Valentine's Day Recipes from VOGA Wines

Molten Merlot Cakes, Fettucine Alfredo, Berry Merlot Sauce and more recipes just perfect for Valentne's Day are yours for the downloading, courtesy of our friends at VOGA Wines. Cleck here to download (PDF). Voga Wine /Taste of Wine TV Recipe

Twisted Vine is Comfort Hangout for Grapeheads

by Frank Mangio

The latest creation to attract the burgeoning population of “grapeheads” who love chef-inspired cuisine paired with wines from all over the world, is bistro-wine bar Twisted Vine off the 56 Freeway at Camino Del Sur in San Diego.

Twisted Vine at once offers nutritious global-inspired menu items by Executive Chef Mia Sailing, the 5th generation Italian wine director Luciano Leonardo and restaurateur extraordinaire Tammy Moore. Tammy has built and operated many restaurants in the San Diego area (including Pat & Oscar’s) and Twisted Vine could be her best idea yet.

Owner Tammy Moore, Luciano Leonardo Wine Director and Executive Chef Mia Sailing, are the people to know at the new Twisted Vine Bistro and Wine Bar.

I knew I felt at home when Leonardo came up to me before I got my bar seat warm, and offered a 2008 Argiano Super Tuscan. This blend is a communion of 40% Cabernet, 20% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah and 20% Merlot. A more southern style Italian wine to taste would be the San Gregorio Primitivo Dei Feudi 2008, a sensational red and close kin to a California Zinfandel. With these wines as a model, he shared with me his goal that Italian wines will dominate the list when all is said and done.

Chef Mia is a native Californian and loves to work with fresh produce, delicious seafood and organic farming. On her small plate menu, try the Seared Yellowtail Tostados with avocado, salsa fresco, pickled red onions and lime crema. On the larger plate menu, I recommend the Moroccan Marinated Fish of the Day, with jeweled Israeli couscous and seasonal vegetables.

There are six different choices of flatbreads with the most nutritious being the Zucchini with Eggplant and Roasted Pepper Sauce with Feta Cheese.

Hours are Monday through Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday 11am to 11pm, Saturday 9am to 11pm and Sunday 9am to 9pm. For more, phone 858-780-2501. Visit on the web at www.thetwistedvinebistro.com.

News & Views

Another top professional from the French Laundry Restaurant in Napa Valley has come to work at Addison in the Grand Del Mar Resort. He’s Anthony Secviar and he’s the new chef de cuisine. He was raised in San Diego and honed his skills in Spain. The first was Wine Director Jesse Rodriguez who has built a world-renowned wine list. Over the holidays, he and Food & Beverage Director Ekrem Tercanoglu were congenial hosts at The Grand Del Mar’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” party.

The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is hosting a Pacific Coastal Wine Cruise, with 5 nights on the Celebrity Millenium, going from San Diego to Vancouver B.C. Departure is May 27, with stops at San Francisco and Victoria. Wine events on board are planned. Call for details at 800-801-9463.

From the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. comes the finding that drinking red wine in moderation may help cut women’s Breast Cancer risk. Natural chemicals in the skins and seeds of red grapes “slightly lowered estrogen levels while elevating testosterone among premenopausal women who drank 8 ounces of red wine for about a month.” Breast Cancer is the leading type of women’s cancer in the U.S.

Congrats to Kristian Story and Erik Turner of the 90’s rock band Warrant. They took a Silver Medal at the recent largest American wine competition, the San Francisco Chronicle Awards, with their 2008 Warrant Red, Napa Valley. Check out how they did it and the other wines in their portfolio at www.artistwine.com.

Wine Bytes

Vigilucci’s, on the beach in Carlsbad, is presenting an “Assagi Italiani” Wine Dinner Fri. Jan. 27 starting at 6:30pm. It’s Northen Italian cuisine like: Insalata alla Salame di Tonno, Risotto alla Salsiccia and Filetto alla Campagnola. Il Poggione is the signature wine for the night, including a 2006 Brunello Di Montalcino. $80 ea. Call 760-434-2580 for an RSVP.

Alternative Wines in Carmel Valley has Frank Family Vineyards Fri. Jan. 27. They are serving Chardonnay, Cabernet, Zinfandel ( Taste of Wine Top Ten) and a rare Cabernet ’05 in a Magnum. Call 858-780-9463 for cost and times.

San Diego Wine Company in the Miramar area of San Diego is bringing in a Spanish and French Tasting Sat. Jan. 28 from 11 to 4:30pm. Cost is $10. Hear the details at 858-586-WINE.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos has Jann Forth of Forth Vineyards on Fri. Feb. 3 from 4 to 10pm. Only $10. Call 760-744-2119.

Twisted Vine Wine Bar Bistro & Wine Bar in San Diego is pouring Sparkling Reds for Valentine’s Day, Sat. Feb. 11 with 5 varietals. 4pm start with a fee of $35. RSVP at 858-780-2501.

VOGA Italia Pinot Grigio Takes Gold

by Nancy Bragg

Voga*, the Italian winery known for its stylish wines recently expanded and now includes a Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Sparkling Pinot Grigio. All are made from 100% varietal and reflect a luxurious lifestyle. You'll find this interesting label in the trendier clubs, lounges and restaurants.

I recently tried the VOGA Pino Grigio. The bottle is very contemporary; nothing like your typical wine bottle. Pinot Grigio is known for a subtle, slightly floral or citrus leaf scent. A very lemony-high acidic wave of heavy citrus greeted me on approach, almost like a rich Italian lemon ice with the peel sprinles on top. The first sip was a bit overpowering, like taking in a mouthful of lemon blossoms on a spring day. But the next sip leveled into fresh, crisp, and tangy sparkles, much like chewing a mouthful of Lemonhead candies, then swirling them around your palate with Rose Lime Juice.

For an interesting, big-citrus flavorful Grigio, especially if you're into the lemom-lime side of the fruity wine universe, this is one to take a taste on.

At under $20, VOGA Pino Grigio is worth the adventure, plus, you'll be wowed by the coolness of the unique cylindrical bottle...a conversation piece in itself.

Voga wines and the unique packaging of their offerings break with convention.

* Recently VOGA Italia Pinot Grigio was awarded the Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge Catavinum in Spain.

VOGA Italia hails from Italy, the country best known for producing some of the world’s best wine as well as its’ keen sense of style. VOGA Italia encompasses all aspects offering a collection of crisp delicious wine thoughtfully packaged in a revolutionary re-designed bottle featuring a unique resealable cap.

VOGA has earned numerous awards and accolades for their sleek and sexy glass cylindrical bottle, presentation and most importantly taste.

The collection retails from $10.99 to $15.99 and includes Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Moscato, and Premium Sparkling. VOGA is available in over 62 countries, hundreds of major cities, and thousands of the world’s trendiest bars, restaurants and shops.

Follow the De Portola Trail

by Frank Mangio

There is a growing family of wineries in the Temecula Valley along De Portola Road. All put down roots less than ten years ago and all are committed to small production, high quality wines with a southern European character.

The De Portola Trail runs south and generally parallel to the larger and busier Rancho California Road. Nine wineries currently produce wines on De Portola Road and they include, from West to East: Keyways, Robert Renzoni, Gershon Bachus, Oak Mountain, Leoness, Danza Del Sol, Frangipani, Cougar and Masia de Ybarra. A visit to these wineries over this five mile stretch of a road less traveled, reveals passionate owners and family members who have toiled the land and believe in their wines.

The road is uncrowded, wide open and hospitable. There is still potential for many more wineries and some future projects are already in the planning stages. The Trail recently staged a “Winter Red Fest” last month, offering their signature wines and food samples that brought out the best in the wineries. I couldn’t help but notice that Italian, Spanish and the Rhone Valley of France were well represented. These earthy, old world wines more and more seem to be the wines of choice that adapt nicely to the terroir of Temecula.

Some examples:

Leoness Cellars was founded in 2003 by Mike Rennie and Gary Winder, but before Leoness, these two vintners had a combined 50 years of wine grape growing in the valley. They specialize in aged reds striving for a softness and complexity to their wines. Leoness Cellars was pouring a 2008 Syrah whose fruit was spiced with hints of tobacco and black pepper, ($36.) It was served with a braised short rib with veal reduction. Their new Restaurant at Leoness Cellars is open Friday through Sunday 11:30am to 6pm with an assortment of salads, sandwiches and flatbreads.

Robert Renzoni Estate Vineyards covers 12 acres, devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio and the Sangiovese Brunello Clone. Robert’s family began making wine over 100 years ago along Italy’s Northern Coast. Robert’s father Frederick made a name for the family in America with a wine import business. Relocation to Temecula followed, with Robert and Frederick working together in developing the existing De Portola Road property, then opening the winery in 2008.

The Robert Renzoni Vineyards TASTE OF WINE choice was a 2008 Zinfandel, which recently won gold.

The Robert Renzoni Old Vine Zinfandel ( $32.) was my choice selection at the winery. It was served with roast beef on a kimmelweck roll. The wine exhibited strong aromas of blueberry, coffee and caramel with a hint of pepper.

Oak Mountain Winery, just past Robert Renzoni, has another sweeping view of the Temecula rural vineyards South of it. It is also fueling ambitious production of two different wines: Oak Mountain and Temecula Hills. Owned by Valerie and Steve Andrews, their wines are carefully crafted and capture a distinctly complex character. The lineup includes: Viognier, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and a fascinating 2009 blend called Tenacious ( $30.) Layers of flavor reveal 75% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 5% Counoise. Yes, another triumph of Rhone Valley grapes on the De Portola Trail.

Next time in the Temecula Valley, include the De Portola Trial in your wine adventure. Get the details at www.deportolatrail.com.

Wine Bytes

The Island Resort Hotel in Newport Beach is hosting a Super Tuscan Wine Event Sat. Jan. 21 from 6 to 9:30pm. $70. ea. Gourmet Dinner available. Call 310-467-5582.

Orfila Vineyards in Escondido has their next Concert in the Vines Sun. Jan. 22 from 6 to 8pm. The live music performance includes a glass of your favorite Orfila Wine for $25. Details at 760-738-6500 x 20.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido features Saintsbury Winery of Carneros and their winemaker,Thurs. Jan. 26 from 6 to 8pm, pouring the latest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. $15. pp. Call 760-745-1200 for more.

Wine Cellar and Brasserie in San Diego brings in Spanish Wines Wed. Jan. 25 from 5 to 7pm. From Rioja to Priorat, try them all. Cost is $25. Call 858-450-9557.

Southern California Pinot Days 2012 is in Santa Monica Jan. 28 from 1 to 5pm, with over 100 producers of Pinot Noir from California, Oregon and Burgundy France. $60. entry fee. Ticket information at www.pinotdays.com.

From Grape to Glass is the ultimate Experience for wine lovers at the Temecula Creek Inn and at Palumbo Family Vineyards. Date is Fri. Feb. 3. Learn about and experience wine grape pruning and enjoy a rustic lunch overlooking the vines at Palumbo. The Inn has a discounted overnight package for two to complete the event. For details, contact 877-517-1823.

Mirth and Merriment at Dolce Pane E Vino

by Frank Mangio

Tucked away in a small shopping center in Rancho Santa Fe, Dolce Pane E Vino has this pixie-like atmosphere to it, to the point that I am always looking for Alice in Wonderland to sit next to me in the bar, ordering up one of those fabulous wines that are racked up throughout the wine bar and restaurant area.

Executive Chef John Weimann and General Manager Steve Flowers of Dolce Pane E Vino, a wine bar and small-bites restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe.

The room is at once cozy, beautiful and fascinating, with the charm of old-world Italy. Dolce Pane E Vino means sweet bread and wine in Italian and was created by Dr. Anthony Smith almost two years ago, but really hit its stride when Steve Flowers came in as General Manager, with his passion for world-class wine excellence. Details later, but I want to get into more of the “wow” architectural touches that blew me away.

A quick smile and a dose of merriment comes to all who snuggle into the family style tables that are crafted for sharing, and the lighting with Italian glass that drops down from the ceiling like so many fireflies.

OK, let’s get to what most customers come in for: spectacular cuisine and that specially selected, handcrafted wine that will keep you smiling.

Executive Chef John Weimann on selected menu creations: “my salad is a seared Hamachi fresh fish with arugula, orange and ginger vinaigrette mixed. On top, a sliced avocado with mixed citrus and fennel. Also fried shallot with Uzu Juice and house-made lemon oil.” Perfect.

GM Steve Flowers on the entrée: “ it’s a Wild King Salmon served on a cedar plank, wood fired in the open oven, garnished with sea salt and charred asparagus, drizzled with lemon and saba.” He went on about the wine selected…” a white Barola Bianca from Piedmont Italy, vintage 2009. It has crispy fruit that comes through the Italian style wine minerality.”

Two more reasons to get to know Dolce Pane E Vino. One is the imported artisan cheeses “to go” case, affectionately known as the “Formaggeria.” The 2nd is the exclusive membership Reserve 100. This wine program gives access to top-tier wines at great values from the top winemakers in the world. Every other month members will receive two bottles each of three ultra-fine wines with tasting notes, reviews and food-pairing ideas.

A typical recent trio of wines included: 2005 Col Solare Blend 94 points; 2007 O’Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Napa 95 points; and the 2007 Quintessa Rutherford Red Meritage 95 points. Make it into this wonderland of mirth and merriment by accessing www.dolcepaneevino.com or calling 858-832-1518.

Wine Bytes

San Diego County’s Restaurant Week is January 15 through 20 with over 180 restaurants offering a 3 course prix-fixe dinner menu ranging from 20. to 40. each. In my neighborhood, Encinitas, check out Bentley’s, Chart House, Ciccioti’s, Firefly, Firenze and Via Italia.

Il Forniao in Del Mar starts its 2012 Festa Regionale with the cuisine of Lombardia Italy, now through Jan. 15. Featured wine is a red, Castello di Luzzano with Malvasia grapes. Call 858-755-8876

PAON in Carlsbad has a Napa/Sonoma Tasting in its wine bar Jan. 12 to 18. 6 pours for $14. Call 760-729-7377 for times.

Exploring Italy is the wine tasting event theme for Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas Fri. Jan. 13 from 6 to 8pm. Cost is $20. Details at 760-479-2500.

Wine Styles in Encinitas has a jazz trio performing with a Super 6 Tasting Sat. Jan. 14 from 5 to 8pm. $12. pp. Call 760-633-0057.

Cabernet Franc from Around the World is planned for Sat. Jan. 14 from 2 to 8:30pm at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp San Diego. Cost is $20. Get the names at 619-236-0005.

Top Ten Wine Tastings for 2011

by Frank Mangio

Time to pause and deliver. 2011 has been a whirlwind of wine tasting events from wine bars, restaurants, hotels, wineries and major world class multi-day extravaganzas. We traveled up and down California and overseas to amazing Italy, with its centuries-old vineyards, always searching and tasting for the finest wines at the most reasonable prices. Some 4,500 wines were tasted at an estimated 400 events.

My ten top tastes, with the best prices found, show the Napa Valley of California is stepping up with better pricing and traditional quality. I have 4 choices here. Its sister wine country, Sonoma, shows 2 selections. Italy/Sicily has 3 and Temecula 1. All ten are equally excellent on a 1 to 5 scale, considering flavor, body and price.

Pricing will vary so it pays to do your own checking at super stores, markets, wine shops, wineries and the internet. The list is alphabetically shown and does NOT indicate rank.

Mike Grgich of Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, signs autographs in Encinitas.

His 2007 Merlot is in the TASTE OF WINE Top Ten.

Banfi Centine Montalcino Italy, 2008. $12. Blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Aged in small Oak barrels for 12months. Soft, gentle tannins for a drink-now experience at 62 degrees. www.castellobanfi.com.

Briar Rose Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Temecula CA, 2005. $105. A rare library wine available at the winery. Aged 26 months in French Oak. Sleek flavors of cassis and black current with hints of Mocha. Long list of awards. A Hollywood celebrity favorite from boutique winemaker Les Linkogle. www.briarrosewinery.com.

Chiarello Old Vine Petite Sirah, Napa Valley, 2007. $30. Hundred year old vines, small production, estate wines. Michael Chiarello is a noted restaurateur. www.chiarellovineyards.com.

Conundrum White Table Wine, Napa Valley, 2010. $17. A distinctly different puzzle of varietals: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli Viognier and Semillon, sourced from 4 counties in California. No other white wine like it! www.conundrumwine.com.

Frank Family Zinfandel, Napa Valley, 2009. $31. Awarded Winery of the year in Napa Valley, Rich Frank was a Disney Exec that found wine fame in Calistoga with this traditional, historic winery that dates back to 1884 ( 3rd oldest). This Zin is bursting with fruit forward flavor. www.frankfamilyvineyards.com.

Gaja CA’Marcanda Promis, Tuscany Italy, 2005. $36. The latest from Italy’s premier winemaker Angelo Gaja. Name means the house of endless negotiations. A blend of Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese all estate planted in the Bolgheri District of Tuscany. Rich and classy. www.terlatowines.com.

Grgich Hills Estate Merlot, Napa Valley, 2007. $42. 18 months in French Oak from one of the best vintages in a decade in Napa Valley. Concentrated flavors. Bigger tasting than most Merlots. www.grgich.com.

J Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Sonoma, 2009. $28. Smooth, dark chocolate fills the palate, spiked with a hint of caramel. A regal Pinot worthy of a crown. The class of the cool-climate Russian River growing grounds. 14 months in French Oak, 9 months in bottle. www.jwine.com.

Lamuri D’Almerita Nero D’Avola, Sicily. 2008. $17. Sicily produces more wine than any other region in Italy and D’Amerita is the Winery of the Year in Italy; a powerful combination for this dynamic wine at the foot of Mt. Etna. The Nero D’Avola grape has just begun to gain legs on the world wine scene. Packs a punch. www.tascadalmerita.it.

Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma 2009. $20. Family made since 1895, Zins are expertly crafted in estate vineyards. Certfied sustainably farmed grapes with power–to-the-pedal taste. www.seghesio.com.

Trends to Watch for:

Starbucks Coffee is testing wine bars within its coffeehouses in the Chicago area. A“Venti Vino”anyone? Look for Tasting rooms in the large supermarkets and discount warehouses. Some markets are already in the permit stage. Pop up mobile restaurants and Food Trucks are fanning out in progressive culinary cities with edgy creations that change almost daily. Locations can be tracked though social media outlets. Wine on tap is already gaining traction in hip bars, following on the heels of the enomatic machine for freshness and fast service.