T o O r d e r M o r e F e a t u r e d W i n e s C a l l 1-800-823-5527 T o d a y !

Volume 23 Number 7 The ©Vinesse Wine Club 2015 The

SKU 24974 GrThe Officiala Newsleptter forevine Viinesse Wiine Club Members

Summer in the Vineyard

Grassini: A ‘Green’ Leader

A Wine and Music Getaway

Wining in Carmel and Monterey

G e t Y o u r D a i l y D o s e o f W i n e N e w s a t http://blog.vinesse.com 2 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

Our Mission: To uncover and bring you wine gems from around the world, which you’re Editor’s Journal not likely to discover on your own, and which enhance your wine enjoyment. Your Grapevine Team: Intrepid Wine Enthusiast, Chief A California 1 Wine Adventure Taster and Winehound: Martin Stewart By Robert Johnson Chief Operating Officer (aka “The Buck Stops Here”): ummertime is a great time to take a drive on Highway Lawrence D. Dutra S1 — the scenic, occasionally harrowing road that hugs Editor: California’s Pacific Coast. Robert Johnson Wine Steward: Harrowing, in part, Valley Road. Your Katie Montgomery because of the hairpin destination: Cowgirl The Grapevine is published by Vinesse, turns and narrow Winery, where an 822 Hampshire Road, Suite E, Westlake lanes, but even more authentic “western” Village, CA 91361; 1-800-823-5527. Copyright by Vinesse, LLC. Printed in USA. so because many first- experience awaits. The No responsibility is assumed for loss or time visitors are trying tasting room is housed damage to unsolicited materials. to drive and soak in in an old redwood the scenery at the same barn, and nine chickens Be good to the planet time. But if you can roam the grounds. manage to dodge them, For a totally different recycle you can have a fabulous vibe, head to nearby day of sightseeing, wine tasting and Joyce Vineyards, where visitors casual dining. encounter a 1,700-square-foot industrial Charter Member I suggest staying in Monterey, and urban and contemporary tasting room. Benefits: waking up to breakfast at Loulou’s Wine can be sampled at a spacious bar The Grapevine Newsletter Griddle in the Middle. If you’re or in one of several lounge areas. adventurous, or feel like solidifying You can then head back toward the Premium wine selections at members-only prices your seaside cred, try the Squiddle & ocean, check out the shops of Carmel- Eggs (tender calamari steak, lightly by-the-Sea, and then unwind with a Wine tasting as a participant breaded and grilled to a crispy brown, casual dinner at Monterey’s Jeninni on VINESSE’s Gold Medal Award Panel served with eggs as you like them). Kitchen + Wine Bar. There, you can If you have a sweet tooth, there’s choose between enticing entrees or Complimentary subscription only one choice: the chocolate chip small bites, accompanied by a glass to VINESSE’s Cyber Circle “hubcap” griddle cakes (served with of wine from a well curated list. Community butter and syrup). The menu changes daily, but if the Random giveaways of wine The nearby (everything is nearby Gazpachuelo (clams, white beans and and accessories in this quaint town) Monterey Bay local petrale sole) is available… go for Wine Finders Reward — Aquarium continues to be a world- it. identify a future wine selection class attraction 31 years after it So if you’re looking to escape the and earn a reward opened. And unlike many aquariums, heat, plan a day, a weekend or a week Perfectly matched recipes for it requires only a few hours to in California’s Monterey and Carmel featured wine selections experience everything it has to offer. area. Trust me, you won’t run out Complimentary wine tasting Next, head south toward Carmel, of fun wineries or fine restaurants to then cut inland (east) on Carmel visit. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 3

Summer in the Vineyard: Important Tasks Ahead ummer is here, and in California, grape growers and winemakers are riding an emotional Srollercoaster. On one hand, they are like other Californians in wishing This process also encourages air circulation, which helps that one of the worst droughts in the state’s history could prevent rot. be over. On the other hand, they know that too much rain After that, it’s a matter of keeping an eye on the vines in the summer can wreak havoc on the grape-growing to make sure they’re not producing too many bunches. If season. they are, they’ll be trimmed back in order to concentrate Following bud break in spring, a series of important tasks aromas and flavors in the remaining grapes. are undertaken in the vineyard to help Here’s how the Professional Friends of ensure healthy and fully ripened grapes Wine describe “a perfect wine season”: at harvest time. • Cool, wet winter provides plenty of There is the “desuckering” of the ground water. vines, removing any non-fruit shoots • Lack of rain or frost after the first and encouraging the vine to focus its warm days of spring. energies on those that do bear fruit. As • Fruit dropped to ensure only a the shoots grow, they must be raised moderate crop load. from the ground and attached vertically • Mild days and cool nights all to wires above the main support wires. summer, with no rain or heat wave. Next comes the more detailed task of • Vines minimally irrigated and In this vineyard, it’s almost time to trim trellising, which involves separating, back the vine so that the fruit receives moderately stressed. or spacing out, the shoots so that sufficient light through the rest of the • Warm, dry days preceding and they receive maximum light exposure. growing season. during harvest.

Each shipment Wine Color Mix: includes: Reds, Whites, or Both ­­— • 4 bottles of the best finds It’s Your Choice! Featured wines Made from California Frequency: in California Exclusively! Approximately • Detailed Tasting Notes • Napa • Sacramento Delta for each wine Every Other Month • Sonoma • Amador County Price: • Santa Ynez • Mendocino Only $15-$17 average per bottle plus shipping • Monterey ... and More! To learn more about this Club, call 800-823-5527 or visit www.Vinesse.com 4 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

® Forchini Winery: A True vinesse Grassini Family Vineyards: American Success Story A Jewel of Happy Canyon

Join us for an incredible wine journey! Each Shipment Takes You to a Different Corner of the Wine World! nstead of joining the rest of the family at church on “ISundays, my grandfather, Articondo Grassini… was more Taste Exquisite Boutique religious about keeping a garden,” recalls Larry Grassini, who Wines... Savor Each Country’s owns Grassini Family Vineyards and Winery with his wife, Winemaking Tradition... and Sharon. Collect Some Souvenirs! “He’d stay home to make that planted Cabernet Sauvignon clones evening’s ravioli from the green bounty proudly bear the names of all of our Each shipment of his garden, while enjoying a glass children.” of wine (or two),” Grassini continued. That vineyard is located northwest includes: “He also kept chickens. As a nod to of Santa Barbara, within the 40-mile- • 6 bottles of specially selected Grandpa Articondo, industrious fowl wide Santa Ynez Valley. At the valley’s roam our vineyard while sustainably eastern edge is the appellation known wines from one country or fertilizing the vines.” as Happy Canyon, an area blessed with region of the wine world Articondo Grassini had come from warm days and cool marine influences • Detailed Tasting Notes for each Pisa, Italy, in the early 1900s with his with few variations. Nestled on ridge featured wine wife, Afiora Tinucci. Their son (Larry’s and valley, Grassini Family Vineyards father), Leo Peter Grassinii, although and Winery has found a tranquil refuge he did not make ravioli on Sundays, where all the conditions necessary for was equally passionate about keeping great wine happily converge. Wine Color Mix: a garden to grow much of the family’s When the Grassinis decided to plant food. He shared his love for the soil vines on the property that they had Reds, Whites, or Mixed with his children and grandchildren. This firmly entrenched tradition has Frequency: been lovingly passed on. A vegetable garden has been planted at the Grassini 6 times per year Family Vineyards, providing the family Price: with many of the treats they serve with their wine. $139.99 per shipment And now, these earthy traditions have including shipping been entrusted to the third and fourth generations. “From day one, my wife Sharon, To learn more about and daughters Katie, Corey, Mandy this Club, call 800-823-5527 and Molly, have been there in or visit www.Vinesse.com support of this exciting and enriching undertaking,” Larry Grassini says. “Different blocks of our recently Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 5

reduction, hand-training and careful timing of the pick come together to produce the soft tannins and overall balance of the structure, acid levels, beautiful aromatics, and elegant mouthfeel in the resulting wines. & Each lot from the various vineyard blocks is fermented separately in small Tasting room. batches to ensure proper fermentation temperatures. As in the vineyard, owned for decades, they called upon patience in the wine caves pays off. the fastest-growing Jeff Newton and Larry Finkle, the Both red and white wines are allowed club in vinesse creators of Coastal Vineyard Care, to spend leisurely and generous history! a full-service vineyard management amounts of time in barrel in order company that applies sustainable, to mature and reach the sought-after A club for people who enjoy organic and biodynamic principles to balance. a touch of sweetness in help grape growers and winemakers “When all goes well, our wines their wines. realize their dreams. accurately express the unique character Once planted, the vineyard would of this special estate and those who Wines that are lighter in style, be placed in the best, and most work here,” Grassini says. sometimes sparkle, experienced, of hands. Ben Merz, In the Cabernet-based wines, this occasionally blush, and are the vineyard manager, provides daily approach results in the inherent power simply fun to drink. direction to the entire team. Merz and richness of the Cabernet grape planned and helped plant the vineyard being balanced with the finesse and Wines selected from top in 2002. elegance that define its character. regions around the world. Vineyard foreman Manuel Cardoza With Sauvignon Blanc, all of this and his dedicated crew do all the work is intended to capture the typical Each shipment heavy lifting that makes it all possible. freshness and liveliness of the variety, Cardoza and his team had a hand in and balance it with concentration and includes: planting every vine on the estate, and depth. • 2 bottles of delicious it is their dedication that has helped The passion shared by the Grassinis create one of the vineyard jewels of the and their extended family make any light-and-sweet wines Santa Ynez Valley. bottle bearing the Grassini Family • Detailed Tasting Notes for each In keeping with the Bordeaux- Vineyards and Winery label something featured wine inspired tradition of the estate, special. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot “It’s our hope that all will enjoy varietals complement the Cabernet the poetry of the wine and its sense Wine Color Mix: Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. In of place and tradition with friends fact, unique Cabernet clones, tended by and family,” Grassini says. “Grandpa Mostly White; Occasionally hand, enhance the exceptional wines Articondo would have been proud.” Blush/Pink or Sparkling produced on the estate. Frequency: What makes a great wine? According to Grassini, it is, and always has been, Winery 4-1-1 Approximately a blend of complexity, balance, finish Every Other Month and finesse — a bit of alchemy and a Grassini Family bit of luck. Truly memorable wines are Vineyards & Winery Price: a marriage of vineyard and winery. Tasting Room: Only $15–$17 average per bottle That’s why Grassini’s vineyard plus shipping management team works tirelessly and 813 Anacapa Street #6 closely with the winemaker to ensure Santa Barbara, CA 93101 that every vine in the vineyard gets the kind of personal attention that will 805-897-3366 To learn more about allow each precious berry to ripen to this Club, call 800-823-5527 Open Daily, 12-6 p.m. perfection. or visit www.Vinesse.com High-density planting, vine crop 6 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com A Temecula Food, Wine and Music Getaway

Churon Winery

e know that the right food paired with the right wine make beautiful music together. W But when you add actual music to that equation, well… now we’re talking about a symphony of sights, sounds, aromas and flavors — a tremendous sensory experience. That’s why, each summer, Chicken, with rustic mashed potatoes, sitting. But that’s a minor complaint thousands of people flock to the garden vegetables and rosemary about an otherwise highly enjoyable Thornton Winery in Temecula, Calif. jus. Dessert was Hazelnut Truffle, convergence of food and music. — surrounded, roughly, by San Diego, with hazelnut gelato and a chocolate Just up the street from Thornton, Orange County, the Inland Empire and truffle. you’ll find the perfect place to relax the Pacific Ocean — for Thornton’s Wine is not included with the supper before a concert, and to unwind and Champagne Jazz Series. package, but it is available. Which get a good night’s sleep afterward. Concert-goers may purchase a ticket brings up our only quibble with the The owners of the Churon Winery just for the show, then buy their food experience: Wine can be purchased and the Inn at Churon Winery like to and drinks a la carte. Or, they may strictly by the bottle, not by the describe their property as “where a bit opt for the Gourmet Supper Package, glass. For some couples, a full bottle of France and rolling vineyard hills of and nosh on a three-course meal as may be too much to consume at one Temecula wine country meet.” the evening’s performers prepare to That’s an apt description. As you take the stage. wind your way up the grapevine- Three stars of the smooth jazz genre lined entrance to the Chateau and — , Peter White and Winery, the stately 40-foot-high Grand Euge Groove — performed under the Lobby Rotunda comes into view. The banner of “Jazz Attack” on May 30, tasting room is located on a lower and will return for an encore concert level, down a winding staircase, and to conclude the 2015 season on is where guests of the inn enjoy their October 18. evening wine hour. On the 30th, the supper package’s The inn has 19 large vineyard-view first course was a Jazz Salad, with rooms, priced from $179.95 to $295 mixed greens, dried cranberries, per night; three over-sized luxury sunflower seeds, Midnight Moon suites, priced from $250 to $395 per cheese and Brut Rosé vinaigrette. The night; and two deluxe suites, priced main course was a perfectly cooked from $275 to $450 per night. and juicy Lemon Pepper Breast of TTOURINGOURING TIPS TIPS Each room features a gas-burning Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 7 vinesse

List

There are many opportunities to enjoy fine art during a visit to California’s North Coast wine country. Here are three of them… The Hess Collection. You can 1view one or two or a handful of pieces of artwork at a number of From the left, Euge Groove, Richard Elliot and Peter White perform at Thornton wineries. But at Hess, located in the Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series. Hills of Mount Veeder overlooking fireplace (three of them in the deluxe car and drive the short distance to the Napa Valley, you can view a suites), French doors opening onto Thornton. If you’ve purchased the substantial portion of a massive art a private terrace or balcony, and a Gourmet Supper Package, you’ll collection that owner Donald Hess king or double queen beds with down be directed to a parking area that’s began amassing in 1966. Free public blanket bedding. In addition to the adjacent to the entrance for table access to the collection is provided evening wine hour, guests awake to a seating. A reserved table — which by the winery, but reservations are gourmet breakfast. you’ll share with another couple — strongly suggested. Here’s a useful strategy for Thornton will be waiting for you, and the food www.hesscollection.com/art concert-goers staying at The Inn at will begin to be brought out in just a Sonoma Valley Museum. Churin: Arrive around 3 p.m., check few minutes. 2 Painting, drawing, sculpture, in, and settle into your room. When And not long thereafter, the music… photography, ceramics, architecture, the wine hour begins (the time may and the magic… will begin. industrial design, graphic design, vary by day of the week), head printmaking, film, video, textiles downstairs and sample the fine wines For the rest of this year’s Champagne and crafts all are displayed at this made at the estate. The pours are Jazz Series schedule, see Wine Buzz museum in Sonoma. The exhibits are generous, so you may need to pour in this issue. For The Inn at Churon rotated regularly, so there’s always out some of the wine if you’re driving. Winery reservation information, call something new to see, and there Then at around 6:30, hop in the 951-694-9070. are works by local, national and international artists. www.svma.org di Rosa Preserve. Planning to 3visit both The Hess Collection and the Sonoma Valley Museum? This facility is located about halfway between Sonoma and Napa Valley, and includes one of the largest regional art collections in the country. A gift to the public by Rene di Rosa, a passionate art collector, the Preserve encompasses 217 scenic acres and For dinner: lemon pepper houses around 2,000 works. breast of chicken. www.diRosaArt.org For dessert: hazelnut truffle. 8 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

wine Vinesse Style AtoZ GEMS OF THE SEINE any Americans have taken cruises on large ships, but many more have not experienced a river spumoso. Spanish for “sparkling,” M cruise — something European vacationers have been Eused in conjunction with Spain’s Cava wines. enjoying for years. Scenic Cruises is now offering an Credit cards aren’t even swiped inish. The flavor(s) that linger 11-day, Paris-to-Paris cruise called when guests board, and many Fin the mouth after a wine is “Gems of the Seine” on its newest cruisers disembark back in Paris swallowed. A rich, long, complex ship, the Scenic Gem. The ship’s without a bill. finish is one aspect of a high-quality rooms are larger than those found So, as you can see, “Gems of the wine. on most European river ships, and Seine” offers many opportunities feature beds with Egyptian linens, to enjoy wine while taking in rafting. The process by which walk-in showers, high-end Duravit magnificent sights and sites along Gbud wood from a specific grape sinks, top-of-the-line Dornbracht or near the Seine River: King varietal is united with rootstock. It is fixtures and small balcony areas. Richard the Lionheart’s Château often undertaken after a vineyard has There are six dining venues Gaillard, the Rouen Cathedral and been infected by phylloxera. on board, including the upscale Museum of Fine Arts, Deauville L’Amour, which guests may enjoy (playground of the rich and ectare. A metric measurement once on the trip. And unlike on famous), the estate of Manoir H(and thus commonly used in most large cruise lines, there is d’Appreval (for a unique cocktail European wine countries) that equates no up-charge for that fine-dining event), the beaches of Normandy with 2.47 acres. experience. A meal at L’Amour is (where the historic D Day landings included in the cruise price. took place), the Normandy singlass. A protein used as a fining In fact, all meals and all beverages Cemetery (with its 9,387 graves), Iagent in wines. — and that goes for beer and wine, and so much more. in addition to coffee, tea and soft For information on 2016 departure eroboam. A large-format wine drinks — are included. So are dates and pricing, go to: Jbottle that equates to about six gratuities for the ship’s staff. The http://www.scenictours.com/tour/ standard-sized (750-ml.) bottles of price is as close to “all inclusive” as gems-of-the-seine-sei.1-1617/ wine. Also known as a Rehoboam. we’ve ever seen on a cruise ship.

The one that started it all!

• Hand-crafted gems produced by little known or small estates • Limited-production bottlings • Under-the-radar wines you won’t find in supermarkets Each shipment includes: Wine Color Mix: Reds, Whites, or Both ­— Your Choice! • 6 bottles from all over the wine world Frequency: Monthly • Detailed Tasting Notes for each featured wine Price: Only $12-$15 average per bottle plus shipping

To learn more about this Club, call 800-823-5527 or visit www.Vinesse.com Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 9

appellation showcase WESTERN IOWA ix wineries in Iowa — a state better known for its corn Sand soybean production — have united to form the ÉLEVANT Western Iowa Wine Trail.

society™

It’s not for everyone. Is it for you? Although its often-harsh winters with Larry’s parents, Ron and Nancy, Vinesse created the Élevant Society would seem to be a hindrance to founded the winery after Larry’s to meet members’ demands for quality winemaking, Iowa is home homemade wines claimed awards super-premium wines. to more than 40 grape varieties in various state and national wine While virtually all developed specifically for cold competitions. climes — with names like Marquette, n Prairie Crossing Vineyard & members of the original Edelweiss, Frontenac, Brianna, Winery — Within their three- American Cellars Wine Club Seyval Blanc and Catawba. acre vineyard, Andy and Julianna were very satisfied with their Here’s a capsule look at the six Hrasky grow six varietals, including monthly selections, some estates on the Western Iowa Wine Catawba, Cayuga White, Concord, wanted more, and they Trail… Prairie Star, Frontenac and LaCrosse. were willing to pay for it. n Breezy Hills Vineyard — Step out Each of the 1,300 grapevines are of the car, and you’ll immediately meticulously nurtured by hand to understand how the winery got its ensure optimal grape quality, the name, as you’ll be confronted by key to producing quality wines. The Each Élevant Society a gentle breeze or a strong wind. tasting room offers complimentary shipment includes: Approximately two dozen wines samples, and also sells wine by the • 2 or 4 bottles — your choice — are crafted annually by Darrell and glass or bottle. Roberta Morse, including cold- n Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards of super-premium wines, mostly weather varietals, a sparkling wine — Tucked in a peaceful, rural setting, big and bold red varieties or and fruit wines. Sugar Clay boasts a cedar tree-shaded blends n Danish Countryside Vines and deck that leads to a six-acre vineyard • Detailed Tasting Notes for each Wines — This winery is housed in with a beautiful valley view. Owners featured wine a completely renovated European- Frank and Amy Hurst produce style barn. Tours of the winery and handcrafted wines, several of which vineyard are offered, and guests bear names that have a story behind can enjoy a glass or bottle of wine them — which the Hursts are happy Frequency: on a balcony that overlooks the to share. Approximately Monthly vineyard, or on as spacious patio n Vine Street Cellars — This could — weather permitting, of course. be called an “urban winery,” as Price: White, red, blush and fruit wines are it’s located on the east side of the available. Glenwood town square. The wines $85.99 average per n Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery — are produced on site, and the tasting shipment including shipping Following the Midwestern traditions room and outdoor patio provide a of hard work and strong values, relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Loess Hills emphasizes hands-on To learn more about the wineries of To learn more about processing, resulting in exceptional Western Iowa, and for links to these this Club, call 800-823-5527 products for its customers. Larry six estates, go to: Rohatsch and his wife Sheila, along http://westerniowawinetrail.com or visit www.Vinesse.com 10 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

­ Wine is one of the most civilized things in “the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range We’re going to have a party, for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, and my wife suggests we use any other purely sensory thing. Qour stemless glasses for the wine. I think that would be tacky. What do you think? ” Stemless glasses have several — American author Ernest Hemingway advantages, not the least of A which is that they don’t break as easily as glasses with stems — which might be a consideration at a party with lots of people bumping Number of milliliters of wine contained in those elbows. Also, keep in mind that “single-serve” bottles distributed in coach class Italian families have been drinking on most airlines. This represents one-fourth the wine from tumblers for generations. amount of wine in a standard 750-ml. bottle. So if your party includes Italian food, Names for those small bottles include Picolo, that would give you a good “excuse” Split and Pony. to keep the stemware in the cupboard and use those stemless glasses as part 187.5 of your party’s “theme.” Thornton Winery’s 2015 Summer Concert Series he many “green” initiatives If this issue’s Wine Touring Tips feature got you in the mood for Tembraced by Alexander Valley some fine dining and good music, here’s a look at the rest of Thornton Vineyards in Sonoma County, Calif., Winery’s 2015 Summer Concert Series schedule (all shows begin at 7 have been in use for more than p.m., unless otherwise noted): three decades. Early on, the Wetzel • Saturday, July 11 — Dave Koz and Friends (Rick Braun and Kenny family composted winery waste, Lattimore). practiced irrigation management and • Sunday, July 12 — Dave Koz and Friends (Rick Braun and Kenny planted cover crops in the vineyards Lattimore), 6 p.m. to minimize the use of pesticides • Saturday, July 25 — Jefferey Osborne and Gerald Albright. and control erosion. The motto of • Saturday, August 1 — Michael McDonald. founders Hank and Linda Wetzel • Saturday, August 8 — Melissa Etheridge. was: “Sustainability is about using • Sunday, August 9 — Chris Isaak, 6 p.m. less and having more,” and from the • Saturday, August 15 — Al Jarreau and Keiko Matsui. beginning they instilled those values • Saturday, August 22 — Larry Graham and Macy Gray. in their family. More recently, they • Saturday, August 29 — Kenny G and Ariana Savalas. installed solar panels on the winery • Saturday, September 5 — Boney James. and increased their naturally cooled • Sunday, September 13 — Chris Botti. caves to 25,000 square feet. Harry • Sunday, September 20 — George Benson, 4 p.m. Wetzel has followed his father’s • Saturday, September 26 — Boz Scaggs. lead on sustainability and says that, • Saturday, October 3 — and Average White Band. “Quite simply, it is the right thing • Saturday, October 10 — Jesse Cook. to do. Minimizing our impact on the • Sunday, October 18 — Jazz Attack (Richard Elliot, Peter White and environment is not only good for us, Euge Groove), 4 p.m. but it’s healthy for everything around To order tickets, call 951-699-3021, or visit www.thorntonwine.com us as well.” Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 11

food & wine pairings

Wines that match the season Pretzels Summer — wines for barbecues, picnics or just for reztels with wine? We enjoy occasional visits to sipping. Fall — wines for hearty, P Auntie Anne’s or Wetzel’s Pretzels when visiting harvest-time dishes. You get the a mall or killing time in an airport, but never had we idea. All wines are selected by our thought about eating this warm, chewy treat with a Tasting Panel to pair beautifully glass of wine. with the foods you love. Never, that is, until we visited Switzerland and encountered the Brezelkonig kiosk at the main train station in Lucerne. We saw lots of people lined up to get their midday snack, and then we spotted a number of other Each shipment includes: people sitting nearby with pretzels and small bottles of wine — the latter • 4 bottles of specially-selected purchased at a nearby convenience store. wines We didn’t really know what to think of this seemingly unusual pairing. So, we decided to give it a try. • Detailed Tasting Notes for We ordered a plain pretzel and a sesam (that’s how sesame was spelled on each featured wine the menu), and then headed over to the convenience store. To our surprise, there were several types of wine available, all in those small, double-serving (375-ml.) bottles. Only one problem: They were Swiss wines… something we Wine Color Mix: knew next to nothing about. Reds, Whites, or Mixed Fortunately, the cashier spoke English. We asked her for some help, and told we’d like to try two different wines. She recommended whites, and we Frequency: were on our way. 4-times per year, plus a special The wines were light-bodied and lacking much fruit flavor. But they were holiday shipment well chilled, and went just fine with the salty pretzels. But what about pretzels with other, more assertive flavors — the kind you Price: might find at your local mall, airport, or other pretzel purveyor? As always, $98.99 average per it’s best to match the wine with the dominant flavor of the food. Here are a few suggestions: shipment including shipping n With a pepperoni pretzel — Zinfandel or Petite Sirah. n With a roasted garlic and Parmesan pretzel — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. To learn more about n With a sour cream and onion pretzel — Chardonnay. this Club, call 800-823-5527 Who knew that pretzels could be such versatile wine pairing partners? The Swiss — that’s who! or visit www.Vinesse.com 12 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com The Grapevine

GRILLED CHICKEN FLATBREAD GRILLED SALMON

This is a great dish for casual summertime noshing, and Salmon with Zinfandel? Yes — when the dish comes pairs well with everything from Chardonnay to Pinot with a little “kick,” and when the cooking method is Noir, and from lighter-bodied (red) Zinfandel to rosé-style grilling. This dish also pairs nicely with Pinot Noir, and wines. This recipe yields 8 servings. this recipe yields 4 servings.

Ingredients Ingredients • 1 lb. frozen pizza dough, thawed • 2/3 cup barbecue sauce • 1 tub (8-oz.) cream cheese • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 2 Tbsp. milk • 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar • 1 boneless chicken breast (6-oz.), grilled and sliced • 1 teaspoon lime juice into small pieces • 1 teaspoon soy sauce • 1/2 cup roasted red pepper strips • 4 salmon fillets (appx. 6-oz. each) • 1 cup sliced canned artichoke hearts, drained • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced • 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese • 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese Preparation • 2 Tbsp. sliced fresh basil 1. In a small bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Set aside 1/4 cup. Preparation 2. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil. Using long- 1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F. handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack. 2. On a lightly floured baking sheet, pat pizza dough into a 3. Grill salmon, covered, over hot heat for 5 to 10 minutes, 16-inch by 12-inch rectangle. or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, basting 3. Bake for 10 minutes. occasionally with barbecue sauce mixture. 4. Meanwhile, mix cream cheese, milk and garlic powder 3. Top with reserved sauce, and sprinkle with cilantro. until well blended. 5. Spread mixture onto pizza crust. 6. Top with chicken pieces, pepper strips, artichoke pieces, Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. 7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until Mozzarella is melted and the edges of the crust are golden brown. 8. Top with basil and serve. R

As a Member, You Can View Your Account Online For full details about your account, including your personal shipment history, charge amounts, and more, please visit www.Vinesse.com and log on via the “Your Account” link at the top right. TO ORDER CALL TOLL-FREE: 800-823-5527 HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM TO 5PM PST Vinesse 822 Hampshire Rd., Suite E, Westlake Village, CA 91361 • www.Vinesse.com