Happy Valentine's Day...
from my glass to yours... with love!
Still looking for a bottle that says "Valentine's Day?" Try Il Cuore Wine Cellars (Check out their wine labels below!)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Wine Theater: Bottle Shock
Although probably every Napa Vallian's worst nightmare of a movie - Bottle Shock thoroughly entertained me. Two years of living in Napa Valley and I finally watched the movie! Amazingly, I actually enjoyed it. I think it brings a picture to those who want to know what Napa was like before it became America's Wine Country. It's fun, it's light hearted, and it talks about some key people in the wine industry. Although I cannot promise all the stories within the movie are true, I'd recommend a night with a glass of Chardonnay and a rented (or purchased) DVD/Blue Ray of Bottle Shock.
P.S. If you want a good idea of what the rolling vine-covered hills of Sonoma and Napa looked like before all the commercialization, I think this movie does a good job with that. And, the portrayal of Chateau Montelena in the film is the actual winery located in Calistoga. Quite magnificent. Enjoy!
(Photo from Google Images)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Romance (R)Thursdays: The Cliche Love Wine
After seeing some recent marketing extremes in the wine industry, I had to bring forth some of these perfect-for-Valentine's-Day wines. Below are some cliche labels/packaging that I think brings forth the spirit of Valentine's Day.
I hope you not only enjoy this posting, but find one to share with your special someone this Valentine's Day. (Please feel free to comment and share what you found! I know the readers... and myself.. would appreciate it!)
Sofia Blanc de Blancs by Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Refer to yesterday's blog post!
Whether you are in love or getting lucky... ;)
Modern House Wines by Swanson Vineyards
Modern House Wines by Swanson Vineyards
Anybody need seduced? Pierre Chainier Seduction Brut (Sparkling Wine) from France
Imported by A-B Imports; Also found at most distributors
I have no idea who makes these wines, but isn't the packaging perfect for
Valentine's Day?
I love Toad Hollow's labels
Risque by Toad Hollow Vineyards
Never a bride? Always a bridesmaid? CELEBRATE on Valentine's Day!
2009 Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon by Bridesmaid Wines
Ooo scandalous!
NV Calvadoon by Bonny Doon Vineyard
(Back in the day, they made a wine said like: "Boo-tay-call" - cute, huh?)
Something to swoon after...
Pinot Noir by Swoon
Can't afford the gold necklace?
Imperial Champagne By Moet & Chandon
I LOVE THESE LABELS - Are you "Cheeky little red? A Voluptuous beauty?"
(There is a blonde as well... for all those blondes that feel neglected)
Wines by Oops Wines
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
What's in My Glass Wednesdays! 2009 Sofia Blanc de Blancs by Francis Ford Coppola
In a recent visit to Francis Ford Coppola Winery, I finally tasted the Sofia Blanc de Blancs. I've seen this beautiful pink plastic-wrapped bottle of bubbly in stores everywhere, and have always been tempted to purchase but refused to without a taste!
The "Sofia" line is obviously named after Francis's daughter, Sofia Coppola - known for her wonderful sense of chic style and directing abilities. It makes sense that she also be a wine. :) "Sofia" has actually become a series of wines for Coppola's winemaking ventures. There are currently 4 wines on the market using the "Sofia" label: the Blanc de Blancs, a Riesling, a Rose, and a 4 pack of the Blanc de Blancs bottled in cans (more on this in later posting...)
Sophia Coppola - Francis Ford Coppola's Daughter
(Photo from Google Images)
As the sparkling wine was designed for Sofia's wedding, the pink foil wrapping is supposed to be a signature of the celebration. But I also think it is mildly appropriate for the celebration of love coming up on the 14th!
Sofia Blanc de Blancs Packaging
(Photo from Google Images)
Sofia Blanc de Blancs is actually a blend of three varieties: 8% Muscat, 10% Riesling, and 82% Pinot Blanc. It's made in the traditional Methode Champenoise style (where the yeast is left in the bottle to finish the fermentation and disgorged). I chose to share this wine with all of you because 1) it's a pretty bottle - very feminine and eye appealing, 2) the varieties chosen for this bubbly are unique, and 3) it's something different that may be fun for Valentine's Day. Cheers!
Sofia Blanc de Blancs - A touch of the pale, Victorian style
(Photo from Google Images)
The D-2010 Scale
2009 Sofia Blanc de Blancs by Francis Ford Coppola (Sonoma County, CA)
Appearance (10 points possible): straw yellow color, clear, effervescent - 10 points
Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): Floral, tropical fruits, guava, honeysuckle, citrus, pears, and apples on the nose. Very appealing and feminine aroma - very fruit forward and aromatic. Not like traditional Chardonnay-based sparkling wines. - 20 points
Taste (10 points possible): Slight yeast character on the palate that doesn't quite match the fruity/floral nature of this wine, but is representative of the production (Methode Champenoise) character and its quality. Light body, semi-sweet, floral in flavor with hints of honeysuckle and guava. The finish is slightly off and reminds me of a Muscat wine left on the skins too long. - 8 points
Balance (5 points possible): Very light and harmonious. A crowd pleaser. No obvious component sticks out, but the finish is slightly off. - 4 points
Finish (5 points possible): The finish lingers with some yeasty, Muscat flavors. Personally, I don't prefer this type of finish as I don't think it matches the rest of the wine style, but it may be found appealing by others. - 3 points
Add 50 points for attempt, packaging, closure, etc.
Total Points: 95
Overall Thought: I like the overall package of this wine. I love the feminine appeal and how the whole package is considered for this wine (I can't say this enough in this post). Not only do you have a very feminine, aromatic wine that is light, floral, and fruity, but the label and pink wrapping match the style so well. I think it's worth a purchase, and I definitely love it for those pink or pastel weddings/events. A good "cherry blossom" Spring wine. Obviously, I'm a female and am somewhat prone to like these things...
Food Pairings: The winery suggests this as a picnic wine or pairing with goat cheese (which would be good with Muscat flavorings of this wine), but I also think it would be good with cheesecake and white chocolate. With the Riesling, slight sweet base, I think this would also go well with spicier foods.
Cost: About $19
Splurge Factor (out of 4): 2 - It's a fun buy, and I consider most sparkling wines between $10 to $30 good buys, especially when you consider the producer. Again, this wine is unique and I know all those girls out there will like it!
Where to buy: Available on the Francis Ford Coppola Website, World Market stores, and local grocery stores. I believe this wine is nationally distributed. Please let me know if you can find it and share your findings with the group!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Travel Tip: Chateau Montelena
One of my favorite wineries that we visited here in Napa Valley is the ever-famous Chateau Montelena. I love the architecture and history of this winery. There's something about this winery that truly makes the term "magical" come alive.
Located in the northern heart of Calistoga (on the upper end of the Napa Valley), you'll get a full appreciation for Wine Country, California as you drive up Highway 29 through Napa or over the Mayacamas mountain ranges from the Highway 101 side of Sonoma County. There's something to say for the constant miles of vineyards or large mountain ranges.
Chateau Montelena is hidden behind some redwood and eucalyptus trees, which really captures the mystique of the winery. It is still owned by the Barrett family, the legendary winemakers of the 1970s that won the "Judgement of Paris" in 1976 for their 1973 Chardonnay wine. For those that are not familiar, it was this 1976 wine judging led by Steven Spurrier in Paris that put California wines on the international market. In the blind taste test (meaning that none of the judges knew which wines were Californian and which were French) Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay took first place in the white wine category among several other well known French Burgundy producers. The rest, as they say, is history. Since the 1970s, the California wine industry was... forever changed. (Check out last week's What's in My Glass Wednesdays! post for information on another winery that was also submitted to this tasting.)
Chateau Montelena Winery
The legendary wine bottle still sits on display at the winery, and they offer a Chardonnay that they say is in the same style as the 1973 Chardonnay. This is also the white wine that has been rumored to have turned brown at bottling and over the course of a few days, turned back to his beautiful light yellow hue.
The 1973 Chardonnay Bottle from the 1976 Paris Tasting
Nonetheless, I feel like walking onto this winery is like walking onto a piece of history for this area. It's definitely worth the extra effort to travel to, and the hospitality staff will be sure to please.
Chinese Gardens - Your entrance view from the parking lot
A map of Chateau Montelena
The Tasting Room Entrance
A carved pumpkin of the winery - we went around Halloween time
The Chinese Gardens
(All photos taken by author)
Monday, February 7, 2011
Wine News: Frog's Leap Winery Noticed for Water Saving Efforts
There's some pretty special people that I've met at Frog's Leap Winery, and I enjoyed this short article that came through on my industry updates. I wanted to share it with everyone in case anyone ever travels to Napa Valley and needs some winery-visiting ideas. The original article can be found at: treehugger.com. I've pasted it here for your convenience.
Frog's Leap Winery: Saves 64,000 Gallons of Water a
Year with Dry-Farming
The eco-renovated Red Barn from the 1880's. Photos by Jaymi Heimbuch
Frog's Leap Winery is an organic and biodynamic vineyard located in the heart of Napa's Rutherford region. Back in 1975, owner John Williams was living in St. Helena on a property that was a frog farm during the 1800s. Yes, a frog farm! In 1981 he began working for Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, an opportunity that enabled him and his buddy Larry Turley to make a 5 gallon jug o' wine using "borrowed" grapes. As a homage to the grape's origins--and the frog farm--they called it Frog's Leap. Pleased with the results, they sold their motorcycles to produce another 500 cases.
Now entering their 30th year of production, Frog's Leap has been a pioneer in terms of green winemaking. They were Napa's first winery with certified organically grown grapes and the first California winery with a LEED certified building. But one of their most impressive accomplishments is that they grow all their grapes without the use of any water; they're completely dry-farmed.
In 1994, Frog's Leap moved from the St. Helena frog farm to the historic Anderson Winery in Rutherford. Turley didn't follow as he went on to establish what is now Turley Wine Cellars. Anderson Winery was a ghost winery that had been established in 1884 by a German vintner. This new home, located in the Rutherford appellation, has many diverse microclimates and soil types. It also produces some of California's most well known wines. The west side--called the Rutherford Bench--is home to some of Napa's award-winning Cabernet Sauvignons. Frog's Leap has four of their own vineyards on this Bench.
The property had been punctuated by a grand red barn which was Napa's oldestboard and batten building. Williams took great care in restoring the building. The barn was rebuilt using 85% of the original wood and is now surrounded by over 40 acres of organic estate vineyard.
"We certified our first vineyard organic 24 years ago and believe me, it was not a cool thing to do back then," says Williams. Prior to 1987, Williams was buying grapes from other vineyards. That same year he purchased his first vineyard and began flexing his degree in agriculture from Cornell University. Initial soil inspections found the vineyard to be not only calcium deficient but also lacking in both zinc and boron. Growing up on a dairy farm, he was confident about the conventional methods in which to fix it; he was wrong. When the vineyard quickly took a turn for the worse, Williams started exploring alternatives. Through the owners of Fetzer Winery, John was introduced to Amigo Bob--an organic farmer from Mendocino County. Amigo Bob taught Williams how to farm with nature and not against it. John became a soil farmer and not just a grape grower.
"It [organic] was really the source of inspiration...that instructed us on the path of doing everything else. But organic farming came first," Williams notes.
Frog's Leap built Napa's first LEED certified commercial house, complete with ageothermal warming and cooling system. The closed-loop system consists of 20 different wells and has the capacity to cool a total of 10 houses. The house serves as the winery's administrative offices and its tasting room. But it isn't the only LEED certified structure on the property. Frog's Leap is also home to Napa's only LEED certified green house, no pun intended. And as you might expect from an eco-conscious winery, the day-to-day operations are 100% solar powered and have been since 2005. But these improvements are not just about the environment, they're also about good business. For example, their annual electric bill was $50,000 so solar made fiscal sense.
One of the more unique efforts that Frog's Leap has made is in the area of water conservation. No water is used on the any of the grape crops. They are completely dry farmed. John explains that "all grapes in Napa for 125 years were dry farmed. Irrigation came to Napa in the 70s, was made popular in late 80s, and became required in the 90s. Now it's thought to be completely impossible to grow grapes without water."
Dry-farmed grapes not only reduce water usage but the resulting product is significantly better. First, dry-farmed vines have an extremely deep root. This makes them robust and much more resistant to diseases. In comparison, grapes that receive irrigation end up sitting on the vine significantly longer. The grapes themselves then have an extremely high sugar content which translates to a high alcohol content, a trend that has been plaguing California wines as of late. Alcohol content has increased by 10% since the late 80s! As the alcohol content in wine increases, acidity decreases and has to be added in later. These inputs start to make the irrigated wines all taste the same. You lose the terroir and it becomes more about winemaking-witchcraft than the nuances of the actual grape.
Napa is more than equipped for dry-farming, though conventional growers will tell you otherwise. But Frog's Leap is not powered by unicorns...we checked. Dry-farming in Napa Valley requires 16-20 inches of annual rainfall in order for the vines to sustain the region's hotter months (May to October). Napa receives about 36 inches annually.
But Williams understands that the success of Frog's Leap is not just about the winery. It's about community. A rarity in today's agribusiness, all of the winery's farm workers are full-time employees paid with living wages plus benefits. How does Williams responsibly employ a labor force and keep his wines around $30 a bottle? Well, the inspiration came from his days as a dairy farmer in New York where shared labor was part of the social fabric. Using this format, his workforce now maintains four other vineyards and one winery.
"In grapes, if you farm only grapes, you prune them and then there is nothing to do. Then you go pick the grapes and then there's nothing to do. That is why we grow almost 70 different crops here. When were done pruning grapes we can then prune the fruit trees. Cross training and diversification of agriculture has helped bridge that gap. But this wasn't enough. So we went to a few neighbors [and said] 'You're hiring and firing. It's a pain in the ass. Let us do your work for you.' Now we can keep these guys year round," says Williams.
When tasting wines from Frog's Leap, you'll notice something you don't often find at other wineries: consistency. Whether it be their Sauvingnon Blanc with its minerals and kaffir lime or the 2007 Merlot with notes of cigar and pepper, Frog's Leap wines have a distinct thread of continuity between all varietals. They are flavorful but not outspoken as most California wines tend to be. The dry farming seems to amplify a wine's sense of place, giving it both distinction and relation.
For example, their 2007 Merlot will definitely surprise you. California Merlots usually come with a big cartoon-y KAPOW Ã la 1960's Batman. But not this one. It holds its ground without demanding the company of food. It sells for $34, a price point most of their wines revolve around. Only their Rutherford will set you back double at $75.
So, is Williams correct? Is irrigation seriously diluting the terrior out from California wines?
I am not sure. But it really does taste that way!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wine Closures Uncorked! Take 2
Here's another fun article I found online with some interesting, scientific information on corks. It's full of fun graphs and colorful pictures. It'll make you think the next time you uncork a bottle:
Photo From Google Images
Romance (R)Thursdays: A Move & Wine... & Chocolates :)
Need a quick Valentine's Day idea? Whether your single, hitting up a fun night with the girls, or having a romantic evening with your honey, a classic romantic movie, some wine, and chocolate goes a long way! Here are a list of my Top 5 Romantic Movies to match with some wines and chocolate. (The movies are not listed in any particular order. Choose your favorite or the movie that matches your mood (or your dates mood) and have a happy February 14th... even if your dreading it! After all, it's a holiday and it should be fun!) Can't you smell the love in the air?
This is the perfect movie for a Valentine's Day with all your girlfriends or if you are starting a new, fun relationship. The movie is light, fun, exciting, and shows you some real exciting places in Italy. I have to admit that I was skeptical about this film, but when I watched it, I really enjoyed it. It makes the perfect date night!
Pair this movie with some dark chocolate ice cream or gelato if you can find it. :) A nice glass of Chianti to celebrate the Italian theme of this movie, and if you really want to impress - have an Italian meal for dinner! A nice dish of your basic spaghetti or lasagna will do the trick! What a fun evening...
Chianti's - Take these names to your local wine retailer, Total Wine store, or grocery store:
Bellini Sangiovese ($7)
Castello Del Trebbio Chianti ($10)
Via Firenze Chianti ($6)
2) The Notebook with Chocolate Covered Strawberries and a glass of Fruit Wine
Every guy I know hates this movie, but it just makes girls' hearts melt to think that their long-lost love is out there waiting for them and will eternally love them. Definitely get set for some tears - I don't know many girls that make it through this without crying. But it's the perfect moment to move in and be sweet.
I picked some chocolate covered strawberries for this movie, as it is set "out in the country." Do white chocolate and dark chocolate to match nicely with some fruit wine. You'll get a nice cozy, country setting for a sweet city vs. country love kind of movie.
Fruit Wines
Razz Bear Ease ($12)
Semi-Dry Blueberry ($12)
Strawberry Riesling ($13)
Fruit Wines from Horton ($12)
3) Casablanca with Dark Chocolate from various countries paired with a glass of Port
Probably my favorite movie of all time, Casablanca is twisted with romance, action, and a war of time. It features one of the most famous lines of all times, and is sure to impress the girls that like to think about love as a reality - not all hugs and kisses, but tough choices and broken hearts.
I've paired this movie with dark chocolates, especially if you can find a series of chocolate with their region on them. Trader Joe's used to sell a package of 10 different dark chocolates from 10 different countries (as chocolate tastes different depending on where it is grown... like wine). Dark chocolate matches well with ports, and I'm sure that you can find a number of them in your local wine store. Remember that ruby ports are fruiter than tawnies. Tawny ports carry more almond, sherry-like characteristics. Some of your local wineries may also carry their own version of a port. Give it a try - make your girl think about the effort you put into this Valentine's Day. :)
4) When Harry Met Sally... with Cheesecake with Chocolate Sauce (on the side) and a glass of Riesling
What's funny is that this is not one of my favorite movies, but when I asked "Johnny Depp" what he considered the most romantic movie of all time, When Harry Met Sally... was the first on his list. (Side note: mine was Casablanca.) I think I've always found this movie frustrating because it shows how complicated relationships can be between men and women... and just how long it usually takes before a man realizes how much he loves a woman... and how much he needs her... and it is usually when the woman finds someone else! See? Frustrating!
But... that being said, it is a funny movie - light hearted, definitely pinpoints your modern day relationship, and it's a movie that both men and women usually enjoy. The movie is well known for Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan's iconic chemistry and the best impression of a fake orgasm in public. Soooo... that being said... The food that matches for this is definitely plain cheesecake with chocolate sauce on the side. (When you watch the movie, you'll see why.) Add some excitement by adding some fruits or other sauces... always on the side. You and your date (or Valentine's Day Party Group) can pick and choose what to add to your piece of cheesecake. I like matching cheesecake with Rieslings (although ice wines/Eiswein is also recommended). Riesling is a fun variety - comes dry, semi-sweet/off-dry, or sweet. It may not taste as good with the chocolate, but you can always sip it after you finish your piece of cheesecake... with all the drippings on the side.
Riesling Selections:
Look for some NY Rieslings - they are known for that variety
Fall back plan: Columbia Crest Riesling ($13)
Semillon Ice Wine ($28)
NY Wineries that produce an Ice Wine: Brotherhood, Casa Larga, Fulkerson (love their wine), Heron Hill, Hunt Country, Johnson Estate, Leonard Oakes Estate, Mazza-Chautauqua Cellars, and Sheldrake Point
5) Pretty Woman with Sea Salted Caramels and a glass of Chardonnay
(Trust me guys, the last movie I picked could've been a lot worse... Did you ever see Gone With the Wind? Did you want to?) Pretty Woman is the modern day Cinderella story. What girl doesn't want to be a prostitute who finds a billionaire that falls madly in love with her? (See... every girl's dream. Hahaha.) But in all seriousness, it's a great movie for a girls' night, it's funny, and Richard Gere is the perfect sap-of-a-guy that every woman loves to fall for. I had to include him in my Valentine's list! (And honestly, who doesn't love Julia Roberts?)
I picked Sea Salted Caramels for this movie (with or without chocolate - your choice) and a nice glass of Chardonnay. The caramels are just sophisticated enough that it would've been a new experience for Vivian to have never tried until she met Edward. And what matches with caramel? Well, Chardonnay of course! Spice up those wine glasses with some gem wine charms, and you'll feel like you're living in Edward's hotel room.
Chardonnays:
If you have a request for any movie (after all there are many romantic movies out there) please leave me a comment and I'll respond with what I'd pair with it. After all - your Valentine's Day should be special. :)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
What's in My Glass Wednesdays! 2007 Mayacamas Vineyards Chardonnay
This is one of those wineries I've been meaning to get to for quite some time and still have not. But I was lucky enough to try some wine. :) After hearing my co-worker rant and rave about this Chardonnay, I decided I had to make a dinner to try this one out, and I'm lucky I did. Thankfully for you, I can write about it. (Cheers!)
The fun part about Mayacamas Vineyards is that their red wine was included in the 1976 Paris Wine tasting in which several wine experts tasted the up-and-coming California red and white wines against the forever-famous red and white wines of France. Although Mayacamas Vineyards did not win the red wine competition, I think it is worthy to note that out of all the California wineries of the 1970s, their bottle made the final cut. And now, onto the 2007 Chardonnay by Mayacamas Vineyards:
2007 Mayacamas Vineyards Chardonnay
(Photo by Author)
The D-2010 Scale
2007 Chardonnay by Mayacamas Vineyards (Napa Valley, CA)
Appearance (10 points possible): clear, straw yellow color - 10 points
Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): This wine definitely needs some time to open, as the aromas and flavors really come forward an hour or so after the bottle is opened. Ample amounts of fruit and oak in the nose: apples, pears, slight pineapple character, coconut, vanilla, butterscotch, almonds, and slight mineral. - 18 points
Taste (10 points possible): The acid in this Napa Valley wine is dynamic, but it helps carry the oak flavors and contributing body. The wine is dry, medium to full bodied. The flavor is initially fruity, but as the wine opens, the oak flavors really ring through (coconut, butterscotch, fresh oak, etc.) - 8 points
Balance (5 points possible): The acidity slightly sticks out to me, which is why I have to dock this one a point, but otherwise, a nicely balanced wine. - 4 points
Finish (5 points possible): The finish is smooth, lingering with buttery flavors and a crisp acidity. It makes this the perfect California Chardonnay for food pairing. - 4 points
Add 50 points for attempt, packaging, closure, etc.
Total Points: 94
Overall Thought: I like the crisp acidity with this Chardonnay. I have to admit that it really stuck out to me at first because I've become so adjusted to drinking flabby Chardonnays. The the acidity really brings a sure-fire crispness that makes this a very enjoyable Chardonnay on its own or with food. In fact, for the amount of oak that touches this wine, I'm surprised how much I enjoy it. The full package is worth the buy.
Food Pairings: We matched this with a cheese plate - it went really well with some young cheddars spicy pepper jack. I think it would also pair very well with some creamy brie. We also had it a second day with salmon - went very nicely with the meal.
Cost: About $30
Splurge Factor (out of 4): 2 - I think this wine is worth the buy. When you want to spend that extra something for something worth buying, this would be that wine. And it holds up well in the fridge. We drank the bottle over 3 days (hey - there are only 2 of us!) and it held up quite well. I was very impressed.
Where to buy: Check out Mayacamas Vineyards website: Mayacamas Vineyards to buy online, or purchase in your local California wine store. I'm not sure if this one is sold nationally - if anyone finds it somewhere, please post!
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