A subset of the Quivira Vineyards in the world-renowned Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma, California, Steelhead Wines are a tribute to the restoration of the Steelhead domain in Wine Creek, a tributary of Dry Creek River that runs through the estate. Steelhead Wines along with Quivira Vineyards have partnered with Trouts Unlimited as well as other organization to restore the spawning ground of the Steelhead trout. Through their efforts the trout have returned to the creek bed every spring.
Through this effort Steelhead Wines were born. Steelhead Wine is the first wine dedicated to the conservation of fisheries. Currently when you purchase either Steelhead Vineyards Zinfandel or Sauvignon Blanc a portion of the proceeds go to Trout Unlimited restoration projects. I have not tried the Sauvignon Blanc but have tasted the Zinfandel. I loved it so much that I went online to find out where I could buy it locally. I was shocked but quite pleased to find it at my local Beverages & More store.
The Steelhead Zinfandel is a great wine. Filled with great flavors this wine is made of 84% Zinfandel and 16% Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, & Carignane. It’s earthy blackberry and black pepper flavor leaves you with a feeling of bliss in your mouth and gives you a great hint of a Dry Creek wine in its finish.
This wine is a must do not just because of the taste but because of the wonderful cause it supports. Please watch the video below courtesy of YouTube to see the trout returning in the spring.
Find out where you can purchase this wine in your area. Not only will you be getting a good bottle of wine but you will also be helping to maintain much needed fisheries in Sonoma.
Okay…I know I’ve blogged about full-bodied wines with smooth finishes in the past but tonight I must tell you about a new discovery I’ve made. This wine tops most blends that I’ve come across in body, flavor, aroma and smoothness. Recently, I was visiting one my favorite wine shops, “The Green Jug” when I asked one of the guys there what was new and exciting. He showed me a few upscale bottles of wine before taking me to the shelf that housed the “Apothic Red” which retailed for a lot less. He stated that if I really liked a good Zinfandel, I’d find this particular blend of wine intriguing. So I purchased it.
A couple of days later (before trying the wine) I was in a local supermarket (Ralph’s to be exact) when I spotted the wine again. Because it was on sale I decided to purchase one more bottle. At first I was a little skeptical because I hadn’t tried the first bottle. What if I didn’t like it? What if it tasted like shoe polish? I didn’t let any of my doubts stop me. Instead, I purchased the bottle, which was on sale.
When I got home I started making dinner and decided to open the bottle I’d picked up at “The Green Jug”. I must say, at first taste, I was captivated. This was the smoothest blend I’d ever tasted. According to their website and the bottle, this wine was inspired by “Apotheca,” a mysterious place where wine was blended and stored in 13th century Europe. I don’t know about that but I know that the blend of lush syrah, spicy zinfandel and smooth merlot gives you a wine that is more elegant than some of the finest wines you’ve ever tasted.
The alcohol content of this wine is 13.1%. On the nose you will experience the wonderful smells of dark cherries, blackberries, mocha and a hint of spice. The intense flavor of dark fruit with hints of vanilla will caress your tongue. Finally a silky/velvety texture lingers at the back of your throat making way for a smooooooooth finish.
If you live in the San Fernando Valley you can purchase this delectable treat at “The Green Jug” or the Ralph’s in Woodland Hills. If you don’t live in an area where you can find this wine in a local shop you can purchase it online at The Barrel Room.
This wine is definitely a jackpot and can be consumed on a casual basis or can be served at any elegant affair. Pick up a bottle of Apothic Red today! You won’t be disappointed.
Back in June I posted a piece on Orin Swift’s “Saldo”, one of the best Zinfandels I’ve ever tasted. Since then I have had the pleasure of being introduced to the winery’s flagship wine “The Prisoner” and I much say it also blew me away. This complex blend of Zinfandel (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), Syrah (14%), Petite Sirah (9%), Charbono (2%) and Grenache (1%) is incredibly decadent. With an intensely deep red color, this wine presents a bouquet of chocolate and dark berries. The aromatic smell is accompanied by the smooth but lush flavors of plums, blackberries, and chocolate with just a bit of spice on the end. This wine is a pleasure on the tongue and finishes very nicely.
Another cool thing about the wine is the image on the front label. The picture was inspired by a gift, an etching of a prisoner in chains, that was given to winemaker Dave Phinney by his mother and father (Orin & Swift). If you are a fan of Zinfandels or Cabernet Sauvignons I strongly suggest picking up a bottle of “The Prisoner”. It is a very elegant wine that would definitely impress your friends and family.
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.
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 myfavorite 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.
What can I say??? I happened to stumble upon Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel by accident. I was having a bite to eat at Wood Ranch in Northridge. I wanted a full-bodied red wine and after perusing their somewhat limited list I decided to taste the red zinfandel. Before that evening I’d never heard of this vineyard or this wine.
After the first taste I was hooked.This wine is bold and fruity. With hints of raspberries and spice. The tannins are soft which leaves it with a smooth finish. This wine is definitely one for the jackpots list.
Before I left the restaurant I confirmed the name so that I could purchase this wine at a local wine shop. A few days after my first exposure to this wine I tried to find it in a local Beverages & More store with no luck. They called around and found that the Thousand Oaks store was carrying this particular wine. Because my full-time job takes me to Thousand Oaks daily I figured I would pick it up there. However, that never happend.
Finally, one day on my run to the Green Jug ( a local wine shop) I happened to be strolling the zinfandel aisle when I noticed the Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel I was extemey exited. I was so happy to find this jackpot that I bought at least 10 bottles to get started.
The flavor of this wine has not changed over the years. It is still an outstanding wine that is inexpensive. It retails for aprozimately $16.99. I have since been able to find the wine not only at the Green Jug but also at the Woodland Hills Wine Company. Pick up a bottle of this wine. It is versatile enough to go with your daily dinner or a fancy party. Even though it’s delicious without using an aerator, try pouring it through the Vinturi aerator (see last post) and discover an even smoother, silkier texture.
Dec 27, 2009 
Through this effort Steelhead Wines were born. Steelhead Wine is the first wine dedicated to the conservation of fisheries. Currently when you purchase either Steelhead Vineyards Zinfandel or Sauvignon Blanc a portion of the proceeds go to Trout Unlimited restoration projects. I have not tried the Sauvignon Blanc but have tasted the Zinfandel. I loved it so much that I went online to find out where I could buy it locally. I was shocked but quite pleased to find it at my local Beverages & More store.
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Before I left the restaurant I confirmed the name so that I could purchase this wine at a local wine shop. A few days after my first exposure to this wine I tried to find it in a local Beverages & More store with no luck. They called around and found that the Thousand Oaks store was carrying this particular wine. Because my full-time job takes me to Thousand Oaks daily I figured I would pick it up there. However, that never happend.