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Volume 1 The Number 1 ©Vinesse Wine Club 2007 SKU 9698 Gra evine HE FFICIAL EWSLETTERp FOR INESSE INE LUB EMBERS GraTHE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER FORevineVINESSE WINE CLUB MEMBERS T O N p V W C M

How, or How Not, to Deal With the ‘Cork Ceremony’

By Robert Johnson MARTIN’S have a bad habit a signal for the server to pour the I of correcting wine wine for everyone at the table. JOURNAL Instead, the server flashed me an servers in restaurants. incredulous look and, after another pause, asked, “Don’t you want to ince it’s the start I don’t do it in a pretentious, taste it?” Again, I could have polite- S of a new year, I know-it-all way. I do it strictly to ly declined but, again, I couldn’t thought we should get educate them, because the more help myself. back to basics. knowledgeable they are, the more “If it smells good, it’s going to knowledgeable — and the more taste good,” I said. “Wines taste comfortable with wine — their cus- So, I’ve asked Editor Robert tomers will be. Johnson to come up with some That said, good intentions aren’t he server looked story themes that touch on some always met with positive responses. Tat me. I looked of the basic joys of wine drinking. Take the recent “cork incident” at Because the subject of wine is so an outpost of a highly regarded at the server. It complicated, we all could use a steakhouse chain as an example. little refresher course every once I ordered a bottle of Cabernet was a standoff. in a while. Sauvignon. The server fetched the I also asked Robert and Wine bottle, uncorked it, and placed the like the smell, you know.” I wasn’t Steward Katie Montgomery to tap cork in front of me. I looked at the trying to be a smart-aleck. (I can their own experiences — Robert cork. The server looked at me. I hear the boss now: “You don’t have as a frequent diner and Katie as a looked at the server. It was a stand- to try...”). I was simply offering a former restaurant sommelier — and off. little education. devote their space to topics that Finally, the server asked, “Don’t But the look I got back could have follow the “basics” theme. I think you want to smell the cork?” I burned a hole through a 4-foot- you’ll enjoy both of their stories. could have simply replied, “No, thick stone wall. I had not seen Yes, wine can be complicated, but thanks,” but I couldn’t help myself. such an expression since my daugh- drinking it doesn’t have to be. The Instead, I politely said, “I’d rather ter was 16 and we would be talking more we know about any subject, smell the wine.” about... well, just about anything. the more comfortable we are with Grudgingly, the server poured a Apparently, the “cork ceremony” it. I hope this issue of The splash into my glass. I said, is part of the training for servers Grapevine helps you get more “Thanks,” swirled the wine for a these days, so I really should learn comfortable with wine — whether few seconds, and then stuck my to go with the flow. It’s just that my you’re talking about it or nose deep in the glass. “Smells list of New Year’s Resolutions is so drinking it. good,” I said, which I figured was long already...

Robert Johnson can be reached at [email protected]. 2 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

OUR MISSION: To uncover and bring you wine gems from around the world, which you’re not likely to discover on your own, and which enhance your wine enjoyment. Sommelier Diaries YOUR GRAPEVINE TEAM: had a love/hate No sooner had I uttered the word Intrepid Wine Enthusiast, Chief Taster and Winehound: I relationship with “Meritage” than one of the husbands spoke Martin Stewart my former job as a up. “Oh, you mean Mer-i-TAHJ, don’t you, Chief Operating Officer restaurant sommelier. dear?” he said, enunciating the common (aka “The Buck Stops Here”): French-sounding mispronunciation of the Lawrence D. Dutra Obviously, it was a joy to be around word. Editor: wine all the time, and to be able to inter- “It actually rhymes with heritage,” I Robert Johnson act with numerous like-minded people politely replied. “It’s ‘merit’ and ‘heritage’ Wine Steward: every evening. I also enjoyed tasting each put together.” Katie Montgomery night’s menu specials and figuring out “Oh, I don’t think so,” the know-it-all

The Grapevine is published by Vinesse, which wines from our cellar to recom- said. “Everyone I know pronounces it Mer- 822 Hampshire Road, Suite E, Westlake mend to diners. i-TAHJ.” Village, CA 91361; 1-800-823-5527. Copyright by Vinesse, LLC. Printed in USA. The only down-side involved dealing What to do? Engage in an argument with No responsibility is assumed for loss or with the know-it-alls who didn’t really a customer? Not a good idea. So I quickly damage to unsolicited materials. know as much about wine as they thought of two to recommend, and thought they did. There was a constant everyone was happy. struggle between tactfully correcting mis- A SUCCESS STORY CHARTER MEMBER information being spouted and adhering Another time, a very nice woman ordered BENEFITS: to the “customer is always right” mantra. barbecued ribs and asked me for a wine Over time, my patience did wear thin The Grapevine Newsletter suggestion. and, eventually, I knew it was time to “That’s easy,” I said. “.” Premium wine selections at find a job in which I could assist people “I love Zinfandel,” she said. “I’ll have a members-only prices who wanted to learn more about wine. glass with my dinner.” Wine tasting as a participant I’d like to share two stories from my When I saw that her ribs were up, I on VINESSE’s Gold Medal sommelier days. Hopefully, you’ll find poured a glass of Dry Creek Vineyard Zin Award Panel them both educational and entertaining. and brought it to her table. Free subscription to VINESSE’s MERITAGE MEMORY She took one look at the glass and said, Cyber Circle Community One evening I was helping a table of two “That’s not Zinfandel — Zinfandel is pink.” Members-only savings, includ- couples select a bottle to share with their She thought I’d meant , ing Food & Wine subscriptions, dinner. Fortunately, each person was hav- and wasn’t so sure about this dark dining out, gourmet food and ing some cut of steak, so at least I could red/purple liquid sitting before her. tickets to the hottest events narrow the range of possibilities to reds. “Tell you what,” I said. “Give it a try, Random giveaways of wine and As was my custom, I asked what kind of and if you don’t like it, I’ll bring you a accessories wine each person liked — another choice- glass of White Zin.” narrowing tactic. One couple was into She tried it. She liked it. And she Wine Finders Reward — identify a future wine selection and , while the other pre- became a regular customer, ordering a dif- earn a reward ferred wines that were a bit more mellow, ferent wine each time she visited. Because such as . I figured I could strike a she kept an open mind, a whole new Perfectly matched recipes for happy medium by suggesting a few of the world opened up to her. featured wine selections Meritage wines we had on Unfortunately for me, she was far out- the list. numbered by the know-it-alls. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 3 WINE APPELLATION SHOWCASE LIVERMORE VALLEY TO A Z ess than an hour 50 wineries prior to Prohibition, and L east of San contributed significantly to the state’s enology and viticulture. Innovations inotage. A cross of Francisco, Livermore developed in the valley include over- and Cinsaut that makes a very Valley wine country P head irrigation, mechanical harvesting popular red wine, primarily in welcomes visitors with South Africa. and roller crushing in the vineyard. its picturesque canyons, Livermore Valley wineries were the lush vines and con- first to bottle -labeled uincy. A tiny appellation in the , and QLoire region of France, where vivial tasting rooms. the best wines are made from Petite Sirah. Nearly 80 percent of Sauvignon Blanc. One of California’s oldest wine California’s Chardonnay vines trace regions, Livermore played a pivotal role their genetic roots to a Livermore in shaping California’s wine industry. clone. efosco. A variety that’s made Robert Livermore planted the first com- Attracted to the rich winemaking tra- Rinto tasty, everyday wines that are served in the wine bars and mercial vines in the 1840s. C. H. dition, climate, soil and geography, restaurants of Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Wente, James Concannon and Charles new vintners and growers are working Giulia region. Wetmore recognized the area’s wine- alongside fifth-generation winegrowers growing potential and founded their to create a Livermore Valley wine ren- own wineries in the early 1880s. aissance. The region now has 26 hoot. A new green stem that wineries, with several more about to Ssprouts from the grapevine as it International recognition followed begins to grow in the spring. when Livermore captured America’s open, and more than 5,000 acres of Shoots ultimately sprout leaves and first international gold medal for wine vineyards. clusters of grapes. in 1889 at the Paris Exposition, putting Today’s wineries vary in size from California on the world wine map. limited-release, 100-case labors of love to 400,000-case industry heavyweights, enuta. Italian term for estate. Livermore Valley boasted more than TThe word is found in the name and grapes range from the familiar of numerous Tuscan wineries, in Merlot and Chardonnay to Italian, particular. Rhone and Spanish varieties. And wel- coming tasting rooms showcase award- winning wines and offer year-round e. A soft, light type of UGrappa. activities.

¥ 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: ¥ 2 or 4 bottles from all over the wine world ¥ Detailed Tasting Notes for each featured wine ¥ Latest edition of The Grapevine newsletter

THE ONE THAT WINE COLOR MIX: Reds, Whites, or Both — Your Choice! FREQUENCY: Approximately Monthly STARTED IT ALL! PRICE: Only $12 Average Per Bottle Plus Shipping

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CLUB, GO ONLINE TO WWW.VINESSE.COM OR CALL 800 - 823 - 5527. 4 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

VINESSE STYLE WINE GLASSES

n the spring of 2004, of a glass, Riedel found that he could ÉLEVANT I the wine world, influence where the wine landed on almost without notice, the tongue. And by doing that, he could perfectly balance how a given lost one of its most wine type’s sugar, acid, alcohol and SOCIETYª important contributors. tannins were perceived, so no single IT’S NOT FOR EVERYONE. component dominated. In other IS IT FOR YOU? But the work of Claus Josef Riedel, words, he could help assure that a a ninth-generation glassmaker, con- wine in a glass tasted just as it had in Vinesse created the Elevant tinues to enhance the enjoyment of the barrel — just as the vintner had Society to meet members’ wine for millions of people world- made it. demands for super-premium wide. Here’s how the four most popular wines. While virtually all Prior to 1973, wine glass companies glasses designed by Riedel work their members of the original made their glasses in a number of magic: sizes, but only a single shape. Riedel • The Montrachet is designed for American Cellars Wine Club (rhymes with needle) began tinkering dry white wines, such as were very satisfied with their with shapes in the 1950s, ultimately Chardonnay, that exceed 14 percent monthly selections, some rolling out his handmade Sommelier alcohol, with medium to low acidity. wanted more, and they series in ’73. Among those who The shape of the glass targets the appreciate fine glassware, the tongue’s acid receptors so sourness were willing to pay for it. Sommelier series is the Rolls-Royce, can balance the fruit and oak. although other companies have bor- • The Sauvignon Blanc glass, with EACH ELEVANT SOCIETY rowed from Riedel’s work and now its narrower opening, is for dry, aro- SHIPMENT INCLUDES: offer similar quality at lower price matic white wines that are below 14 points. percent alcohol, with high acidity. In • 2 or 4 bottles — your The theory behind the development addition to its namesake variety, the of different glass shapes revolved glass is excellent for , choice — of super-premium around the taste zones of the tongue Gewurztraminer and dessert wines. wines, mostly big and bold — bitter in the back, sweet on the • The Bordeaux is designed for red red varieties or blends front, salt on the outer edges, and wines that are high in tannins and acid just inside the perimeter. By alcohol (12 percent and up), such as ¥ Detailed Tasting Notes for altering the diameter of the opening Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The each featured wine glass directs the wine to the tip of the ¥ Latest edition of The tongue, and empha- Grapevine newsletter sizes the sweetness of the fruit while tem- FREQUENCY: pering the bitterness of the tannins. Approximately Monthly • The Burgundy glass is for medium- PRICE: to full-bodied reds $69.99 Average Per (such as Pinot Noir or Shipment Plus Shipping Barolo). It funnels the wine onto the tip and center of the tongue, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT helping to downplay THIS CLUB, CALL 800 - 823 - 5527 the acidity. OR VISIT WWW.VINESSE.COM. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 5

The Bread & Wine Connection

read and wine are Wine yeasts also convert sugars — B united by chemistry, grape sugars — to alcohol and carbon as well as history. dioxide. But because the conditions of WINES THAT MATCH fermentation differ in bread and wine, THE SEASON. the end results also differ. Before the advent of purified yeast, Wine, never exposed to high tempera- Summer — wines for such as we buy in small packets at the tures, retains the alcohol created, while barbecues, picnics or just supermarket, sometimes bread rose and the carbon dioxide escapes into the air. for sipping. Fall — wines for sometimes it didn’t. Naturally-ferment- In both bread and wine fermenta- ed breads (meaning those leavened tions, numerous byproducts are pro- hearty, harvest-time dishes. without added yeast) depended on a duced which are responsible for some You get the idea. All wines strong starter dough, the environment of the flavors and aromas. In white are selected by our Tasting of the bakery, the weather and a wines, for example, the yeast produces Panel to pair beautifully with healthy portion of luck. many esters that provide fruity aromas. the foods you love. Later, breadmakers customarily went Likewise, esters are produced by the to the local brewhouse or winery to yeast in a bread fermentation and are EACH SHIPMENT borrow active beer or wine yeast in responsible for many of the “bread- INCLUDES: order to make their loaves rise. In like” flavors. California’s North Coast wine country, a If bread dough ferments too rapidly ¥ 4 bottles of specially- few bakers have revived this tradition. If (due to too much yeast or too high a selected wines you get a chance to taste grape-yeast temperture), most of the carbon dioxide ¥ Detailed Tasting Notes bread, look forward to experiencing an will be released before the loaves are for each featured wine unusual, tangy and delicious flavor. baked, and the bread will be heavy, ¥ Latest edition of The Today, winemakers and breadmakers compact and have fewer of the desir- Grapevine newsletter alike open packages of Red Star dried able flavor components. yeast — although different strains — to Similarly, if a white wine ferments ¥ A special surprise gift start their work. Yeast converts the too rapidly at a too-high temperature, WINE COLOR MIX: starches in flour to simpler sugars and fewer esters are produced, and they Reds, Whites, or Mixed then metabolizes these to alcohol and evaporate quickly during the fermenta- carbon dioxide gas. tion, thus affecting the wine’s flavor. FREQUENCY: 4 times per year, plus a BEING GREEN special holiday shipment

New Zealand has long been famed for its unspoiled landscape. Its small PRICE: population, isolated location and agricultural economy have earned the country $89.95 Average Per a “clean, green” image. New Zealand grape growers and winemakers are aiming Shipment Plus Shipping to keep it that way by protecting the environmental integrity of their wine pro- duction. To this end, a pioneering set of industry standards has been developed, known as Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. SWNZ provides the frame- TO LEARN MORE ABOUT work for wineries to continually improve all aspects of their performance in THIS CLUB, CALL 800 - 823 - 5527 environmental, social and economic sustainability. OR VISIT WWW.VINESSE.COM. 6 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com A 3-Day Wine Country Shopping Spree

nless you appoint a DAY 1: Udesignated driver, a SONOMA trip to California’s Sonoma Plaza is a tree-studded North Coast wine coun- WINE eight acres surrounding the stately try must include more City Hall building. Among the places than bouncing from one you might want to explore is The tasting room to another. Pantry, where you can pick up a taste of wine country for ice-bound rela- tives in the Midwest — everything One also must eat, of course, and from pasta flour to picnic another way to avoid overimbibing at baskets. the wineries is to spend some time For gifts or holiday decorating, The shopping — or, at the very least, win- Candlestick is a wonderful shop. dow shopping. TOURING TIPS Explore the atmospheric alleys that Santa Rosa is the “big city” of Napa lead to quiet courtyards with fountains and Sonoma counties, and you can ence, visit the area’s small towns, and shops. Los Milagros Gallery fea- find outposts of many chain depart- where you’ll find refuge from the tures affordable Mexican folk art, char- ment stores and “big box” retailers long lines and the “same old same acterized by bright colors, along with within its boundaries. But if you’d old.” wrought iron and hand-pounded tin. like a more intimate shopping experi- Three of the more shopper-friendly Amber Rouge offers a world of style communities in in clothing, jewelry and scarves. At North Coast L’Olivier, you can watch shopkeepers wine country are stir up olive oil soaps. And Aphrodite Sonoma, has cute little rice-box purses. Healdsburg and Where to eat: The Red Grape fea- St. Helena. We tures East Coast-style thin-crust pizza asked members with great toppings, classic clam of the Vinesse chowder and bruschetta, and tasty tasting panel to pasta dishes. But it’s the pizza that’s share some of the star, complemented by a decent their favorite wine list. shops and restaurants in DAY 2: each, and their HEALDSBURG recommenda- tions comprise Beyond its coffee shops and bistros, the following Healdsburg, in northern Sonoma three-day itiner- County, is brimming with off-beat, ary. funky gift stores. Travel tip: You Periwinkle carries hand-painted salt may want to stay and pepper shakers, oil dipping at one of the bowls and cloth bread baskets. Next chain door, The Brown Bag has sturdy hotel/motels in tablecloths and kitchen towels, as Santa Rosa to well as retro paper dolls. save a few For the flower-lover in your life, the bucks, and have Sonoma Flower Co. overflows with more to spend unusual vases and festive swags for on shopping and the table. Bowdon Designs will please dining. the fashionista with fun gifts such as Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 7 velvet gloves, hand-woven silk Napa Valley, and knew he’d found a scarves, funky purses and jewelry. place capable of producing wines as For all kinds of home accessories, classic and expressive as France’s visit Friends in the Country. For artis- greatest vintages. In 1970, Warren tic gifts, Options offers a wide array and his family established their S.L.V. of “contemporary artifacts” and folk vineyard on land next to Fay’s and art, culled from local and internation- founded their winery, Stag’s Leap al sources. Wine Cellars, in early 1972. Where to The Winiarskis soon brought inter- St. Helena eat: If it’s national recognition to California and looks as local and Napa Valley winemaking when their fresh, it’ll 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon best- if it probably ed some of France’s greatest find its way Bordeaux at a blind tasting in Paris in could onto the 1976. Today, the area around Stag’s have menu at Dry Leap Wine Cellars is designated as Creek the Stags Leap District, renowned for come from Kitchen, How Stag’s Leap elegant Cabernets. developed In 1986, the Winiarski family a Norman by Charlie Changed the View acquired the Fay vineyard. The dis- Rockwell Palmer of of tinctive terroir of Fay and S.L.V. Aureole includes both the “water” of alluvial painting. fame in soils (contributing rich, soft fruit and Manhattan. voluptuous perfume), and the “fire” The urbane atmosphere of the n 1964, Warren of weathered volcanic rock (yielding Healdsburg Hotel provides the setting I Winiarski left his concentration and structure). Thanks for Palmer’s five-star dishes, creative position as a lecturer in to their vibrant “water and fire” bal- sides and delectable desserts. the liberal arts at the ance, the winery’s three estate-grown University of Chicago Cabernets — Fay, S.L.V. and Cask 23, DAY 3: its proprietary blend drawn from and moved his family ST. HELENA these two vine- to California, yards in excep- If you like to take your time when where he would tional years — shopping, St. Helena provides an fulfill the destiny are among the ideal setting. Its business district of his family most highly looks as if it could have come from a name: In Polish, regarded wines Norman Rockwell painting. “Winiarski” means in the world. Vanderbilt & Co. has a nice selec- Stag’s Leap tion of cookware, chic table settings, “winemaker’s son.” Wine Cellars linens, Italian and French pottery and While Italian wines were was known cookbooks. At St. Helena Antiques Winiarski’s introduction to only in the and Collectibles, you can find every- winemaking, French wines Napa Valley thing from French chandeliers to became his inspiration. until the now- Chinese hope chests. Winiarski sensed that the famous 1976 Tapioca Tiger is a great place to Cabernet Sauvignon grape Paris Tasting, shop for children’s gifts, including was uniquely suited to the which landed costumes. And at David’s, the spe- Napa Valley, and believed that the estate squarely among the cialty is handcrafted jewelry. the right combination of soil and ranks of the world’s most noteworthy Where to eat: A great cheese microclimate could produce a supple Cabernet producers and placed board, a 34-page (at last count) wine yet firm-textured version of the Winiarski among the ranks of world’s list, world-class entrees and luscious varietal. most respected winemakers. desserts await you at Martini House. In 1969, Winiarski tasted home- It also fundamentally transformed And the décor delights the senses made Cabernet from Nathan Fay’s how Californian wines were viewed with each glance around the room. vineyard on the eastern side of the worldwide. 8 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com Quotes Du Jour ANDAND ■ Author Charles Dickens, on the influence of wine: QQ AA “Wine in moderation — not in excess, for that makes men ugly — has a thousand pleasant influences. It bright- How did the “Clef du Vin” sud- I’m new to the whole wine world. ens the eye, improves the voice, denly appear in so many catalogs? What kind of wine is good for mar- imparts a new vivacity to one’s How long has it been around? inating a turkey. Thanks for your thoughts and conversation.” Does it actually work as advertised? time. ■ Bettina Rousas, managing partner Thanks. — Daniel Molina of Napa’s Angele restaurant, on the — Thomas C. Braly renaissance that the city of Napa is Dear Daniel: experiencing: Dear Thomas: Use this recipe, originally formulat- “There are new restaurants opening The product has been around for ed for basting a chicken. It should left and right. I grew up here, and never would we go out to Napa. Now, about 10 years, but only now is it work just fine on a turkey. For the at night, you’ll see people walking being aggressively marketed in the wine, choose any lighter-style red — around. They’re dressed up. They’re United States. That’s why you’re see- in other words, one that does not going to the opera.” ing it in so many catalogs. Does it have a great deal of oak influence. ■ Wine critic Robert Parker, on the work? That’s another question. We Skip Cabernet Sauvignon, and opt for French perception of Napa Valley: have no idea. The product supposed- , Zinfandel or Merlot. “Ask a French wine producer in ly provides information on how long Ingredients: Bordeaux what wine region in the a specific bottle of wine can be aged, • 2 cups dry red wine world has the best chance of compet- or whether it needs to be consumed • 1/2 cup olive oil ing qualitatively with his, and the soon. To be honest, there are so • 1/4 cup soy or teriyaki sauce answer will not be the Napa Valley, many other ways of gauging a wine’s • 4 scallions, sliced but Spain.” “ageability” that we’ve never given • 2 cloves garlic, minced ■ Sam Aaron, owner of Sherry- this product a try. Also, we are • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Lehman Wine and Spirits, assessing strong believers in drinking wine a • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce his own place in the wine world: little bit “too early” in its life than a • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated “What Freud was to psychoanalysis, I was to wine.” little bit “too late.” So, long-term Preparation: Combine all ingredi- ■ The philosophy of author and critic aging really isn’t even on our radar. ents in a medium saucepan. Boil for Alexis Lichine: That’s more for collectors. 10 minutes. “There is no substitute for pulling corks.”

EACH SHIPMENT FEATURED WINES MADE WINE COLOR MIX: INCLUDES: IN CALIFORNIA EXCLUSIVELY! Reds, Whites, or Both — ¥ 2 or 4 bottles of the best It’s Your Choice! finds from California ¥ Napa ¥ Sacramento Delta FREQUENCY: ¥ Detailed Tasting Notes ¥ Sonoma ¥ Amador County Approximately for each wine Every Other Month ¥ Latest edition of The ¥ Santa Ynez ¥ Mendocino PRICE: Grapevine newsletter ¥ Monterey ... and More! Only $12 Average Per Bottle Plus Shipping

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Now, that’s passion. VINESSE®

THE NUMBERS GAME In order for a California wine to be labeled by its varietal name, at least 75 percent of the cuvee must be that named variety. The same holds true AN AVA FOR ILLINOIS in South Africa. However, other wine- Illinois has its first American producing areas have more stringent Viticultural Area. It’s known as percentage requirements. In France, Shawnee Hills, and it’s located in and Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain, JOIN US FOR AN around the southern Illinois commu- it’s 85 percent. And in Oregon, it’s 90 INCREDIBLE WINE nities of Carbondale, Marion and percent. JOURNEY! Harrisburg. To learn about the area’s wineries, visit: POP ANOTHER CORK! Each Shipment Takes You ShawneeWineTrail.com. Although wine consumption has to a Different Corner been on the decline in France in of the Wine World! ANGELE’S SPECIALTY recent years, that country’s residents What’s the specialty of the house at still drink a lot of vino. In fact, the Taste Exquisite Boutique Napa’s Angele, restaurant, whose residents of France and Italy com- Wines... Savor Each managing partner is quoted in this bined consume one-seventh of the Country’s Winemaking issue’s “Quotes du Jour”? As far as world’s wine each year. Tradition... and Collect we’re concerned, it’s the Steak Some Souvenirs! Bordelaise — melt-in-your-mouth DOING THE MATH delicious. The restaurant practices How can you tell if the wine is fair- French “country” cooking, and guests ly priced at a restaurant? Well, the EACH SHIPMENT never feel rushed. Reservations: 707- truth is, wine prices will always seem INCLUDES: 252-8115. high when eating out, as the accept- ¥ 6 bottles of specially ed markups are selected wines from one quite high. country or region of the However, as a gen- eral rule of thumb, wine world fair-minded ¥ Detailed Tasting Notes restaurateurs will feature quality for each featured wine bottles that cost ¥ Latest edition of The about twice as much as the aver- Grapevine newsletter age entrée. In ¥ A special souvenir other words, a couple eating out WINE COLOR MIX: and sharing a bot- tle of wine should expect to pay Reds, Whites, or Mixed WINE AND AIR about the same as two couples eating FREQUENCY: There may have been no more pas- out with no wine. sionate advocate of wine than French 6 times per year writer Marcel Ayme. Here’s what he EAT YOUR VEGGIES! PRICE: had to say about the place wine Do wines pair well with vegetarian should take in one’s life: “One may dishes? Yes. Generally speaking, red $99 Per Shipment dislike carrots, spinach beetroot or beans and darker starches and veg- Plus Shipping the skin on hot milk. But not wine. It etables go nicely with red wine. With TO LEARN MORE ABOUT is like hating the air one breathes, lighter or greener foods, go with THIS CLUB, CALL 800 - 823 - 5527 since each is equally indispensable.” whites. OR VISIT WWW.VINESSE.COM. 10 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com The Grapevine

WINTER VEGETABLE cheese and salt and pepper into the with 1 teaspoon water SOUFFLE vegetable mixture. • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper Try this tasty dish, which serves 4, 4. Whisk the egg whites until stiff, • Juice of 1 orange, or 1/4 cup with Grenache, or a similarly concen- orange juice trated red wine. then fold them lightly but evenly into the vegetable mixture. • 1 teaspoon orange zest Ingredients • 8 oz. cooked potatoes 5. Spoon the mixture into a greased Preparation • 8 oz. cooked cauliflower, carrot, 7-inch souffle dish. 1. Into a small sauce pan, add the parsnip or Brussels sprouts 6. Bake for 20 minutes until the souf- teriyaki sauce, honey, crushed red (or a mixture of any of these) fle has risen well and is lightly pepper, and orange juice. Bring to • 4 dessert spoons cream browned on top. boil, and cook for one minute. • 3 eggs, separated 2. Add the orange zest and the • 4 oz. grated cheese SALMON WITH cornstarch mixture, and cook for 30 • Salt and black pepper TERIYAKI GLAZE seconds. Serve this delicious recipe, which Preparation serves 4, with Syrah or other fruit- 3. Spoon the sauce over grilled salmon forward red wine. fillets, and serve with rice and baby 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Ingredients vegetables. 2. Mash together the cooked potatoes • 4 6-oz. salmon fillets with the other cooked vegetable(s). • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce 3. Beat the cream, egg yolks, grated • 2 tablespoons honey • 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixer

¥ A club for people EACH SHIPMENT INCLUDES: who enjoy a touch ¥ 2 bottles of delicious of sweetness in light-and-sweet wines ¥ Detailed Tasting Notes their wines. for each featured wine ¥ Wines that are ¥ Latest edition of The & lighter in style, Grapevine newsletter sometimes sparkle, WINE COLOR MIX: occasionally blush, Mostly White; Occasionally and are simply Blush/Pink or Sparkling fun to drink. FREQUENCY: THE FASTEST-GROWING Approximately Every Other Month ¥ Wines selected CLUB IN VINESSE HISTORY! PRICE: from top regions Only $12 Average Per Bottle around the world. Plus Shipping TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CLUB, GO ONLINE TO WWW.VINESSE.COM OR CALL 800 - 823 - 5527. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 11

CELLAR SPECIALS WHITE WINES Member Price 2003 Vinesse California White Zinfandel ...... $11.99 2005 Sparrow Creek California Chenin Blanc ...... $12.99 2006 Tierra del Fuego Argentina Blanco ...... $13.99 2005 Tarrica California Pinot Grigio ...... $14.99 Sinatra Santa Barbara County Chardonnay ...... $15.00 2006 Santa Julia Mendoza Argentina Organica Chardonnay ...... $15.99 NV Il Conte d'Alba Moscato d'Asti ...... $16.99 2005 Kalyra Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc ...... $16.99 2005 Adler Fels California Gewurztraminer...... $17.99 2005 Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Rosé...... $18.00 2005 Don Rodolfo Cafayate Valley, Argentina Torrontes...... $18.99 2005 Golan Heights Isreal Moscato...... $18.99 2005 Hermanos del Villar Rueda, Spain Ipsum ...... $18.99 RED WINES Member Price NV Stella Rosa Piedmont, Italy Sparkling Rosso ...... $16.99 2003 Chevere! Valle Central, Chile Cabernet Sauvignon...... $18.00 2005 Le Coq, Vin de Pays d'OC France, Rouge ...... $18.99 2003 Novella Paso Robles Petite Sirah ...... $20.99 2002 Gran Fuedo Navarra, Spain Crianza ...... $20.99 2004 Angus the Bull South East Australia Cabernet Sauvignon ...... $22.99 2004 Feudo di Principi di Butera, Sicilia Italy, Nero d' Avola ...... $22.99 2006 Dominique Morel France Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau ...... $22.99 2006 Dominique Piron Beaujolais Nouveau ...... $22.99 2004 Ramsay Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon...... $22.99 2003 Magpie Estate Barossa Valley, Australia ...... $23.99 Chateau Reynella Old Cave 12 year Old Tawny Port ...... $27.99 2004 Carr Paredon Grenache Noir ...... $28.99 2003 Dom. Maxime Chomel...... $28.99 TO ORDER, USE ORDER FORM ON BACK PAGE. MAIL TODAY, FAX TO 805-496-4311, OR CALL TOLL-FREE: 800-823-5527. HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM TO 5PM PST

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