Napa: Into the Valley of the Greatest Grapes-Part 2

by Frank Mangio
It’s day two of my journey to the center of the wine universe, Napa Valley .

This 30 mile long by five mile wide wine country is one of the smallest with just 4% of California ’s wine grape production.  Yet, it generates $13 billion dollars annually for the local economy and accounts for 1/3 of the wine sold in the U.S. It’s been well documented that the leading varietals in Napa Valley are Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Both were brought over from France and both Napa brands have beaten the French versions in high profile competitions.

Napa Valley has a dry Mediterranean climate, found only on 2% of the Earth’s surface which helps make it a consistently sought-after location for premium wines. There are nearly 500 wineries and I would venture to say that nearly all make Chardonnay and Cabernet, the top selling varietals in California.

In measuring the 2015 season, you have to go back to the winter of 2014 when a dry, warm winter resulted in small clusters of grapes on the vines with highly concentrated flavors.  According to the Napa Valley Vintners, this resulted in early bud break and a long flowering period.  In the Summer, everything got accelerated when a surge of hot temperatures  made for a quick conclusion to the season.  The first grapes for sparkling wine were picked on July 22nd and by October 10th, it was all over for the most part, about a month less than normal.  Napa Valley, like most other wine countries in California produced significantly less fruit this year, but what was collected is producing a high concentration of flavor.  Stacy Vogel, winemaker for Miner Winery said “we had one of the earliest harvests on record, with very low yields, half of what we produced in the great 2112 harvest.  The smaller cluster led to concentrated berries that gave us deep flavor and color.  We’ll wait about two years to bottle so they can fully develop.”

Ryan Hill of Hill Family Estate had a similar assessment when he reported that “we had a lot of heat in winter. January felt like May.  The spike in temperatures affected production to something like 2 to 4 tons of grapes per acre, about 60% less than normal.  In some cases with newer vineyards, costs will exceed sales.”

A Visit with the “Godfather” of Napa Valley
 Mike Grgich can “read” a grape better than anyone I know. Since 1958, when Miljenko “Mike” Grgich arrived in Napa Valley from Croatia to make wine, first for some of the leading winemakers of that era, then for his own winery, he has had a keen knack for knowing  when to hold them and when to pick them.

Hall of Fame winemaker Mike Grgich, at his Calistoga home in Napa Valley
with wine columnist Frank Mangio.

 
His legacy is well known worldwide, starting with his 1973 Chardonnay creation for Chateau Montelena that competed with similar wines at the famous Paris Tasting of 1976.  The Grgich-made Chardonnay defeated the French entries, a shock heard round the world of wine that put Napa Valley  firmly in a position of respect and fame.  It was only a year after this event that Grgich founded his own winery, Grgich Hills Estate.

He would later win the Great Chicago Chardonnay Showdown  of 1980, beating 221 other Chardonnays from around the world, including France for a second time, with a 1977 Chardonnay.  It was the first wine produced at his new winery, and today still tastes outstanding.

Grgich has now given the responsibility for winemaking and production to his Croatian nephew Ivo Jeramaz, and operations to his daughter Violet Grgich.  His 10 year Communications and Marketing Manager is Ken Morris, considered the most knowledgeable in the Napa Valley .

Never one to rest on his accomplishments, the 92 year old Grgich is thinking bigger these days. “I am now writing a book on my life as I know it, and I am helping to write a movie  on the real story of the Paris Tasting, from the book “Judgment of Paris.”  Shooting has already started on the movie with the star of the shoot, Mike Grgich.  The Napa Valley “Godfather” of Wine is reaching for new heights of fame. Read more at grgich.com.

Read more about the TASTE OF WINE Napa Valley Harvest Tour  Part 3, in next week’s column.

Wine Bytes
Seasalt Seafood Bistro presents a Luca Wine Dinner, Wed. Nov. 4th at 6pm.  Luca is an Argentina wine with many awards.  5 course dinner will pair with the wines.  $55. pp.  Call 858-765-7100 for an RSVP.

Twenty/20, in the Sheraton Hotel Carlsbad is planning a Whiskey Tasting event, Thurs. Nov. 5th at 6pm.  Delicious small plate pairings.  $55. ea.  Call 760-827-2500 for a place.

PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar Carlsbad has a Tolosa Wine event Wed. Nov. 4th from 6 to 8pm.  $20. charge.  More by calling 760-729-7377.

A Reflection of Wines past, a Re-Birthing For the Future

by Frank Mangio

On Saturday September 10, Napa Valley and a lot of the rest of the wine world, will celebrate a significant milestone – the 150th anniversary of Napa Valley’s first winery.

Charles Krug Winery was founded in 1861. Of the more than 3,000 wineries in California, Charles Krug laid the blueprint for new world wines, their fruit-rich consistency and character, but with a European style and sophistication. I have been on the hallowed grounds with its heritage oaks and vast expanse of lawn and realized that Charles Krug is a remarkable piece of America. And so does the governor, who has proclaimed “Charles Krug Winery Charles Krug Day" on September 10, 2011.

Winery in the Napa Valley, owned by The Peter Mondavi Family, is celebrating 150 years.

There is another component of this celebration and a primary page in the history of Napa Valley winemaking. This was the first winery purchased by the Mondavi Family, when Peter Sr. and Robert Mondavi built a brand that would be forever hailed as some of the greatest wines in the world. Later, Peter Sr. and sons Peter Jr. and Marc would carry on the tradition but with a new direction: stewardship of the land and the move to sustainable farming practices for next-generation preservation.

I recently had the opportunity to taste the Mondavi Family’s Reserve 2008 “ Generations,” a tribute to the family’s banner year of celebration.

This showstopper is a blend of 56% Cabernet, 31% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Distinctive roasted chestnut, brown sugar qualities hold together black cherry and some mineral notes. ( $51. at the winery. )

Make a date for September 10th, 2 to 5pm at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena for a significant milestone, the 150th Anniversary of Charles Krug and salute 96 year old Peter Mondavi Sr. with a “well done.” A host of other wine and food tastings will top the afternoon’s activities. See more at www.charleskrug.com.

Plans in Place for the 8th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

The Grand Tasting Event is Saturday November 19 at the Embarcadero, San Diego. Here’s a wine and food event you absolutely, positively must experience.

The 8th annual edition of the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is set for Wednesday November 16 through Sunday November 20. Check out the over-the-top lineup: 170 wine and spirit brands, 70 of San Diego’s top chefs, cooking and wine tasting classes, big bottle auction, continuous food and wine tastings, over 800 wines and a $50,000. “Chef of the Fest” competition.

Festival co-producer Michelle Metter asserted that “for eight years we have created an experience in Southern California that puts wine and food enthusiasts face-to-face with true culinary legends, rockstars in fact to many of us. Throughout the year, we follow the trends, the winemakers and chefs, sommeliers and mixologists, who are trailblazing a path filled with innovation and creativity, bringing many of them to San Diego for this event,” she added.

Throughout the week, visitors can choose from a number of events and packages to match their schedule. Be sure to include: the Reserve & New Release Tasting and Silent Auction , Friday November 18, 6:30 to 9:30pm on board the Hornblower Inspiration; and the Grand Tasting Event Saturday November 19 from Noon to 3pm ( VIP passes for 11am to 3pm) at the Embarcadero behind Seaport Village. Complete ticket and schedule details online at www.worldofwineevents.com or call 619-342-7337.

Wine Bytes

Every Tuesday, RELM Wine Bistro in Carlsbad has Keith offering an exploration of 4 different varietals for $10., from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Details at 760-434-9463.

Bernardo Winery presents its Grape Stomp Festa Sun. Sept. 11 starting at 5pm. $35. A ticket, includes grape stomping, buffet dinner, wine tasting and live music. Get more info at 858-487-1866.

A special Ken Forrester Wine Dinner is planned for PAON Restaurant and Wine Bar in Carlsbad, Tues. Sept. 13. Reception at 6:15pm. Meet Ken Forrester and Jessie Casanova from the winery. $85. pp. Call for an RSVP at 760-729-7377.

Firefly Grill and Bar in Encinitas has a Baker & Olive Wine Dinner Wed. Sept. 14 at 6:30pm with Smokescreen and Fifty Row Wines. Cost is $60. Call 760-635-1066.

Cougar Vineyards and Winery in Temecula is celebrating Mexican Independence Day with a Salsa and Guacamole Competition Fri. Sept. 16, 6:30 to 9:30pm. Visitors pay $30. pp; $25. for club members. Details at 951-491-0825.