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Cheers 2 Wine News - May 2008 Issue
May 05, 2008
Cheers from Steve and Kathy Howe!


Wine Quote


"Wine improves with age. The older I get, the better I like it. "

Anonymous








St. Amant
WINE OF THE MONTH

Our latest wine of the month is St. Amant 2005 Bootleg Port This wine is made from a blend of five traditional Portugese grape varieties. Dark, ruby red in color with aromas of crushed berries and deliciously ripe fruit flavors. This wine was voted Best Dessert Wine in California at the 2007 California State Fair. ($18.00)

St. Amant Winery is located at 1 Winemaster Way, Lodi, California, not far from Highway 99. Wines include Port, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, and Barbera. Call 1-209-367-0646 to make an appointment to sample these wonderful wines.



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




Step by Step Guide to Tasting Wine

Step 1:
Look at the wine, especially around the edges. Look for the color of the wine and the clarity. This is why clear glasses should be used for tasting wine. White wines become darker as they age while red wines begin to lose their color, turning more brownish.

Step 2:
Swirl the wine in your glass. This is done to mix oxygen in with the wine, which will soften the tannins of young wine. It also opens up the flavors and aromas of the wine.

Step 3:
Sniff the wine. Initially you should hold the glass a few inches from your nose. Then let your nose go into the glass. What do you smell?

Step 4:
Take a sip of the wine, but do not swallow yet. Roll the wine around in your mouth exposing it to all of your taste buds. Do this for at least a few seconds while thinking about the tastes of the wine.

Step 5:
Swallow the wine. How long does the "finish" last?(How long can you taste the wine after you swallow?) Do you like the tastes?

Tasting wine is suppose to be fun. Don't stress about doing everything exactly right. Don't worry if your tastes are different than people around you. Everyone has their own tastes and enjoys different types of wine.

San Benito County Wine Tasting




This is a great time to plan a visit to the wineries of San Benito County. These wineries, located near Hollister, will be celebrating their 6th Annual Passport Weekend of May 17 and 18. Visit this charming winegrape growing region with wine tasting at 8 local wineries. Wineries include Alicato Winery, Blossom Hill Winery, Calera Wine Company, DeRose Vineyards, Enz Winery, Flint Wine Cellars, Pietra Santa Winery, and Summerayne Vineyard. Tickets are available for $30 and are good for the entire weekend.

Learn more about San Benito County's Passport Weekend





Unique Accommodations Along the Central Coast



El Capitan Canyon
We thoroughly enjoyed the "luxury camping" available at El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara. These unique wine country accomodations let you experience being close to nature without sacrificing the conveniences of home. El Capitan has recently been featured in Sunset Magazine and the national news. We highly recommend El Capitan Canyon for your next wine country vacation.





Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort

This lovely resort in the San Luis Obispo Wine Country is the perfect place to go when you want to be pampered. Every room has its own private jacuzzi with either hot mineral water or fresh water. These coastal Wine Country accommodations will leave you wanting to go back again...soon!



Blue whale Inn
The Blue Whale Inn in Cambria is an absolutely delightful wine country bed and breakfast located near the Paso Robles wineries. The ocean views, seaside walking trails, and lovely wine country accommodations will make your exploration of California's Central Coast a romantic winery getaway.



Seascape Resort
Seascape Resort is a fabulous resort in the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine region just a short drive north of Monterey. These fantastic oceanview accommodations overlook Monterey Bay in Aptos and are just what someone would want for a romantic winery getaway. You won't be disappointed staying here during your California Tour. Wine tasting is nearby in Santa Cruz or to the south in Monterey.



While in vacationing along California's gorgeous Central Coast, be sure to visit some of the wonderful wineries and sample some memorable wines: Learn about Central Coast Wineries.

Top Wine Picks


Trevor Jones NV Jonesy Port This is a full-bodied Australian Port that has been blended with an average age of 46 years. Enjoy the sweet flavors of ripe plums, maple syrup, and hazelnuts. Rated 93 points by Robert Parker. (Definitely a best buy at only $10.49!)

Yalumba Museum Reserve Muscat (half-bottle) Another fabulous dessert wine from Australia. This tawny red colored muscat is a full-bodied rich wine that exhibits scents of rose petals and orange. The flavors of fruit, nuts, spices are incredible. Rated 97 Robert Parker. (Great value for only $18.99)

Las Rocas de San Alejandro 2005 Garnacha - Grenache Red Wine This Grenache is made from vines that are 70 to 100 years old grown in high altitude vineyards of Spain. Enjoy enticing aromas of firsch, raspberries, and pepper. This balanced, full flavored wine is rated 90 by Robert Parker. ($10.79)

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 Pinot Gris - Pinot Gris/Grigio White Wine This Pinot Grigio is crisp, dry, and fruity. It's bursting with aromas of pear and honey. Enjoy flavors of pear, melon, and spice. Perfect to serve with salmon, cheese, shellfish, chicken, salads, and fish. This wine is rated 93 by Wine & Spirits.($15.99)




Wine Tasting Coupons
As a subscriber to Cheers 2 Wine News you can access our pages of free wine tasting coupons. Some of these coupons allow you to taste for free while others let 2 people sample wine for the price of 1. The password for these pages is:
cheers2wine2006






Mark Your Calendars!

Throughout the month of May: NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN MAY ROMANCE MAGIC 1/2 Price Train Fare
During the Month of MAY you can purchase one full fare package & receive � off train fare on your second package. Offer applies to the train fare portion for the Gourmet Express Dinner Excursion or the Champagne Vista Dome Dinner. for more information call (800) 427-4124.

More Details



May 10 and future dates as well: The 20th annual THORNTON WINERY Champagne Jazz Series:
Enjoy the music of nationally renowned contemporary jazz artists performing at Thornton Winery's lovely venue. A special Gourmet Supper Package, prepared by the award-winning Caf� Champagne, is available during each performance. The package includes a reserved table under a covered patio, a three-course gourmet meal, tax and gratuity. Early reservations are highly recommended, as seating is limited. A selection of Thornton Sparkling and Premium Varietal Wines, assorted beverages, bottled water and freshly prepared items from the outdoor Jazz Grill will also be available for purchase before and during the concerts. For more information call 951-699-3021.

More Details:



May 17th & 18th: 6th Annual Passport Weekend - Hollister, California
Enjoy an unforgettable weekend experience exploring the San Benito County winegrape growing region. Tickets are available for $30 and includes a commerative glass and wine tasting at 8 wineries.

More Details:



May 17th: ZinFest - Lodi
Sample premium wines, delicious foods, and browse the arts and crafts from noon - 7 PM at Lodi Lake. Hone your culinary skills. Enjoy live music and entertainment. For reservations call: (209)365-0621. More Details



May 18: BBQ Cookoff at d'Art Wines - Lodi
Sample food and wine at this small, family owned winery from noon until 4 PM. Free. For more information call (209) 334-9946.

More Details








Cooking With Wine Recipes

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

W.C. Fields



Chicken Picatta

1 1/2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts
1 Tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon butter
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken stock
1 Tablespoon capers

1. Saute the minced garlic in oil in frying pan.
2. Mix together: flour, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat chicken breast pieces with the flour mixture.
4. Add the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn chicken over.
5. Add butter, wine, lemon juice, chicken stock, and capers. Simmer until chicken is not pink inside and the sauce has thickened. (approximately 5 minutes).
6. Pour sauce over the chicken to serve.

Makes 4 servings.






Fruit Salad In Wine

1 cantelope, cut into bite size pieces
1 cup dry white wine
1 pint blue berries
3/4 cup fresh chopped mint
3 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 pint strawberries, cut into halves
1 pint raspberries
Honey (to taste)

1. Mix in a bowl: wine, juice, and honey.
2. Add berries, cantelope, and raspberries. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Add bananas, strawberries, and the chopped mint. Toss gently and serve.






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