by Frank Mangio
In my last column, I shared some recent experiences in the great desert, from Rancho Mirage to La Quinta. Palatial resorts, princely restaurants and the hauntingly beautiful Santa Rosa Mountains all caught my attention.
In Palm Desert on El Paseo at Portola, a relaxed European style restaurant, Mitch’s, is where Miljenko (Mike) Grgich comes to lunch from his nearby winter home in La Quinta. It reminds him of his early days as a youthful student of wine in Zagreb , Croatia in the 50’s, before he took his first wine job in Napa Valley in 1958. I got to Mitch’s early for my interview with this
World renowned iconic wine master, 91 year old Grgich is known the world over as the King of Chardonnay since his 1973 vintage Chardonnay won over all the competition at the Paris Blind Tasting in 1976. His professional life has been and still is, the stuff that makes this nation so great: a poor immigrant full of ideas about his chosen work, and making them work beyond his imagination.
When he arrived to join me at Mitch’s, he was careful to select just the right table, at the end of a row, with light shade. After a couple of tries, he found a soup to his liking. I imagined that search for just the right essence came from his need for excellence in making wine.
“Great wine is made in the vineyard, “he said. “We are caretakers bringing the earth and vines in harmony naturally, to produce pure, healthy grapes.
Then comes the passion, talent and experience of our people to bring them to their full potential. We have five beautiful vineyards with 367 total acres planted. Our wines are 100% estate grown, produced and bottled.”
Grgich Hllls Estate vineyards in Napa Valley touch almost every district known for excellent wines: Yountville for Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot; Carneros for Chardonnay and Merlot; American Canyon for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot; Grgich Headquarters in Rutherford , an 18 acre winery and vineyard, for Cabernet and Petit Verdot; and finally the family home and vineyard in Calistoga with 34 acres of hillside vineyards for century-old Zinfandel that make Miljenko’s Old Vines Zinfandel. “Zinfandel is a special grape for me,” Grgich revealed.
After spending a lot of time doing research and presenting proofs, he traced a variety of the Napa Valley Zinfandel to his homeland of Croatia . The next vintage Old Vine Zinfandel will be out for purchase in March of this year with very limited production.
This year, Grgich Hills Estate will be celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Great Chicago Showdown, another Mike Grgich triumph when the first Chardonnay that was made at Grgich Hills, the 1977 vintage, took first place over 221 other Chardonnays. He is in the Vintners Hall of Fame and has been featured in an award winning documentary, “Like the Old Vine” that describes his life. The Smithsonian Institute National Museum of American History displays his 1973 Chardonnay that won the Paris Tasting. He is now busy on a book that documents his life, and a movie is being talked about that sets the record straight on the Paris Tasting, more in line with the book “The Judgement of Paris,”authored by Time Magazine correspondent George Taber. In 2013, Grgich established a million dollar endowment fund at the University of Zagreb in Croatia , to help educate future winemakers so its can become a world-class wine industry.
Some five million visitors a year come to Napa Valley which is neither the oldest or the largest wine country in California, but it is the most known and most chosen of the wineries in our great state. The most compelling reason….one name…Miljenko (Mike) Grgich. Read more at grgich.com.
Wine Bytes
In Temecula, Thornton Winery’s Chef’s Counter in a private kitchen is presented Fri. Jan. 30 at 7pm. A one of a kind dining experience, you will dine one on one as the chef prepares your five course meal in front of each guest. $125. pp. RSVP at 951-699-0099 x 3129.
Skip Coomber of Coomber Ranch Wines will appear at la Costa Wine Company, Fri. Jan. 30 from 6 to 9pm. Two Chardonnays, two Pinots and two Cabernets will be poured for $20. Phone: 760-431-8455.
Capri Blu in Rancho Bernardo will present Rodney Strong Wines of Sonoma in a dinner on Wed. Feb. 4th at 6pm. Lovely 4 course menu to accompany this award winning winery. Details including price at 858-673-5100.
PAON Wine Shop in Carlsbad welcomes Tablas Creek Vineyards, Thurs. Feb. 12th starting at 5:30pm. Wines include: Vermintino, Espirit de Tablas, Mourvedre, Patelin de Tablas and Espirit de Tablas Rouge. Price of $35. includes French onion soup, tuna tartar, and Prosciutto with burrata cheese topped with mixed greens. Find out more at 760-729-7377.
Showing posts with label thornton winery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thornton winery. Show all posts
Friday, January 23, 2015
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
10th Annual Wine/Food Festival Coming to San Diego
by Frank Mangio
The wine/food event of the year is still 3 ½ months away but by the way the talk is going, it may as well be next week. The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival will be with us November 20 to November 24 for its 10th year. I’ve seen them all and the stage gets bigger and grander every year.
Local and national wine and food celebrities will gather at over 20 events in the heart of downtown San Diego to fill your appetites for the largest culinary extravaganza in Southern California. The alert I have for you now is that tickets just went on sale for this luxury wine and food festival.
The Grand Tasting of the four day San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is Saturday November 23 at Embarcadero Park behind Seaport Village, downtown San Diego.
Make sure the Grand Tasting is highest on your list of events to see. It’s at the Embarcadero behind Seaport Village at the Marina. You will be able to taste over 200 wineries, breweries and spirits and 70 local restaurants and gourmet food companies. Highlight is the Chef of the Fest Competition where San Diego’s best chefs compete for the title.
New this year is the California Classics Cult Wine Tasting featuring Screaming Eagle & Master Sommelier Fred Dame with commentary education, and the story behind each cult wine.
Tickets are now available for all events online at www.sandiegowineclassic.com. For more information, call 619-342-7337.
The Best of the Recent Crop
The last week in June, the TASTE OF WINE FIRST HALF TOP TEN was unveiled with winning wines from Italy to Sonoma. So what have I got for you lately? Here’s my “pick six” for July:
Chateau St Jean Chardonnay, Robert Young Vineyard, Sonoma, 2010. $18. Single vineyard in the Alexander Valley, rich in oak aging.
Grgich Hills Merlot, Napa Valley, 2009. $42. Concentrated flavors, this is a Merlot for Cab drinkers. Certified Organic and Biodynamic.
Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet, Sonoma, 2010. $28. 16 months in oak. Blend of mountain, ridge, hillside and beachland grapes. Best estate vineyards.
Kendall Jackson’s Wine Center in Santa Rosa, home of the interactive wine sensory
and culinary gardens.
Lava Cap Petite Sirah, El Dorado, Placerville CA, 2010. $30. Mountain grown grapes in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Rich with full flavors to awaken your senses.
Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Sonoma, 2011. $17. Over 100 years of parental care from ancient vines go into the flavor profile of this wine. Add 12% Petite Sirah for good measure.
Thornton Nebbiolo, Temecula Valley, 2011. $46. Carefully crafted Italian grape from the gifted Piemonte country of Italy and the premium grape of Barolo and Barbaresco. Cheers to John Thornton for bringing this master wine to Southern California.
Wine Bytes
Temecula Wine Country continues its musical parade in August as Baily Winery has the band Fandango on Sat. Aug. 24 from 5 to 8pm during dinner. Call 951-972-9758. Briar Rose Winery has its Sat. Night Sunset on Sat. the 24th from 6 to 9pm with the Get Down Party Band. Paninis on Wheels provides the made to order meals. And Thornton Winery Sat. the 24th has Chris Botti jazz from 7 to 10pm. Call 951-699-0099 for tickets.
Il Fornaio in Coronado presents a Mondavi Wine Dinner Thurs. Aug. 22. Reception 6pm, dinner 6:30pm. 5 courses, live Neopolitan music and Mondavi wines, including the Napa Valley Cabernet and Carneros Pinot Noir. Chef Loverde presides over a custom menu. $65. pp. RSVP at 619-437-4911.
Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula will have a “free Cruise Tasting” of its wines Sat. Aug. 24 at 5:30pm. They will present details on two river boat cruises it is hosting on the Rhone and the Danube Rivers in Europe in 2013 and 2014. Call in for an RSVP at 951-699-9463.
The 20th Annual Grape Stomp is at Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido, Sat. Aug. 24 from 4 to 8pm. Includes a dinner buffet, live dance music, wine tasting, tractor rides and hilarious grape stomping. Cost is $85. Phone for reservations at 760-738-6500 x22.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Temecula Becoming Wine & Music Center
by Frank Mangio
This year is shaping up to be a landmark one for Temecula Wine Country in its quest to not only be a recognized destination for excellent wines, but for big time music venues. Concerts on the green have been stepped up, as well as happy hour entertainment and clubby small groups on the weekends and in the afterhours.
The granddaddy of the music movement has to be Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Concerts, now in its 25th year of the top smooth jazz entertainment on the planet, through October 20th. John, Sally and Steve Thornton have set the standard when they recently brought four sax greats in for a two day show that was a complete sell-out both nights. Now seating 800, the audience can order a table-side supper with lots of Thornton wine choices.
Frank Mangio with sax queen Mindi Abair at Thornton Winery in Temecula.
The beat continues at Thornton when crooner Bobby Caldwell performs on Sat. Aug. 3 at 7pm. Tickets start at $65. for general admission. For ticket and other concert information, contact is www.thorntonwine.com.
Thornton has released a 2011 Nebbiolo, the famous Italian style varietal, found in Barolo and Barbaresco wines in Italys’ Piedmont district for far higher prices. Winery price is $46.
Over at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, a festival of Country music wowed the crowds recently. It turned out to be a celebration as news came that South Coast was named the California Winery of the Year at this year’s California State Fair, the 3rd time it has taken the award! Owners Jim and Dawn Carter accepted the award on the capital steps in Sacramento. The winery is also commemorating its 10 year Anniversary with a limited release Cuvee wine from winemaster Jon McPherson ($30.)
Call the online store at 951-587-9463 x7234.
Monte De Oro Winery is bringing in their biggest act in rock-pop star Macy Gray, in concert Saturday September 7. Prices start at $48.95. See more at www.montedeoro.com.
Wiens Family Cellars has been giving us some great oldies music for some time now and the winery is about to open the curtain on the English band that in the late 70’s was a hot as can be. The Fixx lit up the charts with “One Thing Leads To Another” and they will be performing Sat. July 20. Doors open at 6pm with pricing starting at $45. Friday August 23, Wiens has Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Ticket information at 800-316-8559.
On the De Portola Trail, some eight or so wineries are constantly improving, none more so than Leoness Cellars. Their entertainment and hospitality is handled by Joel Reese, himself a seasoned musician. This year, he brings in a group of Jazz greats in the maiden year for big-time shows at Leoness. The last of the concerts will be a solo performance by Ronnie Laws, a saxman who was an original member of Earth Wind and Fire, on Sat. July 20 at 7pm.
Prices start at $49. For ticket information, call 951-302-7601 x150.
Joel Reese of Leoness pours a Syrah for TASTE OF WINE columnist Frank Mangio at a recent Temecula CRUSH event.
For the weekend night life, try Miramonte Winery with live blues and rock music from 7 to 10pm. Cane Vanderhoof has upscaled his winery into a winery/nightclub with huge success. Try Missy Anderson, Queen of the Blues on Sat. July 20. Details at 951-506-5500.
Finally, to get a look and a taste of all the 35 member wineries of Temecula in one location, get a “CRUSH” on Saturday September 14th at Callaway Winery, from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Join the winery owners and winemakers at this 4th annual CRUSH event on the outdoor patio. Enjoy culinary creations of the wineries and nearby restaurants of Temecula. Pre-sale discount tickets for $65. on sale now through August 16. Go to www.temeculawines.org.
Wine Bytes
The Taste of Rancho Santa Fe is Sat. July 20 from 4:30 to 7:40pm at the RSF Golf Club. It’s produced by the RSF Rotary as a benefit for several non-profits. This is a fine wine-fine tasting experience including over 100 tastings, many from Napa Valley. Cost is $75. pp. Call 858-449-5173 for tix info.
San Diego Wine Company ‘s weekly tasting Sat. July 20 is Washington State Wines. Times are 11 to 4pm. Cost is $10. Details at 858-586-WINE.
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents a Napa Valley Cakebread Cellars Seminar Thurs. July 25. $20. ea. Check with Meritage for time: 760-479-2500.
San Diego State University announces an Open House for its Business of Wine Opportunities classes, Thurs. July 25 from 6 to 7:30pm, in the Extended Studies Gateway Centers. Call 619-594-1138 for an RSVP, directions and a parking permit. Learn about fall courses in the wine industry.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Italian Cuisine is King at Crush
by Frank Mangio
Sangiovese and Barbera are two Italian wine MVP’s on the wine list at the new Crush Italian Restaurant and Wine Lounge on the Coast Highway in Solana Beach.
Owner John Luciano offers the 2009 Luna di Luna Sangiovese/Merlot 2008 and the Venditti Barbera 2007. The rest of the lineup includes: sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. And Crush is selling these wines direct, something of a clear trend in restaurants these days. Take it with you, or take it to table for dinner without a corkage fee.
“We’ve got another restaurant in Chico and I had been looking for an ideal location for my Italian themed restaurant,” Luciano said. “We are diversified in our menu. We offer burgers to seafood, beside our traditional southern style Italian dishes. There are over 160 bottles of wine to choose from.”
A triumphant Chef Jesse Elhart presented his exciting menu items at the new Crush Restaurant in Solana Beach.
The guy behind the menu this evening was Sous Chef Jesse Elhart, who excited diners with his Tagliatelle Bolognese, an “old school” six- hours-cooked ragu with goia ricotta and herbs. He also does a lovely “Mom’s Meatballs” dish with tomato sauce, sheepsmilk ricotta and basil in the Primo part of the menu.
On the salad side of the menu, try the Gorganzola chopped plus romaine, croutons, tomato cucumber and Benton’s Bacon. The Fritto Misto with calamari, lemon,onion & zucchini also drew bravos.
Crush has a happy hour daily from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, then nightly from 10pm to midnight to catch the later crowd. You’ll enjoy $3. drafts, $5. house wines and $7. specialty cocktails. Live music is enjoyed Wednesday thru Saturday from 8pm.
Crush is a lifestyle restaurant, breaking barriers and having fun with dining. The phone is 760-858-481-2787. Visit their website at www.solanabeachcrush.com
Wine Bytes
Wine Styles in Encinitas has a cheese festival Sat. Oct. 29 from 6pm. Specially selected wine accompanies. Call 760-633-0057 for pricing.
Only 90 Point Wines in the next event at Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego on Sat. Oct. 29 from 2 to 8:30pm.Seven wines are poured with low price tags. $20 pp. Call 619-236-0005.
The Wedge, A Cheese, Wine and Brew Festival happens in Downtown Escondido Sat. Nov. 5 from 1 to 9pm at Grand and Broadway. A Street Corner Concert with the “English Beat.” Enjoy artisan cheese pairings with wine and beer, brew garden, classes, a seasonal market and much more. Call 760-745-8877 for ticket information.
The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla presents Niner Winemaker Amanda Cramer and a 5 course dinner by Chef Amy DiBiase Wed. Nov. 6 at 6pm. These are extraordinary wines, written up in Taste of Wine on many occasions. The event is produced by Lisa Redwine, advanced Sommelier. Cost is $55 ea. RSVP at 858-456-0600.
Vigilucci’s Restaurant in downtown Carlsbad is planning a Piemonte inspired Dinner with Beni di Batasiolo wines and white truffles on Thurs. Nov. 10 at 6:30pm. This amazing dinner is a repeat of a sellout! Main steak course has shaved white truffle paired with Batasilo Barola Reserve. $90. cost. RSVP fast at 760-434-2500.
Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country has its Winemaker Dinner on Sat. Nov. 12 at 7pm. Winemaker David Vergari presides over a Brandt Beef Tenderloin Filet Dinner at Café Champagne, its 5 star restaurant. Call for reservations at 951-688-0099. $95.
Sangiovese and Barbera are two Italian wine MVP’s on the wine list at the new Crush Italian Restaurant and Wine Lounge on the Coast Highway in Solana Beach.
And why not! These two varietals are closely matched and vital to anyone’s Italian wine inventory. Sangiovese is Tuscany’s home wine, and I will have much more to say about this as I just returned from 4 days in this wine country. Barbera is the home-base grape varietal in the Piedmont area of Italy. Its taste is similar to the Nebbiolo grape found in Barolo and Barberesco, but without the big price.
Owner John Luciano offers the 2009 Luna di Luna Sangiovese/Merlot 2008 and the Venditti Barbera 2007. The rest of the lineup includes: sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. And Crush is selling these wines direct, something of a clear trend in restaurants these days. Take it with you, or take it to table for dinner without a corkage fee.
“We’ve got another restaurant in Chico and I had been looking for an ideal location for my Italian themed restaurant,” Luciano said. “We are diversified in our menu. We offer burgers to seafood, beside our traditional southern style Italian dishes. There are over 160 bottles of wine to choose from.”
A triumphant Chef Jesse Elhart presented his exciting menu items at the new Crush Restaurant in Solana Beach.The guy behind the menu this evening was Sous Chef Jesse Elhart, who excited diners with his Tagliatelle Bolognese, an “old school” six- hours-cooked ragu with goia ricotta and herbs. He also does a lovely “Mom’s Meatballs” dish with tomato sauce, sheepsmilk ricotta and basil in the Primo part of the menu.
On the salad side of the menu, try the Gorganzola chopped plus romaine, croutons, tomato cucumber and Benton’s Bacon. The Fritto Misto with calamari, lemon,onion & zucchini also drew bravos.
Crush has a happy hour daily from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, then nightly from 10pm to midnight to catch the later crowd. You’ll enjoy $3. drafts, $5. house wines and $7. specialty cocktails. Live music is enjoyed Wednesday thru Saturday from 8pm.
Crush is a lifestyle restaurant, breaking barriers and having fun with dining. The phone is 760-858-481-2787. Visit their website at www.solanabeachcrush.com
Wine Bytes
Wine Styles in Encinitas has a cheese festival Sat. Oct. 29 from 6pm. Specially selected wine accompanies. Call 760-633-0057 for pricing.
Only 90 Point Wines in the next event at Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego on Sat. Oct. 29 from 2 to 8:30pm.Seven wines are poured with low price tags. $20 pp. Call 619-236-0005.
The Wedge, A Cheese, Wine and Brew Festival happens in Downtown Escondido Sat. Nov. 5 from 1 to 9pm at Grand and Broadway. A Street Corner Concert with the “English Beat.” Enjoy artisan cheese pairings with wine and beer, brew garden, classes, a seasonal market and much more. Call 760-745-8877 for ticket information.
The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla presents Niner Winemaker Amanda Cramer and a 5 course dinner by Chef Amy DiBiase Wed. Nov. 6 at 6pm. These are extraordinary wines, written up in Taste of Wine on many occasions. The event is produced by Lisa Redwine, advanced Sommelier. Cost is $55 ea. RSVP at 858-456-0600.
Vigilucci’s Restaurant in downtown Carlsbad is planning a Piemonte inspired Dinner with Beni di Batasiolo wines and white truffles on Thurs. Nov. 10 at 6:30pm. This amazing dinner is a repeat of a sellout! Main steak course has shaved white truffle paired with Batasilo Barola Reserve. $90. cost. RSVP fast at 760-434-2500.
Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country has its Winemaker Dinner on Sat. Nov. 12 at 7pm. Winemaker David Vergari presides over a Brandt Beef Tenderloin Filet Dinner at Café Champagne, its 5 star restaurant. Call for reservations at 951-688-0099. $95.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wine and Jazz Share Equal Billing at Thornton
by Frank Mangio
Wine and Jazz are true soulmates. They are joined at the hip, are twin heaven-sent creations, and both make people very happy.
It’s always a friendly debate as to which wines are best, but when it comes to Jazz, I know of no other venue that does it better than Thornton Winery in Temecula. The jazz greats that play at Thornton make sure it is on their schedules every year. Most have received their big break at Thornton.
Champagne Jazz originated 23 years ago when owner John Thornton was looking for something that would keep wine customers coming back and at the same time draw music lovers in. He realized the magical fusion of the two attractions. John and his son Steve who operates the winery and restaurant, have provided 21 total wine, food and jazz concerts this year, in an intimate, personal, garden patio environment.
The first concert begins Sunday May 1st at 4pm with Spanish and Jazz Flemenco Guitarist Jesse Cooke (pictured). Mindi Abair and Bobby Caldwell follow on Saturday May 7th at 7pm. You could not choose a more exciting 1-2 combination than these two; sort of like a Thornton California Champagne Brut Reserve, followed by an Estate Bottled Syrah. Mindi has broken open new Jazz trends with a pop music path. She blows a mean sax and sings with a refreshingly unique cross-over voice that’s brought her stardom. Bobby has this smooth Sinatra-like style, sprinkled with R&B and big band. Like fine wine, he gets better with age.
Other top music stylists on the bill include: Boney James, Dave Koz, George Benson, Chris Botti and many more throughout the summer and on to October 15. For the complete list and pricing, go to www.thorntonwine.com. Or talk to Tonya Wake, the brilliant Events Manager, now in her 17th year of managing the concerts. Call 951-699-0099.
Witch Creek, an Urban Cellar by the Sea
I really enjoy a winemaker with a gleam in his eye as he proudly pours his latest release, knowing he or she has hit it so right this time. Sitting across the table from winemaker Ryan Baker at Witch Creek Winery, on the Coast Highway in Carlsbad with the ocean air off-shore, was a vintage moment in time.
Last year I pointed him out as one of the four most interesting winemakers in Southern California. Baker grew up in nearby Olivenhain but had to go to Northern California to learn how to make wine. After studying at UC Davis and working in Sonoma, he settled at Witch Creek in 2005. Decisions were then made to commit to the Italian style of winemaking with most grapes coming from the Guadalupe Valley of Mexico and Clarksburg in Northern California.
A wine menu from Witch Creek reads like an Italian map. Names like Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese, Brunello, Primitivo, Teroldego, Montepulciano and Aglianico take their place alongside the more familiar Syrah, Zinfandel and Merlot.
The cork popped on a bottle with no label and Baker had me smell the bouquet and taste the just-bottled 2009 100% Montepulciano. The ’08 was a winner with club members and in the tasting room at $21. It was showing the youthful fruit and had a wine baby’s-breath, but 2009 had been a really good year and expectations are high for this Italian varietal.
“I am allowing the spicy raspberry fruit to show itself in the taste,”he said. “We’ll do 116 cases. I don’t think it gets any better than that.”
I thought so too…until we got to his 2009 Sangiovese. It’s all good at Witch Creek. Look it up at www.witchcreekwinery.com.
Wine Bytes
North County Wine Company continues their Fri. fun Apr. 22 from 4 to 8pm with 7 wines for $10., from new Chardonnays to Italian Brunellos. Details at 760-744-2119.
Belle Marie Winery in Escondido is planning a Winemakers Dinner on Fri. Apr. 22 from 6 to 8pm. It’s a 5 course dinner paired with their wines, with the use of spice blends. $89 pp. 760-796-7557.
San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Rd. has a Blind Wine Tasting Sat. Apr. 23 from 11am to 4:30pm for $10. Details at 858-586-WINE.
DAOU Vineyards and Winery is featured at FLAVOR Restaurant in the Del Mar Plaza, Tues. Apr. 26. Reception at 6:30, dinner at 7pm. $95. ea. Enjoy DAOU paired wines from Prosecco to Cabernet and Moscato. RSVP at 858-755-3663.
The hottest get-a-way will be up in Pebble Beach near Carmel/Monterey for the annual Food & Wine event. 70 celebrity chefs, 250 world class wines, 4 days: Thurs. Apr. 28 to Sun. May 1. Call 866-907-FOOD (3663) for tickets.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Bang the Drum for Temecula Wines
by FrankMangio
My in-box is loaded with optimistic news on Temecula Wine Country. It’s time to catch a rising star in the wine world. (Are you paying attention Wine Spectator ?)
Peggy Evans, Executive Director of the Winegrowers Association just added Krista Chaich to the marketing team to further fine tune the message of Southern California’s home wine country, with 30 some vineyards and wineries that specialize in Mediterranean climate grapes.
Long-time wine marketing pro Karen Lindstrom is now in Catering Sales and Marketing for Callaway Vineyard and Winery, and it looks like the long-awaited Europa Village is headed to reality. I was recently contacted by a spokesman.
Over at Falkner Winery, the irrepressible and suave Angelo Abril is now Restaurant Manager for the premier Pinnacle Restaurant for Ray and Lorreta Falkner. The pair hosted an elegant holiday winemaker 5 course dinner with Falkner’s best wines, including my favorite, the 2006 Amante Super Tuscan style blend.(39.95)
Angelo Abril, Falkner Winery’s Pinnacle Restaurant Manager, and Ray Falkner with his wife Lorreta, are combining to help bring Temecula wines to the next level.It marries up the flavors of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Pinnacle is offering Mediterranean style lunches since executive chef Gianni Ciciliot got his hands on the menu. A leading regional publication has awarded Pinnacle “Best Restaurant” the last 3 years. It will be open for Valentines Day Wine Dinners on Saturday through Monday February 12, 13 and 14 with timed seatings. Call for an RSPV and price at 951-676-8231 ext 1.
Over at Keyways, Terri Pebley and her winemaker David Raffael, introduced me to their latest wine, Traditions, a Merlot varietal from the Woodworth Vineyard in nearby Deluz. It has an irresistible ruby color with rich flavors of plum, cherry and mocha. ($31.) Keyways Voignier is always rich and complex with tropical notes, accents of peach and apricot, and the 2009 version carries this tradition. ($27.)
South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa is breaking new ground with a new release for a new label, from a new vineyard in southeastern Monterey County. Its’ called Saint’s Valley Winery and its first release is the 2010 White Zinfandel with a price starting at $3.99. Master Winemaker Jon McPherson promises a new day for this “blush” historic varietal.
A new book has just been launched by Temecula writers and publicists Tom Plant and Linda Kissam called A Recipe for Temecula Wine Country ( $19.98). It’s a contemporary cookbook featuring recipes from 22 of Temecula’s finest wineries. Vivid color pictures make it a mouth-watering experience, with pairing suggestions and recipes.
The book is already in circulation at local wineries and is coming soon to Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Call Linda Kissam for locations at 951-526-4540.
The next big Temecula winery event is the World of Wine 2011 Saturday March 5 and Sunday March 6. It’s barrel tasting and gourmet food servings in an all-day self guided tour. Limited time pre-sale two day ticket is $89. Check in at www.temeculawines.com for details. www.lacostawineco.com
Wine Bytes
Valentines Day in a winery and vineyard…now that’s romantic! Here are more choices in Temecula.
South Coast Winery Resort and Spa has a Valentines Wine Dinner on the 14th from 5:30 to 9:30pm. The chefs have a special menu and live music. $95. pp with a select bottle of wine. RSVP at 951-587-9463 ext 7237.
Tesoro Winery has a “Dolce Pomeriggio” ( sweet afternoon) Sat. Feb. 12 from 4 – 7pm. Wine, Champagne, chocolate and love songs with the Deek and Long duo. Cost is $26. ea. Call 951-308-0000.
Oak Mountain has a winemaker dinner Sat. Feb. 12 from 6 – 9pm. Four course Filet Mignon dinner with chef Michael from the Ritz Carlton and Oak Mountain favorite releases. Ticket sales at 951-699-9102.
Thornton Winery has its Romantic Rendevous Sat. Feb. 12 at 7pm. Adults only Valentines Day celebration with strolling violinists. Choice of glamorous venues in the winery. Filet Mignon and Salmon entrée. $85. pp. Call for RSVP at 951-699-0099.
Callaway Winery has a Vino d’Amore Dinner on Sat. Feb. 12 from6 -9pm. It features sparkling wine, live music and dinner in the barrel room. $90 ea. Call 951-676-4001 for seats.
Keyways has two Valentines events: Sat. Feb. 12 with That’s Amore, a 4 course dinner and entertainment from 6:30pm – 9:30pm for $99; and Cupid’s Walk, a romantic winery tour on Mon. the 14th from 3-4pm where you’ll sip wines and learn a little about winemaking for $17. RSVP at 951-302-7888.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
That’s Amore at il Farro
by Frank Mangio
Domenico Maurici is a huggable former southern Italian villager from Calabria Italy. As a young man, he and his brother worked the fields of his parent’s farm, producing a rare grain called Farro, a very tasty and healthy ingredient for pastas. They learned more at the regional culinary institute and at local Italian restaurants where they developed their home-style Farro based dishes.
Il Farro owner Domenico Maurici, Wine Director Susan Bartoletti and Mission Wine Distributor Ciro Cirillo
Southern California was next and 17 years ago, il Farro was born by the pier in Newport Beach. He was the first to present Italian food with low carbs, low gluten and high fiber with his Farro grains. This recent evening at an Italian wine release from Mission Wines, a leading distributor, il Farro was vibrating with happy diners who loved to hug and kiss as an antipasto.
The Farro grain was presented in the form of Fettuccine di Farro con Ricotta e Noci, Fettuccine pasta with ricotta cheese and walnuts in a blush sauce. The wine was a bold Italian, Casal Moro Rosso Del Veneto 2009. ($15.) The main dish was a Filletto alla Wellington, a beef filet mignon wrapped in puff pastry and stuffed with chicken and mushrooms, served with a porcino mushroom sauce.
The wine that was paired, which earned a top score with me, was the Lume Sangiovese Livio Innocenti. ($18.) from Montalcino. Ciro Cirillo, the wine spokesman, emphasized that the wines were only “small, handcrafted wines, in fine restaurants, and passionately made to pair with food.” For more, contact il Farro at 949-723-5711. www.ilfarro.com.
Cupid Comes to the Grand Del Mar
The Grand Del Mar, with two excellent restaurants, intimate bars and lounges to enhance the award-winning resort, spa and golf club, has mapped out a memorable month of February, the “Month of Love.”
On Monday February 14, Valentines Day itself, Addison invites diners to join in specialties such as Baby Sea Scallops, Lamb Rack Persille and other delights. This is a 6 course feast offering two options for 3 of the courses ( $135. pp; slightly higher with wine pairings).
Valentines Day dinner at Amaya will have chef Camron Woods presenting a 4 course menu with options for each course such as hot smoked salmon, lobster risotto and grilled prime Filet Mignon ( $95. pp; slightly higher with wine pairings). A Chocolate & Wine Tasting happens Friday February 11 from 5 to 8pm in the resort lobby lounge.
Wine Bytes
Central and Southern Italian Wines will be poured at Bacchus Wine Market, Fri. Jan. 28 from 4 to 8:30pm in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego. 7 wines will be sampled from Tuscany to Sicily. $15. ea. Call 619-236-0005.
Morgan’s In the Desert at La Quinta Country Club is planning a Pride Mountain Vineyards Dinner Fri. Jan. 28 with a reception at 6pm followed by dinner. You will be served Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot and a library 2002 Cabernet. $95. pp. For an RSVP call 760-564-7600.
South Coast Winery in Temecula is conducting a Wild Women Cooking Class Sat. Jan. 29 from 11am to 2pm. Learn some exotic menu items paired with delicious wine selections. $35. charge for this fun and charged-up event. Call 951-587-9463 for your RSVP.
The ABC’s of wine from grape to glass is Sat. Jan. 29 from 2 to 4pm at Thornton Winery in Temecula. This informative workshop is conducted by winemaker David Vergari. Appetizers and 3 wines included. $65. inclusive. RSVP at 951-699-0099.
Orfila Winery in Escondido has their next Concert in the Vines Sun. Jan. 30 from 4:40 to 6:30pm. Enjoy the Cory Wilkens Band. It’s Classic Rock with an up-tempo beat. $20. ea. includes a glass of Orfila wine. For details, call 760-738-6500 xt 22.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The "Magnificent 7" at Thornton Winery
by Frank Mangio
Success in any endeavor these days, no matter what the product or service, is measured by a number of different yardsticks. Image means a lot in any enterprise, but in the wine world, product is first and foremost.
In the Temecula Valley, Thornton Winery’s 22 years making acclaimed wine seems a lifetime compared to the recent flurry of new wineries that have come on board or have aspirations. A recent drive-thru revealed six colorful “coming soon” vineyard and winery signs.
In 1988, a prominent San Diego family, John, Sally and son Steve Thornton, made the decision to purchase an existing winery and opened Thornton Winery at the gateway to the Temecula Valley.
They concentrated on award-winning and premium varietal wines. Using a process called Methode Champenoise to make sparklingwine/champagne, the awards and medals quickly followed, in a burst of fame from this traditional French method of production.
Steve Thornton, the President of Thornton Winery and Café Champagne, has steered the winery into adding Mediterranean and Rhone style wines.
Their Brut Reserve is considered one of the finest classically made Methode Champenoise in the country. This varietal got so much of a reputation that for a while, Thornton was considered a “one trick pony,” a winery that was known for this one style of wine. No More. Under Steve Thornton’s direction, the winery smartly diversified into the French Rhone-Italian style that has uncorked a magnificent 7 new releases, mostly 2007 vintage wines. They are:
1. 2008 Viognier $28. My favorite white. Floral notes with a tropical underbelly of coconut and tangerine.
2. 2007 Thorny’s Coast Red. $18. What’s a complex wine like this doing with a value price like that? A blend of 9 vineyards with a combination of Syrah, Grenache, Barbera, and Sangiovese.
3. 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. $30. Native grapes from the west hills of Temecula and the Deluz area of Fallbrook.
4. 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel $28. Produced from century-old vines from Cucamonga, with original clones planted by Italian and Portuguese farmers. Rich berry fruit and spice.
5. 2007 Huis Vineyard Zinfandel. $36. Barrel aged 22 months highlights what the Temecula Valley can do with Zinfandel. Balanced flavors and lowered alcohol. A “delicate monster,” raves the winery.
6. 2007 Nebbiolo. $34. My personal favorite of the 7. The grape backbone for the famous Italian twin towers: Barolo and Barbaresco. Rich, visceral red fruit and mocha on the palate. A sell-out every year.
7. 2007 Estate Petite Sirah. $40. Complex and big, color and structure reaches new heights. California style wine, grown on the property.
So there it is, a five-star lineup of new, exciting wines from the proven cellars of Thornton. Other features to be familiar with are: the wine clubs and their special pricing and benefits, and the Champagne Jazz and Supper Club Concerts that run every weekend through September. Get all you need to know at www.thorntonwine.com.
Wrap Your Lips Around These
Other wine tastes worth noting this past month or so…
Banfi Chianti Classcio, Tuscany Italy, 2007. $10. Banfi just won the Best of Italy award at the San Francisco International Wine competition. It’s easy to see why with this worthy value wine. Lovely cherry and plum flavors.
Ferrari-Carano Prevail West Face, Sonoma, 2005. $55. Deep purple. Vineyards faced for ideal exposure. Blend is 65% Cabernet, 35% Syrah. Classic Proportion.
J Vineyards Pinot Noir Nicole’s Vineyard Sonoma, 2007. $50. Dark plum, cherry and fennel. Steeply banked hillside vineyard that stresses the vines, bringing intense flavor.
Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards Sonoma, 2008. $16. Full bodied, hand picked fruit from the first family of value wines in Sonoma. Recent gold winner at the Orange County Fair. Will excel even more with age.
Wine Bytes
Cal State San Marcos has a Wine & Brew Festival for Sat. Aug. 14 from 4 to 7pm. 12 local wine and beer names to know. A variety of local restaurants will be offering food samplings. Live music and silent auction. Cost is $35. for alumni and $50. for the public. Call 760-750-4270.
San Diego Wine Company presents Italian and French wines Sat. Aug. 14 from 11 to 4:30pm. $10. fee. Contact 858-586-9463.
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has come up with a $5. Wine-Down Monday starting at 5:30pm. Aug. 16 it’s the Wines of Portugal and the 23rd it’s Chardonnay. Details at 760-745-1200.
San Diego State’s next wine class is “Red, White and Champagne,” Mondays starting Aug. 16, part of its Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine. Call 619-594-6924 for the complete story.
Success in any endeavor these days, no matter what the product or service, is measured by a number of different yardsticks. Image means a lot in any enterprise, but in the wine world, product is first and foremost.
In the Temecula Valley, Thornton Winery’s 22 years making acclaimed wine seems a lifetime compared to the recent flurry of new wineries that have come on board or have aspirations. A recent drive-thru revealed six colorful “coming soon” vineyard and winery signs.
In 1988, a prominent San Diego family, John, Sally and son Steve Thornton, made the decision to purchase an existing winery and opened Thornton Winery at the gateway to the Temecula Valley.
They concentrated on award-winning and premium varietal wines. Using a process called Methode Champenoise to make sparklingwine/champagne, the awards and medals quickly followed, in a burst of fame from this traditional French method of production.
Steve Thornton, the President of Thornton Winery and Café Champagne, has steered the winery into adding Mediterranean and Rhone style wines.
Their Brut Reserve is considered one of the finest classically made Methode Champenoise in the country. This varietal got so much of a reputation that for a while, Thornton was considered a “one trick pony,” a winery that was known for this one style of wine. No More. Under Steve Thornton’s direction, the winery smartly diversified into the French Rhone-Italian style that has uncorked a magnificent 7 new releases, mostly 2007 vintage wines. They are:
1. 2008 Viognier $28. My favorite white. Floral notes with a tropical underbelly of coconut and tangerine.
2. 2007 Thorny’s Coast Red. $18. What’s a complex wine like this doing with a value price like that? A blend of 9 vineyards with a combination of Syrah, Grenache, Barbera, and Sangiovese.
3. 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. $30. Native grapes from the west hills of Temecula and the Deluz area of Fallbrook.
4. 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel $28. Produced from century-old vines from Cucamonga, with original clones planted by Italian and Portuguese farmers. Rich berry fruit and spice.
5. 2007 Huis Vineyard Zinfandel. $36. Barrel aged 22 months highlights what the Temecula Valley can do with Zinfandel. Balanced flavors and lowered alcohol. A “delicate monster,” raves the winery.
6. 2007 Nebbiolo. $34. My personal favorite of the 7. The grape backbone for the famous Italian twin towers: Barolo and Barbaresco. Rich, visceral red fruit and mocha on the palate. A sell-out every year.
7. 2007 Estate Petite Sirah. $40. Complex and big, color and structure reaches new heights. California style wine, grown on the property.
So there it is, a five-star lineup of new, exciting wines from the proven cellars of Thornton. Other features to be familiar with are: the wine clubs and their special pricing and benefits, and the Champagne Jazz and Supper Club Concerts that run every weekend through September. Get all you need to know at www.thorntonwine.com.
Wrap Your Lips Around These
Other wine tastes worth noting this past month or so…
Banfi Chianti Classcio, Tuscany Italy, 2007. $10. Banfi just won the Best of Italy award at the San Francisco International Wine competition. It’s easy to see why with this worthy value wine. Lovely cherry and plum flavors.
Ferrari-Carano Prevail West Face, Sonoma, 2005. $55. Deep purple. Vineyards faced for ideal exposure. Blend is 65% Cabernet, 35% Syrah. Classic Proportion.
J Vineyards Pinot Noir Nicole’s Vineyard Sonoma, 2007. $50. Dark plum, cherry and fennel. Steeply banked hillside vineyard that stresses the vines, bringing intense flavor.
Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards Sonoma, 2008. $16. Full bodied, hand picked fruit from the first family of value wines in Sonoma. Recent gold winner at the Orange County Fair. Will excel even more with age.
Wine Bytes
Cal State San Marcos has a Wine & Brew Festival for Sat. Aug. 14 from 4 to 7pm. 12 local wine and beer names to know. A variety of local restaurants will be offering food samplings. Live music and silent auction. Cost is $35. for alumni and $50. for the public. Call 760-750-4270.
San Diego Wine Company presents Italian and French wines Sat. Aug. 14 from 11 to 4:30pm. $10. fee. Contact 858-586-9463.
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has come up with a $5. Wine-Down Monday starting at 5:30pm. Aug. 16 it’s the Wines of Portugal and the 23rd it’s Chardonnay. Details at 760-745-1200.
San Diego State’s next wine class is “Red, White and Champagne,” Mondays starting Aug. 16, part of its Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine. Call 619-594-6924 for the complete story.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sightseeing in the Aisles of Wine
by Frank Mangio
If you are really into the wines, one of your favorite pastimes is to search the aisles of wine shops and wine departments of huge retailers like BEVMO and COSCTO. Buying wine is no sure thing. The only thing for sure is that there are whites and reds.
Everything else is really window-dressing and your experience with tasting the wines. That’s why I urge a “core and explore” strategy. Your core wines are brands and vintages you can rely on for consistent quality. Then allow say 1/3 of your wines and budget for the “explore” part. Those would be the vast number of new wines brands and varietals that you have not tried. Chances are some of those “explorations” will be so good, that you will want to add them to your core list.
So what’s really selling these days. I decided to check on the inventory renewals at COSTCO’s biggest selling wine department in my home town of Carlsbad.
California’s best selling varietals, despite all the words of praise from we wine writers for newer sensations, is still Chardonnay for a white and Cabernet Sauvignon for a red. This was underlined by current sales and inventory at COSTCO. Their stock of Chardonnay is led by Clos Du Bois, La Crema and Beringer.
Checking out the Cabernets, the biggest seller and the highest inventory of any wine at COSTCO is the venerable and all-time Napa Valley great, Mondavi - specifically CK Mondavi (the CK is for Charles Krug, where members of the family make premium wines, as well as this value wine.) This is not to be confused with Robert Mondavi wines, bought out some years ago by an international conglamerate.
Other cabs that are moving at COSTCO include: Louis Martini, Montes Alpha and Casa LaPostoll from Chile. Other big red movers are: Cambria Pinot Noir, Dona Paula Shiraz/Malbec from Argentina, Tin Roof Merlot, Villa Pillo Toscana Rosso Borgoforte from Italy, Manage A Trois red blend and Kirkland house brand Merlot from Washington.
New Tastings Worth Telling
Where do I begin. I just returned from the Napa Valley, more convinced than ever that it is the greatest growing grounds for wine in the world, with lots of fabulous tastings, but that will be reserved for a future column. As I write this, a large real estate investment trust has just announced a purchase of Beaulieu and Sterling Vineyards, both from Napa Valley. Foley Family Wines which has Sebastiani and Wattle Creek, has just added Chalk Hill from Sonoma. OK, so those are business trends. Here are some special tastings:
Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Reserve Napa Valley 2008. $65. The winery of the season at Amaya, the Grand Del Mar Resort. Balanced to perfection with crisp character.
Saxon Brown Pinot Noir Sonoma 2008. $41. Dynamic treatment of this “First Lady” of reds. Strawberry notes carry through to the long, glamorous finish.
Thornton Winery Petite Sirah Temecula Valley, 2007. $40. Thornton has 7 new releases out, topped by this inaugural triumph by winemaker Don Reha. Carefully aged 27 months in toasted oak.
Thornton Winery Nebbiolo Temecula Valley, 2007. $34. The northern Italian backbone grape to the famous Barolo and Barbaresco, this wine has wings and flies with its famous brethren. Rich and visceral. Expect leather, mineral characteristics.
Parallel Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2007. $64. According to “birthday girl” Laura at Carlsbad Wine Merchants, this wine was created by Winemaker of the Year Phillipe Melka. A prime-time serving.
Baily Vineyard and Winery Riesling Temecula Valley, 2008. $14. Made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Temecula. Crisp, clean and smooth taste. Serve cold with chicken and pork. Can easily be an aperitif.
Fontana Fredda Briccotonio Barbera Piedmont Italy, 2008. $9. Here is one of Italy’s most delicious table wines. The Barbera grape is underrated. No concern about age. Just open it and enjoy!
Wine Bytes
§ A Temecula Valley Tasting Tour departs the Mission Bay Visitors Center on Sat. July 10, 10am to 5pm. Stops at 3 favorite wineries: Briar Rose, Falkner and Leonesse. Cost is $100. ea. Includes vineyard tours, tastes and snacks. Call 619-233-8687 for more.
§ Il Fornaio in Del Mar has a Festa Regionale, headlining a Taste of Toscana, now to July 18. Wine choices include Chianti Ruffina and Mazzoni Super Tuscan with entrees like Bistecca alla Fiorentina. RSVP at 1-888-ITALIAN.
§ The new Wines@WholesalePlus is open in the San Diego Culinary Center across from the Convention Center. A Super Saturday Sampling happens Sat. July 11 from 4 to 7pm. You get 10 wines for $10. with appetizers. Details at 619-231-6400.
§ Capri Blu Italian Bistro west of Rancho Bernardo has a Ferrari-Carano wine dinner Tues. July 13 starting at 6:30pm. A fabulous four course dinner and 5 wines from Sonoma’s Ferrari-Carano. $65. pp. Reservations at 858-673-5100.
§ The California Wine Festival Santa Barbara is Thurs. thru Sat. July 15 to 17. Highlight is the Sat. Beachside Wine Festival at the Santa Barbara Pier. Prices vary, so check out the website at www.californiawinefestival.com.
§ The 2nd annual Mouton Noir Wine Dinner is at Amaya in the Grand Del Mar Resort Fri. July 16, 5:30 to 10pm. Four course dinner with wine pairings, $70. ea. Celebrate a collection of small growers from around the globe. RSVP at 858-314-2036.
If you are really into the wines, one of your favorite pastimes is to search the aisles of wine shops and wine departments of huge retailers like BEVMO and COSCTO. Buying wine is no sure thing. The only thing for sure is that there are whites and reds.
Everything else is really window-dressing and your experience with tasting the wines. That’s why I urge a “core and explore” strategy. Your core wines are brands and vintages you can rely on for consistent quality. Then allow say 1/3 of your wines and budget for the “explore” part. Those would be the vast number of new wines brands and varietals that you have not tried. Chances are some of those “explorations” will be so good, that you will want to add them to your core list.
So what’s really selling these days. I decided to check on the inventory renewals at COSTCO’s biggest selling wine department in my home town of Carlsbad.
California’s best selling varietals, despite all the words of praise from we wine writers for newer sensations, is still Chardonnay for a white and Cabernet Sauvignon for a red. This was underlined by current sales and inventory at COSTCO. Their stock of Chardonnay is led by Clos Du Bois, La Crema and Beringer.
Checking out the Cabernets, the biggest seller and the highest inventory of any wine at COSTCO is the venerable and all-time Napa Valley great, Mondavi - specifically CK Mondavi (the CK is for Charles Krug, where members of the family make premium wines, as well as this value wine.) This is not to be confused with Robert Mondavi wines, bought out some years ago by an international conglamerate.
Other cabs that are moving at COSTCO include: Louis Martini, Montes Alpha and Casa LaPostoll from Chile. Other big red movers are: Cambria Pinot Noir, Dona Paula Shiraz/Malbec from Argentina, Tin Roof Merlot, Villa Pillo Toscana Rosso Borgoforte from Italy, Manage A Trois red blend and Kirkland house brand Merlot from Washington.
New Tastings Worth Telling
Where do I begin. I just returned from the Napa Valley, more convinced than ever that it is the greatest growing grounds for wine in the world, with lots of fabulous tastings, but that will be reserved for a future column. As I write this, a large real estate investment trust has just announced a purchase of Beaulieu and Sterling Vineyards, both from Napa Valley. Foley Family Wines which has Sebastiani and Wattle Creek, has just added Chalk Hill from Sonoma. OK, so those are business trends. Here are some special tastings:
Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Reserve Napa Valley 2008. $65. The winery of the season at Amaya, the Grand Del Mar Resort. Balanced to perfection with crisp character.
Saxon Brown Pinot Noir Sonoma 2008. $41. Dynamic treatment of this “First Lady” of reds. Strawberry notes carry through to the long, glamorous finish.
Thornton Winery Petite Sirah Temecula Valley, 2007. $40. Thornton has 7 new releases out, topped by this inaugural triumph by winemaker Don Reha. Carefully aged 27 months in toasted oak.
Thornton Winery Nebbiolo Temecula Valley, 2007. $34. The northern Italian backbone grape to the famous Barolo and Barbaresco, this wine has wings and flies with its famous brethren. Rich and visceral. Expect leather, mineral characteristics.
Parallel Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2007. $64. According to “birthday girl” Laura at Carlsbad Wine Merchants, this wine was created by Winemaker of the Year Phillipe Melka. A prime-time serving.
Baily Vineyard and Winery Riesling Temecula Valley, 2008. $14. Made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Temecula. Crisp, clean and smooth taste. Serve cold with chicken and pork. Can easily be an aperitif.
Fontana Fredda Briccotonio Barbera Piedmont Italy, 2008. $9. Here is one of Italy’s most delicious table wines. The Barbera grape is underrated. No concern about age. Just open it and enjoy!
Wine Bytes
§ A Temecula Valley Tasting Tour departs the Mission Bay Visitors Center on Sat. July 10, 10am to 5pm. Stops at 3 favorite wineries: Briar Rose, Falkner and Leonesse. Cost is $100. ea. Includes vineyard tours, tastes and snacks. Call 619-233-8687 for more.
§ Il Fornaio in Del Mar has a Festa Regionale, headlining a Taste of Toscana, now to July 18. Wine choices include Chianti Ruffina and Mazzoni Super Tuscan with entrees like Bistecca alla Fiorentina. RSVP at 1-888-ITALIAN.
§ The new Wines@WholesalePlus is open in the San Diego Culinary Center across from the Convention Center. A Super Saturday Sampling happens Sat. July 11 from 4 to 7pm. You get 10 wines for $10. with appetizers. Details at 619-231-6400.
§ Capri Blu Italian Bistro west of Rancho Bernardo has a Ferrari-Carano wine dinner Tues. July 13 starting at 6:30pm. A fabulous four course dinner and 5 wines from Sonoma’s Ferrari-Carano. $65. pp. Reservations at 858-673-5100.
§ The California Wine Festival Santa Barbara is Thurs. thru Sat. July 15 to 17. Highlight is the Sat. Beachside Wine Festival at the Santa Barbara Pier. Prices vary, so check out the website at www.californiawinefestival.com.
§ The 2nd annual Mouton Noir Wine Dinner is at Amaya in the Grand Del Mar Resort Fri. July 16, 5:30 to 10pm. Four course dinner with wine pairings, $70. ea. Celebrate a collection of small growers from around the globe. RSVP at 858-314-2036.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Notes from the Wine Warehouse Spring Tasting
by Frank Mangio
I have reported several times this year on the extraordinary number of wine events and outreach that have been staged in an effort to get before the trade and public. The pace has been dizzying ( no pun intended ) to keep up with all of them and bring you up to date on the newest and best releases.
One of the most influential wine marketing and distribution companies in the world is Wine Warehouse. For 30 plus years it has offered more 10,000 wines other beverages for sale to the retail trade in California. Retail and restaurant customers look to Wine Warehouse for superior wine and related products.
Over 500 new release wines were brought by recently by some 120 wineries from all over the world. Many of the owners and winemakers were at this gathering at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego, to engage first-hand with potential and current customers. When I arrived, I went over right away to Temecula’s Thornton Winery to visit with owners Steve and John Thornton with winemaker Don Reha. They were excited about the seven new Spring wines that have just been released that I will be reporting on in a future TASTE OF WINE. Then I moved over to Enrico Nicoletta’s booth. He manages the Italian wine portfolio for Wine Warehouse and was anxious to have me taste the latest from Felsina and Barone Ricasoli, both Chianti Classico front-runners from Tuscany. The Felsina 2007 “Beradenga” with 100% Sangiovese sells for $20. and is made by one of the master makers Guiseppe Mazzocolin. Barone Ricasoli is a bigger winery that is just North of Felsina. Its Chianti Classico 2006 was in the top five wines in the world awarded by Wine Spectator in 2009.
My TASTE OF WINE Top Ten Tastes for 2009 had the Brolio Ricasoli Chianti Classico Tuscany 2003 listed. Price is just $11. if you can find it. Just a dash of Merlot and Cabernet adds great depth to the Sangiovese base.
Finally I want to mention a strong, fruity find in Consilience from Santa Barbara County and its 2006 Syrah. Brett Escalera is the owner-winemaker. Brett also served at Byron and Fess Parker wineries. Normally I don’t think much of wines with over 15% alcohol, but this one is balanced to perfection. It’s a true premium Syrah and one to watch for at just $18. Look it up at www.consiliencewines.com.
Water in Wine is the Purest
Most people know that wine is made up of mostly water but what they may not know is that the water in wine is the purest available. As the wise and humble Ben Franklin once said: “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” In the fermentation for wine, there is a process of boiling, filtering and fermenting. So, enjoy that glass of wine. Not only does it taste good and make you feel good, your body is getting the most healthy irrigation known to man.
Wine Bytes
VINZ Wine Bar downtown Escondido is back with Vinnie Griffin as owner with the wine bar and German beer garden linked up. The V Lounge again has Friday entertainment with guitarist Jimmy Patton from 7 to 9pm. Details at 760-743-8466.
Wine Steals in San Diego, Hillcrest and Cardiff now has a wine cask feature with wine on tap! They are offering great low prices on wine by the glass. Call the location nearest you for more.
St. Germain’s Café in Encinitas has a “Yappy Hour” on Fridays and Saturdays with special incentives for your dog and you from 4 – 7pm. Sat. and Sun. June 18 and 19 enjoy Pannini “Yappetizers” and a glass of local Poway Old Coach Wines. Local music and raffle drawings. Call 760-753-5411.
La Costa Wine Company in Carlsbad has light and refreshing German Riesling wines for tasting Fri. June 18 from 5 to 8:30pm. $15. ea. And on Fri. June 25, Sonoma wines for tasting. $20. pp. Call 760-431-8455.
San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road is pouring ten terrific Pinots for $10. Sat. June 19 from 11-4:30pm. Erath is one of the featured wines. Phone 858-586-WINE.
Island Prime on Harbor Island in San Diego is hosting a Great Fathers Day Wines sale Sat. June 19 from 11:30 to 2pm. Sample select wines and hors d’oeuvres and win prizes with each purchase. Contact Maurice at 619-557-9441 ext 203 for the wine list.
Café Merlot in the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo extends an invitation to join them for a TAPS benefit dinner and wine tasting to help troubled teens and their families, Sat. June 26 from 6 to 9pm. Cost is $75. per person or $120. per couple. For tickets, call 858-668-2273.
I have reported several times this year on the extraordinary number of wine events and outreach that have been staged in an effort to get before the trade and public. The pace has been dizzying ( no pun intended ) to keep up with all of them and bring you up to date on the newest and best releases.
One of the most influential wine marketing and distribution companies in the world is Wine Warehouse. For 30 plus years it has offered more 10,000 wines other beverages for sale to the retail trade in California. Retail and restaurant customers look to Wine Warehouse for superior wine and related products.
Over 500 new release wines were brought by recently by some 120 wineries from all over the world. Many of the owners and winemakers were at this gathering at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego, to engage first-hand with potential and current customers. When I arrived, I went over right away to Temecula’s Thornton Winery to visit with owners Steve and John Thornton with winemaker Don Reha. They were excited about the seven new Spring wines that have just been released that I will be reporting on in a future TASTE OF WINE. Then I moved over to Enrico Nicoletta’s booth. He manages the Italian wine portfolio for Wine Warehouse and was anxious to have me taste the latest from Felsina and Barone Ricasoli, both Chianti Classico front-runners from Tuscany. The Felsina 2007 “Beradenga” with 100% Sangiovese sells for $20. and is made by one of the master makers Guiseppe Mazzocolin. Barone Ricasoli is a bigger winery that is just North of Felsina. Its Chianti Classico 2006 was in the top five wines in the world awarded by Wine Spectator in 2009.
My TASTE OF WINE Top Ten Tastes for 2009 had the Brolio Ricasoli Chianti Classico Tuscany 2003 listed. Price is just $11. if you can find it. Just a dash of Merlot and Cabernet adds great depth to the Sangiovese base.
Finally I want to mention a strong, fruity find in Consilience from Santa Barbara County and its 2006 Syrah. Brett Escalera is the owner-winemaker. Brett also served at Byron and Fess Parker wineries. Normally I don’t think much of wines with over 15% alcohol, but this one is balanced to perfection. It’s a true premium Syrah and one to watch for at just $18. Look it up at www.consiliencewines.com.
Water in Wine is the Purest
Most people know that wine is made up of mostly water but what they may not know is that the water in wine is the purest available. As the wise and humble Ben Franklin once said: “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” In the fermentation for wine, there is a process of boiling, filtering and fermenting. So, enjoy that glass of wine. Not only does it taste good and make you feel good, your body is getting the most healthy irrigation known to man.
Wine Bytes
VINZ Wine Bar downtown Escondido is back with Vinnie Griffin as owner with the wine bar and German beer garden linked up. The V Lounge again has Friday entertainment with guitarist Jimmy Patton from 7 to 9pm. Details at 760-743-8466.
Wine Steals in San Diego, Hillcrest and Cardiff now has a wine cask feature with wine on tap! They are offering great low prices on wine by the glass. Call the location nearest you for more.
St. Germain’s Café in Encinitas has a “Yappy Hour” on Fridays and Saturdays with special incentives for your dog and you from 4 – 7pm. Sat. and Sun. June 18 and 19 enjoy Pannini “Yappetizers” and a glass of local Poway Old Coach Wines. Local music and raffle drawings. Call 760-753-5411.
La Costa Wine Company in Carlsbad has light and refreshing German Riesling wines for tasting Fri. June 18 from 5 to 8:30pm. $15. ea. And on Fri. June 25, Sonoma wines for tasting. $20. pp. Call 760-431-8455.
San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road is pouring ten terrific Pinots for $10. Sat. June 19 from 11-4:30pm. Erath is one of the featured wines. Phone 858-586-WINE.
Island Prime on Harbor Island in San Diego is hosting a Great Fathers Day Wines sale Sat. June 19 from 11:30 to 2pm. Sample select wines and hors d’oeuvres and win prizes with each purchase. Contact Maurice at 619-557-9441 ext 203 for the wine list.
Café Merlot in the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo extends an invitation to join them for a TAPS benefit dinner and wine tasting to help troubled teens and their families, Sat. June 26 from 6 to 9pm. Cost is $75. per person or $120. per couple. For tickets, call 858-668-2273.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Thornton Winery Brings Jazz Greats to Temecula
by Frank Mangio
The tradition began back in 1988, when owner John Thornton came up with a then novel idea, offer local music on weekends with his wine and food menu to attract new customers. “It started simple 22 years ago. We didn’t charge for admission to the concerts. We just wanted customers to try our wines,” said John as we drank a glass of his 2006 Nebbiolo wine. “Over time, the shows became more organized and took on new life as top Jazz musicians were booked in, the audiences grew and we offered dinner and wine packages in our outdoor fountain terrace setting. This year we have 21 performances”
This year’s concert lineup is the strongest statement yet of the superb musicians that Thornton Winery attracts. Their wine and supper packages provide a total music, food and wine experience with winemaker Don Reha presenting his new releases and chef Steve Pickell of the 5 star Café Champagne pairing perfect menu selections.
The concert schedule goes from April 25 to October 16. I asked Steve Thornton and Events Manager Tonya Wake who the one artist is that has played the most years and is a popular favorite with the 40 members of the concert staff. Without hesitation they both agreed it is premier sax man Dave Koz. “He has been a major part of our success with his warm, personal approach to performing,” commented Steve. “This year he is playing two days in a row, Saturday and Sunday August 28 and 29, with Jonathan Butler.”
Tonya, who is like an orchestra leader, conducting each concert to perfection for 16 years as Events Manager, agreed that Dave Koz is the easiest to work with. John added “his parents, when they were alive, used to come to the concerts and bring me chocolate chip cookies because they knew how much I liked them.” Under Tonya’s guiding hand, all Thornton concerts are a relaxed, intimate affair with a customer and artist-friendly environment. For the full schedule of performers in this 22nd year of the best names in Jazz, go to www.thorntonwine.com. Or call 951-699-0099 and talk to Tonya Wake, the “orchestra leader.”
Dave Koz leads this year’s 22nd Annual Thornton Concert Series.
For Steaks, Seafood and Spirits – Go West
It was a night to remember recently at West Steak, Seafood and Spirits in Carlsbad as the legendary Caymus Vineyards of Napa Valley showcased their premiere wines, paired with a 5 course dinner of unmatched quality by Executive Chef Eugenio Martignago. General Manager Tom Bertrand continues to position West as the quintessential restaurant for taste and dining trends.
This commitment to excellence has been rewarded by the popular Open Table award to West as the #1 Restaurant in San Diego County for 2009. The full house of diners that came to the wine event, led by Caymus Regional Manager Mike Gioia, savored the Caymus 2007 Special Selection Cabernet with Chef Eugenio’s main entrée of Seared Prime Certified Angus Filet Mignon on a bed of Braised Oxtail and celery root puree. The service sparkled as wine and food entrees were on the table on time and at peak taste.
The extensive wine list at West brims with wines of value and premium notoriety. From a delicious, budget style Castello Banfi Centine by the glass to a glorious Joseph Phelps Insignia Meritage, you will find one you will truly love. Check Happy Hour Specials for exceptional bargains. Call West at 760-930-9100.
Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp district downtown San Diego is presenting wines from Northern Italy Fri. Apr. 30 from 4 to 9pm. Taste Barbera, Dolcetto, Valpolicella and more. Cost is $15. Details at 619-236-0005.
Lorimar Winery in Temecula Wine Country kicks of their event schedule with Kansas City BBQ, Wine and Blues in the vineyards, Sat. May 1 from 3-8pm. Tickets are $55. pp. Kids under 12 get in free. Smokin’ good tri-tip, ribs and chicken. More info at 951-240-5177.
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has a Saxon Brown wine tasting Thurs. May 6, 5:30-7:30pm. This is Sonoma style single vineyard wine like Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. $10. advance, $15. at the door. Learn more at 760-745-1200.
Mama’s Day, the 19th annual benefit for Mama’s Kitchen providing meals for the needy, is Fri. May 7 from 5:30 – 9:30pm at the Hyatt Regency in San Diego. More than 70 of San Diego’s top restaurant chefs will participate, with auctions, music and wine. Pre-sale is $125. pp. At the door it’s $150. RSVP at 619-233-6262.
Roll Out the Barrel returns again this year Sat. May 8 from 5 – 8pm at Humphries by the Bay in the Pt. Loma district of San Diego. Encinitas Meritage Wine Market is helping to coordinate the Make-A-Wish benefit that has 20 restaurants and 40 wineries participating. Tickets are $100. ea. VIP benefits for $175. Go to the website at www.makeawishgala.com.
The tradition began back in 1988, when owner John Thornton came up with a then novel idea, offer local music on weekends with his wine and food menu to attract new customers. “It started simple 22 years ago. We didn’t charge for admission to the concerts. We just wanted customers to try our wines,” said John as we drank a glass of his 2006 Nebbiolo wine. “Over time, the shows became more organized and took on new life as top Jazz musicians were booked in, the audiences grew and we offered dinner and wine packages in our outdoor fountain terrace setting. This year we have 21 performances”
This year’s concert lineup is the strongest statement yet of the superb musicians that Thornton Winery attracts. Their wine and supper packages provide a total music, food and wine experience with winemaker Don Reha presenting his new releases and chef Steve Pickell of the 5 star Café Champagne pairing perfect menu selections.
The concert schedule goes from April 25 to October 16. I asked Steve Thornton and Events Manager Tonya Wake who the one artist is that has played the most years and is a popular favorite with the 40 members of the concert staff. Without hesitation they both agreed it is premier sax man Dave Koz. “He has been a major part of our success with his warm, personal approach to performing,” commented Steve. “This year he is playing two days in a row, Saturday and Sunday August 28 and 29, with Jonathan Butler.”
Tonya, who is like an orchestra leader, conducting each concert to perfection for 16 years as Events Manager, agreed that Dave Koz is the easiest to work with. John added “his parents, when they were alive, used to come to the concerts and bring me chocolate chip cookies because they knew how much I liked them.” Under Tonya’s guiding hand, all Thornton concerts are a relaxed, intimate affair with a customer and artist-friendly environment. For the full schedule of performers in this 22nd year of the best names in Jazz, go to www.thorntonwine.com. Or call 951-699-0099 and talk to Tonya Wake, the “orchestra leader.”
Dave Koz leads this year’s 22nd Annual Thornton Concert Series.For Steaks, Seafood and Spirits – Go West
It was a night to remember recently at West Steak, Seafood and Spirits in Carlsbad as the legendary Caymus Vineyards of Napa Valley showcased their premiere wines, paired with a 5 course dinner of unmatched quality by Executive Chef Eugenio Martignago. General Manager Tom Bertrand continues to position West as the quintessential restaurant for taste and dining trends.
This commitment to excellence has been rewarded by the popular Open Table award to West as the #1 Restaurant in San Diego County for 2009. The full house of diners that came to the wine event, led by Caymus Regional Manager Mike Gioia, savored the Caymus 2007 Special Selection Cabernet with Chef Eugenio’s main entrée of Seared Prime Certified Angus Filet Mignon on a bed of Braised Oxtail and celery root puree. The service sparkled as wine and food entrees were on the table on time and at peak taste.
The extensive wine list at West brims with wines of value and premium notoriety. From a delicious, budget style Castello Banfi Centine by the glass to a glorious Joseph Phelps Insignia Meritage, you will find one you will truly love. Check Happy Hour Specials for exceptional bargains. Call West at 760-930-9100.
Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp district downtown San Diego is presenting wines from Northern Italy Fri. Apr. 30 from 4 to 9pm. Taste Barbera, Dolcetto, Valpolicella and more. Cost is $15. Details at 619-236-0005.
Lorimar Winery in Temecula Wine Country kicks of their event schedule with Kansas City BBQ, Wine and Blues in the vineyards, Sat. May 1 from 3-8pm. Tickets are $55. pp. Kids under 12 get in free. Smokin’ good tri-tip, ribs and chicken. More info at 951-240-5177.
Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has a Saxon Brown wine tasting Thurs. May 6, 5:30-7:30pm. This is Sonoma style single vineyard wine like Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. $10. advance, $15. at the door. Learn more at 760-745-1200.
Mama’s Day, the 19th annual benefit for Mama’s Kitchen providing meals for the needy, is Fri. May 7 from 5:30 – 9:30pm at the Hyatt Regency in San Diego. More than 70 of San Diego’s top restaurant chefs will participate, with auctions, music and wine. Pre-sale is $125. pp. At the door it’s $150. RSVP at 619-233-6262.
Roll Out the Barrel returns again this year Sat. May 8 from 5 – 8pm at Humphries by the Bay in the Pt. Loma district of San Diego. Encinitas Meritage Wine Market is helping to coordinate the Make-A-Wish benefit that has 20 restaurants and 40 wineries participating. Tickets are $100. ea. VIP benefits for $175. Go to the website at www.makeawishgala.com.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Super Tuscans for 2006 are Super!
by Frank Mangio
In Italy there is very little rhyme or reason, only art and living with the heart.
In the history of Italian wines there has never been a greater style of winemaking than the “Super Tuscans.” They are those red wine blends that were first crafted in Tuscany in the early 1970’s as a rescue for wineries that were faltering due to mediocre Sangiovese grapes, mixed with white grapes, and called Chianti.
Super Tuscan is a silly name that no responsible winemaker would promote. It was a media term put together for U.S. consumption. But no matter, the elegant wines that were blended, and to this day still called “Super Tuscan,” are a masterpiece of wine art and genius.
One of the pioneers of this next-level of Italian wines was Piero Antinori, whose cousin had made the first wine that broke with tradition: Sassicaia from coastal Bolgheri with mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. Piero was the latest in an Antinori family of 26 generations and six hundred years of winemaking. It was a courageous choice, almost sacrilegious for its time, as the Italian government did not recognize any wine in Tuscany that was not 100% Sangiovese.
Antinori was driven to express the vast potential of wine, so he created Tignanello, mostly Sangiovese, but with perfect amounts of Cabernet and Cab Franc, and considered to be the quintessential “Super Tuscan.”
Piero Antinori, shown with his three winemaking daughters: Albiera, Allegra and Alessia at Villa Antinori, Tuscany,Italy.
After his initial success, Antinori later partnered with other like-minded Italian innovators to make the equally well-known Solaia, also from central Tuscany and mostly Cabernet; and the Guado al Tasso from Bolgheri, with Cab, Merlot and Syrah grapes, among others.
Not since the heaven-sent 1997 vintage has there been such promise and fulfillment as the 2006 “Super Tuscan” releases. With some patience and cellaring, they could surpass that seminal year. The growing season was long and even, with lots of sunshine. The wines are perfumed and richly endowed with the heritage of Tuscany.
Nowhere is the canvas of a “Super Tuscan” style so perfect as those wines expressed by the Anitnori name and legacy. Anitnori vineyards are now planted all over Tuscany’s finest districts: Chianti Classico, Bolgheri, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Orvieto, Umbria. To learn more about this traditional Italian winemaking leader, visit www.antinori.it.
Pizza and Wine
Americans spend about 32 billion dollars a year on pizza in restaurants. Half of that sum is picked up by the dumbed-down chains such as Pizza Hut and the like, with little more than a cracker-thin bed of pre-frozen dough, canned sauce, cheese and a mountain of “extras,” tossed about on the bed of sauce.
I bring it up only because of the exciting and delicious turn to high quality oven-fresh pizza restaurants that now comprise the other half of that 32 billion. Chefs are being trained to create pizza as a special dish with balance, texture and flavors that work together, right down to the flour that is used to make the dough.
Tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and sweet basil are the ultimate basic Italian ingredients, where pizza originated in Naples. These three ingredients with extra virgin olive oil and a touch of garlic is on the menu as a Pizza Margherita. Its crust is thin and soft and slightly charred from wood-oven baking.
Now that I have you salivating for pizza, next time you order one, forget the beer menu and go for a lovely red wine. Considering that the pizza you order is one that resembles a Margherita, without stacks of pepperoni, sausage and salami, I would suggest you pass on the Cabs and Zins and think central and southern Italian. You will want to consider varietals like Sangiovese ( Chianti Classico), Aglianico and Nero d’Avola from Sicily. West coast varietals to look for are: Syrah, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
All these wines have just the right acidity, to cut the richness of tomatoes, baked dough and cheese. All have rich, black fruit and are drink-now wines to keep the price in line with the meal.
Wine Bytes
Thornton Winery in Temecula is staging a unique Halloween Costume Dinner Dance Fri. Oct. 30 with a 7:30pm start. Five star cuisine, premium wines, dancing and gifts for best-dressed will add to the festivities. Cost is $85. ea. RSVP at 951-699-0099 or www.thorntonwine.com.
Bistro 39 at the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego/Del Mar presents a Local Harvest Winemaker’s Dinner Fri. Nov. 6 from 7 to 9:30pm. Only locally grown and caught entrees and sides will be served. Wines are from Salerno Winery in Ramona. Cost is $55. inclusive. Call for tickets at 858-720-9500.
The wine spotlight is on Temecula Wine Country for its Harvest Celebration Sat. and Sun. Nov. 7 and 8, 10am to 4:30pm. It’s a self-guided tour of the valley, with food and wine samples fro more than 20 wineries. Barrel and tank tasting are available. Cost is $89. for both days. Discounts apply for one day and other considerations. Full details at 800-801-9463 or access www.temeculawines.org.
One hour private Gondola rides are available weekdays 3pm to midnight at Loews Coronado Bay and hold up to six passengers. Blankets provided with complimentary appetizers. Bring your own beverage. $85 for each couple. Experience Venice though the canals next to the Loews Resort. To learn more, call 619-429-6317.
In Italy there is very little rhyme or reason, only art and living with the heart.
In the history of Italian wines there has never been a greater style of winemaking than the “Super Tuscans.” They are those red wine blends that were first crafted in Tuscany in the early 1970’s as a rescue for wineries that were faltering due to mediocre Sangiovese grapes, mixed with white grapes, and called Chianti.
Super Tuscan is a silly name that no responsible winemaker would promote. It was a media term put together for U.S. consumption. But no matter, the elegant wines that were blended, and to this day still called “Super Tuscan,” are a masterpiece of wine art and genius.
One of the pioneers of this next-level of Italian wines was Piero Antinori, whose cousin had made the first wine that broke with tradition: Sassicaia from coastal Bolgheri with mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. Piero was the latest in an Antinori family of 26 generations and six hundred years of winemaking. It was a courageous choice, almost sacrilegious for its time, as the Italian government did not recognize any wine in Tuscany that was not 100% Sangiovese.
Antinori was driven to express the vast potential of wine, so he created Tignanello, mostly Sangiovese, but with perfect amounts of Cabernet and Cab Franc, and considered to be the quintessential “Super Tuscan.”
Piero Antinori, shown with his three winemaking daughters: Albiera, Allegra and Alessia at Villa Antinori, Tuscany,Italy.
After his initial success, Antinori later partnered with other like-minded Italian innovators to make the equally well-known Solaia, also from central Tuscany and mostly Cabernet; and the Guado al Tasso from Bolgheri, with Cab, Merlot and Syrah grapes, among others.
Not since the heaven-sent 1997 vintage has there been such promise and fulfillment as the 2006 “Super Tuscan” releases. With some patience and cellaring, they could surpass that seminal year. The growing season was long and even, with lots of sunshine. The wines are perfumed and richly endowed with the heritage of Tuscany.
Nowhere is the canvas of a “Super Tuscan” style so perfect as those wines expressed by the Anitnori name and legacy. Anitnori vineyards are now planted all over Tuscany’s finest districts: Chianti Classico, Bolgheri, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Orvieto, Umbria. To learn more about this traditional Italian winemaking leader, visit www.antinori.it.
Pizza and Wine
Americans spend about 32 billion dollars a year on pizza in restaurants. Half of that sum is picked up by the dumbed-down chains such as Pizza Hut and the like, with little more than a cracker-thin bed of pre-frozen dough, canned sauce, cheese and a mountain of “extras,” tossed about on the bed of sauce.
I bring it up only because of the exciting and delicious turn to high quality oven-fresh pizza restaurants that now comprise the other half of that 32 billion. Chefs are being trained to create pizza as a special dish with balance, texture and flavors that work together, right down to the flour that is used to make the dough.
Tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and sweet basil are the ultimate basic Italian ingredients, where pizza originated in Naples. These three ingredients with extra virgin olive oil and a touch of garlic is on the menu as a Pizza Margherita. Its crust is thin and soft and slightly charred from wood-oven baking.
Now that I have you salivating for pizza, next time you order one, forget the beer menu and go for a lovely red wine. Considering that the pizza you order is one that resembles a Margherita, without stacks of pepperoni, sausage and salami, I would suggest you pass on the Cabs and Zins and think central and southern Italian. You will want to consider varietals like Sangiovese ( Chianti Classico), Aglianico and Nero d’Avola from Sicily. West coast varietals to look for are: Syrah, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
All these wines have just the right acidity, to cut the richness of tomatoes, baked dough and cheese. All have rich, black fruit and are drink-now wines to keep the price in line with the meal.
Wine Bytes
Thornton Winery in Temecula is staging a unique Halloween Costume Dinner Dance Fri. Oct. 30 with a 7:30pm start. Five star cuisine, premium wines, dancing and gifts for best-dressed will add to the festivities. Cost is $85. ea. RSVP at 951-699-0099 or www.thorntonwine.com.
Bistro 39 at the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego/Del Mar presents a Local Harvest Winemaker’s Dinner Fri. Nov. 6 from 7 to 9:30pm. Only locally grown and caught entrees and sides will be served. Wines are from Salerno Winery in Ramona. Cost is $55. inclusive. Call for tickets at 858-720-9500.
The wine spotlight is on Temecula Wine Country for its Harvest Celebration Sat. and Sun. Nov. 7 and 8, 10am to 4:30pm. It’s a self-guided tour of the valley, with food and wine samples fro more than 20 wineries. Barrel and tank tasting are available. Cost is $89. for both days. Discounts apply for one day and other considerations. Full details at 800-801-9463 or access www.temeculawines.org.
One hour private Gondola rides are available weekdays 3pm to midnight at Loews Coronado Bay and hold up to six passengers. Blankets provided with complimentary appetizers. Bring your own beverage. $85 for each couple. Experience Venice though the canals next to the Loews Resort. To learn more, call 619-429-6317.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Jeffery Osborne "Woo Woo Woos" Audience at Thornton Wine Summer Concert
Captions and photos by Mike Bragg. (Click photos for larger versions)
Thornton family matriarch Sally Thornton welcomed guests Saturday evening for a beautiful summer night of music, wine, and fine food, all under the stars at Thornton Winery.
Opening for headline performer Jeffery Osborne, saxophonist Michel Paolo filled the summer night with hot jazz notes.
Legendary R&B singer Jeffery Osborne performed new songs, and of course the songs from his nearly 40 year career as a singer, with hits such as "On the Wings of Love", "Close the Door", "Back in Love Again", "Stay With Me Tonight", "We're Going All the Way", and several others.
Always the class act showman and all arond nice guy, Jeffery took time after his concert to sit and chat with fans, while autographing copies of his latest music CD.
Thornton family matriarch Sally Thornton welcomed guests Saturday evening for a beautiful summer night of music, wine, and fine food, all under the stars at Thornton Winery.
Opening for headline performer Jeffery Osborne, saxophonist Michel Paolo filled the summer night with hot jazz notes.
Legendary R&B singer Jeffery Osborne performed new songs, and of course the songs from his nearly 40 year career as a singer, with hits such as "On the Wings of Love", "Close the Door", "Back in Love Again", "Stay With Me Tonight", "We're Going All the Way", and several others.
Always the class act showman and all arond nice guy, Jeffery took time after his concert to sit and chat with fans, while autographing copies of his latest music CD.
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.
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