Touring/Tasting in La Costa, La Jolla & Il Fornaio

Capturing the essence of a quality wine in descriptive words that feel perfect for the moment of judgment  can be a simple expression.  Love is a deep, involved feeling that forecasts long-term devotion, while luscious is a more exciting, let’s jump in the pool together feeling.
I used both words without hesitation at my three recent wine visits to The La Costa Resort, Harry’s Bar & Grill and Il Fornaio in Del Mar.

At the recent La Costa Resort benefit for Make a Wish  of  San Diego, expertly produced under the leadership of Dustin Cano of Meritage Wine Market, Italics Wines of Napa Valley’s Coombsville district stole the show with its “15” blend.

 Andy Wilcox, right, managing partner of Italics Winegrowers of Napa Valley , is shown pouring the “15” blend for a guest at the annual Wine & Wishes in La Costa.

The story on this wine  is that winemaker Steve Reynolds wanted to highlight the best that Napa Valley had to offer so over a decade ago, with 13 sub-appellations at that time, he blended wines from each of the 13 and so created the blend “13.”  Now he has created the 2012 “15” as Napa Valley added two more sub-appellations.  Now Coombsville has been created as #16.  Instead of looking around for a winery to collaborate with, Italics was born, in Coombsville, on 73 acres southeast of the city of Napa .  Love and luscious were perfect descriptors for “15.”

In La Jolla , across from UTC, you will find Harry’s Bar & Grill.  The original is still going strong in Florence Italy .  Owner Garo Minassian brought in Kobrand Wines, reps for some of the finest Italian wines on the “boot.”

With a lively menu, Kobrand brought in among others, the Feudi Maccari Saia, 2012 Nero d’ Avola ($18.50). This one comes from the hot selling wine country of Sicily and on average, 30 year old vines 80 meters above sea level on volcanic soil.  12 to 14 months aging is done in small French Barriques, then aged for 6 months in bottle.

 Nicole Gilberts and Sara Klein of Kobrand with Harry’s owner Garo Minassian.

Like California there was just enough rainfall in 2012 and the vines sought lower ground for sustenance, producing beautiful balance…lovely and luscious!

IL Fornaio in the Del Mar Plaza has a seascape view to love. Table #54 is the one to ask for. Manager Mathew Galli is as congenial as any I know.  He brought in Beni Di Batasiolo, represented by a passionate shepherd of the wines, Stefano Poggi with his million dollar smile. Poggi took the assembled through his inventory of Piemonte wines, then warmed up when he spotlighted the 2010 Batasioli Barbaresco ($44.95), the iconic wine for the district.  The grape is the Nebbiolo, a luscious grape of great nobility, strongly tannic, yet delicate in floral flavor. It comes from the town of Barbaresco .

Stefano Poggi, left, presents the wines of Benni di Batasiolo to Il Fornaio manager Mathew Galli.

 
Italy has more than 2000 different wines, more than the rest of the world together.  Remember to always eat some food with your favorite Italian wine.  It always enhances the flavor. Now that’s amore!

Wine Bytes
A Taste Of Wine congratulations to the Tobin Brothers and  their great success at North County Wine Company in San Marcos .  It was named the Best Wine Bar in North San Diego County by a leading poll.  Check it out at northcountywinecompany.com.

The Emilio Nares Foundation, supporting families with children battling cancer, will host the 12th annual Harvest for Hope, Sun. Sept. 13th from 1 to 4pm at the San Diego Central Library. Event includes unlimited tastings from San Diego ’s finest restaurants and beverage brands to raise funds for this worthy cause.  Live and silent auctions and local musicians. Ticket cost is $135. ea.  For more information and tickets, call 760-310-9467 or visit harvestforhope2015.org.

Hotel Del Coronado presents a special 5 course dinner Tues. Sept. 15th. Each course will be paired with exquisite wines from Cakebread of Napa Valley.  Cost is $95. per person. $165. with wine pairing.  RSVP from 5:30 to 9:30 at the 1500 OCEAN restaurant  at the hotel. 619-522-8490.

Summertime is Wine Time

by Frank Mangio
It’s as if someone blew a whistle and the 4th of July, the ultimate backyard party holiday, came and went. My neighbors like to party at home and in other neighbors homes, so we all did a “progressive” BBQ and wine soiree before the fireworks took over all the fun. There are still many nice evenings left and after a long day’s work list, nothing beats a backyard party, so let your summer lifestyle show and take you guests to somewhere else in the wine world.

Ray & Loretta Falkner have followed their marketing instincts for unusual yet stylish wines for 15 years, having founded Falkner Winery in Temecula in the year 2000. They did well with Mediterranean style wine like Syrah, Viognier, Sangiovese and Super Tuscan style wines.

Ray Falkner of Falkner Winery in Temecula with his Luscious Lips wine,
part of a “Seductive Series” four pack.

 Then they got inventive with marketing and created the ultimate party wines, first with a Luscious Lips bottle in a white or red varietal. There is even a Luscious Lips bright Rosato pink wine. The sensual strawberry and cranberry flavors pair beautifully with summer parties. Then there is the gold medal winning Risque Riesling with a semi-dry taste of pear, cinnamon and spice.  Package it all up and you have the Seductive Series of four wines.  Each bottle is not more than $19.95, with a discount for the four-wine series.  Even bigger discounts are featured in the Crush Club. See falknerwinery.com.

Over at Milagro Farm Vineyards & Winery outside of Ramona, an influx of investors, a new winemaker known as “the Mexican Mondavi,” and ambitious inside and outside renovation, have made this winery a popular summertime favorite. Their party recommendation is a “Milagro Spitzer,” with their Aleatico Port and other ingredients like Lavendar Cola Syrup. Milagrofarmvineyards.com.

The French drink more Rose’ than any other country, about 16 bottles per year, that courtesy of Wine Spectator.  This pink wine makes for a sweet fruity flavor to keep the party going.

Thanks to wineries like Pedroncelli of Sonoma, California Rose’ is abundant and getting recognized. Pedroncelli makes a Dry Rose’ of Zinfandel with a mixed berry and cream soda flavor that makes you coming back for more. They pick and produce in virtually the same year with the current vintage at 2014. ($12.) Pedroncelli.com.

“Life is full of flavor” and that really applies to summer party wines.  I want you to try a couple of fun wines from Argentina :  Decopas Sauvignon Blanc from Bodega Trivento with youthful refreshing  flavors, and Trivento Reserve Torrontes, both from Mendoza . ($11. each) See triventousa.com.

Let’s turn to Chile for a fun Chardonnay with a great story for partygoers, the Casillero del Diablo.
The “cellar of the devil” comes from Chile ’s premier winery, Concho Y Toro.  This is light yellow in color with aromas of pineapple, citrus and vanilla. ($12.) This one, like most others we have suggested, are topped with twist caps, so convenient for party people.  No corkscrews, no problem! Casillerodeldiablo.com.

Wine Bytes
Harry’s Bar & American Grill on La Jolla Village Dr. across from UTC in La Jolla has a 5 course dinner paired with 5 fine Italian wines featuring a Masi Amarone 2010, Wed. July 22nd at 6:30pm.  Cost is $85. ea.  Call 858-373-1252.

Il Fornaio in Coronado presents “Balcone Siciliano” Thurs. July 23rd with a reception at 6pm, dinner at 6:30pm.  This is fine Sicilian food with wines from Planeta in Sicily , moderated by wine expert Marco Barat.  Feature wine with this 5 course meal is the Planeta Etna Rosso 2013. $60. per person. RSVP at 619-437-4911.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos has a 5th year wine celebration, Fri. and Sat. July 24th and 25th, from 4 to 10pm.  Two tasting events on Friday, one is $10. and the other $35. It includes spectacular Napa Valley Reds like:  Caymus, Overture by Opus One, and Kathryn Hall Cabernet. Sat. enjoy $10. flutes of Roederer L’Ermitage Brut, as well as 50 cent tastes on a wide variety of wines. Raffle drawings and food both days. Details at northcountywinecompany.com.

Wine & Wishes, a premier wine and food tasting event that benefits Make a Wish kids in San Diego and Imperial County , will be presented Sun. July 26th from 4pm to 7pm at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.  Napa Valley wines and other quality names, along with delectable food from top restaurants, will be offered.  The event will include silent and live auctions, luxury raffle and live entertainment.  Complimentary valet.  Tickets are $200. ea.  Visit bidpal.net/wineandwishessd.com, or call 619-279-5211.