Big Fat Wine

Official State Portal

The French have a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ about their wine, and they are the first to let you know about it. And why shouldn’t they? So when American Steven Spurrier challenged France to a blind taste test, they were quick to accept. But the French didn’t know that Napa Valley is one of the best places in the world to grow wine grapes. So the stage was set, a face off between France and California.
A tasting panel of 8 French men and 1 French woman was assembled to judge the competition. Six California Cabernet Sauvignons were pitted against four of the top red wines from Bordeaux and six California Chardonnay competed against four highly regarded whites from Burgundy in the 1976 blind taste test.
As the tasting began, people who witnessed the competition realized that something unexpected was occuring as the judges couldn’t tell which wines were from California. One judge noted, “That is definitely California. It has no nose.” He was speaking of the 1973 Batard Montrachet, which at the time, was regarded as one of the finest wines in the world.
The end results was a “shot heard round the world.” The 1973 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon won the red category. The 1973 Chateau Montelena from Calistoga was voted the best white. A must read is “Judgement of Paris” by George Taber. I am in the middle of this book and the story is intriguing and factual for you history buffs.

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California has more than 107 AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas). An AVA, or American Vinticultural Area, is a specific grape – growing area within a state or a region recognized by and registered with the federal government. AVA designation began in the 1980′s and is a system styled after the European system (AOC).

*NOTE: If an AVA is listed on the label, at least 85% of the grapes must come from that region

Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most widely planted varietals. More than 2,600 wineries (check out our list) are bonded in the state, up over 200% from 1990. In 2007, over 192 million cases of California wine were sold. Land planted to grapes now tops 527,000 acres.

California Wine Facts at a Glance

Number of wineries in California
2,843
Number of winegrape growers in California
4,600
Varieties of winegrapes grown in California
More than 110
Counties in California where winegrapes are grown
48 out of 58
Number of jobs created by California wine
820,000 U.S. jobs, of which 330,000 are in California
Bottles produced with one ton of California winegrapes
Approx. 797 or 65 cases
Amount of winegrapes in one (750ml) bottle of wine
600-800 grapes or 2.8 lbs.
Bottles produced by one grapevine
Approx. 5
Percent of wine sold in U.S. purchased by women
55.4%
People who visit California wine regions every year
20.7 million

For current tourism and seasonal happenings, contact the below organizations;

 

 

 

 
Northern California

Alexander Valley Winegrowers Association Contact Person: Vicky Robinson Phone Number: 707 431-2894 Email: info@alexandervalley.org

Lake County Winegrape Commission Contact: Shannon Gunier 707/995-3421, FAX: 707/995-3618 email: central@lakecountywinegrape.org

Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley Contact: Diane Johannsen PH/FAX: 707/433-3031

Napa Valley Grape Growers Association Contact: Joelle Gallagher 707/944-8311 FAX: 707/224-7836 email: nvgga@i-cafe.net

Napa Valley Vintners Association Contact: Linda Reiff 707/963-3388, FAX: 707/963-3488

North Coast Grape Growers Association Contact: Rhonda Hood 707/578-8331, FAX: 707/5-6771

Oakville Winegrowers Contact: Kathy Meinhardt707/944-0216, FAX: 707/945-0229 email: sealight@ix.netcom.com

Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance Contact: John Enquist 707/468-9886, FAX: 707/468-9887 email: mwa@mendowine.com

Russian River Valley Winegrowers Contact: Kirk Locca 707/521-2534, FAX: 707/546-3277 email: rrvw@sonic.net

Russian River Wine Road 800/723-6336 FAX: 707/433-4374 email: info@wineroad.com

Silverado Trail Wineries Association

Sonoma County Grape Growers Association Contact: Nick Frey 707 206-0603 FAX: 707-206-0313 email: frey@scgga.org

Sonoma County Wineries Association Contact: Jaimie Douglas 707/586-3795, FAX: 707/586-1383  email: info@sonomawine.com

Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance Contact: Claudia Glade 707/935-0803 FAX: 707/935-1947 email: info@sonomavalleywine.com

Stag’s Leap District Winegrowers Association Contact: Nancy Bialek 707/255-1720, FAX: 707/255-1760

Central California

Central Coast Winegrowers Association Contact: Victoria LeBlanc 805/928-4950 FAX: 805/928-2201 email: ccwga.mail@gte.net

Edna Valley – Arroyo Grande Valley Vintners Assn. Contact: Archie McLaren 805/541-5868, FAX: 805/541-3934 email: sanluiswines@aol.com

Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association Contact: Rhonda Motil 831/375-9400, FAX: 831/375-1116 email: info@montereywines.org

Paso Robles Vintners & Growers Association Contact: Sheila Griffie 805/239-8463, FAX: 805/237-6439 email: web@pasowine.com

San Luis Obispo Vintners’ & Growers’ Association Contact: Archie McLaren 805/541-5868, FAX: 805/541-3934 email: sanluiswines@aol.com

Santa Barbara County Vintners Contact: Sao Anash 805/688-0881, FAX: 805/686-5881 email: info@sbcountywines.com

Santa Clara Valley Winegrowers Contact: Valerie Brockbank Phone: 408/778-2979

Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association Contact: Karen & John Hibble 408/479-WINE, FAX: 408/688-6961 email: info@scmwa.com

Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association Contact: Cynthia Stanfield 866 480-5194 Email:info@santamariavalleywinecountry.com

Southern

Ramona Vineyard Association email: rva@ramonavalleyvineyards.org

San Diego County Vintners Association Contact: Dave Wodehouse 760/720-7499 FAX: 760/720-7498

Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association Contact: Linda Kissam 909/699-3626, FAX: 909/699-2353 email: winecountryinfo@aol.com

Central Valley

Amador Vintners Association Contact: Jill Murphy Phone: 209/267-2297, 888/655-8614 FAX: 209/267-2298

Calaveras County Wine Association Contact: Clayre Quick 800/225-3764 ext. 25, FAX: 209/728-3418

Clarksburg Winegrowers Association Contact:  Elizabeth G. Merwin Phone: 916/448-7282

Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association Contact: Sblend Sblendorio 925/447-9463, FAX: 925/447-0433

Lodi Appellation Winery Association

Lodi District Grape Growers Association Contact: Elizabeth Giannini Phone: 209/339-8246

Lodi Woodbridge Winegrape Commission Contact: Mark Chandler 209/367-4727, FAX: 209/367-0737

El Dorado Winery Association Contact: Betty Young-McIntire 800/306-3956, FAX: 530/295-2009

Sierra Grape Growers Association Contact: Joan Hughes 530/432-4894, FAX: 530/432-5737

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Vitiano 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Sangiovese, IGT Umbria

Where it’s from:Montecchio Terni Umbria Italy.

Winemakers notes: A blend of 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 34% Sangiovese, after fermentation they let the wine age for just three months in French Never oak barrels for a hint of oak character and a touch of added complexity.

Cherries and oak blast the pallet with this young wine, and although it is extremely flavourful, I need to disagree with most reviews and say it definitely isn’t “complex”. This is a good everyday beverage wine. Overall, it gets a “THIN” Score from Big Fat Wine. An average wine with little distinction except that it is soundly made.

I think I will give this another chance in the future and hope Bacchus shakes his magic corkscrew and it develops further.

[JBC]16September2010 / BFW

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2006 Faithful Hound

Where it’s from: Mulderbosch is situated in the prime Koelenhof area of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 4% Malbec. From the winemaker: The grapes were handpicked and crushed into stainless steel fermenters where the must was cold soaked overnight and allowed to begin fermentation spontaneously. The mash was then inoculated with a variety of cultured yeasts. The wine fermented dry on the skins, was pressed and underwent malolactic fermentation before being blended and racked to barrel for maturation. A light fining and filtration was applied just before bottling.

Total production: 6600 x 12 x 750ml
Fermentation temperature: 22° – 28° C
Wood ageing: 18 months - 42% new and 58% 2nd fill French oak barrels (225 litre)

Created as a tribute to Boes (“Bushy” in Afrikaans), the loyal dog that kept watch over Mulderbosch farm for three years after his owner’s death.

We first drank this bottle @ Winestyles in Federal Way, WA. This Bordeaux style South African Blend is deep ruby- rich black in color. An immediate burst of plums and honey hits the rear taste buds. Iron, tobacco, dark fruit and coffee! If that doesn’t make your tastebuds perk up, especially in Seattle, nothing will. The tannins are smooth and the 30 second aftertaste was a “creamy licorice” flavor. If you can’t tell, I love it! It’s what I like to refer to as a “Chewy Red”.

Overall, it gets a “VOLUPTUOUS (+)” Score from Big Fat Wine. An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. Terrific!

[JBC]20August2010 / BFW

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Official State Portal

Arkansas is the home of three AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas); all located in the northwestern portion of the state—the large OZARK MOUNTAIN AVA (which Arkansas shares with MISSOURI and OKLAHOMA) and the smaller AVAs of ALTUS and Arkansas Mountain, both subzones of the Ozark Mountain AVA. In the early 1900s, Arkansas enjoyed abundant vineyards, mostly of CONCORD grapes, an indigenous American variety of the VITIS LABRUSCA species. Unfortunately, wines from these grapes don’t have the popular appeal of VITIS VINIFERA species (the basic European varieties like CABERNET SAUVIGNON and CHARDONNAY). Today, Arkansas winemaking is mostly from HYBRIDS and Vitis vinifera grapes.  Area wineries produce a variety of STILL WINES from Cynthiana (NORTON) grapes or hybrids (like NIAGRA and SEYVAL BLANC), as well as from Cabernet Sauvignon, MERLOT, and Chardonnay grapes. Arkansas also produces SPARKLING WINES. The Wiederkehr Winery, which was started in the late 1800s, is in operation today by the founder’s descendants. It has shifted from American varieties and hybrids to grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, RIESLING, and MUSCAT.

Back in 1880, two European families settled in the Arkansas River Valley, attracted by its fertile sandy soil and moderate climate. The two pioneers of the American wine industry were Jacob Post, who came to America in 1872, and Johann Wiederkehr, who immigrated to Altus from Switzerland in 1880. (*Check out this short 6 minute video of an interview at Post Familie Vineyards in Altus). Area conditions reminded them so much of the fine wine-making regions of Germany and Switzerland that they each established vineyards, which was the beginning of a wine heritage and viticulture in Arkansas. Wine was made from grapes, berries and fruit native to their new homeland. Since those early years, each added new grape varieties, and cultivated, improved and expanded their vineyards. Today, fourth and fifth generations of these two families, plus Robert Cowie and Audrey House, have contributed to making Arkansas the largest and oldest wine producing state in the South. Paris, Ozark and Altus are located in Arkansas Wine Country, just off Interstate 40 northwest of Little Rock and east of Ft. Smith, near where the Arkansas River winds between the Ozark Mountains and the Ouachita Mountains.

Several area wineries that offer free tours, wine tastings and special events are: Chateau Aux Arc, (pronounced “ozark”) established in 1998 by Audrey House, is known for chardonnay and cynthiana grapes; tasting room open daily 479-468-4400 or 800-558-WINE.

Mount Bethel Winery, owned and operated for more than 100 years by a Post family member, produces a wide variety of locally-grown fruit wines: sip some blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, elderberry, peach, wild plum and, of course, grape! 479-468-2444.

Post Familie Vineyards & Winery, Taste some wine, shop for gifts and local wine, juice, jelly and vinegar; tours available by request. Established in 1880. Open daily. 479-468-2741

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars and Vineyard Tour the original wine cellar (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), which has been converted into the Weinkeller Restaurant, which serves Swiss and European specialties, and wine. Closed major holidays. 800-622-9463.

In Paris, Cowie Wine Cellars Vintner Robert Cowie began making wine in 1955; free wine tastings following tours of the cellars; wine making supplies for sale; amateur wine making competition held in April; home to the Arkansas Historic Wine Museum. 479-963-3990. Visitors to the area can also learn more about the region’s coal mining history at the Altus Heritage House Museum 479-468-4684.

Keels Creek Winery opened in 2006 in Eureka Springs in the Northwest Arkansas Ozark Mountains. In addition to its own label, Keels Creek offers one of the largest selections of Arkansas wines in the state. The 10-acre vineyard contains more than 10 varieties of grapes. Co-owners Doug Hausler and Edwige Denyszyn estimate that the optimal production from the vineyard will be about 40 tons of grapes which will make about 5,000 gallons of wine. The retail wine sales and tasting room are located in a Spanish-style building that is shared with Keels Creek Art Gallery. 3185 East Van Buren. 479-253-WINE (9463)

Arkansas’s newest small farm winery, Raimondo Family Winery, operates its tasting room and produces its wines at Blue Lady Resort in Gamaliel. The Raimondo Family Winery has been producing wine in California for more than two decades.

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Summer in the Pacific Northwest has finally come! It feels like winter lasts for 8 long months around here. That isn’t an exaggeration considering that Seattle only averages 58 sunny days a year. As for the rest of Seattle’s days, we average 226 cloudy days and 81 partly cloudy days. Of all those days, we get 155 days of rain a year.

Our recent “heat wave” has brought us all into a blissful state of uplifted spirits and a constant party atmosphere (while it lasts). Since we aren’t used to hot weather, it has also brought us to our neighborhood hardware stores seeking out air conditioners and portable fans. Admittedly, I didn’t know what the abbreviation “A/C” was until I was 18 years old while in a rental car in Honolulu. While we try to find ways of keeping cool and comfortable, let’s not forget that our pets and wines need some help coping with the heat as well.

(The title of this post is a variation of the title of a great article by Maureen Finn at Examiner.com regarding pet health concerns during the hot summer months. Don’t forget your furry friends!)

Most importantly, get (keep) your wine collection out of the heat!

When it comes to storing and serving wine, temperature, which is often ignored, can bring the best and worst out in a bottle of wine. High temperature (>65ºF) causes the wine to age prematurely, thus losing its flavor and balance. When chilled too cold, the wine also loses its flavor and aromas. Keep the wines away from sunlight and heat exposure; store them in cellars, wine fridge, and or temperature controlled rooms (thanks to Jona, we now store our wine in the basement). Wide fluctuation in temperature will damage the wine and the cork. Ideal range of temperature for storing red wine is 50-55ºF or 10-16ºC. White wines can be stored at lower range down to around 45ºF.

The wine serving temperature chart below from BetterTastingWine.com recommends serving temperature for varietals. In the meantime, enjoy your summer and think twice before complaining about how hot it is. The sun will disappear soon enough!

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Hurray,  It’s August.  Warm weather and discounts on wine… Heaven.

It’s time to stock up. Throughout August Washington liquor stores, specialty shops and grocery stores are promoting Washington wines by offering some really nice discounts.  They are also offering some wines, this month only, that they don’t normally carry so the selection is really impressive.

Bob Woehler, the dean of Northwest wine writers, takes us on a tour of what to buy during Washington Wine Month at Washington State Liquor Stores.

We are planning to take Mr. Woehler’s advice and fill up a shopping cart.

Here is the information from the Washington State Liquor Control Board website:

July 28, 2010

(OLYMPIA) – Washington State wines are showcased in state liquor stores during Washington Wine Month. Each August, state liquor stores broaden and diversify the selection of Washington wines and feature displays surrounding the annual theme.

This year’s theme “Washington Wines… Our Passion, Your Pleasure” celebrates the unique Washington climates producing some of the very best in grapes and wines known around the world. This is the 26th Washington Wine Month celebrated by state liquor stores.

Washington’s liquor stores sell more wine in August than in any other month except December. A listing of featured Washington Wine Month wines is available here.

The Washington State wine industry continues to enjoy dramatic growth, approaching 700 wineries statewide.

Washington Wine Commission executive director Robin Pollard adds, “Our industry continues to draw critical acclaim the world over, and Washington Wine Month is a fantastic opportunity for people to experience the quality and diversity of Washington State wines right here in our own backyard.”

As good citizens, we are going to do our part to support our Washington government and BUY WINE!  Is this a great state, or what?

As Always,
Love, Laugh, Learn… LIVE!

The essence and structure of great rock music is built in layers much like the essence and structure of great wine.  When I think of wine it brings images of smoky bars, gatherings of friends and family, wonderful meals, romantic evenings… funny thing is that all of those things are made better by great rock music.  (Epiphany) WINE and ROCK MUSIC make a perfect combination!

When I started doing research for the connection between wine and rock music I was immediately overwhelmed.  There is so much information and I wanted to include it all.  Not going to happen.  It would take me a year just to pull together a decent list of the information to start on.  So I decided to pick one minute detail and get something down.  Here goes…

I love rock and roll!  When I asked Joel what he loves about rock, he said, “It makes me feel connected. Like I’m a part of something bigger than myself.”   I can relate.  The wine lifestyle gives Joel and me that same sort of feeling of connectedness.

Seems that the people at Wines That Rock understand that too.  They have taken 3 classic collections of music and created wines based upon the spirit of those collections.   The three that they have *co-created so far are 2006 Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon,  2007 Rolling Stones’ 40 Licks Merlot, and 2008 Woodstock Chardonnay.

Did These guys crawl into my head? They really get me!

I thought of about 100 albums or songs that I want them to do because they have such strong anchors to important points in my life.  While surfing around on their website I found a link to vote on the inspiration for their next creation, and what-do-you-know, several of the albums that I was wishing for were on the list of possible choices.   I won’t tell you what I voted for (the doors) as I wouldn’t want to influence (the doors) your vote (the doors) in any way.  That (the doors) wouldn’t be right.

I will be following this exciting winery and looking forward to all their new creations.

*I wrote “co-create” in order to give credit to the creative collaboration between the musical artist and the artistry of the winemaker.

As Always,
Love, Laugh, Learn… LIVE!

Official State Portal

Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states admitted to the Union, achieving statehood on February 14, 1912  Arizona is noted for its desert climate, exceptionally hot summers, and mild winters, however it also features pine forests and mountain ranges in the northern high country, with cooler weather than in the lower deserts.

Arizona has three major wine growing regions, all in the high desert. The first region is in southern Arizona in the Sonoita/Elgin area. The Willcox area in Cochise County was the second area to come on board. And now the Verde Valley is the third region for growing grapes. The elevation of these vineyards range between 3800 ft. to almost 6000 ft., allowing nice hot days and cool nights during the grape growing season. Another up-and-coming area up north is the Skull Valley area with three vineyards. You’ll also find grapes growing scattered around the state in other areas such as Tombstone, Benson, Payson and Portal. The state has one American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Sonoita AVA is located in southeast Arizona, south of the city of Tucson. The Sonoita area is a basin surrounded by three mountain ranges, the Huachuca Mountains, the Santa Rita Mountains, and the Whetstone Mountains.

My parents reside in Cornville. I (almost) faithfully phone my mom every Saturday. When I tire of the wet weather here in Seattle, I envy the Arizona sunshine. Of course mom gets up at 4am to work in the yard and is in by 10am because it is too hot to be outdoors. Her husband Karl is making some wonderful creations from clay and is getting tons of recognition from the art community. Check out a few pieces of his artwork which is also available for purchase at the Oak Creek Vineyard & Winery;

 

Wine in the Desert? Several varieties of wine grapes  do very well in Arizona, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sangiovese. Vineyards were first planted in Arizona in the 17th century by Franciscan missionaries. Today there are thirteen active wineries in the state, with over 650 acres of grapes being grown for the purpose of wine production.

 

Places to visit!

Alcantara Vineyards
Phone: (928) 649-8463
www.alcantaravineyard.com

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
Phone: (928) 639-3004
www.arizonastrongholdvineyards.com

Caduceus Cellars
Phone: (928) 639-9463
www.caduceus.org

Callaghan Vineyards
Phone: (520) 455-5322
www.callaghanvineyards.com

Dos Cabezas WineWorks
Phone: (520) 455-5141
www.doscabezaswinery.com

Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery
Phone: (928) 649-2681
www.javelinaleapwinery.com

Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
Phone: (928) 649-0290
www.oakcreekvineyards.net

Page Springs Cellars
Phone: (928) 639-3004
www.pagespringcellars.com

Sonoita Vineyards
Phone: (520) 455-5893
www.sonoitavineyards.com

 

Visit these great tour offerings to help make your Arizona Wine experience both entertaining and informative;

The Verde Valley Wine Trail connects the dots between 4 wineries: Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, & Javelina Leap Vineyards, and 4 tasting rooms: Caduceus Cellars, Jerome Winery, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, and Pillsbury Wine Company.

Arizona Vines and Wines features a variety of tours suited to the enjoyment of Arizona wines. Take a look at these creative maps for planning your tour(s). NORTHERN ARIZONA WINE TOUR – SONOITA/ELGIN WINE TOUR -  SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA WINE TOUR

Including a  picnic lunch, you are guided through tastings at four wineries.
Arizona Grape Escapes

Arizona Horseback Experience
Phone: (520) 455-5696
www.horsebackexperience.com

Sedona Adventure Tours
Phone: (877) 673-3661
www.sedonaadventuretours.com

 

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