it is just grapejuice

Check out four great regional French wines from local importer Zach Locke at Vin48 tomorrow night July 29th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Vin48.  Just $20 for all four wines and great apps!  See ya there.

It’s been estimated that one of every three to four bottles of wine consumed in the United States today is produced by Gallo.  WOW. Come check it out at this weeks wine U.  ”E & J Gallo- an American wine dream turns global.”   

The 61 was still youthful and the 96 still has another 15 years to soften up.  Thanks to all that attended.  Don’t miss out on next weeks (L) U….”The American wine dream turns global, the story of E & J Gallo.  BTW, we will be showing wines that scored over 90 points. Thanks flashpoint photography and Josh for the digital photo. 

I think I just had what is the single best meal I have ever eaten in the Vail Valley last night.  I had to drive to Bachelor Gulch to do it but it was well worth it.  Food perfect, Service perfect, Wine was off the hook.  Vanessa killed it with her extraordinary wine pairs (2006 Meo Nuits St. Georges white and 2005 Cailloux Chateauneuf being standouts) , and the attention to detail in everything down to the bread basket was nothing shy of perfection.  I sure wish everyone here could do it this way!!  Check them out if you haven’t, and for the love of god have dessert!!

HAVE YOU MADE YOUR RESERVATION? 

Wine University tastes and compares rare vintages of Barolo

The tiny, medieval hamlet of Barolo has been producing wine since the 1700’s. Set in the Langhe region in the Cannubi Valley, Barolo is in the heart of Italy’s Piedmont. The town is surrounded by vineyards growing Nebbiolo, the primary grape of the wine that bears the Barolo name.

For centuries, Barolo has been known as The King of Wines and The Wine of Kings. In more modern times, it has been referred to as the Burgundy of Italy. Barolo’s Nebbiolo grape has similar qualities to France’s Pinot Noir of Burgundy and Italy, too, has strict rules on growing and labeling within its wine regions. For example, most Barolos appear on the market four years after the harvest, after spending three years aging in oak in accordance with Italy’s Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita regulations (five years for Barolo riservas).

One of the first winemakers in the region was the family of Borgogno, who began producing in 1761. The winery has passed through the family for generations, keeping the traditional methods and style and ultimately producing wines of exceptional character. This company is famous for cellaring their wines for many years before releasing them for sale, allowing the flavor to mellow and the tannins to soften. 

At Larkspur’s Wine University this week, wine director Kevin Furtado will open five of the Borgogno Barolo’s from the restaurant’s collection. “In a vertical tasting, different vintages of the same wine type from the same winery are tasted. This emphasizes differences between various vintages,” Furtado said. “We have some very rare vintages and I will open the ‘61, ‘67, ‘74, ‘82 and ‘96 for tasting and comparison.”

Furtado went on to say that he reinforces the theory of similarities between Burgundy and Barolo. “I love Pinot Noirs, and taste many characteristics in Nebbiolo that remind me of soft burgundies. This is a great opportunity to learn about an Italian wine that might have been intimidating. These Barolos are exceptional wines that will last forever.”

Strong in structure and rich in flavor, Barolo’s are an excellent pairing with braised meats, especially beef and game. Furtado and Larkspur chef Armando Navarro also recommend drinking Barolo’s with any dish that is accented by truffles. “Truffles are native to the Alba region of Italy close to Piedmont,” Navarro said, “Grapes grown in the same region with another fruit or vegetable will always make complimentary wines for those foods.”

Wine University’s Borgogno Barolo Riserva Vertical class is on Thursday, July 9 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm. The price is $60 per person. Please call 970.754.8050 for reservations.