by Frank Mangio
Small wineries and vineyards in San Diego County breathed a collective sigh of relief last week when the County Board of Supervisors eased their choke-hold on wineries in the county and allowed them to present their wines in tasting rooms, without the major use permit that went as high as $250,000. This should coalesce a severely fractured wine industry and boost the profits of an up-to-now struggling group of some 50 wineries in the county.
Chinook Vineyards, founded recently by Elaine Lyttleton and Norm Case on Highway 78 in Ramona, are planting fours acres of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel and currently can only allow “guests” on the property by invitation only. They have cultivated a club member list and “adopt-a-vine” sponsors to develop brand loyalty. “There are 17 bonded wineries in the Ramona Valley,” she declared.
“So far, there is only one tasting room. There are strict rules for these small wineries in terms of hours of operation, events, percentage of estate grown grapes that must go into the wine, but they are all conditions we can live with in order to sustain a viable wine business on Agriculturally zoned land, without bankrupting ourselves in the process,” she said.
There are nearly 3,000 wineries and vineyards in California, up from 1,500 in the year 2000. With the lifting of impossible restrictions, San Diego County could be the next growth area for wine.
It’s Grape Stomping Season
Orfila Winery, a well established vineyard and winery in Escondido kicks off the Grape Stomping season in California with one of the earliest and best organized “stomps” you will see.
The big event takes place on Saturday August 28 from 4pm to 8pm, with grape stomping in a huge 5 foot barrel, full dinner buffet, dancing to live Italian Festa music, hay rides, wine tasting and tours, for $85. per person.
The 70 acre winery has hosted this anticipated event since 1993, when legendary winemaker Leon Santoro created this replica of an Italian “Vino” celebration. Santoro has recently passed away. His successor, Justin Mund is carrying on his legacy. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-868-9463 outside of San Diego County. If within San Diego County, call 877-727-9463. Online, access www.orfila.com.
Wine Bytes
Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe presents the first of a wine dinner series on Sun. Aug. 22, 5:30 to 8pm for $110. pp. Meet Sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji of Miura Vineyards and enjoy a 4 course dinner. Details at 858-759-6216.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas hosts a Tolosa Wine and 5 course dinner Wed. Aug. 25 from 6:30-9pm. Taste Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet. Price and menu at 760-635-1066.
A Taste of Italy awaits you on Tues. Aug. 24 at 6:30pm at Bistro West in Carlsbad. All Italian varietals are being poured with cuisine from several districts in Italy. $65. ea. RSVP at 760-664-5850.
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has an Italian Wine Expo on Fri Aug. 27 from 6 to 8pm. $20. fee. Call for wines at 760-599-1200.
Opolo Wines, a premier vineyard from Paso Robles will be pouring at La Costa Wine Company Fri Aug. 27 from 6 to 8:30pm. Cost is $25. Guests will be asked to blend their own version with a special kit. Prize for best. Call 760-431-8455 for details.
Showing posts with label encinitas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label encinitas. Show all posts
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
France’s Rhone Valley: Roots are Getting Deeper
by Frank Mangio
It was five years ago that I first heard the Rhone Valley story from an early enthusiast, the late Leon Santoro who made wine at Orfila in San Diego County. He could hardly contain his excitement when talking about Syrah and Viognier, his two favorite Rhone grape varietals from this ever-more interesting wine country in the south of France.
He had joined the “Rhone Rangers,” an organization of mostly Paso Robles winemakers dedicated to showing the wine world that Rhone grapes can be made into rich and satisfying wines. Names to know that are Rhone Valley based include: Syrah (also known as Shiraz in Australia) the most planted Rhone grape in California. Full flavored berry, with aromas of smoke, bacon and crushed rock. Petite Sirah is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. It’s extremely dark in color with big tannins and needs some lay-down time to flourish.
Grenache is the world’s 2nd most planted wine grape with aromas of red fruit, licorice and black pepper. Lots of cherry flavor.
Carignane produces wine high in acidity and tannin and does best in old vineyards. Mourvedre is the latest ripening grape and is now undergoing a big popularity push. Chocolate, leather and earth aromas. Plum and spice flavors. Viognier is the highly aromatic white wine with excellent peach, apricot and mango flavors and aroma with low acidity. Roussanne has tastes of honey and pear, with rose petal and nutty aromas and moderate acidity. Others to look for are Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul Blanc, Cinsault and Counoise.
The vintage to look for, both in France’s Rhone Valley and Paso Robles is the 2005, considered to an inflection point for southern French style wines. The latest releases are now up to 2007, with some 2008 bottles showing up on the shelves of wineries and wine shops. An elite area in the south Rhone Valley is Chateauneuf-du-pape where a blend of Granache and Mourvedre, grown in the rockiest soil in France, yields ripe, fleshy definition to the wines. This is well known to Jason Haas, whose family combined with a leading vineyard in the south Rhone area, Chateau de Beaucastel, chose Paso Robles in 1989 for a new vineyard. They purchased a 120 acres to grow Rhone style wine grapes, a first for Paso.
They named the new winery Tablas Creek. It took quite a while to plant and develop the old world cuttings and clones. Finally they enough to do business in 1992. Now, they are used not only by their winery, but by some 400 others. Tablas Creek itself sells about 18,000 cases. Easily the most elegant of the Rhone style, the winery chooses to blend, making wines that are richer and better balanced. Its 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel combines Mouvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Counoise and sells for $50. in most shops.
The Rhone Rangers promotional group will have their annual Southern California Tasting in Santa Monica at Pier 59 Studios West on Sunday August 8 from 2 to 5pm. 50 wineries will join in the event. For questions and pricing, check 800-467-0163 or access their web site, full of detailed information about this leading French terroir at www.rhonerangers.org
Wine Bytes
Delicias Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe is kicking off complimentary wine tastings every Thurs. and Fri. from 6 to 7:3opm. General Manager and wine man extraordinaire Gino Campbell is building up his wine cellar and wants customers to tell him what’s great, so come by and try. No RSVP required. For more info, call 858-756-8000.
Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has its summer pre-release party Sat. July 17 from 2 to 4pm in the Barrel Room. Favorite new wines are being served at no charge. Open house format so stay as long as you can. No food served. Try the newest and the best. Call 760-796-7557.
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents a Napa Valley Vintners Tasting Sat. July 17 from 6 to 8:30pm. Food from nearby Bentley’s. Wine names like Lail, Elyse, Frank Family and many more top quality wineries are expected to pour. Cost is $40. pp. Call 760-479-2500.
Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula brings Hollwood U2, the best U2 Tribute Band to its stage Sat. July17 from 7 to 10pm. Cost is $49. ea. $44. for club members. Make contact at www.wilsoncreekwinerycom.
Mille Fleurs in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe is hosting an elegant dinner with award winning Fritz Wines of Napa Valley Tues. July 20. Meet winemaker Clay Fritz. 5 course dinner cost is $95. Details call 619-221-8024.
Soro’s Mediterranean Grill in Old Town Temecula has a fun filled night at its first Fedora Hat Night Wed. July 21 at 6pm. Classic Mediterranean flavors will be paired with wines, with live music to perfect the atmosphere of Fedora hats and 30’s style outfits. RSVP at 951-587-8082.
Carlsbad Wine Merchants has their Wine, Music and New Menu rockin’ on Friday nights. Small bite food offerings are heavy on luscious salads. First music set starts at 6pm. Call 760-804-9994 for this week’s lineup.
Canapes in San Marcos has outdoor entertainment in the patio with a Frank Sinatra Review on Sat. July 24, 6:30 to 9:30pm. Enjoy unique dining selections, smart wine list and great music at James Allyn’s Canapes. RSVP a table at 760-510-2088.
It was five years ago that I first heard the Rhone Valley story from an early enthusiast, the late Leon Santoro who made wine at Orfila in San Diego County. He could hardly contain his excitement when talking about Syrah and Viognier, his two favorite Rhone grape varietals from this ever-more interesting wine country in the south of France.
He had joined the “Rhone Rangers,” an organization of mostly Paso Robles winemakers dedicated to showing the wine world that Rhone grapes can be made into rich and satisfying wines. Names to know that are Rhone Valley based include: Syrah (also known as Shiraz in Australia) the most planted Rhone grape in California. Full flavored berry, with aromas of smoke, bacon and crushed rock. Petite Sirah is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. It’s extremely dark in color with big tannins and needs some lay-down time to flourish.
Grenache is the world’s 2nd most planted wine grape with aromas of red fruit, licorice and black pepper. Lots of cherry flavor.
Carignane produces wine high in acidity and tannin and does best in old vineyards. Mourvedre is the latest ripening grape and is now undergoing a big popularity push. Chocolate, leather and earth aromas. Plum and spice flavors. Viognier is the highly aromatic white wine with excellent peach, apricot and mango flavors and aroma with low acidity. Roussanne has tastes of honey and pear, with rose petal and nutty aromas and moderate acidity. Others to look for are Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul Blanc, Cinsault and Counoise.
The vintage to look for, both in France’s Rhone Valley and Paso Robles is the 2005, considered to an inflection point for southern French style wines. The latest releases are now up to 2007, with some 2008 bottles showing up on the shelves of wineries and wine shops. An elite area in the south Rhone Valley is Chateauneuf-du-pape where a blend of Granache and Mourvedre, grown in the rockiest soil in France, yields ripe, fleshy definition to the wines. This is well known to Jason Haas, whose family combined with a leading vineyard in the south Rhone area, Chateau de Beaucastel, chose Paso Robles in 1989 for a new vineyard. They purchased a 120 acres to grow Rhone style wine grapes, a first for Paso.
They named the new winery Tablas Creek. It took quite a while to plant and develop the old world cuttings and clones. Finally they enough to do business in 1992. Now, they are used not only by their winery, but by some 400 others. Tablas Creek itself sells about 18,000 cases. Easily the most elegant of the Rhone style, the winery chooses to blend, making wines that are richer and better balanced. Its 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel combines Mouvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Counoise and sells for $50. in most shops.
The Rhone Rangers promotional group will have their annual Southern California Tasting in Santa Monica at Pier 59 Studios West on Sunday August 8 from 2 to 5pm. 50 wineries will join in the event. For questions and pricing, check 800-467-0163 or access their web site, full of detailed information about this leading French terroir at www.rhonerangers.org
Wine Bytes
Delicias Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe is kicking off complimentary wine tastings every Thurs. and Fri. from 6 to 7:3opm. General Manager and wine man extraordinaire Gino Campbell is building up his wine cellar and wants customers to tell him what’s great, so come by and try. No RSVP required. For more info, call 858-756-8000.
Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has its summer pre-release party Sat. July 17 from 2 to 4pm in the Barrel Room. Favorite new wines are being served at no charge. Open house format so stay as long as you can. No food served. Try the newest and the best. Call 760-796-7557.
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents a Napa Valley Vintners Tasting Sat. July 17 from 6 to 8:30pm. Food from nearby Bentley’s. Wine names like Lail, Elyse, Frank Family and many more top quality wineries are expected to pour. Cost is $40. pp. Call 760-479-2500.
Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula brings Hollwood U2, the best U2 Tribute Band to its stage Sat. July17 from 7 to 10pm. Cost is $49. ea. $44. for club members. Make contact at www.wilsoncreekwinerycom.
Mille Fleurs in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe is hosting an elegant dinner with award winning Fritz Wines of Napa Valley Tues. July 20. Meet winemaker Clay Fritz. 5 course dinner cost is $95. Details call 619-221-8024.
Soro’s Mediterranean Grill in Old Town Temecula has a fun filled night at its first Fedora Hat Night Wed. July 21 at 6pm. Classic Mediterranean flavors will be paired with wines, with live music to perfect the atmosphere of Fedora hats and 30’s style outfits. RSVP at 951-587-8082.
Carlsbad Wine Merchants has their Wine, Music and New Menu rockin’ on Friday nights. Small bite food offerings are heavy on luscious salads. First music set starts at 6pm. Call 760-804-9994 for this week’s lineup.
Canapes in San Marcos has outdoor entertainment in the patio with a Frank Sinatra Review on Sat. July 24, 6:30 to 9:30pm. Enjoy unique dining selections, smart wine list and great music at James Allyn’s Canapes. RSVP a table at 760-510-2088.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Mendocino Pinot Possesses Panache
by Frank Mangio
If you are heading up to Northern California wine country, plan some time in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County and celebrate the Pinot Noir Festival with the locals Saturday and Sunday May 14 and 15. OK, I will admit I would rather be in Oregon if I’m on a “best-of” hunt, but I’m open to any discussion when it comes to “may the best Pinot win.” Pinot has a richness and diversity that makes it the royal flush of the wine world. And Anderson Valley does its best to keep up with the front-runners with its unique viticultural climate of warm sunny days and cool, foggy nights.
Swiss and Italian settlers planted first in the mid-1800’s. A venerable old name, Italian Swiss Colony Winery is located at the southern end, in Asti. But it wasn’t until 1983 that the valley officially became an appellation with its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer dominating. Goldeneye, part of the legendary Goldeneye in the Anderson Valley has 5 Pinot Noir entries. Duckhorn Vineyards, was chosen as the winery to host the Pinot Noir Grand Tasting 11 – 3pm, Saturday May 15. The winery is between Boonville and Philo on Highway 128. There will be over 100 Pinots to taste, but I expect Goldeneye will get the most attention.
They are not the budget Pinots you taste in the south of California. This is the real deal, with their 2007 Anderson Valley Pinot retailing at $55., to the 2007 Ten Degrees priced at $100. on their web site.
Zach Rasmuson is Goldeneye’s respected, dedicated winemaker. He worked long and hard at Napa Valley’s Stags Leap under the great Warren Winiarski who instilled in him the Bordeaux style of red winemaking. Zach always had an eye for Pinot Noir and the Anderson Valley, and when his time came in 2003, he joined Goldeneye as their winemaker.
“Pinot Noir is an amazing, malleable grape, he asserted. “You need to be gentle. It’s a process of minimal intervention, of finesse not muscle. We’re not trying to replicate the wines of Burgundy (where the grape comes from) at Goldeneye. Pinot reflects its terroir with remarkable clarity. We have an extensive palette of flavors from which to create. The result is an extracted, elegant wine.”
Mendocino Wine Country has about 84 wineries, emphasizing handcrafted, artisan style wines. Some names to know beside Goldeneye are: Edmeades Winery that features old vine Zinfandel, Fetzer Vineyards, one of the biggest value wines in the world, Parducci Wine Cellars, Rosati Winery, Cakebread Cellars and Philo Ridge. For more on these wineries and others, access www.truemendocinowine.com.
Eat, Drink and Enjoy at Canapes
A fascinating personality in the fast-growing San Marcos restaurant and wine scene has triumphed with his new, stylish Canapes, in Restaurant Row. James Allyn can now commute across the street from his North County Wine Company to his serendipitous Canapes, featuring more than 30 small plate culinary delights from almost every corner of the world. The flamboyant food and wine entrepreneur took me through his wine list with a huge selection “by the glass.” And there it was: the Goldeneye Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley Mendocino.
A look inside featuring the area of Canapes in San Marcos.
Allyn deftly took me through a mixed menu of his brilliantly crafted small-bite “sideways, munches, feasts and tastes,” with a perfectly paired group of wines that tapped into the flavor of the selections. Many of his menu items are gluten-free, vegetarian dishes underlining local, fresh produce. With the beef, it’s only Certified Angus. Up to 30 menu choices, with a wine/beer list of over 130 names to pick from. The outside patio will get really popular as the weather warms. Two firepits and live bands will keep it full of music-lovers. Canapes offers catering and soon will be announcing a Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Canapes (Can-ah-pays) means small plates in French. “Mi contento” is Italian for “I have had my fill and I am happy.” That’s exactly how I felt after a visit to Canapes. See www.CanapesGrill.com. Call 760-510-2088.
Wine Bytes
The Grand Collaboration at Addison in the Grand Del Mar is Fri. May 14 from 5:30-10pm featuring Viader and Summerland Wineries. A grand menu will be presented by both Addison and Amaya chefs with a six course dinner and wine pairings. $125.pp. Call for an RSVP at 858-314-2000.
Barrels and Branches Nursery in Encinitas presents a wine tasting and food pairing Sat. May 15 from 6 to 9pm. Five different Relm Wines will be served. Live Music. Cost is $32. For details call 760-814-1198.
Oregon and Washington wines are side by side in a tasting at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego Sat. May 15 from 2 to 9pm. Enjoy Pinot Noirs, Cabs, Merlots and many blends. $20. tasting fee. For more info, it’s 619-236-0005.
La Costa Wine Company has its big Wine Expo 2010 on Sat. May 22 from 2 to 6pm. Over 50 wines will be tasted from all over the world. Purchase them at huge discounts. Appetizer are specially prepared by “Dinners by David.” $15. fee. RSVP only by contacting 760-431-8455 for this special event.
The 28th annual Paso Robles Wine Festival is Fri. May 21 through Sun. May 23. A Wine Auction and Dinner is added this year on Sat. May 22. This is Paso’s biggest event of the year. Details at www.pasowine.com. Or phone 805-239-8463.
If you are heading up to Northern California wine country, plan some time in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County and celebrate the Pinot Noir Festival with the locals Saturday and Sunday May 14 and 15. OK, I will admit I would rather be in Oregon if I’m on a “best-of” hunt, but I’m open to any discussion when it comes to “may the best Pinot win.” Pinot has a richness and diversity that makes it the royal flush of the wine world. And Anderson Valley does its best to keep up with the front-runners with its unique viticultural climate of warm sunny days and cool, foggy nights.
Swiss and Italian settlers planted first in the mid-1800’s. A venerable old name, Italian Swiss Colony Winery is located at the southern end, in Asti. But it wasn’t until 1983 that the valley officially became an appellation with its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer dominating. Goldeneye, part of the legendary Goldeneye in the Anderson Valley has 5 Pinot Noir entries. Duckhorn Vineyards, was chosen as the winery to host the Pinot Noir Grand Tasting 11 – 3pm, Saturday May 15. The winery is between Boonville and Philo on Highway 128. There will be over 100 Pinots to taste, but I expect Goldeneye will get the most attention.
They are not the budget Pinots you taste in the south of California. This is the real deal, with their 2007 Anderson Valley Pinot retailing at $55., to the 2007 Ten Degrees priced at $100. on their web site.
Zach Rasmuson is Goldeneye’s respected, dedicated winemaker. He worked long and hard at Napa Valley’s Stags Leap under the great Warren Winiarski who instilled in him the Bordeaux style of red winemaking. Zach always had an eye for Pinot Noir and the Anderson Valley, and when his time came in 2003, he joined Goldeneye as their winemaker.
“Pinot Noir is an amazing, malleable grape, he asserted. “You need to be gentle. It’s a process of minimal intervention, of finesse not muscle. We’re not trying to replicate the wines of Burgundy (where the grape comes from) at Goldeneye. Pinot reflects its terroir with remarkable clarity. We have an extensive palette of flavors from which to create. The result is an extracted, elegant wine.”
Mendocino Wine Country has about 84 wineries, emphasizing handcrafted, artisan style wines. Some names to know beside Goldeneye are: Edmeades Winery that features old vine Zinfandel, Fetzer Vineyards, one of the biggest value wines in the world, Parducci Wine Cellars, Rosati Winery, Cakebread Cellars and Philo Ridge. For more on these wineries and others, access www.truemendocinowine.com.
Eat, Drink and Enjoy at Canapes
A fascinating personality in the fast-growing San Marcos restaurant and wine scene has triumphed with his new, stylish Canapes, in Restaurant Row. James Allyn can now commute across the street from his North County Wine Company to his serendipitous Canapes, featuring more than 30 small plate culinary delights from almost every corner of the world. The flamboyant food and wine entrepreneur took me through his wine list with a huge selection “by the glass.” And there it was: the Goldeneye Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley Mendocino.
A look inside featuring the area of Canapes in San Marcos.Allyn deftly took me through a mixed menu of his brilliantly crafted small-bite “sideways, munches, feasts and tastes,” with a perfectly paired group of wines that tapped into the flavor of the selections. Many of his menu items are gluten-free, vegetarian dishes underlining local, fresh produce. With the beef, it’s only Certified Angus. Up to 30 menu choices, with a wine/beer list of over 130 names to pick from. The outside patio will get really popular as the weather warms. Two firepits and live bands will keep it full of music-lovers. Canapes offers catering and soon will be announcing a Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Canapes (Can-ah-pays) means small plates in French. “Mi contento” is Italian for “I have had my fill and I am happy.” That’s exactly how I felt after a visit to Canapes. See www.CanapesGrill.com. Call 760-510-2088.
Wine Bytes
The Grand Collaboration at Addison in the Grand Del Mar is Fri. May 14 from 5:30-10pm featuring Viader and Summerland Wineries. A grand menu will be presented by both Addison and Amaya chefs with a six course dinner and wine pairings. $125.pp. Call for an RSVP at 858-314-2000.
Barrels and Branches Nursery in Encinitas presents a wine tasting and food pairing Sat. May 15 from 6 to 9pm. Five different Relm Wines will be served. Live Music. Cost is $32. For details call 760-814-1198.
Oregon and Washington wines are side by side in a tasting at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego Sat. May 15 from 2 to 9pm. Enjoy Pinot Noirs, Cabs, Merlots and many blends. $20. tasting fee. For more info, it’s 619-236-0005.
La Costa Wine Company has its big Wine Expo 2010 on Sat. May 22 from 2 to 6pm. Over 50 wines will be tasted from all over the world. Purchase them at huge discounts. Appetizer are specially prepared by “Dinners by David.” $15. fee. RSVP only by contacting 760-431-8455 for this special event.
The 28th annual Paso Robles Wine Festival is Fri. May 21 through Sun. May 23. A Wine Auction and Dinner is added this year on Sat. May 22. This is Paso’s biggest event of the year. Details at www.pasowine.com. Or phone 805-239-8463.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Charm of Venice and Tuscany at Bella Dolce in Rancho Santa Fe
by Frank Mangio
Italy never looked or tasted as beautiful as it does at the new Dolce Pane E Vino in the Del Rayo Center in Rancho Santa Fe. Guests are literally transformed in this rustic, elegant creation that is at once a world of wine, a wine bar of elegance and a small-bites master restaurant with the charm of Venice and Tuscan surrounds.
Dolce Pane E Vino (sweet bread and wine) is the creation of Michael Melone and Dr. Anthony Smith who have carefully crafted an original Italian design unlike anything I have experienced. They bring a passion for the customer, cultivated from remarkable dining experiences worldwide. You’ll marvel at the tables that are crafted for sharing, and lighting that is linked in communal harmony, yet each element is its own artistic rendering. The entire atmosphere is an architectural triumph.
Dr. Anthony Smith and Michael Melone partnered to create Dolce Pane E Vino, a wine and cuisine restaurant experience unlike any other.
I would be remiss by not devoting space to the wine and cuisine. Wine flights of three offerings are paired with the meal as a delightful option, especially since bottles can be purchased that match the flavors. On the evening I visited, wines from Fort Ross, Wolf Family and Orin Swift were served and all had rich flavors to pair with an ever-evolving Mediterranean menu.
Dolce Pane E Vino is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays just dinner is served. Local seasonal produce is used with the freshest quality available. Dolce is now booking inspiring wineries for special events including Laird Family Estate Wed. March 24 at 5:30pm with Rebbecca Laird. There is more to know at their website DolcePanEVino.com. The phone number is 858-832-1518.
New Wines and a Perfect Gift Idea
In the past 30 days I have tasted some 500 wines of note and the following wines were especially memorable:
- Castel Giocondo Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, 2004. $45. From the Frescobaldi family of traditional Italian winemaking with 100% four year aged Sangiovese. The first of the recently great harvest years in Tuscany. Gets greater with more aging.
- Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz, Australia, 2007. $19. This striking, flavorful wine comes from the oldest winery in the Aussie nation in the heart of the Barossa Valley. First vines were planted in 1845. Classic and refined.
- Leal San Benito Estate Grown Cabernet, Hollister Ca. 2006. $20. North Central Coast flavor of soft, rich intense wines. A cab that is delicious and easy on the palate.
- Louis Latour Beaune Burgundy, Cote-D’or, France. 2005. $39. Burgundian wines fathered the immensely popular Pinot Noirs of the West Coast of the U.S. Mellow cherry with a smoky licorice taste. Balanced, mellow tannins. ’05 was a golden harvest in France.
- Oak Mountain Meritage, Temecula, 2005. $42. One for the locals with a nicely calculated 40% Cabernet, 40% Cab Franc and 20% Merlot Bordeaux classic style. Long, smooth finish.
- Pedroncelli Block 007 Estate Vineyard Sonoma Cabernet, 2007. $25. Ninety one points in a major wine publication, this is 100% cab grape with 18 months in oak. Elegant premium quality.
- Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2008. $20. Another master stroke from winemaker Rick Sayres, pulling a premier harvest from this popular pinot area. Silky texture, floral accents and a hint of spice make this one a standard to look up to.
A personal expression on a bottle or glass makes the perfect gift to give for wine lovers.
Tom Bwarie of Bwarie Gift Baskets in Carlsbad (photo) has made hand engraving an art form. As a focal point of your custom gift basket order, this personalized service is free of charge. He showed me a popular new wine aerator that he is engraving for customers, the Soiree, a glass globe with an aeration chamber that is secured to the top of a wine bottle to enhance balance and flavor.
He also does wine events where he quickly engraves the names of visitors on their tasting glasses. It’s a “take-home” gift that insures branding life for the hosts. Contact information is 760-730-1458 or access the website BWarieGiftBaskets.com
Wine Bytes
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is serving Italian “Succulent Sangioveses” at their weekly wine tasting on Fri. March 26 from 6 to 8pm. Check with them for price and the wine lineup. 760-479-2500.
Wine Styles in Encinitas has live jazz and wine with the flamenco group En Fuego, Fri. March 26, 6 to 8pm. An extensive menu of wines from around the world, with a small bite menu of cheeses and paninis. No cover charge. Call 760-633-0057.
The Wine Bank in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego has the Best of Italian Wines for its event of Sat. March 27 from 6 to 8pm. Names like Gaja, Masi Amarone and Sassicaia will be poured. $50. pp. RSVP on pre-purchase at 619-239-0334.
3rd Corner in Encinitas has a Hitching Post Wine Dinner coming on Tues. March 30 at 6pm for $65. ea. This was the Santa Barbara winery made famous in the movie “Sideways.” RSVP at 760-942-2104. The Hitching Post winemaker will also be at La Costa Wine Company on Wed. March 31 from 6 to 8pm. Cost is $20. For details call 760-431-8455.
Italy never looked or tasted as beautiful as it does at the new Dolce Pane E Vino in the Del Rayo Center in Rancho Santa Fe. Guests are literally transformed in this rustic, elegant creation that is at once a world of wine, a wine bar of elegance and a small-bites master restaurant with the charm of Venice and Tuscan surrounds.
Dolce Pane E Vino (sweet bread and wine) is the creation of Michael Melone and Dr. Anthony Smith who have carefully crafted an original Italian design unlike anything I have experienced. They bring a passion for the customer, cultivated from remarkable dining experiences worldwide. You’ll marvel at the tables that are crafted for sharing, and lighting that is linked in communal harmony, yet each element is its own artistic rendering. The entire atmosphere is an architectural triumph.
Dr. Anthony Smith and Michael Melone partnered to create Dolce Pane E Vino, a wine and cuisine restaurant experience unlike any other.I would be remiss by not devoting space to the wine and cuisine. Wine flights of three offerings are paired with the meal as a delightful option, especially since bottles can be purchased that match the flavors. On the evening I visited, wines from Fort Ross, Wolf Family and Orin Swift were served and all had rich flavors to pair with an ever-evolving Mediterranean menu.
Dolce Pane E Vino is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Mondays just dinner is served. Local seasonal produce is used with the freshest quality available. Dolce is now booking inspiring wineries for special events including Laird Family Estate Wed. March 24 at 5:30pm with Rebbecca Laird. There is more to know at their website DolcePanEVino.com. The phone number is 858-832-1518.
New Wines and a Perfect Gift Idea
In the past 30 days I have tasted some 500 wines of note and the following wines were especially memorable:
- Castel Giocondo Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, 2004. $45. From the Frescobaldi family of traditional Italian winemaking with 100% four year aged Sangiovese. The first of the recently great harvest years in Tuscany. Gets greater with more aging.
- Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz, Australia, 2007. $19. This striking, flavorful wine comes from the oldest winery in the Aussie nation in the heart of the Barossa Valley. First vines were planted in 1845. Classic and refined.
- Leal San Benito Estate Grown Cabernet, Hollister Ca. 2006. $20. North Central Coast flavor of soft, rich intense wines. A cab that is delicious and easy on the palate.
- Louis Latour Beaune Burgundy, Cote-D’or, France. 2005. $39. Burgundian wines fathered the immensely popular Pinot Noirs of the West Coast of the U.S. Mellow cherry with a smoky licorice taste. Balanced, mellow tannins. ’05 was a golden harvest in France.
- Oak Mountain Meritage, Temecula, 2005. $42. One for the locals with a nicely calculated 40% Cabernet, 40% Cab Franc and 20% Merlot Bordeaux classic style. Long, smooth finish.
- Pedroncelli Block 007 Estate Vineyard Sonoma Cabernet, 2007. $25. Ninety one points in a major wine publication, this is 100% cab grape with 18 months in oak. Elegant premium quality.
- Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Sonoma 2008. $20. Another master stroke from winemaker Rick Sayres, pulling a premier harvest from this popular pinot area. Silky texture, floral accents and a hint of spice make this one a standard to look up to.
A personal expression on a bottle or glass makes the perfect gift to give for wine lovers.
Tom Bwarie of Bwarie Gift Baskets in Carlsbad (photo) has made hand engraving an art form. As a focal point of your custom gift basket order, this personalized service is free of charge. He showed me a popular new wine aerator that he is engraving for customers, the Soiree, a glass globe with an aeration chamber that is secured to the top of a wine bottle to enhance balance and flavor.
He also does wine events where he quickly engraves the names of visitors on their tasting glasses. It’s a “take-home” gift that insures branding life for the hosts. Contact information is 760-730-1458 or access the website BWarieGiftBaskets.comWine Bytes
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is serving Italian “Succulent Sangioveses” at their weekly wine tasting on Fri. March 26 from 6 to 8pm. Check with them for price and the wine lineup. 760-479-2500.
Wine Styles in Encinitas has live jazz and wine with the flamenco group En Fuego, Fri. March 26, 6 to 8pm. An extensive menu of wines from around the world, with a small bite menu of cheeses and paninis. No cover charge. Call 760-633-0057.
The Wine Bank in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego has the Best of Italian Wines for its event of Sat. March 27 from 6 to 8pm. Names like Gaja, Masi Amarone and Sassicaia will be poured. $50. pp. RSVP on pre-purchase at 619-239-0334.
3rd Corner in Encinitas has a Hitching Post Wine Dinner coming on Tues. March 30 at 6pm for $65. ea. This was the Santa Barbara winery made famous in the movie “Sideways.” RSVP at 760-942-2104. The Hitching Post winemaker will also be at La Costa Wine Company on Wed. March 31 from 6 to 8pm. Cost is $20. For details call 760-431-8455.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Muscle Wine Nebbiolo Gets Witch Creek Gold
by Frank Mangio
With the heady scent of high tide at a Carlsbad beach, I entered Witch Creek Winery on the Coast Highway. It had been awhile and the news recently from this highly focused Italian style winery was all good. Earlier this year, it had captured Best of Class with its 2006 Nebbiolo at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. That wasn’t all…Witch Creek entered 7 wines, and all 7 took medals.
Founded in 1993 by the Wodehouse family, the winery also has a tasting room in the mountain town of Julian. In addition to the usual popular wines like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and other household names, a decision was made to source known and lesser known Italian grape varietals from the Guadalupe Valley near Ensenada Mexico, long-known for its excellence in growing Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico.
Pete Anderson, an area specialist in Italian viticulture, works closely with Witch Creek and his winemaker contact at L.A. Cetto in the Mexican wine country, Camillo Magoni, to bring award winning Italian grape varietals to the U.S. market with price points that are well below wines from Italy.
Although the 2006 Nebbiolo is now sold out, the rave is building for the 2007 vintage. Palate pleasing with huge potential in its blueberry and blackberry combination, this vintage is still in the grip of strong tannins and needs some lay-down time.
The creative style of winemaker Ryan Baker shows best in his touch with Witch Creek Blends. (foto by Frank Mangio)
If you have a “drink-now” occasion, open it up about an hour before consumption for a mouth-feel that flourishes with the full flavor of true Nebbiolo. Cost at the winery is $35.
Ryan Baker, the eclectic Witch Creek winemaker is constantly experimenting, trying new combinations and mixes, to come up with the next big thing. His work with the blend of Brunello and Aglianico in the 2006 Due Pastore deserves cheers. Hearty meats will get a flavor boost from this vintage and well as the later 2007 model that mates Aglianico and Montepulciano. They sell for $20. and $23. respectively. For the latest information and wine releases, the website is: www.witchcreekwinery.com.
Enjoy Your Own Fine Wine at Addison
Addison, the upscale restaurant in the Grand Resort Del Mar, recently was awarded Mobil’s prestigious Five-Star designation. This award really defines the highest standard of excellence in dining establishments. It also announced that on Tuesday and Wednesday dinners, guests can bring in a wine of their own with no corkage fee. This is a first in fine dining in the San Diego market and should be applauded. Customers in that price range often want to share their wines at a dining room of Addison’s stature.
Master Sommelier Jesse Rodriguez wants guests to know that he has brought in private bottlings with Grand Del Mar supervision, in collaboration some of the best vintners available. Rodriguez said “we have been busy making some incredible wine from all over California and Europe with proprietary offerings.”
Wine Spectator recently awarded Addison the “Best of Award of Excellence.” Learn more at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.
Wine Bytes
Il Fornaio, in Del Mar and Coronado, continues its Festa Regionale salute to Italy’s culinary regions with Campania dinners and wines, now through May 17. Campania includes Naples, Sorrento and the Amafli Coast, home to Aglianico wines and Limoncello liqueurs. The Del Mar location number is 858-755-8876.
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido offers German Rieslings at a tasting on Fri. May 8 from 5:30 to 7pm. Rieslings are lovely summertime wines from dry to sweet. Cost is $10. with appetizers. Call for details at 760-745-1200.
3rd Corner in Encinitas presents an Italian wine tasting on Sat. May 9 from 2 to 5pm for $10. each. Learn which labels by calling 760-942-2104.
Haciendas de Las Rosas heads up the next elegant 5 course winemaker dinner at Café Merlot and Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo, Fri. May 15 starting at 6:30pm. $85. pp. Reservations at 858-592-7785.
Paso Robles Wine Country is planning their 27th annual Wine Festival for Fri. May 15 to Sun. May 17. Fri. is the reserve tasting and Sat. the Grand Tasting with over 90 wineries participating. Local chefs also get involved. For ticket information, call 805-239-8463, or visit www.pasowine.com.
The Four Seasons Aviara and its wine club invites guests to the 5th annual Around the World Wine Tasting, Wed. May 20 at 6:30pm. Only the best of the best wines are tasted, with food sampling from the resort’s Executive Chef. For more information, call 760-603-3790.
With the heady scent of high tide at a Carlsbad beach, I entered Witch Creek Winery on the Coast Highway. It had been awhile and the news recently from this highly focused Italian style winery was all good. Earlier this year, it had captured Best of Class with its 2006 Nebbiolo at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. That wasn’t all…Witch Creek entered 7 wines, and all 7 took medals.
Founded in 1993 by the Wodehouse family, the winery also has a tasting room in the mountain town of Julian. In addition to the usual popular wines like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and other household names, a decision was made to source known and lesser known Italian grape varietals from the Guadalupe Valley near Ensenada Mexico, long-known for its excellence in growing Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico.
Pete Anderson, an area specialist in Italian viticulture, works closely with Witch Creek and his winemaker contact at L.A. Cetto in the Mexican wine country, Camillo Magoni, to bring award winning Italian grape varietals to the U.S. market with price points that are well below wines from Italy.
Although the 2006 Nebbiolo is now sold out, the rave is building for the 2007 vintage. Palate pleasing with huge potential in its blueberry and blackberry combination, this vintage is still in the grip of strong tannins and needs some lay-down time.
The creative style of winemaker Ryan Baker shows best in his touch with Witch Creek Blends. (foto by Frank Mangio)
If you have a “drink-now” occasion, open it up about an hour before consumption for a mouth-feel that flourishes with the full flavor of true Nebbiolo. Cost at the winery is $35.
Ryan Baker, the eclectic Witch Creek winemaker is constantly experimenting, trying new combinations and mixes, to come up with the next big thing. His work with the blend of Brunello and Aglianico in the 2006 Due Pastore deserves cheers. Hearty meats will get a flavor boost from this vintage and well as the later 2007 model that mates Aglianico and Montepulciano. They sell for $20. and $23. respectively. For the latest information and wine releases, the website is: www.witchcreekwinery.com.
Enjoy Your Own Fine Wine at Addison
Addison, the upscale restaurant in the Grand Resort Del Mar, recently was awarded Mobil’s prestigious Five-Star designation. This award really defines the highest standard of excellence in dining establishments. It also announced that on Tuesday and Wednesday dinners, guests can bring in a wine of their own with no corkage fee. This is a first in fine dining in the San Diego market and should be applauded. Customers in that price range often want to share their wines at a dining room of Addison’s stature.
Master Sommelier Jesse Rodriguez wants guests to know that he has brought in private bottlings with Grand Del Mar supervision, in collaboration some of the best vintners available. Rodriguez said “we have been busy making some incredible wine from all over California and Europe with proprietary offerings.”
Wine Spectator recently awarded Addison the “Best of Award of Excellence.” Learn more at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.
Wine Bytes
Il Fornaio, in Del Mar and Coronado, continues its Festa Regionale salute to Italy’s culinary regions with Campania dinners and wines, now through May 17. Campania includes Naples, Sorrento and the Amafli Coast, home to Aglianico wines and Limoncello liqueurs. The Del Mar location number is 858-755-8876.
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido offers German Rieslings at a tasting on Fri. May 8 from 5:30 to 7pm. Rieslings are lovely summertime wines from dry to sweet. Cost is $10. with appetizers. Call for details at 760-745-1200.
3rd Corner in Encinitas presents an Italian wine tasting on Sat. May 9 from 2 to 5pm for $10. each. Learn which labels by calling 760-942-2104.
Haciendas de Las Rosas heads up the next elegant 5 course winemaker dinner at Café Merlot and Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo, Fri. May 15 starting at 6:30pm. $85. pp. Reservations at 858-592-7785.
Paso Robles Wine Country is planning their 27th annual Wine Festival for Fri. May 15 to Sun. May 17. Fri. is the reserve tasting and Sat. the Grand Tasting with over 90 wineries participating. Local chefs also get involved. For ticket information, call 805-239-8463, or visit www.pasowine.com.
The Four Seasons Aviara and its wine club invites guests to the 5th annual Around the World Wine Tasting, Wed. May 20 at 6:30pm. Only the best of the best wines are tasted, with food sampling from the resort’s Executive Chef. For more information, call 760-603-3790.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Vigilucci’s Sparks the La Jolla Wine & Dine Scene
by Frank Mangio
Daniel Brunner, the manager of the 7th Vigilucci’s restaurant in San Diego County, this one a palatial villa in La Jolla, likes to show the personal wine collection of Roberto Vigilucci. It’s in a private dining area, and contains lovely Italian collectables like Gaja, Sassicaia, aged Antinoris and Amarones.
The wine list for patrons is only a little less impressive with a lengthy collection from the most popular varietals in the world with the emphasis on Italian.
The latest triumph for Roberto is at Fay and Propsect and is described as serving “the finest steaks, fresh seafood, chops and pasta,” for lunch and dinner. A different risotto of the day distinguishes the cuisine by chef Giorgio Coverde.
Our evening’s risotto dish incorporated beef tips, tuna, scallops, shrimp and mixed vegetables, simmered in a light tomato cream sauce.
Roberto was brought up on his mother’s cooking in their Tuscan kitchen, and when his travels brought him to San Diego County, he saw a need for authentic Tuscan cuisine and opened the first Vigilucci’s in Encinitas in 1994. Today, in addition to Encinitas and La Jolla, you can find a Vigilucci’s in Oceanside, two in Carlsbad, two in Leucadia as well as Vigilucci’s Catering. But none of the others compares with the magnificence of the La Jolla location. I was struck by the authentic Murano glass, used as hanging lighting over the tables. The bar area, at once intimate yet dramatic looking in its showcase presentation, is home to a lively happy hour from 4 to 6pm with complimentary appetizers.
Daniel and the District Manager, Maurizio Carbone,( shown in accompanying photo) introduced me to a striking wine from Campania, the 2005 Terradora Aglianico. The Aglianico grape is red with the highest rating in the Campania area, a long stretch of terroir that touches Naples and the Mt. Vesuvius volcano that is still active. Almost black in color, it tasted a lovely chocolate, earthy flavor. It’s another under-the-radar Italian wine, still inexpensive for the quality of taste. For more on Vigilucci’s, access the restaurant’s website at www.vigiluccis.com.
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