PASO ROBLES KEEPS ON GROWING

Paso Robles as a wine appellation keeps on growing in stature as wineries multiply and winemakers grow in popularity. Their winemakers are in constant demand for appearances in wine shops and restaurants in North County. More than 100 wineries and 25,000 acres dot the landscape, which is an easy 5 hours drive from Carlsbad, on the 5 and the 101.

The wineries boast about 25 different grape varieties across the rolling hills, which benefit from the largest swing in daytime and nighttime temperatures of any area in California. Central to production is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah. Besides Napa Valley, Paso Robles has been invited as only other winemaking area to present themselves at the giant San Diego Wine and Food Festival in San Diego, Southern California’s biggest.

The dates are Wednesday through Saturday, November 8 to 12. A panel of Paso Robles winemakers will assemble at the Marriott Hotel and Marina, next to the Convention Center. Selected wineries will walk guests through their best wines, enriching the experience by offering tastes on specially prepared "flagship wines" presenting mats. This process is similar to the world’s most prestigious tasting events and is a "can’t miss" segment of the four day festival, that climaxes on Saturday with a massive outdoor show of over 150 wineries and many of San Diego County’s top restaurants. An excellent web site steers the visitor to all events and prices, which the promoters say will increase after October 1st.

Access the San Diego Wine and Food Festival at www.worldofwineevents.com.
It’s no secret, there is too much production of wine in the world. Much has been said about this in the press and this column has treated this sensitive subject in the past. Leon Santoro of Orfila has railed about this as being the scariest thing in the wine business today and all but declares the industry needs a world-wide governing body to moderate production in the years when a grape glut looks like a sure thing.

Last year was a prime example with production way up in California’s growing grounds. But nowhere was there as big a crop as in Australia. An ocean of wine descended on the market with what seemed like a new label a day.

The best bang for the buck still seems to come from the Barossa Valley with its quintessential shiraz, that dense, brooding, dark-textured grape that is really syrah. With a little digging, I have come up with some superior brands whose 2004 vintages were standout. We’ll have to wait until next year for the 2005 report.

They are: Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz, Clarenden Hills, Hobbs, Penfolds Block 42, Two Hands, and the top value wine in the group (under $20.), Greg Norman Estates.

Banfi of Montalcino Italy, has introduced its new line: Sartori of Verona. Known as the home of Romeo and Juliet, Verona sits in the Veneto region of Italy, not far from Venice and has produced a Giulietta Pinot Grigio Blush. It gets its pink color through a brief contact with the pinot grigio grape skins after the grapes are pressed. You will find it crisp and refreshing, great for light pastas, fish and poultry. The other offering I thought interesting was the Sartori 2001 Estate Amarone della Valpolicella, a dry red wine with rich, garnet coloration. It’s a blend of 3 native grapes to the area, mostly Corvina Veronese. It stays in oak casks for a minimum of 3 years. Fine creation with a unique plum and spice taste. Please visit www.banfivintners.com.

The Local Sip
The Harvest Celebration of Food and Wine is being held at the Prado at Balboa Park Thursday, October 12th, from 5 to 9pm. Enjoy sampling local and international wines and foods, cooking demonstrations, outdoor grilling and live music. Call 619-557-9441, x203 for more info.
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St. Esupery wines of Napa will be in the spotlight at Sante Restaurant in La Jolla on Tuesday, October 3rd at 7pm. Owner Tony Buonsante is serving up a delectable dinner to pair up with several of the winery’s best including the Elu "Red Mertiage" 2001. Check in with a reservation at 858-454-1315.
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Firefly, the hip new restaurant in Encinitas is presenting "Around the World” with Baron de Lafite Rothschild, Wednesday, October 3rd starting at 6:30pm.
A flight of nine wines from the world class Lafite collection is $20.00 with a chance to buy at below market prices. Reserve a place at 760-635-1066.

10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410