Blended Wines: A Winemaker’s Creation

by Frank Mangio
Since the beginning of my wine writing journey, I have been fascinated with the increasing number of wine blends released by creative winemakers.  Such legendary stalwarts as Opus One, Insignia, Rubicon and Isosceles are but a few from respected wine makers in California who have replicated the “Bordeaux Style” of classic French wines, that have become more in demand than the French originals.  If you are not that familiar with this style, it’s based on the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, a good team player in the wine world, in that it is big–bodied with high tannins, blending well with smaller amounts of flavorful grapes from France, namely Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Jim Sullivan is the Public Relations Director of the fabled Castello di Amorosa near Calistoga, Napa Valley .  This is the 13th century, 8 story medieval Tuscan-style castle that is a massive 121,000 square foot authentic castle and winery.

Castello di Amorosa in the Napa Valley makes the Italian style 2009 La Castellana,
mostly Cabernet, with Merlot and Sangiovese.

Sullivan made me aware of the winery’s new-release “Super Tuscan” style blend, the 2009 La Castellana, in a most unusual way.  The blend comes from the estate’s 30 acre vineyard and is made from 70% Cabernet, 15% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese. ( $88. at the winery only)

The winemakers at Amorosa know a thing or two about blends.  Director of Winemaking Brooks Painter has worked at Robert Mondavi and Stags Leap and last year won Winemaker of the Year at the San Francisco International Competition.  Consulting Winemaker Sebastiani Rossa worked in Italy with Sassicaia in Bogheri and Argiano in Montalcino. Given that background, Sullivan laid down the challenge of making my own TASTE OF WINE custom blend for the 2012 “Super Tuscan” La Castellana with three 2012 harvested wine barrel samples of the same grapes used in the 2009:  Cabernet, Merlot and Sangiovese.

I needed to create what I thought was a flavorful Italian style blend, ratcheting up the Sangiovese, Tuscany ’s native grape.

After several attempts at various combinations, my final base-blend featured 50%Sangiovese. Cabernet came in at 40% and Merlot smoothed out the blend at 10%.  We will see if my blend is chosen as the 2012 La Castellana, but we must wait until 2015 when it’s released with3 years more body, flavor, complexity and most important…balance. See more at www.castellodiamorosa.com.

Mardi Gras & St. Patricks Day Fun in the Gaslamp
A scintillating 20th annual Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration 20 blocks long will headline Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, downtown San Diego , Tuesday March 5th from 5pm to Midnight  on 5th Avenue .

On March 15th it will be the 10th annual “Sham Rock,” a St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, from 4pm to Midnight, on the same street. There will be 3 stages, 10 DJ’s and 6 Irish Bands. Producer Laurel McFarlane said “we’re closing down 5th Avenue to traffic.  We’ll have lots of wine and beer tents to offer to visitors over 21 at both events.  A VIP 3 course dinner package with a special area designated for guests will be a popular choice.”

Tickets for the March 5th Mardi Gras start at $30. and $40.at the door.  For details and other price information, go to the Mardi Gras web site at sdmardigras.com; and for the St. Patrick’s Day event, see sandiegoshamrock.com.

Wine Bytes

SDSU’s Extended Studies Wine Program has a 2 day seminar with winemaker Gus Vizgirda called the Character of Wine, Sat. March 1 and Sat. March 8 from 9 to 1:30pm.  Contact 619-594-1138 for details.

The Pacific Coast Wine Festival  will take place at the elegant Island Hotel in Newport Beach , Sat. March 1 at 5pm.  Taste from 60 wines, bid on many great items, and enjoy a 5 course feast .  Live auction for fine wines and rare experiences.  For more information call 714-876-2364.

Solare Restorante Italiano Bar Lounge at Liberty Station Pt. Loma presents a Wine Dinner with Banfi, one of Italy ’s top wines, Thurs. March 6 at 6:15pm.  Chef Accursio will create a special 5 course menu to pair with 6 wines, presented by Banfi Ambassador Luciano Castiello.  $75. pp.  Reserve seats at 619-270-9670.

Top Ten Wine Tastings – 1st Half of 2011

The first half of this year brought to us more wine events than ever, with emphasis on trade and wine country associations banding together promoting their respective regional interests. I counted over 400 that crossed my radar with over 3,500 wines tasted.

On the retail side, a couple of trends developed on my Southern California beat: restaurants and resorts are adding a retail “buy it here, drink it here or take it home” component to their operation causing stress to locally owned wineshops; and county government is actually cooperating with winery associations to promote wine tasting in new or existing AVA’s.

Evidence the opening of some 10 public wine tasting rooms where there were nearly none allowed earlier, in the Ramona Valley of San Diego County.

The following are standout wines that I have tasted and awarded an “excellent” rating, based on flavor, complexity and price point-to-value. The Top Ten are NOT ranked but are listed alphabetically. Prices shown can vary and are what I have noted in web sites and at retail shops. Web sites are inserted for your further research.

§ Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2005. $15. A classic Cabernet from this Carneros District winery, with grapes from 3 vineyards in Atlas Peak and Oakville. www.artesawinery.com.

§ Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz, Australia, 2007. $18. A French style red with a touch of Cabernet and Grenache to add to the Shiraz body for an old world flavor medley. Australia’s Producer of the Year award winner. www.banfivintners.com.

§ Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett, Mosel Germany, 2009. $15. World renowned maker of racy, mineral-driven Riesling from the steep, slate slopes of the Mosel River. Crisp, slight sweetness on the palate. www.drloosen.com.

§ Fontodi Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2006. $26. Pure 100% Sangiovese legacy grapes. 12 months aging in small French barriques. Great benchmark for all that is lovely in Tuscany. www.fontodi.com.

§ Marilyn Remarke Grenache, Monterey, Ca., 2008. $45. Meticulous re-creation of Rhone style Grenache. A revelation of old world south-of-France vibrancy. www.remarkewines.com.

§ Niner Twisted Spur, Paso Robles, CA., 2007. $25. Wine maker Amanda Cramer brought out the best of the vineyard in this all-estate blend of mostly Merlot, supported by Cab Franc, Syrah and Petite Sirah. www.ninerwine.com.

§ Pedroncelli Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma, Ca.,2009. $20. Remarkable Dry Creek Valley Zin from prized 20 acre family related vineyard for over 50 years. Captures the essence of “California’s grape,” and takes it to a new level. www.Pedroncelli.com.

§ Solis Winery Merlot Reserve, Santa Clara Valley, CA. 2008. $40. Rich Italian family tradition from the 20’s has brought Solis L.A. International Gold, and acclaim to this velvet-lined, regal tasting wine. www.soliswinery.com.

§ Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon, 2008. $39. World-class Pinot from the new world’s authentic footprint of Burgundy, France, the birthplace of Pinot Noir. Its certified organic farming was first in the U.S. www.sokolblosser.com.

§ South Coast Winery Sangiovese, Wild Horse Peak, Temecula, CA., 2006.$34. 100% old-world style Sangiovese in French barrels especially designed for this varietal. A sweeping pedigree of high praise for this best-of-class. A triumph for veteran wine maker Jon McPherson. www.wineresort.

Wine Bytes

Falkner Winery in Temecula celebrates its 11th Anniversary Sat. Ju.y 2 thru Mon. July 4. Free Jazz concerts Noon to 3pm on Sat. and Sun., hourly raffle drawings, outdoor BBQs, tours and deep discount sales on top selling wines. All activities are 11 to 5pm. Call 951-676-8231 for details.

Bacchus Wine Market, in the Gaslamp District of San Diego, is having a Sparkling Wines and BIG Zinfandel Tasting, Fri. July 1 from 4 to 8:30pm and Sat. July 2 from 2pm to 8:30pm. $15. pp. Six tastings promised. For more, call 619-236-0005.

Tesoro Winery Old Town Tasting Room in Temecula is presenting the Two Of Us Plus One concert on Fri. July 8 from 6 to 9pm. Contact phone is 951-308-0000.

TASTE OF WINE regretfully reports that one of the pioneers of the modern wine shop format in Carlsbad is closing its doors the end of June after some 6 years. Carlsbad Wine Merchants, led by Kathy Bankerd, was an honest, creative wine merchant, who fell victim to the bad economy. She will be missed. The shop has some big discounts on wine and accessories before closing. Call 760-804-9994.

Wine and Valentines Day- Hearty Companions

by Frank Mangio
The romance of wine has been well documented in story and song. Couples are falling in love and having weddings at vineyards in increasing numbers. Elegant and extraordinary experiences have been the highest priority for the area wineries and restaurants that feature fine wine in their menus, as they plan for Valentines Day dinners on Saturday February 14th.

I have compiled a recommended list of those places that have wonderful experiences in place for their customers, but first let me introduce you to a Napa Valley Winery whose 33 acres are devoted to the romance of wine.

Bart and Barb O’Brien have owned and operated O’Brien Estate in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley since 2000. They have a home on the site. “We have re-grafted a great deal of the 33 acre vineyard from Chardonnay to its current 13 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest divided into Cab Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc,” Bart revealed. “What followed was a next-level move into a Bordeaux style blend which we decided to name Seduction, a deep dense purple wine with aromas of sweet black cherry. You taste intense currant and berry flavors on the palate, framed by fine-grained tannins,” he said. 2006 was a lovely year for this concentrated blend, and now the 2007 Seduction comes in a gift box that celebrates your someone special.
Bart and Barb O’Brien make wines in The Napa Valley that are perfectly suited for Valentines Day.

This year, Bart has the ultimate touch for Valentines Day with a “Romantic Trio,” three beautiful wines in a finely made limited edition wood gift box with velvet compartments. It contains: “Attraction” Chardonnay, “Romantic” Merlot and ”Seduction” Cabernet blend, and sells for $199. Check it out in time for Valentines Day by calling 707-252-8463 or go to: www.obrienestate.com.

Valentines Day Wine Bytes: Saturday February 14
Bernardo Winery’s Vino Valentino Dinner at Café Merlot where you select five wines to taste + gift glass, then estate aged wines and dinner in the Barrel Room. Jazz music and other surprise gifts. $75. each. $125. for two. RSVP at 858-487-1866.

Salerno Winery in Ramona has a dinner with the winemaker and opera music. Salmon with Salerno’s ’02 Elegante along with salad and the popular Salerno Petite Sirah; roasted white fish and seared tenderloin with the Estate Sensation. $80. pp. Contact Rose at 760-788-7160.

Valentines Day at the elegant Grand Del Mar includes an awesome six course dinner from Executive Chef William Bradley, capped by milk-fed Rotie or Braised Beef Shortribs. $125. pp with other options. Get the full story by calling 858-314-1900.

Savory Casual Fare in Encinitas has created exceptional meals served from 4pm to 9pm at $56. ea. or $78. with champagnes and matching wines. Entrees include filet of beef or Opakapuka. Call for RSVPs at 760-634-5556.

In Temecula Wine Country:

Ponte Winery has a candle-lit 4 course dinner in the Barrel Room, with one seating at 7pm. $95. pp. Call 951-694-8855.

Falkner Winery has a lovely four course feast in the Pinnacle Restaurant with pairings of their best wines, including Champagne and Port. Call at 951-676-8231 ext 1.

Thornton Winery has a Valentines Rendezvous with a 4-star dinner for two, a decadent dessert and premium wines. Petite Filet Mignon and grilled shrimp top the menu. $80. ea. Call 951-699-0099.

Allie’s Bistro and Lounge in Temecula has a 5 course dinner for $49. ea., or dinner with paired wines for $74. per guest. Call 951-695-8620.

Keyways Vineyard & Winery invites you to a sequel to Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Phantom of the Opera that starts at 7:30pm. A four course dinner is included with premium wines. $94. a person. Call 951-302-7888.

Send wine and food news to winenews@tasteofwinetv.com

Salut! To Italian Wines

article and photo by Frank Mangio

I’ve been doing a lot of saluting lately as Italian wines are bursting with new, beautiful releases up and down the peninsula.

There is no country quite like Italy with its varied complexity of varietals, from lovely whites at the northern border district of Trentino-Alto Adige to the dark, deep luster of Sicilian reds. There are over 300 regions sanctioned by the government, making wines from over 2,000 grape varietals.

Wine making has been going on for over 3,000 years. Unlike California which labels its wines by the grape, Italians label their wines by the district. A Sangiovese grape wine is labeled Chianti, a Nebbiolo grape wine is labeled Barolo or Barbaresco, favorite locations for the making of that wine.

Two recent wine tastings had me happily declaring the recent 2006 releases as the best since 2001: a gathering at When In Rome in Encinitas where Italian wine expert Marco Barat was holding court as special guest of G.M. Daniel Shaffer. Marco, in addition to his humorous one-liners, waxed poetic on five wines from Puglia, on the southeastern coast of Italy.


A Taste of Wine columnist Frank Mangio, When in Rome Manager Daniel Shaffer and Italian wine specialist Marco Barat.

As Daniel served Italian courses like “Grillata di Pesce” with halibut cheeks and scallops to add to the “Specialita d’ Puglia,” orichette pasta, broccoli and salcicccia, Marco poured the 2006 Feudi San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino and Ognissole Primitivo di Mandura. Both were beautifully balanced reds with light fruit to accent the floral, honey and coffee-like earthy flavors that are oh-so Italy. The capper was a 2001 Feudi San Gregorio di Aglianico Taurasi, a 94 point Robert Parker favorite. It retails for about $56.

Over to Wine Street in Carlsbad for their “Italian Harvest” of offerings, the two best bets from 2006 were: a Nero D’Avola from Chiaramonte, a delicious red from Sicily and a Taste of Wine previous Top Ten Taste ( $16.99); and a Romitorio Morelllino di Scansano ($19.99). Both are now selling at Wine Street. Ten of the top 100 wines in the world, as named by the influential Wine Spectator are from Italy. The highest rated was Pio Casare Barola, 2004 ( $62.)

A Journey Through Temecula Holiday Wine Country
Christmas and New Years Eve wine dinners, a light festival, hay rides, wine gift shops and much more will make Temecula Wine Country a must-enjoy for the holidays. Now through December 29, Keyways Winery has a holiday light festival from 6 to 9pm daily with hayrides and other activities. As with Ponte Winery which has theirs until December 23, you can marvel at over 200,000 LED lights that stretch over vineyards and rooftops. It’s family style fun and entertainment. For more at Keyways call 951-302-7888. For Ponte, 951-694-8855.

New Year’s eve is memorable as many wineries host special events:
South Coast Winery has its elegant dinner, dance and celebration at Vineyard Rose. You can also stay in one of the luxury vineyard villas. Reserve at 951-587-9463, ext 7230.

Wiens Family Cellars has “Jungle Boogie” with dinner, live music, dancing and animals from the Wild Animal Park. Call for RSVP’s at 951-694-9892.

Keyways has an all-star music concert with its dinner and dancing, including Ambrosia. Details at 951-302-7888.

Wilson Creek Winery has a “Sail Into the New year” extravaganza at their new events center. Call 951-699-9463.

Thornton Winery will have its gala including dinner, dancing and balloon drop. Get the full story at 951-699-0099. A good way to see all the Wine Country fun is by Going Grape and its holiday transportation tour packages. They are local and know the winemakers personally. For reservations, call 951-852-1923.

Wine Bytes
The Fallbrook Visitors Bureau is presenting a Wine & A Bite Holiday Walk through the historic downtown area, 4 to 7pm on Sat. Dec. 13. Sip wine, indulge in great food and shop the distinctive stores. Ten restaurants and Fallbrook Winery are providing nice food and drink. $10. pp, $15. at the door. Call for RSVP’s at 760-451-3282.

Big Bold Reds is the theme of the wine tasting at Vino 100 in San Marcos Fri. and Sat. from 5 to 9pm. Cost is $15. ea. For more, contact Vino 100 at 760-591-9113.

Holiday wine tasting is sure to please at the 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro in Encinitas Sat. Dec. 13 from 2 to 5pm. Tasting fee is $10. for 10 tastings. RSVP requested at 760-942-2104.

San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road has its annual top ten values to taste on Sat. Dec. 13 during business hours for just $10. or just $1. with an unwrapped toy or gift card to benefit a childrens fund. More at 858-586-9463.

Bernardo Winery a Legacy in Motion

Something old can also be something new in the hands of the right people. A walk through the Bernardo Winery proves that. This 119 year old winery takes a little doing to find, but once reached, speaks volumes about the handcrafted artistry of the Rizzo family who established a tradition of winemaking under the discipline of the original Bernardo Winery family member Vincent, who purchased the land, equipment and vines in 1927. Then, the valley was covered with vineyards and not a town was in sight, the closest being Escondido. The winery became a major wine and olive oil supplier to San Diego County.

Ross Rizzo took the winery over from his father in 1962 and until his recent passing, turned it into the fascinating destination that it is today. Much of the land became too valuable for winery use, so most of the grapes are imported from such regions as Paso Robles, Rancho Cucamonga and elsewhere in San Diego County.

The legacy of Bernardo Winery and its rustic environment is everywhere the visitor turns. Gnarly old oaks, venerable old equipment that passed the test of time, village shops that still display and sell collectibles from the past, and of course a courtyard gathering place and tasting room that echoes the essence of European relaxation.

A new era has begun at Bernardo Winery as Ross’s son Rossi now runs the winery with a vision of restoring the greatness of this place with old world robust varietals, many from southern Italy. New energy and ideas abound from the new owners of the restaurant, Café Merlot. Toni and Rick Kraft, with a talented culinary team, have crafted a quality of cuisine that compares with the finest dining anywhere in San Diego. Custom corporate and special occasion catering has blossomed and enhanced the Café Merlot experience in the Vineyard room, outside in the patio or on the greens.

The wines offered on the restaurant menu reflect the California style, with names like J.Lohr, Cinnabar and Dry Creek, as well as their signature Bernardo Winery Private Reserve Petite Sirah. Events include concerts and “La Technique” Cooking Classes with the next one scheduled for Tuesday August 26 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Cost is $50. pp.

At Bernardo Winery, it’s all about a historic legacy, but at the same time, a work in progress with the talent of a new team and a new future. See more at www.bernardowinery.com or call at 858-592-7785.

More Restaurant Awards of Excellence
Last week’s list of Wine Spectator area Awards of Excellence was short on space to list all, so here are more deserving locations that have superior wine lists and pairings with their menu offerings: Le Fountainbleau at the Westgate, Dussini Mediterranean Bistro, Oceanaire Seafood Room & Osetra the Fish House in San Diego; The Marine Room & George’s at the Cove La Jolla; Pacifica, Paradise Grille and Sbicca’s Del Mar. SALUTE!

Eli’s Wine and Food Has Loyal Following

by Frank Mangio

Every Saturday afternoon at Eli’s, in the Del Mar Highlands Center, the loyal followers gather for the weekly ritual of wine swap, tasting and wine talk.

Eli Shemirani, the smiling host and owner, provided incredibly great wines to taste for a very nominal charge. The Saturday I went, his Master Pouring Manager was Chris Faust who’s a regular, and he was introducing the new releases from Nickel and Nickel and Far Niente. Believe me, you are staring at spectacular wines with that Napa duo.

But that’s not what really got me. Eli’s followers were swapping tastes of their favorite wines, offering tastes to anyone who wanted to try them. Wines like Rubicon Cask, Denner Syrah and King Estate Oregon Pinot Gris were taste-tested.

At the same time, Eli was offering a knock-out deal of a Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo ’06 for $9.99 with a second bottle for a penny! Every Saturday tasting from 2 to 5pm is an event, with wonderful premium wines to taste.

Saturday June 14 is the new 2005 releases from Dominus! Cost is $10. To get the latest names offered, call 858-481-2323.

Half Bottles Spotlighted at Updated Humphries

by Frank Mangio

San Diego has some venerable names in its restaurant history and none have a more romantic reputation than Humphreys on Shelter Island. So when I heard that this anchor spot had undergone a major makeover of the décor, dinner and wine menu, I had to see and experience the upgrades.

Humphries and the adjacent Half Moon Inn are hallowed grounds for me, having done all the communications for this intimate, south-seas format many years ago.

I have enjoyed countless music events on the grounds at the Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. It could be the most intimate venue in the country to see big names in the music business.

At Humphreys new format, I was struck by the positioning of the tables so that each had a view of the bay and marina. Cool, maritime colors are relaxing and inviting. The new executive chef is Paul Murphy (seen in the accompanying photo). He has created a modern, global menu to accent his French-trained skills. You may know him from his previous work at El Bizcocho in Rancho Bernardo and Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe.

I chose the seared Blue Crab Cakes and Treviso Salad for starters. The paired wine was an ’04 Trefethen Chardonnay. I then moved into a gorgeous Prime Rib with rock-salt crusted mash potato, au jus. That’s when the red wine accompaniment arrived: a half bottle d’Arenberg, “the Dead Arm” McLaren Vale 2002 from Australia. Humphreys knowledgeable manager, Shauna Aguirre, personally selected this varietal, and it was a home run.

Half bottles make a lot of sense in a restaurant environment. With its three- serving content, it’s perfect to complete the bottle in one sitting. If your companion likes something else, ordering up another half bottle won’t break the budget. And Humphreys has some household names that I never knew made a scaled down bottle: Grgich and J Lohr Chardonnay, Beaulieu and Chateau Montelena Cabernets and Opus One Meritage.

Humphreys also has dinner packages wrapped around a number of their summer concerts, that include up-front seating. You can also have the dinner package, concert, plus a guest room at the half Moon Inn. For more information or to make a reservation, call 619-224-3577 or visit www.humphreysrestaurant.com.

Wine World Mourns the Passing of Robert Mondavi
Robert Mondavi, the icon of Napa and one of the most respected winemakers in all the world, died on May 16th. He was 94. He was the father and founder of the American fine wine industry. He started his first winery in Napa in 1966, believing that world-class wine could be produced in California. His innovative spirit and techniques brought his Robert Mondavi Winery to the pinnacle of greatness, culminated by the Opus One Winery, a Meritage masterpiece. His Italian roots held firm with his message that wine and food are created equal, and he wanted to see a bottle of wine on every American table.

Master Chef with a Passion for Wine

By Frank Mangio

Steve Hamlin is a man on a mission. His passion: spread the gospel of fine food perfectly matched with fine wine. His venue: Temecula Wine Country.

I mentioned Steve in my last column on wine and chocolate pairing when he was opening up minds and palates on that very subject a few years ago when his Allie’s Restaurant, named after his lovely wife Alicia, was a popular restaurant at Callaway Winery in Temecula Wine Country. Prior to that, Steve competed for 13 years in the culinary arts space and was named “Best Up and Coming Chef” and “Best Chef in the West.” He advises and teaches at San Diego State University in its wine extension studies program, oversees a thriving catering and special events business and is seen at many winery dinner events, making sure that every detail is of the highest quality.

I last had the opportunity to feel the energy of this wine and food renaissance man at Keyways Vineyard and Winery (see accompanying photo of this writer and Steve Hamlin). During a lovely four course event there, Steve found an opportunity to fire up the taste buds of those in attendance with a rousing talk on the essence of the wine/food pairings been served. He meticulously unveiled the “holy grail” of the wine offered and exactly why it was meant for the food companion that it was mated to.

Now to the best part of this testimony on Steve and his impact in Temecula Wine Country. After a period of time without a restaurant to call his own, Steve and Allie are about to open their newest creation: “Allie’s Tapas au Vin” a Wine Bar and Café, on Overland Drive in Temecula. It will be a contemporary upscale wine lounge and restaurant, with premium wines, including Charles Krug, Jordan, Franciscan, many Bordeaux names and a lovely list of Temecula wines. It will also have a cocktail menu, a Mediterranean style of Tapas, entree selections from Brasato Tortelloni to Rack of New Zealand Lamb. A “Café Menu,” like roasted Vegetable and Cheese Panini and Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap will be presented with Mediterranean Fusilli and Fried Leeks.

A Grand Opening is planned for 6pm Saturday January 12,with proceeds going to the couple’s favorite charity: the George C. Glenner Alzheimer Family Center, a facility that is close to the family, since Allie’ s “grannie” was lost to this disease in 1998. Since then the Hamlins have donated more then $250,000. to this cause. Tickets are $75. per person. A live auction for great items will be at 8pm.

You can RSVP by calling 951-235-9219 or e mail ….steve@alliestapas.com. The website to learn more about Steve and Allie Hamlin is: www.alliestapas.com.

Taste Of Wine TV Showcases Nature Sweet Tomatoes

What part of sitting down to a great meal with wine, but without tomatoes don't you understand?

On Saturday, our friends at Nature Sweet will stop by our TV booth to talk tomato. Think of the pasta, salad, and other pairing possibilities....See you Saturday at The San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival.

TOMATO TIDBITS

· Tomatoes were originally cultivated in the Americas by the Aztecs and Incas.

· Columbus “discovered “the tomato and brought it back to Europe.

· A tomato is botanically a fruit, not a vegetable, because it develops from the ovary of the plant after fertilization has occurred. However, it is categorized by its use, thus making it a vegetable by law. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1893 that because the tomato is eaten with the main part of the meal instead of dessert, it is indeed a vegetable.

· NatureSweet recommends that you NEVER refrigerate your tomatoes –

it destroys their natural sugars and they don’t last as long.

Keep your D’Vines™ on the counter (out of direct sunlight) for optimum flavor and convenient snacking.

· The French labeled the tomato “love apple”; the Germans called the tomato “apple of paradise.”

· By 1850, the tomato was an important produce item in every American city.

· There are over 4,000 varieties of tomatoes.

· Americans eat roughly 18 lbs. of tomatoes per capita on average each year.

· Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene - the stuff that makes tomatoes red -which research suggests may reduce prostate cancer in men. Tomatoes are also a source of dietary fiber, potassium, iron, phosphorous and some B vitamins. They are low in sodium and contain no cholesterol.

Win a Cruise to Ensenada, Wine, Food, more This Saturday

Mention this blog entry when you visit the Taste Of Wine TV booth Saturday at the San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival, and you can enter our special drawings for wine, dinners, and a Cruise to Ensenada. (Must be 21 or over to participate. (Winners will be contacted by cellphone during the festival via text messaging, or e-mail). Ensenada cruise courtesy of Kimberly at www.BraggAboutTravel.com

11:15 Falkner Winery, Temecula

11:30 Opolo Winery, Paso Robles

11:45 Pedroncelli Winery, Sonoma

12: noon Williamette Valley Winery, Oregon

12:30 Ghiardelli Chocolates

12:45 La Cereza, Temecula

1p.m. Nature Sweet

1:15 Vina Robles, Paso Robles

1:30 Flora Springs, Napa

Still time to get tickets for the biggest wine even on the West Coast:
www.WorldOfWineEvents.com

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is Just About Here

If there is only one wine event that you must experience, it’s the San Diego Bay 4^th annual Wine and Food Festival, ready to go Wednesday November 14 thru Sunday November 18, at several locations downtown. World of Wine Events, the producers, have five days of fun and education on wine and food, unmatched anywhere in Southern California.

I do hope my readers and viewers come to the Saturday Grand Tasting at the Embarcadero North Park next to Seaport Village from 12 Noon to 4pm.

Just beyond the entrance, Mike Bragg, executive producer of Taste of Wine Tv.com and myself, (shown in the attached photo) will be interviewing several wine and food personalities from Noon to 2pm and would love to have you stop by and talk wine with us. Over 160 wines will be poured, with food service from 60 restaurants and food suppliers. The “chef of the fest” is a highlight competition that’s sure to attract. Olive oil tasting, fine wine auctions and entertainment put a bow on the whole scene.

Start-up is the Wednesday “Wine Rave 2007” from 7 to 10pm at the Little Italy Urban Bar and Restaurant. A hip “Bling and Bubbly” will rock the downtown Ivy Hotel from 6:30 to 9pm with fashion and show-stopping champagnes and cuisine. Thursday has 7 seminars on wine and cuisine at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center and Macy’s. Friday finds 8 seminars at the same venues, and a super Reserve and New Release Tasting from 6:30pm to 9:30pm on the good ship Inspiration, docked near Broadway and Harbor Drive. 150 wineries and spirits producers will wow the visitors, along with delicious cuisine from notable restaurants and caterers.

Sunday from a 10:30 am boarding to 1pm, the table is set on the Hornblower with a cruise around the bay that includes a lavish brunch, free-flowing Mumm Napa Brut and other fine champagnes from Mumm. The music’s on fire too with the David Patrone Band. Reservations are a must for this attraction.

Now to the most important part of this journey of wine and food, how to get tickets and get in on the action. Two ways to do it: Call 619-342-7337 for any date, or a package for all! You can also access ticket information on-line at www.worldofwineevents.com.

PORT: It Isn't Just for Dessert Anymore...

by Frank Mangio

I have noticed that many more wine dinners offered by upscale restaurants, are serving some lovely sweet or dessert wines. Most delicate pastries demand a sweet Port, late harvest Riesling, Ice wine or my favorite, the Muscat Canelli.
This southern French and Italian style dessert wine is made from the Muscat grape. More about that later.

I was interested in how the wines get so sweet as to be a dessert in itself. Grapes that are used have to be very high in sugar content. They get that way by being picked after the normal harvest. The sugar may be maximized by allowing the grapes to “raisinate” by laying out on racks before crushing. This waiting process is labor intensive and makes for a more expensive price point for the wines.

Alcohol levels are higher, usually 16 to 19% due to the very high sugar level.

Now to the lovely Muscat Canelli. Muscat grapes were known to have been some of the oldest in France and Italy, brought in by the Phoenicians and Greeks.

The aromas on these dessert wines are captivating. They reek of racy tastes like orange, melon, peaches and apricot. With the holidays fast approaching, the popularity of these dessert wines increases. They have a settling quality about them after a king-size meal. Now here’s a large sized tip for you. Some of the best Muscat Canellis in the country are from the Temecula Valley. Recently the Wall Street Journal profiled this lovely dessert wine and found two from this neighborhood appellation that they thought were among the best. Another surprise was these Muscats were lower than normal on the alcohol, about 10 to 12%, and although sweet, contained enough acidity to balance the innate sweetness. Served chilled, it relaxes the mind, and the heart.

The two Temecula wineries that made the short Wall Street Journal list of best Muscat Canelli Wines were: Maurice Car’rie ’06 for about $12.95 and Callaway’s ’05 for about $18. Check them out at www.mauricecarriewinery.com.
and www.callawaywinery.com.