Eve's Wine 101

The Grenache Association Welcomes International Grenache Day on Friday, September 15 with LocalWineEvents.com/GrenacheDay

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List your events celebrating Grenache for free at LocalwineEvents.com/GrenacheDay and Find a Celebration Near You 

AVIGNON, France, /PRNewswire/ — The Grenache Association – a not-for-profit coalition of fans of the Grenache grape – welcomes the world to celebrate the 13th International Grenache Day on Friday, September 15, 2023. This annual event, held on the third Friday of every September, has been instrumental in spreading the “gospel of Grenache” through social media initiatives, in-person and virtual wine tastings, and events at wineries, wine shops, wine bars, wine academies, and restaurants.

This year, the Grenache Association welcomes a new partnership with LocalWineEvents.com which created a portal specifically for #GrenacheDay on its website: LocalWineEvents.com/GrenacheDay. Participating venues, industry professionals, and others can post their public events on the site which wine lovers can search for by city or browse all events worldwide.

Local Wine Events is the world’s biggest site for neighborhood wine and food event listings in over 63 countries. Their weekly e-newsletter The Juice reaches over 300,000+ subscribers with an average readership of 500,000 wine and food enthusiasts weekly.

According to LWE founder Eric Orange, “Our mission at Local Wine Events is to make wine events easily accessible wherever you are in the world and to help promote wine shops, restaurants, wineries, and wine! Grenache is one of our favorite varietals and #GrenacheDay is a great opportunity to list fun events to promote it.”

ABOUT GRENACHE: Grenache is planted on six of the seven continents and delivers a “sense of place” or expression of its terroir in every sip. It is enjoyed by wine mavens and newbies who embrace its earthy fruitiness and complexity, long finish, and medium body which translates to a velvety, voluptuous mouthfeel. This versatile varietal is the cornerstone of great wines like Châteauneuf-du-Papes, GSMs, and many rosés.

Laurence Ferraud of Château Pegau loves how Grenache morphs into “1000 variations and nuances,” reflecting the varied soils — pebbles, sand, clay– that give birth to her award-winning wines: “Grenache is our King, no other grape variety matches better the terroir in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It gives full expressions as it ages, from its deep black fruit to its range of spices. Our Domaine du Pegau wines are 80% Grenache. This grape has been the heart and soul of my family for generations, since the start of Domaine Pegau in 1987 and my own Chateau Pegau since 2012.”

GRENACHE ASSOCIATION: Thanks in part to the Grenache Association’s campaign, Grenache has also been recognized as a major player in the wine world as a standalone single-varietal wine. The late Stephen Spurrier, Michel Bettane, Walter McKinlay of Domaine du Mourchon, and Nicole Sierra-Rolet of Chêne Bleu wines launched #GrenacheDay in 2010 with their grassroots association run by volunteers.

CLIMATE CHANGE WARRIOR: Grenache is considered by many as the most climate-change-friendly grape grown. Its wind and drought-resistant deep root system reaches the water table, making it less dependent on rainwater or irrigation for hydration.

Comments Grenache Association co-founder Nicole Rolet of Chêne Bleu: “More and more superstar winemakers are turning to Grenache to build their blends and even more are embracing it as a single blend wine. The word “Grenache” should be in every wine lover’s lexicon.” 

How to Celebrate #GrenacheDay:

Log an Event: www.localwineevents.com/GrenacheDay

Post #GrenacheDay photos and videos:

Twitter: @grenache_global,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrenacheSymposium or Instagram.

Download a #GrenacheDay image:

http://www.grenache-association.com/index.php/grenacheday/ to email to friends, post on your social media, or create an invitation.

FROM VINE TO GLASS: DISCOVERING THE ESSENCE OF STA. RITA HILLS WINERIES

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Lompoc, CA –  The enchanting world of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a picturesque wine region along California’s Central Coast welcomes wine lovers from near and far. Embark on a delightful journey uncovering the trifecta of wine areas that make this region truly special: the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, the Midtown Wineries, and the Sta. Rita Hills Wineries. Diverse, exquisite flavors await as we delve into the thriving wine scene of this unique and esteemed appellation. So, grab a glass and join us as we unravel the vinicultural treasures of Sta. Rita Hills.


THE LOMPOC WINE GHETTO

Located off Pacific Coast Highway 1 and 12th Street, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Sta. Rita Hills winemakers. This unassuming industrial complex, once a collection of dilapidated warehouses, has been transformed into a hub of winemaking excellence. Step inside the Wine Ghetto, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a labyrinth of tasting rooms and production facilities, each housing a different winery eager to share its unique creations. From boutique family-owned operations to renowned industry vintages, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto offers a treasure trove of diverse wines to tantalize every palate.

Notable Wine Ghetto tasting rooms include the organic and sustainably farmed Chanin Wine, the women-owned Fiddlehead Cellars, and Ampelos Cellars which was the first vineyard in the US to be certified as 100% sustainable, certified organic and biodynamic. Montemar is a particularly fun stop with small lot, hand-crafted Rhone and Burgundy varietals and a large outdoor patio with games.

The collection of boutique tasting rooms is open Fridays – Sundays, with some open Thursdays and Mondays.

LOMPOC MIDTOWN WINERIES

Sprinkled throughout midtown in Lompoc, the Midtown Wineries offer a delightful blend of history, character, and exceptional wine. You’ll discover a collection of quaint tasting rooms and wineries, each with its own unique story to tell.

Within Lompoc’s midtown wineries, several notable names shine brightly, showcasing their prowess and distinct styles. One such winery is the acclaimed, artisanal winery, Longoria Wines, which has produced wine from some of the finest vineyards in Santa Barbara County since 1982. The family-owned Civilization Wine Company winery stands out for its rich history and multi-generational winemaking tradition, imparting a sense of heritage and authenticity to every bottle. Brewer-Clifton is another standout, consistently earning the highest praise for producing outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Each notable midtown winery offers a unique perspective, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the craftsmanship, passion, and unwavering commitment to quality that defines Sta. Rita Hills winemaking.

STA. RITA HILLS WINERIES

Just minutes from Lompoc, a spectacular collection of award-winning vineyards and estate wineries awaits! The Sta. Rita Hills vineyards stretch along the Lompoc valley and include many prestigious vineyards whose varietals consistently receive 91+ or higher ratings from Wine Spectator Magazine.

One such vineyard, the Hilt Estate is known for its pinot noirs, chardonnays, cabernet sauvignon and syrahs as well as its breathtaking location, beautifully restored “Barn” tasting room and stunning valley views. Another noteworthy vineyard is the small-lot Spear Vineyards & Winery with a new tasting room in the property’s 1920s historic remodeled dairy barn and panoramic vineyard views from the seated outdoor patio. Other popular wineries include Dierberg-Starlane Vineyard, which has been consistently ranked amongst the highest quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California, Sanford Winery & Vineyards where you can enjoy an ATV tour of the vineyards, and Foley Estates with a 3,500 square-foot tasting room, tasting terraces and private event center.

These notable Sta. Rita Hills vineyards are not only cherished by winemakers but are also beloved by wine enthusiasts who seek wines that capture the unique spirit of this remarkable wine-growing region. Whether you’re drawn to the innovative techniques, the breathtaking settings, or the captivating stories behind these wineries, they all share a common thread: a commitment to producing exceptional wines that embody the essence of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.

Plan your visit to soak in the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of the Lompoc Valley and create lasting memories in our charming wine destination.

Readers looking for more information go to ExploreLompoc.com

Cheers! Princess Cruises Earns 15 Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence, Sweeping the Cruise Category for 2023

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Main Dining Rooms Across the Fleet of 15 Cruise Ships Recognized Among Select Restaurants for Well-Curated Wine Lists

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Raise a glass with Princess Cruises for its wine program! All main dining rooms across the fleet of 15 ships have once again been honored with an Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurant Awards, more than any other cruise line. Each Princess ship is recognized for its wine lists that pair well with the menu, offering a well-rounded culinary experience.

Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine, began its awards program in 1981 to recognize the world’s best wine lists. There are three levels: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. This year, 2,001 restaurants achieved the Award of Excellence, given to restaurants with 90 wine selections or more that also match the cuisine in both style and pricing.

Princess’ carefully curated wine list includes more than 250 labels. Each major varietal and wine-growing region is represented, letting guests taste the best from around the world. The Princess beverage team designed a wine philosophy that centers on exploration, discovery and enrichment.

“Receiving this highly regarded recognition from Wine Spectator once again reaffirms our commitment to curate a collection of wines that encompass noteworthy, exceptional and familiar varietals to explore,” said Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises. “We believe we offer the most extensive wine list in the industry that reflects our guests’ shared passion for travel and celebrating with wines from many of the destinations we visit.”

Available in the main dining rooms fleetwide, the wine menu is approachable with various price points and descriptions to make it easy for occasional wine drinkers and aficionados alike to sip. Wines from around the world including from New Zealand, Argentina, Italy and even China are featured. In addition, Princess celebrates women winemakers with a special list, identifies biodynamic, organic, vegan and sustainable wines, and offers many selections by the glass. Descriptions call out wines as “refreshing,” “light and mild,” “fruity and vibrant,” and “rich and textured” for easy selections.

Most recently, Princess partnered with renowned Caymus Vineyards to offer the exclusive Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner. Available for $140 per person, the new Winemaker Dinner leverages the expansive expertise of Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of the renowned Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards, to deliver a five-course menu crafted to complement the tasting notes of his wines. The dinner, available for 12 guests per seating, is offered two to three times per cruise, based on voyage length, and interested guests can reserve their spot once on board.

The complete list of award winners is available in the August 21, 2023 issue of Wine Spectator, available at newsstands July 11, and at www.winespectator.com.

About Princess Cruises 

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world – the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK). 

Perlises Pick: Thacher Winery dinner at Tam O’Shanter

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We recently wrote about a wine dinner at Tam O’Shanter restaurant featuring Carol Shelton Wines that we were unfortunately unable to attend. At the time, we had resolved to do our best to make it to the next wine dinner at The Tam, and that opportunity came sooner than expected when Tam O’Shanter paired up with Thacher Winery of Paso Robles.

Michelle and Sherman Thacher discovered the Kentucky Ranch in what is now the Adelaida AVA of Paso Robles in 2003 when they attended a wedding there. They ended up buying the property soon thereafter and Thacher Winery officially opened in 2008, in time for their fourth harvest. The focus is primarily on Rhone varietals and Zinfandel from a combination of estate and purchased fruit. We’ve tasted and enjoyed the Thacher wines at events but have not yet visited the winery.

It is always an eye-opening and palate-gratifying reminder what a talented executive chef such as The Tam’s JC Salazar can do when using his expertise to create dishes to pair with selected wines. An added bonus was having Tony Quealy, Thacher Winery’s General Manager, available to discuss the wines and the winery.

Here is the menu with our comments in italics:

Lemon Hamachi Crudo – fennel, cucumber, apple-pear, watermelon radish, aguachile, smoked salt paired with 2021 Own Rooted Chenin Blanc – Shell Creek Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles AVA.

First of all, kudos for using Chenin Blanc, a much overlooked grape these days. Even more kudos for using grapes from a vineyard planted in 1972. With a lemon and apricot nose, it was crisp and clean with grapefruit notes. Moderate acidity and body and very well balanced with a medium to long finish. The wine was a perfect accompaniment to the refreshing and complex crudo and was perfectly timed to the hot-day segueing into a pleasantly cool evening.    

Lamb, Lavender & Plums – New Zealand Lamb Rack, Romanesco succotash, plum chutney, lavender honey paired with 2019 Constant Variable – Central Coast.

Is there a better pairing with lamb than Rhone varietals? We think not. In this case, the wine was a blend of 37% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, 7% Cinsaut, 7% Counoise and 2% Viognier. Tony referred to this as Thacher’s flagship wine. The deep burgundy/maroon wine presented with dark, ripe stone fruit and a hint of white pepper on the nose. There were spicy notes from the Counoise along with a hint of baking spices. Extremely well balanced in body and acidity with added freshness from the Cinsaut. The mouthfeel was full and the finish was long. All the varietals were barreled separately except for the co-fermented Syrah and Viognier. The richness of the lamb with the chutney and honey proved to be both sweet and savory and this wine helped to bring out these aspects.

Certified Angus NY Strip – potato fondant, glazed Globe carrots, asparagus ribbons, shiitake demi paired with 2018 Original Copy – Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA.

As lamb pairs with Rhone varietals, beef pairs with Bordeaux varietals. In this case, a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc combine to make a wine that is deep, dark, rich burgundy in color with aromas of ripe plum. Nicely structured and medium-bodied, with earthy and smoky nuances and a medium to long finish. The bold flavors of the perfectly cooked steak dipped in the demi went hand in hand with the Bordeaux blend.

Olive Oil Cake – macerated cherries, almond brittle, Fosselman’s vanilla ice cream paired with 2020 Working Holiday, Cass Vineyard Red, Paso Robles Geneseo District, Paso Robles AVA.

The dessert was not overly sweet and was delightful with this fruit forward wine from the renowned Cass vineyard on the east side of Paso Robles. A combination of 54% Syrah, 37% Grenache and 9% Mourvedre, this Rhone blend and lively, ripe raspberry on the nose and followed through with the same on the palate. A perfect way to end a perfect dinner, leaving you satisfied and looking forward to the next time.

In addition to greatly enjoying our dinner, we learned a few things about Thacher Winery from GM Tony Quealy. Production is about 5,000 cases, of which about 65% is Estate. Estate growth is being expanded, including plantings of Mencia, a red grape grown in Spain and Portugal, as well as a mixed white field blend. The logo for Thacher Winery is a grasshopper, based on the Thacher family crest going back to Sherman’s English heritage. And shortly after we attended the dinner, we learned that Brenna Hill had been promoted from Cellar Lead to Assistant Winemaker at Thacher.

We want to thank Tam O’Shanter management and staff for an excellent dinner, both in food and service. We have never felt better taken care of. We are looking forward to the next wine dinner to see what imaginative dishes Executive Chef JC will come up with, although we will definitely be revisiting Tam O’Shanter before then. And the Thacher Winery and Vineyard will be on our agenda the next time we are in Paso Robles, one of our absolute favorite stomping grounds.

Thacher Winery & Vineyard

www.thacherwinery.com

8355 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446

The Tam O’Shanter Restaurant

www.lawrysonline.com/tam-o-shanter

2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Travel Medford Uses Rogue Valley Wine Passport to Promote Region as Premier Wine Destination

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MEDFORD, Ore. — Travel Medford, the official Destination Marketing Organization for the city of Medford, promotes the world-renowned wine country with the Rogue Valley Wine Passport, a program that aims to showcase the burgeoning wine region by driving guests to more than 20 of the area’s finest tasting rooms.

Users can access their Wine Passport for free in a mobile-friendly way and collect points for every winery visited. Points can be redeemed for specialized Medford branded tiered prizes such as wine stoppers, tote bags and wine glasses. The Wine Passport was designed  as a fun and interactive way to experience the diverse Rogue Valley wine country, and can be used at all of the select wineries within the region.

“Wine as part of agritourism is one of the top industries and pillars of our region,” said T.J. Holmes, Senior Vice president of Travel Medford. “The Rogue Valley Wine Passport provides another avenue for us to showcase the successes of a flourishing wine scene to both visitors and residents.” 

The Rogue Valley is home to four different wine trails: Upper Rogue, Bear Creek, Applegate and Jacksonville and the region was a 2022 Top 5 Finalist for Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s annual Wine Star Awards for Wine Region of the Year alongside world-renowned locations in Italy, New Zealand and Argentina.

The honors are piling up with Wine Enthusiast Magazine labeling the Rogue Valley  as a must-visit region, recognized for family producers offering an unrivaled diversity of varietals and styles, surrounded by jaw-dropping scenic beauty and world-class cultural attractions. Sunset Magazine also claimed the Rogue Valley is a “mecca for Oregon wine-making.”

The momentum from recent accolades and growth of the wine industry in the region created an opportunity for Travel Medford and Rogue Valley Vintners (RVV), which markets the region’s American Viticultural Area, to partner on the passport and continue to develop a world-class wine destination.

“The collaboration between RVV and Travel Medford strengthens the relationship among Rogue Valley Wine Country wineries and the tourism industry,” said RVV’s Executive Director Gina Bianco. “The passport helps us further grow the awareness of our esteemed wine region, paired with awe-inspiring natural beauty and limitless opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions of the region.”

Select wineries also offer discounts on purchases and tastings within the mobile passport for visitors when they check in. Users can access the mobile passport at www.travelmedford.org/wine-passport where they can sign up for the free wine passport and start collecting points. Points can be redeemed for prizes at the downtown Medford Visitor Center located at 101 E. 8th Street.

For more information on Travel Medford and Medford, Oregon’s eclectic offerings, please visit https://www.travelmedford.org/.

About Travel Medford
Medford is in the Heart of the Rogue Valley and is the eighth largest city in Oregon, known for its abundance of outdoor recreation, growing wine scene, arts and culture, and the plethora of events. It serves as the gateway to Crater Lake National Park – Oregon’s only national park – and home to world-class traditional and non-traditional sports venues, leading Medford own its identity in the sports and recreation market as Your Sportground, Where the West Coast Plays™. Travel Medford is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Medford and is the largest DMO in Southern Oregon whose mission is to increase hotel occupancy and enhance the visitor experience by promoting Medford and the Rogue Valley as a premier travel destination, thereby strengthening the local economy. Travel Medford markets the region to visitors and helps the community grow by bringing in events and tournaments and promoting tourism activities for tourists and visitors. For more information, visit travelmedford.org.

DRY CREEK VINEYARD FOUNDER DAVID S. STARE RECEIVES ‘WINE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD’ AT CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR

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HEALDSBURG, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Dry Creek Vineyard is proud to announce that the California State Fair honored Sonoma County wine pioneer David S. Stare as the recipient of their “Wine Lifetime Achievement Award” during last month’s ceremony. Stare is one of two recipients for the 2022 year alongside legendary wine writer Bob Thompson, as the State Fair Advisory has recognized multiple industry experts across award categories due to delayed events during the pandemic.

Coming west in the late 1960s with little more than a dream to start his own winery, David Stare is the original innovator of present-day Dry Creek Valley.

“It was 1971, and I was studying winemaking at UC Davis during the week and searching for vineyard property on the weekends. It was on one of those visits that I discovered the Dry Creek area and immediately fell in love,” said Stare.

As the first new winery in the Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition, Dry Creek Vineyard has become the flagship producer of Fumé Blanc and Zinfandel in Sonoma County. Over the last 51 years, the winery has also developed an international reputation for its Dry Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Bordeaux varietals and Meritage blends, continuing to craft classically styled, terroir-driven, appellation-focused wines.

Stare’s pioneering legacy reflects his lasting impact. Among the many achievements during his career, Stare was:

  • First to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley in 1972.
  • First to produce a Fumé Blanc in Sonoma County.
  • First to initiate the appellation status for the Dry Creek Valley in 1983.
  • First to label a wine with the Dry Creek Valley appellation.
  • Ranked among California’s first proponents of Bordeaux-style blending.
  • First to release a wine using the classification of “Meritage” (1985 vintage) on the label to classify Dry Creek Vineyard’s Bordeaux-style blend.
  • First to champion Zinfandel among world-class vinifera.
  • First to coin the term “Old Vines” Zinfandel, beginning with the 1985 vintage.

The journey to establish Dry Creek Valley as a premier winegrowing region was never easy, but David Stare remained persistent in his vision despite skepticism from agricultural critics.

“All along the way, I was told that my ideas had never been done before. Being a kid from Boston, I was just bullheaded enough to do what I wanted to do,” said Stare. “I am so proud that Dry Creek Vineyard remains one of the last truly private, family-owned, iconic wineries from Sonoma County consistently producing 90-plus point wines!”

Stare’s work extends far beyond the five-decades-old family winery. As a community leader, he has served as President of the Society of Blancs, President of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley and President of the Sonoma County Wineries Association, as well as serving on the board of directors of the California Wine Institute. He was recently honored with Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “American Wine Legend” award as well in 2022.

With a passion for philanthropy, Stare continues to serve as the Board Chairman for Global Partners of Development, initiating Vineyards to Villages in 2012, a program that raises money from the wine industry to bring clean water to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. His family winery Dry Creek Vineyard continues to pave the way to an innovative future, led by the second generation and Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace.

Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This premier, family-owned winery is celebrating 50 years of winemaking and is led by the second generation. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections. To learn more, visit www.drycreekvineyard.com. Connect with Dry Creek Vineyard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Perlises Pick Zaca Mesa Winery

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Zaca Mesa Winery just celebrated its 50th anniversary. That’s quite an achievement in this relatively young wine region. The land was purchased in 1973 by John Cushman and five of his friends. It was only the third winery in Santa Barbary County and served as the training ground for many winemakers who then went on to become famous. Its first winemaker was Ken Brown, and some other notables are Adam Tolmach, Jim Clendenen, Bob Lindquist and Daniel Gehrs, to name just a few. It is no wonder that the winery is sometimes referred to as Zaca University or just Zaca U. Current Head Winemaker and GM Kristin Bryden and Associate Winemaker Andrew Keil are maintaining the Zaca Mesa tradition.

Rhone varietals are the primary focus at Zaca Mesa. In fact, the first Syrah grown in Santa Barbara County was planted in 1978 in the Black Bear Block of the Zaca Mesa Vineyard. Of course, the region is also well known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which is now produced under their TREAD label.

We had an opportunity to taste some of the wines one beautiful afternoon on the Zaca Mesa patio:

2018 Roussanne Estate – Santa Ynez Valley AVA from the Foxen Block. 100% Roussanne. White flowers on the nose. Ripe, creamy, peach notes with a luscious, rich finish. 

2019 TREAD Pinot Noir – Santa Barbara County – from Cottonwood Canyon, Spear, John Sebastiano, Bien Nacido and La Encantada vineyards. 100% Pinot Noir. Classic notes of cherry and raspberry. Solid on the middle palate and medium body with notes of mushroom and autumn leaves followed by a smooth finish.

2020 TREAD La Encantada Pinot Noir Black Label – Sta. Rita Hills AVA, La Encantada Vineyard. 100% Pinot Noir. Bright fruit, pomegranate and strawberry nose. Earthy notes of black tea and nutmeg. 

2021 TREAD Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir – Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard. Big plummy red fruit on nose. Wisps of cinnamon and clove notes with a medium mouthfeel and finish.

2017 Mourvedre Estate – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, from the Chapel and Mesa Blocks. 95% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah. Deep, dark burgundy color. Brambly berry with pepper notes. Medium finish, full body. 

2018 Toyon – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Zaca Mesa, TTT, Vogelzang, Happy Canyon vineyards. An unusual blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Petit Verdot, the wine is named for a local shrub that grows around the Zaca Mesa vineyard. The Petit accounts for the deep color and the blend is softened by the Cabernet. Blueberry fruit notes with a full mouthfeel and medium finish. [Note that the actual Toyon shrub produces bright red berries – don’t eat these though; they’re poisonous!]   

2016 Estrella Syrah Estate Black Label – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Mesa Block. 100% Syrah/Estrella Clone.  Deep color, almost black. Star anise nose with black fruit and black currant notes.  Layered, structured, and very yummy.

2017 Mesa Reserve Syrah Estate – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Chapel and Mesa Blocks. 100% Syrah. Big jammy fruit with a touch of lavender and eucalyptus on the nose. Milk chocolate, white pepper notes and a whisper of tobacco leaf notes. Long, complex and balanced finish.

The Cushman family continues to own Zaca Mesa Vineyard after all these years. Sadly, shortly after our visit we learned that founder John Cushman had passed away. Belated condolences to his family, friends and everyone at Zaca Mesa Winery and beyond. The Santa Barbara County wine region would have been a lot different without his vision and we are all grateful for what he accomplished. Here is a nice video that Zaca Mesa posted: John Cushman on Founding Zaca Mesa – YouTube.

Zaca Mesa Winery

www.zacamesa.com

6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Perlises Pick Andrew Murray Vineyards

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Our wine journey would probably have been a lot different if we hadn’t wandered into a certain modest storefront winery tasting room in downtown Los Olivos back in the mid-1990s. Yes, we had already discovered California Rhone wines with a bottle of Le Cigare Volant from Bonny Doon Vineyards that we had purchased at a wine store in Glendale CA, but finding an easily accessible tasting room for a winery that was 100% devoted to Rhone varietals was an eye-opening and palate-gratifying experience.  The wines from Andrew Murray Vineyards were delicious and they sent us down the Cal-Rhone rabbit hole and we haven’t looked back.

Andrew initially made his wines at – and sourced much of his grape supply from – the property owned by his parents in the Santa Ynez Valley. That property was sold in 2005 and Andrew spent several years making his wine at different sites while expanding his sources of grapes. Finally, in 2014, he took over the old Curtis Winery and Vineyard property, establishing not only a well-deserved permanent home for this star in the Cal-Rhone firmament, but also creating a wonderful place for wine lovers to visit – which we did and this is what we tasted…

2021 Viognier – 100% Viognier, a blend of two different vineyards – White Hawk near Los Alamos and a vineyard owned by AMV in the Santa Maria Valley.  Aged in neutral oak.  Peach, floral notes. Very zesty and lively. Nice long mouth feel.

2020 Esperance Rose – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Curtis Vineyard. 97% Cinsault, 3% Grenache.   Stainless steel, very light skin contact. Floral, rose flower and a touch of tomato notes.  Soft and easy on the palate.

2020 Esperance Estate GSM – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Curtis Vineyard.  65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre.  Ripe berry, followed by stone fruit with soft spice notes. 

2020 Estate Grenache – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Curtis Vineyard. 100% Grenache.  15% whole cluster fermentation for added complexity.  This was a warm year, resulting in fruit forward, very aromatic wine.  Plush berry, balanced tannins with a medium body.

2020 Estate Mourvedre – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Curtis Vineyard.  100% Mourvedre.   Last fruit picked, mid to late November. Dropped fruit for better, more intense wine.  Herbal, leathery notes, more weight than usual. Very meaty long finish.

2020 Estate Syrah – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  This 100% Syrah saw almost 30% new oak.  Fruit forward, lots of spice.  Cozy feeling, “Hugs in a bottle”, smoke and bacon notes.  Very long finish, big mouth feel.

2020 Watch Hill Syrah – Alisos Canyon AVA near Los Alamos area.  94% Syrah, 6% Viognier.  25% whole cluster.  From the cooler hillside.   Deep, inky purple. Savory and fruity bite and finish.  Always a classic.

2020 Etranger Estate – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah.   Inky, purplish grey in color.  Massive body with chocolate, coffee notes and blue fruit notes.  Added color and weight from the Petite. 

2019 Brazen Estate – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, 70% Syrah, 30% Petite Sirah.   Only 45 cases (2 barrels) this wine spent two years in barrel and another in bottle before release. Ripe plum fruit with hints of licorice and espresso notes.

From one wine to the next, it was evident that Andrew hasn’t lost his touch.

We got to spend a little time with Andrew discussing the AMV wines, as well as what happens to the non-Rhone grapes that are grown on the 150 acres that are farmed by Andrew and his team – some go into their E11EVEN label [which has now taken over that Los Olivos tasting room] and others go to other wineries, including some big producers like Sutter Home and Joel Gott. We hadn’t seen him in some time and it was nice to catch up. With his and wife Kristen’s kids pretty much grown he still manages to look about the same as we recall from over 25 years ago – winemaking must agree with him. His wines will attest to that.

Andrew Murray Vineyards

www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com

5249 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Bordeaux White Wines Enjoy Continued Popularity with U.S. Consumers; Young Winegrowers Explore Range of Unexpected Styles

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BORDEAUX, FRANCE (PRWEB) – Bordeaux’s producers are promoting “unexpected” wine styles outside of their renowned red blends to meet continued consumer and trade interest. The region’s versatile range of dry white wines has seen ongoing success as the U.S. has remained the number one export destination for Bordeaux white wines since 2021.

Bordeaux offers a range of white wines from 12 primary appellations, including Bordeaux Blanc, Entre-deux-Mers, Graves, Pessac-Léognan and Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, which represent the top five AOCs by volume. The 12 AOCs are planted on a wide variety of Bordeaux soils, spanning an exceptional range of styles and choice. An estimated 1,800 producers across 23,200 acres of vineyard continue the tradition of producing white wines in Bordeaux, including many small properties (11.6 acres on average) with expertise that has been passed on over several generations. Bordeaux’s 2022 white wine production reached 3.7 million nine-liter cases.

The Bordeaux white wine scene has seen a number of new and exciting innovations. In recent years, a growing generation of younger winemakers has worked to both perpetuate and reinvent dry white Bordeaux styles. Some nascent trends include the emergence of unusual single varietals — such as 100% Sémillon or Sauvignon wines — and the increasing popularity of the secondary grape Sauvignon Gris, whose plantings have expanded from seven acres in the year 2000 to 1,235 acres today. To face climate change, producers have explored two emerging white grape varieties, Alvarinho and Liliorila, classified as Vitis vinifera varietals, or grape varieties of interest for adaptation to climate change (VIFA). These grapes’ ability to resist water stress and disease, their late ripening potential, and their aromatic similarity to existing Bordeaux profiles make them strong contenders for blending in Bordeaux’s future white wines. Producers have been permitted to blend Alvarinho and Liliorila on an experimental basis for the next 10 years.

Other distinguished Bordeaux regions — such as Médoc, famous for red blends, and Sauternes, known for its sweet wines — have also increased their production of dry white wine styles within the Bordeaux Blanc AOC. While both regions have a long history of making dry white wines, the two are exploring further with white wine production. Now, about 50 Médoc properties produce balanced, modern and elegant white wines, while Sauternes has used their Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc plantings to expand their non-sweet alternatives.

The top white grape varieties produced in Bordeaux are Sauvignon Blanc (45%), Sémillon (44%), Muscadelle (5%), and Sauvignon Gris (4%), with other rarer secondary varieties like Colombard and Ugni Blanc making up the remaining 2%. Sauvignon Blanc, now one of the world’s most popular white grape varieties, likely originated in Bordeaux, which accounts for its continued prominence in the region with producers and consumers. Bordeaux’s diverse white terroir supports a variety of styles that, like its red wines, lends itself well to signature blends. Benefiting from strong western winds and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the region’s dry white wine styles largely fall into two distinct categories: “lively and fruity” (i.e., from the Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux and Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux AOCs), and “structured and generous” (i.e., from the Graves and Pessac-Léognan AOCs).

A global leader in winemaking sustainability practices, Bordeaux has risen further to prominence in the white wine category as consumers continue to seek organic and environmentally friendly wine options. 75% of the Bordeaux vineyard area is covered by a certified environmental approach, and among the region’s dry white wines, many are certified as Organic, High Environmental Value (HVE), Demeter (biodynamic), or Terra Vitis.

ABOUT Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.)
Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) was created in 1948. It unites representatives from the two families in the Bordeaux wine industry: winegrowers and merchants.

The C.I.V.B.’s 4 missions:

  • Marketing mission: Stimulate demand for Bordeaux wines, recruit new, younger consumers and ensure their loyalty to the brand. Provide education for the trade and strengthen relationships.
  • Technical mission: Build knowledge, protect the quality of Bordeaux wines and anticipate new requirements related to environmental, CSR and food safety regulations.
  • Economic mission: Provide intelligence on production, the market, the environment, sales and prospective data for Bordeaux wines around the world.
  • The industry’s general interests: Protect the terroirs, fight counterfeiting, develop wine tourism.

Drinking In What Portugal Offers

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This past May I spent two weeks in Portugal, specifically Porto and Lisbon and the areas we could reach easily from there. I concentrated my drinking on the local wine, port and cocktails, and that’s what I’m sharing today in this article. I did quite a bit of social media while there, so some of what I cover in this article can be seen in public photos on both Facebook and Instagram. So onward, here’s your taste from this remarkable place:

White, Rose and Tawny Ports: We started our journey in Porto with port wines when we were offered a white or ruby port during our check in at our hotel. White was new for us, so I jumped at the chance. Expecting something sweet like Sauternes, instead it was a dry white port. Not bone dry, but dry enough for me to notice. Later, when we tasted port at a winery (or two!) we would have both dry and sweet. The sweet white ports grew to yellow and brown with age, and those were very grand, and did remind me of Sauternes. The red ruby port – yes it’s like a red ruby in color – were very fresh, and it made me think that a person that enjoyed lighter red wines like Pinot Noir or Grenache may lean toward the rubies. The tawnies were my favorite, as most reminded me of a whisky, if whisky were sweet, and because they were aged the longest. We had some aged up to 20 years, and some rare vintage year ports as well. I didn’t become a fan of any one Port producer; I may need to do more “research” before I do. (There are Rose ports, though none of the port wineries we visited made them. We understood from one of our tour guides that it is a new thing, a fashion so to speak, for young drinkers and tourists. We did look for them, to try the novelty, but had no luck.)

Douro Valley: We had one day to tour the Douro Valley. The Douro river lies beautifully at the base of steep vineyards, and our tour van climbed very high to visit one and have lunch at another. The Douro Valley is famous for their port wine but the wineries also make non-fortified wines with Portuguese white and red varietals. As I’m not much of a sweet wine drinker, and I enjoy trying new wines, I enjoyed the Portuguese wines the most. At our dinners out we only ordered Portuguese wine.

Port Tonic: This may be difficult to replicate at home but here goes. In the heat of the summer it would be a treat to have. It’s made with a dry white port wine (it can be made with any port but white was the most popular), tonic water, ice, a spank of mint and a lemon twist. It is very refreshing. If I can find dry white port wine I will be making this again.

Gin and Tonic: Gin and tonic cocktails are certainly not a new thing. But some countries in the UK and Europe serve them up completely different than we do. They match the botanicals in the gin to the garnish. So think of a Hendricks Gin, that has cucumber as one of its flavors, served with slices of cucumber and maybe some juniper berries. (Gin has to have juniper as a rule.) Now, picture the wealth of gins with their wealth of botanicals, and the garnish choices are unlimited. Then, besides that, these G and Ts are served in large wine goblets – bigger than a Pinot Noir glass – and with an abundance of ice. Lastly, if you have a really good bar, they have a selection of Fever Tree tonics to add in. These are also uniquely flavored.

Wines: From whites, aka Brancos, like the inexpensive white wine Vinho Verde, and red table/local wine, aka Tintos, there is a LOT to try in Portugal. I’ve written about them after taking this Masterclass. I was familiar with some of the red varietals and I strongly suggest that you try the red blends that start with Touriga Nacional, Tempranillo or Alicante Bouschet, try wines from the Douro Valley as well as wines from Alentejo DOC, and try pairing Portuguese wine with food too.

Aperol Spritz: Though not a phenomenon in Portugal alone, know that if you visit Europe during the summer you will spy this orange-colored beverage on ice in wine glasses. It’s a mix of Aperol (orange bitter liquor), sparkling wine and tonic. If you are not an orange or a bitters fan, skip it, but if you are open to trying what the locals are drinking, now’s your chance.

Note on travel: Portugal is a popular destination in Europe these days. Their dictatorship was crushed in 1974 and it would appear that most travellers came after that, and only continue to grow. Based on the crowds we had in May I recommend avoiding the summer months when tourism, and the heat, only escalates. We had a fabulous tour guide in Lisbon; check out Diogo from Tours With Me Portugal for his contact. And if you only have a day like we did to tour the Douro Valley find this experience on AirBnb. Also, when in Lisbon check out Bairro Alto, we found exactly what Google promised, “After the sun goes down, an eclectic crowd gathers in the neighborhood’s quirky and trendy bars, while traditional restaurants let out the evocative sound of fado…”

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.