Paso Robles Deeply Rooted in Fine Wines

They came for a re-visit to San Diego, some 35+ wineries from Paso Robles led by veteran cheerleader and Communications Director Chris Taranto, who has guided the message for Paso
wine country for as long as I can remember. Appropriately called the Grand Tasting Tour, it had some wineries that were seasoned and comfortable like Hope Family,

JUSTIN, Niner, Opolo, Tablas Creek and San Antonio . A short look around and some things were new like Alta Colina, Barr, Burbank Ranch, Venteux and the sensation of the show, Pianetta with its reboot of the fabled Jug Wine. But more about that later. If you’re new to the wine tasting regions in California, Paso Robles is located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the

Key Paso players Michael Geise of Hope Family Wines, and Chris Taranto
for the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

Central Coast.  It’s the 3rd largest wine region with about 200 wineries on 32,000 vineyard acres. Here, wineries have proven that with the unique climate, topography and soil, over 40 worldwide grape varietals can be grown and bottled.

Some wines to try:  Hope Family Wines Treana Red.  Their Viognier is a personal favorite, and this 2012 Red Blend of Cabernet and Syrah doesn’t disappoint either. ($45.).  Taste plum, cherry and spice.  Visit hopefamily wines.com. Now on to Pianetta Winery and their re-boot of the wine in a jug.  It’s Jug Wine 2013, with mostly Zinfandel, and some Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah. ($24.)

The Jug wine format returns, as displayed by Caitlin Pianetta of Pianetta Winery in Paso Robles.

“We wanted to create a fun, traditional style of wine and decided the best way would be in a JUG,” explained Caitlin Pianetta, President and owner. 2013 is the 7th vintage, and it sells in the tasting room and select stores.  See more at pianettawinery.com.

New Dates for San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
The largest wine and food festival in Southern California  returns for the 12th time.  The new dates are:  November 15th thru the 22nd. For those few who have not seen this extravaganza, it’s a star-studded classic that takes place at various locations in San Diego. The festival’s Grand Tasting at the Embarcadero Sat. the 21st will feature over 200 wineries, breweries and spirits from around the world, 70 local restaurants and the “Chef of the Fest Competition.” Ticket information is now available by visiting sandiegowineclassic.com, or by calling 619-312-1212.

Wine Bytes
North County Wine Company in San Marcos presents a flight of new release California wines Fri. and Sat. Aug. 28 and 29. Half glass pours on three prime brands for only $15. Call 760-653-9032 for times.

Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo has its 5th annual Tastings Festival and Classic Car Show, Sat.
Aug. 29th from 1pm to 4pm.  You get lovely wines, cool beer, delicious food and live music for a $30. advance admission.  Phone 858-775-5788 for details.

Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula wants you to join them for a Primitivo Vertical Wine Tasting Dinner Sat. Aug. 29th starting at 6pm.  4 vintages poured with a 4 course dinner. $85. pp, $65. for club members.  Get the full story at 951-694-9892.

Capri Blu in Rancho Bernardo has a Taste of Veneto Italian Wine dinner, Wed. Sept. 2 starting at 6pm. From Pinot Noir to Amarone, these wines will pair perfectly with  a 4 course dinner led by Ossobuco Pork Shank.  Cost is $55. ea. RSVP at 858-673-5100.

The Palomar College Foundation and President’s Associates invite you to the 24th Annual Gala fundraiser benefitting Palomar College students and programs, Sat. Sept. 12th.  The event is at the
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad starting with a  5:30pm hosted reception and silent auction.  Highlights include: a 7pm dinner presented by Executive Chef de Cuisine Marc Therrien, to include the Comet Award and Inspiration for the Future; 8:30pm live auction and opportunity drawing; 9pm music and dancing.  Black tie and complimentary valet.  Pricing, reservations and more information about the event including sponsorship opportunities are available at Palomar.edu/foundation, or by calling 760-744-1150 ext 2735.

Top Ten Tastes 1st Half of 2015

by Frank Mangio

Half the year 2015 has already gone, so how many new wines have you tasted in the last 6 months. Better yet how many would you buy again?

Well, I am happy to report that, despite more than a few personal afflictions, this first half of 2015 I managed to be in the middle of about 75 wine events ( plus a few Tequila events).  I’m happy to report that half of my top ten wines, are brands that I had not tasted before this year. White wines are on the rebound, including white blends.  I have 3 on my list.  Italian wines continue their renaissance in Southern California, thanks to restaurants like Solare and Vittorio’s in San Diego, and Thornton Winery in Temecula.
 
Napa Valley captured 4 places, Italy 3, Paso Robles 1, Washington 1, and a San Diego winemaker and owner with a beautiful Pinot Noir from grapes in Sta. Rita Hills above Santa Barbara . All 10 wines are rated equally. Alphabetical considerations cause their place in the ten.  Prices shown are listed in the wine’s web site or best values in wine stores.

Banfi Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2010.  $65.  The 2009 vintage was in the top 10  last year.  This one shows more finesse, intensity and flavor.  Structured, long finish from rich fruity roots of Sangiovese.  A five year wait for this princely wine. Castellobanfi.com.

Castello di Amorosa Chardonnay, La Rocca Napa Valley , 2013.  $38.  A dry, single vineyard white wine, fermented and aged in concrete egg-shaped vessels. From the legendary Bien Nacido Vineyard in cool Santa Maria CA. Handcrafted in the ancient concrete method, that imparts richness without oak. Lively acidity. Castellodiamorosa.com.

Coomber Family Ranch Pinot Noir, San Diego/St Rita Hills Ca. 2013. $74.99  A big Pinot with Central Coast grapes.  Aged in Oak to bring out flavors of cinnamon, cherry and spices. Based in San Diego .  Coomberwines.com.

Etude Chardonnay, Carneros Napa Valley , 2012. $14.  A work of art, rich and vibrant fruit, harking back to the natural days of minimalist Chardonnay. Apple, pear and citrus. Etudewines.com.

Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley , 2012.  $65.  The thinking man’s Cab.  A touch of Merlot Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. Organically crafted in a perfect vintage that winds up more complex than the sum of its parts.   More intelligence at grgich.com.

Hill Family Merlot, Napa Valley , 2012.  $19.95.  Fourth generation farm family, they know to balance the vineyards before harvest, for depth and character.  After years of growing grapes for others, they have their family name on the best of the crop.  Hillfamilyestate.com.

Pepper Bridge Seven Hills, Walla Walla Wa. , 2012.  $60. Another great Washington wine where wines are made in the vineyard, according to winemaker Jean-Francois Pellet.  “It’s all about striking the right balance.,” said Pellet. Finesse, elegance and a long finish. Mostly Cab, with Merlot and Cab Franc.  Pepperbridge.com.

San Felice Pugnitello , Tuscany It., 2010.  $55.95.  From the ancient vineyards of San Felice, this grape contends with Sangiovese as the patron grape of Tuscany .  Intense purple-red.  Velvety with massive fruit taste.  From the 30 year winemaker Leonardo Bellacini.

  

Bruno Cumar of Madellena Distributors, Leonardo Bellacini San Felice winemaker and Solore Restaurant owner Randy Smerik before a capacity dinner turnout.

 

Thornton Winery Barbera, Temecula CA .  2013.  $44. Winner of the sweepstakes prize for Best Red Wine at the  2015 Riverside International Wine Competition.  Winemaker David Vergari handpicked these Italian grapes from across the street from Thornton .  French Oak superior treatment secures the raspberry and blueberry aromas.  This is a cellar-worthy wine.  Thorntonwine.com.

Treana White, Paso Robles, 2013.  $16.  The 3rd of our whites to hit the charts, this one is actually a white blend, rare in the wine industry.  It’s a Rhone Valley French style Marsonne and Viognier.  Bright tropical flavors of stone fruit and honey.  Crisp acidity enhances most dishes. Hopefamily.com.