Monday, May 9, 2016

France vs. CA. Again at RELM

by Frank Mangio
RELM is a Carlsbad Village focal point for inquiring minds  that are thirsty for the latest in wine and beer, in a bistro setting. It has been re-invigorated after a short slump, by the smart and stylish General Manager David Andersson  who came in after a successful run at Donovan’s Steak House in downtown La Jolla . It really got interesting when Andersson collaborated with Tamara Golden, a local expert on travel news and views, to come up with a “Meetup”  series of events  that incorporate wine, food, travel and culture, at least one per month. The setting is intimate and encourages understanding through narration, large wall photos, and lots of wine comparisons, old world vs new world. France’s Rhone Valley , Provence and the “Cote d’ Azur” were highlighted in a 2 hour meetup of some 24 interested guests.

French wines, it seems, are often compared with their American counterparts, going back to the “Paris Tasting” of 1976, when Napa Valley wines were compared with French wines for the first time in a “blind” setting, and the American wines defeated the French in the well-known Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon categories.

French grapes like Cabs, Chards and Merlots are the most produced in California , so there lies the undercurrent of constant competitiveness. While Andersson poured the wine and offered tasty French-style bites like “Chevre,” a Duck Liver Mousse with Cognac , Golden presented a vivid journey through the South of France with imagery and imagination.  Her sources were her own experiences. She began in the North of the Rhone Valley at Lyon , France ’s 2nd largest city, then guided us to Hermitage, deep in Rhone wine country.  Avignon was the final stop in the Rhone Valley with its Ponte De Avignon, a famous bridge in France .

Looking ahead to more Meetups, RELM and Tamara Golden will be presenting a Spain Wine Tasting and Travelogue Sat. May 28th from 4 to 6pm.  They will offer a six-wine sampling from various Spanish districts and take a visual journey throughout Spain, the country of bullfighting, flamenco, tapas and Gaudi’. Cost is $35.

On Tues. June 14th from 7 to 9pm and again on Sat. June 18th     from 4 to 6pm, they will present a South Africa Wine Tasting and Travelogue with native wines, a tour of Cape Town and a Safari.  Cost is $35. To register, contact tamara@goldenjourneystravel.com or visit goldenjourneystravel.com.

San Diego wines have been making news these days with some wineries taking home some serious awards from top ranked competitions.  Sun. May 15th  you can experience  some 27 wineries including Orfila, Fallbrook, Woof ‘N Rose, San Pasqual and many more, in a festival of wine and food at Bernardo Winery, that will also be pouring their wines. Time will be 1 to 4pm, with a cost of $50. per person and includes unlimited wine tasting and a selection of gourmet foods.

There are now 115 wineries in San Diego County .  It is fascinating that San Diego was the first region in California where vineyards were planted and wine produced, when the Spanish missions were first built.  The Bernardo Winery location is at 13330 Paseo del Verano in Rancho Bernardo. Visit sandiegowineries.org for details.  For tickets go to sdcvawine2016.brownpapertickets.com.

Wine Bytes

Tablas Creek Vineyards of Paso Robles comes to a Winemaker Dinner at Inn L’Auberge Del Mar, Tues. May 17th at 6:30pm.  A five course, 6 wine occasion  will spotlight Spring Lamb with Tablas Creek 2013 Esprit de Tablas.  $125. ea.  RSVP at 858-793-6460.

Island Prime on Harbor Island San Diego is planning a Wines of the World with the Winemakers, Sat. May 21st from 12 Noon to 2pm.  Tickets are $40. pp.  This is a combination symposium and tasting with 5 winemakers: New Zealand , South Africa , Argentina and Australia with 10 wines to be tasted. Call 619-298-6802.

Fazeli Cellars in Temecula presents Studio 54, Sat. June 4th from 6 to 10pm.  Flares, afros, platforms, bling, disco, dancing, food wine and beer. Price is $79.99. Club members $69.99.  Call 951-303-3366.

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