Tasting and Lesson with Stacie Hunt: Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe

May 31, 2019 by evebushman

Had the pleasure of sitting in on a lecture of the wines of the Valle de Guadalupe with the LA Wine Writers at our favorite spot for a wine paired luncheon, Napa Valley Grille, a few weeks ago. Will share what I learned and tasted below, or you can just skip to the story in photos here.

Some Things We Learned

There are over 200 years of wine history in the area, with the first grapes, table grapes, being planted before the 16^th century. Jesuit priests reactivated winemaking in the Tijuana area in 1791. In the 1800s the Dominicans came in, the Jesuits were out, and planting began north of Ensenada. By the 1900s Russian Molokans fled Russia and they too settled in Baja.

Over the years winemaking has changed due to new technology, growing techniques and water issues. (Underground aquifers are being exhausted due to drought. Drip systems can help control the salinity of the wines.) Most days reach 85 degrees, however the nights are at least 20 degrees lower and breezy. Stacie said that the fog creeps over in the morning and like a cat’s paws.

Some of the red wines being produced, with ABVs between 14-15%, include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Carignan, Grenache, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Mision, Sangiovese and other Italian reds.

Whites, with ABVs between 12-13%, include Chardonnay, Chasselas, Chenin Blanc, Macabeo (aka Viura), Muscat Blanc, Palomino, Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Mision Blanco, Albariño and a variety of Italian whites.

There are many notable wineries including Casa de Piedra, Casa Magoni, Paraleo, Mogor Badan, Monte Xanic, L.A. Cetto, Montefiore and more. There are approximately 200 bonded wineries in total.

There is no system presently, for classifications on the labels, however, like California, bottles have to be made of 75% of one singular variety to have that variety’s name on the label. The only other items on a label have to be the producer’s name, region and the alcohol content.

One of Stacie’s mentors is winemaker, educator and a leader in the field, Hugo D’Acosta. He created an educational facility for budding winemakers in El Porvenir, has vineyards in Bordeaux and Pyrenees and partners with Wente in Napa and Milagro in San Diego.

These wines are “not your daddy’s wine” Stacie said, not like the wines of Bordeaux or Italy though they share similar varieties. The terroir makes a difference in the varietal character, which you may see via my tasting notes below.

The Wine and Pairing

This four course wine paired luncheon, one of many I’ve enjoyed with the LA Wine Writers, was outstanding as usual. Below are the courses, the wines (all retail for $35 and under), notes on the wines and the pairings.

Poached Bosc Pear with Burrata and Endive

Cavas Maciel, Venus Rosa of Merlot

100% Merlot Rose

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Pink grapefruit, pear, pale florals, pebbles, flint.

Flavor: Peach, crisp acidity and then palate drying, a slight salinity.

Pairing: Very refreshing on the palate.

Diver Scallop Crudo with Cucumber Brunoises, Blood Orange Reduction

Monte Xanic, Sauvignon Blanc

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Lemon-lime, fruit cocktail, white peach.

Flavor: Meyer lemon, crisp, clean and low acid.

Pairing: The fruit in the dish and in the wine made for a good pairing.

Seared Cumin Crusted Seabass, Coconut Cauliflower Puree

El Cielo, Chardonnay 2015

100% Chardonnay (oaked)

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Toasted oak, butter, cream, Golden Delicious apple, rich mouthfeel with some salinity.

Flavor: Lemon, oak, hay, balanced fruit and acid.

Second wine: Vinos Lechuza, Chardonnay 2016

100% Chardonnay (stainless steel)

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Unsalted butter, banana, kiwi, pale oak.

Flavor: Golden Delicious apple (again), oak, buttery with a long finish.

Pairing: I preferred the oaked Chardonnay over the stainless with this dish.

Pasta Arrabbiata with Romano Pecorino

Vinos de la Reina, Sangiovese 2015

100% Sangiovese

Valle de San Vicente

Aroma: A slight vegetal aroma blew off in a few minutes, then I got plums, perfumy, char and a dusty quality.

Flavor: Red to dark fruit, pepper, tannic, dry, jammy. (Stacie said the jammy quality comes from the heat in the area.)

Pairing: Most of the writers inhaled this pairing and who am I to argue? But maybe I was just saving myself for the grand finale.

Santa Maria Grilled Tri Tip Chimichurri, Spring Farmer’s Vegetables, Tri Tip Jus.

Vina Cava, Tempranillo 2016

100% Tempranillo

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Earth, dust, blueberry, blackberry – perfume to my nose.

Flavor: Deep, dark and dusty with black fruit, char and oak. Another wine I will look for again.

Pairing: The spice in this dish enhanced the wine perfectly.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Wine and Cheese Pairing the Millennial Way

April 18, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Millennials may have killed canned tuna and mayonnaise, but when it comes to wine and cheese, they are willing to put their money where their mouth is – and that bodes well for imports.

Photo: Wisconsin public radio.

“Millennial consumers have sophisticated palates, and their taste in both cheese and wine extends beyond U.S. borders,” said Charles Duque, Managing Director Americas for the French Dairy Board. “They grew up going to grocery stores stocked with imported goods, and these luxuries became part of everyday life. Additionally, with the popularity of Instagram, Millennials are deliberately choosing foods to eat and share that make a great ‘gram’,” he added. In cheese terms, varieties that are gooey, like a runny brie or one with a pop of color like Mimolette are popular with Millennial consumers.

“When it comes to wine, Millennials are open-minded, curious, and willing to taste many different styles,” says Gordana Josovic, Head Sommelier, Beasts & Bottles in Brooklyn, NY. “Traditional cheese and wine pairing rules of their parents’ era do not always apply.”

Adam Teeter, Co-Founder of Vinepair.com, agrees and points out that Millennials are more likely to opt for a grape or region they’ve never tried, such as Beaujolais, Chenin Blanc, Rosé from Provence, Malbec and even Canned Sparkling Wine, and aren’t swayed by an ad campaign. “Millennials are not interested in a score or rating, but instead a great tale that will capture their purse. They are making less formal and certainly more budget conscious decisions,” said Teeter. “They are looking for a relatable story and an approachable price.”

Here are some perfect Millennial pairings to consider:
1.    Beaujolais – Raclette, Beaufort
2.    Chenin Blanc – Crottin de Chavignol, Comté – 12 months
3.    Canned Sparkling Wine – Chaource, Saint André
4.    Provence Rosé – Young Cantal or Young Brie
5.    Malbec – Saint Nectaire, Fourme d’Ambert
6.    Vintage Grower Champagne – Stravecchio Parmigiano Reggiano

About The Cheeses of Europe:
The Cheeses of Europe Marketing Campaign, orchestrated by CNIEL (The French Dairy Inter-Branch Organization) and funded in part by the European Union, was designed to create awareness for the variety of European cheeses available in the U.S. market and to suggest ways that American consumers can incorporate those cheeses into their diets, recipes and lifestyles. The campaign’s goal is to increase the appeal of European cheeses and strengthen their competitive position in the growing specialty cheese category.

Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico: From Del Dotto Vineyards in Napa to Zanzonico Wines in Ensenada

January 25, 2019 by evebushman

A few weeks ago I shared some news in my weekly Dear Wine Friend e-newsletter that I’m still struggling with:

Wine News: I recently learned that longtime Del Dotto winemaker Gerard Zanzonico is moving off to Ensenada, where he has already been making wine, and moving into the role of consulting winemaker for Del Dotto. While Gerard holds a permanent place in my heart as one of the first winemakers I’ve interviewed, and continue to interview every year or so, I do understand that winemakers have to retire like everyone else. He’s invited Eddie and me down to his home to work on his memoirs – we’ve joked about doing this for years – so at least it’s not goodbye just yet. #SadFace

Eve in Del Dotto caves with Gerard. Photo by Ed Bushman Feb., 2012

So, long story short (if possible!) I reached out to Gerard to find out more about his work in Ensenada. I learned that he’s been making wines for MD Vinos, and already has four years under his belt as a Baja California winemaker. What seemed like a shock was already experienced territory for Gerard, he’d obviously had four years to get used to the idea.

“Not retiring but changing directions…I will have my own brand Zanzonico Wines and consult for MD vinos in Ensenada…(making) probably two more wines (for them).”

Loving the sound of Zanzonico Wines I pressed Gerard for more info. He would be making a Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Nebbiolo. About 1,000 cases in total so he could “still have fun.”

Gerard and his wife Patricia “bought a nice place looking over the ocean just north of Ensenada (with a) separate Casita” for my husband and me to get “comfortable” in once they are settled, and have a full tasting and tour of the Guadalupe Valley. Gerard said we “would love the experience.” Well this invitation did soften the blow of him leaving Napa!

Over the years I’d learned a lot about Gerard, with him starting his career as a cellar rat at Chateau Montelena during the Judgment of Paris. I remember asking him what it was like, after the tasting brought such fame to the winery and he said – and I’ll never forget – “We were too busy working hard and having fun to notice!” (Here was one of the reasons I love to visit Gerard. He may be at one of the most amazing properties in the Napa Valley, hosting club members with tastings, dinners and bungalow visits – but he was just so down to earth and natural to be with.) It was with that one sentence that I knew Gerard had a story to tell, and we’ve been chatting for years about him doing just that.

Looks like he’s been working on drafts of his story in Ensenada, and “with your help maybe can finish it off.”

As far as what will change at Del Dotto Vineyards, I learned that Robbie Meyer will take over the day-to-day winemaking duties though Gerard will come in every three months for two weeks at a time, for at least three to four more years. I look forward to meeting Meyer and tasting with him at some point in the future.

So, that about covers it. Except that over the past ten years or so we had several tastings, these are the articles I could still find on the Internet, though I know there are more. If you are interested in learning about Gerard I suggest you take a peek:

March 2012 Elite Magazine: The Unique Beauty of Napa

October 2013: This is What We Chose and Why – The Upcoming Napa Trip

December 2013: Tasting with Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico and Winery Owner Dave Del Dotto = Priceless

October 2014: Visiting ZD and Drive By Del Dotto

September 2015: Vintage Eve Circa 9/2015: Old and New Finds at Del Dotto and Regusci

September 2017: Napa 2017 After The Fires: Del Dotto

Lastly, from Gerard, “Thanks for all your support over the years…many fond memories of tasting, sorting and being together. Always loved the photo of us walking into the cellar at Del Dotto…Gerard.”

So, Ensenada anyone?

MD Vinos

Or Napa?

Del Dotto Vineyards

Paso: Sculptures, Winemaking and Tasting at Sculpterra

December 21, 2018 by evebushman

Lucky for me winemaker Dusty Nabor, of Dusty Nabor Wines, is pals with Sculpterra winemaker Paul Frankel – in fact Nabor buys his Bentley Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Frankel – and Nabor graciously offered to see about getting me an interview and a behind the scenes tour with Frankel.

My husband and Frankel in front of the many metal art pieces at Sculpterra.

When we drove up to the winery, its reputation as a sculpture garden preceding it, I made a point to tour the grounds a bit and photograph anything I hadn’t already seen before. It’s quite an impressive sight, and I believe unlike any other winery in Paso or anywhere else.

We met up with Frankel who filled us in on some of what we were seeing. There are metal sculptures, railings, a new several-feet-tall “photo album” mural just getting ready to be filled in, racks and poles for bicycles and horses – predominantly created by Bob Bentley. More about the art and artists can be read here: http://sculpterra.com/our-art/

Frankel grew up at Sculpterra, and lucky for his father, he was bitten by the wine bug when he attended Cal Poly. Frankel said you have to love farming and winemaking. His father, Dr. Warren Frankel, is currently in India working as a medical missionary with the “His Healing Hands” organization.

The vineyard was planted in 1993, beginning with 90 acres, then they purchased 160 more. There are now twelve varieties of wine grapes under vine, and pistachio acreage as well. There is also a vegetable garden and fruit trees.

Viognier does well here, according to Frankel, and is their best selling white wine. Primitivo is the most popular in their blends, and their Port is well liked too. Harvest began on September 11 this year and ended on November 1^st.

Their biggest issue: squirrels. Frankel believes there are thousands of them on the property. The have tried bombs, traps and even shooting. Now they have hired a person for the sole purpose of managing the squirrel population.

Interesting aspects on the winemaking: Frankel uses bed sheets instead of lids during fermentation. He believes the technique prevents volatility and too much alcohol in the resulting wine. They can do 10-20 tons a day for de-stemming. A lot the wines have a percentage of new oak influence. Frankel’s been at this since he was 21 and is now 26, “I enjoy the labor and (a winemaker) needs to be young. If you’re passionate (it all) works well.”

Tasting

Frankel left us at the door of the tasting room and we were aptly cared for by Iddy (Isabel) Shirley. Tasting notes were once again provided, some of which I added to. These are the wines I especially liked in the tasting:

NV Sparkling Wine

Chenin Blanc and Colombard

Notes of apple, peach and pear – quite refreshing!

2016 Viognier

I agreed: apple, peach, nectarine, white pepper. I could see why this was a favorite.

2015 Pinot Noir

Eddie liked this one a lot. Notes of tea, cherry, clove and mint.

2014 Mourvedre with 12% Petite Sirah

Smoke, jam, cedar and my top pick…so far.

2015 Figurine

43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Primitivo, 24% Merlot

Brambles, blackberry, smoke, clove and chocolate. I loved the lush fruit and long finish. This was a top pick for both of us.

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon “Bentley Ironworks”

The grapes are grown below Bentley’s workshop, near where the winery is located some distance from the tasting room. Liked the brambly quality. Another favorite of Ed’s.

2013 Petite Sirah

Besides blackberry I found it gamey and earthy, and it turned out to be my favorite wine in the tasting.

2016 Primitivo

Dark fruit, rich, lush and layered.

2015 Statuesque

38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Syrah and 24% Petite Sirah.

Loved this for its rich dark fruit.

Jagger Primitivo Port

Ed is not a port fan but he enjoyed all of the wonderful chocolate flavors in this one.

http://sculpterra.com/

To see the photo grids from all of our Paso winery visits from this trip click this.

Results of 2018 Airline Wine Competition Released

September 5, 2018 by evebushman

YARDLEY, PA. – Global Traveler, the only AAM-audited magazine for luxury business and leisure travelers, releases the results of its 15th annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition.

Photo from 2017 competition, Global Traveler.

The competition, held May 31, took place at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, in New York City. Expert judges participated in the blind tasting of 22 airlines’ white, red and sparkling wines. The judges hailed from a wide range of specialties, including sommeliers, wine shop owners and winemakers. In total, 18 Champagnes/sparkling wines, 39 white wines and 39 red wines were tasted.

Airlines are required to submit five different wines — two red wines, two white wines and one sparkling wine/Champagne — to be eligible for the overall Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing award or the Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing award. This year, the winner for Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing was Delta Air Lines, and the winner for Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing was All Nippon Airways.

In the white wine category, Best International Business-Class White Wine was La Capra Chenin Blanc 2016, South Africa, submitted by Aeroflot. For first class, the winner was EL AL Israel Airlines with Yatir Winery Viognier 2015, Israel.

The best business-class Champagne was American Airlines’ Lanson Black Label Brut, NV. The best first-class Champagne was All Nippon Airways’ Krug Brut Champagne 2004.

When it came to red wine, American Airlines reigned supreme in the first-class category with Valduero Reserva 2012, Ribera del Duero, and United Airlines took the No. 1 business-class spot with Les Graviéres du Roy Sauvion 2016, France.

For the 10th consecutive year, Global Traveler awarded the Best North American Wines on the Wing. North American airlines submitted first-class and business-class wine samples, depending on their domestic flight offerings.

American Airlines was named Best North American First-Class/Business-Class Wines on the Wing, and also won for its red wine, Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Reserve Selection, Napa Valley, California, and its white wine, Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Vinzelles 2015, Mâcon, France. JetBlue’s Raventós de Nit Brut 2015, Spain, won Best North American Champagne/Sparkling Wine.

For the seventh year, Global Traveler awarded the Best Alliance Wines on the Wing. The participating airlines were divided by airline alliance. The overall points for each airline were tallied and averaged to determine the alliance with the highest total. Congratulations to oneworld, represented by American Airlines, LATAM and British Airways.

Competition director Eunice Fried spent months preparing for the blind tasting. Fried, an accomplished wine journalist and respected wine expert, resides in New York City.
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Global Traveler is the only U.S.-based publication to conduct such a survey in the United States.

The top airlines in each category are:

BEST INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS-CLASS WINES ON THE WING
1. Delta Air Lines
2. United Airlines
3. All Nippon Airways
4. Brussels Airlines
5. British Airways

BEST INTERNATIONAL FIRST-CLASS WINES ON THE WING
1. All Nippon Airways
2. British Airways
3. American Airlines
4. United Airlines

BEST CHAMPAGNE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
1. American Airlines
2. Aeroflot
3. All Nippon Airways
4. United Airlines
5. Brussels Airlines

BEST CHAMPAGNE INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS
1. All Nippon Airways
2. American Airlines
3. British Airways

BEST WHITE WINE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
1. Aeroflot
2. British Airways
3. British Airways
4. Delta Air Lines
5. Brussels Airlines

BEST WHITE WINE INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS
1. EL AL Israel Airlines
2. British Airways
3. All Nippon Airways
4. American Airlines
5. British Airways

BEST RED WINE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
1. United Airlines
2. Brussels Airlines
3. Alitalia
4. Alitalia
5. American Airlines

BEST RED WINE INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS
1. American Airlines
2. All Nippon Airways
3. British Airways/United Airlines (TIE)
4. United Airlines
5. EL AL Israel Airlines

BEST NORTH AMERICAN WINES ON THE WING
1. American Airlines
2. Delta Air Lines
3. United Airlines
4. JetBlue

BEST NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINE
1. JetBlue
2. Delta Air Lines/United Airlines (TIE)
3. American Airlines

BEST NORTH AMERICAN RED WINE
1. American Airlines
2. American Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. United Airlines
5. United Airlines

BEST NORTH AMERICAN WHITE WINE
1. American Airlines
2. American Airlines
3. JetBlue
4. United Airlines
5. Delta Airlines

BEST ALLIANCE WINES ON THE WING
1. oneworld
2. SkyTeam
3. Star Alliance

For more information on the competition, check out the August 2019 issue of Global Traveler or visit globaltravelerusa.com.

About Global Traveler
With nearly 300,000 readers, Global Traveler connects with U.S.-based frequent, affluent, international travelers. According to MediaMark Research (MRI), GT readers have an average net worth of $2 million and 50 percent are CEOs and owners of companies. Our readers average nine domestic flights per year and 93 percent travel internationally on a regular basis, mostly in first and business class. More than 55 percent stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, at an average 60 nights per year. Four special editions — Leisure Lifestyle Edition, Global City Guidebook, Class Act Guide and The Trazee Book — complement 12 monthly issues.
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Each year, Global Traveler awards the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, the Leisure Lifestyle Awards and the Wines on the Wing awards.

About Global Traveler Digital
Global Traveler’s website, globaltravelerusa.com, which unveiled a new design in late 2016, offers unique daily content catering to the lifestyle and travel interests of our audience of premium travelers. Other digital offerings include eFlyer USA (20,000 double-opt-in subscribers); eFlyer Asia (4,000 Asia-based, double-opt-in subscribers); custom e-newsletters; sponsored content; Publisher’s Picks, GT on the Go and Premium eDeal e-newsletters; and a weekly On the Road with Global Traveler slideshow. More than 1 million visitors monthly rely on globaltravelerusa.com as their travel resource.

About FXExpress Publications, Inc.
FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, eFlyer USA, eFlyer Asia, Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com, globaltravelerusa.com/blog, trazeetravel.com, whereverfamily.com and FX Excursions.

PERLIS PICKS: Angeleno Wine Company dinner at Crossings

July 14, 2018 by Michael Perlis

In 2016, reporting on the Los Angeles edition of the Garagiste Festival, I singled out Rhythm Wines as a “winery to watch”, especially enjoying the 2015 Tannat from the local Alonso Family Vineyard.

Then, I lost track of them.

Then, in early 2017 by my recollection, the manager of the short-lived and greatly missed Maré Restaurant in Silver Lake tasted us on a Rosé made by a local winemaker who was focusing on Los Angeles County grapes. But I didn’t make the connection, until…

Eve received an invitation to attend a winemaker dinner at Crossings restaurant in South Pasadena featuring the wines of Angeleno Wine Company. Eve was busy partying – um, I mean researching – in New Orleans, so her loss was our gain.

Karen and I were delighted to take her place but I was unfamiliar with the winery. A quick internet search followed and I was soon looking at the faces of Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig Viste from that 2016 Garagiste Festival. With the focus now primarily on the Alonso Vineyard, they are working on opening their winery and tasting room in Downtown Los Angeles.

My plan is to devote a full article to Angeleno in the near future. In the meantime, back to the dinner…

Established in 2013, Crossings occupies the historic [built in 1908] Edwards and Faw building in South Pasadena. With dining rooms on two floors and the wine loft in between them as well as a patio, Crossing is visually stunning. The only question was: would the food match?

We were about to find out.

Hosted by Crossings’ Proprietor Patrick Kirchen, Chef Kevin Malone and Wine Ambassador Chris Sweeney along with Angeleno’s Winemaker Jasper Dickson, the challenge to create perfect pairings was not only met but exceeded. With Angeleno’s focus on LA County’s wine history, Chef Kevin developed a Latin-inspired menu that not only paid homage to the heritage of Los Angeles but also to Juan Alonso’s and his vineyard’s Spanish roots.

The first course, a ceviche with compressed melon and roe, also had habanero powder sprinkled on it. The heat from the habanero was cut by the balanced acidity of the Angeleno 2017 White Field Blend of mostly Spanish varietals from Alonso Family Vineyard.

Next came the monk fish with passion fruit and dwarf banana. This was paired with the 2017 “The Meadow” Rosé.

This was the only wine not from LA County grapes, instead it was a blend of Graciano and Garnacha from a vineyard farmed by Markus Bokisch in Lodi. This dish and wine pairing had everybody asking for more. As Winemaker Jasper said: “Rosé all day – in LA!”

Next up, quail with mole, yolk and herb salad. This dish was not only delicious but ingenious as well, with the quail and quail egg in the same dish [raising the chicken and egg question in its own way]. The richness of the mole went perfectly with the 2016 Grenache from the Alonso Family Vineyard.

The final course [before dessert] was pork belly [yum!] with tamarind, jicama and hibiscus. Pork belly, of course, is very rich. The jicama cut through that perfectly. This was naturally paired with the heaviest wine of the evening, an excellent Tempranillo and Garnacha blend called “Bike Path”, also a 2016 from the Alonso Vineyard.

Dessert was a churro with queso Oaxaca, guanabana and honey. Pairing the cheese with the sweet dessert provided great contrast and the dish was all brought together with the 2016 “Superbloom” blend of Albarino, Riesling and Chenin Blanc, for the perfect ending to a fabulous meal.

Crossings does special events frequently. But you don’t have to wait for an event to check out Chef Kevin’s food or the killer wine list that Chris has put together. Check out the Crossings website for details.

And stay tuned for more information on Angeleno Wine Company.

Crossings 1010 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Angeleno Wine Company Los Angeles, CA

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

Vintage Eve Circa 7/2014: A Masterclass on The Wines of South Africa

December 26, 2017 by evebushman

Sure, I don’t mind driving down to the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills (with the hoards of summer tourists) and then up to the penthouse suite to learn about and taste South African wines. I knew it would be worth it, and more. This was the info that came with rsvp:

Hi Eve,

We’d be glad to have you. The masterclass will include 12 top South African wines representing a range of varietals, styles, and regions; I’ll be covering history, trends, terroir – all the stuff a sommelier needs to get a good grasp of South African wine today. I hope you can make it.

Jim Clarke

Marketing Manager, WOSA US

Wines of South Africa Masterclass

With no money coming from the government, the WOSA (Wines of South Africa) groups represents all of South African wines, and representative Jim Clarke covers all of the U.S.

Clarke explained that the Western Cape is the grape growing region, and is fairly compact. The first harvest was in 1659 with grapes brought in by the Dutch. White wines was known to combat scurvy as citrus fruits did, so the Dutch wanted the white wines for their ships. The French Huguenots arrived in 1688.

KWV was founded in 1918, starting as a cooperative not the distributorship they are today; and most wines were offered in the $10 range. (From Wikipedia, “The name “Koöperatieve Wijnbouwers Vereniging van Suid-Afrika” is Afrikaans for “Co-operative Winemakers’ Society of South Africa”)

With Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990, by 1994 the country held their first elections, and could start exporting wine again as the sanctions were dropped. And Clarke said that a “bump in quality” occurred before 2000. Wines are being made in the old world character, and winemakers are now very big on blending.

The sustainability seal (Sustainable Wine South Africa) is being used by 93% of their producers. Any seal found on a wine or estate brandy “has been certified by the Wine and Spirit Board” and “is a guarantee of origin, vintage, and variety as stated on the label.”

Sauvignon Blanc is the second most planted white wine grape varietal and Chenin Blanc is still the first. Pinotage is not as common as people think, with only about 6% of the plantings. Pinotage is a unique varietal to South Africa. It is a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault – Cinsault is also referred to as Hermitage, hence the name. The first Pinotage was in 1959 and has proven to be disease resistant and offers a high yield.

From the WOSA, “When the term ‘Wine of Origin’ or the abbreviation ‘W.O.’ together with the name of a production area, such as Stellenbosch, Durbanville or Robertson appears on a label, it confirms that 100% of the grapes from which the wine was made come from that specific area.”

They have a wine school and viticulture school in South Africa; as well as fair-trade and black-owned wineries, and black winemakers due to scholarships now being offered. Clarke said there are lots of efforts being put into those areas now.

Of final note, good wines are available in the $30 to $50 range. The retail prices of the wines we tasted are below.

Tasting

Aromas and flavors separated by “;”

Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Fresh crisp and cool, white peach, golden delicious apples, lemon zest; lemon, grapefruit, acidic, long finish. Need shellfish, thinking icy cold shrimp cocktail. (Costantia region.) $24

Downes Family Sanctuary Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2012, some Semillon.

Juicy, herbaceous and floral, peach, apricot, steely; good mouthfeel, acid mid-palate, lemon-lime, softly balanced. (Elgin region.) $20

Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2013

Honeydew melon, cantaloupe, a tiny hint of white pepper, wet pebbles; Nice mouthfeel, sliced apples, acidic, tingly and pleasant. (Stellenbosch region.) $10

Botanica Chenin Blanc 2011

Jasmine, anise, orange peel, stemmy; licorice, lemony, sharp and tangy, quite pleasant. (W.O. Citrusdal region.) $20

De Westhof Lesca Chardonnay 2013

Lemon-lime, butter, fresh, hint of suede; lemonade, grassy, acidic. (W.O. Robertson) $22

Sadie Family Skerpioen 2012

Tropical fruit cocktail, sweat, anise; Lime, peach, concrete, acidic finish. (W.O. Swartland region, Chenin Blanc, Palomino.) $55

Painted Wolf Guillermo Pinotage 2010

Leather, sautéed mushrooms, black plum, mint, dark chocolate, rich soil; Dry, dark dusty fruit, green peppercorn, lingering black licorice. (W.O. Swartland region) $18

Jardin Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Blueberry, blackberry, black pepper, milk to dark chocolate, dried wood; Black cherry, spice and pepper in good balance, nice finish, well done. (W.O. Stellenbosch) $20

Vilafonte Series C 2011

Plum, pluot, mint, bark; dusty black fruit, smoke, cigar. (W.O. Paarl. Cabernet Sauvignon blend.) $60

Mullineux Syrah 2012

Stewed dark fruit, Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, white pepper; dark dry and tannic, pungent, long finish. (W.O. Swartland) $30

Keermont, 100 Syrah, 2011

Blue to black fruit, smooth, pepper blend; Great spice, juicy dark fruits, smoke. Well done. (W.O. Stellenbosch) $45 approximately.

Klein, 100% Muscat, 2008, late harvest, no botrytis.

“Natural Sweet Wine.” Honeysuckle, rose petals, pear liqueur, gentle, compelling; lovely viscosity, honey and acid play off each other. (W.O. Constantia)

$65.

First of its kind wine product now available at Santa Clarita Costco

November 30, 2017 by evebushman

Wine six pack features artisan, hand-selected and highly-rated wines in 375ml bottles

Wine lovers now have opportunity to try before they buy the best wines of CA’s Central Coast

San Luis Obispo, Calif. – Wine lovers rejoice, affordable and direct access to hard-to-find, highly-rated boutique wines is now available. The Boutique Wine Sampler is a curated collection of six unique 375ml bottles that showcase the state’s best small-production and sought-after artisan wines. These wines are typically unavailable in retail stores due to their highly limited supply. This exclusive new offering of the Boutique Wine Sampler will be available at select Northern and Southern California Costco stores, El Rancho Market and California Fresh Markets in mid-November 2017.

The upcoming release features two sampler boxes: The Best of Santa Barbara and The Best of Paso Robles, with wines from six distinctly different wineries. The sampler boxes highlight two of California’s major wine regions providing interesting information about each growing region and connecting consumers with winemakers through inspiring video profiles. More wines from revered AVAs will be available in 2018.

The Boutique Wine Sampler is the brainchild of the Boutique Wine Club, whose mission is to solve the dilemma of providing access to California’s ultra-premium, limited production wines. “There is a new world of great small producers in California – and most recently in Santa Barbara and Paso Robles – who typically only sell to those who find and visit their remote wineries. The Boutique Wine Sampler changes all that, and not only provides access to ultra-premium wine, but creates the platform for experiencing fascinating wines and learning the stories behind them,” said Bob Sweeney, co-founder of Boutique Wine Club. “Every wine in our sampler box is produced by highly-skilled, small-production winemakers that consistently earn scores of 90+ from the wine rating services,” he adds.

To enhance the wine drinking experience, the Boutique Wine Sampler website, BoutiqueWineBox.com, features interviews with each winemaker and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of each winery. “The stories behind the wine and the winemakers who make them are the most interesting aspects of this project. We desire to connect consumers with the winemakers, as it adds authenticity to the wines and the wine-life experience,” says Tim Jones, co-founder. “Plus, one click of the QR code on the box takes you right to the video page. You can watch the videos when buying or drinking the wines.”

The Boutique Wine Sampler debuts at the perfect time for those searching for holiday gifts for wine lovers. It includes an excellent cross-section of wines ideal for private tastings with friends or as an educational tool for oenophiles. It also offers consumers an opportunity to try various wines without committing to drinking a full bottle, which is perfect for date nights and quiet dinners at home. The suggested retail price for the collection is $69.99, though it will initially be offered by Costco at only $49.95. Buyers will also be able to order full format bottles through Boutique Wine Club upon release.

The Santa Barbara AVA collection includes the following wines and will be available in select Southern California Costco stores:

2016 Stolpman Ballard Canyon Syrah
2017 Larner Rosé of Grenache
2016 D’Alfonso-Curran Badge Pinot Noir
2015 Blair Fox Petit Sirah
2016 Carr Cabernet Franc
2016 Andrew Murray E11even Chenin Blanc

The Paso Robles AVA collection includes the following wines and will be available in select Northern California Costco stores:

2015 Cass Winery Malbec
2014 Brian Benson Cellars Kandy Red (50% Zinfandel / 50% Grenache)
2017 Alta Colina Grenache Blanc
2014 Midnight Cellars Estate Zinfandel
2016 Bodega de Edgar Tempranillo
2016 San Marcos Creek Rosé of Grenache

ABOUT

The Boutique Wine Sampler, a curated collection of six 375ml bottles, showcases the best small-production and highly sought after artisan wines from Santa Barbara and Paso Robles, California. Each winery featured in the collection has consistently earned scores of 90+. Boutique Wine Sampler boxes will be at select Northern and Southern California Costco stores, El Rancho Market and California Fresh Markets in mid-November 2017. The Boutique Wine Sampler is the brainchild of the Boutique Wine Club, whose mission is to solve the dilemma of access to small production, hand-crafted wines. Boutique Wine Club curates these ultra-premium wines from California’s Central Coast and delivers them in quarterly club shipments to members who desire wines traditionally available only at the wineries. Boutique Wine Partners, whose co-founders include Tim Jones and Bob Sweeney, is based in Solvang, California. For more information visit BoutiqueWineBox.com or DrinkBoutiqueWine.com.

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2014: Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc and Frito Pies!

November 14, 2017 by evebushman

When offered a South African Chenin Blanc to sample for review the thing that caught my eye and made me request the sample was their surprise suggestion of pairing the wine with Mexican food. See “Notes Accompanying the Sample” to read how this white wine would do well with Fajitas, Al Pastor or Arroz con Camarones – none of which did I have on hand…so I made do with Frito Pies! That’s Mexican, right?

All kidding aside (though I did pair with Fritos) I’m always amazed when people will have a Margarita with Mexican food when they dine out but opt for wine when they dine in. So that also made me want to rise to the challenge. And convince my husband that’s it’s perfectly fine to bring wine to a Mexican restaurant…we’ve done it maybe just once!

Wine Details

2011 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc

From the Western Cape region of South Africa.

Swartland grapes.

13.92% alcohol (Pretty exact!)

20% of the wine went through five months of maturation in Hungarian and French oak barrels.

5 to 7 years maturation potential.

(Screw cap)

My Notes

Color: The palest of golden sunrises.

Aromas: Buttery (from the time spent in oak), grass, moss, gravel and lime.

Taste: Tangerine, some kumquat (both the tart flavor in the fruit and sweetness of the rind), a balanced acidity, grass again on the back palate once the acid falls away.

Pairing: Due to their suggestion of Mexican food I heated up some Hormel chili, tossed my Frito chips into a bowl with diced onion and proceeded to dive in. (Others added shredded cheese and sour cream.) The pairing didn’t really work. If anything the Chenin Blanc worked as a Wet Nap for my mouth, to borrow one of winemaker Wes Hagen’s terms. It served to cleanse my palate between each bite. It did not, however, add a thing to my palate, though I did enjoy both the food and the wine!

Notes Accompanying the Sample

Varying degrees of spice, fragrant herbs and accents of tropical fruit. No, I am not talking about wine- I am talking about Mexican food. One of the general rules when pairing food and wine, is to take elements of the wine that complement components of the meal. Following this rule of thumb, it’s a shame most people default to beer when eating Mexican. Next time, try wine.

We choose the Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc (SRP: $13.99). The acidity will balance out the fat of the meats in many dishes like Fajitas, the zesty tropical fruit profile will complement the lime and fruit flavors found in both mains like Al Pastor, and the oak and creaminess won’t over-power a more gentle dish like Arroz con Camarones.

One of South Africa’s premiere estates, Mulderbosch is famous for award-winning wines and top ratings from critics and publications and has national distribution.

Ian Blackburn on The Wines of South Africa

October 5, 2017 by evebushman

YESTERDAY: We made some great progress for Wines of South Africa in Los Angeles …. honestly, probably not the first place Californians think about for great wine…. but should be included in a very short list!!!

For the most part; restaurants in LA ignore the opportunity to showcase the great value South Africa can create… A $10 glass of South African wine can be amazing… while we would struggle to find anything close in California that would touch this platitude. This should be a wake up call to the Sommelier but they were sadly unmoved and for the most part didn’t attend despite our huge effort to invite (heartbreaking) … we are honest in our efforts and assessments and see the challenge South Africa is presented with… but retailers came in mass and so did the press channel (and we will need to work to change this if South Africa is to have greater success). The classes were a huge hit! I have never had a program where every class sold out (Four sold out programs yesterday) so this would be the approach I would continue to explore if I was South Africa… and Jim Clarke gets huge applause as the right guy… on time, tempo… his presentations had great impact and will play an important roll in the future growth.

The fact is that South Africa makes GREAT WINE. I start with a quick look at the amazing whites!

– Chenin Blanc: One could argue this is the best dry Chenin in the world. The old vine & high-tier designations are spectacular… while the volume wines represent great values. Christopher Lavin entertained the VIPs with an array of wines from Audi Bodenhurst and other storied producers that really took my breath away. When you look at the top wines – you’re looking at wines that sell between $25-$50 a bottle… for the best of the best…a fraction of the cost for similar effort from California…. I know because I make one! They are selling great wine in California at the cost I incur just to make a great wine in California! and that is the key to the difference in price!!!

– Sauvignon Blanc: Distinctively different – robust, punctuated, intense, bold and driven – a style I greatly prefer over other island locations to the south (no names) that are sweet and lack finesse. Cape Classics and The Sorting Table whom I always turn to for an authentic impression showed off a number of my favorites… Neil Ellis Wines, Linton Park Wines just to name a few.

– Chardonnay – true varietal character with high end marks, and sits perfectly between the acid and stone styles of Burgundy and the ripe and rich California cream. Boschendal Wijnen, Babylonstoren, Meerlust Wine all have similar styles and efforts of merit.

– White Blends – David Shaw turned me onto a unique kitchen sink blend with Chenin, SB, Chard, Viura (Macabeo)…. it was my white of the day (David what was that called)?

::::THE REDS::::
– GSM – MSG – SGM – the Rhône blends are more rhoney that some of the Rhônes themselves today… beautiful and balanced with terroir and finesse. Mullineux Wines – Absolutely stole the show! with blends from The Chocolate Block igniting conversation with a sensational blend.

– Cabernet and Cabernet Franc were HUGE hits last night – with California ripening away the Pyrazines – you sometimes forget the difference between Cabernet and Merlot… not in South Africa! The nose knows… and I loved the pencil lead and graphite (Cabernet Franc) with the tension of the old world… a number of great versions. Meerlust Wine – Backsberg – De Toren Private Cellar – Keermont Vineyards – Edgebaston Wines

– Pinotage – Last but NOT least – you may have written off Pinotage but last night it was “”””all the rage””” – there is some new energy in this category and even the classic brands are making vastly improved wines that thrill!!! Kanonkop Wine Estate – absolutely knocked people out! – Beaumont Family Wines – Deetlefs Wine Estate – Diemersfontein Wine Estate – Simonsig – the wines are marked, detailed, intense, and wild… and I think Pinotage has new life!!!

OTHERS: Pinot Noir – Sparking wines – Rose – white blends – red blends – it is a very safe bet that South Africa will astonish you at comparable dollars…. to your ordinary wine… so give it a shot! I will be increasing my South African intact and hope they will come back next year for another effort…. we have much work to do to get the word out…. one day will not be enough but we definitely take on this project with great enthusiasm… and hope to build momentum.

I want to thank iHeartRadio radio Diva Lisa Foxx for her support – and Michael Moloney for bringing all his great friends. Michael Moloney is a major influencer and his show Extreme Makeover Home Edition is one of our favorites!

Ian Blackburn, Founder http://www.winela.com/

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