it is just grapejuice

Pouilly Fume is Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, and Pouilly Fuisse is Chardonnay from Burgundy.

Make your reservation TODAY for this years Pinot Noir Summit.

Thanks FLASHPOINT PHOTOGRAPHY for another great snap.

An Anbaugebiete is a German wine growing area for Qulitatswein. There are thirteen Anbaugebiete, a good example of one would be the Mosel-Saar Ruwer.

I think it was the surprise of the 05 champaloux vouvray that got me started. Long, developed style, persistent streamline of flavor and finesse. I was at chess with a friend, the next day finishing the second half of the same bottle and we frugally sipped it like nectar as we played psychological warfare. In a fleeting moment of advantage, my opponent looked away from the board, as if Jove atop high Olympus, and praised the juice in his glass equal to what the Greeks described their gods as imbibing. My next trip to the wine shop for another chenin saw me take away a chenin/viognier blend from Napa. I was somewhat disappointed. I also tried a South African Chenin and duly disappointed. I realized at once that I must go back to the Loire. The Loire quietly makes, arguably the greatest diversity of wine styles than any other region in France and chenin is pressed into dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling. I have been sticking to to the dry side for the most part and finally, found myself with a Savennieres ‘clos de papillion’ from Domaine des Baumard. Savennieres is known for making possibly the best chenin blanc from its southeast facing, volcanic debris-strewn hillsides. Profound and lingering was this bottle. There was a hint of sour milk on the nose at first, but later, more like a vegetal core with streaks of ripe, tight fruit and honey. There is this endurance of the fruit that is unbroken on the palate, settles slowly in and fades ever so gradually. This is what I had longed for. If I were to offer worship to the gods of chenin, I would bow towards the Valley of the Chenin of Loire and shall not want.

RobF
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The Pfalz is the second largest of Germany’s thirteen Anbaugebiete (wine regions). It is the largest volume producing region in Germany as well. It borders France’s Alsace region in the south, the Rheinhessen in the north, and the Rhine River in the East. Rieslings comprise the best wines of this region, with Muller Thurgau being the most planted grape. Many other grapes are planted here, notably Gewurztraminer, Kerner, Mario-Muskat, Rulander (also known as Pinot Gris) Scheurebe, Sylvaner and the red Portugieser.

An Italian word used to describe wines that are medium-sweet. They are less sweet than those labeled Dolce but sweeter than those labeled Abboccato.

It is a fermentation method that may be considered a variation of the carbonic maceration technique but differs in that it is used with fuller bodied tannic red wines. Whole berry fermentation consists of leaving some of the grape berries intact during the crushing process. Some winemakers like to hold some of these whole berries back and add them at various points, resulting in extending the fermentation process. The chemical process involved with whole berry fermentation lends these sturdy red wines a lively, berry character with lower tannins and less alcohol.

get YOUR ticket for the 2nd Annual Pinot Noir Summit- today!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Sue Barham
970-479-8063
Sue@larkspurvail.com

PINOT POSSE ROUNDING UP 2nd ANNUAL SUMMIT

January 20, 2007 / Vail, Colorado

The Pinot Posse, seven of America’s most acclaimed Pinot Noir producers will convene for their second annual summit at award-winning Larkspur Restaurant on March 14, 2007. Attendees will join the winemakers for an exclusive interactive seminar, which will include the tasting of ten of their wines and a specially paired luncheon. Discussion of the different Pinot Noirs, terroirs, wine-making philosophy and business climate will be encouraged in the forum.

The modestly self-named ‘Pinot Posse’ includes:

Dan Kosta Kosta Browne Sonoma, CA
David O’Reilly Owen Roe / Sineann Newberg, OR
Peter Cargasacchi Point Conception / Caragasacchi Santa Rita Hills, CA
Brian Loring Loring Wine Company Lompoc, CA
Andrew Vingiello AP Vin San Francisco, CA
Ed Kurtzman August West Santa Maria Valley, CA
Jim Prosser J.K. Carriere Newberg, OR

America’s most celebrated Pinot Noirs will be served and tasted at this exciting event. Seating is limited to 75 attendees. Price per person is $125 inclusive.

About Larkspur Restaurant:

Now in its eighth year, Larkspur has earned a reputation for being one of Vail’s finest restaurants. Chef/Owner Thomas Salamunovich presents New American Cuisine that never fails to surprise and delight. Warm, contemporary atmosphere, friendly, knowledgeable service, award-winning wine list, ski-in / ski-out lunch daily, sunny patio for Après Ski, and a popular bar offering specialty cocktails and lighter fare. Unique, intimate design makes Larkspur a tremendous setting for weddings and special events. For more information visit www.larkspurvail.com.

Please call Kevin Furtado, Event Organizer, Larkspur Sommelier at 970-479-8056 with questions or Sue Barham, Marketing Director at 970-479-8063 for reservations.

The Clare Valley is in South Australia. It is a somewhat higher appellation growing area and produces good Riesling, which is the most widely planted varietal there. In other white grapes, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc are also planted. The region also produces very good Cabernet and Shiraz in the red grape arena. It should be noted that Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Merlot and Pinot Noir are also grown in this region.