RECIPES OF THE MONTH HOT TOPIC OF THE MONTH by Debra Williams by Debra Williams CelebrationsFeaturing the great wines of Italy Wine & California for theClub® month of April 2019Post Tuscan Portobello Stew Why is Wine Increasing in Alcohol Levels? Taste of Home. I love a fresh soup with wine. Great for the cool spring found this really interesting article at evenings. wineanorak.com. I have noticed that the alcohol levels in wine have been on a Ingredients steady increase and wondered why. So, 2 large Portobello mushrooms coarsely chopped I put my geek glasses on, dove in, and did 1 medium chopped Isome research. It’s really fascinating stuff. 3 garlic cloves, minced Turns out it’s not just me that has noticed 2 Tbsp. olive oil this trend and is now a huge discussion in the ½ cup white wine or vegetable broth wine community. Once table wine, according to the article, averaged around 12%. Now it 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained is not uncommon to have a wine with a 14% 2 cups fresh kale to 15% content. That’s a significant increase. 1 bay leaf Alcohol is produced by a complicated pro- 1 tsp dried thyme cess of photosynthesis, basically fermentation ½ tsp dried basil of sugars by the yeast. The higher the sug- The Cannubi Vineyard at Damilano Winery Barrels being prepared at Pomar Junction Winery ½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed ar level grapes, the higher the final alcohol Salt and pepper to taste level in the wine. According to the author these are the pos- 2 cans, 15 oz., cannellini beans, rinsed and drained ITALIAN CALIFORNIAN sibilities that can be considered on the issue. Wineries of the Month Winery of the Month They are as follows: Directions Global warming-over the last 50 years, data Damilano Vineyard Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in oil until tender. has shown that the average temperatures in The Damilano family business dates back to 1890 A former family ranch still is home to a grape arbor Add wine. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the most to all wine regions have increased signif- when Giuseppe Borgogno began to vinify his own planted in the 19th century. Today, Dana and Mar- tomatoes, kale, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and icantly. Warmer growing seasons result in rip- estate wines. It is with great passion that Giaco- sha Merrill and son Matthew farm the vineyards, simmer 8-10 minutes. Add beans, heat through. Discard bay leaf. er grapes with higher sugar levels. Improved mo Damilano, the founder’s son-in-law, developed while Matthew’s winemaking is complemented by Viticulture has led to grapes being picked in with his children a love for the vineyards, selecting winemaker par excellence, Jim Shumate. a riper state. Winemakers are opting for lat- and caring for them with great care in order to im- After nearly 30 years of growing grapes for er picking with the intent being harvesting a prove the quality of the wines. Over time, the win- many of the finest wineries in California, ranging REORDER! sweeter grape. ery’s production was transformed into a jewel that from ultra premium small producers to the larg- Call or email to reorder these excep- was passed down with pride in 1997 to Giacomo’s est international brands, the Merrill’s decided to The concern for winemakers is that with CelebrationsWineClub.com tional wines from the Artisan Series increased alcohol content the characteris- grandchildren, who continue to manage the win- produce their own wines. In addition to the fam- for just $12 per bottle. tics and taste of the wine are impacted. The Celebrating 20 years of ery today. Paolo, Mario and Guido Damilano, the ily estate, the finest blocks of grapes from Santa thought is that it makes all wines taste alike, good wine, good food, fourth generation, have brought new vigor to the Barbara and Monterey Counties are selected from HALF CASE $72 - FULL $144 hence the alcohol impacts the nuances of and good friends! family business while upholding Damilano’s historic vineyards managed by a sister firm, Mesa Vineyard For Winemaker and Collector Series the wine. Tere Williams production philosophy: high quality wines can only Management, Inc. All wines produced are exclu- reorders, call or email for prices. The plan to remedy all this is three prong. – Owner come from high quality grapes. With the assistance sively farmed by the Merrill’s who believe that con- The first plan of action is to remove alcohol of agronomist Giampiero Romana and enologist trol from planting and pruning through harvest, 1 800 700 6227 from wine after the fermentation via reverse Beppe Caviola, Damilano continues to hone and fermentation and cellaring is critical for success. It osmosis. This removed water, alcohols, and improve each vintage. Ambassadors of Barolo, the also ensures a uniform dedication to Sustainability, other small molecules out of the wine. Damilano line culminates in several single vineyard which led our recent Certification to the SIP pro- Vineyard intervention is also an option. crus that explore the vast and nuanced expression gram within the Central Coast Vineyard Team.The WINE CLUB CHOICES Here it gets really specific and scientific. It of Nebbiolo in this region. family believes in community and industry involve- ment. Dana Merrill was the first San Luis Obispo Collector Series includes everything from more robust irriga- Californian Wines County Chair of the California Assn of Winegrape Artisan Series $114.99/month, 2 collectable reds tion to wine picking strategies based on the Anna Maria Knapp Rabaja Vineyard $39.99/month, a red and a white varying ripening of grapes. – Founder The Rabajà vineyard is one of the most historic, fa- Growers, a charter member of the pioneering vine- Lastly, winemakers are looking at modi- mous, and sought-out crus of Barbaresco. Here is yard Sustainability group, the Central Coast Vine- $49.99, 2 reds and a white Californian-Italian Combinations Sonoma, California Winemaker Series CA Artisan red–IT Artisan red fying the yeast used to produce the alcohol where our family made history. Our grandparents yard Team and is a past two term Director of the Rocca Francesco and Bo Maria Adelaide purchased Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. $64.99/month, 2 reserve reds $44.99/month through genetic adjustments. Seems like a 1-800-700-6227 $59.99/month, reserve red & white CA Artisan white–IT Artisan white viable, straight to the point option. it in 1958, with its farmhouse of the same name. It Collector Series $39.99/month As we are all looking for natural, organic Celebrate@Celebrations is where the seat of our winery sits today. $124.99/month, 2 collectable reds CA Winemaker–IT Winemaker processes to wine production, it does seem WineClub.com We are deeply proud and in love with this cru; $64.99/month, reds counter-productive to have to use science it is our “royal” vineyard. We take care of it day af- Italian Wines $59.99/month, whites to modify the natural developement of the ter day, striving to transfer its extraordinary char- Artisan Series CA-IT Collector Series grapes. I do, however, agree with the writer acteristics into wine. $39.99/month, 1 red and 1 white $119.99/month, 2 collectable reds that increased alcohol levels are a concern. It gives us top-quality labels that will age for Artisan Series 2 I concur that it does indeed impact the pal- years to come, with aromas, typicity, and power- $49.99/month, 2 reds and 1 white Double Up ate of the wine. ful but balanced tannins. A unique cru that never Winemaker Series You can also receive more than That’s my science lesson of the day my wine disappoints. $64.99/month, 2 reserve reds two bottles per month. Tax and friends. I always find these things interesting. $59.99/month, reserve red & white shipping is extra. Happy Wining All! ITALIAN Wines of the Month by Debra & Tere Williams CALIFORNIAN Wines of the Month by Debra & Tere Williams

ARTISAN SERIES WINEMAKER SERIES COLLECTOR SERIES ARTISAN SERIES WINEMAKER SERIES COLLECTOR SERIES 2015 Araldica Barbera d’Asti “Albera” 2017 Damilano Barbera D’Asti 2013 Damilano Lecinguevigne Barolo 2016 Pomar Junction Picnic Chardonnay 2017 Pomar Junction Viognier 2014 GSM 100% Barbera 100% Barbera 100% Nebbiolo 100% Chardonnay 100% Estate Viognier 42% Syrah, 33% Mouvedre, 25% Gre- Alcohol: 14% Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol 15.3% Alcohol: 14.8% nache Aromas of dark-skinned berry, forest floor Intense purple red in color with a fruity #8 wine in VinePair’s Top 50 of 2018 Fresh, crisp on the palate with bright cit- This is a dry, crisp Viognier with a tropi- Alcohol: 14.5% and clove appear in the glass. The straight- and light spicy bouquet and light spicy Ruby red with orange reflections. The bou- rus and apple flavors and a natural un- cal and floral nose. It is a fruit forward Our classic Rhone blend displays a flo- forward palate offers mature black plum, notes. Palate has notes of currant, violet, quet is intense with tertiary notes of rose, derlying richness. Pairs nicely with an Viognier exhibiting lime and pear fla- ral nose with hints of black currant, black licorice and white pepper alongside vel- cherry and with a touch of vanilla. Persis- leather, tobacco, and emerging notes of arugula and gorgonzola salad. vors on the palate, with a lingering cherry, blueberry and a hint of leather vety tannins. Serve with pasta, beef, or tent finish. Serve with Pasta, veal, pork, violet. The taste is ample and embracing, peach and honeysuckle finish. Pair with and tobacco. A savory mouth feel is sup- lamb. game, or poultry. with a soft, persistent finish. 2017 Pomar Junction Fiesta Red freshly shucked oysters or white sea ported by flavors of red and black fruits, Barolo Lecinquevigne is perfect with red 58% Tempranillo, 27% Merlot, 15% Syrah bass. sweet spices, with a distinctive lingering 2017 Araldica Gavi Luciana 2016 Giuseppe Cortese Nebbiolo and braised meat, game and aged cheese. Alcohol: 14.4% finish of supple tannins. Pair with beef, 100% Cortese Langhe DOC A full and round palate, earthy flavors of 2015 Pomar Junction Zinfandel Paso lamb, or poultry. Alcohol: 12% 100% Nebbiolo 2014 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco black cherry, blueberry, and cured meats Robles Light straw color. Crisp fresh on the pal- Alcohol: 14% Rabaja DOCG flow into a lengthy finish with substan- 100% Estate Zinfandel 2014 Pomar Junction Cab Forward ate with hints of lemon fresh, cut grass, Bright, translucent garnet red with aromas 100% Nebbiolo tial tannins, black pepper, and black cur- Alcohol: 15.6% 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Ver- apple, and pear. Light to medium body of raspberry, red currant, blood orange Alcohol: 14% rants. Pairs well with many kinds of dish- This wine’s intense flavors and supple dot, 25% Merlot with a refreshing dry finish. Pairs nicely peel, cherry, rose petals. Medium bodied, Balsam, leather, perfumed berry, pressed es, but especially barbecue and savory tannins pair with rich meats such as Alcohol: 14.6% with mild cheeses, light pasta dishes, or soft tannins with a long floral finish. Pair blue flower and dark spice aromas lead dishes with or without seasoning. rosemary garlic rack of lamb, roasted Opulent wine that delivers notes of lic- a refreshing salad. with wild mushroom and red wine risotto. the way in this elegant, vibrant red. The duck with grilled vegetables or a hearty orice, chocolate, black cherry, plum, savory, focused palate offers red cherry, beef stew. It is an elegant wine, with low blackberry, spice combined with incred- 2017 Damilano Langhe Arneis tobacco, licorice and ground clove flavors pH, and good acidity. Capable of cellar ibly silky tannins. Serve with rich pasta 100% Arneis set against a backdrop of bright acidity aging for 5 to 10 years, but is enjoyable dishes, aged cheeses, steak, or lamb. Alcohol: 14% and firm, refined tannins. now as well. Full of ripe white peach, green apple, raw almond and savory notes on the palate, the 2013 Pomar Junction Petite Sirah wine naturally often smells of vanilla and 100% Petite Sirah white flowers, making it a fantastic sum- Alcohol 14.3% mer sipper, porch wine and in Piedmont, Full bodied with layers of luscious ripe apertivo wine. Serve with mild cheese, tannins. Aromas of plum are prosciutto, white fish, or pesto. followed by notes of black pepper and vanilla. Layers of bold, velvety tannins coat your tongue immensely. Enjoy with smoked meats, pork tenderloin and hard cheeses. RECOMMEND US! EASTER IS AROUND THE CORNER! ORDER NOW! to family, friends, business associates, and clients, whom you think would GIVE A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION to Celebrations Wine Club. appreciate Celebrations Wine Club. We’ll enclose a personal, hand written message. RECEIVE a complimentary third bottle www.celebrationswineclub.com of outstanding wine with your regular 1-800-700-6227 shipment, when they join the Club. 1 800 700 6227

PIEMONTE Italian Region of the Month SAN LUIS OBISPO Californian County of the Month Half of Piemonte, which means “foot of Apennines and later learned wine making wines and the wine of kings,” although Bar- Grapes were first introduced into the knowledged for its heritage grape, Zinfan- ity of the region’s wines led it to become the the mountain,” lies in the great arc of the from the Greeks about 600 BC. In the 19th baresco may be its equal, both wines made Paso Robles area, in 1797 by missionar- del, but has gained recognition from a wider first site of the annual “Hospice du Rhône” Alps and the Apennines, from which the Century, the wines of Piemonte gained dis- from the noble Nebbiolo vine. Barbera and ies. They planted more than one thousand range of grape varietals as well. In the 1950s conference on Rhône style wine. Today, Paso Po River flows east through its broad valley tinction when the Savoy and others began Dolcetto are popular reds. Whites are equal- vines. Commercial wine growing, however, and 1960s, growers began to plant Bordeaux Robles Wine Country is receiving attention to the Adriatic. Bordering Switzerland and to use French methods. Piemonte has 58 ly prominent. Asti Spumante from Moscato wasn’t started until the 1880s. Since 1990, varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. for its unique blends. These wines are unique France, Piemonte was part of the French- DOC and DOCG zones, more than any other d’Asti is the nation’s second DOCG in vol- when there were fewer than 20 wineries in In the 1980s, there were increased plantings to the area, and with varietal make-ups that speaking principality of Savoy between the region. In the Langhe hills above the town ume after Chianti. Among still whites, Gavi Paso Robles, a large expansion of activity of many Rhône varieties, including the first do not follow traditional rules and expecta- 11th and 18th Centuries. The ancient Liguri of Alba are the vineyards of Barolo, one of from the Cortese grape is highly regarded has seen the number rise to more than 200 Syrah planted in California, as well as Viog- tions of winemaking, as characteristic in oth- tribes first cultivated the wild vines of the Italy’s most prestigious wines, “the king of along with Arneis. wineries today.The Paso Robles AVA is ac- nier and Roussanne. The emerging popular- er regions of the wine world.