Anyone doubting the quality of our local wines should read the recent Wine Spectator magazine that featured Josh Jensen of Calera Winery (Hollister) on the cover. Jensen’s Burgundy-style Pinot Noirs are world famous for their vivid berry flavors and limestone minerality. Calera’s wines are so good that the winemaker from Opus One in Napa Valley makes an annual visit to Calera to get pointers on growing wine grapes. In addition to Wine Spectator, Wine and Spirits magazine has again named Calera as one of the top 100 wineries of 2013. Calera may be a little off the beaten path, but the drive will reward you with a taste of its wines and equally spectacular views of the Diablo mountains.
This column is much too short to list all the state, national and international awards that our other wineries received this past year. The fun is getting out and exploring our wineries for yourself to discover the gems that are out there.
If you’re not sure where to start, download the free “Santa Clara Wine Region” app for your iPhone or iPad. You can find out wine-tasting times for the different wineries, what kinds of wines they produce and even directions on how to get there. Find the QR code (a barcode you can scan with your iPhone or iPad – and it automatically adds an app) on the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley website (www.santaclarawines.com) while checking the website for wine events, sorted by date, too.
While visiting the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley website, you will notice that a new Board of Directors have been elected for 2014. Congratulations are in order for new President Greg Richtarek (Guglielmo Winery), Vice-President Mike Sampognaro (Morgan Hill Cellars), Treasurer Gretchen Blatter (Casa de Fruta) and secretary Maria Bruhns (Lightheart Cellars).
Speaking of websites, this newspaper’s website has added a brand new section for local blogs – including my blog, Grapevine News. You’ll find local wine events and news for wineries in Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Hollister and will find Wine Spectator’s fascinating article about Calera. To help you find the perfect wine gift, you’ll also find out which wineries are having wine specials and holiday boutiques.
If you want to have something truly unique and special for the holidays, I recommend the Private Cuvee Raspberry sparkling wine from Creekview Vineyards. It’s got a delightful raspberry bouquet and a slight hint of sweetness – nothing cloying – with just-picked flavors and plenty of tiny bubbles. Makes a great host/hostess gift, too.
On the subject of holidays, here’s what some of our winemakers will be cooking and pairing with their wines: Tom Kruse of Thomas Kruse Winery says his family likes to make sauer braten and pair it with his 2010 Estate Zinfandel.
“The distinct varietal character of the wine stands up to the fairly strong flavors of the marinated meat and offers a nice counterpoint,” he said. “For the lasagna we’re also having, I would select our 2011 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Frank Leal, owner/winemaker of Leal Vineyards says his favorite holiday dinner is “filet mignon, horseradish potato puree and sauteed green beans with pancetta and caramelized onions.” Frank will pair this dinner with his GODSEND Cabernet Sauvignon.
Gino Fortino’s Christmas Eve tradition is fresh cracked crab marinated with fresh garlic and parsley.
“The tradition comes from my mom and her Sicilian side of the family who are all fishermen from the Santa Cruz area,” Fortino said. They will serve it with their Chardonnay.
Roni Jo Castillo, of Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery, said the Tamale Dinner Celebration – for club members and their guests – “will rely on our Syrah which pairs with most any food, to satisfy our well-loved members throughout the evening.”
Christmas Eve dinner for John and Carolyn Aver of Aver Family Vineyards, is a whole turkey breast, deboned and rolled up with a fig/cranberry stuffing and paired with a bottle of Hope, their food-friendly Rhone blend. On Christmas Day, they pair their Viognier, called Benevolent, with homemade crab cakes.
Therese Martin (Martin Ranch Winery) said, “One of my favorite holiday dinners is Lamb Osso Buco served with creamy parmesan polenta, and paired with Therese Vineyards Lester Family Syrah Santa Cruz Mountains. We also serve my flour-less chocolate cake with J.D Hurley Zinfandel to finish off the night.”
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all – and to all a good wine!
Bev Stenehjem is a wine columnist for South Valley Newspapers. Reach her at be***********@gm***.com and check out her blog at www.gilroydispatch.com/blogs/grapevine_news/
Dec. 14-15: Guglielmo Winery, 25th annual Holiday Faire, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complimentary mulled wine, carolers and a huge selection of beautiful gifts.
Dec. 14-29 (weekends): Solis Winery, Holiday Library Wine Tasting. Taste and/or purchase hand-selected, limited, super-premium wines. A great way to entertain out-of-town guests. Quantities are limited.
Dec. 21-22: Martin Ranch Winery, Bunkhouse Boutique and open for wine tasting. On this special weekend, 10 percent of all sales will benefit Community Solutions, Noon to 4 p.m.
Dec. 21-22: Lightheart Cellars offering a holiday sale – 20 percent off any six bottles, plus throw in a jar of their Merlot Jelly ($5) for a great stocking stuffer.
Dec. 21-22: Ross Vineyards open for wine tasting.
Dec. 21-22: Creekview Vineyards open the third weekend of this month.
Dec. 31: Leal Vineyards, New Year’s Eve dinner and party. Four course dinner prepared by executive chef, Mark Johnson. Call (831) 636-1023.
