Wines of France – COMING SOON! JANUARY 30, 2020 THURSDAY 6:30 PM-9:30 PM – Beaune’s Wine Bar – Ybor City (Tampa)

By in 2019 Top Wines, Desert Wines, Foodies, French Wine, Restaurant, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather, Wine Scores and Reviews

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Wines of France

…A night with wines from arguably the world’s most important wine-producing country

Wine and Charcuterie – $40-50 Thursday January 30, 2020 6:30 -9:30 (a supercharged assembly of charcuterie plus any surprises) this will be an assortment of cured meats and veggies paired with different accompaniments, such as toast, fruit, cheeses, and sauces. It’s going to be great! Good wine good education and food pairing! Along with French wine from different regions.

Beaune’s Wine Bar/West Palm Wines

located at:

2009 N 22nd St.

Tampa, Fl 33605

You will have access to their wine cave/cellar with some incredible wines. (Seriously folks…)

There will be discounts on wine purchases too!

Beaune’s (pronounced Bone’s) is the wine capital of Burgundy in the Bourgogne region of France. It’s known as “a wine lovers paradise.” Beaune’s Wine Bar bears the same name and reputation.

*In regards to Beaune’s Wine Bar …. Very few establishments in the Tampa Bay area have been granted Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Nine, to be precise, Bern’s, Bob Heilman’s, Forlini’s, Island Way Grill, Tio Pepe, Charley’s, Columbia, SideBern’s and Beaune’s.

Get ready for French Wine paired with a variety of fromages and other culinary musings.

Terroir, Terroir Terroir! It’s difficult to study on a scientific level…

By in Education and Culture, French Wine, Notable Wine Regions, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather, Wine Sensory Guide

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Terroir, Terroir Terroir!

Terroir is a key concept in viticulture because it relates to the bodily characteristics of wine in respect to the environmental and socio- economic conditions in which the grapes are grown.
Grading the quality of wine and wine style most likely, to a large extent, can be explained by terroir. (The winemaker and his process may quibble at that)

But, terroir is very difficult to study on a scientific level because many factors are involved, including climate, soil, cultivation and human practices, all of these factors interact.

The best expression of terroir is achieved when the capacity of the grapevine variety is suited to the local climatic conditions in such a way that full ripeness of the grape is reached by the end of the growing season; Not every grape can be grown in very place.

Also, grapes are an extremely climate sensitive crop and vines have been cultivated for several thousand years. What has happened is that over time many grape growing regions have been recognized, whose specific climatic conditions matched the capacity of certain varieties to produce wines of distinctive character.

To produce high-quality red wines, environmental conditions should encourage reasonable vine strength, either through practical water shortage stress or through low nitrogen supply which comes from surroundings with shallow or stony soils, in temperately dry climates. Likewise, regular but not excessive vine water and nitrogen supplies are needed to produce high-quality white wines.

However, great terroir emerges almost only when socio-economic conditions are satisfactory to the establishment of quality-orientated wine production. These conditions are is often measured as a combination of education, income and occupation. As we know, examinations of socioeconomic status often expose inequities in access to resources, plus issues related to privilege, power and control.

Those with more money and better access have more opportunities…and you have chances at better Terroir because of it. It’s just the way it is.

The Best up and coming Oregon region is not Willamette Valley it’s Umpqua Valley!

By in California Wine, Education and Culture, Keep an Eye out for these Wines, Notable Wine Regions, Oregon Wine, Spain Wine, Wine Chatter and Blather, Wine Scores and Reviews

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The best up and coming Oregon region is not Willamette Valley it’s Umpqua.
The Umpqua Valley of Oregon has 3 separate AVA’s Elkton, Red Hill and Umpqua. It’s approximately 25 miles due east of the Pacific Ocean and extends a further 20 miles east.
“The Hundred Valleys of the Umpqua” because it is made up of a series of interconnecting small mountain ranges and valleys. Umpqua Valley is a result of the collision of three mountain ranges. 
Oregon’s AVA’s are becoming increasingly more popular. One of Oregon’s more diverse climates, the Umpqua Valley can successfully grow both cool and warm varieties. It’s comprised of three distinct climatic sub-zones which makes it very interesting because it’s not only Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris that call attention it’s Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir. The soil is a mix of metamorphic, sedimentary and volcanic rock, though more than 150 soil types. What’s interesting is the Diurnal temperature variations can vary by as much as 25 degrees F. The result is a complex jigsaw of meso climates, aspects and soil mix that create a wide-ranging assortment of growing environments.
Just to know, most of the Pinot Noir grapes produced in the Umpqua Valley are slated for sale as bulk fruit to wine producers in California or Oregon’s Willamette Valley. You are drinking it already! It’s just plain good stuff.  In fact, Copper Cane, with it’s top-selling Elouan, Pinot Noir a Napa Valley, California, winery sells more Pinot Noir made from Oregon grapes than anyone else, and often at a lower price. 
Yep, sounds unfair. That’s why you scratch your head and say How much Pinot Noir can California produce! Copper Cane’s owner, Joe Wagner and Jim Blumling their VP of Operations, are meeting with Oregon Liquor Control to try to resolve this imbalance. That’s another story…
Umpqua Valley Pinot Noir would lend itself gamely to the production of rosé. No doubt…A Pinot Noir-based rosé could easily emerge as the region’s signature wine.
As times moves on The Umpqua Valley appellation continues to evolve as new winemakers discover the area to make great wine.
The justifiably popular wineries like Abacela, Spangler, Girardet, Reustle-Prayer Rock, Henry Estate and Brandborg (to name only a few) of Umpqua are being joined by a new group of wineries. Top scores and reviews too! Seek them out or better yet; take a trip and make a visit.

Wines of Spain.- Rioja !!! Wednesday December 11, 2019 – 6:30 – 9:30+ – at Vizcaya Restaurant in South Tampa

By in Bistros Eateries & Cheese, Foodies, Restaurant, Spain Wine, Sparkling Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Tampa Examiner Wine Pairing, Tastings, Wine Chatter and Blather

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Wines of Spain. Wednesday December 11, 2019  –  Rioja  6:30 – 9:30+  at Vizcaya Restaurant in South Tampa

Wine and Tapas – $35 (it covers the wine and 3 or 4 Tapas plus any surprises) …after that if you want to explore their menu you ‘re on your own; feel free. It’s good and authentic. It will be fun. Good food pairing!
Vizcaya
3671 S West Shore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
The wines will be CAVA, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva along with some Spanish Tapas. The wines will be from Rioja and there maybe a Ribera Del Duero in there… But it’s guaranteed to be a good time and a learning experience. 

Crianza: A wine labeled crianza has spent one year in oak barrels.
Reserva: A wine that says reserva on the bottle has been aged for two years; one of these years has to have been spent in oak.
Gran Reserva: These wines are aged for two years in oak and three years in the bottle.
Cava: Spain’s iconic sparkling wine style, and the Iberian Peninsula’s response to Champagne    

Most Riojas are red, and Tempranillo is the principal red grape used. The native grapes Garnacha Tinta (Grenache in France), Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano are also allowed in the blend. The Riojas can be in the elegant Bordeaux style, with hints of vanilla from the oak aging; which is the traditional style characterized by lengthy aging and some sweetness; or, gradually, in a more modern style with less aging, which highlights deep and fresh fruit flavors. All this pairs great with food.
White Rioja wines are usually made from Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca and Malvasia grapes. Their will be some of that too.
Hope to see you there.

This Holiday season do something a little different, host a Holiday themed Wine and Cheese tasting party. Here are some tips.

By in Bistros Eateries & Cheese, California Wine, Cheese, Foodies, Italian Wine, Spain Wine, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather, Wine Scores and Reviews

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One way to break up the madness that comes during Holiday season is to do something a little different, host a holiday themed wine and cheese tasting party. Here are some tips on throwing a good wine and cheese party.
Just gather several of your closest friends, wine, and a whole lot of unique types of cheese.
The perfect size for a seated tasting, in my opinion, is between 12-16 guests.
Pick seven Wines. Place all of the wines inside brown paper bags and assign a number. This way, no one would know which wine is being poured. Everyone will sip wines priced anywhere from $5.00 to $120.00.  Either provide all of the wine or another way to do it is to have everyone bring a bottle of wine of his or her choice. You can assign the type of wine, vintage, etc. as a guide so that the wines are all comparable. Then sample the wines in no particular order.
Nibble on many cheeses: For example; Midnight Moon, Humbolt Fog, Manchego, 5 Year Aged Gouda, Parmesan, English Cheddar, Stilton, and Guilloteau St. Angel. Cheeses like this will be absolutely delicious! Separate the cheeses by milk type: goat, cow, and sheep.
You’ll find that even friends who swore they strongly disliked certain kinds of cheese will happily fill up their plates with them. It just happens 😉

Serve  cold cuts, breads, crackers, fruit, and jams which are gluttonous pairings for the wines. For the jams, make sure you include included lavender honey, sweet mango chutney, and the very fashionable hot pepper jelly….maybe Pate too.
Printed score sheets on white, linen paper. Numbers 1-7 are added to rate each wine and the instructions were printed at the bottom of the page leaving plenty of space for note taking.
After everyone has a chance to feast a bit on all the delightful food, sit down and began to finally try each wine. Each place setting has 7 glasses. This will allow guests to go back and compare the wines.
What makes it so much fun is you have no idea what you are actually drinking.
After much sipping, debate, and laughter, tabulate the scores. The results get posted and listed from highest to lowest score.
You just never know what the result will be at a wine tasting event given everyone’s different palate. It sure is fun to find out! So, this year, do things differently and have a healthy, delicious, and memorable holiday season.
Here’s a quick idea for a wine list:
Col Solare ($60.00)
Caymus ($65.00)
Far Niente ($109.00)
Darioush ($90.00)
Faustino 1 ($25.00)
Yellow Tail ($8.00)
Tignanello ($80.00)

5 Hand-Picked Red Wines that are Great year in and year out. Give them a try!

By in 2019 Top Wines, Australian Wine, California Wine, French Wine, Italian Wine, Keep an Eye out for these Wines, Notable Wine Regions, Top 2019 Wines, Top Wines, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

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Here are some red wines that never skip a beat year in and year out. Tasty and delicious and accessible. While even most wines meant for immediate consumption, several reads with quality improve if they’re aged a year or two. These can good to drink now or lay down two or three years! 
Even the best wineries do not produce consistent quality year after year; But these wines I have enjoyed regularly and always seem to be available; which is a big plus… serve these in a big wide glass. They go well with an assortment of food as well. Pasta, Steak, Pizza, Burgers, Fish Tacos.. 
No frills. I have hand picked these 5 red wines.
2017 ‘CS’ Substance Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington
Delicious and structured wine with deep dark cherry, espresso bean, cedar and baked spice flavors. A rich and round wine. Good Length on the finish. Good Stuff from Columbia Valley Washington that continues to impress over the past few years. If it was form California it would be a lot more expensive than it is.
2015 Petra Zingari Toscana 2015 Tuscan Blends, Tuscany, Italy
Savory tobacco notes, earth and herb notes, lots of plums and big tannins. An Tuscan wine with Merlot and Petit Verdot. A juicy wine with cherries, dark chocolate I blind tasted this wine among some solid French Bordeaux and it the comments were fantastic; given that it is about half Sangiovese. It can age too.
2017 Chateau Puygueraud Bordeaux Cotes de Francs, Bordeaux, France
Black fruits, black olives and soy, smoky tobacco and rich. Every year seems to provide a better and better value. A very fine Bordeaux from the Cotes de Francs. Mostly Merlot with a good dose  of Cabernet Franc and the rest Malbec; it’s dense with layers of fruit.
2016 d’Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
I’ve been drinking this one for over 10 years now. Dark fruit chewy and round tannins. These tannins have a long, spicy, peppery finish. Clean, Oaky and complex wine showing tons of fruit like a blackberry pie along with that fresh mushroom and forest floor you want from an earthy Shiraz.
2015 Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
An always elegant and rich Syrah, from up and down the Western Rhône. Spicy, peppery, and smoky, dark fruit, alive and earthy and more salt notes of black olive on the finish. Year in and year out this wine has always hit the mark. This Côtes du Rhône GSM from Guigal is aromatic and smooth.

What in the world is Orange Wine !?!

By in Argentina Wine, California Wine, Education and Culture, French Wine, Italian Wine, Keep an Eye out for these Wines, Oregon Wine, Spain Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Tastings, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

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Let’s start real quick here “Orange” is not a type of grape or winemaking technique. It’s a color! And it’s just one color in the enormous style, and color spectrum, of skin-contact wines.
Like red and white and rosé before it, people have begun to use the color orange to define and judge wines. Any white-wine grape can be used to make orange wine. It’s true!
Hey! If colors are what open your world up to try wines; more power to you. Skin contact on wines has been around for thousands of years.
If you go to the Wine Folly website…you’ll get this:
The process of making orange wine is very old, but the reinvigoration of this ancient process has only resurfaced in the last 20 odd years. Many modern-day orange winemakers look as far back as 5000 years in Caucasus (modern-day Georgia,–not the state) where wines were fermented in large subterranean vessels called Qvevri (“Kev-ree”) that were originally closed with stones and sealed with beeswax.

Which I am sure will cause debate and confusion.
So just remember this…
1.       It’s not made from Oranges
2.       Orange wines are the product of vinifying white grapes the way red wine is normally made.
3.       Most Orange wines taste like a bolder, savorier version of wines from the same white grape it was made from.
4.       It’s not like Blue Wine which is Blue wine is made from red and white grapes, and gains its strange color from that.
5.       Orange Wine goes with a lot of food and they handle this wide range of flavors well. Especially foods that do not usually go with reds.
6.       All skin contact wines are not orange, but all orange wines are made from skin contact.
By all means, try an Orange Wine. It’s now the trendy thing to ask for…

Franciacorta! The Champagne of Italy!

By in Desert Wines, Italian Wine, Sparkling Wine, Tampa Bay Wine Pairing, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

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Franciacorta! Ever heard of it? Franciacorta is a sparkling wine from the Province of Brescia (Lombardy) with DOCG status, located on the hills located between the southern shore of Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia.
Where’s that? Italy. The top of the boot in the center; in between Piedmont and The Tre Venezie.
If you’re drinking a bubbly from Italy, there is a very strong chance that bubbly is Prosecco, but did you know that there’s another bubbly called Franciacorta, and has more like Champagne than Prosecco?
Honest! And it’s growing in popularity.
The still wines from Franciacorta have ancient traditions and documented in Brescia City council books as “Franzacurta” as far back as in 1277. The Middle Ages! But the sparkling wines are new and only been made since 1961. Prosecco as we know has been around for hundreds.
The difference between Prosecco and Franciacorta is the way each of the wines is made.
In the case of Prosecco, is made using what is known as the Charmat method. It’s a faster and cheaper way to create quality sparkling wine. In this method, the wine is transferred from its first fermentation vat to a large sealed pressurized tank where it undergoes secondary fermentation to create the carbonation. Then the carbonated wine is bottled and shipped to market. The result is a wine that is bubbly with delicious hints of fruit and freshness.
Franciacorta, on the other hand, is made the exact same way winemakers in France make Champagne.
The Method Champenoise or the Traditional Method, Franciacorta receives its bubbles by allowing a secondary fermentation to occur in the bottle. During this fermentation the CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) that’s created is absorbed into the wine, it does not escape and creates the bubbles we’ve come to love in Champagne. This process also usually means the wine is drier with a yeastier and less fruity character than Prosecco. This process of “sur lie” aging is what many say makes wines made in this method more complex.
Furthermore, there is another major distinct difference between Prosecco and Franciacorta. It’s the grapes used to make each of the wines. In Prosecco the grape is Glera, a white grape that has been grown in the Veneto and Friuli regions for hundreds of years. It’s a grape with high acidity, which makes it perfect for bubbly.
Franciacorta uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, which are the grapes also used to make Champagne. Just like Champagne… Franciacorta — it’s the name of the wine and the name of the region where it’s made Just like Champagne… it’s a warmer region than the chilly Champagne region, so the grapes are riper and fuller, which results in a wine that is not as racy and/or have the minerality that the Champagne region does. It’s a rounder profile but with the the designations for dosage exactly like those in Champagne.
Do the differences really matter? Only if you try them and enjoy how one, or both, taste.
Seek it out.

2018 Bordeaux Futures – it’s a very good vintage with several incredible wine values; I dig this vintage’s potential.

By in 2018 Top Wines, French Wine, Keep an Eye out for these Wines, Top Wines, Wine Chatter and Blather

2018 Bordeaux wine is complicated. In a nutshell, the buzz is it’s a very good vintage with several incredible wines! When you look at the scores awarded, you can see how much I dig this vintage’s potential.
The news is that 2018 Bordeaux is a very opaque vintage. Almost every wine is inky or dark; the wines are complex with all sorts of red and blue fruit aromas.
The 2018 Bordeaux is concentrated, richly textured and full-bodied. Pure fruit; the wines will be mouth filling heavy and dense. Yet with all that the vintage will be vibrant and big at the same time.
As the story goes, the best wines come from the Left Bank in Northern Medoc, where the roots were able to dig incredibly deep into the soils. Plus the Clay rich terroirs make a difference. Cabernet Sauvignon is the mainstay and it comes from St. Estephe, Pauillac and St. Julien which are exceptional. 
Likewise, the Cantenac highland of Margaux is another excellent area as well as parts of Pessac Leognan for the red wines. There are spectacular wines from each of these appellations, that Bordeaux wine lovers should take seek out.
In the Right Bank, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the focus and depending on the soil can be of astonishing and sometimes of unexpected beauty. 
In the 2008 vintage successful wines at least from the Right Bank slopes and elevation of Pomerol and in Saint Emilion, the wines produced the in limestone soils; the gravels near Pomerol and the clay rich soils close to, or in Saint Christophe des Bardes contribute.
By the way, Saint Christophe des Bardes is becoming a major hot spot in itself.
Here’s a list of reds and whites 2018 Bordeaux to look for; along with influential notes. Granted most of these wines will not be available until 2020 and 2021. The scores are phenomenal on these Bordeaux values.
2018 Fleur la Mothe, Medoc (750ml) »FUTURES« From Medoc, Bordeaux, France
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fleur la Mothe opens with plums and earth with herbs, fungi and a waft of olives. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it has a plush texture and great length. 91-93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Issue # Interim – Apr 2019)
2018 Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent Blanc (750ml) Semillon from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Brightness and serenity to this white with lemon rind and pear skin, highlighting the cooked-apple character. Medium to full body, bright acidity and a vivid finish. 92-93 points, James Suckling (Apr 2019)
              
2018 Chateau Larrivaux (750ml) »FUTURES« Merlot from Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France
The 2018 Larrivaux is quite pretty and expressive in this vintage. Freshly cut roses, red berry fruit, mint, and savory notes give the 2018 brilliance, energy and expressive aromatic persistence. Silky tannins add nuance. Two thousand eighteen is an especially fine vintage for this mid-weight, gracious Haut-Médoc. Larrivaux is 64% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Tasted two times. 88-91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Apr 2019)
2018 Chateau Les Gravieres (750ml) »FUTURES« Merlot from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France
Made from 100% Merlot, the 2018 Les Gravieres is deep garnet-purple and rocks up with gregarious blueberry pie, chocolate-covered cherries and plum preserves scents with nuances of violets, spice cake and mocha. Big, full and decadently fruited, it has a firm frame of super ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing very long and layered. 94-96 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Issue # Interim – Apr 2019)
2018 Chateau Lilian Ladouys (750ml) »FUTURES« Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France
This has a very pretty lilac note out front, followed by fresh plum and black cherry fruit flavors. Juicy in feel, with the minerality buried at the very end. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now. 90-93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (2019)
2018 Chateau La Vieille Cure (750ml) »FUTURES« Merlot from Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
This is so delicious already with wonderful, tight and polished tannins, medium body and a long, flavorful finish. Always excellent quality for the money. 92-93 points, James Suckling (Apr 2019)
              
2018 Chateau Lagrange Les Fiefs de Lagrange (750ml) »FUTURES« Cabernet Sauvignon from Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France
The second wine of the Lagrange property which was established in 1985 following the acquisition by Suntory group.
The 2018 Les Fiefs de Lagrange is deep garnet-purple colored with earthy, mushroomy notions and savory meats over a cassis and plums core plus herbs hints. The full-bodied palate is rich and packed with fruit, with firm, grainy tannins and a long finish. 90-92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Issue # Interim – Apr 2019)
2018 Chateau Taillefer (750ml) »FUTURES« Merlot from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
The 2018 Taillefer is very pretty. Succulent dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, licorice and menthol develop in a mid-weight, understated Pomerol that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Silky tannins round out the polished finish. This is very nicely done. Tasted two times. 88-91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Apr 2019)

Just found a little terrific Perubian restaurant …Terra Sur

By in Argentina Wine, Bistros Eateries & Cheese, California Wine, Foodies, Restaurant, Wine and Food Pairings, Wine Chatter and Blather

Just found a little terrific Perubian restaurant in Carrollwood , Florida called Terra Sur. Thanks to some good friends…My style.

It has your traditional Spanish Perubian fare such as Octopus, Shrimp, Clams with baked cheese, Chicharron de Calamar,  Lomo, Beef Tenderloins, Tapas… rice dishes, the whole 9 yards.

To me the best part is the winelist which includes wines from California like Plumpjack, Justin, Austin Hope, Peju, Provenance and a slew of others Spanish and Argentinian at a good price point. If you like wine with your grilled meats; this is the place. Plus, the staff is always talking up the wine offering a taste hear or there.

Not to mention that next door is a Cafe owned by the same people which is more bistro than restaurant and it’s worth trying as well.

It’s definitely a place you can go to several times for pairing…mixing and matching food and wine.

Desserts too!

Terra Sur is located at 5358 W Village Drive Tampa ,FL  33624

I like it.

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