george`s *exclusive - Brookhaven Marketplace

WINEGEEK
WORDS FROM THE
MAY 2012 • BROOKHAVEN MARKETPLACE
COMMONLY ASKED
WINE QUESTIONS
CRAZY WINE TRIVIA
FUN & FUNCTIONAL
GIFTS FOR
WINE
‘LOVERS’
*GEORGE’S
+
WINE PICKS
CHEESE
CHOCOLATE
PICK OF THE MONTH
*EXCLUSIVE
RETAILER FOR
STAG’S LEAP
“HANDS OF TIME”
STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS
A Tradition of Exceptional Winemaking
George The Wine Geek
CHEESE OF THE MONTH
BERTOZZI PARMIGIANO REGGIANO –
HIGH QUALITY PARMIGIANO
Stag’s Leap Hands of Time
Winemaker’s Exhibit
Have you seen the movie “Bottle Shock?” If so, then you know all about the legendary Judgement of Paris that rocked the wine world.
A Napa winery, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was about to make history and become one of the most loved wines in the world. Also called the
“Paris Wine Tasting,” it was a competition staged in the City of Light in 1976, in which French judges interpreted two blind tastings.
One competition pitted top-quality Chardonnays against white Bordeauxs and the next tasting placed red Bordeauxs opposing Cabernet
Sauvignons. To the disbelief of judges, the California wines rated best in each category and it set the French wine world on its ear.
“Stag’s Leap Wine Cellar’s cabernet sauvignon took first prize against all of the famous French first-growth Bordeaux wines in that Judgement
of Paris tasting, Ironically, after many years of France being on top of the world of wine, it was a panel of French judges who unveiled
the extraordinary quality of wines that Napa had to offer, thus, launching Napa Valley into “Wine Star” status.
Along with Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley that won for its Chardonnay, Stag’s Leap catapulted California wine to the top of the heap,
giving it “street cred” for the first time ever. It continues to excel with the most sought-after wines in the world, never resting on its laurels.
Let’s take a look at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, the winery that brought us that legendary 1983 Stag’s Leap SLV that shocked the wine world in the
Judgement of Paris as well as consistently beautiful wines year after year. Indeed, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is one of the most well respected,
and most prestigious wineries in the world. Wine collectors revere the wines of Stag’s Leap, and their wines are in some of the most impressive
cellars around the world.
According to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, “In the early 1960s the Napa Valley was being reborn as a fine wine region, and Warren and Barbara
Winiarski were among a fresh wave of pioneers when they came to the valley from Chicago in 1964. He was a lecturer at the University of
Chicago and she was a portrait painter, but they decided to abandon academia to pursue a dream of living close to the land and producing
wines better than any that had yet been made in that part of the New World.
In 1969, Warren tasted homemade Cabernet Sauvignon from Nathan Fay’s vineyard below the Stags Leap Palisades and knew, instantly,
that he had found what he was searching for—a wine with varietal and regional character that also achieved a classic balance between ripeness,
richness and restraint.
As luck would have it, an adjoining ranch was for sale. In 1970, the Winiarskis purchased the land which is known today as S.L.V. Two years
later, they acquired a winery site and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was born.
In the early days, the small family-run winery was little known outside the Napa Valley. That changed, however, in 1976 at the Judgement of
Paris mentioned previously. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon took top honors among the reds, triumphing over two
first-growth and other renowned wines of Bordeaux. The surprise win was covered by TIME magazine and picked up by media around the
world. The story of “The Judgment of Paris” brought international recognition to the Napa Valley and to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Twenty years after the Paris Tasting, in the spring of 1996, the Smithsonian Institution created a display documenting the Paris Tasting and the
story of wine’s coming of age in North America. The winning red and white wines of the 1976 tasting are now part of the permanent collection
in the National Museum of American History.
At the same time, the winery was winning attention for its proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1974, the winemaking team decided
that one lot of wine from S.L.V. was so beautiful and well-balanced that it should be bottled separately. The wine had been aged in a large
wooden cask, number 23 in the lineup, so the bottling was named and labeled CASK 23. CASK 23 became one of the first proprietary blends
from a single vineyard estate in Napa Valley and it quickly became a quality benchmark for California Cabernet Sauvignon.
In 1986, the Winiarski family purchased Nathan Fay’s vineyard and named it FAY in his honor. FAY, S.L.V. and CASK 23 comprise Stag’s Leap
Wine Cellars’ portfolio of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons, which are among the most highly regarded and sought after Cabernets.
In 2007, an historic partnership between Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchesi Antinori proudly accepted the stewardship of Stag’s Leap
Wine Cellars and its legacy”.
In February 2003, more than thirty-five prominent vintners gathered together for the Hands of Time: Winemaker’s Reunion.
This very special event honored the talented winemakers and viticulturists who at one time or another had worked at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
and “lent a hand” in the winery’s success. The event started with each vintner placing his or her hand into a plaque of French limestone putty.
These cast handprints are what now comprise the “Hands of Time” exhibit, permanently installed at the Napa Valley winery.
The winemakers and viticulturists each showed their appreciation to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars for instilling in them a passion for learning, a
respect for the land, and an abiding love of winemaking and viticulture. The Hands of Time Winemakers Reunion brought to the forefront
the great tradition, not only of the great wines of Stag’s Leap, but the tradition of passion of each and every person who works at Stag’s Leap
Wine Cellars. Truly, the vision and passion of Warren Winiarski has brought Stag’s Leap to the pinnacle of the wine world with consistently
phenomenal wines year after year.
Regular Price $17.49/lb.
Parmigiano-Reggiano offers a
wonderful eating experience
whether it is tasted by itself or
paired with other foods.
CHOCOLATE OF THE MONTH
HACHEZ MARACAIBO
Regular Price $3.59
THE STORY OF THE
HANDS OF TIME
Along a shady walkway on the tranquil
grounds of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars one
comes across a succession of limestone
plaques, each bearing a handprint. These
handprints comprise the Hands of Time
exhibit, an enduring tribute to some of
the many people who contributed to the
winery’s history over the years and have
gone on to become celebrated winemakers
and viticulturalists in their own right.
With a tradition of mentoring that dates
back to our founding in 1970 by founder
and visionary Warren Winiarski, Stag’s
Leap Wine Cellars has been a springboard
for many a storied winemaker’s career.
This wine, a Bordeaux-inspired blend, is a
tribute to our alumni whose unwavering
vision of crafting elegant and balanced
wines has been passed down from teacher
to student, and through the hands of time.
With 55.5% Cacao, Containing
exquisite premium cocoas from
Venezuela, Cocoa de Maracaibo is
available as a classic chocolate bar.
CRAZY WINE TRIVIA
• Did you know that California is the 4th
largest producer of wine in the world?
The three top manufacturers are France,
Italy, and Spain.
• When aged, red wines often fade,
eventually turning a rusty, brick red color.
White wines, however, become more
golden with age before darkening
to brownish yellow.
Photo with Luke Donald, World’s #1 Golfer &
George the Wine Geek.
• When a wine is paired with food, the
food and wine have what is called
“synergy.” This is an additional flavor
that the food or wine, if consumed alone,
does not have.
• Approximately 55% of wine consumed in
restaurants is red wine.
STAG’S LEAP HANDS OF TIME
P3
FUN AND
FUNCTIONAL
GIFTS FOR
WINE
LOVERS
As we move into the months of May
and June, lots of gift giving occasions
come up. In addition to birthdays
and anniversaries, there is Mother’s
Day, Father’s Day, Graduations and
we are coming into peak wedding
season.
When getting a gift for someone
it’s important to spend some time
thinking about the recipient. What
would he or she enjoy and find value
in. Gift certificates are ok and we
always say “This way they will get
what they really want” Let’s face it
though; we all know that that line of
thinking is really a copout. Everyone
enjoys receiving a gift, especially one
that fits their personality and that
they realize the giver took the time
to think of something nice for them.
That talent however is not one that
we all readily posses ­— I am one
good example.
We thought we’d offer you a little
help with this one, so we had some
fun combing the internet looking
for good gift ideas for wine lovers.
It goes without saying that you can
always gift a wine lover with wine...
but we really wanted to come up with
some ideas that might enhance their
wine drinking experience rather than
simply handing them a bottle!
1
VINTURI DELUXE RED
WINE AERATOR SET
2
3
4
5
TWISTER WINE AERATOR
& DECANTER WITH
STAND SET
BAMBOO WINE TABLE
Breathe life into wines instantly, with
or without a decanter. The simple act
of pouring wine through the aerator
increases pressure as you pour,
drawing in and mixing just the right
amount of air to help wines open
up to their full potential. Without a
battery, charcoal, or filter, the Vinturi
aerator gives you the same enhanced
bouquet, fuller flavor and smoother
finish you’d get from 1½ hours of
decanting. Set includes aerator,
convenient stand, 2-piece tower
holder with a no-splash gate and
sediment filter to trap particulates.
To reveal the full flowering of any
red wine instantly, introduce
maximum oxygen by decanting
it through this easy-to-use spiral
aerator into the matching glass
decanter. The resulting difference in
aroma and flavor is impressive.
Take wine to outdoor concerts or
the beach without having to worry
about spills with this genius bamboo
wine table. Designed to work with
any stemmed wine or champagne
glass, this table sticks directly into
the ground or sand and holds glasses
steady, plus has a small surface for a
light snack.
If you have ever attended a lawn
concert at Ravina Park you have seen
this handy table all over the grounds.
Rumor has it that the owners of Crate
& Barrel who are regulars at Ravinia
created this collapsible table for their
own use and got so many requests
that they had them made for sale in
their stores. It’s one of their biggest
sellers. We own one and love it.
Give your stemware the night off.
These exquisite champagne flutes
serve plenty of sparkle all their own.
Each glass has its own charming
personality (just like your guests) in
elegant stripes, dots and swirls. They
feel light and delicate in hand, but
stand up well to frequent toasts and
celebrations.
Priced at around $70.
Priced at around $80.
Priced at around $22.
Priced at around $40.
Priced at around $70.
We started with something that any
lover of red wine will need and enjoy:
aerators.
For something that will accomplish the
same task but perhaps with a bit more
drama, we found this interesting glass
aerator.
With the good weather here for the remainder of spring and summer, we all want to be
outdoors enjoying the fresh air whenever possible. Here are a pair of ideas that will help
your gift recipient enjoy a bottle of wine with someone special, or several bottles with a
group of friends.
FOUND AT
CRATE & BARREL
FOUND AT
UNCOMMONGOODS.COM
RAVINIA TABLE IN A BAG
FOUND AT
CRATE & BARREL
VENETIAN-STYLE
CHAMPAGNE FLUTES
FOUND AT NAPASTYLE.COM
FOUND AT
WILLIAMS-SONOMA
Here is an idea for friends who love
the bubbly. Out with the traditional
stemmed champagne flutes and in
with these decorative stemless flutes!
GIFTS FOR WINE LOVERS
P5
WI
NE GEEK
E
MARKHAM SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010
85 pts Wine Enthusiast
E OF T
HE
WIN
Regular 10.99 • Sale $9.99
Black cherry fruit impression in the nose, with ample structure and natural berry
fruit flavors on the palate - like eating fresh berries off the vine. Naked wines are
blended and bottled in our USDA-certified organic facility.
FOOD PAIRING: Pepper crusted red meat, rare burgers, semihard cheeses like
Manchego. CHEESE PAIRING: Goes well with Semi-hard cheeses like Manchego
or Cheddar.
E OF T
RG
GEO
Regular 14.99 • Sale $10.99
Zested lemon-lime aromas with fresh pea shoot & wet stone minerality, tropical
flavors, the minerality and slight shift from California to New Zealand character is
intoxicating! FOOD PAIRING: Nice match for Thai inspired dishes, Asian stir-fry
,grilled fish such as seabass. CHEESE PAIRING: Pairs nicely with aged asiago or
gruyere cheeses.
RGE
SILVER MEDAL - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Festival
MONTH
OOKHAVEN
Regular 18.99 • Sale $14.99
E OF T
HE
NE GEEK
COPPOLA PINOT NOIR 2009
BR
WI
GEO
WIN
FOUND AT AMAZON.COM
Rich, velvety & intense with beautiful juicy fruits & spices. Aromas of cherries,
strawberries, and violets. Flavors of Raspberries, plums, cloves, and tea leaves.
FOOD PAIRING: Delicious when paired with sautéed mushroom topped
salmon steak, herb-rubbed pork chops, or creamy risotto.
CHEESE PAIRING: Pairs nicely with aged brie, goat cheeses or gruyere cheeses.
Priced at around $20.
* STAG’S LEAP HANDS OF TIME RED BLEND 2009
E OF T
*EXCLUSIVE
HE
WIN
GE
MONTH
OOKHAVEN
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GEO
BR
P6
NE GEEK
GIFTS FOR WINE LOVERS
WI
The remarkable untold story of France’s courageous, clever vintners who
protected and rescued the country’s most treasured commodity from German
plunder during World War II.
“To be a Frenchman means to fight for your country and its wine.”
–Claude Terrail, owner, Restaurant La Tour d’Argent
In 1940, France fell to the Nazis and almost immediately the German army
began a campaign of pillaging one of the assets the French hold most dear:
their wine. Like others in the French Resistance, winemakers mobilized to
oppose their occupiers, but the tale of their extraordinary efforts has remained
largely unknown -- until now. This is the thrilling and harrowing story of the
French wine producers who undertook ingenious, daring measures to save their
cherished crops and bottles as the Germans closed in on them. Wine and War
illuminates a compelling, little-known chapter of history, and stands as a tribute
to extraordinary individuals who waged a battle that, in a very real way, saved the
spirit of France.
“To make the most out of terroir, you have to love it…
both for what it is and, perhaps more important, for
what it might become.”
Warren Winiarski , Founder, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
88 pts Wine Spectator
HE
WIN
WINE QUOTE OF THE MONTH
SNOQUALMIE NAKED MERLOT 2008
MONTH
GEO
RGE
MONTH
NE GEEK
WINE AND WAR: THE FRENCH, THE NAZIS, AND
THE BATTLE FOR FRANCE’S GREATEST TREASURE
7
WI
Published in 1994 to worldwide acclaim, the first edition of Jancis Robinson’s
seminal volume immediately attained legendary status, winning every major
wine book award including the Glenfiddich and Julia Child/IACP awards, as
well as writer and woman of the year accolades for its editor on both sides of
the Atlantic. Combining meticulously researched facts with refreshing opinion
and wit, The Oxford Companion to Wine offers almost 4,000 entries on every
wine-related topic imaginable, from regions and grape varieties to the owners,
connoisseurs, growers, and tasters of wine through the ages; from viticulture and
oenology to the history of wine. Tracing the consumption and production from
the ancient world to the present day, the Companion is a remarkable resource for
gaining further appreciation for a beverage whose popularity has only increased
with time.
Now exhaustively updated, this third edition incorporates the very latest
international research to present over 400 new entries on topics ranging from
globalization and the politics of wine to brands, precision viticulture, and cofermentation. Hundreds of other entries have also undergone major revisions,
including yeast, barrel alternatives, climate change, and virtually all wine regions.
Useful lists and statistics are appended, including controlled appellations and
their permitted grape varieties, as well as wine production and consumption by
country.
OOKHAVEN
Priced at around $40.
BR
FOUND AT AMAZON.COM
OOKHAVEN
OXFORD COMPANION TO WINE – 3RD EDITION
6
GEORGE’S
WINE PICKS
BR
Some folks newer to wine enjoyment might appreciate some help expanding their
overall knowledge of their new found love. Here are two reading suggestions we
found at out the world’s largest book store.
RETAILER FOR STAG’S LEAP
“HANDS OF TIME”
Regular 29.99 • Sale $21.99
87 pts Wine Enthusiast
Elegant & balanced, aromas of spiced fruit, clove & vanilla. Flavors of
cherry & raspberry, with structured tannins & spicy finish.
93% Cabernet Sauvignon & 7% Merlot.
CHEESE PAIRING: Nice match with Sharp Cheddar Cheese or Beemster
XO 26 month aged Gouda.
GEORGE’S WINE PICKS
P7
COMMONLY ASKED
WINE QUESTIONS
Q: WHAT ABOUT THE RIGHTS & WRONGS
ABOUT DECANTING WINES?
A: Speaking about breathing, I received several questions that referred to the rights and
wrongs of letting wine breathe, as well as the rights and wrongs of decanting, which are
close to the same thing.
There are two reasons to decant a wine: removing off from its sediment, and allowing it to
breathe by increasing the surface area of the wine exposed to air; not to mention adding
air to the wine from the pouring process (the theory behind aerating funnels). My favorite
is Rojaus. It dramatically and quickly brings out the aromas and flavors of the wine.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ALLOWING WINE TO BREATHE?
A: Fantastic things happen when a wine breathes, or is exposed to oxygen. Tannins can
soften, aromatic becomes more pronounced, and in general a wine can seem to have a
longer, smoother finish.
Each grape varietal seems to have its own ideal system of oxygenation. For example, the
old Barolos I drink seem to benefit from what is known as slow oxygenation, or Slow O.
Slow O simply means pulling the cork, and perhaps pouring off a bit of wine to increase
the surface area and then letting the wine oxygenate very slowly. If the wine is middleaged, a decant off the sediment can frequently wake the wine up and reveal the benefits of
the Slow O process. As far as wine breathing goes, as a general rule, young wines can only
benefit from it, and it seems to help many older wines, though the window during which
they drink well might be significantly compressed by decanting. OMG, am I getting to
technical? That’s why they call me the Wine Geek.
Q: WHAT WINE WILL GET ME THE MOST
SCREWED-UP THE FASTEST?
A: I have gotten this question more often than you might think and the answer might be
surprising. One’s first reaction is to answer “the wine with the highest alcohol content”,
right? After all, it’s the alcohol that gets you drunk, so more would be better.
Actually it’s the rate at which your consumption of alcohol exceeds your body’s ability to
metabolize it that makes you drunk. So, it stands to reason then that the combination of
alcohol plus drinkability yields the answer. No matter what the alcohol, if a wine is tough
to drink, you’re not going to get drunk quickly.
Of course, Champagne, or sparkling wine, is probably the best answer here. Not
because it’s particularly high in alcohol (most average around 12.5%), nor because of
its drinkability (I find the bubbles slow me down), but rather because of those bubbles!
Studies have shown that the CO2 in sparkling wine speeds up the absorption of alcohol
into one’s blood stream.