NOTE: PLEASE SEND YOUR REVIEW OF YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY WINE (AND WHERE IT CAN BE PURCHASED) BY NOVEMBER 20, 2014: POST HERE AS A COMMENT, OR E-MAIL MIKE BRAGG wineclubber@yahoo.com
by Frank Mangio
Twenty/20 in the Carlsbad Sheraton Hotel has an Executive Chef who may be the best at sensing a culinary trend and moving in front with its presentation. Proof of that was the recent Pork and Pinot soiree when every entrée was pork-based, paired with a Pinot Noir from the vast Jackson Family Wines Collection from the Central and North Coast of California.
Robert Carr is a big man in the kitchen, and at Twenty/20, he proves it daily. He loves what he does. I have seen him adapt and evolve, creating distinguished menus since this restaurant opened. His entrees are like his children as he lovingly described his pork dishes, from Prosciutto to Braised Port Cheek. All were worthy dishes to pair with Pinot Noirs brought in by Director of Wine Communication & Education Steve Heimoff from Jackson Family Wines of Sonoma. Everyone knows Kendall Jackson and their varietals, but this night Heimoff brought in lesser known but higher quality Pinots that blew away all the guest diners.
If there is just one wine varietal you need for your Thanksgiving dinner, it’s Pinot Noir. The Pinot lineup at Twenty/20 included: Carmel Road 2012 Monterey ($16.), La Crema Willamette Valley 2012 ($40.), Cambria Estate 2012 ($19.), Champ de Reves Anderson Valley 2012 ($36.) and Hartford Court Russian River Valley 2012 ($42.).
Jackson Family owns 47 wineries worldwide. Jess Jackson the owner, before he recently died, declared “I want to make the best wines I can, at every price point and be dedicated to sustainability.” 5,000 acres of Jackson wine has been officially declared sustainable, grown with natural products, using solar power.
What began as a top chef challenge some five years ago, pork is now seen as the hottest dining trend in the restaurant world and Chef Robert at Twenty/20 explores and discovers new, delicious ways to make this dish happen.
Other reasons to lock into this feel-good restaurant this month are the Saturday night live music and dinner feature, with panoramic views of the sunset and coast from a pavilion, with contemporary fire features to excite the senses. A Friday lunch changes weekly, with a Spanish Tapa flair to it.
Twenty/20 has a Thanksgiving Buffet extravaganza including stuffed pork loin, for $50. each. Kids $25. Service will be from 3pm to 8pm, with a limited dinner menu until 10pm. Call for reservations at 760-827-2500.
Pinot Noir is the most embracing wine I know, in the sense that it pairs with nearly all entrees, and that’s what makes it right for Thanksgiving dinners. It’s like putting a dozen beautiful roses on the table. Other pinots to consider include: Edna Valley Reserve 2012 ($45.), Golden Eye Anderson Valley 2010 ( $45.), Frei Bros. Reserve, Russian River ($16.).
Oregon Pinot Noirs like Domaine Serene 2010 ($80.) are more Burgundian French style with a stronger taste, while the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey would be a more floral style like the Talbott Sleepy Hollow Vineyard 2012 ($22.).
Thanksgiving Wine Bytes
Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge in Carlsbad has a Thanksgiving feast Thurs. Nov. 27 from 11am to 7:30pm. Traditional turkey with all the trimmings. $55. pp. Add $20. with wine pairings. RSVP at 760-683-5500.
Marina Kitchen in San Diego Celebrates Thanksgiving with a home-style menu Thurs. Nov. 27 with a buffet style feast from 1:30 til 7pm. $48. ea. 12.99 for children under 12. Wine pairing $20. additional. Call for RSVP at 619-699-8222.
Amaya at the Grand Del Mar presents a three course Thanksgiving dinner Thurs. Nov. 27 from 12:30 to 8pm. $85. pp. $125. with wine pairings. Reservations at 858-314-1996.
A Fall Harvest wine tasting showcases San Diego County’s premier wines at Vintana Wine & Dine in Escondido, Sat. Nov. 22 from 3:30 to 5:30pm. Taste barrel samples and new releases, with hors d’ouvres for $25. ea. A wine symposium from 2 to 3pm plus tasting is $40. For tix, call 619-236-1299.
Taste Thanksgiving wines at San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road Sat. Nov. 22 from 11 to 4pm for just $10. Call 858-586-WINE for varietals.
Showing posts with label pinot noir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pinot noir. Show all posts
Friday, November 14, 2014
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Scenic Santa Lucia Highlands Make Breakout Pinots
by Frank Mangio
Pinot Noir wines have had their way ever since the movie Sideways glorified this lovely wine in all the wrong ways and in the wrong wine country. This is a stately, royal wine, deserving of all the accolades it gets. It has “captured the imagination of many wine lovers,” according to James Laube, senior wine writer for Wine Spectator.
The blueprint for this amazing grape varietal is the vaunted Burgundy wine country of France. There, as in other European countries, the wines are named after the district, not the grape, as it is in the U.S.
Pinot Noir must be farmed carefully under precise conditions of warm days, cool nights and just the right humidity powered by the coastal sites of Central and Northern California and Oregon.
If you have not discovered it yet, I want to reveal a little known but perfectly placed wine country for Pinot Noir, and that is the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, west of Highway 101 in Monterey County. Here the elevation goes sharply up some 3,000 feet, producing about 6,000 acres under vine. Chardonnay is the largest grape varietal coming out of this area.
Dan Morgan Lee of Morgan Winery is a premier grower in Santa Lucia Highlands.
In total, Monterey wine country has nine designated AVA wine districts with 40,000 acres and 200 vineyards. Noting the cool breezes from Monterey Bay, missionaries made wine here in the 1790’s. Now, Monterey with its 30,000 population, is the hub of activity with its scenic resorts, fine restaurants, Cannery Row and nearby Carmel Village.
Recently, members of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA paid a road show visit to San Diego where we could taste through their latest releases of world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Most were 2010 just brought to market. After sipping through the 14 wineries, I settled in with Morgan Winery and its finely crafted Pinots and Chardonnays.
“We have 45 acres planted, 27 to Pinot Noir and 18 to Chardonnay in our Double L Vineyard, on the northern end of Santa Lucia,” declared Dan Morgan Lee, the owner. He’s been planting there since 1996. He went on to say “it captures the breezes from Monterey Bay, allowing the grapes to fully develop by lengthening the growing season and harvest.”
The cool weather-loving Pinots and Chards are perfectly accommodated. Both are Burgundian flavored here than most anywhere else. The go-to Morgan favorite is the Double L Pinot Noir 2010. ($50.) Morgan has a tasting room on the outskirts of Carmel where all wines can be tasted from 11 to 6pm daily. Phone 831-626-3700. Check out the web site at www.morganwinery.com.
Bernini’s is La Jolla’s Mediterranean Bistro
Picture a village in France, Italy or Spain with a small bistro offering indoor/outdoor seating where diners gather to hear the talk of the day and to enjoy a snack or a meal over a glass of wine.
On Fay Avenue La Jolla, this is Bernini’s Bistro. Bernini’s has been in this busy location for 13 years, growing into a thriving breakfast, lunch and dinner house, and a full bar with live music Thursday through Saturday nights. All pastas are hand-made. Before getting into that delicious entrée, try the Mediterranean Platter, with more garden-fresh vegetables than you can count. Nightly dinner specials always make it a menu discovery. For a value red wine with your meal, I would recommend the Hess Cuvee Block 19 Napa Valley. Call 858-454-5013. Visit www.berninisbistro.com.
Carlos DeNarvaez manages Bernini’s Bistro, La Jolla.
Wine Bytes
The DePortola Trail, Temecula Wine Country is having a Wine-Up Festival Sat. Oct. 20 from 10 to 6pm, at the Vail Lake Resort & Campground. A chef challenge, great wines, and live music will be featured. $55. pp. Call 855-398-9463.
San Diego Wine Company has a red blend wine tasting Sat. Oct. 20 from 11 to 4pm. $10. cost. Call 858-586-WINE.
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents Napa Valley wines Sat. Oct. 20 from 3 to 6pm. $50. ea. Call for an RSVP at 760-479-2500.
WineSellar and Brasserie in Sorrento Valley has Rhone Valley wines in a tasting on Wed. Oct. 24 from 5 to 7pm. Cost is $15. Details at 858-450-9557.
Vigilucci’s on the Coast Highway in Carlsbad is celebrating its 10 year Anniversary with a special benefit dinner to help “Cancer Angels.” Time is 6 to 9pm. Your dinner choice includes a free glass of champagne and petite tiramisu. RSVP recommended at 760-434-2580.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Restaurant Week Fires Up Starting Jan. 17
by Frank Mangio
This month, some 200 restaurants in San Diego County cooperate in multi course meals of their best specialties at prices far less than the usual menu numbers, in a “Restaurant Week” event January 17 to 22. This was kicked off last year with great success. Tables filled up so fast, the participating restaurants repeated it later in the year.
Jim Barrasso, the affable owner of Firefly Grill and Winebar on El Camino Real in Encinitas loves this promotion. “We get an opportunity to get a lot of new customers through the door at a price point that is very attractive. Once they have one of our personally prepared entrees, we have a customer that will come back,” he said. It worked so well for Barrasso last year, that this year he is extending the date.
At Firefly, Restaurant Week is January 17 to 31,.with a choice of entrée to include: Monkfish Picatta, Chili Rubbed Skirtsteak or a Chicken Medley. Appetizer and dessert are included, all for $30. Carefully chosen wines are suggested for each menu item and wine pairings are packaged for a nominal extra charge.
Firefly Grill & Winebar owner Jim Barrasso with Executive Chef Aaron Dailey at a recent Caymus Vineyard Wine Dinner.
Firefly is always the innovator with its special WeekendTasting Menu, an exciting four course prix fixe offering that changes every weekend. Optional wine packages accent each course. Barrasso and Executive Chef Aaron Dailey personally craft each wine to a menu item that weaves in beautifully with the food. A recent wine list started with a Monterey Chardonnay, moved into a Pinot Noir for the fish course, continued with a Cabernet for the beef and climaxed with a 10 year old Tawny Port from Portugal to enhance the Almond Sponge Cake. Truly a wine lover’s delight!
Late last year, Firefly hosted a Caymus Napa Valley Wine Dinner that saw Chef Aaron do a Salmon Roulade that paired with a Caymus ’07 Cab. The main course was a Roasted Lamb Loin capped with the Caymus “Special Selection” ’07 Cab that made my Top Ten Tastes for 2009. Find out more about Restaurant Week by accessing www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com, and check out what else is new with Firefly at www.fireflygrillandwinebar.com.
The Millennial Market for Wine
Consumers 21 to 30 years old are a huge force in moving products these days. Traditional media has lost this generation to such new-age media as Twitter, Facebook and text messaging. This has not fallen through the cracks for vineyards, wineries, wine shops and special events.
In Paso Robles Wine Country, their association has created CRAVE, a marketing strategy to educate this vast market, estimated to be 40 million. This market comprises about 19% of the wine buying public as we speak. Upbeat, friendly, to-the-point information at specially crafted events, focused on college towns, have paid off for Paso. “Word-of-mouth” has taken on a new meaning with this millennial generation of networkers that are connected socially every minute of the day.
International products have shifted important dollars over to “social media” on the internet for easy-to-prove documented exposure to this audience. Twitter, a social media site was last reported to be “home” to some 30 million registered users and is growing by millions per month.
Wine Bytes
* Pinot Days comes to Los Angeles, an all Pinot Noir Grand Tasting and an important event for this varietal, Thurs. Jan. 14 thru Sun. Jan. 17. The Sunday show is public and at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from 1 to 5pm. For ticket info, access www.pinotdays.com.
* A Flora Springs Vineyard Wine Dinner is being presented by West Steak, Seafood and Spirits in Carlsbad, Mon. Jan. 18 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. This premier winery will have its owner, John Komes in attendance. Five delicious courses for $75. pp. RSVP at 760-930-9100.
* The Wine Loft at the Forum in Carlsbad is kicking off this year’s $10. Tuesdays all this month, 5 to 7pm. Your choice of any four wines off the tasting list for just $10. Call 760-944-1412 for details.
* La Costa Wine Company has a wine/cheese pairing on Fri. Jan. 22 from 5 to 8pm for $20. ea. 4 half glasses of wine with a perfect cheese pairing. The shop now features cheeses for sale from around the world. Call 760-431-8455.
* Wine Steals in San Diego’s Hillcrest, Point Loma and in Cardiff, has an exclusive on its wine of the month, the 2006 Tolosa Pinot Noir from the Edna Valley, California. Price is just 19.99. In Cardiff the number is 760-230-2657.
This month, some 200 restaurants in San Diego County cooperate in multi course meals of their best specialties at prices far less than the usual menu numbers, in a “Restaurant Week” event January 17 to 22. This was kicked off last year with great success. Tables filled up so fast, the participating restaurants repeated it later in the year.
Jim Barrasso, the affable owner of Firefly Grill and Winebar on El Camino Real in Encinitas loves this promotion. “We get an opportunity to get a lot of new customers through the door at a price point that is very attractive. Once they have one of our personally prepared entrees, we have a customer that will come back,” he said. It worked so well for Barrasso last year, that this year he is extending the date.
At Firefly, Restaurant Week is January 17 to 31,.with a choice of entrée to include: Monkfish Picatta, Chili Rubbed Skirtsteak or a Chicken Medley. Appetizer and dessert are included, all for $30. Carefully chosen wines are suggested for each menu item and wine pairings are packaged for a nominal extra charge.
Firefly Grill & Winebar owner Jim Barrasso with Executive Chef Aaron Dailey at a recent Caymus Vineyard Wine Dinner.Firefly is always the innovator with its special WeekendTasting Menu, an exciting four course prix fixe offering that changes every weekend. Optional wine packages accent each course. Barrasso and Executive Chef Aaron Dailey personally craft each wine to a menu item that weaves in beautifully with the food. A recent wine list started with a Monterey Chardonnay, moved into a Pinot Noir for the fish course, continued with a Cabernet for the beef and climaxed with a 10 year old Tawny Port from Portugal to enhance the Almond Sponge Cake. Truly a wine lover’s delight!
Late last year, Firefly hosted a Caymus Napa Valley Wine Dinner that saw Chef Aaron do a Salmon Roulade that paired with a Caymus ’07 Cab. The main course was a Roasted Lamb Loin capped with the Caymus “Special Selection” ’07 Cab that made my Top Ten Tastes for 2009. Find out more about Restaurant Week by accessing www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com, and check out what else is new with Firefly at www.fireflygrillandwinebar.com.
The Millennial Market for Wine
Consumers 21 to 30 years old are a huge force in moving products these days. Traditional media has lost this generation to such new-age media as Twitter, Facebook and text messaging. This has not fallen through the cracks for vineyards, wineries, wine shops and special events.
In Paso Robles Wine Country, their association has created CRAVE, a marketing strategy to educate this vast market, estimated to be 40 million. This market comprises about 19% of the wine buying public as we speak. Upbeat, friendly, to-the-point information at specially crafted events, focused on college towns, have paid off for Paso. “Word-of-mouth” has taken on a new meaning with this millennial generation of networkers that are connected socially every minute of the day.
International products have shifted important dollars over to “social media” on the internet for easy-to-prove documented exposure to this audience. Twitter, a social media site was last reported to be “home” to some 30 million registered users and is growing by millions per month.
Wine Bytes
* Pinot Days comes to Los Angeles, an all Pinot Noir Grand Tasting and an important event for this varietal, Thurs. Jan. 14 thru Sun. Jan. 17. The Sunday show is public and at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from 1 to 5pm. For ticket info, access www.pinotdays.com.
* A Flora Springs Vineyard Wine Dinner is being presented by West Steak, Seafood and Spirits in Carlsbad, Mon. Jan. 18 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. This premier winery will have its owner, John Komes in attendance. Five delicious courses for $75. pp. RSVP at 760-930-9100.
* The Wine Loft at the Forum in Carlsbad is kicking off this year’s $10. Tuesdays all this month, 5 to 7pm. Your choice of any four wines off the tasting list for just $10. Call 760-944-1412 for details.
* La Costa Wine Company has a wine/cheese pairing on Fri. Jan. 22 from 5 to 8pm for $20. ea. 4 half glasses of wine with a perfect cheese pairing. The shop now features cheeses for sale from around the world. Call 760-431-8455.
* Wine Steals in San Diego’s Hillcrest, Point Loma and in Cardiff, has an exclusive on its wine of the month, the 2006 Tolosa Pinot Noir from the Edna Valley, California. Price is just 19.99. In Cardiff the number is 760-230-2657.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Put Pinot on your Holiday Wine List
by Frank Mangio
Much has been written about the poetry of wine and the lofty loveliness of each savory taste. There is no better wine family that ushers in these qualities than the Pinots of Oregon.
With the holidays approaching, opinions are paraded in the press about which food-friendly wines go best with an array of menus to celebrate the dinner of the year. Wine Spectator recently quizzed 9 Sommeliers about their recommendations for matching turkey, stuffing, and all the other trimmings. They all had a cornucopia of suggestions from heavy- bodied French to light-bodied German. For me, there is only one choice. I am passionate about Pinot, whether it is the white wine Pinot Gris or its more famous red wine-mate, Pinot Noir. With this pair, you need go no further for an ideal turkey dinner pairing.
Recently I responded to an invitation by my good friend Jesse Rodriguez, the Wine Director at the Five Diamond rated Grand Del Mar Resort. Jesse wanted to present a favorite Oregon winery, Sokol Blosser, from the Dundee Hills. It’s a family-owned and operated winery with a commitment to sustainability in their Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, as well as other wines. They were the first in the country to be certified for their “green” wines.
Alex Sokol Blosser and sister Alison carry on the the tradition of fine Pinot Noir founded by their pioneer parents in 1971.
You have to love a wine whose label describes the wine as containing: “Sunshine. Buckets of Rain. More Sunshine. Morning Dew. The fruits of sustainable farming. Delicate aromas of apple blossoms mingling with flavors of fig and citrus and spice. Kindness.” That’s the Pinot Gris.
The Pinot Noir notes include: “Sun. Rain. Drizzle. More sun. Some fog. The fruits of sustainable farming. Flavors of black cherry and raspberry mingling with earth and truffle. Aromas of the same. 16 months in French Oak. Love and care.” Thanksgiving could not have a more heartfelt message.
For more than 30 years, since before anyone knew there was a wine country in Oregon , there was Sokol Blosser. They learned as they grew these fickle, subtle , sensitive Pinot grapes.
“Our current 2007 Pinot Noir is delicate and light,” Alison said at the Grand Del Mar event. “It has a long lingering finish. The harvest produced Pinot Noir of great structure and similar to the classic Burgundies of France. The climate is close to Burgundy, with cooler temperatures, a longer growing season and long hang-time on the vine. This allows the grape to ripen and mature at its optimum pace, with perfect acidity,” she exclaimed.
At Sokol Blosser, growing grapes organically and embracing sustainability is a way of life and enhances the wine’s excellence. The 2007 is newly released with over 6,000 cases at $38. per bottle. The 2008 Pinot Gris sells for $18. See the complete story at www.sokolblosser.com.
If your taste goes toward beef or Italian style Thanksgiving meals, I would favor the following heavier bodied reds:
Montes Alpha 2007 Syrah , Chile . $18.
Finca Lalande 2007 Malbec , Argentina $15.
Pedroncelli 2007 Mother Cline Zinfandel, Sonoma . $15.
ZD 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley . $50.
Wine Bytes
*The San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road has a Sparkling Wine and Champagne Tasting Sat. Nov. 21 at 11am , 12:30 , 2 and 3:30pm . Names like Dom Perignon, Domaine Carneros and others. $20.pp. Reserve now at 858-586-9463.
*The French Gourmet in San Diego presents wines from the Piemonte region of Italy , Sun. Nov. 22 from 5 to 7pm . Sommelier Gino Campbell conducts. Cost is $25. ea. Call 858-488-1725.
*Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido spotlights Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Wines on Mon. Nov. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30pm . $5. fee. Give them a call at 760-745-1200.
*Wine Styles in Encinitas has Wine and the Electric Lounge on Fri. Nov. 27, 6 to 8:30pm . Three choices of wines, sandwiches and other surprises. No cover fee. Details at 760-633-0057.
Much has been written about the poetry of wine and the lofty loveliness of each savory taste. There is no better wine family that ushers in these qualities than the Pinots of Oregon.
With the holidays approaching, opinions are paraded in the press about which food-friendly wines go best with an array of menus to celebrate the dinner of the year. Wine Spectator recently quizzed 9 Sommeliers about their recommendations for matching turkey, stuffing, and all the other trimmings. They all had a cornucopia of suggestions from heavy- bodied French to light-bodied German. For me, there is only one choice. I am passionate about Pinot, whether it is the white wine Pinot Gris or its more famous red wine-mate, Pinot Noir. With this pair, you need go no further for an ideal turkey dinner pairing.
Recently I responded to an invitation by my good friend Jesse Rodriguez, the Wine Director at the Five Diamond rated Grand Del Mar Resort. Jesse wanted to present a favorite Oregon winery, Sokol Blosser, from the Dundee Hills. It’s a family-owned and operated winery with a commitment to sustainability in their Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, as well as other wines. They were the first in the country to be certified for their “green” wines.
Alex Sokol Blosser and sister Alison carry on the the tradition of fine Pinot Noir founded by their pioneer parents in 1971.You have to love a wine whose label describes the wine as containing: “Sunshine. Buckets of Rain. More Sunshine. Morning Dew. The fruits of sustainable farming. Delicate aromas of apple blossoms mingling with flavors of fig and citrus and spice. Kindness.” That’s the Pinot Gris.
The Pinot Noir notes include: “Sun. Rain. Drizzle. More sun. Some fog. The fruits of sustainable farming. Flavors of black cherry and raspberry mingling with earth and truffle. Aromas of the same. 16 months in French Oak. Love and care.” Thanksgiving could not have a more heartfelt message.
For more than 30 years, since before anyone knew there was a wine country in Oregon , there was Sokol Blosser. They learned as they grew these fickle, subtle , sensitive Pinot grapes.
“Our current 2007 Pinot Noir is delicate and light,” Alison said at the Grand Del Mar event. “It has a long lingering finish. The harvest produced Pinot Noir of great structure and similar to the classic Burgundies of France. The climate is close to Burgundy, with cooler temperatures, a longer growing season and long hang-time on the vine. This allows the grape to ripen and mature at its optimum pace, with perfect acidity,” she exclaimed.
At Sokol Blosser, growing grapes organically and embracing sustainability is a way of life and enhances the wine’s excellence. The 2007 is newly released with over 6,000 cases at $38. per bottle. The 2008 Pinot Gris sells for $18. See the complete story at www.sokolblosser.com.
If your taste goes toward beef or Italian style Thanksgiving meals, I would favor the following heavier bodied reds:
Montes Alpha 2007 Syrah , Chile . $18.
Finca Lalande 2007 Malbec , Argentina $15.
Pedroncelli 2007 Mother Cline Zinfandel, Sonoma . $15.
ZD 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley . $50.
Wine Bytes
*The San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road has a Sparkling Wine and Champagne Tasting Sat. Nov. 21 at 11am , 12:30 , 2 and 3:30pm . Names like Dom Perignon, Domaine Carneros and others. $20.pp. Reserve now at 858-586-9463.
*The French Gourmet in San Diego presents wines from the Piemonte region of Italy , Sun. Nov. 22 from 5 to 7pm . Sommelier Gino Campbell conducts. Cost is $25. ea. Call 858-488-1725.
*Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido spotlights Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Wines on Mon. Nov. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30pm . $5. fee. Give them a call at 760-745-1200.
*Wine Styles in Encinitas has Wine and the Electric Lounge on Fri. Nov. 27, 6 to 8:30pm . Three choices of wines, sandwiches and other surprises. No cover fee. Details at 760-633-0057.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Italians Pour the Wine in San Diego
by Frank Mangio
Italian wines are on a roll, having had several years of wonderful harvests and increasingly kind words in the wine press. This has emboldened the vineyards to band together and present their wines in cities across America.
Such a fine Italian wine tasting occurred recently in San Diego featuring “Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri” winners, put together by distribution heavyweights Southern Wine & Spirits and Palm Bay International. Restaurants countywide that offer fine wines flocked to this special occasion with 13 of the very best wineries Italy has to offer.
The wines represent a vast and varied map of grape growing, with a tapestry of tastes well suited to the wine aficionado who enjoys the nuances of earthy, mineral forward wines.
Unlike California, labels give no hint of the grape source, but concentrate on location, with obscure villages and districts like Barolo, Chianti Classico, Montepulciano and Aglianico given star treatment. In Italy we are looking at some 900,000 vineyards in an area similar to California in size and shape. To be sampling these 13 is indeed a pleasure worth savoring.
Mosca, Travaglina and Marchesi di Barolo
The names to know and worth noting include: Anselmi, Bertani, Mazzei, Cavit, Conte Brandolini, Ferrari, San Gregorio, Planeta, Poliziano, San Patrignano, Sella and Italian winemakers pour their best varietals at the “Gambero Rosso” tasting event in San Diego.
Castellina is a picture-book village in the pristine Italian district of Tuscany, midway on the fabled “Chiantigiana” road from Florence to Siena.
It is a town that Francesco Mazzei knows well since his ancestors have been making wine there since 1435. Castello di Fonterutoli, a historic property has been in the Mazzei family since that time and stands as his signature vineyard.
Only cutting edge quality is the standard for this acclaimed Chianti Classico with its Sangiovese grape varietal. Altitude has a significant effect on all vineyard production and the Mazzei family plants at up to 1,640 feet above sea level, with rocky limestone/sandstone soil structure. Low yield ensures high quality production of complex, elegant Sangiovese wines.
I tasted the 2005 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico and the 2005 Fonterutoli Siepi and found the Siepi a more delicious, grape forward wine, with a slightly herb accent. It is a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot. A year and a half in small oak barrels cultivates the result. It was clearly the best of show. Learn more from the Mazzei website at www.mazzei.it
Pioneer Winemaker Grgich Celebrates 85th Birthday
When I first met Mike Grgich, the hero of Napa Valley wines, it was three years ago and the book “Judgement of Paris” had just come out. It is an accounting of the shocking victory of Napa Valley wines over their established French counterparts in 1976, the first time American wines had gone head to head internationally in a highly publicized blind tasting.
Mike, who was the winemaker for Chateau Montelana in Napa at the time, made the Chardonnay that elevated the area to star quality.
He gave me a copy of the book with a warm personal message, appropriate for this wonderful man who is still making beautiful Chardonnay at his Grgich Hills Estate, with his daughter Violet. The current vintage is a 2006, the first one certified organic and biodynamic. Mike was inducted into the vintners Hall of Fame last year. For more, access www.grgich.com.
Wine Bytes
Cakebread Cellars of Napa Valley is the feature wine at the Sat. May 2 event at The Wine Encounter on University in San Diego. Cost is $30. pp, with a 6:30pm start. A classic tasting. Call 619-543-9463.
La Cereza in Temecula Wine Country celebrates Cinco De Mayo with a Fiesta on Sat. May 2 from Noon to 6pm, with food, music, art, wine and beer service. Make your own tacos. Free admission. Call 951-699-6952.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas has two wine dinners going in May: Wed. the 6th and Wed. the 13th. Both start at 6:30pm with the first spotlighting Peju Winery and the next one Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. Call 760-635-1066 for pricing and details.
Luxus 101 Bistro and Grill in Encinitas is celebrating its 1st anniversary with a Coleman Family Vineyards Wine Dinner Sat. May 9 from 7 to 10pm. $70. ea. Oregon Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir will be poured. RSVP required, by calling 760-943-7180.
San Diego’s Museum of Photographic Arts at Balboa Park has two events in May: a 100 Point Wine Tasting at a Rancho Santa Fe home on Sat, May 9 starting at 4pm, and their Grand Tasting and Wine Auction Sat. May 30 starting at 6pm at the Museum. High quality distinctive wines will be paired with featured San Diego restaurant cuisine. Tiered pricing includes $95. ea. for non-members. Live auction at 7:30pm includes rare and fine wines. Learn more at 619-238-7559.
San Diego State University has a new wine class: Bottle to Glass, from Winery to Consumer, that begins on Mon. May 11. and goes to June 1. Enroll now through May 4 and get the discounted cost of $295. Call for details at 619-594-6924.
Italian wines are on a roll, having had several years of wonderful harvests and increasingly kind words in the wine press. This has emboldened the vineyards to band together and present their wines in cities across America.
Such a fine Italian wine tasting occurred recently in San Diego featuring “Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri” winners, put together by distribution heavyweights Southern Wine & Spirits and Palm Bay International. Restaurants countywide that offer fine wines flocked to this special occasion with 13 of the very best wineries Italy has to offer.
The wines represent a vast and varied map of grape growing, with a tapestry of tastes well suited to the wine aficionado who enjoys the nuances of earthy, mineral forward wines.
Unlike California, labels give no hint of the grape source, but concentrate on location, with obscure villages and districts like Barolo, Chianti Classico, Montepulciano and Aglianico given star treatment. In Italy we are looking at some 900,000 vineyards in an area similar to California in size and shape. To be sampling these 13 is indeed a pleasure worth savoring.
Mosca, Travaglina and Marchesi di BaroloThe names to know and worth noting include: Anselmi, Bertani, Mazzei, Cavit, Conte Brandolini, Ferrari, San Gregorio, Planeta, Poliziano, San Patrignano, Sella and Italian winemakers pour their best varietals at the “Gambero Rosso” tasting event in San Diego.
Castellina is a picture-book village in the pristine Italian district of Tuscany, midway on the fabled “Chiantigiana” road from Florence to Siena.
It is a town that Francesco Mazzei knows well since his ancestors have been making wine there since 1435. Castello di Fonterutoli, a historic property has been in the Mazzei family since that time and stands as his signature vineyard.
Only cutting edge quality is the standard for this acclaimed Chianti Classico with its Sangiovese grape varietal. Altitude has a significant effect on all vineyard production and the Mazzei family plants at up to 1,640 feet above sea level, with rocky limestone/sandstone soil structure. Low yield ensures high quality production of complex, elegant Sangiovese wines.
I tasted the 2005 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico and the 2005 Fonterutoli Siepi and found the Siepi a more delicious, grape forward wine, with a slightly herb accent. It is a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot. A year and a half in small oak barrels cultivates the result. It was clearly the best of show. Learn more from the Mazzei website at www.mazzei.it
Pioneer Winemaker Grgich Celebrates 85th Birthday
When I first met Mike Grgich, the hero of Napa Valley wines, it was three years ago and the book “Judgement of Paris” had just come out. It is an accounting of the shocking victory of Napa Valley wines over their established French counterparts in 1976, the first time American wines had gone head to head internationally in a highly publicized blind tasting.
Mike, who was the winemaker for Chateau Montelana in Napa at the time, made the Chardonnay that elevated the area to star quality.
He gave me a copy of the book with a warm personal message, appropriate for this wonderful man who is still making beautiful Chardonnay at his Grgich Hills Estate, with his daughter Violet. The current vintage is a 2006, the first one certified organic and biodynamic. Mike was inducted into the vintners Hall of Fame last year. For more, access www.grgich.com.
Wine Bytes
Cakebread Cellars of Napa Valley is the feature wine at the Sat. May 2 event at The Wine Encounter on University in San Diego. Cost is $30. pp, with a 6:30pm start. A classic tasting. Call 619-543-9463.
La Cereza in Temecula Wine Country celebrates Cinco De Mayo with a Fiesta on Sat. May 2 from Noon to 6pm, with food, music, art, wine and beer service. Make your own tacos. Free admission. Call 951-699-6952.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas has two wine dinners going in May: Wed. the 6th and Wed. the 13th. Both start at 6:30pm with the first spotlighting Peju Winery and the next one Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. Call 760-635-1066 for pricing and details.
Luxus 101 Bistro and Grill in Encinitas is celebrating its 1st anniversary with a Coleman Family Vineyards Wine Dinner Sat. May 9 from 7 to 10pm. $70. ea. Oregon Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir will be poured. RSVP required, by calling 760-943-7180.
San Diego’s Museum of Photographic Arts at Balboa Park has two events in May: a 100 Point Wine Tasting at a Rancho Santa Fe home on Sat, May 9 starting at 4pm, and their Grand Tasting and Wine Auction Sat. May 30 starting at 6pm at the Museum. High quality distinctive wines will be paired with featured San Diego restaurant cuisine. Tiered pricing includes $95. ea. for non-members. Live auction at 7:30pm includes rare and fine wines. Learn more at 619-238-7559.
San Diego State University has a new wine class: Bottle to Glass, from Winery to Consumer, that begins on Mon. May 11. and goes to June 1. Enroll now through May 4 and get the discounted cost of $295. Call for details at 619-594-6924.
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Truth About Sulfite in Wine
by Frank Mangio
Right out of the gate, I don’t feel there is a problem with a trace of sulfite in wines. But it is the number one complaint I hear about wine consumption.
“I get a headache from drinking wine…must be the sulfite in it. I must be allergic. Is there a wine that is sulfite-free?” Enough of those questions and I had to do some digging so I could understand enough to answer this common misunderstanding.
If you have a consistent headache from wine, chances are good it’s not from the trace sulfite in it. Instead it is more likely coming from the alcohol or histamine-like compounds, mostly in red wine, so you should have an allergy check. Perhaps an anti-histamine tablet would solve the problem.
Sulfite is a natural bi-product of the fermentation process. Elements are also in bread, salad ingredients, meat, seafood and the list goes on. The human body itself contains about 6 ounces of natural sulfite, mostly in amino acids that help in making all sorts of body parts.
Most wineries add sulfite to their wines after fermentation to preserve flavor and help prevent oxidation. Oxidation is the enemy of wine in that it will sour it and turn it brown in a short time. The U.S. requires warning labels on wines because a small percentage of people (like asthmatics) can suffer from allergic reactions. Other countries don’t require the warning so consumers of these wines think they are sulfite-free.
I “Googled” the net and came up with one winery in Oregon that describes itself as “Eco Wine…Organic Sulfite Free Wines.” The winery is Amity and it specializes in Pinot Noir. Oregon has always been my favorite Pinot Noir appellation and Amity has been a medal winner with its version, most recently scoring at the San Francisco International Wine Competition this year with the highest rating for Pinot.
The winery describes this winning ’07 Pinot Noir as “eco-organic without sulfites.” The federal agency that polices such things made the winery change the label to “no detectable sulfites.” The price is $27. at the winery.
The website is www.amityvineyards.com. The phone number is 503-835-2362 ext #1. The winemaker is Myron Redford and he has been doing sulfite-free wine since 1991. He also has a Chardonnay/Pinot Blanc blend that is sulfite-free.
Aussie Wines Slipping but Rieslings Holding Up
At the recent San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Sommelier Blind Tastings, one of the wines chosen was an Australian White Riesling from the Clare Valley.
It had most of the sommeliers baffled as they had just identified a Riesling from Germany, the birthplace of this delicious grape. I thought it was a smart stroke to place the spotlight on an Aussie white, as the reds just haven’t performed that well lately. This year’s harvest has had dismal weather to contend with and in the recent past, an ocean of wine has hit the U.S. from “down under.” Of course when we say Aussie Red, we mean Shiraz.
As of last year, about 50 million cases of surplus have been returned, exports have dropped 13%, and 12% by value. The rush to wine riches is the main culprit. The wines are too sweet, too much alcohol, a fake fruit taste and oh so similar.
I personally enjoy a great Shiraz, sister of the Rhone Valley French Syrah, grown extensively in California. But the trend in Australia is to get away from quality. But back to Rieslings, and this is the varietal that seems to bring back the Aussie charm in winemaking. They are well-made, structured wines with a hint of lime and a nice fullness. Try these: Killkanoon 2007, Clare Valley, $18.99; and Pewsey Vale Vineyard, 2008, Eden Valley, $13.99
Right out of the gate, I don’t feel there is a problem with a trace of sulfite in wines. But it is the number one complaint I hear about wine consumption.
“I get a headache from drinking wine…must be the sulfite in it. I must be allergic. Is there a wine that is sulfite-free?” Enough of those questions and I had to do some digging so I could understand enough to answer this common misunderstanding.
If you have a consistent headache from wine, chances are good it’s not from the trace sulfite in it. Instead it is more likely coming from the alcohol or histamine-like compounds, mostly in red wine, so you should have an allergy check. Perhaps an anti-histamine tablet would solve the problem.
Sulfite is a natural bi-product of the fermentation process. Elements are also in bread, salad ingredients, meat, seafood and the list goes on. The human body itself contains about 6 ounces of natural sulfite, mostly in amino acids that help in making all sorts of body parts.
Most wineries add sulfite to their wines after fermentation to preserve flavor and help prevent oxidation. Oxidation is the enemy of wine in that it will sour it and turn it brown in a short time. The U.S. requires warning labels on wines because a small percentage of people (like asthmatics) can suffer from allergic reactions. Other countries don’t require the warning so consumers of these wines think they are sulfite-free.
I “Googled” the net and came up with one winery in Oregon that describes itself as “Eco Wine…Organic Sulfite Free Wines.” The winery is Amity and it specializes in Pinot Noir. Oregon has always been my favorite Pinot Noir appellation and Amity has been a medal winner with its version, most recently scoring at the San Francisco International Wine Competition this year with the highest rating for Pinot.
The winery describes this winning ’07 Pinot Noir as “eco-organic without sulfites.” The federal agency that polices such things made the winery change the label to “no detectable sulfites.” The price is $27. at the winery.
The website is www.amityvineyards.com. The phone number is 503-835-2362 ext #1. The winemaker is Myron Redford and he has been doing sulfite-free wine since 1991. He also has a Chardonnay/Pinot Blanc blend that is sulfite-free.
Aussie Wines Slipping but Rieslings Holding Up
At the recent San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Sommelier Blind Tastings, one of the wines chosen was an Australian White Riesling from the Clare Valley.
It had most of the sommeliers baffled as they had just identified a Riesling from Germany, the birthplace of this delicious grape. I thought it was a smart stroke to place the spotlight on an Aussie white, as the reds just haven’t performed that well lately. This year’s harvest has had dismal weather to contend with and in the recent past, an ocean of wine has hit the U.S. from “down under.” Of course when we say Aussie Red, we mean Shiraz.
As of last year, about 50 million cases of surplus have been returned, exports have dropped 13%, and 12% by value. The rush to wine riches is the main culprit. The wines are too sweet, too much alcohol, a fake fruit taste and oh so similar.
I personally enjoy a great Shiraz, sister of the Rhone Valley French Syrah, grown extensively in California. But the trend in Australia is to get away from quality. But back to Rieslings, and this is the varietal that seems to bring back the Aussie charm in winemaking. They are well-made, structured wines with a hint of lime and a nice fullness. Try these: Killkanoon 2007, Clare Valley, $18.99; and Pewsey Vale Vineyard, 2008, Eden Valley, $13.99
Friday, November 16, 2007
Give Thanks to these Holiday Wines
- San Diego Wine Company is touting the Chateau Bellisle Mondotte, St. Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux, 2005, for just $28.95. ‘05 was an incredible year in France.
- Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 2004. Just out as the #9 wine in all the world from Wine Spectator at 95 points. $125. This was the last year that the Mondavis had a hand in the winemaking before being taken over. But wait…I just tasted the ’04 Mondavi Cab, not the reserve, but a rich, beautifully structured non-reserve wine, for just $20… your choice. Just don’t bother with the ’05: a stinging taste and flavor…ugly!
- Banfi Chianti Classico, 2005. Well balanced, easy to please the palate Sangiovese grape. Easy price at $10.
- Pedroncelli “Mother Clone” Zinfandel 2005. Sonoma’s most pleasing old vine Zin. Full-bodied classicDry Creek Valley wine. Just a touch of Petite Syrah for a bit more bang. “ Mother” is 100 year old vines. Great concentration. Worth a look at www.pedroncelli.com. $18.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Monterey Winery Owners & Carmel Wine Tasting Shop
Dawn and Jack Galante never miss a chance to get out of their home base in Monterey and preach the gospel of wine along the Central Coast and Monterey. You talk to them and become a believer mostly because they have such a good time on the circuit. ( photo shows them at the recent Santa Barbara event.)
The Galante family has a long history in the area. Jack’s great grandfather founded the town of Carmel. He built the Pine Inn and the Highlands Inn, both landmarks in that fabled coastal village. Jack’s father controlled a 700 acre cattle ranch in the Carmel Valley in the late 60’s, then turned some of it into a vineyard. Jack built the winery featuring ultra premium wines in the mid 90’s concentrating on Cabernet. They currently are releasing Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and two brands of Cab that caught my attention. The Pinot is grown at about 1,800 feet elevation and only 10 miles from the coast, a potent combination that Pinot grapes feel at home with. Bigger bolder flavors are extracted from the current ’05 vintage that sells for $25. per bottle.
The Galantes operate the first tasting room in Carmel by the Sea along with a western emporium. The vineyard and winery is east in the Carmel Valley. The Galantes love to have fun and it shows in the “Wine Gang” Club writeups. Jack loves to tell the story of the time he and Dawn were doing a commercial. He’s sitting naked in an old fashioned tub that you pour water into to bathe. Dawn is standing over the tub with several bottles of wine ready to pour and asking the obvious question… “would you prefer white, or red.” You might be able to see which one he bathed in by checking out the web site at
www.galantevineyards.com.
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