New Leader in French Wine Country
The #1 wine in the world this year according to Wine Spectator is from the southern French district of Chateaneuf-du-Pape, part of the Rhone Valley. Not only was this appellation first, it had 4 other wines in the top twenty. What’s going on there!
The grape of choice in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape area is Grenache. This high powered grape demands low yield to produce its dynamic berry and current flavors along with traces of minerality. No stranger to vintages, this was France’s first wine district. The terroir can be complex: sand, clay, limestone and most interesting, stones. These stony areas provide muscular, dark wines high in alcohol. About 7,900 acres are in vine, with 95% red and 5% white.
The #1 Wine Spectator selection was the Clos des Papes 2005 priced at $80.
The ’03, ’04 and ’05 vintages all were historically excellent in character and body.
The winemaker is no stranger to accolades. He had the #2 wine in 2005’s list.The Clos des Papes red is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mouvedre and the rest Syrah, all native to the Rhone Valley. The wines are aged in small wooden barrels for up to 12 months before the blend is put together. The pervasive stones that you see everywhere are vast rock beds from the receding Rhone River, and originally from melting glaciers.
For you travelers, yes there is a village of Chateaneuf-du-Pape (it means new castle of the pope) about 60 miles north of Marseille. Wine is king here and all tourism and attractions evolve around these lovely varietals. Wine shops abound and tasting is assumed and most don’t charge for a healthy sip. “It’s the only way we know how to do it,” declared one wine shopkeeper. The long viticultural history attracts many to this traditional European village.
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ZD Winery Chooses Azul for Unveiling its New Releases
ZD Winery, that respected family winery along the Silverado Trail in Napa, was in San Diego recently and stopped at the Azul La Jolla for a formal wine dinner to present its new releases. Chris Pisani, the winemaker, has a lineup of lovely wines that I wanted to taste. I visited this innovative winery in 2005 and now the harvested grapes were ready for release.Azul La Jolla is a member of the Brigantine Family of Restaurants and is the showcase for the company with a lovely bay view and richly appointed furnishings. Helen Nguyen, manager; Kendra Morales-Gillette, ZD Sales; and Summer Lang, Azul Sommelier and wine director (all shown in the accompanying photo), tasted the wines and matched the menu. They paired the 2005 Reserve Chardonnay with the White Truffle Lobster Purse and the 2005 Napa Cabernet with Tahitian Vanilla & Cracked Peppercorn Crusted Tenderloin of Beef. Both wines were the standouts in a memorable evening. For more on Azul, access www.azul-lajolla.com. ZD’s site is www.zdwines.com.
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San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival Wrapup
November 14 thru 18 was an incredible wine week in San Diego, thanks to the efforts of event producers Michelle Metter and Ken Loyst. Just in, the winner of the “Chef of the Fest” out of 55 creative makers of cuisine is Chef Gary Thompson of Viejas Casino, taking home first place honors for his Grilled Tequila Marinated Shrimp and Spicy Tomato Gazpacho. A Fiji Island trip and $3,000 in cash were among the prizes in the contest, presented by Nature Sweet D’vines Tomatos. Over 700 wines were poured in the 5 day extravaganza.
The Local Sip
- Via Italia Trattoria in Encinitas is bringing the great Antinori Wines to a special event you don’t want to miss, on Wednesday December 12 at 6:30pm. I studied under Piero Antinori, the patriach of the winery, in 2002, to gain my credentials as a wine connoisseur and I can assure you, this will be an education in Italian wines. Lorenzo Mottola from Antinori will be guesting, bringing the celebrated ’04 Tignanello, the #4 wine in the world, with him, among others. $120 per person.
Call 760-479-9757 for an RSVP and other information. Paolo Pedrazzoni, the owner, has been honored nationally for his Italian cuisine.
- Il Fornaio in Del Mar kicks off its “sample Umbria” series December 3 to 16. Wines and food from this beautiful district will be featured. You might want to try the lentil encrusted chicken breast, mashed potato with minted zucchini, and pair it with my favorite winery in Umbria, Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2003. Reservations at 858-755-8876.
- Fallbrook Winery is pouring at the hot Firefly in Encinitas, Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30pm, paired up with a perfect dinner to spotlight winemaker Duncan Williams handpicked wines. $75 per person. RSVP at 760-635-1066.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
