Champagne on a budget

Greetings party people!

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, the mad rush for bubbly is well under way.  With modified tasting notes, here are some great choices under $50:

• Delamotte Brut NV ($45) - golden delicious and pears with a few nuts thrown in
• GH Mumm Cordon Rouge NV ($37) - bright citrus, green apples and vanilla
• Laurent Perrier Brut NV ($45) - candied green apple, citrus,
• Nicolas Feuillatte "Blue Label" Brut NV ($35) - ripe red apples and easy drinking
• Perrier Jouet Brut NV ($40) - citrus, grapefruit, peaches and toasted croissants - wonderful!
• Pommery Brut Royal NV ($48) - lemon, pears, honey and toast; creamy texture
• Pol Roger Brut NV ($49) - toasted brioche, floral; delicate, creamy texture - best in class
• '06 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs ($40) - red berries, baked apple, baking spices
• '06 Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc ($30) - apple, pear, citrus, cinammon
• Veuve Clicquot Brut NV ($49) - toast, vanilla, stone mineral, nuts
  

And if I wanted to splurge? A bottle of the '98 Krug Brut - oh yea!

What is NV anyway? NV stands for Non-Vintage which is a blend that's meant to have a consistent taste profile year over year and is typically much less expensive than the vintage counterpart.  Quality champagnes and sparkling wines have a fine mousse, a pale almost translucent color, and typically tastes of white fruit (apples & pears), toasted dough (croissants, brioche), and nuts.

Some critics judge salons by the quality of their NV champagnes, and reputations are staked on quality not quantity.  It's quite possible to buy an amazing champagne from a salon that produces a few hundred cases but that means we as consumers have a harder time finding it, and we most likely won't find it in our local market.  This is where your local wine retailer comes in.  Often times, they will have a wide selection of top end salons who produce fantastic NV champagnes similar to the average prices listed above.

Unless otherwise noted, most champagnes and sparkling wines are a blend of Blanc de Blanc (Chardonnay) and Blanc de Noirs (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier).  The best ones are often 100% Chardonnay but personally, I like the elegant, floral qualities that surfaces when dark grapes are added in.

So happy shopping, enjoy your bubbly, and have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve celebration!  All the best to you and yours for the upcoming year.

Till next time,
Salud

(as published on Examiner.com)

What did you do for summer vacation?

Traffic congestion is up, longer shopping lines, museums and parks are less crowded, and Indian Summer has crept in ... yep, it's back to school season and my thoughts turn fondly to lunch time conversations over PBJ ... "so, what did you do on your summer vacation?"

Besides the usual tales of camping, boating, dancing and general mischief-making, my palate traveled to exotic destinations and discovered some new found delights ...

A long time fan of the deep and sultry Zin, it was time to meet his parents, Plavac Mali from Croatia.  The grape is cultivated on the steep vineyards of Hvar, a beautiful Mediterranean island off the coast, and spends about two years in barrique.  The resemblance to my old friend Zin was evident in the bright ruby color and notes of cherries, plums, and dark berries, but the Croatian relative (proven as such through DNA testing no less!) definitely puts a stronger foot forward.  Bone dry, smoky, and slightly bitter, this wine is nicely balanced with a distinguished George Clooney-esque complexity.  A pity only 2000 cases of the Zlatan Plavac Barrique Hvar 2005 were produced so if you see this handsome gem on the menu of your favorite restaurant, place an order and enjoy the courtship with a new friend.

Thankfully production of the Aglianico grape is not as rare.  Moving southwest along the Adriatic sea, this juicy red is the wine of Southern Italy.  Like Sophia Loren, Aglianico can be a bit overwhelming all alone so bring on your pizzas, lasagnas, zitis, bolognese, and anything else with a tomato-based foundation for racy some food-vino amore.  One of the better producers is Mastroberardino and the Taurasi Riserva Radici 2004 is a harmonious herb garden with big tannins & strong alcohol, but oh the smooth finish.  It leaves me hungry for more ... sort of like going on a passeggiata with an Italian and being kissed before you have a chance to react ... hmmm, what was I saying?

And when it's just too damn hot for heavy dishes and grabby reds, I go further north in Campania for some un-oaked Falanghina.  The refreshing but savory mix of Granny Smith apples, spearmint and yellow roses went swimmingly with seafood, shellfish and roasted veggies.  Something a bit salty about this one that speaks of the sea, the beach, and summer romances.  Finally, an exotic I can find at my favorite wine shop that's reasonably priced and is my pick over Pinot Grigio any day of the week.  Which one to try?  The Cantina del Taburno Falanghina 2009 is a wonderful choice.

Funny how non-US products always include a cross-over marketing strategy and vino is no exception.  Offer a tasty alternative to your die hard Chardonnay lovers, bombastic butter-oak monsters excluded, and head northwest to the bodegas of Valdeorras, Spain.  Sipping on a bright glass of Godella rewards me with lemon, toast, and a crisp minerality.  Perfect with fish, chicken, and shellfish paella.  A bit like John Travolta, this comeback grape is again enjoying an increase in popularity and I find the Avanthia Godello Valdeorras Galicia 2008 to be a total crowd pleaser.  So is it like Chardonnay or what?  For me it's not as rich and it's closer to Albariño, found further west along the coast in the maritime influenced Rias Baixas.  Unlike some light whites, SBs come to mind, Godello can handle a little aging and doesn't have to be popped quite so young.

Dang, there goes the lunch bell!  It's back to class and back to work.  Time to get back on track - soccer practice, band practice, add a little finesse to the spitball throw; deliverables, budgets, power points, and conference calls, yep, time to get back at it.  Oh and of course, regular blog posts.  I tell ya, as much as I try to go for routine, regulated schedules, and order, the chaos of life, love, and laughter dictate otherwise ... and I wouldn't have it any other way.  

Until next time,
Salud!

Kermit Lynch - Gary V's interview & the Spring Sampler

So I'm checking out my Facebook feed this morning and I was THRILLED to see that Gary V just posted his interview with Kermit Lynch (click here) - the man, the legend, the down to earth wine importer and Berkeley jewel.  It's a bit of a cliff-hanger so stay tuned for part deaux.

Now I know I'm biased with anything showcasing my favorite city, but Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant is truly a stop to make if you're in the Berkeley hood, particularly if you're into French wines.  They have an ahh-mazing selection and it's truly difficult not to salivate as you walk through the aisles -- Cote du Rhone, both halves of the Cote D'Or, Cru Beaujolais, Alsace, Languedoc-Roussillon, the Loire Valley, and a little bit of Bordeaux.  And, they have their own parking lot, which is truly a plus in Berkeley as you won't have the %!#~$! meter maids to contend with.

I recently bought their Spring Sampler - a case that was predominantly filled with French wines from a variety of regions for $157 - or roughly $13/bottle!  A great deal if you want to sample France in a safe way ... that is get some good to very good wines at a great price, even if you're not familiar with producers or regions.  This case includes a very tasty and hard to find wine from Corsica, the Patrimonio Blanc from Yves Leccia.  Of all the whites, this was a personal favorite & a crowd pleaser - a well balanced and lively wine with fragrant floral & yellow fruit aromas made from Vermentino, a grape varietal that I had not tried before.  The case also comes with suggested recipes from Mark Congero and his wife, both alumni of Chez Panisse, using all the wonderful fruits and vegetables currently in season.

I shared the case with some friends and am sad to see an empty box.  Good thing I also got a bottle of Chateau Aney & Chateaunuf du Pape - both have T-bone written all over it for the upcoming weekend.

Bon Appetit

P.S. I hear Kermit is making a trip to Sicily soon!  Can't wait to see what he brings back.

P.P.S  Click here for Part 2 and here for Part 3 of the interview

Saber champagne in style!

Master Sommelier, Catherine Fallis, demonstrates how to saber a bottle of champagne safely and with style.  Donning a pair of chic sunglasses for eye protection and a pair of long, python-patterned gloves to protect her hands, she drives home the point, safety first. 

If a bottle of champagne is not chilled to the core, any amount of time spent in warmer conditions, like going from a chiller to a warm, sunny patio, will increase the CO2 pressure from within and potentially shoot the cork out as soon as the cage is removed.  It’s best to keep the bottle chilled with minimal movement until you’re ready to drink.


With the flair of a seasoned professional, Catherine holds the bottle at a 45% degree angle and with her champagne saber, slices upward to not only pop the cork but to separate the lip from the neck.  y Voila! Thrill your audience as you pour a bit bubbly.

And exactly what kind of bubbly did she have for us?  A 2000 A.R. Lenoble Champagne Blanc de Noirs.  A white made from black grapes with, as Catherine puts it, "a bouquet so alluring, if it were a woman, you'd follow it!"

Until next time,

Salud!

SF Vintner's Market

Warm weekends and farmer's markets seem to go hand in hand, but don't you wish they had wine available for purchase?  Well that's just what you'll find at Fort Mason this weekend during the San Francisco Vintner's Market on Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and 11.

A $30 entrance fee will get you access to domestic wine regions like Napa, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara to various international imports.  At a multitude of price points, you'll find your favorite wines, new releases, and treasures for the cellar.  Better still, sample from over 200 wineries and buy a bottle, or four, to take home with you.

Got a question about a particular favorite? Folks from the winery will be on hand to answer questions.  Don't have time to head to the wine country to visit small, artisan wineries?  No worries, they're all at Fort Mason this weekend!  Got a small budget and looking for a really nice bottle of wine but not sure what to get?  Experiment and sample from a ginormous wine selection!

Special guests will also be in attendance: Jean Charles Boisset, named 2008 Innovator of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and owner of JCB and DeLoach Vineyards; Craig MacLean, Master Winemaker for JAQK Cellars; Chef Mattin Noblia of Iluna Basque; and wine country artist Ann Rea, are some of the highlights.

So come on out this weekend and enjoy this unique experience.  Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance at http://sfvintnersmarket.eventbrite.com

When you need to take a break between tastings, step outside and watch the sailboats play between Alcatraz and Angel Island on our beloved city by the bay.

Until next time,
Salud!

(as published on Examiner.com)

Interesting food & wine pairings

I love pairing food and wine!  There are endless combinations that open up so many ways to be creative and experimental.

Here's this week's lineup:

On my left:

White-bean puree

Szechuan shrimp (Szechuan being ridiculously hard to spell)

Fresh asparagus (currently in season!)

Smoked salmon

Olive & anchovy tapenade

Milk-chocolate

On my right: 

2008 Le Bonheur Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch, South Africa
2007 Domaine Pichot Vouvray Domaine Le Peu de la Moriette
2007 Vine Cliff Chardonnay Los Carneros
2006 Joseph Roty Pinot Noir Marsannay
2006 Pesquera Temperanillo Ribera del Duero Crianza
NV Paraiso Souzao Port Santa Lucia Highlands


Results:

• The white-bean puree went with everything except the Port ... David & Goliath kinda thing.
• The smoked salmon paired well with the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay but ended up fighting with the other wines.
• The spiciness of the shrimp was best highlighted by the Vouvray and surprisingly, held up against the Port.  The sweetness of the sauce was a bitter match against the Chard and Pinot.
• The asparagus played nice with the tannins in the Pinot & Temperanillo but was horrible with the Port.
• The port so toned down the olive/anchovy funky of the tapenade that I ended up liking it.
• Say yes to chocolate and white wine!  The tart Sauvignon Blanc was a nice complement and the Vouvray in particular is a favorite. 

It's amazing how wine can change and elevate a dish.  More pairings please!

Master Sommelier, Catherine Fallis, recommends pairing iced Vodka with caviar, a Guinness stout with oysters, and Hungarian Tokaji Aszu with foie gras.  Sounds like the stuff epicurean epiphanies are made of.

Until next time,

Salud!

Social Media and the wine biz

Over the last few weeks I made a point to attend a series of wine events that presented opportunities to network with wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.  To see the power of Social Media at work was both exciting and gratifying.  Whether it was a tasting event to promote a particular wine region, a launch to celebrate a new social network, or a tweetup which is essentially a meetup with tweeting, events like these "puts the Social back in to social media," a quote I borrowed from Thea Dwelle's blog Luscious Lushes.

In some ways I liken the relationship between the wine industry and Social Media to dating.  The match is still new and at times, a little awkward.  Each trying to find the right balance between exchanging information and forging a relationship.  From a business investment perspective so much emphasis is placed on immediate Social Media revenues and ROI that we lose sight of the fact that it's just a tool to help us build solid customer relationships in the long-term and is ultimately the key to success.

Each of the following events reinforced this notion for me in a slightly different way:

The Alto Adige Seminar (Mar 2) - This event highlighted the distinctive core varietals of the Alto Adige region in Northern, Italy.  In today's world where so much information is available on the net, it was refreshing to see a packed house at 11:30 on a Tuesday morning in San Francisco.  The seminar gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about the region from an esteemed panel of experts (3 Wolfgangs!) and and have their undivided attention for two hours.  Moreover, attendees got a chance to ask the winemakers about revenue profiles, biodynamic wine production, the geographic nuances within the region, and even disease prevention.  Did you know that Wolfgang Raifer, winemaker at Colterenzio, uses nettle tea to fight fungus and chamomile tea to "calm" the plants down after a hail storm - all in the name of working with what's natural.  My favorite quote came from Michael Goëss-Enzenberg of Manincor regarding biodynamic farming, "you have to live it, not just work it."  As it is with Social Media - you have to participate, not just build it.  I came out of the seminar more mindful about Alto Adige wines and left with a new appreciation for Reislings, Weissburgunders, and Muller Thurgaus.  On the day of and the days that followed, Twitter was a-buzz with Alto Adige commentary further extending the region's exposure.  Vintuba does a great job reviewing both the region and the wines.

Sauvignon Blanc Online Tasting Event (Mar 4) - A novel approach to wine tasting pioneered by Rick Bakas at St. Supery Winery.  The concept is simple: grab a bottle of any Sauvignon Blanc, sign onto twitter at a designated time, and tweet as you taste.  To make things easier, hashtags are used so one can easily follow the blitz of tweets as they flash across the screen.  This event did a quite a few things to elevate my own experience: 1)reminded me that my palette still likes Sauvignon Blanc; 2)brought out my experimental nature so I asked my local wine merchant introduce me to a new wine - enter the Marlborough region of New Zealand; 3)tweeting about my wine introduced me to fellow enthusiasts around the globe and Kiwi wineries in particular; and 4)a fellow tweeter introduced me to a new musician, Gin Wigmore - I love pairing music and wine!  Tasters were tweeting from everywhere - alone, with a group, at home or at a bar.  As a result of this successful effort, more online tasting events are scheduled in the Twitter-verse by Rick and other Twitter personalities, such as the WAMerlot event next week.  It's fun and it's free, and if you're a winery, it's a phenomenal opportunity for brand exposure and direct consumer interaction.

Thirsty Girl (Mar 11) - A high energy event held at the beautiful Gloria Ferrer Vineyards celebrated the recent NYC Expo launch of a new social network.  The creator behind Thirsty Girl is the vivacious Leslie Sbrocco, award winning author, wine consultant, television host of Check Please! and co-founder of WineToday.com. Leslie hopes to bring together women (and Thirsty Men) who share their experiences of fun, adventure, and fulfillment.  To reinforce the inclusive atmosphere, Leslie invited various women in attendance to introduce themselves to the group, talk a bit about who they are, what they do, and why they're a Thirsty Girl.  While wine is a big part of the network, the focus is not on tasting notes or wine recommendations but more about the enjoyment we get from drinking life in (the motto), especially when wine is involved.  With social networking platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Ning, YouTube, and now Thirsty Girl, members are but a key-stroke away from connecting with like-minded individuals so that conversations can take place more easily than ever before.  More events, such as Thirsty Girl Thursdays, will be held in the future and around the country so register on their website to stay updated.

Napa Valley Tweetup (Mar 12) - people are still talking about the wonderful experience they had at the Tweetup organized by Gabriel Carrejo.  A rainy Friday morning didn't stop folks in the wine and Social Media industries from converging in Napa.  A panel of Social Media rockstars talked about the paradigm shift in how businesses see customers who now have a megaphone when voicing their opinions, and the importance of managing one's brand from a B2B and B2C perspective in the face of online conversations that are happening outside of your control.  Jennifer Leggio talked about the need to develop a communication strategy first then determine the appropriate tools (Twitter, FB, etc) to use.  Don't just center your strategy around a Facebook fan page as that platform is trendy and could be gone tomorrow.  First determine the message you want your consumers to hear then pick the best online platforms to deliver that message.  Further, don't just use these social platforms to merely pitch a product or push a coupon, it's a turn-off.  At the end of the day, you're going to sell your product because you reached out and connected with your customer.  That said, it was either Paul Mabray or Michael Brito who provided this tip: Absolutely have a Facebook fan page as Google is indexing key search words from status updates to come up in relevant searches. The best part?  Creating a fan page is FREE, generating traffic is FREE, marketing communications are FREE.  Take advantage, the Social Media train has left the station.  The highlight of the tweetup was the outstanding mixer held later that evening at Robert Mondavi Winery.  Wine and Social Media ... can ya dig it?!

And finally, perhaps one of the most talked about Social Media events last week involved one of the wine industry's most prominent figures, Gary Vaynerchuck and his presentation and keynote talk at SXSW.  The live crowd and online Twitter community (me!) was on fire reiterating multiple parts of his message and a spontaneous free-flow rap finale.  My favorite sound bite: "Focus on legacy over currency.  Businesses (new entrants to Social Media) are acting like a 19 year old guy and trying to close the deal too fast (ROI conversion and the bottom line).  People need to start caring or they're going to fucking lose!  You can't scale authenticity."  

As I continue to digest all this information, I'm mindful about what this means to me as a professional and how I can improve my own business practices.  How can Social Media improve yours?

Until next time,
Salud!

Mead is Irish for wine

Green beer?  Pass.
How about a Pickleback, a combo of Irish whiskey with a pickle juice chaser?  I'd rather not.
A glass of wine?  Definitely!

Mead, a wine with origins as far back as 7000 BC, was often served during Irish weddings.  Instead of grapes, this Muscat-like concoction is made primarily from honey, along with white wine, water and a bit yeast.  Mead is thought to be an aphrodisiac that enhances the groom's virile prowess and fertility.  In fact, the term "honeymoon" stems from an old Irish tradition of stocking up enough mead, or honey wine, to last one full moon after nuptials.  Whether or not the Irish started this concept, or it was really old world Babylon, is up for debate.  Either way, throw on a little Al Green and a night of romance is yours!

For less than $16, there are a few local options for those looking to spice up the evening, but be sure to call ahead as inventory is limited:

1. Mountain Meadows Honeymoon Nectar ($11) is an award winning wine made with wildflower honey (how apropos for spring!) and is available at K&L Merchants in San Francisco.
2. Bargetto Chausers Mead Wine ($14), available at The Cellar in El Sobrante, can be enjoyed both cold and mulled (i.e. warmed with a mixture of orange peel and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg).
3. For a full scope meadery experience, check out Rabbit's Food Meadery in Sunnyvale and try their multi-award winning Sweet Mead ($16). 

Enjoy and have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day.
Salud!

(as published on Examiner.com)

Barrel Tasting in Sonoma

What better way for a wine enthusiast to spend a beautiful, spring weekend than to meander through Northern Sonoma and participate in the 32nd Annual Barrel Tasting event!  From Friday to Sunday, March 12-14, winemakers give visitors a chance sample their wine straight from the barrel. Visitors will also have an opportunity to purchase these wines before public release in approximately 12-18 months (futures), with many wineries offering a discount for advance purchase.

One wrist-band worth $30 for the 3-day affair gets you access to the likes of Francis Ford Coppola, Kendall Jackson, Dry Creek, DeLoach, Pedroncelli, Clos du Bois, Rosenblum, Joseph Swan, Michel-Schlumberger, La Crema Tasting Room, Terroirs Artisan Wines and Korbel Champagne Cellars.  These are but a few among the 100+ wineries to choose from in the valleys of Dry Creek, Alexander and Russian River.

Whether you're new to wine or an experienced aficionado, vintners will be on hand to answer your questions. Ask them, "how will the wine change as it matures, why will it take another year before the wine is ready, where do the grapes come from, why a blend of varietals instead of 100% of one?" Or even, "what the heck is a sulfite and why do you add it into the wine?" What you learn may surprise you.

Come prepared with a picnic and take advantage of the spectacular scenery. Since the purpose of barrel tasting is to showcase the wine, some wineries may not have lite nosh to offer. Other things to keep in mind:

* People from all over the country come to this event so be prepared for the crowds.
* Please don't come in a big bus! Most roads are two lanes and allow street parking.
* Some wineries will not be pouring on Friday so best to have a game plan of which wineries to visit.
* Drink to taste, not intoxicate, and keep your palate fresh enough to try from a variety of wineries.
* Finally, and most importantly, drink safely and designate a driver.

Visit Wine Road's website for detailed information on the hours, area map, and participating wineries: http://www.wineroad.com/annualevents/3

Salud!

(as published on Examiner.com)

Spätburgunder sighting!

A couple of months ago I was intrigued after reading the New York Times article about Spätburgunder, Germany's Pinot Noir.  I went on the hunt and called several wine merchants but sadly, none had any on hand.  I heard about a small shop along San Francisco's Embarcadero and thought I'd give them a try.  I came across the "No Trespassing" sign at Pier 19 and walked in to find Dee Vine Wines, a jewel in a lonely warehouse.  They not only had a variety of Spätburgunder available but they were having a tasting - SCORE!

Spätburgunder (SHPAYT-bur-GUHN-der) comes from the literal translation late (spät) harvest burgundy and is Germany's best known red varietal.  The wines surprised me as my palate is use to the fruitier flavors typical of California and Oregon Pinot Noirs.  The German varietal is complex, very little fruit on the nose and on the palate, and is light bodied with low levels of tannin.  These wines tend to favor their burgundy brethren more than the Pinot Noir.  It's a bit of an acquired taste - "it's different" was the phrase folks uttered most frequently; however, I found myself liking it more and more with each sip.  I got there very late but managed to scribble a few notes on the following:

• The tasting started with a 2006 Solter Brut Spätburgunder Sekt Rosé ($20) - citrusy but too sweet
• 2007 König Assmannshaüser Höllenberg Spätburgunder Spätlese trocken ($30) - tart, very light
• 2006 König Assmannshaüser Höllenberg FRBG Spätlese trocken ($44) - spicy and dry
• 2002 Kühn Rotwein Spätburgunder trocken ($30) - Biodynamic. Brown in color, fennel on the nose, lively and refreshing.
• 2007 Prinz Hendelberg Spätburgunder trocken ($29) - light color but fuller bodied than the rest, smells like the forest
• 2003 Kesseler “Max” Spätburgunder QbA trocken ($55) - color is a dark rose but not deep, smoky nose, wood on the palate, and drier than the rest.
• The tasting ended with a 1983 Staatsweingut Assmannshaüser Höllenberg Spätburgunder WSS ($65) - very sweet, heavy, and reminiscent of a Moscato. 

Spätburgunder wines are fairly expensive for the weekday drinker, most are $30 and up, but make for an interesting weekend or special occasion compare and contrast tasting.  If you're in San Francisco, I highly recommend taking a gander at Dee Vine's selection, particularly if you're in the market for German wines and most definitely if you're in the market for Rieslings, many bottles come in half size and are reasonably priced.  Bonus: the proprietors are friendly, very knowledgeable, and welcoming.

Auf Wiedersehen und Zum Wohl!
(Goodbye and to your health!)

(see similar article published on Examiner.com)

Food, Wine and Poetry ... a trifecta for the soul

SF Noir, an organization focused on arts and culture, is in it's 9th year celebrating Black History Month and this year's focus was all things culinary.  On the second night of SF Noir, I tasted wines from a select group of winemakers and listened to their stories.  Later, poets talked lyrically of their fierce and deep connection with food.  The food demons that cause us to over-indulge and the foods that take us to our most cherished moments with loved ones.  I listed to their stories with wine on the tongue and thought, what better way for a wine enthusiast to express their connection to the grape but to make poetry in a bottle.

Kendric Vineyards presented the '07 Shenandoah Valley Syrah.  The winemaker suggested that the hints of orange peel and rosemary in the wine may go well with hearty foods, and interestingly, paired perfectly with the roasted chicken with lemon he had for dinner.  Although when it came to pairing wines with food, he too is still learning and would be going to a class this weekend.  The gregarious owner of 19th Hole Wine talked about his big, bold 2007 Dry Creek Merlot going well with saucy meat dishes.  He's not only the owner but also a professional golfer.  I asked what he role he plays at the winery, and his response, "I'm everything!"  While tasting the Vinas 3 Pinot Noir, I asked the reps how the winemaker came up the name Row Eleven.  Within California, the winemaker examined all the vineyards and appellations, and decided the best rows were row 11.  Huh?  The wisdom of the ages was about to be passed down but no time, Poetri was about to hit the stage.

What does wine have to do with poetry?  Everything!  It's about chemistry, a particular mix, formula mixed with art. 

• A haiku is 17 syllables, 1st line 5, 2nd line 7, 3rd line 5.  
• Ed's Red 2007 AD is 46% Syrah, 39% Zin, 13% Petit Sirah, 4% Cab Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Add the artist's personal style, method of incubation, timing of delivery, presentation, and what results is a unique ryhme and rythm of taste, harmony, and emotion.

The poet Lynne Alicia Elman, a strict vegan, talked of her struggle to find balance between natural foods and enjoying food.  How many wine drinkers struggle between drinking what Wine Spectator rates highly and just drinking what you like, even if it is Two Buck Chuck.  The poet Josh Healey urges, "Just be consistent."  So if I'm a vegan, should I only limit myself to organic wines?  It seems so limiting.  The poet Kirya Traber talked of banishing eggplant from her life since adolensce.  Many years later, deciding to take a chance, she tried it again and her whole being opened up.  How many write-off a varietal or a particular winery because of one glass, one bottle?  How much would our world open up if we tried again?  I listened and watched as the poets welled up with emotion telling their intensely personal tales, and I was moved.

Before I poured myself a glass of purple Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha to write this post, I thought about my own poetic wine experiences.  Every time I see an ugly, moldy piece of funky blue cheese served on a cheese plate after dinner, my mind goes back to a fishing village in the south of France.  When I see a bottle of Bordeaux with a fancy label, I remember a foray into the French section of a ginormous wine shop, my friends and I, terrified and overwhelmed by all the choices with names we couldn't pronunce, the ridiculous price tags, and the epiphany that my goodness, there's a whole world of winemakers out there and this is just Bordeaux!  Or the time I bit into a dark chocolate truffle, a light dusting of bitter cocoa hiding the sweet, soft, substantial goodness within, the sip of old vine zinfandel that followed, and then opening my eyes and seeing my beloved.

When Sideways movie goers went to Santa Barbara, I went to Portland to search for the perfect Pinot Noir.  The disappointment weighed heavy on my mind the last day of the trip - I didn't find it.  Maybe Pinot Noir wasn't my favorite, maybe I just wasted my time, maybe I really didn't like wine at all.  I sat at the wine bar next to my hotel, one last flight before my flight.  What the hell, I had time to kill.  And then I tasted it.  The perfect Pinot Noir from little LaVelle Vineyards in Willamette Valley.  My whole self was enveloped in the richness of the juice!  I rejoiced in my adventure as the ruby nectar warmed its way to my heart, reveled in the satisfaction, and fell in love all over again.  I wanted to move to Portland.

What does poetry have to do with wine?  Everything! 

I hope that poetry fills your glass this weekend.
Salud!

It's Mardi Gras Cher

Yes my friends, it's Fat Tuesday and it's time to party!  So in the spirit of Mardi Gras (french for Fat Tuesday) my mind naturally turns to wine.  More specifically, what to pair with intense Cajun foods - all recommendations welcome!  Here are my thoughts:

Cabernet Sauvignon is my go to wine but for this occasion, I'll skip this typically heavy red in search for a better match.  Staying within the red family, I think a mellow Shiraz or an Oregon Pinot Noir would work quite nicely with the heat and sass of chicken & sausage gumbo or jambalaya - I'm craving non-greens after a week of vegetarianism.  If you don't feel like wine, an ice cold beer will work too!

On the other hand, I do be loving some of that spicy seafood so I'm thinking a cool Riesling to go along with a grilled Cajun catfish or a rich dish of shrimp creole.  I only had a Viognier once but I think the flavor profile would work here as well.

No meal is complete without desert - enter the sweet and colorful King Cake, traditionally served the day after Mardi Gras.  I'm going to try Chef Emeril Lagasse's recipe.  Back in the day, a gold bean was hidden in the cake and the lady who found it was deemed Queen of the Ball.  Can you just picture proper ladies of the court tearing that sucker up searching for the coveted bean?  Pair with something bubbly fo sho!  A prosecco or cava sounds good, maybe even a Moscato d'Asti tho the challenge will be finding one that's not too sweet.  Alternatively, nothing balances out a sweet coffee-cake type desert like a demitasse of espresso.

To follow the full tradition means that I only have till the last hour of Mardi Gras before I have to give up all this decadence until Easter.  Hmmm, I don't like the sound of that ... maybe I'll just work on dancing it all off till then.  Beads anyone?

Till next time Cher,
Salud!

I found my bliss

After a magical week of yoga in Tulum, Mexico I come back strong, open and blissfully at peace.  Twice a day, I made my way to the shala to practice with my new friends and I found the restrictions and stresses of "civilization" melting away.

The organic spirit was equally present in the food we ate.  Much to my pleasant surprise, I acclimated quite well to meals of salads, veggie stir-fry, fruits, tofu, and lentils.  I thought the carnivore in me would protest after the first day but it's often delightful what happens when I open my palate to new experiences.  Except for chickpeas ... I tried to like them but alas, I'm still not a fan.

After restorative yoga in the evenings, I looked forward to ending my meals with a glass of red wine.  While the selection was few in the modest town of Tulum, I found it interesting that many of the wines I came across were Chilean, with labels I haven't seen in the US.  More often than not, I find Chilean wines to be fairly light, both in taste and in body; therefore, a very pleasant compliment to vegetarian based meals.  Even with the South American varietals, I still prefer Cab Sav over Merlot.  That's all I got by way of tasting notes - anything more in a place where sand covers the floor and everyone comes in barefoot seemed a bit obnoxious.

Now, I love me a good tequilla but when the group ventured into the big town of Playa del Carmen, I took a wine bar break to try a couple of Mexican wines.  The first was Nebbiolo Reserva Privada, Valle de Guadalupe - very dark in color and tastes of warm earth and wood; clean finish, the taste almost dissipates upon swallowing - good drinking wine for balmy evenings.  The second was a Duetto - a full-bodied blend of 60% Tempranillo and 40% Cab Sav that tasted of vanilla and was slightly fruity.  Duetto is produced by Bodegas de Santo Tomas, the oldest winery in Mexico, who has partnered with non other than Wente Vineyards in Livermore!  I go kayaking in Livermore fairly often so perhaps a stopover at Wente to find out more about this partnership is in order.  Both the Nebbiolo and Duetto come from the northern part of the Baja peninsula known as Ruta del Vino, where the temperate climate is conducive to producing over 90% of Mexico's grapes.  Leave it to the Jesuit priests and missionaries of the 1700's to find perfect land parcels for wine growing.  I found all this new information absolutely fascinating.

At the airport, reluctantly waiting for my flight home, I came across two products from Carmelita Industria Casera.  The first was Rompope, a Mexican eggnog that's better than, well, eggnog.  I've been drinking it with my coffee and it's outa sight with a shot of brandy!  The next is Cajeta, a sweet Caramel indulgence made from goat's milk.  Once I learn how to make a dulce de leche desert I forsee anyone who partakes to be putty in my hands.

Opening the spirit and the palate to new tastes and experiences continues to be a wondrous adventure.

Until next time,
Salud!

A pair of lovelies just spoke to me

Browsing my wine merchant's cellar has never been so fun!  Two bottles in particular really grabbed me this week.

The first was the 2006 Elyse Couzins from Napa Valley.  Thank goodness it came in half size because I drank it by myself ... is that bad?  Anyway, this Zinfandel/Primitivo blend just spoke to me as I perused the shelf and I'm so glad I listened!  Blackberries and mocha emanated from the glass filled with red mahogany.  Upon the first sip, my palate was flooded with velvet waves of peppery goodness.

I could easily drink this alone but choose to pair it with a dinner of warm bread and brie. The wine might be a touch too strong for the creamy, French brie but it was quite enjoyable nonetheless.  A couple of ounces was left for Wine Wednesday and this pretty, little lovely matured as I danced to a duet by Shakira and Alejandro Sanz, "Te Lo Agradezco, Pero No."  Have you heard it?  No?  You must!  Doesn't matter if you speak Spanish, some things just don't need translation.  A layer of coffee on the nose and on the palate manifested on day two - I'm a caffeine addict so I like that.  I read more...will absolutely buy this again only the winery doesn't sell it anymore and my wine merchant just has a limited amount.  Sure!  Lure me in, make me want you and then disappear!  Ah well, hunting for little gems like this is half the fun.

The next was today's beautiful, purple Malbec from Mendoza - a 2005 Zolo Reserve.  The smell reminds me of walking in the forest just after a light rain. The wood comes out even more when sipping along with an alluring smoky quality. After the first glass I needed some food so I paired this dry lovely with a tomato-based dish of sausage and peppers, which in turn brought out the wine's spice mid-palate and then onto a soft, lingering finish.  Each sip got smoother and smoother as Diana Krall crooned "Besame Mucho." Vacation and a bathing suit are just days away but oh yes, may I please have another!

As mentioned, I'll be on vacation next week so things will be rather quiet on the Wine Gal front.  I may develop a nervous tick being away from technology for so long.  Think I'll stash a bottle of wine in the ole suitcase ... you know, for medicinal purposes.

By the by, after listening to Vino 2010 via live streaming this morning, I feel compelled to be more transparent.  No opinions bought here, just a gal sharing my one-cent take on vino as my palate, education and entrepreneurship evolves.  Thank you so much for reading, I really do appreciate it!

Until next time,
Salud!

ZAP 2010 - The Grand Zinfandel Tasting Event

If you love Zins and want to broaden your palate with new and interesting choices, then this is the event for you!  The mac daddy of Zinfandel tastings is big, zany, a bit overwhelming and a whole lot of fun!  

There were over 200 wineries split between two giant warehouses loosely organized in alphabetical order. Within you'll find water, loaves of bread to tote around and various cheese stations to help cleanse your palate. Step outside to get some air and watch the sailboats play around Alcatraz.

I recommend arriving as early as possible because by 3pm it gets crowded, loud and lines form at popular wineries. Sort of like a Friday night in the reception area of the most popular restaurant in town.  I also recommend going out of your Zin comfort zone and experiment - try some you've never heard of, talk to the winemakers (many of whom are doing the pouring), and talk to other tasters - you may just walk away with a fantastic gem.

My favorite barrel sample of the day was from Chatom Vineyards 2008.  Definitely fruit forward with low tannin levels. The expected release will be around 2011 or early 2012 - delicious, I'm a big fan!  I also ran into the very cool Hardy Wallace of Murphy Goode who poured us a bit of the crowd-pleasing, dry and earthy '07 Liar's Dice from Sonoma, but my palate favored the garnet colored, strong tannin '06 Snake Eyes from Alexander Valley; maybe that's because I've always wanted to dominate on Craps. 

 

Mine?  Scott Harvey's 2007 Vineyard 1869 from Amador County made from 140-year old vines in the oldest documented vineyard in the US.  Lightly floral nose; velvety smooth on the palate with notes of coffee; and a nice, long, silky finish - loved it!

I was fairly diligent in pouring out as much as possible - just a taste or two before pouring out the rest so I could last through the afternoon.  I ended up tasting about 30 different wines, but couldn't bring myself to pour out the following standouts: 

• 2007 Lodi from Deep Purple Winery in Napa. Light, easy drinking. One of my favs, probably because it paired perfectly with their wine infused brownies!
• 2007 Fiddletown from Rombauer in St. Helena - a crowd favorite. Dark berries. Come holla at ya momma, this is a nice, fat zin.
• 2006 Dry Creek Valley from Artezin Wines in Napa. Fruit-forward, spicy, elegant, well-balanced, luxurious finish

The fun find of the day goes to Bota Box and their 2008 Old Vine from Mendocino. Wine in a box, but it was good, really! A little spicy, a little sweet (jammy), low tannin. Paired well with those little green squares of chocolate. The box is 100% recyclable, holds 4 bottles of wine and will last 45 days - perfect for camping trips!  

Check-out the Facebook ZAP album for other wineries visited.  Next year is going to be ZAP's 20th birthday and it is going to be a great party!  Grab a friend and plan to have a wonderful, zany time! 

Till next time,


Salud!



Special thanks to John Cesano for the tickets. 

In a French state of mind

I recently attended the Wine Entrepreneur Conference (WEC) in Washington DC - in a word, WOW!  Laurent Guinand and his team at GiraMondo Ventures put on a fantastic event that spoke to vintners and wine professionals alike.  From the panelists to the participants, I was impressed with the caliber of people who chose to attend and with the advice they chose to impart.  GiraMondo is in the process of planning next year's event - I highly recommend it as a worthwhile investment in yourself and in your career.

The recurring theme?  The wine business isn't about cultivating ROI, it's about pursuing a passion.  That message was reiterated by those who came from a family of growers to those who made a recent transition.  I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that many successful wine entrepreneurs (vintners, distributors, writers) started with a business background and at some point gave up security to pursue something they really enjoyed.  Boy did that make me feel good ... I'm not crazy after all!

The keynote speaker on the first day was Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset Family Estates.  He was eloquent, charismatic and engaging.  Monsieur Boisset stressed "the importance of paying attention to what's below the earth as much as the vine above it.  It's not just the grape."  This resonated with me and is something I continue to think about.  All at once the phrase speaks of nature, tradition, innovation, recycling, and sustainability - much like the company's business practices.

Laurent, Jean-Charles, a couple of panelists, and one of the moderators were all French.  Heck, my hotel concierge was French!  On my last day, I walked around DC thinking of the events over the last few days and noted how many of the historical buildings favored French architecture.  I daydreamed back to my first transformative experience with wine - it was with a bottle of Bordeaux in a small fishing village in the South of France where no one spoke English.  It was the first time I had wine with everything, the first time I had wine with an array of cheeses, and the first time I really paid attention to the taste vs the effect.  Even my favorite dog breed, the French Bulldog, has French ancestry.  Perhaps all these French signs were telling me something ---> it seems all things point to WINE!

And then today I came across the ultimate event for the Burgundy wine connoisseur.  Why not drop a few grand and spend a posh few days at the St. Francis Hotel to attend La Paulée de San Francisco (Mar11-13).  This fabulous dinner party will bring together the top winemakers from the Domaines of Burgundy who will share a range of vintages poured by the top sommeliers in the country.  The event program includes a Collector's Lunch, a Rare Wine Dinner, a Grand Tasting, a seminar in the "Study of Terroir" and a charity auction.  I'd love a video of the Rare Wine Dinner so I can play it back the way a football player studies game moves.  Incidentally, La Paulée is an old Burgundian tradition whereby various vineyard owners would bring their bottles to share with workers and friends and break bread as they celebrate the end of the grape harvest ... a long way from its humble beginnings to the riches of today.

And speaking of wine ... it's been quite some time since I ran into a Burgundy under $25 that blew my socks off.  Any recommendations?  Up until a few days ago, I also said that I haven't had a Malbec I really liked, that is until Day 2 of the WEC, which was hosted by the Argentine Embassy.  Now Malbecs are a new fav and I'm dreaming of Mendoza ... but that's a whole other story!

Until then,
A Votre Santé!

Sustainable Winegrowing from the folks at SWP

A little wine is healthy ... really

I've always heard a glass of wine a day is good for you.  I never saw a need to question this factoid, I just happily went with it.  Given how many of us renew our dedication to health in the month of January, I sat down with a trusted M.D., who incidentally happens to be both an oenophile and my uncle, and discovered some very interesting things about how wine affects our health.

First, it's all about portion control.  Apparently one glass means 4 ounces NOT the full pours I tend to enjoy.  Oh.  Second, drinking a moderate amount of wine (4 to 8 ounces) on a daily basis is much better than saving my wine craving and over-indulging during Happy Hour on Thursday.  Followed by date night Friday.  And then girl's night Saturday.  Third, taken in moderation, wine has been known to help relax the blood vessels, raise HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and diabetes.  Dr. Dave/Uncle Wino was quick to clarify - wine isn't a replacement for good health practices, but if we do partake, there are proven benefits.

So I decided to do some research. I gave myself a moderate pour of Estancia Pinot Noir (cuz I like it spicy with a long finish) while 50 Cent and I asked 21 Questions.  Here's what I found:

• UCLA and New York's Mt. Sinai School of Medicine teamed up to produce studies demonstrating how compounds found in red wine help to reduce cognitive deterioration. While a cure for Alzheimer's hasn't been found, the team has taken research an "important step forward."
  
• The American Heart Association takes the stance that wine does in fact contribute towards lower levels of heart disease. 
• And the American Diabetes Association, along with various independent studies, indicates red wine helps to improve insulin sensitivity.

Antioxidants - it's a good thing.

But what if red wine gives you a headache?  The advice Uncle Dave gave to my Dad ... try an older vintage.  Makes sense to me.  I find that older wine, like men, gets more mellow and much smoother over time.  I always thought it was because older wines contained less tannin but recent studies have shown that age doesn't necessarily correlate to tannin levels.  Good tip nonetheless.

So there you have it, I learn something new everyday!  Wine is indeed good for you.

Until next time,
Here's to your healh ~ Salud!

The world of wine is more welcoming than I anticipated

WOW!  Is it already Jan 2?

First and foremost, let me just say the world of wine is more welcoming than I anticipated.  What a pleasant surprise to have well-established vintners, writers, and industry rockstars readily accept my friendship and questions.  Given that I'm a novice in the field, I've been absolutely delighted by the support I've received in embarking on my new path.

Starting anything new is concurrently daunting and exciting - like the knot at the pit of my stomach at the top of a REALLY high roller coaster kind of exciting.  Knocking at the door of this beloved industry and hearing, "C'mon in!" has been really encouraging, so thank you!

Each interaction has led to some great findings!  Like what?  Glad you asked!  Here's a few that really churned by butter ...

2010 Wine Entrepreneur Conference in Washington DC (Jan21-22) - Oh my, was this event created just for me?!  I couldn't scrounge the bread so I'm envious for those going.  What a tremendous opportunity for people, ideas and funding to come together.

International Wine Tourism Conference in Barcelona (Feb1-4) - This event will be held near the mountains of Montserrat which is a beautiful, magical place.  Over 300 wine and travel professionals from over 30 countries!  I get starry eyed just thinking about it.  If you're going, please send a daily update, RSS feed, tweet ... email even!

All things Wine 2.0 - Yeah, I'm a tech geek, I've accepted that and I embrace it.  Two spring events I'm really excited about are coming up in my city by the bay.  Please!  I beseech you, not Frisco, not San Fran, just plain 'ol SF or San Francisco will do, but I digress.  There's the SF Wine Expo at Crushpad and The Vintner's Market at Fort Mason - both in April.  Hope to see y'all there!  Perhaps get a wine tip or two from you in person?

And speaking of Crushpad!  I signed up for a wine blending session in February that combines my two favorite red varietals - Cabs & Bordeaux (excuse my ignorance, the plural form would be Bordeauxs?  Bordeaus?) mmm, I'm salivating at the thought!

Lodi's Wine and Chocolate Weekend held appropriately enough during Valentine's.  Truly, could there be better a pairing than wine and chocolate?

And finally, the 2010 North American Wine Bloggers Conference in Walla Walla, WA (June 25-27).  I will likely be wrapping up my sommelier program and prepping for the exam but if the dates & stars align, I see a northern road trip in my future.

Exciting, no?  So many events, so little time.  And thanks to Social Networking, it's easier than ever to keep up and stay connected.  I've got to get the bare bones of my website set-up next week so I'm hoping to enlist the help of a web-developer fairy.  Working on my new endeavor has been a blast thus far!

My shipment of Cambria 2006 Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir (stocked on no shelf that I've perused!) is coming next week and I can't wait!  I tried the 2007 and it was so good the 2nd bottle was half-way empty before we realized what happened.

Till next time,
Salud!