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.
Showing posts with label syrah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label syrah. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A Salute to John and Sally Thornton
by Frank Mangio
John and Sally Thornton, owners of Thornton Winery in Temecula with their son Steve, recently added three more awards to their decades-long accomplishments in wine and hospitality. The Southern California Restaurant Writers bestowed their Golden Bacchus Wine Award and Golden Five Star Sceptre Award to the winery’s Café Champagne after a year-long evaluation from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border. Both are the organization’s highest awards in their category.
Kudos to Café Champagne’s top chef, Steve Pickell, who has guided its success for over 13 years. He saluted the Thornton’s “contribution to the culinary vision with their expertise, dedication, talent and integrity.”
The Thorntons were also honored as Humanitarians of the Year due to the constant and major giving to community charities. Their name is on one of the largest medical centers in San Diego. Thornton Winery has a 20 year legacy of winemaking that has brought it world acclaim, especially in blending “Methode Champenoise” Sparkling Wine/Champagne, which created worldwide excitement for its freshness and bursts of flavor as an ideal celebratory drink, best expressed by the Brut Reserve series.
John and Sally Thornton toasting with one of their popular Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine/Champagne varietals which brought fame to their winery.
The distinguished old world look of the property displays elegant French influence with an overlook of the pristine vineyards that bear the estate fruit of Thornton. Their champagne jazz series is in full bloom and the lineup reads like a who’s who of talent. Yet the best part of this success story is the work of winemaker Don Reha and his movement into Mediterranean style red wines since his arrival in 2003. Latest release names to know are: 2005 Viognier, 2006 Nebbiolo, 2005 Estate Bottled Syrah and the 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel.
You can now pick up a 30% discount on any case purchase with free shipping. Check out this short term offer by calling 951-699-0099 or visiting www.thorntonwine.com.
John and Sally Thornton, owners of Thornton Winery in Temecula with their son Steve, recently added three more awards to their decades-long accomplishments in wine and hospitality. The Southern California Restaurant Writers bestowed their Golden Bacchus Wine Award and Golden Five Star Sceptre Award to the winery’s Café Champagne after a year-long evaluation from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border. Both are the organization’s highest awards in their category.
Kudos to Café Champagne’s top chef, Steve Pickell, who has guided its success for over 13 years. He saluted the Thornton’s “contribution to the culinary vision with their expertise, dedication, talent and integrity.”
The Thorntons were also honored as Humanitarians of the Year due to the constant and major giving to community charities. Their name is on one of the largest medical centers in San Diego. Thornton Winery has a 20 year legacy of winemaking that has brought it world acclaim, especially in blending “Methode Champenoise” Sparkling Wine/Champagne, which created worldwide excitement for its freshness and bursts of flavor as an ideal celebratory drink, best expressed by the Brut Reserve series.
John and Sally Thornton toasting with one of their popular Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine/Champagne varietals which brought fame to their winery.The distinguished old world look of the property displays elegant French influence with an overlook of the pristine vineyards that bear the estate fruit of Thornton. Their champagne jazz series is in full bloom and the lineup reads like a who’s who of talent. Yet the best part of this success story is the work of winemaker Don Reha and his movement into Mediterranean style red wines since his arrival in 2003. Latest release names to know are: 2005 Viognier, 2006 Nebbiolo, 2005 Estate Bottled Syrah and the 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel.
You can now pick up a 30% discount on any case purchase with free shipping. Check out this short term offer by calling 951-699-0099 or visiting www.thorntonwine.com.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Darioush Delights at Firefly
Article and story by Frank Mangio
The latest creation at Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas was a masterpiece of fine dining and premium wine pairing with Darioush Winery and Vineyard of Napa Valley. I applaud owner Jim Barrasso and Executive Chef Aaron Daily for their wine- first policy.
The two, in planning a paired menu, spend an extraordinary amount of time thoroughly examining the properties of each wine selection. Then they carefully craft a menu that will exalt each wine selection, enabling the guests to understand the capabilities of the wines chosen.
On the evening of the Darioush event, a spiced date leg of lamb with roasted eggplant, lentils and mint were the compliment to the Darioush 2005 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is considered best of breed at this renowned estate on the Silverado Trail in Napa. It is a subtle blend of 85% Cab, 10% Merlot and a hint of Petite Verdot and Malbec.
Ryan Norton from the winery also brought along a 2007 Signature Viognier from Darioush which paired to perfection with the passed around appetizers. “This is a California twist to a Rhone Valley French grape with tropical notes, lush and balanced acidity,” he said. “Red wine lovers go for this white with its complexity and ability to fit in with a lot of menu selections.”
Darioush is owned by Darioush Khaledi who comes from the cradle of wines, the middle east. Other wines that impressed included: a 2006 Signature Chardonnay.
Ryan Norton of Darioush, owner Jim Barrasso of Firefly and executive chef Aaron Daily at the Darioush Wine Dinner
Caravan 2005 Shiraz and a Signature 2005 Merlot. Darioush is the kind of winery you can get close to. Small and dedicated to the highest standards, it embraces the passion of Napa Valley. Learn more by accessing www.darioush.com.
The next Firefly wine event will be the Foxen Vineyards event on Wednesday March 4 at 6:30pm. Jim and Aaron have released the menu and the main course will be a plum and red wine braised short rib, complimenting a Foxen “Range 30 West” blend.
Jim also presides over occasional chef’s cooking classes and on Monday March 3rd at 6pm, he will teach at Kitchen Witch in Encinitas. Proper food and wine pairing will highlight the evening. Cost is $59. Call for details or check out the site: 760-635-1066 or www.fireflygrillandbar.com.
Giant Wines from the Woods of Washington
Up in the great northwest, the wines keep getting better. Washington is the 2nd largest appellation in the nation with over 30,000 acres and 500 wineries, though far less than #1, California. Most all grapes are grown in Eastern Washington, many miles from important destination wineries near Seattle like Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest. In places like Walla Walla, Yakima and the Columbia Valley, the sun shines 17 hours a day, producing a short but intense growing season. The principle grapes are: Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
I have always liked Washington’s Cabs, blends and Merlots, kings of the red wine world. But let me call your attention to the big, bold Syrahs coming out of the state. The 2,830 acres devoted to this Rhone grape is in the middle of the state’s acreage allocation, but it has increased substantially. Washington Syrahs are big, bold and adventurous with an intense blueberry flavor. You get a big bang for the buck with most Washington Syrahs, but I would caution against too much alcohol in some, so check the label. Anything over 15% I would pass on. Some favorites include Dunham Cellars 2004, L’Ecole 2005, DiStefano 2005, Cayuse 2005. For more, search www.washingtonwine.org.
Wine Bytes
The laugh hit “Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding” will come to Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Sat. March 7. Doors open at 6pm and proceeds will benefit an area non profit. Champagne reception, auction and Italian dinner included. Tickets are $80. pp. Audience participation encouraged! Visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com. Or call 951-699-WINE.
North County Wine Company in San Marcos presents Great Cabernet at its tasting on Fri. Feb. 27th from 5 to 8pm. Includes Simi, Cedar Knolls and Cakebread. $25. ea. Call 760-744-2119.
Holiday Wine Cellars in Escondido brings in Tricia Record of Levendi Winery of Napa Valley to host a Levendi tasting Thurs. March 5 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Cost is $15. pp. Call 760-745-1200 for more.
Loews Coronado has its first “Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen” wine dinner on Thurs. March 5 at Mistral Restaurant. Eric Brandt of Brandt Beef will appear and speak about the natural beef process. Hours are 7 to 9pm with a cost of $48. Call Michael Graichen at 619-424-4000 ext 4000 for RSVP’s.
The latest creation at Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas was a masterpiece of fine dining and premium wine pairing with Darioush Winery and Vineyard of Napa Valley. I applaud owner Jim Barrasso and Executive Chef Aaron Daily for their wine- first policy.
The two, in planning a paired menu, spend an extraordinary amount of time thoroughly examining the properties of each wine selection. Then they carefully craft a menu that will exalt each wine selection, enabling the guests to understand the capabilities of the wines chosen.
On the evening of the Darioush event, a spiced date leg of lamb with roasted eggplant, lentils and mint were the compliment to the Darioush 2005 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is considered best of breed at this renowned estate on the Silverado Trail in Napa. It is a subtle blend of 85% Cab, 10% Merlot and a hint of Petite Verdot and Malbec.
Ryan Norton from the winery also brought along a 2007 Signature Viognier from Darioush which paired to perfection with the passed around appetizers. “This is a California twist to a Rhone Valley French grape with tropical notes, lush and balanced acidity,” he said. “Red wine lovers go for this white with its complexity and ability to fit in with a lot of menu selections.”
Darioush is owned by Darioush Khaledi who comes from the cradle of wines, the middle east. Other wines that impressed included: a 2006 Signature Chardonnay.
Ryan Norton of Darioush, owner Jim Barrasso of Firefly and executive chef Aaron Daily at the Darioush Wine DinnerCaravan 2005 Shiraz and a Signature 2005 Merlot. Darioush is the kind of winery you can get close to. Small and dedicated to the highest standards, it embraces the passion of Napa Valley. Learn more by accessing www.darioush.com.
The next Firefly wine event will be the Foxen Vineyards event on Wednesday March 4 at 6:30pm. Jim and Aaron have released the menu and the main course will be a plum and red wine braised short rib, complimenting a Foxen “Range 30 West” blend.
Jim also presides over occasional chef’s cooking classes and on Monday March 3rd at 6pm, he will teach at Kitchen Witch in Encinitas. Proper food and wine pairing will highlight the evening. Cost is $59. Call for details or check out the site: 760-635-1066 or www.fireflygrillandbar.com.
Giant Wines from the Woods of Washington
Up in the great northwest, the wines keep getting better. Washington is the 2nd largest appellation in the nation with over 30,000 acres and 500 wineries, though far less than #1, California. Most all grapes are grown in Eastern Washington, many miles from important destination wineries near Seattle like Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest. In places like Walla Walla, Yakima and the Columbia Valley, the sun shines 17 hours a day, producing a short but intense growing season. The principle grapes are: Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
I have always liked Washington’s Cabs, blends and Merlots, kings of the red wine world. But let me call your attention to the big, bold Syrahs coming out of the state. The 2,830 acres devoted to this Rhone grape is in the middle of the state’s acreage allocation, but it has increased substantially. Washington Syrahs are big, bold and adventurous with an intense blueberry flavor. You get a big bang for the buck with most Washington Syrahs, but I would caution against too much alcohol in some, so check the label. Anything over 15% I would pass on. Some favorites include Dunham Cellars 2004, L’Ecole 2005, DiStefano 2005, Cayuse 2005. For more, search www.washingtonwine.org.
Wine Bytes
The laugh hit “Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding” will come to Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula Sat. March 7. Doors open at 6pm and proceeds will benefit an area non profit. Champagne reception, auction and Italian dinner included. Tickets are $80. pp. Audience participation encouraged! Visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com. Or call 951-699-WINE.
North County Wine Company in San Marcos presents Great Cabernet at its tasting on Fri. Feb. 27th from 5 to 8pm. Includes Simi, Cedar Knolls and Cakebread. $25. ea. Call 760-744-2119.
Holiday Wine Cellars in Escondido brings in Tricia Record of Levendi Winery of Napa Valley to host a Levendi tasting Thurs. March 5 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Cost is $15. pp. Call 760-745-1200 for more.
Loews Coronado has its first “Farmers, Foragers and Fishermen” wine dinner on Thurs. March 5 at Mistral Restaurant. Eric Brandt of Brandt Beef will appear and speak about the natural beef process. Hours are 7 to 9pm with a cost of $48. Call Michael Graichen at 619-424-4000 ext 4000 for RSVP’s.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Coastal Carlsbad’s Winery: WitchCreek
Photo: Ryan Baker (left), along with two of the WitchCreek ownersby Frank Mangio
Ok, so I’ve been not seeing and tasting what’s under my nose. After four years and 160 or so wine columns, I have never stepped into a winery in my own home town of Carlsbad. My miss. A grape-growing friend of mine who has a virtual Italian vineyard laboratory in his back yard in Carlsbad, called to alert me to the fact that WitchCreek Winery, along the shore near downtown Carlsbad had just won double gold at the latest, prestigous San Francisco Chronicle Newspaper Wine Competition for its 2005 Nebbiolo.
Pete Anderson could hardly contain his excitement, as he is a contributing consultant for WitchCreek. The Italian grapes actually come up from the Guadalupe Valley of Mexico, under the watchful eye of the L.A. Cetto vineyard and winery and their world-renowned winemaker Camillo Magoni. I have interviewed this native Piedmont Italian sage, and he is a brilliant sculpture of Nebbiolo grapes. Camillo nurtured the winning Nebbiolo to display deep fruit, chocolate and a light berry hint. The bottle retails for $35. and is only available at the Carlsbad and Ramona locations for WitchCreek.
The winery has a history that dates back to 1993, founded by the Wodehouse family. Dave Wodehouse focused on handcrafted, full-bodied wines. He still pays an active role as Executive Winemaker and enjoys digging into some fascinating Italian style grapes, along with Ryan and Pete. They had me try a little know varietal from the Campania area of Italy: their 2006 Aglianico (pronounced ah-lian-eeco).
These grapes also came up from Camillo’s vineyard and sells for $20. The Greeks first introduced this grape to the area in and around Naples and the Amalfi Coast. A very dark color sets the stage for an earthy, chocolate accent. The Aglianico grape loves heat, so it does nicely in the Guadalupe Valley.
Other recent wines at WitchCreek include a just-bottled “Kathy’s Cuvee” a blend of five grapes ( $35.), and “Fat Cat Red,”a lovely everyday red wine ($10.). Check out WitchCreek Winery in Carlsbad and Ramona at www.witchcreekwinery.com.
The Latest in Temecula Wine Country
There always something new in Southern California’s Wine Country.
Stuart Cellars also did very well at the 200 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Their ’06 Syrah won double gold and best of class! Falkner’s ’06 Sauvignon Blanc also took a double gold and best of class. Maurice Carrie’s 2007 Sauvignon Blanc won gold. Congrats to all the winners from our closest wine country.
Oak Mountain Winery is the newest member of the winery association. Located on 10 acres just off DePortola Road and owned by Valerie and Steve Andrews, they emphasize Bordeuax varietals.
Easter festivities are coming to Wine Country and Falkner Winery has an annual brunch Sunday March 23 from 11am to 4pm at the Pinnacle Restaurant. Champagne and wine will be in abundance, as well as traditional cuisine from eggs to salmon. $54.95 per person and $24.50 for kids. RSVP at 951-676-8231. Ponte has its Easter Brunch from 11am to 3pm, with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. $70. per person, children $30. Call 800-931-6617.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Hill Family Wines Team with Poseidon for a Good Vibe Night
Tom Ranglas of Poseidon and Ryan Hill of Hill Family Wine (Foto by Frank)
by Frank Mangio
When he finished his presentation at a recent wine dinner at the Poseidon Restaurant on the beach in Del Mar, Ryan Hill of Hill Family Estate in the Napa Valley, leaned over to me and expressed his pleasure at the “very strong vibes” in the room. “I wish more wine dinners could be this exciting” he remarked.
Ryan is the youngest of the Hill Family, a fast-rising wine making family out of Yountville, off Highway 29, in the middle of the Napa wine empire. His father Doug had vast vineyard management experience before starting his own winery.
Their tasting room is in the heart of the Yountville village’s restaurant row, in Antique Row. Hill is currently releasing eight wines, with grapes coming from some 14 vineyards.
Poseidon Restaurant is new at wine and dine events in the San Diego area, but it gets high marks for the “vibe,” the menu and its selection of wines to spotlight. Tom Ranglas runs the Poseidon (shown on the left in the accompanying photo with Ryan Hill of the winery) and under his watchful eye has produced a newly upgraded restaurant with an indoor-outdoor mood, capturing the essence of the pacific panorama that greets diners. The Hill wines that evening ranged from the ’06 Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, to the rich, lavish ’05 Syrah and the excellence of an ’04 Merlot, my favorite of the evening.
Executive chef Timothy Gutmann started with Monkfish Medallions and capped the menu with House Smoked Pork Tenderloin.
The next Poseidon wine event will be Wednesday April 2 and will feature Sonoma based Saxon Brown. The wine maker will be there to personally present his wines, along with a handpicked menu. Price is $65. per person. Call 858-755-9345 for RSVP.
Information on the Hill Family’s wines are at www.hillfamilyestate.com.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Nero d’Avola From Sicily- the Newest Great Red
by Frnk Mangio
A year and a half ago, when I first wrote about my ancestral homeland’s native grape, the reaction was a shrug and a nod. I had been served a Chiaramonte
Nero d’Avola at a posh steak restaurant at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and to my surprise it was an amazingly lovely red wine. I have been a fan ever since. Now, a new generation of committed winemakers in Sicily have come up with a wide variety of this increasingly popular black beauty. Sicily is usually spared the wide eccentricities of Italian weather patterns. Each harvest is similar in quality. Now, you will find many of the 2005 releases, reasonably priced in the 9 to 2o dollar level. I find them deep, dark, mysterious and with a strong blackberry taste; very Syrah-like in texture.
The brand to look for is Planeta, with the ’04 winning the “best of tasting at a recent comparison tasting at the Wall Street Journal’s wine column. They called it “elegant, with chocolate, blackberry and earth…lingering balance…a real sense of place.” Planeta costs a little bit more than the rest but it’s aged in French Oak for 12 months after harvest. You can lay it down for about 7 years and the taste will shine even more. The vineyard is around Noto, which is like Montalcino is to Tuscany. If you're visiting, Noto is along the southeast coast, below Syracusa.
A year and a half ago, when I first wrote about my ancestral homeland’s native grape, the reaction was a shrug and a nod. I had been served a Chiaramonte
Nero d’Avola at a posh steak restaurant at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and to my surprise it was an amazingly lovely red wine. I have been a fan ever since. Now, a new generation of committed winemakers in Sicily have come up with a wide variety of this increasingly popular black beauty. Sicily is usually spared the wide eccentricities of Italian weather patterns. Each harvest is similar in quality. Now, you will find many of the 2005 releases, reasonably priced in the 9 to 2o dollar level. I find them deep, dark, mysterious and with a strong blackberry taste; very Syrah-like in texture.
The brand to look for is Planeta, with the ’04 winning the “best of tasting at a recent comparison tasting at the Wall Street Journal’s wine column. They called it “elegant, with chocolate, blackberry and earth…lingering balance…a real sense of place.” Planeta costs a little bit more than the rest but it’s aged in French Oak for 12 months after harvest. You can lay it down for about 7 years and the taste will shine even more. The vineyard is around Noto, which is like Montalcino is to Tuscany. If you're visiting, Noto is along the southeast coast, below Syracusa.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Need an Expert on Shiraz/Syrah
Got some scoop about Shiraz (the Nectar of New Zealand, the Kool-Aid of Austrailia), or Syrah/Shiraz from any other appellation? Shoot us an e-mail over here at mike@TasteOfWineTV.com
If we use your correspondent masterpiece on our LA/San Diego TV show, or website/podcast/blog, we'll pay you in wine-shwag or US currency. We're interested in audio reports, video clips, text articles, digital photos etc.
You don't necessarily have to kiss the "barrel backside" of a winemaker in your report---We're looking for photojournalistic style/reportage about the good, the bad, and the undrinkable, in order to tip off others who may belly-up to the same tasting room bar that you've visited.
We don't pay just for simple opinions or comments shared on this site---(it's kinda like that all over the world).
(c) 2008 The Applewine Network.
Anything on this blog, TasteOfWineTV.com website, TV shows, or Videoposts can't be used unless we tell you it's cool to do so. Doing otherwise begats really bad joo-joo, and it makes our legal staff salivate.
If we use your correspondent masterpiece on our LA/San Diego TV show, or website/podcast/blog, we'll pay you in wine-shwag or US currency. We're interested in audio reports, video clips, text articles, digital photos etc.
You don't necessarily have to kiss the "barrel backside" of a winemaker in your report---We're looking for photojournalistic style/reportage about the good, the bad, and the undrinkable, in order to tip off others who may belly-up to the same tasting room bar that you've visited.
We don't pay just for simple opinions or comments shared on this site---(it's kinda like that all over the world).
(c) 2008 The Applewine Network.
Anything on this blog, TasteOfWineTV.com website, TV shows, or Videoposts can't be used unless we tell you it's cool to do so. Doing otherwise begats really bad joo-joo, and it makes our legal staff salivate.
Friday, January 18, 2008
2008: An Inflection Point for Temecula Wines
by Frank Mangio
As a wine writer and observer, I am constantly on the look-out for movements, new dynamics, and answers to the question “what’s going on here.” It’s like gathering all the pieces of a puzzle together, observing the mosaic and realizing that an inflection point is here. Inflection points are upward movements on a curve at the point of the upward arc; I submit that this point is now at hand with the wines of Temecula.
Task Force Wine Country 2020 is a committee, formed by the Temecula Valley Wine Association to deal with the huge growth of the region as a viable and strong wine country estimating that some 2 million visitors will enjoy the vineyards, lodging and other attractions. The number of wineries is expected to grow to 60, with 15 more restaurants, 25 more bed and breakfast type facilities and 4 more large resorts. Traffic studies are being made with the cooperation of Riverside County to accommodate this growth.
The type of grapes grown, recent winemaker acquisitions and the quality of the wines have been impressive. So much so, the association has been emboldened to present a package of judged “80 points plus” wines from many of the wineries, 18 in all, to unveil to the wine world’s press. They will demonstrate Temecula’s readiness to be represented as a major wine country. I will be reviewing these wines and profiling them in a later column. One thing that struck me as I went through the list was the emphasis on Mediterranean grape varietals, such as Syrah, Sangiovese and Viognier as well as the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon.
Saturday and Sunday January 26 and 27 will be an opportune time to taste test for yourself, as Temecula’s annual Barrel Tasting event offers new releases prior to bottling. (See photo of South Coast’s Barrel Lady). You will be able to meet the winemakers from some 20 wineries and sample bistro style food. Tickets for the 2 day event are $85.00 per person for both days plus a souvenir wine glass. Call 951-699-3626 or access www.temeculawines.org.
While visiting, you might want to stop by a favorite restaurant, Café Champagne at Thornton Winery, where they have a sunset special on weekdays from Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5pm. The big buzz there is the return of Steve Pickell as Executive Chef with his fusion cuisine cooking techniques. He started there in 1993 and was in this position for 12 years where he was twice voted “Chef of the Year” by Southern California Restaurant Writers and California Writers Associations. He is teaming up with winemaker Don Reha for new menu pairing ideas.
As a wine writer and observer, I am constantly on the look-out for movements, new dynamics, and answers to the question “what’s going on here.” It’s like gathering all the pieces of a puzzle together, observing the mosaic and realizing that an inflection point is here. Inflection points are upward movements on a curve at the point of the upward arc; I submit that this point is now at hand with the wines of Temecula.
Task Force Wine Country 2020 is a committee, formed by the Temecula Valley Wine Association to deal with the huge growth of the region as a viable and strong wine country estimating that some 2 million visitors will enjoy the vineyards, lodging and other attractions. The number of wineries is expected to grow to 60, with 15 more restaurants, 25 more bed and breakfast type facilities and 4 more large resorts. Traffic studies are being made with the cooperation of Riverside County to accommodate this growth.
The type of grapes grown, recent winemaker acquisitions and the quality of the wines have been impressive. So much so, the association has been emboldened to present a package of judged “80 points plus” wines from many of the wineries, 18 in all, to unveil to the wine world’s press. They will demonstrate Temecula’s readiness to be represented as a major wine country. I will be reviewing these wines and profiling them in a later column. One thing that struck me as I went through the list was the emphasis on Mediterranean grape varietals, such as Syrah, Sangiovese and Viognier as well as the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon.
Saturday and Sunday January 26 and 27 will be an opportune time to taste test for yourself, as Temecula’s annual Barrel Tasting event offers new releases prior to bottling. (See photo of South Coast’s Barrel Lady). You will be able to meet the winemakers from some 20 wineries and sample bistro style food. Tickets for the 2 day event are $85.00 per person for both days plus a souvenir wine glass. Call 951-699-3626 or access www.temeculawines.org.While visiting, you might want to stop by a favorite restaurant, Café Champagne at Thornton Winery, where they have a sunset special on weekdays from Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5pm. The big buzz there is the return of Steve Pickell as Executive Chef with his fusion cuisine cooking techniques. He started there in 1993 and was in this position for 12 years where he was twice voted “Chef of the Year” by Southern California Restaurant Writers and California Writers Associations. He is teaming up with winemaker Don Reha for new menu pairing ideas.
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