Robert G. Mondavi
June 18, 1913 – May 16, 2008
“We In California had enormous potential; I knew we could become one of the great wine-producing regions of the world, but the American wine industry was still in its infancy, and no one seemed to have the knowledge, the vision, or the guts to reach for the gold, to make wines that could stand proudly next to the very best of France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.” Excerpt from Harvests of Joy by the late Robert Mondavi.
Robert Mondavi, a hero of mine, a giant of a man, an innovator, visionary, and a man of unyielding perseverance has left the legacy that is quite simply, our modern American wine culture.
Welcome to the Grapevine. We’ve introduced a new concept in wine. Frappe Vino and Party in a Bag. Stop in to relax and try Frappe Vino - our exclusive wine drink in Mt. Clemens and Northville Wine Sync locations, or take home a Frappe Vino in a Party in a Bag.
Wine Sync Grapevine - August 2008
Bottle shock is a temporary condition that happens to a bottle of wine during the transporting of it or right after the bottling of it. The wine calms back down, and all is as before. Not so in the latest film about wine, called “Bottle Shock”. Look for it to be released in the artsy-fartsy theatres around town sometime in August. It’s about the arrival of world class wines coming into being in Napa Valley, the big picture, a dramedy about a struggling British wine retailer in Paris who organized the historic tasting contest between the quality of French and Californian wines. It was 1976 and called “The Judgment of Paris”. We won! What a bottle shock! It changed everything about our American wine culture and how the world would never again second guess us. Brilliant Marketing! If you get to see the flick before us, e-mail your take on it. Come on in and get a bottle of Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, before the fans of the movie obliterate the wines from the bins of the world!
August 2008 Grapevine Selections:
White Wine Selection
Ramon Roqueta Macabeo-Chardonnay 2006
Cataluña, Spain
The D. O. area of Catalonia, in Spain has been producing wines for centuries. Ramon Roqueta founded his Bodegas in 1938. The results of his labor of love have lasted now for four generations. History has shown proof of the Roqueta’s working vines as far back as in the Roman days. Their vast knowledge and passion for the grape has merged with their progressive thinking, and has kept their winery thriving.
The white Macabeo grape is indigenous to Spain and is blended with Chardonnay to make Spain’s’ infamous Cava, or sparkling wines. We bin a couple of beauties at the store. But this wine is unique in that it is a still wine blend. Round and crisp, with honeyed flavors, and the citrusy Macabeo grape giving it a surprising twist of taste. Add a touch of mineral tang and whammy! So refreshing and casual, really versatile for a lot of different foods. Sync with fried shellfish, fish and warm weather salads and dips.
Red Wine Selection
Ventisquero Reserva Carmenere 2006
Colchagua Valley, Chile
This valley is nestled near the west coast of Chile, just off the Pacific Ocean and between the Andes Mountain Range. The grapes love where they live. They thank the grape gods by growing up to be near perfect adults. And we reap the wine bennies.
Not the Chile of old, wine producers such as Ventisquero are delivering top quality juice supported by cutting edge technology. The Carmenere (Car-men-air) grape is mellow and friendly, a nice alternative to Merlot wines. There’s 15% Cabernet Sauvignon blended into it. Dark, red and blue tones shine in the glass. Ripe red and black fruits, strawberry, currants and cherry aromas, with a touch of chocolate, coffee and tobacco because of the Cabernet. This Central Valley wine has the body of a belly dancer, voluptuous, yes? Round and velvety finish. Sync with ripe cheeses like fresh Provolone, cream and cheese recipes, spicy sauces, and tomato and chili paste dishes.
Alternative Red Wine Selection
Sangenis i Vaque Porrera 2005
Priorat, Spain
They first planted their grapes in 1978, in Porrera, Priorat. 1979 was Pere Sangenis and Conxita Vaque’s first crop. Their grandpa was Josep Simo, who was a winemaker and merchant. Tradition is all to this family. The slate-like soil, sea breeze and the gift of the sun has produced some of Spain’s most acclaimed wines in this region. Bold and new methods and international tastes have influenced their ideals in a positive way. This wine is noble in honor of their past.
The blend of grapes is balanced, with smoke, berry aromas, black cherries, oak and earthy floral impressions. Garnacha, Carignan and Syrah grapes living in harmony. Sync with grilled and roasted meats.
Be sure and visit our Food & Wine page for great recipes to compliment this month's wine selections! ENJOY - Alan, Paula, Matthew, Michael, Chris and the Wine Sync Crew,
Bon Appetite! |
