Gainey Limited Selection Chardonnay Label

This past Saturday, after running numerous errands in the summer heat of the San Fernando Valley, I decided a nice refreshing glass of chilled white wine would be the way to relax and coast into my evening. As most of you know, I prefer red wine to white, but I love being introduced to a delicious chardonnay, sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. In May we took a little trip to the Gainey Winery and while there we bought a few bottles of Gainey’s 2006 Limited Selection Chardonnay. As members of their wine club, we also just recently received 2 bottles of their 2007 Limited Selection Chardonnay. Nonetheless, I decided to chill the 2006 bottle and was extremely I happy I did.

In February 2009 “The Wine Enthusiast” gave Gainey’s 2006 Limited Selection Chardonnay 90 points and I can really see why. This has got to be one of the best tasting chardonnays I’ve ever had. From the Gainey Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley, the chardonnay grapes for this wine were grown on the Evan’s Ranch, which is located on the western end of Santa Ynez, the cooler side of the valley.  The 2006 grapes took their time ripening because the weather was cooler than usual. Because of this the grapes had a much more intense or concentrated flavor.

Chilled Glass Chardonnay

The first pour of this wine is fragrant with smells of peach, pineapple, mango and Golden Delicious apples. Although this is a full-bodied chardonnay with crisp acidity, the texture is buttery and creamy smooth. The taste…awww the taste, reminds me of tropical paradise with strong hints of pineapple and peach. Finally the wine lingers with a soft, smooth finish. Chilled, this wine is definitely one to be poured on a hot summer day. It will make you forget about the heat in no time.

Gainey Winery should definitely be on your list of to dos if you are traveling to Santa Ynez Valley’s wine country. If you don’t have plans to travel there soon  you can  certainly order wine via their website or check your local wine shop. The 2006 Limited Selection Chardonnay retails for about $38.00 a bottle and is worth every penny. Please check it out.

As always, please remember to drink responsibly.

Mastro's Steakhouse - Beverly Hills

Last night my husband and I decided to get a jump-start on Father’s Day with a little pre-FD dinner. The restaurant of choice was Mastro’s in Beverly Hills. We’d been trying to get there for at least a year but always ended up going to other places. Prior to leaving the house I decided I wanted to take a bottle of wine that had been recommended to me by one of my favorite wine shops, The Green Jug. I called the restaurant to inquire about the corkage fee (see Corkage Fee post – 28-May-2009), which was $25.00 for a regular size bottle and $50 for a magnum. Armed with this knowledge I packed up the wine to enjoy with our meal.

Arriving at the restaurant we were greeted immediately and seated at a nice corner table. The ambience was dark and romantic with nice music playing in the background. Our server was a lovely woman who made sure that all of our needs were met. Even as the restaurant started to get busier she made sure that we were attended to often. The menu at Mastro’s offered not only steak but also interesting appetizers, soups, salads and seafood. The wine list was also quite extensive with great red and white selections.

Orin Swift's Saldo Zinfandel

After we ordered our appetizers the server opened our bottle of Saldo Zinfandel so that it would have some time to breathe.  The appetizers arrived a short time later. We started with the ahi tuna tartare and the vanilla battered shrimp. Both dishes were extremely tasty. Midway through the appetizers we poured the wine. The nose was fruity but yet earthy with a hint of smoky berries and chocolate. The taste…aw the taste, was rich and powerful. With this wine you get bold plum, berry and black currant flavors that overtake your palate in a pleasant way. The finish, although slightly peppery, is still very smooth.

I couldn’t wait for my entree to arrive because I knew this wine was going to be extraordinary with the flavors of the food we’d ordered.  For our main course we both had the bone-in ribeye, which was very succulent, tender and well-seasoned. With the steak we had delicious lobster garlic mashed potatoes which were incredibly sinful but oh so good and the sautéed sugar snap peas which were crisp and a nice touch to the meal. As I had expected this wine did more than just compliment the meal it truly made the meal extravagant.

Orin Swift Cellars produces Saldo Zinfandel which is a blend of zinfandel (85%), syrah (10%) and petite sirah (5%). Grapes for this exquisite wine come from all over Northern California, including Monte Rosso, Duarte, Eagle Point Ranch and Rockpile vineyards, just to name a few. This wine is so fabulous it received a 91 point rating from Wine Spectator and  is a steal at $28.00 a bottle. If you are a red wine drinker and you want a special bottle of wine to go with a nice meal this is definitely one you should try.

After our meal my husband and I did the customary reviewing of the dessert menu. Usually we don’t order dessert because we are often too stuff from the appetizer and main course. However, this was a special occasion and we were having a nice evening out so we decided to order not only dessert but after dinner drinks as well. For dessert we decided on the crème brulee, which came with fresh mixed berries and whipped cream. My husband decided to try Graham’s Six Grapes Port and I opted for the Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti. They were both fabulous and added so much more depth to the dessert experience.  The Six Grapes is a full-bodied port with a rich dark fruit flavor and a lingering finish. The Moscato d’Asti was a chilled glass of euphoria with its fruity peach flavor. It was refreshing yet subtle. The name “Nivole” means clouds and that is quite fitting for this soft and delicate delight. We considered both of these wines to be jackpots.

Graham's Six Grape

Nivole Moscato d'Asti

For a truly special night out please consider Mastro’s Steakhouse. The food is great and service is outstanding. As I was writing this post my phone rang and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The number looked familiar to me because I’d called it yesterday. It was Mastro’s restaurant calling to thank me for having dinner there last night. Now you just don’t get any classier than that.

At most celebratory events the drink of choice is “champagne”. However, what most people consider champagne may not really be that at all. Sparkling wine and champagne are pretty much the same but there is a subtle difference. You see, in order for the sparkling bubbly to really bear the name “champagne” it must come from the Champagne region of France and undergo a particular method of processing called Methode Champenoise.

All over the world different versions of sparkling wines are produced. Some are of extremely good quality and some are cheap imitations made from inferior grapes. These are the ones that usually give drinkers headaches, causing them to think they really don’t like champagne. True champagne and good quality sparkling wines don’t usually have this type of an affect. The two primary grapes used to make sparkling wines in France and in most of the New World are chardonnay and pinot noir. Again, the traditional process called Methode Champenoise makes true French Champagne. This process requires that grapes be harvested at low sugar content levels. This is done for two reasons: (1) to obtain a lower alcohol level during fermentation of the base wine because a second fermentation process (which creates a natural carbonation) will also occur creating more alcohol and (2) to obtain a higher acidity level & lower pH causing the wine to have greater longevity as well as a crispness.

Foam on Champagne is called "Mousse"

Now I know that some of you are saying well there are some sparkling wines made in the United States that have the name “champagne” on the label. That is correct but there is a good explanation for this and quite an interesting story. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed to end World War 1. Included in the treaty were limits on the use of the word “champagne”. However, during this time the U.S. was in the middle of the prohibition so they didn’t ratify or sign the treaty. This caused a gap and many producers decided to call their sparkling wine “champagne” even though the French frowned it upon.

In 2006, though, the U.S. and the European Union signed a wine trade agreement. During this time the issue about champagne resurfaced. The U.S. finally agreed to not allow any new producers of sparkling wine called their product “champagne”. Producers were also not allowed to use other names like Burgundy, Chablis, Port and Chianti. However, if you had used these names prior to the 2006 agreement, you could continue using them on your label. That is why today we still see this on some wine labels.

We have also seen French winemakers seek out opportunities and expansion in the New World. A very well known champagne producer, Moët & Chandon of Champagne, France stumbled upon and purchased an Abbey where a French monk had made a discovery of a sparkling wine. The monk researched the process of how this wine was made and ultimately made some significant contributions which are still used today. This monk was none other than Dom Pérignon for whom one of the best brands of champagne is named. Moët & Chandon expanded to the U.S. in 1973 and eventually created Domaine Chandon in Yountville, California. Domaine Chandon is the producer of great sparkling wines.

Sparkling wines can also be found in other countries. Below are a list of countries and the names their sparkling wines are known as:

• Italy – Spumante
• Spain – Cava
• South Africa – Cap Classique
• Germany – Sekt

Some popular brands of champagnes and sparkling wines include:

Champagnes

• Dom Pérignon
• Louis Roederer Cristal
• Moët & Chandon – White Star
• Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
• Pol Roger White Foil
• Bollinger’s Special Cuvée

Sparkling Wines

• Montana Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvée
• Roederer Estate Quartet Brut
• Castillo Perelada Brut Reserva
• Presecco Veneto Extra Dry
• Domaine Chandon Brut Classic
• Domaine Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir

No matter what the name sparkling wines are fun and exciting to drink. They continue to make any occasion festive and joyous. So for your next party or special event go out and pick up a bottle of champagne, sparkling wine or just plain old bubbly.

Map of the Champagne-Ardenne Region of France

As I mentioned in my last two posts, we attended LA Wine Fest last Saturday and because of everything going on there I just couldn’t write about it all in one sitting.  Although this third installment is the last post I will add regarding Wine Fest, it is by no means inclusive of all that was going on there. Again, there were lots of wines to taste and we even discovered a fantastic new palate cleansing drink. 

Other exhibits included jewelry stations, food stations and even tequila and beer stations. One of the tables we visited was Wine Treasures. Their slogan is “Unique Finds for Lovers of Wine.” Located in Cerritos, California, they specialize in all kinds of wine paraphernalia. They have everything from t-shirts, to wine themed jewelry, to books on wine. We enjoyed browsing their merchandise and walked away with two wine books.

Another unique find was Garlic Expressions, a classic vinaigrette salad dressing/marinade, produced by LarMar Foods Inc. This delicious, gluten-free dressing is 100% natural, made with fresh garlic, cider vinegar and canola oil. It has a full and fresh flavor without an overwhelming garlic taste.

It was being served with Mache Rosettes (one of the most popular salad greens eaten in Europe), which is grown by Epic Roots in California. The nutty and sweet flavor of the greens goes exceptionally well with the well-blended flavors in Garlic Expressions. Both, Garlic Expressions and Mache Rosettes can be found at Bristol Farms, Gelson’s, Ralph’s, and Whole Foods Market in California.

The Vynebar display was also quite interesting. Vynebar allows you to display your wine in an art-like fashion. You can mount these racks on the walls or under cabinets, eliminating countertop clutter. They come in two sizes and 18 different colors, which ensures a match for your taste and storage needs. Your Vynebar wine racks can also be engraved with your logo or company name which can further illustrate your style and impress your friends or customers.

For those of you who prefer a soda to a glass of wine,  Wine Country Soda presented Vignette, a refreshing soft drink made from California varietal wine grapes. Vignette comes in three flavors Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rose’. These non-alcoholic drinks are all natural with no caffeine. I am not a soda drinker, however, I was quite surprised when I tasted them because they were not bad. They are lightly carbonated so I could see drinking them on a really hot day. 

One of the final stops we made was at the table of Vivienne Sosnowski author of “When the Rivers Ran Red: An Amazing Story of Courage and Triumph in America’s Wine Country”. There we purchased a copy of her book which she personally autographed. The book takes a look at Napa and Sonoma Valley winemakers during the Prohibition. Once I am done reading this book, I will definitely share my thoughts with you all here at GOW.

So that is it for this year’s LA Wine Fest. I hope you enjoyed experiencing a taste of what we experienced. If you have never been to LA Wine Fest,  please consider attending next year. You won’t be disappointed. 

Until next time, drink responsibly.

LA Wine Fest 2009

Yesterday we attend Day 1 of the LA Wine Fest and I would have to say it was extremely fun and a little overwhelming at the same time. There were hundreds of people there and more wine than one individual could taste in a day, or even two days. Because of the abundance of people and wine, there wasn’t much time to truly taste the wines and compare and contrast against others. Nonetheless, it was still an exciting event. 

My game plan, going in, was to stop at tables of wineries and vineyards I’d never heard of or tried before. For the most part this is what happened. The exceptions, of course, were the Mollydooker and Opolo tables. I had to stop there because they are two of my favorites and I knew they would have something exciting to share. I will tell you what those were a little later in the post. 

Solsticio

One of the first places we stopped and I must say one of the best was at the Solsticio table. There we met the owners, Matthew and Amy Kot who’s wines come from the Uco Valley in Argentina. The first wine they poured for us was the Torrontes. The vibrant aroma reminds you of green apples. The taste is light, crisp and refreshing with a floral essence that finishes quite smoothly. The Malbec was also delightful. It’s bouquet was of deep dark stone fruit. On the palate the dark fruit explodes in combination with the oak all the while allowing for a gentle finish. Both of these wines were delicious and will be added to the jackpots page of this blog.

Amy & Matthew Kot - Owners of Solsticio

Vampire

The Vampire table was next. Click on the word Vampire in the previous sentence and it will take you to the winemakers website. Their website has quite an interesting story as to how their wines came to be. I digress… while at the table we noticed they were pouring several different wines including the Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon and Dracula Zinfandel. The zinfandel was quite bold and spicy with flavors of dark plums and chocolate. I love zinfandel however,  I didn’t find this one as exciting as some others I’ve tried. However, the cabernet was extremely delicious. It is blended with a little merlot and syrah which gives it a gentle but still a substantial feel on the palate. The concept of this winery is great and is definitely worth a trip to Paso Robles to see how the immortals make wine. Below is an ad for Vampire wine. Not sure when it was produced though but found it quite appropriate.

Vines on the Marycrest

Our next stop was at Vines on the Marycrest. This boutique winery is also located on the Central Coast in Paso Robles. At Wine Fest, Victor, the owner poured us two of their wines, a syrah based wine called ‘Round Midnight and a zinfandel based wine called My Generation. Both wines were good but the syrah was the better of the two. It is a blend of syrah, mourvedre and grenache. The taste of cherries delight the palate with just a hint of vanilla. This wine would do well with both a casual or elegant meal. To learn more about Vines on the Marycrest check out their story on thewinerychannel.tv.

Cielo

Two more jackpots were found at the Cielo table. Cielo Farms is located in the breath-taking hills of Malibu, California. In these gorgeous surroundings several beautiful wines are produced including Malibu Rouge and Honey Pie. The Malibu Rouge is a deep, dark fruity blend of merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. This combination explodes with flavors of dark cherries, cinnamon, blackberries, vanilla and caramel. The tannins are soft and the finish is creamy. It’s like silk on the palate. The Honey Pie is also just as delicious. This white wine has a nose of apricots and the taste of citrus, peaches and honey (hence the name). The texture is smooth and light with just the right hint of sweetness. These two wines are a definite must  have for any wine cellar.

Owners of Cielo Farms

Mollydooker

Not to long ago I did a post on Mollydooker’s “The Boxer”. So when I heard this winery was going to be at Wine Fest I made it a point of stopping by their table. I was happy I did because I tasted another great wine from them that solidifies my opinion of them. They make great wine. The wine they poured was their Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz. An absolute delight, this wine is aromatic and flavorful. The taste of sweet fruit is apparent but not overpowering. The tannins are sleek and the finish is velvety. This wine is named after the owners’ son, who’s picture is on the bottle. The Blue Eyed Boy is an excellent Shiraz. Another score from our friends down-under.

Opolo

Opolo Zinfandel is one of my favorite wines, as I have mentioned before (see previous post) . So I was extremely excited to learn they were going to be at Wine Fest. As usual they did not disappoint. Their new release, an ‘07 Reserve Zinfandel, is out of this world. The taste is bold with the implication of deep, dark fruit. On the palate the texture is soft and inviting. It’s elegance makes it a must-have at your next party or upscale event.

I could go on an on as there were so many more wines tasted. However, I will stop here as these were some of the top stars (in my opinion) at the event. Day 2 of the event is happening today from 2PM – 6PM, so if you missed it yesterday you still have a chance to experiences some of these great wines today. 

My next post will feature some of the other interesting tables we visited at LA Wine Fest.

This year the L.A. Wine Fest was held at Raleigh Studios on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, California. Day 1 of the 2-day event was well attended and visitors got the chance to sample some excellent wines as well as some excellent food by Raleigh Studio Cafe. Some of this year’s sponsors included:

• Wine X Magazine
• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance
• Singular
• Dine LA.com
• SmartWater
• Mutineer 
• The Tasting Panel

Because there was so much to take in at the festival I will divide the the post into several topics focusing on things I experienced or tasted that were of great interest to me or other participants. 

One of the highlights for me this year at Wine Fest was a jackpot called SanTasti. SanTasti is a company that created a beverage to cleanse the palate between tastings, allowing for a more fulfilling wine tasting experience.  This company has been around since September of last year and they have come up with refreshing beverages that are not only tasty but revolutionary in that they can thoroughly cleanse your palate between tastings. With these beverages you can even go from red to white wine without compromising taste. 

SanTasti's President (Nicole) at LA Wine Fest

While at L.A. Wine Fest, I spoke with Nicole one of the founders and she introduced me to the SanTasti Classic. I found it to be not only cleansing but refreshing. What I love most about this beverage, though, is that you can go from white to red or red to white wines by using this fantastic product. This is definitely a must have for any tasting room. 

SanTasti comes in two other flavors as well. SanTasti Peppermint is a refreshing way to freshen your breath. Try it in place of gum or breath mints after drinking a cup of coffee. You won’t be disappointed. The final flavor is SanTasti Cinnamint. It provides you with the warming flavor of cinnamon &  the cooling sensation of mint all while quenching your thirst. 

SanTasti is the wave of the future in wine tasting. On your next wine tasting outing ask the tasting room server if they carry SanTasti. Some wineries, like Jada Winery and Vineyards, are now on board and are carrying this magnificent beverage. If you are sure the winery you are visiting doesn’t carry SanTasti bring a few bottles along with you on your wine tasting adventure  to ensure having the ultimate tasting experience. This refreshing beverage is scientifically designed to help you taste more.

Our next post will include more exciting info from L.A. Wine Fest.

A bit of history…

• It is believed that grapes were first cultivated in the region between the Black and Caspian Seas (near northern Iran) as early as 6000 B.C.
• Grape seeds were found in Switzerland and Italy which dated 4000 B.C.
• The Phoenicians traders brought grapes to Egypt in 3000 B.C.
• Viticulture or the cultivation of grapes spread to Greece in 2000 B.C. and then on to Italy, Sicily and North Africal in 1000 B.C.

Variety of Grapes

Today…

There are hundreds of grape varieties produced worldwide today. Of these hundreds of varieties only a small portion of these are are used for wine production. Other varieties are based on table, juice and raisin production. Table grapes (those that we eat) differ from wine grapes in that they have a lower sugar content and are more flavorful. These grapes take about 8 to 10 weeks to mature and the majority of them don’t do well in wine production. The exception to that would be the Muscat grape which is a table grape as well as successful wine grape. Wine grapes tend to be more aromatic with a higher skin to pulp ratio than table grapes. They also have a higher sugar content which lends itself to greater triumph in the fermentation process.

White Wine Grapes

There are some classics when it comes to white wine grapes:

Chardonnay Grape

Chardonnay – This is probably the most famous of all white wine grapes. This fruit is originally from Burgundy. Its adaptability, however, makes it easy to grow in a variety of places including Mendoza, Napa Valley and the Barossa Valley. Winemakers enjoy working with this grape because it is so pliant. They can tailor it to the demands of the market.  Key flavors of this grape include butter, peachy, toasty, vanilla and walnut flavor. 

Sauvignon Blanc Grape

Sauvignon Blanc – This is one of the most distinctive white grapes because of its stimulating high acidity and its fresh, grassy aroma. This grape originated in the Loire Valley of France (around Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume). However, towards the latter part of the 1980’s, sauvignon blanc wines from Malborough, New Zealand started making a name for themselves. Sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley often appears smoky in character but the Malborough sauvignon blancs are fruity, with incredible intensity and clarity. Key flavors of this grape include cut grass, flint, currant leaves or gooseberries.

Riesling Grape

Riesling – This grape originated in Germany but has since been successfully cultivated in Australia, New Zealand, California and Canada. Reislings are fruity and light. They range sweetness from bone-dry to extremely sweet. Their alcohol content also ranges from 8 percent or less in the Germany wines to about 14 percent in Australian wines. Key flavors included citrus (specifically lime), fresh apple, floral hints, honey and other fruits like apricot and peaches.

Other great white wine grapes that may not be as common to novice include:

Chenin Blanc Grape

Chenin Blanc – One of the least popular of the French varieties this grape, if not handled appropriately or if unripe, can produce some of the tartest and nastiest wine. However, when handled and used appropriately this grape can be used in a variety of styles including sweet, bone-dry and even sparkling wines. It originates from Anjou-Touraine in the Loire Valley. Key flavors include floral, straw and honey flavors.

Gewurztraminer Grape

Gewurztraminer – This grape has a unique pink color and produces a full-bodied, golden yellow wine with a slightly oily texture. It’s aroma is of unforgettable rose petals, lychee or ginger. This wine is usually very easy for a novice (after the initial experience) to recognize because of it’s dark color and powerful aroma. This grape is grown in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Alsace. It can also be find in Washington state and Oregon as well as New Zealand. 

Pinot Gris/Grigio, Semillon, and Viognier are also white grapes that make some great wines and that a worth you looking further into. 

Red Wine Grapes

Some of the classics include:

Cabernet Sauvignon Grape

Cabernet Sauvignon – This is to red wine what chardonnay is to white. This grape originated in Bordeaux but has been planted and successfully cultivated in California, Chile, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, Vin de Pays d’Oc region (France), Tuscany and even Romania. These are just a few of the places this thick-skinned, dark blue grape can be found. This grape is very adaptable, however, it will not mature fully in climates that are really cold. It, also, will not flourish in extremely hot environments. Key flavors are chocolate, mint, and black currant. It also takes on the flavors of the oak barrel while it’s aging, producing additional flavors of vanilla and toast.

Pinot Noir Grape

Pinot Noir – This grape can either be the best thing that has happened to a winemaker or the worst. Pinot noir grapes are very finicky about their climate, soil and the way it is handled. However, if all conditions are optimal this grape can produce a wondeful wine that is low in tannins and acidity. The grape originates from Burgundy and is now being grown California, Oregon, New Zealand and Australia with very favorable outcome. Key flavors for pinot noir include roses, violets, raspberries, strawberries and truffles. This grape works well in French oak but not in American oak. 

Syrah/Shiraz Grape

Syrah/Shiraz – This grape is the king of producing deep, dark, full-bodied, spicy wines. It originates in the northern Rhone Valley, however, in Australia, huge plantings of shiraz are found. This grape produces some expensive, top-of-the line wines. However, in some places like Australia it is served as an everyday wine. Key flavors in northern Rhone tend to be of blackberries, black currants and raspberries). In Australia, the key flavors include an exotic spicy, chocolaty element. 

Merlot Grape

Merlot – This grape got a bad reputation in the movie “Sideways”. It’s unfortunate, too, because there are some very delicious merlots out there. It is similar to cabernet sauvignon but not as potent. It has a lusher, softer approach. It enjoys aging in oak and produces a plummy flavor. This grape has been widely planted in Bordeaux but does very well in a host of other places including St.-Emilion, Pomerol, Casablanca, Washington State and even California.

Other reds wine grapes you should seek out when making your wine selections include, mourvedre, sangiovese, petite sirah and my favorite zinfandel.

This listing is by no means all-inclusive. There are so many wine grape varieties out there. Next time you are out making your wine purchase try a different grape variety. You will broaden your tasting experience and you may just find a new wine jackpot. 

Until next time, drink responsibly.