the New Years Eve attractions in Temecula Wine Country.
Wiens Family Cellars is presenting a Vintage Hollywood Soiree, celebrating the golden age of Hollywood. Amazing food, wine and high energy music and dancing. “Old Hollywood glamour” attire is encouraged. $100. each, with an RSVP by calling 951-694-9892.
Wilson Creek Winery has a Mardi Gras Celebration with masks and beads provided by the winery. 4 course New Orleans style gourmet dinner featuring Filet Mignon. Dance to the sounds of Audiocast. Ticket price is $160. each. RSVP at 951-699-WINE.
Keyways Winery turns the clock ahead for a New Year’s celebration, New York time. This event goes from 5:30 to 9:30pm with unique “family style” food service. Entertainment with comedian Ron Ruhman and dancing to Joey P and the Hats. Tickets start at $95. each. RSVP at 951-302-7888. If you want a lift to one of these events, call Going Grape Transportation Service, at 951-852-1923.
Raise that toast to the New Year with champagne and wine at the source - one of the many memorable events in Temecula Wine Country.
Is Merlot the Forgotten Red?
The Top 100 Wine Spectator wine selections are out and as we pointed out, some surprises were woven in, starting with the #1 selection: a 2005 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon. (if you are looking for that vintage, chances are you won’t find it. Try the 2006 which is available.)
Not one Merlot is listed in the 100 best. This is a varietal that was a household name recently. Two things happened that sunk the brand: too many vineyards growing inferior Merlot, chasing the bubbled market, and the near-fatal blow of a campy movie about saintly Pinot Noir wine, called Sideways. Some unkind remarks about Merlot came out of the movie, and sales dropped over 25%. Merlot still remains in the cellar.
At its best, Merlot is a soft, round and fruitful grape with origins in the Bordeaux area of France. Other appellations that do well are: Washington State, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Chile and Italy.
In Escondido, the Orfila Winery has established a reputation for its “Futures” where customers come from many parts of the country for a November event and the opportunity to purchase the following year’s Merlot release. I tasted the 2007 “futures” wine and I feel it has more going for it, but ’06 is what you will find on most shelves and that is enough to please. Orfila’s Ambassador’s Estate Reserve Merlot is as good as it gets with a price of $28.
Merlot is quirky in that it tastes more refined at cellar temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees than at room temperature, and most are best without aging. Up in Washington State, try the St. Michelle Indian Wells 2005. It sells at retail for about $14. and is a great value at that price.
Wine Bytes
Il Fornaio in Del Mar has kicked off its last of a series of “Festa Regionale” Wine and Food Pairing events. This time it’s Sicily, now through Sun. Dec. 20. Roberto Gerbino, from Catania, prepares the local Sicilian cuisine, paired with such wines as Nero d’Avola and Scurati Bianco. Call 858-755-8876 for details.
Wine Styles in Encinitas has a six-pack wine tasting from 10 choices on Sat. Dec. 19 from 1 to 7pm. The tasting is FREE with a any wine purchase or $10. without purchase. Paninis and 4 cheese plates available. For more, phone 760-633-0057.
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents the “Year’s Best Wine Tasting” Sat. Dec. 19, 3 to 6pm. Bubblies, big reds and dessert wines. $15. pre-sale, $20. at the door. Call 760-745-1200.
Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has a “pre-release” party Sun. Dec. 27 from 2 to 4pm. Preview their finest just-bottled wines, including 6 new reds. Admission is FREE. Open house format. Get more info at 760-796-7557.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Is that a bubbly in your glass?
By Janene Roberts
It's December and the holiday season is in full swing. I'm sure you've seen sparkling wine advertised at your favorite wine shop, but how do you really know what to buy if you haven't tasted a lot of them? And, do you really need to go to a bunch of wine tastings to find out? Well, I'm always a proponent of drinking what you like whether it's a $5 or $50 bottle doesn't matter if your taste buds are happy.
I don't think you need to go to a bunch of tastings either unless you're looking for something fun to do or haven't experienced the characteristics of the different styles. So, if you're at the wine shop and looking at the bubbly options available here's a few things to look for.
•If a bottle is labeled Champagne, it should be from the Northern region of Champagne France. If it's from another area, it's not a true champagne. True champagnes should have scents of nuts, breads and apples. Champagnes are generally more expensive than sparkling wines produced elsewhere.
•California, Australia and New Zealand producers make sparkling wine that's made in the same way as champagne but they're usually not as expensive.
•Italian sparkling producers create Prosecco that's a bit more creamy and light than Champagne. They also make Asti and Lambrusco, both are a bit more sweet.
To learn more read the book Introducing Wine by Oz Clarke.
It's December and the holiday season is in full swing. I'm sure you've seen sparkling wine advertised at your favorite wine shop, but how do you really know what to buy if you haven't tasted a lot of them? And, do you really need to go to a bunch of wine tastings to find out? Well, I'm always a proponent of drinking what you like whether it's a $5 or $50 bottle doesn't matter if your taste buds are happy.
I don't think you need to go to a bunch of tastings either unless you're looking for something fun to do or haven't experienced the characteristics of the different styles. So, if you're at the wine shop and looking at the bubbly options available here's a few things to look for.•If a bottle is labeled Champagne, it should be from the Northern region of Champagne France. If it's from another area, it's not a true champagne. True champagnes should have scents of nuts, breads and apples. Champagnes are generally more expensive than sparkling wines produced elsewhere.
•California, Australia and New Zealand producers make sparkling wine that's made in the same way as champagne but they're usually not as expensive.
•Italian sparkling producers create Prosecco that's a bit more creamy and light than Champagne. They also make Asti and Lambrusco, both are a bit more sweet.
To learn more read the book Introducing Wine by Oz Clarke.
Picnic in Wine Country
Cougar Vineyard & Winery is a great place to enjoy your picnic. Bring your own blanket or sit at one the winery’s picnic tables and enjoy lunch and wine surrounded by olive trees overlooking the vineyards. For those who forgot their lunch, the winery has deli items from Boar's Head as well as non-alcoholic products ranging from Reed's Original Ginger Brews to Virgil's Root Beer. For more information call: (951) 491-0825 or www.CougarVineyards.com
Monday, December 7, 2009
Ponte Wines are a Mediterranean Experience
by Frank Mangio
The new flavors and names to know at Ponte Winery in Temecula’s Wine Country are: Barbera, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio and a sweet and holiday-perfect wine, Beverino. Quite a transformation!
I sat down with the young, wine-smart Robert Cartwright, the chief winemaker at Ponte, in the rustic and charming Smokehouse Restaurant.
Robert had come to Ponte from Central California in 2006 to place an outsider’s look and feel to the property. Ponte has been putting its label on the wines only 6 years. Prior to that, the founder and owner, Claudio Ponte, had been doing well selling grapes to other wineries and concentrating on the usual varietals that made Napa Valley famous, but haven’t worked that well in Temecula.
Robert Cartwright, winemaker at Ponte Winery in Temecula Wine County
I asked Robert about this transformation, while we tasted a new 2007 Holiday Zinfandel. “When I first came here, I saw little concentration of grape flavor in the vineyards,” he said. “We planted some varietals that are all about concentration and that do well in the warmer, drier climate we have here. They are mostly French Rhone Valley, Central and Southern Italian grapes. Recently we harvested two vintages of Spanish Tempranillo which we are very excited about. The berries are small and in large clusters, insuring great flavor.”
I asked about the 2007 Holiday Zinfandel we had been tasting, so he took a few more sniffs and sips before answering.
“ Firm tannins due to extended maceration in the tank to give it flavor and depth. Its’ been barreling in oak for that in your face fruity quality, but just the right added earth notes.” Spoken like a winemaker who is always seeking the right qualities in his wines, moment to moment.
For more on Ponte, its wines, wine club and Smokehouse Restaurant, go to
www.pontewinery.com.
This and That in the Wine World
•Wine Spectator shook the wine world with its release of the 2009 Top 100 Wines of the World last week. Its # 1 wine is a Columbia Crest Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 Columbia Valley Reserve. This winery is part of Chateau Ste. Michelle, which sells half the wines made in Washington. The Cab is blended with 5% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc and sells for $27. Interestingly enough, this wine is not in the top 100 in the recent Seattle Times list. Their best cab is a Quilceda Creek vintage 2006 with a suggested retail of $125. A winery in Washington that I have visited and liked is Di Stefano, near Seattle. Their wines are now available at Vino 100 in San Marcos.
•The grape harvest was a long and tough one for the California Central Coast, Sonoma and Napa. Volume will be down. The rains came and caused this and other challenges.
•The Thanksgiving long holiday weekend was great sales news for wines. Some year-over-year sales increases of 50% or more were recorded, especially on-line internet sales. Shoppers came out looking for and getting some strong deals on their favorite bottles.
•Italian wines are much in demand with the highest growth in the Piedmont area. Sicily still produces the most wine of any Italian region. There are some 15,000 known grape varietals in the country.
•The “Chef of the Fest” at the recent San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival was Anthony Sinsay of Harney Sushi in San Diego. He won over 40 of his peers in a contest judged by members of the American Culinary Federation. Over $50,000. in cash and prizes were awarded to the top chefs.
Wine Bytes
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents its Grand Holiday Tasting featuring dozens of premium wines, sparkling and dessert wines, Sat. Dec. 19 3 to 6pm. Charge is $20. pp. Call 760-745-1200.
A Port and Chocolate Tasting is planned for Sat. Dec. 19 from 2 to 8:30pm at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego. 6 great ports will be paraded out to match up with decadent chocolate. Fee is $20. ea. Details at 619-236-0005.
Holiday Nights at the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo happen Fri. Dec. 18 through Sun. Dec. 20 5:30 to 8pm, and it’s all FREE. See Santa and Mrs. Claus, lots of holiday lights and festivities for the family. It all centers around the tasting room, antique shops and Café Merlot. Craftsmen will be making one of a kind gift items as you shop, dine and taste the wines. Carolers and musicians will entertain. Find out more at 858-487-1866.
The new flavors and names to know at Ponte Winery in Temecula’s Wine Country are: Barbera, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio and a sweet and holiday-perfect wine, Beverino. Quite a transformation!
I sat down with the young, wine-smart Robert Cartwright, the chief winemaker at Ponte, in the rustic and charming Smokehouse Restaurant.
Robert had come to Ponte from Central California in 2006 to place an outsider’s look and feel to the property. Ponte has been putting its label on the wines only 6 years. Prior to that, the founder and owner, Claudio Ponte, had been doing well selling grapes to other wineries and concentrating on the usual varietals that made Napa Valley famous, but haven’t worked that well in Temecula.
Robert Cartwright, winemaker at Ponte Winery in Temecula Wine CountyI asked Robert about this transformation, while we tasted a new 2007 Holiday Zinfandel. “When I first came here, I saw little concentration of grape flavor in the vineyards,” he said. “We planted some varietals that are all about concentration and that do well in the warmer, drier climate we have here. They are mostly French Rhone Valley, Central and Southern Italian grapes. Recently we harvested two vintages of Spanish Tempranillo which we are very excited about. The berries are small and in large clusters, insuring great flavor.”
I asked about the 2007 Holiday Zinfandel we had been tasting, so he took a few more sniffs and sips before answering.
“ Firm tannins due to extended maceration in the tank to give it flavor and depth. Its’ been barreling in oak for that in your face fruity quality, but just the right added earth notes.” Spoken like a winemaker who is always seeking the right qualities in his wines, moment to moment.
For more on Ponte, its wines, wine club and Smokehouse Restaurant, go to
www.pontewinery.com.
This and That in the Wine World
•Wine Spectator shook the wine world with its release of the 2009 Top 100 Wines of the World last week. Its # 1 wine is a Columbia Crest Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 Columbia Valley Reserve. This winery is part of Chateau Ste. Michelle, which sells half the wines made in Washington. The Cab is blended with 5% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc and sells for $27. Interestingly enough, this wine is not in the top 100 in the recent Seattle Times list. Their best cab is a Quilceda Creek vintage 2006 with a suggested retail of $125. A winery in Washington that I have visited and liked is Di Stefano, near Seattle. Their wines are now available at Vino 100 in San Marcos.
•The grape harvest was a long and tough one for the California Central Coast, Sonoma and Napa. Volume will be down. The rains came and caused this and other challenges.
•The Thanksgiving long holiday weekend was great sales news for wines. Some year-over-year sales increases of 50% or more were recorded, especially on-line internet sales. Shoppers came out looking for and getting some strong deals on their favorite bottles.
•Italian wines are much in demand with the highest growth in the Piedmont area. Sicily still produces the most wine of any Italian region. There are some 15,000 known grape varietals in the country.
•The “Chef of the Fest” at the recent San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival was Anthony Sinsay of Harney Sushi in San Diego. He won over 40 of his peers in a contest judged by members of the American Culinary Federation. Over $50,000. in cash and prizes were awarded to the top chefs.
Wine Bytes
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents its Grand Holiday Tasting featuring dozens of premium wines, sparkling and dessert wines, Sat. Dec. 19 3 to 6pm. Charge is $20. pp. Call 760-745-1200.
A Port and Chocolate Tasting is planned for Sat. Dec. 19 from 2 to 8:30pm at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego. 6 great ports will be paraded out to match up with decadent chocolate. Fee is $20. ea. Details at 619-236-0005.
Holiday Nights at the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo happen Fri. Dec. 18 through Sun. Dec. 20 5:30 to 8pm, and it’s all FREE. See Santa and Mrs. Claus, lots of holiday lights and festivities for the family. It all centers around the tasting room, antique shops and Café Merlot. Craftsmen will be making one of a kind gift items as you shop, dine and taste the wines. Carolers and musicians will entertain. Find out more at 858-487-1866.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Meritage Chef Wins Temecula Valley Open
Michael Henry, Meritage at Callaway's Executive Chef, was the winner of the Temecula Valley Chef Open, an event that was part of a fund-raiser for the Oak Grove Center for at-risk youth in Murrieta. 
The competition, which featured chefs from local restaurants including Anthony's Lounge and Ristorante, Crivello Ristorante Italiano and Twenty/20 Grill and Wine Bar, was held at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Chef Henry's winning dish was a Balinese peppercorn seared ahi with a pomegranate sauce and a salad of butternut squash, fennel and duck confit.
The competition, which featured chefs from local restaurants including Anthony's Lounge and Ristorante, Crivello Ristorante Italiano and Twenty/20 Grill and Wine Bar, was held at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Chef Henry's winning dish was a Balinese peppercorn seared ahi with a pomegranate sauce and a salad of butternut squash, fennel and duck confit.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Callaway Offers Wine Making Seminars
Callaway Vineyard & Winery will offer the fourth in a series of winemaking seminars on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Winemaker Craig Larson will take you into the vineyard and teach you why pruning is good for the vine, how to prune correctly and what to consider before snipping away. This instruction will be followed by a relaxed tasting in the Chardonnay Room where topics like how to serve and store wines will be discussed.
In addition, various bottle sizes and shapes will be viewed and you will learn what their shapes can tell you about the wine that’s in them.
They finish this series of seminars with a delightful tasting of their sparkling and dessert wines as well as their tawny port. they will be pairing these wines with dessert. They'll send you home with a bottle of Callaway wine, two wine glasses, a collection of dessert recipes that pair well with Callaway wines, and a certificate of completion. Cost: $75 per seminar.
Winemaker Craig Larson will take you into the vineyard and teach you why pruning is good for the vine, how to prune correctly and what to consider before snipping away. This instruction will be followed by a relaxed tasting in the Chardonnay Room where topics like how to serve and store wines will be discussed.
In addition, various bottle sizes and shapes will be viewed and you will learn what their shapes can tell you about the wine that’s in them.
They finish this series of seminars with a delightful tasting of their sparkling and dessert wines as well as their tawny port. they will be pairing these wines with dessert. They'll send you home with a bottle of Callaway wine, two wine glasses, a collection of dessert recipes that pair well with Callaway wines, and a certificate of completion. Cost: $75 per seminar.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Mondavi is Back! The Legend Lives On
By Frank Mangio
“Wine has been with civilized man from the beginning,” so said Robert Mondavi, whose name is associated with great wine in Napa Valley from the beginning. The passion and vision that Mondavi brought to the table is the stuff of legend.
This driving force for all that is wonderful about Napa Valley wines passed on in 2008, after his namesake winery was sold in 2004. He was a champion for California as best of all wine countries.
Now, after careful planning and cultivation of some of the most fertile vineyards in Napa Valley, Robert’s son Michael and grandson Robert( Rob), are ready to re-establish the innovation, dedication, passion and vision of the first family of winemaking.
Rob Mondavi has been getting his hands dirty making wine, first with his family at Robert Mondavi Winery, then after it was sold, with his father, Michael at the recently created Folio Fine Wine Partners. Folio, in addition to representing many great names in the world of wine, is now producing the next generation of Mondavi wines with names like Emblem, “M,” Oberon and Spellbound. At an impressive gathering at Carlsbad Wine Merchants recently, Rob thanked Kathy Bankerd and her staff for the opportunity to show his wines.
Rob Mondavi, grandson of the legendary Robert Mondavi, displays his Spellbound Petite Syrah and the signature wine M by Michael Mondavi, at Carlsbad Wine Merchants.
“M is my father Michael’s signature of his life’s work” Rob said. “For six years the grapes were sold to the present owner of Opus One, the internationally known blend that started with the Mondavi family. We want it to now be the very best wine in the Napa Valley with this 2005 release. It comes from our Oso Vineyard near Howell Mountain, where we make 150 barrels. Out of that total, only 30 of the best are used in M.” He then talked about one another premium wine, Emblem. “The 2006 Emblem Cabernet is beautifully balanced with elegant texture. The thing that’s’ great about winemaking is you always have the history. Our challenge is to find new ways to get the best out of the vines and push them to new heights.”
For more history, labels and pricing, access www.foliowine.com.
Amarone of Valpolicella
As I write this column, the most influential wine publication in the world, Wine Spectator, is releasing its top ten wines. It just revealed that four are Italian wines. Amarone is not nearly as well known as its brother wines from the north, Barolo and Barbaresco; and Brunello and Chianti Classico in the south. But don’t’ let that stop you from tasting this beautiful varietal.
Amarone comes from the province of Veneto known as Valpolicella. Verona and Venice are not too far away. It is made with grapes that are partially dried and racked for a long time period before being pressed. This is called “raisining” or drying. It concentrates the sugar to give it a big strong flavor of licorice, tobacco and fig. The best ones are aged about 10 years and served at about 60 degrees, cooler than most reds.
The best winemakers have learned how to finesse the best behavior out of these volatile wines, so that now Amarone is the 4th largest seller in Italy. It goes beautifully with any Risotto dish. Some names to know: Amarone Tenuta Saint Antonio, Amarone Guiseppe Quintarelli and Amarone Bussola.
Wine Bytes
The Dana Inn in San Diego presents Stonestree Winest of Sonoma with a dinner Thurs. Dec. 3 starting at 6pm. Chardonnay, Cab and Merlot to be poured. $50. pp. RSVP at 858-325-1981
Barolo vs. Brunello, may the best wine win! Fri. Dec. 4 from 4 to 8:30pm at Bacchus Wine Market, downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp District. This is a big one so RSVP at 619-235-0005. Cost is $35. pp.
Callaway Winery in Temecula gets into the holiday season with a Candlelight Dinner Sat. Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. 3 course gourmet dinner in the barrel room, with live holiday music. $85. ea. Call 951-676-4001.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas hosts a Caymus Vineyards of Napa Valley dinner Wed. Dec. 9 at 6:30pm. Wine pourings will include the ’07 Cabernet and Special Selection Cab. Don’t’ miss the capper, a Late Harvest ’04 Viognier. Main course is Roasted Lamb Loin. Price is $85. ea. Call 760-635-1066 for an RSVP.
Tesoro Winery, in Old Town Temecula, has a wine and art “Launch Party” on Thurs. Dec. 10, 7 to 9pm, with wine and cheese. It’s FREE! Call 951-308-0000.
B Cellars wines come to La Jolla at the Valencia Hotel Sky Room, with a gourmet dinner Thurs. Dec. 10 from 6:30 to 10pm. $125. ea. RSVP at 858-454-0771.
“Wine has been with civilized man from the beginning,” so said Robert Mondavi, whose name is associated with great wine in Napa Valley from the beginning. The passion and vision that Mondavi brought to the table is the stuff of legend.
This driving force for all that is wonderful about Napa Valley wines passed on in 2008, after his namesake winery was sold in 2004. He was a champion for California as best of all wine countries.
Now, after careful planning and cultivation of some of the most fertile vineyards in Napa Valley, Robert’s son Michael and grandson Robert( Rob), are ready to re-establish the innovation, dedication, passion and vision of the first family of winemaking.
Rob Mondavi has been getting his hands dirty making wine, first with his family at Robert Mondavi Winery, then after it was sold, with his father, Michael at the recently created Folio Fine Wine Partners. Folio, in addition to representing many great names in the world of wine, is now producing the next generation of Mondavi wines with names like Emblem, “M,” Oberon and Spellbound. At an impressive gathering at Carlsbad Wine Merchants recently, Rob thanked Kathy Bankerd and her staff for the opportunity to show his wines.
Rob Mondavi, grandson of the legendary Robert Mondavi, displays his Spellbound Petite Syrah and the signature wine M by Michael Mondavi, at Carlsbad Wine Merchants.
“M is my father Michael’s signature of his life’s work” Rob said. “For six years the grapes were sold to the present owner of Opus One, the internationally known blend that started with the Mondavi family. We want it to now be the very best wine in the Napa Valley with this 2005 release. It comes from our Oso Vineyard near Howell Mountain, where we make 150 barrels. Out of that total, only 30 of the best are used in M.” He then talked about one another premium wine, Emblem. “The 2006 Emblem Cabernet is beautifully balanced with elegant texture. The thing that’s’ great about winemaking is you always have the history. Our challenge is to find new ways to get the best out of the vines and push them to new heights.”
For more history, labels and pricing, access www.foliowine.com.
Amarone of Valpolicella
As I write this column, the most influential wine publication in the world, Wine Spectator, is releasing its top ten wines. It just revealed that four are Italian wines. Amarone is not nearly as well known as its brother wines from the north, Barolo and Barbaresco; and Brunello and Chianti Classico in the south. But don’t’ let that stop you from tasting this beautiful varietal.
Amarone comes from the province of Veneto known as Valpolicella. Verona and Venice are not too far away. It is made with grapes that are partially dried and racked for a long time period before being pressed. This is called “raisining” or drying. It concentrates the sugar to give it a big strong flavor of licorice, tobacco and fig. The best ones are aged about 10 years and served at about 60 degrees, cooler than most reds.
The best winemakers have learned how to finesse the best behavior out of these volatile wines, so that now Amarone is the 4th largest seller in Italy. It goes beautifully with any Risotto dish. Some names to know: Amarone Tenuta Saint Antonio, Amarone Guiseppe Quintarelli and Amarone Bussola.
Wine Bytes
The Dana Inn in San Diego presents Stonestree Winest of Sonoma with a dinner Thurs. Dec. 3 starting at 6pm. Chardonnay, Cab and Merlot to be poured. $50. pp. RSVP at 858-325-1981
Barolo vs. Brunello, may the best wine win! Fri. Dec. 4 from 4 to 8:30pm at Bacchus Wine Market, downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp District. This is a big one so RSVP at 619-235-0005. Cost is $35. pp.
Callaway Winery in Temecula gets into the holiday season with a Candlelight Dinner Sat. Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. 3 course gourmet dinner in the barrel room, with live holiday music. $85. ea. Call 951-676-4001.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas hosts a Caymus Vineyards of Napa Valley dinner Wed. Dec. 9 at 6:30pm. Wine pourings will include the ’07 Cabernet and Special Selection Cab. Don’t’ miss the capper, a Late Harvest ’04 Viognier. Main course is Roasted Lamb Loin. Price is $85. ea. Call 760-635-1066 for an RSVP.
Tesoro Winery, in Old Town Temecula, has a wine and art “Launch Party” on Thurs. Dec. 10, 7 to 9pm, with wine and cheese. It’s FREE! Call 951-308-0000.
B Cellars wines come to La Jolla at the Valencia Hotel Sky Room, with a gourmet dinner Thurs. Dec. 10 from 6:30 to 10pm. $125. ea. RSVP at 858-454-0771.
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