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Cheers 2 Wine News, Issue #008-- Hear the latest news from the California Wine Country
November 30, 2006
Merry Christmas from Steve and Kathy Howe


Wine Quote

"Drinking wine is just a part of life, like eating food."
Francis Ford Coppola, Moviemaker and Winery Owner



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Wine of the Month

Clos du Val ~ Napa Valley
WINE OF THE MONTH

Our latest wine of the month is Clos Du Val 2004 Carneros Chardonnay. This well balanced wine is light gold in color with delightful aromas of pear and pineapple. Citrus and green apple flavors interact for wonderful wine with a slight toastiness. This Chardonnay has a crisp, clean acid finish.

This Napa Valley winery is located along the Silverado Trail in Napa. Enjoy a stop at their friendly wine tasting room where you can sample the Chardonnay as well as their fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon.


Be sure to check back each month for our wine of the month.



Dry Creek Valley Wineries of Sonoma County
Sonoma County is known for the many marvelous wineries located here. You will discover fascinating wines of many varietals produced in the Dry Creek Valley region; including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Geurztraminer, Port, and Syrah. However, Zinfandel is the wine that this area is famous for. Enjoy great wines and fabulous wines on a romantic winery getaway to this beautiful valley. Learn more about the wineries in this area by clicking on the link above.


Taste - Great Amador County Restaurant
Enjoy the charms of the Sierra foothills and gourmet dining in the heart of Amador County. Taste is a newly opened restaurant in downtown Plymouth. The creative menu features fresh seasonal ingredients and fabulous food. This is the perfect place to dine after a leisurely day of wine tasting in the spectacular Shenandoah Valley. Wineries in this region have complimentary tasting and offer some of the best Zinfandel, Port, Sangiovese, and Barbera you will find anywhere.



Pairing Food and Wine

Are you looking for the perfect wine to serve for your holiday dinner? Use this easy guide to help you select the wine that complements your menu.

WHITE WINES

Chardonnay (Shar-doe-nay) This popular dry white wine is more full bodied than other white wines. Chardonnay has aromas of fruits and acidity. The aroma typically has flavors of lemon or grapefruit. Fermentation in new oak barrels results in a rich, buttery taste often described as toastiness, vanilla, apple, nutty, or toffee. Chardonnays aged in French oak result in a milder flavor than those aged in American oak.

Food and Wine Pairing: Chardonnay goes well with chicken, seafood, and fish.

Sauvignon Blanc (So-veen-yawn-blah) Lighter than Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc usually has a grassy citrus aroma. Flavors range from apple, pear, green tea, limes and freshly mowed grass. You can often detect a little smokiness. California Sauvignon Blancs sometimes have a melon flavor. This is a crisp light wine with a strong acid finish. It is also called Fume Blanc. American Sauvignon Blanc tends to be grassier than those produced in New Zealand.

Wine and Food Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with salads, poultry, seafood, and cheese.

Riesling (Rees-ling) Rieslings have a floral aroma. They range from very dry and crisp to intensely sweet depending on where it is from. German Riesling is slightly sweet and balanced with some acidity. California Riesling tends to be sweeter. Food and Wine Pairing: Rieslings go well with chicken, fish, pork, and spicy foods.

Gewurztraminer (Gah-vurtz-tra-meener) Gewurztraminer has a spicy aroma and fruity flavors of peach, apricot, tropical fruits, and lychee. It can be dry or sweet.

Wine and Food Pairing: Gewurztraminers go especially well with spicy Asian dishes and pork sausages.

Pinot Grigio (Pea-no-gree-zhe-oh) Pinot Grigio is light and crispy with almond, lemon, and vanilla flavors. These wines are also called Pinot Gris.

Food and Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio goes well with seafood and salmon.

RED WINES

Cabernet Sauvignon (Ca-burr-nay So-veen-yawn) Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich full-bodied wine. Aged in oak, this is a complex wine with cassis and blackberry flavors as well as hints of bell pepper. To make these wines drinkable sooner they are often blended with other grapes. French Bordeaux is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot to soften the tannins. When blended with Merlot and perhaps Cabernet Franc as well, this Bordeaux style blend is called Meritage in the United States.

Wine and Food Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon is the classic wine to serve with red meats.

Merlot (Mare-lo) Merlot is softer tasting than Cabernet Sauvignon due to having less tannins. It is a smooth, dry wine. Merlot is often described as having the flavors of boysenberry, black cherry, herbs, and mocha.

Wine and Food Pairing: Merlot is best with poultry and grilled meats, but actually goes well with most foods.

Pinot Noir (Pee-no Na-wahr) Pinot Noir is a smooth silky wine that is extremely fruity. It is characterized with aromas and flavors of black cherry or rose petals along with hints of spiciness or herbal qualities. Pinot Noirs are enjoyed for their soft velvety texture. High in alcohol, they are full bodied but not heavy.

Food and Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir is best served with grilled salmon, roast beef, lamb, duck, and mushrooms.

Sangiovese (San-gee-oh-ve-zee) Sangiovese is a medium bodied dry wine with earthy aromas and berry, plum, spicy, or floral flavors. It has a smooth texture. Sangiovese is the main grape used to produce Italian Chiantis.

Food and Wine Pairing: Sangiovese goes especially well with pasta and other Italian foods.

Barbera (Bar-bear-uh) Barbera is often used as a blending grape. As a varietal it can exhibit aromas of berries, plums, or cherries with hints of vanilla, toasty, or smoky flavors.

Food and Wine Pairing: Tomato based pasta dishes are perfect matches to serve with Barbera.

Syrah (Sah-ra) Syrah is a hearty wine noted for its complexity of aromas and flavors including raspberry, plum, smoke, and white pepper. It is a dark red wine, sometimes almost black in color. This wine is also called Shiraz.

Food and Wine Pairing: Syrah is great eaten with duck, wild game, steak, and beef

Zinfandel (Zin-fan-dell) Zinfandel can be light to full bodied. It can be rich and spicy or lighter and fruitier. Aromas and flavors that are typical include raspberry, jam, black pepper, and licorice.

Food and Wine Pairing: Zinfandel is wonderful with steaks, grilled meats, and tomato based dishes.






Order Christmas Wines Online!

De Martino 2004 Organic Cabernet Sauvignon The Cabernet Sauvignon has been blended with Malbec and Carmenere resulting in a dark red wine with aromas and flavors of blackberry, cherries, and truffle. Very tannic with intense flavors. Wine & Spirits has given this wine a score of 91. ($14.99)

Peter Lehmann 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon This wine is from Barossa Valley, Australia. Some of the best bargains in wines come from Australia and this is no exception. This wine has rich, intense flavors of black currants and a long silky finish. Very nicely balanced. ($15.99)

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2003 Hawk Crest Cabernet Sauvignon This is one of my favorite bargain Cabs. It has a nice earthiness along with flavors of cherry and raspberry. Very smooth and well balanced. ($14.99)

Bonny Doon 2003 Ca' del Solo Big House White (Screw Cap) This house wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. It has a floral and fruity flavor. A bargain in a screw top bottle! ($10.99)

Argyle 2004 Chardonnay (Screw Cap) This wine is from Willamette Valley, Oregon. A big, creamy Chardonnay with flavors of pear and apple and hints of rosemary. It has a nice, lingering finish. ($13.99)

Kim Crawford 2005 Sauvignon Blanc (Screw Cap) Intensely ripe and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with fresh tangy apple flavors. This wine is a light straw color. Another bargain in a screw top bottle. ($17.99)

Bonny Doon NV Framboise Infusion of Raspberries (half-bottle) This is a delightful sweet wine in a half-size bottle. It�s been awarded 90 points from Wine Spectator and 92 from Wine Enthusiast. Enjoy the captivating raspberry aroma and flavor�this wine is a dessert by itself! ($12.99)

Everything Wine
Easy Online Shopping

Gifts for Wine Lovers
Are you searching for holiday gifts for people on your list? Why not do yourself a favor and shop online? We have searched the internet for great ideas. Take a look at our collection of wine accessories, stemware, wine racks, serving utensils, home decor, and personal items. Buy with confidence from our associate, Amazon.com, one of the most trusted online shopping businesses. Enjoy great quality, quick shipping, and hassle-free shopping.







Free Wine Tasting Coupons

As a subscriber to Cheers 2 Wine News , you are able to access a page with direct links to free wine tasting coupons. New coupons are added each month.

After going to this page, simply click on the wineries you are interested in and you will be able to print free wine tasting coupons.

The password for this page is included in the ezine which is emailed around the 25th of each month. New subscribers can use the contact page to contact us for the password sooner.






Mark Your Calendar

December 2 - 3: "Holidays in the Vineyards", Livermore Wine County Visit Livermore wineries as they celebrate the holidays with special open house activities. Enjoy wine tasting, gourmet food, crafts, music, and holiday treats. No charge. Call (925) 447-9463.
More Details


December 2 - Sylvester Winery's Artist of the Month: Jeff Jasiorkowski, Paso Robles Wine Country
Jeff Jasiorkowski, a Paso Robles-based artist, will be premiering his latest series of paintings at a reception hosted by Sylvester Vineyards & Winery from 4-7 PM. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine as you meet the artist.
More Details


December 8-10: Korbel Holiday Shopping Spree Weekend, Sonoma County
Find special sales throughout the weekend, taste wine, and tour the historic champagne cellars and museum. Enjoy Christmas carolers from 1-3 PM on Saturday and Sunday and a special appearance by Santa Claus from 2:30-4 PM on both days.
More Details


December 9: "46 East Open House", Paso Robles Wine Country
Sample wines complemented by appetizers and other treats. Each winery is planning special tastings and events for this open house.
More Details


December 9 - "Winter Wine Wander", Lodi Wine Country
Enjoy festive music, wine tasting, food, Christmas decorations, art, and live painting. Cost is $25 per person in advance or $35 the day of the event. Donate a coat for a child and the price will remain $25 on the day of the event.
More Details


December 9-24: "Santa Claus Express on the Wine Train", Napa Valley
Enjoy a train ride to Yountville from Napa with Santa Claus and his elves. This will be fun for the whole family with Christmas caroling, coloring, and special pictures with Santa before and after each excursion. The cost is $20 for ages 13 and up with two free children tickets for each adult. Call for reservations: (800) 427-4124.
More Details





Easy Wine Recipes Cooking with Wine

"I cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to the food."

W.C. Fields



Osso Bucco
Serve with your favorite Pinot Noir or Merlot


1 medium onion sliced into thin rings
1 cup each of chopped celery and carrots
1 bayleaf
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon grated lemon rindbr> 1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon each of ground pepper, dried basil, and thyme
6 cross-cut veal shanks (6 to 8 oz. each)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
16 oz. can Italian plum tomatoes, chopped, with the liquid

1. Saute onion, celery, carrots, and bay leaf in butter for five minutes.
2. Stir in lemon and remove from heat. Set aside.br> 3. Mix flour with seasonings. Roll meat in flour and shake off excess flour.
4. Brown meat on both sides in olive oil in a large Dutch oven with a lid over medium heat.
5. Add wine and bring to a boil.
6. Cover and bake in a 375 degree oven until meat is tender. This will take about 1 hour.
7. Remove bay leaf and place meat on a platter.
8. On high heat, reduce the sauce in pan by one third, stirring frequently. Ladle over meat and serve.

This will make 6 servings.






Warm Raspberry Muscat Sauce
This sauce is delicious poured over ice cream or cheesecake!

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/4 cup Muscat wine
pinch of cinnamon
1. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet.
2. Add brown sugar and stir occasionally over medium heat until dissolved.
3.Stir in the Muscat and cinnamon and boil for 1 minute. 4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining butter.
5. Mix in the raspberries and let cool slightly before serving over ice cream or cheesecake.





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