Sunday, July 12, 2015

Summertime is Wine Time

by Frank Mangio
It’s as if someone blew a whistle and the 4th of July, the ultimate backyard party holiday, came and went. My neighbors like to party at home and in other neighbors homes, so we all did a “progressive” BBQ and wine soiree before the fireworks took over all the fun. There are still many nice evenings left and after a long day’s work list, nothing beats a backyard party, so let your summer lifestyle show and take you guests to somewhere else in the wine world.

Ray & Loretta Falkner have followed their marketing instincts for unusual yet stylish wines for 15 years, having founded Falkner Winery in Temecula in the year 2000. They did well with Mediterranean style wine like Syrah, Viognier, Sangiovese and Super Tuscan style wines.


Ray Falkner of Falkner Winery in Temecula with his Luscious Lips wine,
part of a “Seductive Series” four pack.


 Then they got inventive with marketing and created the ultimate party wines, first with a Luscious Lips bottle in a white or red varietal. There is even a Luscious Lips bright Rosato pink wine. The sensual strawberry and cranberry flavors pair beautifully with summer parties. Then there is the gold medal winning Risque Riesling with a semi-dry taste of pear, cinnamon and spice.  Package it all up and you have the Seductive Series of four wines.  Each bottle is not more than $19.95, with a discount for the four-wine series.  Even bigger discounts are featured in the Crush Club. See falknerwinery.com.

Over at Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery outside of Ramona, an influx of investors, a new winemaker known as “the Mexican Mondavi,” and ambitious inside and outside renovation, have made this winery a popular summertime favorite. Their party recommendation is a “Milagro Spitzer,” with their Aleatico Port and other ingredients like Lavendar Cola Syrup. Milagrofarmvineyards.com.

The French drink more Rose’ than any other country, about 16 bottles per year, that courtesy of Wine Spectator.  This pink wine makes for a sweet fruity flavor to keep the party going.

Thanks to wineries like Pedroncelli of Sonoma, California Rose’ is abundant and getting recognized. Pedroncelli makes a Dry Rose’ of Zinfandel with a mixed berry and cream soda flavor that makes you coming back for more. They pick and produce in virtually the same year with the current vintage at 2014. ($12.) Pedroncelli.com.

“Life is full of flavor” and that really applies to summer party wines.  I want you to try a couple of fun wines from Argentina :  Decopas Sauvignon Blanc from Bodega Trivento with youthful refreshing  flavors, and Trivento Reserve Torrontes, both from Mendoza . ($11. each) See triventousa.com.

Let’s turn to Chile for a fun Chardonnay with a great story for partygoers, the Casillero del Diablo.
The “cellar of the devil” comes from Chile ’s premier winery, Concho Y Toro.  This is light yellow in color with aromas of pineapple, citrus and vanilla. ($12.) This one, like most others we have suggested, are topped with twist caps, so convenient for party people.  No corkscrews, no problem! Casillerodeldiablo.com.

Wine Bytes
Harry’s Bar & American Grill on La Jolla Village Dr. across from UTC in La Jolla has a 5 course dinner paired with 5 fine Italian wines featuring a Masi Amarone 2010, Wed. July 22nd at 6:30pm.  Cost is $85. ea.  Call 858-373-1252.

Il Fornaio in Coronado presents “Balcone Siciliano” Thurs. July 23rd with a reception at 6pm, dinner at 6:30pm.  This is fine Sicilian food with wines from Planeta in Sicily , moderated by wine expert Marco Barat.  Feature wine with this 5 course meal is the Planeta Etna Rosso 2013. $60. per person. RSVP at 619-437-4911.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos has a 5th year wine celebration, Fri. and Sat. July 24th and 25th, from 4 to 10pm.  Two tasting events on Friday, one is $10. and the other $35. It includes spectacular Napa Valley Reds like:  Caymus, Overture by Opus One, and Kathryn Hall Cabernet. Sat. enjoy $10. flutes of Roederer L’Ermitage Brut, as well as 50 cent tastes on a wide variety of wines. Raffle drawings and food both days. Details at northcountywinecompany.com.

Wine & Wishes, a premier wine and food tasting event that benefits Make a Wish kids in San Diego and Imperial County , will be presented Sun. July 26th from 4pm to 7pm at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.  Napa Valley wines and other quality names, along with delectable food from top restaurants, will be offered.  The event will include silent and live auctions, luxury raffle and live entertainment.  Complimentary valet.  Tickets are $200. ea.  Visit bidpal.net/wineandwishessd.com, or call 619-279-5211.

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