Photo of the Day: November 27, 2009
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In Vino Veritas
California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has declared September “California Wine Month” for the third consecutive year. Since September is almost over we thought we would get into the spirit and raise a glass to the California wine industry (not that we think they need their own month). We would have celebrated sooner but we were busy getting tipsy off our own local Virginia Wines, as you may recall.
The Wine Institute, a.k.a. the self-proclaimed “Voice for California Wine,” is an association of more than 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses that is dedicated to public policy advocacy and to enhancing responsible consumption and enjoyment of wine. They have worked with other organizations to promote a calendar of California wine events for this month. What does this have to do with us on the East Coast you ask? Well, they are so passionate about their wines that they have worked with retailers and restaurants across the country. The Oval Room, Bardeo Wine Bar and Café, Ardeo, The Bombay Club, and Rasika are a few of the D.C. area restaurants that will be featuring Cali wines throughout September. As for retailers, MacArthur Beverages, Schneider’s of Capitol Hill and Arrowine are offering California wine tastings and promotions. More detailed information can be obtained directly by contacting each location.
Photo by Flickr User Tonney77
If you are so inclined to host your own California wine tasting, or you just don’t want to pay restaurant prices, we suggest looking beyond just Napa and Sonoma to find some fabulously unique selections that will make you fall in love with California wines all over again. A great place to start is in the southern part of the Central Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) with Santa Barbara County. Its location in southern California could lead one to believe that this would be a very hot area, but in fact it has a cooler coastal climate. Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays tend to take the lead in this region, but it also does well with Syrah.
A little farther north of Santa Barbara, but with a much warmer climate, is Paso Robles AVA, in northern San Luis Obispo County. There are a few cool pockets throughout this area, but overall it is best suited for Cabernets, Zinfandels and a few “Rhône Rangers” such as Syrah, Marsanne, Roussane, and Mourvedre.
Moving north and more inland to the Central and Interior areas, you'll find Amador County. Amador County is not technically an AVA, although its name often appears on labels. It does, however, encompass the AVAs of the California Shenandoah Valley, Fiddletown and the Sierra Foothills, all southeast of Sacramento. Old Vines of Zinfandel are planted throughout this county, the wines from which can be described as charmingly rustic. They are also seeing good results from “Cal-Italians” such as Barbera and Sangiovese.
Your last stop should be somewhere in the north, possibly Mendocino County. Most of their major vineyards rest along the Russian River, which makes this area good for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sparkling Wines. Wine grapes are Mendocino’s number two cash crop, second only to marijuana. If that doesn’t get you to drink their wines, then maybe knowing that they also developed their own language, Boontling--named after their commercial center Boonville--after the Civil War. We're sure they'd describe their frattey as bahl hornin'.
California is such a vast area that it would be impossible to cover it all. But we hope this inspires you to forgive them for all of the jug wine and 2-buck-chuck (yes we’re aware the Chardonnay won an award) that they’ve subjected us to (as well as their insanely over-priced “gems”) and find some great quality buys in the middle. Until next time, cheers!
Wines to Try:
Il Cuore Chardonnay from Mendocino County, CA -$10.99- Fermented mostly in stainless steel, this Chardonnay is a lighter, more refreshing style with fresh apple and pear notes. It’s blended with about 5% Viognier which gives it just enough complexity in the finish to leave you wanting more.
Prouxl Facets from Paso Robles, CA -$24.00- Completely opposite of the above mentioned wine, this Rhône inspired white blend is a mixture of Viognier, Marsanne, and Rousanne. It’s rich texture is full of melon and pineapple notes with a creamy vanilla finish. A perfect fall white!
DiArie Zinfandel from Amador County, CA -$16.99- Very representative of everything we love in a great affordable Zin. Upfront with dark berry characteristics with an intense mid-palate of spice and oak. This wine has a kickin’ finish that will stay with you all night long.
Jaffurs “Bien Nacido” Syrah from Santa Barbara, CA -$38.00- Craig Jaffur’s handcrafted wines are something to be savored. This full-bodied, single-vineyard Syrah boasts blackberry and cherry fruit, with underlying notes of thyme and oak. Its smooth tannins result in an irresistible silky texture that is very palate pleasing.
Wine To Do:
Vintage Crystal- A Taste of Wine and Jazz. Crystal City will be hosting a Jazz/Wine festival this Sunday the 30th from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at 2121 Crystal Drive. Admission is $10 and includes wine samples as well as food tastings from participating restaurants such as Bebo Trattoria, Jaleo, Lebanese Taverna, La Tasca, Bin 1700 and more. While you sip and feast you can enjoy the sounds of jazz artists from the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival. Tickets will be sold at the gate and designated drivers and children are free. This is a rain or shine event.
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in other news, September is also Bourbon Heritage Month. between the need to round out the month with bacchanalian-level celebration of wine and bourbon, it should be a boozy weekend.