by Frank Mangio
I have reported several times this year on the extraordinary number of wine events and outreach that have been staged in an effort to get before the trade and public. The pace has been dizzying ( no pun intended ) to keep up with all of them and bring you up to date on the newest and best releases.
One of the most influential wine marketing and distribution companies in the world is Wine Warehouse. For 30 plus years it has offered more 10,000 wines other beverages for sale to the retail trade in California. Retail and restaurant customers look to Wine Warehouse for superior wine and related products.
Over 500 new release wines were brought by recently by some 120 wineries from all over the world. Many of the owners and winemakers were at this gathering at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego, to engage first-hand with potential and current customers. When I arrived, I went over right away to Temecula’s Thornton Winery to visit with owners Steve and John Thornton with winemaker Don Reha. They were excited about the seven new Spring wines that have just been released that I will be reporting on in a future TASTE OF WINE. Then I moved over to Enrico Nicoletta’s booth. He manages the Italian wine portfolio for Wine Warehouse and was anxious to have me taste the latest from Felsina and Barone Ricasoli, both Chianti Classico front-runners from Tuscany. The Felsina 2007 “Beradenga” with 100% Sangiovese sells for $20. and is made by one of the master makers Guiseppe Mazzocolin. Barone Ricasoli is a bigger winery that is just North of Felsina. Its Chianti Classico 2006 was in the top five wines in the world awarded by Wine Spectator in 2009.
My TASTE OF WINE Top Ten Tastes for 2009 had the Brolio Ricasoli Chianti Classico Tuscany 2003 listed. Price is just $11. if you can find it. Just a dash of Merlot and Cabernet adds great depth to the Sangiovese base.
Finally I want to mention a strong, fruity find in Consilience from Santa Barbara County and its 2006 Syrah. Brett Escalera is the owner-winemaker. Brett also served at Byron and Fess Parker wineries. Normally I don’t think much of wines with over 15% alcohol, but this one is balanced to perfection. It’s a true premium Syrah and one to watch for at just $18. Look it up at www.consiliencewines.com.
Water in Wine is the Purest
Most people know that wine is made up of mostly water but what they may not know is that the water in wine is the purest available. As the wise and humble Ben Franklin once said: “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” In the fermentation for wine, there is a process of boiling, filtering and fermenting. So, enjoy that glass of wine. Not only does it taste good and make you feel good, your body is getting the most healthy irrigation known to man.
Wine Bytes
VINZ Wine Bar downtown Escondido is back with Vinnie Griffin as owner with the wine bar and German beer garden linked up. The V Lounge again has Friday entertainment with guitarist Jimmy Patton from 7 to 9pm. Details at 760-743-8466.
Wine Steals in San Diego, Hillcrest and Cardiff now has a wine cask feature with wine on tap! They are offering great low prices on wine by the glass. Call the location nearest you for more.
St. Germain’s Café in Encinitas has a “Yappy Hour” on Fridays and Saturdays with special incentives for your dog and you from 4 – 7pm. Sat. and Sun. June 18 and 19 enjoy Pannini “Yappetizers” and a glass of local Poway Old Coach Wines. Local music and raffle drawings. Call 760-753-5411.
La Costa Wine Company in Carlsbad has light and refreshing German Riesling wines for tasting Fri. June 18 from 5 to 8:30pm. $15. ea. And on Fri. June 25, Sonoma wines for tasting. $20. pp. Call 760-431-8455.
San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road is pouring ten terrific Pinots for $10. Sat. June 19 from 11-4:30pm. Erath is one of the featured wines. Phone 858-586-WINE.
Island Prime on Harbor Island in San Diego is hosting a Great Fathers Day Wines sale Sat. June 19 from 11:30 to 2pm. Sample select wines and hors d’oeuvres and win prizes with each purchase. Contact Maurice at 619-557-9441 ext 203 for the wine list.
Café Merlot in the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo extends an invitation to join them for a TAPS benefit dinner and wine tasting to help troubled teens and their families, Sat. June 26 from 6 to 9pm. Cost is $75. per person or $120. per couple. For tickets, call 858-668-2273.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Elegant Pleasure of Dinner & Wine
by Frank Mangio
The weight of the world can put a dent on the shoulders of the best of us. Every once in while, all of us need to pause and place pleasure first on our to-do list. Not just any every-day pleasure but one steeped in history, wine and food. Did I see a few agreeable nods from the column’s faithful? Of course now I have to come up with a place that can deliver the goods, and I can. It’s the Vintage Steak House in San Juan Capistrano.
At the Capistrano Train Depot, built in 1894 in the busiest part of downtown, a fully restored 1927 Pullman train car sits in regal elegance, transforming the diner back in time.
All aboard for this restored Pullman train car now means reserve an elegant table at The Vintage Steak House in the train depot at San Juan Capistrano.
The owners, Byron Gemmell who is the Executive Chef, and Mathew Timmes who handles administration and bookings, put together this authentic, historic landmark that serves 240 inside. A caboose will extend the length of the restaurant and will be a private enclave of up to 15 diners. There is patio dining and live smooth Jazz Thursday through Saturday nights.
The real test of pleasure is the specialty steaks and carefully selected wines. From Filet Mignon to Rib Eye, the beef is open fire mesquite grilled, dry aged to perfection and hand-cut, enhanced with locally grown vegetables. A wide variety of chops and fish complete the entrees.
The wine list is superior. All the major world varietals are represented with names that will satisfy all palates. From champagnes to hillside Italian legends like Brunellos, Barbarescos and Amarones, they are all there…some 300 selections to fit all budgets. On this occasion we opened a 1995 Pendroncelli Cabernet from Sonoma. Its striking aged taste blended beautifully with the steak selections presented.
The romance of The Vintage Steak House takes the diner to another time and place, with an intimate ambience showcasing hand-crafted cuisine. The restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily from 8am. Sunday Brunch from 10am to 3pm. Call 949-661-3400. Learn more at www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.
“Bling” Events on Tap from Fast Forward
Oh baby is the bar going to be raised for unparalleled events in San Diego by the fast-moving Fast Forward Event Productions. They are the people that have given us the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival for the past six years, easily the ultimate event experience for 10,000+ wine and food enthusiasts.
Over 170 wine and spirits producers will be pouring nearly 1,000 different wines at this year’s San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.
The announcement just came in that the new dates will be November 17 through 21 and tickets are on sale June 15. Superstars from the world of winemaking and foodie-favorite chefs will compile an unforgettable series of events, capped by a Grand Tasting Saturday November 20. It’s expected that 70 of San Diego’s top restaurants and just over 30 gourmet food companies will be there. The smart people will buy their tickets right after the 15th at www.worldofwineevents.com or by calling 619-342-7337.
Fast Forward also announced the launching of The Gourmet Experience, a food, luxury and lifestyle showcase that features the best in gourmet products and services according to Michelle Metter, partner in Fast Forward Event Productions. The date is set for October 9 and 10 of this year in San Diego. Guests will experience: tasting the newest gourmet foods, home entertainment products, kitchen equipment, plannng dinner parties, new trendy casual and fine dining products, culinary tips, new destinations, resorts and hotels, sipping luxury wines, spirits and craft beer and large appliance packages, to name a few.
For the latest news on The Gourmet Experience, go to www.thegourmetexpo.com.
Wine Bytes
§ A Day In Tuscany is the theme for the San Antonio Winery downtown Los Angeles Sat. June 12 from 1 to 4pm. The wines and cuisine, including a 4 course lunch will be served for $64. pp. Contact number is 323-221-7261.
§ The San Diego County Vintners will hold their annual Barrel Tasting Sat. June 12 from 12 Noon to 5pm at the Menghini Winery in Julian. Entertainment included for $45. Details at 760-765-2072.
§ Another Drink Yourself Blind competition is being staged at Bacchus Wine Market Sat. June 12 from 2 to 9pm. 8 wines will be “brown-bagged for your educated guess. $15. fee. More at 619-236-0005.
§ A Kiame Wine Dinner will be held at Baci Restaurant in San Diego Mon. June 14 from 6:45 to 9pm. 5 course dinner served with paired Kiame wines. RSVP at Baci’s 619-275-2094.
The weight of the world can put a dent on the shoulders of the best of us. Every once in while, all of us need to pause and place pleasure first on our to-do list. Not just any every-day pleasure but one steeped in history, wine and food. Did I see a few agreeable nods from the column’s faithful? Of course now I have to come up with a place that can deliver the goods, and I can. It’s the Vintage Steak House in San Juan Capistrano.
At the Capistrano Train Depot, built in 1894 in the busiest part of downtown, a fully restored 1927 Pullman train car sits in regal elegance, transforming the diner back in time.
All aboard for this restored Pullman train car now means reserve an elegant table at The Vintage Steak House in the train depot at San Juan Capistrano.The owners, Byron Gemmell who is the Executive Chef, and Mathew Timmes who handles administration and bookings, put together this authentic, historic landmark that serves 240 inside. A caboose will extend the length of the restaurant and will be a private enclave of up to 15 diners. There is patio dining and live smooth Jazz Thursday through Saturday nights.
The real test of pleasure is the specialty steaks and carefully selected wines. From Filet Mignon to Rib Eye, the beef is open fire mesquite grilled, dry aged to perfection and hand-cut, enhanced with locally grown vegetables. A wide variety of chops and fish complete the entrees.
The wine list is superior. All the major world varietals are represented with names that will satisfy all palates. From champagnes to hillside Italian legends like Brunellos, Barbarescos and Amarones, they are all there…some 300 selections to fit all budgets. On this occasion we opened a 1995 Pendroncelli Cabernet from Sonoma. Its striking aged taste blended beautifully with the steak selections presented.
The romance of The Vintage Steak House takes the diner to another time and place, with an intimate ambience showcasing hand-crafted cuisine. The restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily from 8am. Sunday Brunch from 10am to 3pm. Call 949-661-3400. Learn more at www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.
“Bling” Events on Tap from Fast Forward
Oh baby is the bar going to be raised for unparalleled events in San Diego by the fast-moving Fast Forward Event Productions. They are the people that have given us the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival for the past six years, easily the ultimate event experience for 10,000+ wine and food enthusiasts.
Over 170 wine and spirits producers will be pouring nearly 1,000 different wines at this year’s San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.The announcement just came in that the new dates will be November 17 through 21 and tickets are on sale June 15. Superstars from the world of winemaking and foodie-favorite chefs will compile an unforgettable series of events, capped by a Grand Tasting Saturday November 20. It’s expected that 70 of San Diego’s top restaurants and just over 30 gourmet food companies will be there. The smart people will buy their tickets right after the 15th at www.worldofwineevents.com or by calling 619-342-7337.
Fast Forward also announced the launching of The Gourmet Experience, a food, luxury and lifestyle showcase that features the best in gourmet products and services according to Michelle Metter, partner in Fast Forward Event Productions. The date is set for October 9 and 10 of this year in San Diego. Guests will experience: tasting the newest gourmet foods, home entertainment products, kitchen equipment, plannng dinner parties, new trendy casual and fine dining products, culinary tips, new destinations, resorts and hotels, sipping luxury wines, spirits and craft beer and large appliance packages, to name a few.
For the latest news on The Gourmet Experience, go to www.thegourmetexpo.com.
Wine Bytes
§ A Day In Tuscany is the theme for the San Antonio Winery downtown Los Angeles Sat. June 12 from 1 to 4pm. The wines and cuisine, including a 4 course lunch will be served for $64. pp. Contact number is 323-221-7261.
§ The San Diego County Vintners will hold their annual Barrel Tasting Sat. June 12 from 12 Noon to 5pm at the Menghini Winery in Julian. Entertainment included for $45. Details at 760-765-2072.
§ Another Drink Yourself Blind competition is being staged at Bacchus Wine Market Sat. June 12 from 2 to 9pm. 8 wines will be “brown-bagged for your educated guess. $15. fee. More at 619-236-0005.
§ A Kiame Wine Dinner will be held at Baci Restaurant in San Diego Mon. June 14 from 6:45 to 9pm. 5 course dinner served with paired Kiame wines. RSVP at Baci’s 619-275-2094.
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