Big Red Fest on the De Portola Trail

by Frank Mangio
Have you seen and tasted wine on the De Portola Trail these days? It’s a compelling experience. With the recent opening of Fazeli Cellars and the new ownership of Masia de la Vinya by the current owner of Danza del Sol, the winery count is now 10 with an increasing visitor population that  likes the “elbow room” and scenic vistas that the De Portola Road wineries provide.

The trail is part of the Temecula Valley wine country, winding south of the main body of wineries. Most of these DePortola owners have sunk lots of improvement money into their properties and most importantly, the wines are vastly improved. Owners like Robert Renzoni  understood early that a complete wine experience was crucial, so he set about to make fine Mediterranean style wines with lots of choices, from Tuscan Sangiovese to the complex star-quality Sonata, which matches The Italian Super Tuscans. After years of crucial funding searches during the great recession, a state of the art tasting room was buit, with indoor-outdoor amenities second to none. An Italian style bistro serves an authentic old-world menu (try the pizzas…meats and cheeses direct from Italy !)  Lots of live entertainment, even a bocce court.

We have documented the newest wine attractions, Fazeli Cellars, next door to Robert Renzoni and the exciting CAVE produced by Oak Mountain Winery a few blocks up the road.  I stopped in to see Christina and Ken Gershon of Gershon Bachus Vintners in the same neighborhood as the others. The winery produces 12 varietals of wines, and none are released less than 5 years old.  The Gershons have been owners for some 10 years and were pouring wines like a 2010 Zinfandel ($45.) and a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($59.). These wines  are in limited production offering the highest quality possible. The cab received 93 points in Wine Enthusiast.

I asked Gershon what he has observed about this wine region over the last 10 years.  “We weren’t wine people. We came from L.A. to build a house for weekends. One thing led to another and it became a winery.  First few years we found out this was not Cabernet country like Napa Valley. But over time and maturity in the vineyards., even the cabs are so much better now.  Our biggest challenge is marketing, getting the word out about this valley. Most of the media think we’re a party valley and don’t take our wines seriously.  We want visitors who enjoy the wines.  We’re pooling our resources and linkng up to make it easier to visit.  We’re really pleased to see that this Big Red event has brought a lot of new people to our wineries.”  Visit their website at deportolawinetrail.com.

Big Time Wins for South Coast Winery
The 2016 Pacific Rim International Wine Competion is in the books and Temecula Valley ’s long-time winning winery South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has done it again.  Their talented wine team of winemaker Javier Flores and Master Winemaker Jon McPherson brought home the Grand Champion Best Red Wine award with a 2014 Mourvedre ($14.) among other honors.  This wine is classic red cherry fruit and a Rhone Valley French favorite.  I have walked the vineyards with these two winemakers who are veteran Temecula Valley  creators, who have aways kept up with the changing trends in wine production. Other winners were the 2015 Verdelho and the 2014 Muscat of Alexandria. Other Temecula wineries that did well included: Thornton, Callaway, Falkner, Maurice Carrie and Hart Winery.  For more, go to southcoastwinery.com.

Temecula Wine Country Update

by Frank Mangio
Now that the pace of life in SoCal has calmed down and constant rounds of socializing at world class parties, events and football bowl games has faded away, it’s time to gather up 2013, put it in to the Guiness Book of World Records and look forward to ever more in 2014. First thing I want to set my sights on are the developments in the growing wine country in Southern California ’s Temecula.

Here’s a wine country that should be getting more respect in the greater wine world of the consumer that buys at big wine shops, groceries, restaurants, hotels and resorts. I realize many of the 35 or so wineries are still small by comparison, but a closer look shows a good percentage are gaining in competition with their more established brethren elsewhere in California , in international tasting events and total visitors at the wineries.

 John Thornton of Thornton Winery in Temecula introduces columnist Frank Mangio to
his new wine releases

Most of the season, Temecula has warm, dry days and cool nights, with breezes blanketing the area under vine.  It took a number of years and a severe disease for Temecula wineries to find their “sense of place,” a Mediterranean style of wine, with varietals that are derived from the south of France Spain, Italy , Croatia and Portugal . Many still make wonderful Cabernets and Chardonnays, but an increasing number are discovering varietals that match up nicely with their special climate, elevation and terroir, providing them with a warmer climate wine that the central and northern coast of California cannot match.

Here is a roundup of recent developments and new releases of interest.

John Thornton along with his son Steve, from Thornton Winery, has released 5 new wines made by winemaker David Vergari.  They are a 2012 Barbera, Merlot, Sangiovese and “Toot Sweet Red,” and a 2011 Tempranillo. Thornton is one of the best examples of an expanded list of wines, to include many Mediterranean styles.

Further into Temecula wine country, Monte De Oro continues to expand its list and outreach with recent appearances and tastings by GM and part owner Ken Zignorski.

Monte De Oro was a feature at the popular Capri Blu Restaurant in Rancho Bernardo and the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. Two to try here are the just released 2010 Syrah and the 2009 Synergy 65 which made the Top Ten Tastes at TASTE OF WINE.

Ken Zignorski of Monte De Oro Winery, with Peggy Evans, Executive Director of the Temecula

Wine Growers Association promoting Temecula wines at the recent
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.

The De Portola Trail district of Temecula wine country is on watch with Robert Renzoni Winery constructing a beautiful new tasting villa that should open the beginning of March.  Their wines are showing up in San Diego restaurants like Tony Roma’s and Petrini’s.  My scouts tell me that the new “Old Vine Zin” is a new one to try.

Oak Mountain Winery is starting construction on their new 10,000 square foot caves.  It’s the first mined cave in Southern California . You should try their Rousanne, an unusual white wine from the south of France .

Keyways Winery is under new ownership and I’m keeping my eye open for big changes.  I am high in praise of their 2011 Tempranillo with lots of black fruit and minerality.

The next Temecula Wine Country event is coming Sat. and Sun. March 1st and 2nd and the theme is World of Wine Barrel Tasting  with all wineries participating. This 2 day all day celebration demonstrates how the Temecula South Coast wineries grow varietals from all over the world and is “passport” style where guests with a glass and map can enjoy a self guided tour through this wine country.  You will enjoy new releases, barrel tasting, food sampling and live music. Ticket levels start at $79.00 each.  Call 800-801-9463 or visit www.temeculawines.org.

Wine Bytes
RELM Wine & Beer Bistro in Carlsbad has weekly live music every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm as it kicks off its 2014 calendar of events. Call 760-434-9463 for more.

Tuscany Italian Restaurant in Carlsbad presents live comedy in its new Copa Room with CBS Late Show funnyman Bobby Tessel, Sat. Jan. 18.  Doors open 7pm, showtime at 8pm.  $25. advance, $30. at the door.  Call 760-929-8111.

A Taste of Bressi, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad happens Sat. Jan. 25 from 6 to 9pm.  This is a walk-around tasting with beer and wine.  Cost is $80. pp.  Call 760-444-4893.