Eve's Wine 101

How To Start With Wine

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The question I’m asked most often is how did I get into wine and spirits? Well, over 20 years ago when I was a community columnist for my local newspaper and the editor of our weekly entertainment section asked what else I could write about. At that time I had been in a few wine clubs, and a book club, so I offered to do book and wine reviews. Pretty quickly I started receiving unsolicited bottles of wine on my doorstep for review, as well as invitations to wine dinners and wine events.
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No one sent me any free books, and the rest, is history.

Photo: Ed Bushman

What I want to share with readers today is how you can get into wine. I will share two simple ideas that should get anyone, aficionado or beginner, further into exploring and understanding wine.

Sensory Class

How are people able to describe aromas and flavors like fruit and spice in their wine? Why do they say things like, “This reminds me of milk chocolate-covered cherries”? No, there aren’t any cherries added into your glass of red wine, only a memory of a particular fruit. Your memory has to be either fresh, or well worked like most sommeliers through practice/a lot of tastings. So how can you do it? Let me tell you.

A few years back I was a guest at J. Lohr in Paso Robles. Besides a tour and tasting our group of wine writers/sommeliers were offered a sensory experience, led by red winemaker Steve Peck, which was meant to help us describe aromas. Peck had several small glasses of different Torani syrups, the same syrups you see in coffee bars, and the identity of each was written on a card, placed upside down in front of each. We were to sniff each syrup and guess what the flavor was, then reveal the card to see how we did. Immediately following this exercise we swirled and sniffed a few wines, and as you may have guessed, were easily able to call up the recent memories.

I emailed Torani after this eye-opening experience and they sent me about a dozen bottles to do my own classes, which I enjoy doing often. I also add glasses with items from my spice cabinet, honey, coffee, flower petals, earth, tree bark, tobacco, chocolate…you name it and I’ve probably put it in a cup. So you don’t have to have the syrups, you just need to take a trip through your house and garden. And then think about the smells.

Learning About One Variety At A Time

Years ago Eve Wine 101 Staff Writer Rusty Sly introduced “Grape of the Night” in one of his blog posts. He invited wine lovers to meet him at a local wine bar, with a bottle of the one variety of wine that he pre-chose. So say one month Rusty suggested a wine like Grenache and people then brought their favorite bottle of Grenache – which of course meant wines from all over, including Spain where the wine is called Garnacha. Then Rusty would read from his notes, about the history of the particular varietal, where it’s most popular and of course, the flavor profile. Guests would sample each – I know this part well as he roped me into serving most often – and describe the aromas and flavors they found. They were literally educating their palate on one variety at a time, and looking for small nuanced differences in each bottle.

Now, what will you do next to delve further into your wine journey?

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.

Tasting: Two Papas Wines

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I’ve known Rick Pratt, owner and winemaker for the new Entourage label by Two Papas Wine, for a few years now as he and his wife Teresa are one of the wineries that participate in Sunset in the Vineyard.

I’ve come to learn that Pratt’s wines are made from all Santa Barbara County grapes, that he makes the wines at Flying Goat Winery in Lompoc, and besides the event I mentioned you can also find his wines at Marston’s, Buellton Wine and Chili Fest, Santa Monica Fest and Sierra Pelona Wine Fest.

Pratt makes 240 to 320 cases per year of five varietals. Current releases (tasting notes below) are from 2017: Grenache Blanc, two different vineyards for two Grenache, a Grenache Syrah blend and a Syrah. Next up and in barrel now are the 2018s: all the same except that instead of the Grenache Syrah blend Pratt will be releasing a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre (GSM) blend.

Most of the grapes come from the coveted Thompson Vineyard. Not to be confused with Thompson green table grapes, grapes from the Thompson vineyard are known to be the top Rhônes in the state, possibly in the country, according to Pratt, which he says are also wine critic Robert Parker’s favorite.

Even my fellow wine writer has reviewed Pratt’s wines and said, “…with Two Papas Wines, we may have a King of Grenache here in Santa Clarita.” Rusty Sly, February 1, 2019 http://www.slystateofwine.com/article

Tasting (Collective notes made with the Wine-y Women Meet-Up group. Some of their descriptors are in quotes. Aromas and flavors separated by;)

2017 Grenache Blanc

Saarloos and Sons Vineyards

El Camino Ranch, Los Olivos

12.5% alcohol

Grapefruit, fruit cocktail, tangerine and a hint of stainless steel; Green apple, dried apricot, lemon-lime, medium acid and that bit of steeliness. This was my favorite.

 

2017 Grenache

Saarloos and Sons Vineyards

El Camino Ranch, Los Olivos

13.8% alcohol

Strawberry, red plum, “Bing cherry” and wet pebbles; strawberry again, cherry cola, “warming”, earthy and tangy. This was a general favorite in the tasting.

 

2017 Grenache

Thompson Vineyard

Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

13.8% alcohol

Cherry, raspberry jam, earth and oak; red fruit, a bit of grapefruit again and a little tartness.

 

2017 GS

75% Grenache, 25% Syrah

Thompson Vineyard

Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

13.8% alcohol

“Bouquet of flowers”, opened “acorn nuts”, earth, blueberry, blackberry and a hint of caramel; dark fruit, red fruit, blue fruit, tannic and a bit acidic allowing for a long finish.

 

2017 Syrah

Thompson Vineyard

Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

14% alcohol

“Black currant”, “Raisinettes”, oak, black cherry; black fruit, “chocolate cherry cordial”.

 

I also learned that Pratt has been licensed to sell commercially since October 2018, prices range from $27 to $35 a bottle, 10% discount to club members and club members that want to purchase above their allocation are extended a 15% courtesy. The commitment? Only three bottles twice a year. If you want more they also have a second club level, the Elite Club. It is two each of three bottlings twice a year. One in Spring just before Easter and one in early November, just before Thanksgiving. With that option 3 bottles twice a year averages $85 per shipment and 6 bottles twice a year averages $185 per shipment.

Pratt commented, “I love wine and talking about wines, just want to cover my expenses.”

(A note on the pretty ladies on his labels: The one with Natalie Wood on it has been granted permission for reuse, the others are models, including the lovely blond that is the Pratts’ daughter-in-law and the brunette in the large green hat is their daughter.)

https://twopapaswines.com/

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. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Rusty Sly: 2012 Pinot Days

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What a spectacular event.  This is the second time that I have attended Pinot Days and I am still finding old and new wineries producing fantastic Pinot Noirs.  This year there were Pinot Noirs from France known as Burgundy’s, Pinots from New Zealand, Oregon and of course California.  This varietal is really unique as there are versions from light and elegant to full bodied and chewy.  The one thing that I find fun is to try wines from vineyards that are very small and have a limited case production.  To bring these wines to an event where large established wineries are pouring allows us, as consumers, to compare them side by side.  Thus, we are able to experience the perfected wine processes based on years of experience from the old established wineries versus the small and sometimes unknown wineries.  All wineries must produce good products to stay in business but there is something about conversing with the small winery vintners/owners.  They are passionate about their product and it shows in their presentation.

One such encounter for me at this event was meeting Glen Hartigan.  He is the Cellarmaster and owner of Hartigan Winery in Paso Robles, Calif.  Though the grapes are from Paso, he bottles in Corona Del Mar, California.
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  He has only been opened for two months and these wines were his first release.  I sampled his 2009 Pinot Noir that definitely showed the New World style of the Paso Grapes, big red fruit flavor, silky with a large mouth feel.  The wine was perfectly balanced and delicious and with only 152 cases released was a real find.  Next he offered Tracy and I a taste of his 2007 Zinfandel.  Wow.  Everyone knows how much I love Turley Zin but this Hartigan Zin was equally spectacular.
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  The grapes are from the Las Tablas Willow Creek area and are definitely one to support as he builds and establishes his winery.  He is absolutely passionate about the wines he produces.  It showed in the way he spoke about his creations and art of wine making.  I only wish I could have tried the two Chardonnays he had brought but they were not chilled and later were gone.  The grapes he uses for his Chardonnays are from two terroirs, the Dunning Vineyard which he said is a little drier with a minerally nose and the second is from Hidden Valley Ranch which he said has a grassy flowery nose with an oaky finish.

Hartigan Winery

Romililly Winery was another example of a small winery in the Russian River area in Oregon that surprised me with their Pinot Noir.  It was a 2009 vintage that had a beautiful nose of cherry and flavors of rhubarb and was silky smooth.  The one Pinot was all they released and they only produced 390 cases.  Again, another diamond in the rough.  The one thing that fascinated me about this winery, other than their wine, was how they came up with the name of their winery. “Romililly – just as siblings are sometimes forced to coexist under one roof, our name houses each sibling equally: Jesse Robert (RO), Aaron Michael (MI), and our little sister, Susan (LILLY).  Three names jammed together to make one.”

Romililly Winery

There were so many great small wineries at Pinot Days that I would need to write a book to cover them all.  The styles in flavor, aroma and elegance ranged across the board.  This allowed everyone in attendance to find the styles they liked from such a beautiful grape.  The difficulty I, and many have, at this event is selecting which ones to try…as the saying goes “so many wines, so little time.”

Cheers,

Rusty Sly

Rusty Sly: Grape of the Night Discovers Malbec (The next meeting is tonight!)

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Monday, December 05, 2011,  die hard GOTN members put on their winter clothing and went to Valencia Wine Company to taste and learn about the various differences and nuances of Malbec wines.  This cold winter night was a perfect venue for the full bodied characteristics of this varietal and good friends.  As Christmas was at hand, ’tis the season to be jolly and that we were.  Even Guy, the owner of Valencia Wine Co. (VWC),  joined us adding more knowledge based on his many years of experience.

Since we have been learning about Bordeaux and Meritage wines over the last couple of weeks, I thought that this varietal would be nice to study.  Malbec wines originated in Northern Burgundy France according to amphaeological evidence.  In 1956, a very heavy frost occurred and 75% of the crops were destroyed.   Malbec became less popular in Bordeaux wines after this season.  The Cahors region of France, though heavily impacted, was replanted and continues to be popular.  This region supplies some of the Malbec to the Bordeaux region but is also blended in it’s own region with Tannat and Merlot.  Eve Bushman (my editor) and I had to beg for forgiveness as we both provided two different wines from the Cahors region for the tasting.  Unlike America, France only requires 75% of a given varietal to be called by that varietal.  My request of the group was to meet the 85% requirement imposed by the United States.

Wine Spectator Magazine last month dedicated their edition to the Malbecs of Argentina.  Malbec is the number one wine for this region and it shows in their success with it.  Many of the wines from this region score better than 90 points.   Malbecs from Argentina are not really known by the general public and for this reason many can be purchased  inexpensively.  Many are under $15 one of which I really enjoy is a 2010 Tapiz that I had at GOTN which is around $12 which is a steal.  This wine was big, full bodied, well balanced and had a nice finish.  Malbec grapes are now being grown around the world and  can be found in Chile, California, South Africa, Italy, New Zealand, etc.

The characteristics of this wine are an inky dark color and are generally very tannic.  Malbecs from the Cahors region are referred to as “Black Wines”.  Oz Clarke, a leading wine expert, describes  Malbecs from Cahors as “dark purple in color with aromas of damsons, tobacco, garlic, and raisin. In Argentina, Malbec becomes softer with a plusher texture and riper tannins. The wines tend to have juicy fruit notes with violet aromas. In very warm regions of Argentina, Chile & Australia, the acidity of the wine may be too low which can cause a wine to taste flabby and weak.  Malbec grown in Washington state tends to be characterized by dark fruit notes and herbal aromas.”

For those of you that saw the movie “Bottle Shock” the French, in a blind tasting, could not believe that California was producing winning wines not just once but again 30 years later.  When the Cahors region recognized the quality of the Malbecs from Argentina and how they were gaining international recognition, they seized the opportunity to promote Malbec wines as a whole including their own. In 2008 the French organized the first International Malbec Day in Cahors and invited Argentinean Malbec growers as their guests of honor.  Later that year the Argentinians reciprocated and hosted the event in Argentina with the French as guests of honor.  The French Cahors region and Argentina grow 90% of the worlds Malbec vines and are working together to promote this varietal.

Below is the list of Malbec wines that were sampled by GOTN:

·         2008 Tikal Amorio – Argentina
·         2010 Tapiz- Argentina
·         2010 Trumpeter Rutini Wines- Argentina
·         2008 Catena- Argentina
·         2005 Chateau Lamartine Cahors- France
·         2007 Chateau St Didier-Parnac Cahors- France

I found Malbec to be one of the most interesting varietals I have run across in a long time.  It is an inexpensive wine that will hold up to many other varietals at three times the price point.  It was very unusual that all of the wines were from Argentina and France.  I had expected to see some from California regions such as Paso Robles.  The differences between the French and Argentine wines at GOTN were remarkable though one must be aware that Tannat and Merlot can have a big influence on the wine.

As always, I want to thank all that weathered the cold to enjoy such an interesting varietal.  I also want to thank Guy for being a part and adding further insight into this unique wine as well as allowing us to meet at Valencia Wine Company.  I also want to thank the staff at Valencia Wine Company for their assistance and dedication to service through the evening.  Our next meeting will be January 09, 2012 and the varietal will be to bring your one favorite discovery during the 2011 year at GOTN and to share why.  For new members, please bring your favorite wine varietal and tell us why it tops your list.

Cheers,

Rusty Sly

(Editors note: Rusty calls our meetings at 7pm, anyone may join, there is no “fee” for the class, each person – or couple – is asked to bring or buy a bottle of the designated wine to share.  If you choose to bring in a bottle, our deal with Valencia Wine Company is that you need to buy a bottle to bring home.  If you have any further questions you can e-mail me at ebushman@earthlink.net)

Wine Immersion For Beginners – Eve on The Wine Down: With or without the Audio Visual (For anyone with an old computer like my mom!)

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This week, Eve Wine 101 readers get…my script!  A few weeks ago I was asked if I was open to being on a show about wine.  Duh, YES!

It happened like this:

Dear Eve,

My name is Tim Skogstrom, I own Cornell Winery and the Old Place Restaurant over in Agoura.  I have spoken with Michael* a couple of times and he has posted some of my info on your site.  About three months ago I started an internet show called “The WineDown”.  My host is Sonja Magdevski, Emilio Estevez’s fiancé and winemaker for Casa Dumetz wines.  See the current issue of the wine spectator.  I would like to invite you to come in or Skype in for an interview.

The take on the show can go in a few different directions so if you are interested, please respond with a time and number I can call you for follow up.

Cheers,

Tim

*Tim knew my name because my Contributing Editor from the EveWine101.com site, Michael Perlis, had come in for a tasting and interviewed him for a story.

So, without further ado, this is what happened:

Wine Immersion For Beginners (Eve Bushman) on The Wine Down

Episode 9

Episode Synopsis (Or just watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPUqXl2Pm3k&feature=uploademail )

Today we’ve invited Eve Bushman of www.evewine101.com to explore the world of wine events.  Sonja, Brandon and Eve delve into what it takes to become involved in wine culture in your local community.  They talk in depth about the range of different types of events that are held weekly all over the country, taking a special interest in the greater Los Angeles area.

My photo taken on the set of The Wine Down show.

Guest Bio

Eve Bushman writes articles about wine and wine events in a local magazine and for her website www.evewine101.com.  She has been writing locally in Santa Clarita Valley for just over 14 years.  About 5 years ago she chose to write exclusively on wine education for beginners.  However, despite all her experience, Eve still considers herself a wine 101er.

Eve also continue to write a wine 101 column in print and online for http://www.scvelitemagazine.com/ and online for http://westranchbeacon.com.

Episode Breakdown

0-3:35 Introduction

3:35 What brought you to start writing about wine?

5:15 What do you think of the wine we are drinking now?

5:45 What has helped you to learn how to appreciate wine?

6:25 What drives you to go out and buy a bottle of wine?

7:55 What do you enjoy most about writing about wine?

8:45 Do your contributors volunteer their time?

9:00 How many years have you been writing about wine?  How have your site and your audience changed?

10:25 Do you find that your audience has stayed with you?

12:05 How has your knowledge of wine changed?

13:16 How often do you go to events or tasting and how often do you interact with the community?

18:00 Finding local wine events

19:39 How important are these events and how often do you go?

21:30 What are some events in particular that you like to go to?

23:55 How would you direct someone who is going to their first tasting event?

26:20 How should people approach tasting while at an event?

27:57 What tools can we use at an event?

30:55 What are some of your standard tips?

34:35 What would you ask the wine makers when you approach their table at an event?

38:00 Hide-a-Wine blind tasting product

39:00 What other ways can people become involved and learn more through blind tasting?

42:38 Wine education: formal and informal

44:20 WSETs: what is it and why is it important?

47:35 Local events all over Los Angeles

56:50 What is the most important advice you want to leave our viewers with?

58:18 Wrap up

Additional Links

www.malibugrange.com

www.casadumetzwines.com

www.cornellwinery.com

www.oldplacecornell.com

www.evewine101.com

http://www.scvelitemagazine.com/

http://westranchbeacon.com

Event Information from the Show (Editor’s Note: I have deleted events mentioned on the show that have already occurred)

www.wine661.com Cristal Champagne Tasting – Thursday, December 8th 6-9pm Wine 661, 24268 Valencia, Blvd. Valencia. Pouring 5 bubblies from the Cristal family of Champagnes; the finale being CRISTAL! Chocolates & chocolate covered strawberries come with the tasting for $40 p/person. 661.288.2980

The Antelope Valley (AV) Thespians will be presenting their final pro­duction in the 2011 Season, Three Days of Rain, by Richard Greenberg, in November at AV Winery.  See local theater and enjoy local wine at the same time! The show will be several runs this November. Contact www.avthespians.org

Eve’s Wine on Wednesday: Taste three wines for free every Wednesday at Mixers, starts at 7pm, 50% off select bottles that night too. 661-750-2649, www.mixerslounge.com 26532 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, 661-750-2MIX

Also from Eve, Grape of the Night is a once a month event usually held on the first Monday of the month at Valencia Wine Company. (661-254-9300): I only host this small group, the evening is led by my staff writer Rusty Sly. The deal is he selects one grape varietal every month and guests buy a different bottle to share. It’s a great way to learn what a varietal may commonly taste like (i.e. cherries in Pinot Noir) and discover what you like or don’t like. For more information on this event e-mail me at ebushman@earthlink.net

Daily events for in and around the Santa Clarita valley (aka Awesometown) can be viewed on the SCV Wine Calendar on my EveWine101.com site or for special events, sign up for my weekly Dear Wine Friend newsletter via the site.

For pairing: Parmesan Thyme Crackers & Mole Biscotti (Try dipping IN your red at the end of a tasting) from The Pair! = a wonderful tasting/pairing! www.thepoachedpair.com

From WINE EXPO / Enoteca Centrale / Champagne World HQ 2933 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica 90404 (310) 828-4428 Bubbly Night in our Wine Bar, Friday 11/25. Taste a large range of truly fine fizz from Prosecco, Moscato and Metodo Classico bottlings from Italy, French Cremants plus some real gems from the heart of la Champagne. $30 per person for Bubbly, Chips & Nuts plus a sampler of our famous Crostini. Fizz friendly Cheese or Salumi plates and other fun snacks sold ala carte plus we’ll have the amazing Egg Slut Truck out front with even more deliciousness that you can bring inside. If you are not up for tasting the entire range, all the wines will be offered individually by the glass as well.

Winery Dinners. Continuum from Tim Mondavi on 2/5 for $295 per person. The Wine House – Los Angeles / Santa Monica – www.winehouse.com

Silverlake wines – Silverlake – www.silverlakewine.com – Blue Monday or Thursday Night Flights for $12

Red Carpet Wine – Glendale – www.redcarpetwine.com – Tasting nightly at their wine bar 888-AV2-8332

Sonja Magdevski

My voracious appetite for knowledge has led me to incredible journeys as well as halted me in my tracks.  Through all I have done the one thing that connects me to the earth, to my work and to others is information.

Wine Immersion For Beginners (Eve Bushman) on The Wine Down – Episode 9