Eve's Wine 101

Raimat Winery Starts Project to Open Spain’s Largest Vineyard Nature Reserve

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BARCELONA, SPAIN (PRWEB) – Raimat winery estate, focused on becoming one of the leading Spanish wineries with the organic production certificate granted by the CCPAE, will also become a nature reserve open to visitors, connecting the capital of Segrià with the estate via various routes. There, you will be able to discover more than a hundred species of fauna and more than a hundred more species of flora of great ecological value. The project, the first of its kind in Spain and unique within Europe, will give the public access to this territory’s great natural wealth, over 700 hectares where aquatic birds, birds of prey, mammals live alongside 100-year old holm oaks and vine plantations in a completely organic and sustainable environment. Work is already underway on the signposting and the construction of a visitor centre, and Raimat Natura is expected to open in spring 2021, with no admission charge.

For Raimat’s director, Joan Esteve, “The management of a small area of land implies great responsibility. At Raimat, we have managed to integrate the cultivation of vines into their natural environment, respecting the habitats and the species that live there: prohibiting hunting, farming organically, maintaining natural plant cover and replanting deteriorated habitats, along with a long list of other activities that allow many different species to live in harmony on the estate. Now, we want to open up this environment to visitors so that they can enjoy a unique experience.”

Raimat Natura will offer tourists a new reason to visit the area, particularly families, nature lovers and bird-watchers. It also intends to make Raimat more accessible to residents in Lleida and nearby towns and villages, so that they can enjoy the surrounding environment. Upon arrival, all the information about the accessible areas of interest will be provided at the visitor center. From there, tourists can set off by bicycle or on foot, choosing from different tailored routes of up to 50km in length. The circuit around the lagoon, the perfect environment for bird watching, will be adapted to the needs of people with physical disabilities. Visitors will find informative signage at different points on the route with audio-visual content about the species that live there. Other points of interest will be the avenue of grape varieties, where a short walk will allow you to discover as many as ten grape varieties, or the centuries-old holm oak grove which has been preserved at one end of the estate.

About Raimat

Raimat is owned by Raventos Codorniu, Spain’s oldest producer of wines and Cavas. The inimitable geological and climate characteristics of Raimat led the estate to become, in 1986, the principal driving force behind the Costers del Segre Designation of Origin. The winery is itself a specific sub-zone within the designation, and is currently the main producer and ambassador for it.
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Raimat was created with the conviction that sustainable agricultural practices were the best guarantee for the conservation of the environment. More than 100 years later, this conviction remains unchanged. Raimat’s commitment to nature is firm, the sustainable processes far exceed the formal requirements and the winery is looking to achieve a 100% organic production model.
More information: http://raimat.com/en/

Surprises At Our Local Bev Mo

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Whenever someone messages me looking for wine of course I suggest our local wine bars and stores as we all support locally owned businesses. However, if they are looking for a larger selection then they simply must go to BevMo. There really isn’t any other option for us locals. And lucky us we have two to choose from in the Santa Clarita Valley. I happen to choose the one in Stevenson Ranch, on the Old Road, as I’ve been successful finding what I need there from spirits to wine.

Lucky me again when fellow wine writer, Carl Kanowsky, invited me to join him for a tasting with store manager Brian Ilvento and Wine Specialist Doug Characky a few weeks ago. They promised to expose us – and our readers – to some of their broad selection, and specifically to lesser known wines that they carry.

Our invitation read that we would be doing a tasting of “… wines that are a bit under the radar… (and are) considered ‘undiscovered’ and ‘hidden gems,’ as well as some from other regions.”

Characky, a local who had taken the wine studies program offered by Elizabeth Schweitzer and DiMaggio Washington at College of the Canyons, said they are seeing a lot of wine from up and coming areas that include Chile, South Africa and Greece. He also noted the popularity of Spanish Cavas and kosher wines from Israel. He commented, “I think this is a place where people that love wine will find paradise.”

Ilvento, who keeps staff trained with tastings among other things, said that everyone in the store can help shoppers find what they’re looking for. He added, “We’re here to find the perfect drink for every glass.”

We had six wines in our tasting lineup, most hovering about $20 and a couple toward $40. These are my tasting notes with the aromas and flavors separated by ; and, I enjoyed them all:

Honig 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley: Green apple, fruit cocktail, flint; same flavors as on the nose with a mouth coating viscosity and medium acidity.

Burgans 2017 Albariño, Spain: Crisp citrus fruits, wet pebbles fresh fruit, crisp, medium acid and stainless steel.

Frog’s Leap 2016 Chardonnay, Napa: Butter, oak, bruised apple and white flower; then that same oak and butter, popcorn kernel and almond.

Hahn 2016 Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands: Dark cherry, stems, cigar, mushroom and wet earth; same aroma profile for the flavor as well.

Michele Chiarlo Il Principe Langhe 2015 Nebbiolo, Italy: Barnyard blew off within a couple of swirls, then came toast, chalk, hard grape candy, and Characky also noted lots of cranberry and pomegranate that I had to agree with; noted much more of that red fruit Characky had found, a bit tight (so decant this one) and a long length.

Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Napa Valley: Ilvento explained that he liked this wine for its six-Cabernet blend and winemaker Joe Wagner. Aromas of dark fruit, spice, black pepper, perfumy; balanced and smooth, pepper and fruit working perfectly together, a wine that’s good to go now.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 15k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2016: NASA Wine Education, Champagne AOC, Part One

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In an ongoing effort to educate myself and wine 101 readers I recently attended an “intensive seminar covering regulations, styles, crus, villages” of Champagne, France.

Diego Meraviglia, the Director of Education for the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), led the class. And this article, part one of two as there was that much to learn (and taste), includes all of my “takeaways.”

What can be called Champagne

Champagne is from a “phenomenal wine region that speaks for itself in the wine world…” Diego began. So when you have a Champagne tasting party, if you are being faithful to the term, you can’t bring Cava, Prosecco or any other version – even one made in the Champagne method. Simply put, if it’s not from Champagne, France, from an approved area for grape growing, from specific approved grapes and other laws regarding harvest weren’t followed – it can’t be called Champagne.

The name, unfortunately, is associated more with a specific wine style (bubbles) than it is the geographical denomination of AOC Champagne, France. (Note: AOC stands for Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée – the Controlled Name of Origin.)

History of Champagne

Born almost by mistake, by a group of people in a region very far north, battling cold weather – they wanted to take control of their production. Romans planted the first vineyards – everywhere they went – in the 3rd century AD. In Reims, 987 AD, the first king of France was crowned in Reims. Wines were made there, and the region became known for crowning royalty. This is one reason why Champagne wine, and the region, was associated with royalty.

Champagne, by 1500, became a favorite for its elegance due to the bubbles, and continued to be favored by royalty. And another reason for it’s maintaining noble connotation to current day.

The cold climate created a more acidic, sourer, harsh wine. By the 17th and 18th centuries all that changed with Dom Perignon, who dedicated his life to the production of Champagne. (Did you know: Wines were exploding during the second fermentation process. Exorcists were sent to the cellars to do blessings to prevent explosions.) Dom Perignon studied, and eventually “tamed”, a very purposeful method in making Champagne.

By 1887 the word Champagne was fought for as the region’s designated name, and as the controlled denomination. By 1911 the “scale of the crus”, the villages, were counted up and divided by either premier or grand cru villages. This designation system was later abolished.

In 1927 the Champagne zoning was created, and by 1936 the zone was made official. No one, including New York that was making most of the sparkling in the Finger Lakes region, could use the name Champagne on their labels. The seal was created in 1941 for growers, producers, Negotiants – all there to protect the legacy.

About the Champagne Region and the Laws

Unique to Champagne: Dual oceanic and continental climates, with cold winters and warm summers, allowing for a large temperature swing that gives high acidic levels to the wine. While the chalky limestone soil, good for drainage, gives the unique trademark minerality that is discernible on the nose. (The area used to be an ancient seabed.) The area’s vines are on both rolling hills and steep slopes. And finally, Champagne is always at risk of frost at Spring.

Geography: 90 miles from Paris, 39 villages, four main grape growing sub-zone areas. And it’s the northernmost wine grape growing area in all of France.

Varietals: A mixture is still used by some; but the majority is Pinot Noir, followed by Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. You could grow something not designated by the AOC but it is illegal to produce something else and label it Champagne. And the parcels have to be approved to plant grapes.

Pinot Noir is 38% of the production, allowing for backbone and structure to the blend as well as cherry, strawberry, light tannin and color. Pinot Meunier makes up 32% of planting and provides roundness. It’s also frost and freeze resistant, so a necessity.  (Did you know: Meunier means Miller, named so as if a Miller left a dusting of flour on the grapes as that’s how they look.) Chardonnay, giving citrus and fruit flavors, also allow for roundness and creamy qualities, accounts for the remaining 30%.

Pruning, spacing, density of the vines – all of this is regulated by the AOC as well. Manual picking, maximum yield per hector, the minimum degree of ripeness you have to achieve – this is all set by the AOC.

(Part Two will run on this website next Friday, 5/14, and will include the Échelle des Crus rating system, Details, Myths and News and tasting notes for nine Champagnes.)

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

 

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2016: The Tasting Panel Magazine’s Annual Champagne Tasting

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About a month ago I attended an all Rose sparkling and Champagne tasting courtesy of the Tasting Panel Magazine, an annual event held just before the new year. This past year’s event was held at the charming Sotto Restaurant in LA.

The tasting is set up as a self-pour format and attended by various members of the press and wine community – people that can be trusted to spit and not over pour. I like the tasting as I can not only control the pour, I can usually complete the event in about 90 minutes. The downfall is that there is no way to take notes while holding my glass in one hand. I can only accomplish that at a sit-down tasting.

It’s important to me to give a shout out to the Tasting Panel Magazine for hosting this event, it really is quite a nice way to end the year and very generous of them to host it.

And for my readers had to wait until January to read this: Sparkling wine and Champagne can be enjoyed all year long, and not just for special occasions like New Year’s Eve. I learned the lesson well when reading and reviewing The Widow Clicquot, and I dare you to argue with her logic.

Now, moving on, I have the complete list of wines below that were shared, and some one-word descriptors (a bit wine-stained but I can make them out) in CAPS and italics for the wines I enjoyed the most and/or found the most interesting. You can also see a brief slideshow of my faves here in and under 1-minute YouTube.

The List

USA                       Michelle NV Brut Rosé – Columbia Valley

USA                       Gruet NV Brut Rosé – USA

USA                     Piper Sonoma NV Brut Rosé – Sonoma County WOW

USA                       Gloria Ferrer NV Blanc de Noirs – Carneros

USA                       Gruet 2010 Grande Rosé – New Mexico

USA                       Frank Family Vineyards 2011 Brut Rosé – Carneros

USA                     J. Schram 2007 Rosé – North Coast AGED GREAT

Tasmania          Jansz Tasmania NV Premium Rosé – INTERESTING

Spain                     Cavas Hill NV Rosado 1887 – Cava

Spain                  Pere Ventura NV Tresor Brut Rosé – Cava WOW

Spain                     Vilarnau NV Brut Rosado – Cava

Italy                       Mionetto NV Prestige Gran Rosé – Veneto/Trentino

Italy                       Lamberti NV Spumante Rosé – Veneto IGT

Italy                       Masottina NV Cuvée Brut Rosé – Veneto IGT

Italy                       Buglioni Lo Spudorato 2013

Italy                        Ferrari NV Rosé – Trento DOC

Italy                     Ferrari Perle NV Rosé – Trento DOC YUM

France                    Charles de Fere NV Cuvée Jean-Louis Brut Rosé

France                    Charles de Fere NV Réserve Rosé – France

France                    Gratien & Meyer NV Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé – A.O.C.

France                    Grandin NV Brut Rosé – Loire Valley

France                    Le Grand Courtâge NV Grande Cuvée Brut Rosé

France                    Pierre Sparr NV Brut Rose – Crémant d’Alsace

France                 JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset NV No. 69 Rosé BRIGHT

Champagne           Bernard Rémy Brut Rosé

Champagne        Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte NV Brut Rosé WELL DONE

Champagne            Lanson rose label brut

Champagne            Alfred Gratien Classic Rosé

Champagne        Veuve Clicquot NV Yellow Label Rosé PERFECT

Champagne        Champagne Henriot Brut Rosé, NV BALANCED

Champagne            Champagne Palmer Rose Reserve NV

Champagne        GH Mumm Brut Rose NV LOVELY

Champagne        Duval-Leroy Rosé Prestige Brut NV PERFECT

Champagne        Ernest Remy Rosé de Saignée INTERESTING

Champagne        Leclerc Briant Brut Rose NV UNIQUE

Champagne        Leclerc Briant Rubis de Noirs 2006 UNIQUE

Champagne            Champagne Philippe Gonet

Champagne            Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rose 

Champagne            Gosset Grand Rose

Champagne            NV Champagne Delamotte, Brut Rosé

Champagne        Charles Heidsieck Rose Reserve NV YUMMY

Champagne        Charles Heidsieck Vintage Rose 2006 OMG

Champagne        Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Rose 2006 OMG

Champagne        Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2004 PERFECT

Champagne        Armand de Brignac Rosé PERFECT

 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 judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. 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

 

USA and China drive the world’s wine market, along with a global love of bubbles

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Bordeaux – The upturn in the value of world wine consumption is set for a record global market value of $224.5 billion by 2021, forecasts Vinexpo/IWSR in its annual forecasts for the wine and spirits sectors.

photo credit: Michel Jolyot

photo credit: Michel Jolyot

A  comparison  of the  ten years  from 2011 to 2021 shows  that  the  value of the world  wine  market will grow 40% to reach volume sales of 2.66 billion 9-litre cases. Driving the recovery are the USA and China, the world’s two most powerful economies, whose joint growth in wine consumption offsets declines elsewhere, notably in Europe.

Over the next five years, China will become the world’s second largest market for grape wine behind world leader, the USA. Chinese consumption is expected to rise by over one third to $23 billion over the next five years when it will reach volume of 192 million cases. By comparison, in 2016 a volume leap of 8 million cases pushed the value of the Chinese wine market to $15.24 billion (growth driven almost exclusively by still wine).

The USA, the world’s most valuable wine market worth more than $36 billion in 2017, is poised to grow over 25% in the run up to 2021, reaching more than $45 billion.

A number of other factors for growth range from a global love of sparkling wine, a clear global trend towards premium brands, and strong sales of whiskey.

Sparkling wine is forecast to grow by an average 2% year-on-year to 2021, driven predominantly by North America, but also showing strong growth in the UK and Asia-Pacific countries such as Australia, Japan. Those two countries helped to push sparkling wine in Asia-Pacific to a total value of .
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79 billion in 2016 for 9 million cases. By 2012 that figure is forecast to rise to $3.73 billion (15.8 million cases).

Prosecco  will  outstrip  other  major  categories  such as  Champagne and  Cava by 2021 when  world  Prosecco  consumption is  set  to reach  40 million cases. In the UK, the world’s largest sparkling wine importer, Prosecco is an outstanding success. Nonetheless, the USA is expected to show the most growth in consumption of Prosecco by 2021, while remaining number two behind the UK.

Champagne’s shift in focus from Europe to emerging markets looks set to accelerate. Europe’s share of global Champagne volume is forecast to have decreased by 4 percentage-points by 2021, from 80% recorded in 2016.

In keeping with the trend to “drink less but better” premium wines are forecast to drive global still wine consumption. The premium segment – wines selling for between $10 and $20 – is forecast to grow by over 60 million cases during this period. Standard brands ($5-$9.99) will grow just short of 32m cases, and super-premium-plus just short of 5 million cases. The biggest losses will fall below $5, where the global category is expected to lose 75 million cases.

In spirits, too, premium price points are generally performing better than value, with mainstream standard brands developing at a healthy rate.

Whisky is expected to perform particularly well, especially Scotch and US whiskey, and to a lesser degree gin and tequila. This development broadly reflects the premiumisation trend with premium-and-above segments growing the fastest. The US and China will drive global growth of  premium-and-above  spirits.  Combined,  they  are  expected to  add  30 million cases in  these price segments,  compared to a net gain of  46 million cases globally.

Meanwhile, the power of the Asia-Pacific region and the role of Hong Kong as a major business hub is highlighted by projected regional growth over the next five years from $29 billion in 2016 to $40.8 billion by 2021.

Guillaume Deglise, CEO of Vinexpo commented, “Since Vinexpo began tracking world data so many years ago we have witnessed the remarkable rise of the Asia Pacific region and its massive contribution to growth of the wine and spirits sectors. Being in Hong Kong since 1998 is a winning strategic choice that Vinexpo offers to its clients”.

The 20th anniversary of Vinexpo Hong Kong exhibition will take place from May 29 to 31, where 1300 exhibitors from 28 countries will showcase their products to an expected 18000 visitors.

About Vinexpo
Vinexpo organises wine and spirits events for industry professionals acting as the sector’s international partner since its establishment, in 1981, on the initiative of Bordeaux Gironde’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Through its 35 years B2B experience the Group has developed an in-depth understanding of the market, as well as establishing strong relationships with key distributors across the world. It runs exhibitions in five set locations (Bordeaux, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York and soon Paris), and one touring show (Vinexpo Explorer). Vinexpo thus covers the three continents with the highest consumption rates, and continues to be the market leader for wine and spirits events as the go-to forum for producers and buyers. The Group is expanding with two new exhibitions in New York (2018) and Paris (2020) and with Vinexpo Explorer (held in Austria in 2017) scheduled to take place in California in September 2018. Vinexpo’s successful expansion strategy is marked this year by the 20th anniversary celebration of its pioneering establishment in Hong Kong, in 1998, of the first ever wine and spirits exhibition in the region.

Winery Book Presented At Cuba’s first-ever California Wine Symposium

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The California Directory of Fine Wineries proved an ideal visual resource showcasing the best of California’s celebrated tasting rooms and iconic wine brands.

intro_booksHAVANA, CUBA—When a jaunty contingent of California winemakers gathered in Havana last week to make history at Cuba’s first trade show of American wine, the Yankees brought with them gift copies of The California Directory of Fine Wineries to leave with their congenial Cuban hosts.

“For me this was the ultimate honor,” said Tom Silberkleit, award-winning publisher for Sonoma’s Wine House Press, the firm that has produced the Fine Wineries series since 2003. “That the California delegation felt our book best represented the magic and allure of California’s wine- growing regions and appellations to the Cuban sommeliers, distributors and private restaurant owners is very satisfying. Our whole editorial team is thrilled to play even a small role in this historic international gathering to help promote the exportation of California’s world-class wines.”

The California Wine Symposium brought together the California Wine Institute with the Napa Valley Vintners and Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers associations in an effort to foster connections between winemakers and the Cuban hospitality industry. Coordinated by U.S. Cava Exports founder and CEO Darius Anderson, who’s been working for the past two years to assist California growers in negotiating contracts to export California agricultural products to Cuba, the symposium reflects the recent diplomatic thaw between the USA and Cuba that has brought increased tourism and North American interest in commerce with the island nation.

The California Directory of Fine Wineries, now in its 7th edition for Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino, is one of the region’s most popular and widely recognized travel guides. Digital e-Book formats for iPad and Kindle are also available. For more information visit www.Californiafinewineries.com or call Wine House Press at 707-996-1741.

Your SCV (and MORE) Happy Hour List

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Besides the SCV Wine Calendar for events, we also have compiled a list of local Happy Hours taken from website pages or via email. Some of our hyperlinks go straight to the Happy Hour menus! (We have not visited all of these, so this is not a list of Eve Wine 101 recommended Happy Hours, it’s just a list of all the ones you can check out in Santa Clarita that we now know about!) If you know of any others please email them to us, as you see a pal emailed us a couple outside of SCV that we shared at the bottom of our list:

Azul Tequila: Monday through Friday 3pm until 7pm, $3.75 House Margaritas, $3.50 wine by the glass, $3.50 well drinks, $.99 Coors light draft, (All other draft beers $3.50) and $5 appetizers.

Bier Academy, Beer Bar and Grill: From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $1 off pints and appetizers. Pints can range from $3.50 to $7 depending on the type of beer. Always have 16 ounce $3 Rolling Rocks or PBR.

BJ’s Brewhouse: Monday through Friday 3-7pm, Sunday through Thursday 10pm until closing and all day Tuesday is half off wines by the glass or bottle. $4 craft beers and call drinks, $5 Mojitos and Martinis, $6 select wines by the glass, Happy Hour food menu.

Black Angus Steakhouse: Monday through Friday from 3pm until 7pm in the bar, Tuesdays and Sundays all day long, $3.50 well drinks, $4.50 16 ounce bottled and draft beers, $5.50 select wines by the glass and reduced prices on full sized appetizers.

Claim Jumper Valencia: Monday through Friday from 3pm until 6:30pm, Saturday 11am until 3pm, in the saloon only. Select menu of items priced between $2 and $8, $4 pints of draft beer, $5 to $8 select cocktails and $5 select wines by the glass.

Sazerac with Whistle Pig, Antigua Bitters, nice and neat

Sazerac with Whistle Pig, Antigua Bitters, nice and neat at Cuvee.

NEW 2015: Cuvée Bistro & Raw Bar: 2-7pm every day with $2 Taco Bar from 2-5pm. (Though at press time I was just there on a Tuesday and we were offered but one get one drinks until 7pm.)

Don Cuco Newhall: Daily from 4pm until 7pm, select beers between $3.00 and 4.50, $5.95 Margaritas and $5.25 well drinks, half price on all appetizers, in the bar only.

Gyi-Kaku Sushi Bar: After 8:30 p.m. you can get house sake for $2.95, a mug of Sapporo for $3, a pitcher for $6.50, 50% off all cocktails.

Islands: Monday through Friday from 4pm until 7pm, select appetizers and drinks under $5. (A perusal of their website no longer shows pricing only the Happy Hour time.)

Kabuki: Monday through Friday 3pm until 6pm, Monday through Thursdays 9pm until closing and 8 pm until closing on Sundays. Select cocktails $5.95 to $6.50, lowered prices on select hot and cold Sakes, select wines are $3.50 a glass and lowered prices on select beers.

Lazy Dog: Monday through Friday 3pm until 6pm, Sunday through Thursday 9pm until closing in the bar and patio only, drinks priced from $3 to $7 and Happy Hour portioned appetizers between $3 and $6.

Le Chene: 4:30pm until 7pm every day except Saturday. No specifics on website.

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: In the bar only from 3 until 7 pm Monday through Friday and 9pm until closing every day. Happy Hour menu, select 22 ounce draft beers between $4 and $5, $5.50 – $7.50 select wines by the glass, $4.25 well drinks, $6.50 – $7.25 Martinis, featured cocktails between $4.75 and $7.50.

Margaritas Mexican Grill: Monday through Friday from 3pm-7pm in bar area only. No drink specials listed on website.

Marston’s Valencia: Tuesday through Sunday 5pm to 7pm. $1 off Marston’s specialty drinks and Martinis, $4 select glasses of wine, $4 all draft beer, $3.25 bottled beer, $5 well drinks, $6 well martinis and Cosmopolitans. Happy Hour Appetizer menu.

Newhall Refinery: Available Tuesday – Friday  3:00pm-5:00pm: House Wine – Cabernet or Chardonnay $4, Specialty Beer Flight – Bartender’s Choice (3) 4oz. Draught $4, Custom Beer Flight – your choice of (3) 4oz. Draught $6, Brown Bag Special – 12oz. Bottle, Bartender’s Choice $4 (Guess brown bag style beer for additional comp), Wine Flights – your choice of (3) 2oz wine by the glass from $6, $2 off small bottled beer, $4 off large bottled beer, $2 off wine flights, $2 off wine by the glass, HAPPY HOUR BITES Available Tuesday – Sunday  4:00pm-5:00pm – Chipotle wings, lime cream, peanuts & cilantro $6, Chicharones, house yuzu kosho hot sauce, celery greens, radish $4, Pickled beets and cherries, frisee, warm goat crostini $5, Mini refiners fries $5, Warm olives $3 and Chili lime bar nuts  $3.

New Moon Valencia: In the bar and lounge weekdays from 5pm until closing and all day long on weekends. Cocktails from $5 to $6, beer $3.75 to $5.50, wine $5 and appetizers from $3 to $6 (most are $4).

The Oaks Grille (inside TPC, Tournament Players Club): 4:30-6:30 Wednesdays and Thursday.

Persia Restaurant and Persia Lounge: Monday to Thursday 3pm to 7pm house wine $3.50 Domestic Beer $3, and Reverse Happy Hours every night from 8pm until closing for the same prices.

Presidente Santa Clarita: Monday through Friday from 2:30pm until 6pm in the cantina only, small bites starting at $2.50, all draft beer $3.25 for 14 ounce and $5.50 for 22 ounce, $4 plain and $4.50 flavored16 ounce house Margaritas, $5 to $6.75 for 16 ounce premium Margaritas, $3.50 to $4.25 tequilas, $3 well drinks, $4 house wine by the glass.

Rattler’s Bar B Que: Monday to Friday 3-7 p.m. bar only, food priced between $1.50 and $5.50, 16 oz. draft beer $4.99, 20 oz. draft beer $5.99, specialty cocktails $7 to $9.

Route 66 Classic Grill: Happy Hour in the bar and patio only and not during special events, Monday through Friday 3pm until 6pm and again from 9pm until closing, Saturday 9pm until closing and Sunday 7pm until closing. $1 off draft beer and $1 off well drinks.

Sabor Cocina Mexicana: Monday to Friday 2pm until 6pm $6 margaritas, $4 beer, $4 well drinks and $6 appetizers.

Salt Creek Grille Valencia: Monday through Friday 4-6:30 pm in the bar only, well drinks $4, draft and bottled beers $4 and house wines by the glass $4. Bites ranging from $4 (soup of the day) to $10 (jumbo shrimp cocktail).

Sisley Italian Kitchen Valencia: Monday through Friday 3-7pm, Saturday 8-10pm and all day Sunday well drinks between $3 and $5, several appetizers between $3 and $4.95.

Watermelon Margaritas at solita

Watermelon Margaritas at solita

NEW 2015: Solita Tacos and Margaritas: Two Wood Grilled Chicken, Crispy Fish and Tofu tacos for $4.00, Oak-Roasted Chicken, Pork Carnitas, Chorizo Sweet Potato and Black Bean or the Chicken Taquitos are $5. Guacamole $6. House, Frozen or Skinny Margarita for $6. Well drinks and wines $5.00. (solita Tacos & Margaritas Valencia will be rolling out more specials every Tuesday, for Taco & Tequila Tuesday, offering live music, Frozen Margarita Flights, taco options and more from 3:00 pm to close.) Happy Hour and Reverse Happy Hour every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:15 pm and 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Taco Tuesday is every Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with the bar staying open until 12:00 Midnight.

TGI Fridays: “Drink specials all day, every day” includes $3 – $4 beers, cocktails $4 and up.

Vines (in the Hyatt on Town Center Drive): Lounge and patio from 4pm until 7pm daily, $6 bites, $5 bartender specials as well as select wines, $4 domestic beer and $5 craft beer.

The Vu: Everyday 4 to 8pm.

Wokcano Valencia: In the bar and lounge area: Monday 11am until 2am, Tuesday – Thursday 3pm to 7pm and 9pm to 2am, Friday 3pm until 7pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm and 9pm to 2am. Happy Hour food menu, $4 draft beer, $4 Sangria, $4 well drinks, $4 house wine, $5 Sake Bomb.

Wolf Creek Restaurant: In the bar area only Monday 4pm until closing, Tuesday through Friday 4pm until 6:30pm, Saturday 8pm until closing. Happy Hour pizzas $5.50 and 25% off other appetizers.

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill: Happy Hour 3pm until 6pm.

And Outside of SCV:

MAGNOLIA HOUSE: No need to knock, as the door is always open at Magnolia House! Pasadena’s favorite new restaurant and bar introduces Neighborhood Hour every Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Offering discounted wines, well drinks and their signature cocktails, this cozy bungalow has something for everyone on the block. Sip on Bar Manager Colin Shearn’s tasty Cocktail of the Moment from his newly released cocktail menu for only $7.00, or kick back and relax while you enjoy the signature Magnolia House Sangria for $6.00. Pint-loving pedestrians will not be able to resist popping in to try all five craft beer options (at just $5.00 each), including the Craftsman 1903, Heavenly Hefe, Mother Earth Cali’ Creamin’, Santa Barbara Common Ale and Swamis IPA. Pair these budget-friendly beverages with gourmet snacks from Executive Chef Kyu Yi and bite into delicious dishes like Crunchy Ahi Tacos with spicy tuna, avocado crema and radish or Margherita Flatbread ($8.00) topped with spicy tomato, burrata, basil and a cilantro-pistachio pesto. Or get food tipsy off the Drunken Nachos ($7.00) smothered in beer queso sauce. Additionally, guests can dine on Blistered Shishitos ($5.00) served with sweet Thai chili and ponzu sauce, as well as Lebanese Beef Skewers,($6.00) drizzled with tahini yogurt sauce. Do not miss out on this new hotspot, where Neighborhood Houris reinventing Pasadena evenings and making it easy for you (and your wallet)!  Magnolia House is open for Neighborhood Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm; 492 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101; 626.584.1126.

RASCAL: The only rule at Rascal, is that there are no rules! This favorite local hotspot on South La Brea Avenue hosts Happy Hour seven days a week. With $6.00 Eats & House Libations available throughout the entire restaurant (not just bar), it is quickly becoming everyone’s favorite pastime. With something for everyone, Rascaloffers traditional beverage choices including cocktails like the Moscow Mule and Margarita, as well as House-Made Red Sangria and the Cold Duck, a sangria topped off with sparkling cava brut. Beer lovers can enjoy pints of the North Cost Scrimshaw Pilsner, while discriminating winos will delight in select red, white and sparkling wines like the 2013 Solar de Estraunza and the 2011 Garnacha Beso de Vino. Executive Chef Andy Lee keeps everyone happy with favorites like Spicy Italian Sausage with blistered red watercress, olive oil and olive tapenade, a classic Burger topped with beer-deglazed caramelized onions, cheddar, arugula, vine-ripened tomato and herb remoulade, as well as Brussels Sprouts sprinkled with smoked bacon, shallots and garlic and drizzled with whole grain mustard sauce. Buttermilk marinated fried chickenis so good, it is served two ways: A Fried Chicken Sandwich, which is stacked with tomato, Napa cabbage and tzatziki and the classic comfort-dish, Fried Chicken & Gravy is smothered with Italian sausage gravy. Non meat-eaters can enjoy a pita bread-packed Vegetable Gyro Sandwich stuffed with potato croquet, tabbouleh, curry hummus, tzatziki and queso fresco. Why let the happy stop there? Rascal wonders the same thing, which is why every Sunday is Sunday Funday, a game night, offering a variety of board games for patrons to play, while sipping on Happy Hour cocktails (at Happy Hour prices) “all night long.” Checkmate! Rascal is open for Happy Hour from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm every Tuesday through Saturday, and 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm every Monday; and Sunday Funday is every Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; 801 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.933.3229.

TIPPLE & BRINE: Known for their bountiful bivalve bar of fresh oysters and creative custom cocktails, Tipple & Brine continues to shine and is quickly becoming the gem (or pearl, more appropriately) of Sherman Oaks. Currently presenting a Social Hour every Monday through Friday, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, guests can stop in for gourmet fare and drinks at discounted pricing. Dive in with $5.00 Oyster Shooters and $7.00 house-made classic cocktails, like the Old Fashioned or Moscow Mule crafted with Tito’s Vodka.The beer and wine is more than fine, with $5.00 draft offerings of Firestone IPA, Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Golden Road Hefe, Craftsman 1903 or Dogtown Brown and four wine selections of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon for just $6.00 per glass. Slurp down fresh Oysters for just $2.00 a piece or a plate of Warm Marinated Olives for only $4.00. Additional menu favorites are occasionally rotated during Social Hour, but generally consist of delectable dishes like Crispy Oysters with sauce gribiche ($7.00), Brussels Sprouts ($5.00) and Mussels & Fries ($7.00). Stop in for some social time and savor some of these select pairings at this Sherman Oaks hotspot!  Tipple & Brine is open for Social Hour every Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm; 14633 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; 818.528.2550.

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

U.S. Wine Market Drives Growth in Global Consumption

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NEW YORK – Feb. 2015 – With global consumption of wine on the rise, the U.S. is driving growth as the world’s largest wine market. This is among the key findings of an IWSR survey commissioned by Vinexpo, the world’s leading show for wine and spirits professionals. IWSR is an authoritative source of analysis on the alcoholic beverage market, and its annual study for Vinexpo is unique in its inclusion of a five-year forecast of global market changes.

image001Consuming 312.5 million cases in 2013, the U.S. was the only market among the top 10 wine-drinking countries to show growth over the previous year. While the increase was lower than in preceding years, totaling five million more cases, its overall value was sustained by a shift in demand towards the higher end of the market.

Between 2009 and 2013, global wine consumption increased by 2.7% to reach a total of 2.648 billion nine-liter cases, the equivalent to more than 31.7 billion bottles. IWSR predicts that growth will accelerate by another 1% between 2014 and 2018 to reach 2.732 billion nine-liter cases (32.78 billion bottles).

A few key highlights from the study:

  • As Champagne consumption dips, other sparkling wines drive growth: In 2013, sparkling wines (excluding champagne) accounted for 8% of the world’s wine consumption – a figure that is expected to rise to 8.9% by 2018. Between 2009 and 2013, U.S. consumption of sparkling wines grew by 23%, and this should increase by another 15% between 2014 and 2018. Cava sales, spurred by growth in imports to Belgium, Nigeria and France, escalated by more than 100,000 cases in 2013.  Prosecco exports doubled; in the U.K. alone, sales increased by more than one million cases.

Meanwhile, Champagne consumption fell by 1.4% globally in 2013, due primarily to shrinking demand in France, the U.K. and the U.S. Sales are rising, however, in several key countries, including Australia and Japan.

  • Red wine continues to dominate: Red wine represented 54.8% of all still wine consumed in 2013, even as reduced demand, primarily in China, drove worldwide consumption down by 19.8 million cases.
  • Rosé holds steady: Rosé is the wine category least affected by the 2013 slump in demand, with 2013 global sales at 219.1 million cases compared to 219.7 in 2012. Sales are thriving in the three primary rosé consumer markets: France, the U.K. and the U.S.
  • Import sales are robust: More than a quarter (29.5%) of all wine bottles consumed in 2013 were imported — a total of 720 million cases. Imported wines are expected to grow by another 6.1% by 2018, outpacing a predicted 3.5% increase in overall wine sales. Italy and Australia are the most important suppliers of imported wines to the U.S. market, with France in third place but on the rise as maturing American wine consumers are drawn to what is widely seen as the home of fine wine.
  • Spirits are rising, with Asia-Pacific the world’s top consumer: Global spirits consumption reached 3.069 million nine-liter cases in 2013, an increase of 19.1% from 2009. This growth is expected to continue at a 3% rate, reaching 3.18 million cases by 2018. Asia-Pacific accounts for 63% of the world’s total spirits consumption.
  • Whiskies and bourbons are back in vogue: Whisky and bourbon sales are projected to rise 8.8% and 19.3% respectively over the next five years. Russia, Brazil, Mexico, India and Poland are driving this rise, adding more than a million cases to their total consumption between 2009 and 2013.
  • Vodka consumption levels out: Although vodka holds its position as the leading “international” spirit (the #1 spirit, Baiju, is consumed mainly in China), demand is stabilizing. The current 492.7 million cases represent a rise of .5% since 2009, and IWSR research reveals that the tax increase imposed in Russia has significantly slowed growth in that country, turning young consumers to trendier alcoholic beverages.
  • Cognac and Armagnac find new markets: Cognac and Armagnac sales rocketed by 19% between 2009 and 2012, with demand flourishing in Asian markets. While 2013 growth in the region has been curtailed by the Chinese government’s anti-corruption legislation, five-year forecasts remain positive (+3.5%).  Healthy sales are particularly expected in America, the biggest market for cognac exports.

About the Vinexpo/IWSR Survey

For the 13th year running, Vinexpo has commissioned an annual study from market intelligence provider International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR) that has become a standard reference for professionals in the sector. This in-depth analysis of global consumption, production and international trade in wines and spirits covers the industry over a 10-year span, tracking developments since 2008 and forecasting changes through 2018. The survey covers 28 producing countries and 114 consumer markets.

Established in 1971, the IWSR database is the broadest, most accurate, and most detailed source of information on the worldwide alcoholic beverages market. The high quality of the survey is proven year after year, as comparison of projected and actual consumption figures display a consistently low margin of error of 2%. The latest report is the most accurate yet, thanks to additional sub-sectors not previously covered in IWSR’s field work and analysis.

About Vinexpo

Founded in 1981, Vinexpo has evolved into the world’s leading show for wine and spirits professionals and a partner for the wine and spirits industry worldwide. Vinexpo is held in Bordeaux in odd-numbered years; since 2006, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific has taken place in Hong Kong in even-numbered years and has become the key exhibition of the industry in Asia. Before each exhibition, Vinexpo commissions studies on industry-specific issues and presents the findings in conferences around the world. Since 1999, it has produced a world market study with a five-year outlook, as well as a variety of trend reports.  For more information, visit www.vinexpo.com.

Scott Richardson and The Educated Palate: Holiday Beverage Pairings to Make the Season Merry and Bright

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Most of us will be running around looking for that perfect Christmas gift for our loved ones right up to the last minute. But let us not forget to purchase the wines that will pair with the food we will all be enjoying over the holidays.

There are some basic pairing rules to help you with this process. The first rule is not to look at how cool the label looks. You are not drinking the label. But the label will tell you what is in the bottle and the year the grape was harvested… the vintage. Some wines are supposed to be opened and enjoyed while young. Other wines should be kept and stored for a while and then enjoyed. The second rule of buying wine is to know what food you will pair with the wine. Below, I will offer my guide for you to know what variety of wine to pair with what type of food.

Typically, at Christmas time, roast beef, lamb, turkey, ham, and roasted vegetables are on the table. So here is the list categorized by food type.

Wines for the Christmas Dinner

Serving roast beef? Choose Carmenere, a medium bodied wine from Chile or a more full-bodied Syrah from either Washington State or Paso Robles, CA. Of course Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, CA will always be a perfect match.

Serving roast lamb? Choose a nice Merlot from Bordeaux, France, but make sure it’s either a 2005, 2007, or 2009. If you can’t find this vintage, look for a Barbera (Italy).
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You can always pick up a Primitivo, which is the Italian cousin to the Zinfandel.

Serving ham? Choose a Chateauneuf du Pape (France), Amarone (Italy), or a lighter Pinot Noir from Oregon. Of course white wines such as Chenin Blanc from California or France pair nicely. Sauvignon Blanc’s from Marlborough, New Zealand are particularly delightful as well.

Serving roasted vegetables, especially root vegetables? You must rely on the fact that roasting vegetables will have more of a robust flavor on the palate. It would be wise to choose a more medium bodied wine such as Chardonnay (oaked) from California or a Rosé. If you are not into white wines or Rosé, try a Lambrusco. This is a slightly sweeter wine from Italy, but will hold up to the sweetness on some of the vegetables served with the meal as well.

Champagne versus Sparkling Wine

Let’s not forget Champagne during the holidays. Don’t wait until New Years Eve to open a couple of bottles of bubbly.

Let’s face it; buying Champagne is not always easy. Champagne can only be called “Champagne” if it is made in Champagne, France. But, there are sparkling wines that are made in the same fashion as its counterparts in Champagne, France. If you like that fresh baked bread, yeasty, aromas and flavors found in Champagne then you can expect to pay upwards of $60 for a good bottle of the bubbly stuff. Talk to your wine merchant and let them know you are looking for elegant, not opulent Champagne. Remember, a vintage Champagne will cost a lot more than the non-vintage (NV).

Here are some sparkling wines from other countries — Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain. Cava’s are dry and fruity with not a lot of the yeastiness on the nose or palate. Crémants are sparkling wines from outside of the Champagne region. A crémant rosé from the area of Alsace, France are by law to have 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Metodo Classico is from the northern part of Italy. These wines still have that fresh baked bread aroma and some nuttiness on the palate. Look for ones from the Franciacorta DOC and Trento DOC.

IMG_1472Pairings for Desserts

There is only one rule when pairing wine with desserts… the desserts cannot be sweeter than the wine or it will make the wine taste bitter. Look for fortified wines such as Sherry, Ports or a Pedro Ximinéz (PX).

Better yet, purchase a bottle of Kerrygold Irish Cream and make your own dessert drink with this beautiful blend of Irish cream, Irish whiskey and chocolate.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Scott Richardson has been in the hotel and restaurant business for almost 30 years.  His love for producing remarkable food and service evolved to his love for all things wine.  Scott has worked at many prestigious locations including The Cavendish Hotel, in London England and The Grove Park Inn and Resorts in Asheville, NC, as well as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resorts as General Manger of  several restaurants.  His culinary background and his love for wine pushed into the teaching profession with University of Central Florida’s Rosen School of Hospitality Management, Valencia College, Johnson and Wales University and New England Culinary Institute, where he wrote Advanced Food and Wine Pairing, currently being offered as part of the school’s BS in Food and Beverage Management degree.  If that was not enough, Scott is also a volunteer judge at several food and wine festivals in Central Florida throughout the year.  In his spare time, Scott writes for The Park Press, his column “The Educated Palate” can be found at www.theparkpress.com. Scott is currently pursuing his passion in wine by working towards his PhD in Hospitality Leadership with research in the wine tourism industry.  Scott can be reached at scott@theparkpress.com or you can follow him on Twitter @1educatedpalate.