Eve's Wine 101

U.S. supermarket wines are catching up with European counterparts

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NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — U.S. supermarket wines, once considered to be poorly made and rarely worth drinking, scored a major success at the 2019 International Salute to Excellence awards for private label in Amsterdam, winning seven top honors in the category.

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The award-winning wines were:

From Costco: Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 (Bordeaux, $10), best quality; Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco NV (Italy, $10). best value.

From Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s organic Grower’s Reserve Merlot 2017 (California, $5), best quality; Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 (Russian River Valley, $15), best quality.

From Aldi US: Evanta Malbec 2017 (Argentina, $4), best value; Scarlet Path Zinfandel 2017 (Lodi, $8), best quality; Outlander Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Paso Robles, $9), best quality.

This is the best performance ever recorded for wines sold exclusively by U.S. supermarkets, more than doubling the number of 2018 winners. The showing demonstrates that U.S. private label wines continue to get closer to their European counterparts in terms of value and quality – especially among wines costing less than $15. This matters because wines that are sold exclusively by European supermarkets have long been considered among the best wine in the world at combining those two things.

“Don’t overlook private label store wines,” said Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntrye, one of 18 international judges who participated in the 2019 wine awards program. “These were good value, high quality bottlings.
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Some stores are doing a great job sourcing really good juice.”

Wines were judged in 25 categories by varietal, style, and appellation, and each category was judged for best quality and best value. The 18 men and women who judged the competition came from around the world, and included Masters of Wines, sommeliers, winemakers, wine writers, wine educators, and retailers. They judged 350 wines from 40 retailers in 11 countries.

To see all results for the 2019 judging, visit www.plmasalute.com/wine-awards. The international Salute to Excellence Wine Awards are a competition sponsored by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, with offices in New York and Amsterdam. Founded in 1979, PLMA today represents 4,000 companies who are involved in the manufacture and distribution of store brand products in foods and beverages, as well as home and health products. PLMA sponsors two trade shows annually in Chicago and Amsterdam.

Iconic Peachy Canyon Winery Passes the Torch, Next Gen Set To Take Over

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Paso Robles, CA – After 30 years, Peachy Canyon Winery owners Doug and Nancy Beckett pass the torch to their sons, Josh and Jake Beckett. The Peachy Canyon Winery tradition of creating wines that exemplify the Paso Robles appellation through dry farmed Zinfandel and other varietals will continue and progress under the next generation.
 
“Nancy and I began Peachy Canyon Winery as a family business in 1988, just when the Paso Robles area was beginning,” said founder Doug Beckett. “We are very proud of what we created here at Peachy Canyon and look forward as the next generation of the Becketts take the helm.”
 
Following a successful 10-year hiatus running their business, Chronic Cellars, the brothers Beckett are excited to return to the family winery to manage the cellar, national sales and marketing, daily operations, as well as oversee the farming of the five westside estate vineyards in Paso Robles.
 
Chronic Cellars was acquired by WX Brands (Novato, CA) in 2014 and Jake and Josh have continued to work with WX to guide the brand and the winemaking for the past five years.
 
Returning to Peachy Canyon, the brothers are determined to carry on the legacy of the family business while infusing the brand with a new generation of followers. Peachy Canyon was one of the first wineries established in Paso Robles, California, in 1988 and is proud to remain a family owned and operated business.
 
About Peachy Canyon Winery
Peachy Canyon Winery is a family owned and operated winery since 1988 in beautiful Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast. Zinfandel has long been Peachy Canyon’s flagship varietal. These red Zinfandels range from elegant and restrained to fruit forward, each an exemplary call to its own terroir. With these exemplary Zins, Peachy Canyon has been instrumental in establishing Paso Robles’ reputation as a key California wine region.

www.peachycanyon.com, @PeachyCanyon, #PeachyCanyon

New Ways to Sip, Savor and Sightsee by the Sea in Nova Scotia

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HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (PRWEB) – Producing a quarter of Canada’s seafood and boasting a billion-plus dollar fish and seafood export industry annually, Nova Scotia offers a multitude of diverse signature culinary experiences along its 4,500 miles of coastline. And, Nova Scotia is now closer to more U.S. travelers with new non-stop service to the capital city of Halifax from Chicago and Philadelphia beginning in June 2019, adding to the direct flights currently offered out of New York City and Boston. Often a first stop for visitors, Halifax is home to the oldest farmers market in North America and has the notable distinction of having more pubs per capita than any other province in Canada among its many culinary charms.

New opportunities to “sip, savor, and sightsee” in 2019 incorporate experiences for active and adventurous travelers throughout Nova Scotia. Here are a few highlights:

A Distillery Tour on Foot and by Boat

Old Town Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to artisan distilleries with award-winning rum, colorful architecture, and traditional foods. Here, on foot and by boat travelers can explore the waterfront of the historic town with their taste buds. The Lunenburg Distilled: Culinary Adventure takes guests on a walking tour with an eighth generation Lunenburger to Ironworks Distillery, the first artisan distillery in the province. Listeners will gain insight on creating spirits and liqueurs from scratch. Afterwards, a boat tour with Heritage Fishing Tours drops visitors at an exclusive Dory Shop to sample traditional foods from the region. The tour ends with a seafood dinner onboard the Teresea D. Conner, a historic schooner from the Lunenburg waterfront. Price is $395 CAD per person. Dates available: June 19, July 14, August 21, and September 25.

Wine Blending on the Bay

A reflection of the region that’s shaped by the sea, Avondale Sky Winery’s crisp Tidal Bay was the first appellation wine of Nova Scotia. This year, guests can be a winemaker for the day with the Avondale Sky Wine Lab Adventure. A tour of the vineyard reveals rolling hills situated on the St. Croix River as it meets the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. Samplings are done in the tasting room and experimenting begins in the wine lab, where guests ultimately create their own Tidal Bay blend with a signature custom-made label. Award-winning winemaker, Ben Swetnam, will lead a blind tasting competition of the blends to crown the next master winemaker. The chosen wine is served at a gourmet, chef-prepared dinner for the group to enjoy. Price is $295 CAD per person. Dates available: June 22, July 6, July 20, and August 24.

Hike, Eat, Repeat

Active travelers work up their appetite for seafood by hiking, kayaking, and swimming during the Seaside Adventure & Beachside Feast. The day starts with a hike to the Kejimkujik National Park Seaside with Parks Canada interpreters, followed by a two-hour kayak tour through this unique and protected coastal estuary. Participants will fuel up with a lobster roll picnic and cool off by enjoying a swim on the white sand beaches. A final seafood feast will be served at the Quarterdeck Beachside Villas, and a night in a new studio loft at this luxurious beachside resort is included in the experience. The one day and one-night starts at $849 CAD per person or $1,600 CAD per couple. Dates available: July 3, July 22, August 24, August 28, September 7, September 18, and October 5.

Coastal Helicopter Ride and Picnic

For a birds-eye view of the stunning Nova Scotia coastline, travelers can journey by helicopter to a sommelier-led picnic on a private island. The Heli-Picnic Island Escape, a two-hour tour over Halifax to Sambro Island, is an opportunity to view the wildlife and coastline from a new perspective. After landing on a private beach, guests will indulge in Nova Scotia bubbly while exploring the hidden coves. The sommelier in attendance will lead a tasting picnic of local wines, smoked salmon, cheese, and chocolate at a lighthouse. Price is $575 CAD per person. Dates to be announced.

Sunsets and Stargazing

Storytelling, sunsets, seafood, and stargazing make up the Lightkeeper’s SeaFeast. The tour begins on a Cape Islander’s fishing boat that sets sail from the Yarmouth waterfront. The boat comes equipped with oysters, Nova Scotia wine, and stories with Tusket Island Tours. After landing at the Cape Forchu lighthouse, a chef prepares a lobster feast on the beach, and guests watch the sunset over the water while being entertained by Acadian songs. The tour goes on after the sun sets, with a dark-sky expert leading stargazers through a certified Starlight Tourist Destination. This experience is available on Thursday nights throughout July, August, and September. Price to be announced.

For more information about the province, visit Nova Scotia or call 1-800-565-0000.

About Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT):
This project has been made possible through funding provided by the Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT). ACAT is a nine member pan-Atlantic initiative comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations, and the four Provincial Departments responsible for tourism.

For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media:

New Brunswick
Web: http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca
Instagram: @DestinationNB
Twitter: @SeeNewBrunswick
Facebook: @DestinationNB

Nova Scotia
Web: http://www.novascotia.com
Instagram: @VisitNovaScotia
Twitter: @VisitNovaScotia
Facebook: @NovaScotia

Newfoundland and Labrador
Web: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com
Instagram: @newfoundlandlabrador
Twitter: @NLtweets
Facebook: @NewfoundlandLabradorTourism

Prince Edward Island
Web: http://www.tourismpei.com
Instagram: @tourismpei
Twitter: @tourismpei
Facebook: @tourismpei

Limited Release 2015 Cabernets from 17 Prestigious Wineries: The 2015 Stags Leap District Appellation Collection

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NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – The Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association (SLDWA) announced today that their highly-limited Appellation Collection will be released on October 15th, 2018. This is the only collection of this type offered to consumers. This year’s Appellation Collection includes one bottle of 2015 Stags Leap District-designated Cabernet Sauvignons from the seventeen Association member wineries. Only 150 sets are available for this one-of-a-kind offering and it is only available for purchase between October 15th through December 15th, 2018.

banner_appellation_collection“The Appellation Collection is a highly sought-after wine gift,” said Remi Cohen, Vice President and General Manager at Cliff Lede Vineyards and President of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association. “It is an exclusive collection that allows wine lovers to experience the entire District in one complete horizontal set.
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Each bottle unveils the unique terroir and soft tannin structure that makes the Stags Leap District the iconic region it is.”

The 2015 Appellation Collection includes one bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from each of the following: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Odette Estate Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards.

“The 2015 vintage is a classic vintage in Napa Valley,” added Cohen. “Higher than average temperatures produced an exceptional vintage, that was high in quality but low in yields. The result are wines that are sensuous and full of character.”

The 2015 Appellation Collection is priced at $1,999.00 for the 17-bottle set, packaged in two boxes, with ground shipping included. The Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association is the exclusive retailer of the Appellation Collection and the only American Viticultural Area (AVA) or appellation to offer a vintage-specific assemblage of its wines.

Consumers interested in purchasing the Collection may order online beginning October 15th, 2018, at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/appellation_collection.php. For additional information, contact the Association’s Executive Director Nancy Bialek at (707) 255-1720.

Availability:
October 15th – December 15th, 2018
150 Appellation Collection sets (Limited Edition)
Sold exclusively by the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association

Order online:
http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/appellation_collection.php
Contact Executive Director Nancy Bialek at (707) 255-1720

Cost:
$1,999.00 includes ground shipping for 17 bottles shipped in two boxes with detailed winemaker tasting notes. Additional sales tax applies to purchases made in California and in various other states, to the extent required by law.

Shipping:
Included (where allowed by law).

The 2015 Appellation Collection includes one bottle of each of the following Stags Leap District-designated wines:

  • Baldacci Family Vineyards, 2015 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Chimney Rock Winery, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ganymede Vineyard
  • Cliff Lede Vineyards, 2015 Moon Fantasy Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Clos Du Val, 2015 Hirondelle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Ilsley Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Lindstrom Wines, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Malk Family Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Odette Estate Winery, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Pine Ridge Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Quixote Winery, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Regusci Winery, 2015 ‘The Elders’ Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Shafer Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five
  • Silverado Vineyards, 2015 SOLO, Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, 2015 FAY Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Stags’ Leap Winery, 2015 The Leap Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Steltzner Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Taylor Family Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

About Stags Leap District Winegrowers:
The Stags Leap District Winegrowers is a non-profit association of vintners and growers united by the mission of enhancing the reputation of the appellation and its wines, and sharing its quality with the wine-loving world. The SLDWA is comprised of 17 wineries and 10 grower members. Wineries include: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Odette Estate Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards. To learn more about the Stags Leap District, please visit stagsleapdistrict.com or find the Association on Facebook.com/StagsLeapDistrict, Instagram.com/StagsLeapAVA, and Twitter @StagsLeapAVA.

JASON HAAS NAMED THE 2015 PASO ROBLES WINE INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR

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(Paso Robles, CA) On Friday, February 5 the Paso Robles Wine Country community comes together to recognize Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard for his outstanding contributions toward the success of the Paso Robles wine industry. Jason will be honored as the 2015 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s annual winter gala.

12469593_10153646179132415_4878007134613854298_o Jason Haas, through his leadership role at Tablas Creek Vineyard, has worked diligently in getting Paso Robles Wine Country recognized as a world class wine region. His efforts have effectively brought notice to Paso Robles as the epicenter of California’s Rhone movement, including the establishment of the Paso Robles Rhone Rangers chapter. Jason’s contributions to the creation and advocacy of the 11 new American Viticultural areas within the greater Paso Robles Appellation aided in the landmark ruling, bringing further notoriety to the region.

“Jason’s dedication to Paso Robles wine country has been evident in his eagerness to share what makes the region unique to trade and media alike,” said Jennifer Porter, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “Whether it be on the road at an event or here in Paso Robles for one of our many programs that brings in wine trade and journalists, he is a devoted ambassador.”

Haas often represents the region to national groups including the American Wine Society, the American Institute of Wine & Food, the United Wine and Grape Symposium, and the Society of Wine Educators. Articles penned by Jason about Paso Robles and the Rhone varietals have been published in Wine Business Monthly, Wines & Vines, Wine Industry Network, and Zester daily. As the principal author of the Tablas Creek blog, it has won Best Winery Blog by the Wine Bloggers Association in 2008 and 2011.

Along with being a well-respected local representative, he is also a trusted source by media, often appearing in national and international articles representing Paso Robles Wine Country. Jason Haas currently serves chairman of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors, a director on the Rhone Rangers Board of Directors, and past board member of the Family Winemakers of California.

Jason was recognized by industry colleagues on Friday, February 5 and presented his award by Austin Hope, Vice Chairman of the Alliance Board of Directors, and his father, Robert Haas, Managing Partner of Tablas Creek Vineyard and recipient of the 2007 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year Award.

The Alliance’s annual gala event hosts more than 160 members of Paso Robles’ wine community with elected officials and representatives from national, state and local offices on hand to commemorate the honor. This year’s event will be held at Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery on Highway 46 East.

Board of Directors Installation

The evening also presents the 2016 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors and Executive Team:

  • Chairman: Jason Haas, Tablas Creek Vineyard
  • Vice Chairman: Austin Hope, Treana and Hope Family Wines
  • Treasurer: Matt Dusi, Ranch 7
  • Carl Bowker, Caliza Winery
  • Hans R Michel, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery
  • Greg O’Quest, French Camp Vineyards
  • Joe Plummer, Plummer Vineyard
  • Bob Tillman, Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery
  • Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Wittstrom Family Vineyard

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s third largest wine region. It encompasses more than 32,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. @PasoRoblesWine, #pasowine

Five Reasons to Hate Niagara Wine Country

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Keep these in mind if planning a trip to the Niagara Peninsula

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. — The tranquility of a vineyard, the sparkle of Lake Ontario in the late afternoon sun, the emerald slope of the Niagara escarpment make for a beautiful vista when enjoying the wares of Niagara’s VQA wineries.

“The wine experience in Niagara is about so much more than the view,” says Marcel Morgenstern, a Sommelier and national sales manager for PondView Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. “But it may not all be roses and sunshine.”

And with that, Marcel offers the five reasons you will hate Niagara Wine Country.

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  1. The wines don’t all taste the same.

In Niagara, it’s not simply something red, something white, something sweet, something dry. If that is what you are seeking, you will be grossly disappointed at the selection of wines available from Niagara wineries. Really, who wants to have to choose between stunning Rieslings, summery fresh Pinot Grigios, rich Cabernet Franc, a wide range of Cabernet Merlots and everything from everyday sipping wines to age-worthy reserve wines for your wine collection? Then there are the unique and seasonal wines, such as rich Viognier (how do you pronounce that anyway?), Cabernet-based dry Roses and Gewurztraminer-Riesling blends. It’s too much choice!

I mean, you might have to invest a weekend of your time to spend in Niagara wine country to taste your way through all those wines.

  1. There are dirty farmers everywhere – not to mention the “rats!”

Just imagine, all the grapes these wineries use in their VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) wines are grown right there in wine country. There are grape farms and farmers everywhere! The lush green of the vineyards and the orchards will hurt your eyes after a while. No traffic jams and honking, just a tractor or harvester coming out of nowhere.

Don’t even start with the passionate winemakers and their dedicated crews of “cellar rats” turning the locally grown grapes from these vineyards into delicious wines that keep wine fans coming back for more.

  1. They are so damn accommodating all the time.

If you are used to the stereotypical big city taxi driver attitude, you will be hugely disappointed coming to Niagara Wine Country! People are just so welcoming and accommodating there.As you walk into one of the many wineries in Niagara, winery staff welcome you, ask about the types of wine you usually enjoy, make recommendations of what to try — and may even give you a tutored tasting if you’d like … and if that wasn’t enough, they will also give you background information on the whole wine region, recommend the best places for lunch or dinner and will ship your wine to your doorstep if you bought more wine than you can, want to, carry home.

  1. You fill up your camera’s memory card.

You better pack a few extra memory cards for your camera when you decide to visit this dreadful place! You’ll end up filling them up with endless numbers of pictures of you and your friends: in a vineyard holding a bunch of grapes, in front of an orange glow sunset in front of more grape vines, on the shore of Lake Ontario, holding a glass of wine, holding a bottle of wine, posing with the winemaker or winery owner, sitting on a winery patio with wine and charcuterie plate, standing in front of wine barrels, doing chocolate Icewine shooters or sitting in one of the restaurants enjoying Niagara’s local cuisine.

  1. These wineries are all about the $$’s and the bling.

Niagara’s wines love the bling! … awards that is. Not just from here in Canada, but on the big international stage at the world’s largest wine competitions in the U.K., France, Italy, the Far East … the list goes on. Our Niagara wines keep getting recognized for all the hard work that goes into growing the grapes and making these great wines. Canada is renowned around the world for its Icewines, but experts are quickly learning that the elegant cool climate white and red wines from this picturesque wine region hold their own in the ever growing wine market place.

You would think Niagara wineries would feel guilty about all this attention … but no. Instead, they are giving back to the local economy: When you buy a bottle of Ontario wine, it contributes $39.67 of economic impact to the local economy per bottle. That equates to a measly $3.3 billion in total economic impact to the Canadian economy. Who do these farmers, winery owners and winemakers think they are?

Please visit www.pondviewwinery.com for more information, Like PondView on Facebook and follow it on Twitter @pondviewwinery.

About PondView Estate Winery:

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Drawing on more than three generations of winemaking experience, PondView Estate Winery is one of the newest additions to the Four Mile Creek appellation in the heart of Niagara’s wine country. Family owned by Luciano and Adriana Puglisi, PondView crafts exceptional Ontario VQA wines rooted in an Italian heritage. Luciano’s enthusiasm and respect for the winemaking process, alongside his dedication and commitment to excellence, earned him the prestigious title of Grape King in 2008, awarded by the Ministryof Agriculture to the finest vineyard operator in Ontario. The secret to the success of PondView Estate Winery is the long-held belief of the Puglisi family: Great wine is a harmony of earth and vine.

Chianti Classico Collection 2015 (La Leopolda del Vino)

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Florence – Presentation of the latest Chianti Classico vintages to the top wine experts marks a unique occasion for learning all about the Chianti Classico appellation, its labels and what’s new in one of the world’s most important wine regions.

This is the Chianti Classico Collection, one of the major events on the international wine world calendar, held on February 17 and 18 in the beautiful setting of the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, its customary venue.

Here are the figures for the Leopolda of Wine: 149 wineries participating, 517 labels tasted for a total of 6,200 bottles opened and served by a team of 50 sommeliers during the two days of the event, which was attended by more than 200 journalists from 30 different countries and more than 1,300 trade professionals. There were 39 barrel previews of the 2014 vintage and 56 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines tasted.

“This is the third time I participated in the Chianti Classico Collection, not only as a vintner but as president of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico,” says Sergio Zingarelli. “With increasing awareness of its importance, this event grows every year, bringing to Florence the wine press and trade from all over the world. The wines that were tasted here come from a territory that next year will be celebrating the 300th anniversary of the 1716 edict with which Cosimo III de Medici established the borders of our production territory. Since then there has been a succession of Grand Dukes, vintners, production regulations, markets and merchants, consumers, harvests, historic events and normal moments of rural life – but our terroir, our grapes and our passion have remained the same.”

As usual, the first day of the event, February 17, was reserved exclusively for journalists of the Italian and international press, who in the afternoon tasted the wines in the presence of the vintners, while on February 18, from 10 am on, the event was also open to trade and professionals, who were able to meet with producers and sample their wines.

In a talk show replacing the customary press conference, The Collection was also an occasion for discussing the importance of cooperation and interaction among wineries, and in particular those of Chianti Classico, which are different in size and origin but all united for the past 90 years by membership in Italy’s oldest wine consortium.

3386504801Also not to be missed was the party in honor of Chianti Classico and its symbol, the Black Rooster, held at the Stazione Leopolda: for the last day of Carnival guests sported a charming accessory provided by the evening’s organizers. The recommended dress code was red and black, not in reference to Stendhal or soccer teams but in tribute to the world’s most famous wine trademark, the Black Rooster encircled in red. The guest list was top secret and in addition to wine experts also included members of local institutions and VIPs.

This year, too, the partners in the event were top names in the wine & food industry, including some of the finest Italian DOP products, which, under the institutional umbrella of the AICIG (Italian Association of Geographical Indication Consortiums) gave presentations and offered tastings at the Collection. They included the Prosciutto di San Daniele Consortium, the Grana Padano Consortium, the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP Consortium, the Prosciutto Toscano Consortium, the Pecorino Toscano DOP Consortium, the Consortium for “Oliva da mensa” DOP – La Bella della Daunia – cultivar La Bella di Cerignola, the Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP Consortium, the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Consortium, the Gorgonzola cheese DOP Consortium, and the Mortadella Bologna Consortium.

Also among traditional sponsors of the Collection were RCR, Firenze Parcheggi, Aqua di Toscana®San Felice and Pulltex.

Riesling: The World’s Greatest White Winegrape?

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Claiborne & Churchill Winery founder, Claiborne Thompson, ponders Riesling’s history and many merits

San Luis Obispo, CA – For over 30 years, Claiborne & Churchill Winery in California’s Edna Valley has quietly produced one of the most dependably delicious Dry Rieslings this side of Alsace, France. Always erudite, educational and entertaining, C&C founding winemaker Claiborne Thompson shares what he’s discovered about what many consider to be “the world’s greatest white winegrape.”

Claiborne_Churchill_LogoIs Riesling a German word? Any idea what the root of the word is, or its meaning?

Its name is a bit of a puzzle. It’s possibly related to the German word reissen, “to tear, to carve, to cut,” but attempts to explain this connection are pretty lame.

Where does the Riesling grape originally come from?

It’s origin is no doubt to be found in Germany, specifically the Rheingau. There is a reference to “riesslingen” vines in a document from 1435, written by a cellarmaster with the amusing name of Klaus Kleinfisch (“Littlefish”) to his boss, the Count of Katzenelnbogen (“Cat’s Elbow”). The whole story sounds to me like a Mel Brooks comedy sketch.

Do you know how old it is?

Really old, probably going back to Roman outposts along the Rhine.

How did you get into Riesling?

Well, both my wife Fredericka and I have connections to Germany, and Riesling is the German grape par excellence.  I first visited Germany when I was 17, so my first wine experience was with Riesling. Fredericka’s mother is German (from the Rheinland), so she no doubt has a bit of Riesling running through her veins.

How does Alsatian-style Riesling differ from German Riesling?

When we started Claiborne & Churchill, we took our inspiration more from the (once German, now French) province of Alsace, across the Rhine from Germany. In Alsace, Riesling is king; it is the most planted varietal there, and nowhere else in France do they allow it to be grown. The Rieslings from Alsace tend to be drier, more structured and full-bodied than those in Germany. They are definitely not “sweet sipping wines.” (Having said that, it must be pointed out that these days German Rieslings are getting drier and drier.)

Where does C&C Riesling come from?

At Claiborne & Churchill we source our Riesling grapes from two regions: (1) our own Edna Valley, including our Estate Vineyard, and (2) Monterey County, specifically the Arroyo Seco area, where cold weather produces intensely aromatic grapes.

What are some typical aromas and flavors associated with wine made from Riesling?

One of the great things about Riesling wines is how they reflect a sense of place, of terroir if you will. But what all Rieslings have in common (if grown and made properly) is an abundantly floral and fruity aroma in the nose and a wallop of bracing acidity on the palate. In its youth you might find hints of apple blossoms, of peaches, of honey. As a Riesling ages it takes on more depth of flavor, and often develops a bouquet referred to by the off-putting word “petrol.”

What are the challenges to making it?

Riesling is a bit of a challenge to grow, because it is a late ripener and fairly susceptive to rot (including the precious “noble rot”). The grapes need to be pressed slowly and long, to get the best juice. Fermentation should be cold.

How long between pick, bottling, and release?

Riesling can be bottled relatively soon after it is made, but it needs a bit of aging before release. It is unfortunately true that most Rieslings are released too early (including ours) because people prize the youthful fruitiness more than the more profound flavors that the patina of age gives. Oh well, each to his own!

How do you most enjoy Riesling?

Riesling is famous for being the most versatile of wines and the most food-friendly. We enjoy it by itself as an aperitif wine (especially if it has a tiny touch of residual sugar), but it really stands out on the dinner table. I love it with poultry (Chicken in Riesling is a standard Alsatian dish), and fish, particularly shellfish. I think Dungeness Crab and Dry Riesling is a match made in heaven.

What other regions are making Riesling that you enjoy? (New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, etc)

Outside California, Germany and Alsace, good Rieslings can be found in Oregon and Washington, in the Finger Lakes region of New York , and in Australia. Each Riesling bears the hallmarks of its place of origin.

Claiborne & Churchill will be releasing their 2014 Dry Riesling on May 1st.

About Claiborne & Churchill Winery
Founded in 1983 by Claiborne (Clay) Thompson and Fredericka Churchill, Claiborne & Churchill Vintners is a small, family-owned winery devoted to producing Alsatian-style wines in California’s pastoral Edna Valley appellation. After successful careers in academia, Clay and Fredericka established C&C with a special focus on the dry, fruity, and food-friendly wines of eastern France’s Alsace region, namely Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer and Riesling. Sourced from cool-climate vineyards that support these varietals’ naturally high acidity and elegance, C&C wines have won critical and popular acclaim for over 30 years. In 2007 Clay passed his position as Winemaker to Coby Parker-Garcia, who continues to emphasize minimal manipulation of both fruit and wine today. C&C’s straw bale cellar and tasting room – the first of its kind in California – is open to the public every day from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. at 2649 Carpenter Canyon Road in San Luis Obispo, California. For more information, please visit www.ClaiborneChurchill.com or phone 805.544.4066.

 

Vintage Beacon Circa May 2010: Four Brix and Pulchella meet In Vino Veritas

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What do 3 winemaking couples in Simi Valley have in common with 2 winemaking couples in Santa Clarita besides, of course, wine?

Both have websites, belong to their local vintner’s association, a tasting room – or one very soon- and have met at the same crush pad in Paso Robles.

Thousand Oaks via Paso

four brix wineryGary Stewart, one proprietor of Four Brix Wine, gave me a splash of things to come in their new dedicated tasting room open Sundays at WineYard in Thousand Oaks. The wine, soon-to-be in the SCV I hope, and the WineYard tasting room, were both new to me. Today I introduce them to you.

The WineYard, the only wine bar/store in Thousand Oaks, is about a 45-minute drive from Santa Clarita.

But instead of driving through a dessert to get there, I was rewarded by rolling grassy hills that could’ve easily been dotted with vines.

Once arriving I saw that guests could either sit outside and enjoy the weather with their wine, or choose from either the long indoor bar or tables close to the outdoors via large windows. There was more than enough wine between the cold unit, wine racks, and even more retail space behind the bar. Guests came in and made themselves comfortable and I settled in for the afternoon.

Now, onto our winemakers.

The Stewarts, Simonsgaards and Noonans, a mighty band of Rotarians, are making 5 California blended wines in old world styles from 11 single varietals, 9 vineyards and 6 appellations.

Born from their worldwide travels, wine tasting became a focused passion for the three couples. They hooked up with 20 other Simi Valley families, forming the Indian Meadows Vintners Association; the name based on the housing development they all lived in back in 2001.

Stewart is mostly self-taught, adding classes from UC Davis, and was mentored by winemaker Ryan Horn at the Vintner’s Vault in Paso; the other couples offered years of palate experience. I then offered up my own palate to try the swanky labels he had for Deductive (Zinfandel and Petite Syrah), Rhondevous (Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache) and my personal favorite, Scosso (Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot).

We chatted it up about getting Four Brix together with our local Pulchella for a wine tasting in the Santa Clarita Valley…and maybe the entire Ventura County Wine Trail will soon be brought to a wine bar near you…

http://www.fourbrixwine.com/

http://www.wineyardinc.com/

Newhall via Paso

Pulchella tasting signEve, 

Much like Gary at Four Brix winery, Nate and I both have followed the path to commercial winery mostly from self-taught knowledge.  We both starting making wine over ten years ago in our homes.  Buying juice kits and learning the rules to making wine.  Graduating to purchasing fruit from vineyards in small lots and fermenting in small bins. 

For years as we learned the “rules” we started to notice that if you respected the “rules” but started to break them, the wine changed for the better.  As we started to break the “rules”, the wine developed into something that was truly unique and complex. 

It was around this time that friends and family started to comment on the quality of the wines and pushed us to start thinking of offering the wines for sale because they were standing up against some of the best commercial wines available.  A hobby had officially turned into an infatuation at this point and we know there was no turning back.  Our passion for making wine could not be overlooked and in 2007 we decided to file the permits and licenses to become a commercial winery. 

Our philosophy was to produce very high concentrated and elegant wines in small lots to ensure we could continue to focus on quality and not let the quantity affect the final product.  We are committed to only producing wines in lots of fewer than 100 cases each. 

Our winemaking style is not driven by attending UC Davis classes on how to make wine, it’s driven by our past experiences, knowledge and respect for the process and continued passion to make the wines better every year. 

Our tasting room will be opening soon in old town Newhall on Main Street and we hope you will come and support our passion. 

Steve Lemley

Co owner / Winemaker

www.PulchellaWinery.com

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years.  She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition.  You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

HALL Introduces Modern Experiences aimed at Engaging and Educating Guests to Napa Valley

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HALL has announced the launch of new experiences at both its St. Helena and Rutherford locations that appeal to a diverse group of visitors to the Napa Valley. From the novice wine drinker to the aficionado, modern art lovers to foodies, locals and jetsetters alike – all will have the opportunity to choose from a list of unparalleled offerings aimed at engaging and educating guests in search of the quintessential wine country experience.

“Visit_UsWe are constantly looking outside the box as we grow our offerings,” says vintner Kathryn Walt Hall. “HALL is setting the stage for showcasing a glimpse of what Napa has to offer through our new wine, food, arts and wellness programs. We like to think of them as a little splash of everything, and may that splash be of HALL and WALT wines.”

At HALL Rutherford, a new private experience titled “Appellation Exploration” serves as the premier offering. While at HALL St. Helena, located on Hwy 29, we have launched a variety of new public programs. Each St. Helena experience also includes a tasting of sister brand WALT, whose tasting room is located on the Sonoma Plaza.

HALL RUTHERFORD OFFERING (Booked by calling 707-967-2626)
HALL Rutherford’s Appellation Exploration
HALL has introduced its most premiere tour and tasting experience set in the hills of Rutherford at its secluded winery. The experience includes a one-of-a-kind appellation wine tasting showcasing the effects of terroir, climate and elevation and a private tour through the acclaimed 100-point Sacrashe vineyard. With a portfolio of great wines from thirteen of the sixteen Napa Valley appellations, HALL is uniquely positioned to offer this experience to guests ranging from novice wine drinkers to experts and critics.
By appointment only. $125 per person / $100 for Club and GEMS Members.

HALL ST. HELENA OFFERINGS (Booked by calling 707-967-2626 or at hallwines.com)
Gallery 401 Tasting
Enjoy a tasting flight and sample through some of HALL’s current releases surrounded by breathtaking views including mountain ranges and vineyards.
For groups of 8 or more reservations are required. $30 per person.

HALLmark Tour & Tasting
Embark on our signature tour that takes you a step beyond tasting wine. Learn about our modern architecture juxtaposed with historic old world charm, and our eclectic contemporary art collection, as you stroll the landscaped property and lush gardens. This tour is followed by a private seated tasting.
Offered daily on the hour 10am-4pm. $40 per person, 90 min.

Ultimate Cabernet Collector
This exclusive experience is perfect for the serious wine collector and Cabernet Sauvignon lover. Set in the Library Salon, the tasting includes a generous flight of our most highly rated and allocated HALL Cabernets.
Offered daily at 11am or by appointment. $100 per person, 60 min.

Demystifying Wine & Food with Corrie Beezley
Expand on your winery tour with a guided wine and food pairing experience. Let our wine educator and house chef lead you in an interactive discussion of the fundamentals of creating and enjoying pairings.
Offered Saturdays at 12pm. $75 per person, 90 min.

A Taste of HALL
A Taste of HALL features a monthly food and wine educational workshop in our Demo Kitchen showcasing culinary techniques while guests enjoy a 3-course meal paired with newly released HALL and WALT wines. This engaging workshop is designed to educate the novice foodie to the culinary-obsessed with farm to table pairings.
By appointment only. $150 per class, 120 min.

Wine Tasting 101
Start your day at HALL with a fun and educational program designed for the novice on the fundamentals of wine. Learn how to read wine labels, why we swirl wine and how to smell, taste and describe wine.
Offered daily at 10am. $30 per person, 45 min.

Wine & Art Exploration
Wine tasting is woven throughout this experience that inspires all of the senses. Featuring some of the most influential, internationally acclaimed artists working today such as John Baldessari, Jaume Plensa, Peter Wegner, Nick Cave, Lawrence Argent, Jim Campbell and many others, this tour will nurture your soul and ignite your imagination.
Offered Sundays at 11am. $40 per person, 45 min.

Sunset Cruise
Stroll the HALL property as the sun sets behind the Mayacama Mountains and Bergfeld Vineyard. The tour concludes on our Ocean View Terrace with a tasting of wines, accompanied by an artisanal cheese board.
Offered Fridays at 5:30pm, May – Oct. 31 $50 per person, 90 min.

Two Flights In One – Balloons Across the Valley
Begin your morning with an exhilarating balloon flight above Napa Valley, topped off by a visit to HALL St. Helena for breakfast and a flight of our current wines. Experience includes a bird’s eye tour of Napa Valley’s majestic mountain ranges and lush vineyard aboard a hot air balloon, freshly prepared artisanal breakfast, juice and coffee served by onsite HALL Chef, Corrie Beezley, and a seated tasting of HALL’s current Napa Valley collection wines. Offered Monday-Friday, 6am -10am.

ABOUT HALL
HALL produces critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two tasting room and winery locations in Napa Valley. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Walt Hall, its vineyard collection features five Certified Organic estates producing classic Bordeaux varietals. Each vintage, Director of Winemaking Steve Leveque crafts 16 distinct Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley. HALL’s highly rated wines include the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon selected as Wine Spectator’s #18 of the 2010 ‘Top 100’, the 2008 “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon that earned #2 of the “Top 100” Wines also in Wine Spectator, and its 2010 ‘Exzellenz’ awarded 100 points by Robert Parker, Wine Advocate. Since the first vintage in 2002, over 75 HALL wines have been rated 94 points and above. HALL employs high-density plantings and small vine viticulture combined with two cutting-edge, gravity-flow wineries to produce the highest quality wines. HALL St. Helena was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification in 2014 for its high tech production facility and modern tasting room making HALL pioneers in the use of green buildings for the wine industry. Each of HALL’s state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and tasting rooms combine modern art and architecture matched with spectacular settings. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.