Them Two English Fellars Is Funny!

Watching the Oscar's and it reminds me of a new show (new to me, anyway) that I am delighted to share.

Oz Clarke and James May are a bit like Britain's odd couple.  I don't know any of their back story, but I stumbled across a show (and, subsequently, a youtube series) which follows these two blokes as they travel California's wine country in search of a keener understanding of "New World" wine.  Hilarity ensues in Oz and James' Big Wine Adventure. 

Oz Clarke is a well-respected wine writer in Britain.  James May is a mop-headed motorhead and host of several musle-car shows both here and across the pond.  James is hell-bent on finding inexpensive, accessible, decent wine (which he claims is difficult to do in Britain - sound familiar?), and Oz is on an equally relentless quest to expose James to the nuances of winemaking, and instill in him an appreciation for the people, places, and time that combine to create great wine (which is often posh and expensive according to James).

The result is a hoot.  The two Brits rent an RV, drink loads of wine (and document some of their more hammered moments), rub elbows with some of the greatest California winemakers, and cook up ridiculous challenges to test each others' wine acumen.   Check it out:

    Now, besides the pure entertainment this series provides, I believe it is also educational and there are more than a few parallels between (especially) James' pursuits and those of the casual Southern wine drinker.  Apparently, there is an earlier series where the couple tackles France, and also a book further detailing their exploits.  I will be perusing both.  Enjoy.

The Southern Man's Guide to Napa and Sonoma, Part II: An Open Letter of Confession

Dearest Napa:

I have a confession to make:  there's someone else.  No, no...it's not you.  You're great.  Beautiful, successful...classy.  You always deliver and you seem to always know who you are.  But that's just it.

This new gal, Sonoma...she's unpredictable...exciting.  She has some absolutely striking characteristics, but also some dodgy parts.  She can be hot (Dry Creek Valley) or cool (Carneros), rugged (Sonoma Coast) or refined (Sonoma Valley).  And that's the fun of her - you never know what you're gonna get.

Nicholson Ranch, apparently serving gold this day

Sonoma is just as likely to introduce you to grand estates with critically-acclaimed wines and winemakers (see:  Jordan, Williams Selyem) as she is to show you around a funky, artisinal winery behind someone's house (see:  MacPhail).  And they're all great.  She may serve you a biodynamic and/or organic Cab (a la Benziger, Kunde), a rustic Zin (Rafanelli, Stryker), a delicate Pinot (Mueller, Siduri, Lynmar), a lively white (Fort Ross, Merry Edwards, Nicholson Ranch), or a silky bubbly (Iron Horse, Korbel, Gloria Ferrer) to wash down a home-grown, hand-crafted meal from Applewood Inn, Farmhouse, or Dry Creek Kitchen.

Jordan and Macphail:  very different, very good

She's not a party-er (locals are known to refer to her as "Slow-noma"), but she can have a good time.  Sonoma loves a good meal (HBG, The Fig Cafe), a local craft brew (Lagunitas), and watching the sun set outdoors around a fire while re-capping the day's wine-stained adventures.  She can be quite the eclectic host, with luxurious accommodations (Farmhouse, Fairmont Sonoma, Hotel Healdsburg) and quaint dwellings (Applewood Inn, Inman Farmhouse, Bell House). You will always be treated well.

The funky Bell House in Petaluma, shown here 

with this balla's rad rental car

So, sorry Napa.  Sonoma's pretty much everything you're not...and that's a good thing.  Yeah, maybe some day I'll come crawling back, but for now I'll take Sonoma's diversity and experimental spirit over your respectable predictability.  It does feel a little like leaving the prom queen for cute-but-quirky-and-maybe-hiding-some-serious-inner-hotness girl next door, but it's a gamble I'm willing to take.

HBG in swanky Healdsburg.  Mmm...truffle fries

Don't worry, Napa.  I'll still call next time I'm in your neck of the woods.

The Southern Man's Guide to Napa and Sonoma

For the past several years, the Mrs. and I have taken a trip to Napa and/or Sonoma for rest, relaxation, food, fun and vino.  As a result, we are often asked for recommendations as to where to stay, eat, drink, etc. whilst in those areas.  Well, here it is.  This wine geek's "perfect" trip to Napa and Sonoma.  But first...a new discovery.

At a dinner party amongst friends last night, someone brought a bottle of Pinot Noir that was new to me:  2009 Del Dotta Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Cinghiale Vineyard.  The wine opened with a burst of cherry-vanilla on the nose and the palate, then sharpened to a savory, silky finish.  We enjoyed it as an aperitif, but I imagine it would be at least equally good with a meal.  I did a little research and, apparently, Del Dotto is a pretty cool winery to visit as well (how 'bout that segway).

Not the official wine of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Now, back to the itineraries.  My first recommendation is to do your research.  Be open to new things, but plan some things you know you'll enjoy, too.  In this age of blogs, mobile apps, and the like, it's easy to get lots of recommendations and reviews very quickly.  Just don't put too much stock into what "winezilla" from Omaha says.  It's a free-for-all out there.

Napa Valley:
Many consider Napa Valley to be the best wine-growing region in the U.S., and it's easy to see why.  Such a concentration of great wineries could only result from near-perfect growing conditions for some of the world's most high profile grapes, namely Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Somewhere in this picture, I'm frolicking in a vineyard.

Where to stay:  Doesn't really matter.  Just about everything is located on or in between Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail.  I say find a place somewhat centrally located in the Valley, like Yountville or Rutherford, so that you can easily explore half of the valley in a day without having to drive too far.

Where to eat:  There are a ton of great restaurants in Napa, and they range from uber-luxe to roadside stand.  Our all-time favorites are more on the casual side.  I love the tiny, funky Bounty Hunter in downtown Napa (city).  I know...we Southerners think we know BBQ and, believe me, I consider myself a connoisseur, but this stuff is really good, and they have over 100 wines by the glass, and they'll help you pair it with BBQ(!?!).  Heaven.  My wife loves Oakville Grocery right off of Hwy 29.  They have fresh, handmade sandwiches and the like, and you can bring your meal outside to one of their picnic tables and enjoy it with a newly-purchased wine in the great outdoors.  A fantastic lunch spot.  Of course, there's French Laundry (which we have never been to), Ad Hoc, Mustard's, Bistro Jeanty, Rutherford Grill, Gott's Roadside, and many, many more.

Where to drink:  There are WAY too many great wineries/tasting rooms to spend any amount of time detailing.  Here are some of our faves, working South to North:  Domaine Carneros, Acacia, McKenzie-Mueller, Etude, Ceja, Domaine Chandon, Miner Family, Provenance, Hewitt, Alpha Omega and Duckhorn.  Others that we have not yet visited, but enjoy their wines:  Elyse, Pine Ridge, Jarvis, Buehler, Amizetta, Chappellet, Round Pond, Quintessa, Del Dotto, and Saintsbury.

The humble abode of Domaine Carneros

Whew!  I'm tuckered out.  We'll tackle Sonoma County in Thursday's blog.  Feel free to share your recommendations for "must-do's" in Napa.

A Great Valentine's Wine

So, I took my bride out for a fancy meal this past Valentine's Day at The Little Village in downtown Baton Rouge.  Neither of us had eaten dinner at its new location, which was lovely.  We got things started with some Mumm Napa Valley Prestige at the bar, and then settled down at a nice table for two (although it felt a bit like a table for six as the couples on either side of us were seated pretty close to our table - at one point, a couple two tables down got engaged, it felt like I was being proposed to, which was both awkward and kinda flattering...but I digress). 

As we heard about the dinner specials and began to scout the menu, it was clear one of us was going red meat and the other seafood.  What wine to order?  It would need to be versatile enough to accompany steak and fish, both prepared in our local, South Louisiana style - somewhat heavy, rich, with some spice.  And, it is Valentine's Day and I need all the brownie points I can get, so it needed to be at least a slight "splurge".   We landed on a bottle (or two...who's counting?) of 2009 Foxen Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley.

Now, I've had Foxen a time or two, and read about the hilarious antics at its tasting room in the Sideways novels, but this wine snuck up on me.  It was juicy and very fruit-forward - very California - but nicely balanced with enough richness and heft to compliment my Valentine's filet mignon, and delicate enough match my grilled mahi mahi.  The wine also had a streak of acidity and a nice, clean finish that made it really food-friendly.  We are planning to visit the Foxen winery in Santa Barbara County while we are vacationing there in May, and I hope to sample some more of their offerings.

A fine wine for a great, South Louisiana meal...and I think I managed to score some brownie points.  Winner, winner, Valentine's dinner.  What wines did you (re)discover this Valentine's Day?

Did Someone Say Deals?

Think the Internet is just for buying brides, shakeweights and music?  Think again.  The World Wide Web is actually the best place to buy wine this side of your trusted local wine shop.  Case in point:  Wines Til Sold Out (WTSO.com).  This online seller is a liquidation tool for wineries and importers, and a blue light special for wine bargain hunters.  In fact, this Wednesday is WTSO's semi-annual(ish) crown jewel of wine sales- Cheapskate Wednesday.  This inventory clearance is a rapid-fire deal (follow on Twitter or keep their site open and refresh often for best results), but if you stay focused, the rewards can be mighty.  This isn't cut-rate plonk that nobody wants.  I personally have purchased the likes of Hewitt, Paraduxx, Coelho, David Bruce, Dionysus, and others from these sales.  Oh yeah, and every bottle is guaranteed to sell between $7.99 and $18.99...plus free shipping when you buy four or more.  I'm planning the expansion to my wine fridge now.

I'm not affiliated with WTSO.com at all, but especially here in Louisiana where our selection can be a bit dodgy and pricing stiff, it's nice to be able to look elsewhere...and you look important when you get big boxes delivered to the office.

Of course, online shopping can't replace the relationship you may have with your local retailer, or perhaps the convenience of the corner store.  However, if you like a good bargain and appreciate good wines, it's worth a look. Happy hunting.

Later this week, I'll be bringing some recommendations of things to do, see, and taste whilst in California wine country.  This seems to be the vacation du jour, and I'm getting a lot of requests, so I'd like to put my recs out there and perhaps some of you will chime in with your own.

Cheers...

Welcome to A Southern Man's Guide to WIne

Yeah, I know it's my third post and I'm just now getting around to the "welcome message", but that's how I roll.  So here goes...

Welcome to A Southern Man's Guide to Wine.  Wine is not synonymous with Southern culture, but it should be.  Sure, you hear about homemade, native-fruit swill in plenty o' country songs, but that's not what I'm talking about.  Good wine has a place here...and for some reason it's not always at the table.

For a culture as obsessed with food as ours is, wine should be an everyday thing, woven into the fabric of Southern life.  It is often a perfect accompaniment to our food, or vice versa, yet our exposure to good, food-friendly wine is limited.  California Zinfandel is excellent with gumbo.  Chardonnay and fried chicken are made for each other.  Sauvignon Blanc and raw oysters should be pro forma.  For some reason, you don't find these, let alone more creative, pairings at nary a restaurant or dinner party here in the Dirty South. Why is that?

But I'll tell you why Southerners should appreciate fine wine...and demand more of it.  We respect craftsmanship, beauty, and sense of place.  We love a good value, too.  Southerners also appreciate "real", and there is nothing more real than when a vineyard speaks through a wine...or when a winemaker sits down with you to pour his latest release....or when you have that first sip of fine wine.  So, why doesn't wine have a more prominent place here?

Finding answers, or rather, solutions to this dilemma is what this site is all about.  I want to expose others to fine wine, and all that goes into it, as well as show how it fits into every day life in the South.  Good, even great, wine is here.  You just have to look for it.

So, please join me as we taste through new wines and explore new (or old) ways to incorporate it into Southern culture.  Let me know what you think...

PINOT BOWL I

The big game just finished, but another monumental competition crowned its champion last night.  Pinot Bowl I pitted five titans of American Pinot Noir against each other in an impromptu battle to the death (meaning we drained the bottles). 

The battlefield:  French Market Bistro in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Its classic bistro setting and Pinot-friendly menu – plus inexpensive and accommodating corkage policy – made it an ideal setting for PB1’s maiden voyage. 

The ground rules:  each couple was responsible for bringing a bottle of Pinot (no price, vintage, origin, or style requirements).  Each bottle was bagged and numbered to be tasted blindly by our panel of enthusiasts – the only way to crown a true Pinot champion.  Each couple was provided a score sheet with which to rate each wine according to appearance, aroma, body, taste and finish.  The wine with the highest cumulative score wins.  Its owner receives a golden chalice and fatted calf.

The lineup: 

2008 Etude Pinot Noir Carneros

2009 MacPhail Vagon Rouge

2009 Goyette Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2009 Williams Selyem  Central Coast Pinot Noir

2008 Stoller SV Pinot Noir

 Pinot Bowl I:  The Contestants

Each of the wines was delicious enough to merit its own meal.  The Etude displayed the classic Carneros loamy earth and mineral characteristics.  The MacPhail was wound tighter than a two dollar watch, but slowly opened up to cherry and spice notes.  The Goyette was a cherry-vanilla treat with just the right amount of acidity to keep the fruit in check.  Williams Selyem is always delicious and expressive of place, and the savory Central Coast was right on point.

The Champion, Stoller SV, was perfectly balanced with earth, berries and spice.   A pleasure to sip.

Alas, my wine (MacPhail) was not the winner, but it felt a lot like 4-year-old soccer:  we all won.  It was a great experience and a fun way to learn the nuances of, in this case, American Pinots.  Take that Giants fans.

Oh, and in case anyone was actually wondering if I drank Bogle during the game, see below.  The Petite Sirah was very good, and a nice accompaniment to turkey cutlets on the grill.  Have a great week and don’t forget to find some time to drink some wine.  Cheers…

What Would Manning and Brady Drink?

So, the big game is just a few days away and, if you're like me, nothing washes down an occasion like the grape. It's not always easy to pick the "right" wine for a big event, so let's examine what the two star quarterbacks might be sipping were they enjoying the Super Bowl from home:

Eli Manning - while he looks like a mouth-breather and has an "ah, shucks" persona, Eli handles his high-profile gig with grace, and seems to come up big in the clutch.  He probably enjoys a wine that might not have a lot of sizzle on the outside, but can hang with the big boys when it comes to taste and complexity.  I'm thinking he likes the 2008 Buehler Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.  It's not flashy, and somewhat unimposing at $35 a bottle, but boy is it good.  He's a simple man that enjoys a great, though unadorned, wine that plain delivers.

Tom Brady - what do you drink when you have three Super Bowl rings, are rich and good-looking, and have an uber-hot wife?  Something exotic.  And CRAZY expensive.  Penfolds Grange 2005 should do the trick.  It says: "I appreciate good stuff and I'm not afraid to cough up some serious coin for it...oh, and I'm not some stuffy and predictable Bordeaux drinker, either."  I can just see Mr. Brady sipping this in his UGGS, while lying on a bearskin rug and watching the game as Gisele feeds him figs dripping with honey.  Sheesh.  Aren't UGGS from Australia?  So is this wine!  Neat-O!

And for me? Funny you should ask.  Since the Black & Gold isn't playing, I'm not looking to pour liquid gold, though I must drink good juice.  I need something that I can actually find in a store (and in quantity), won't break the bank, is GOOD, and versatile enough to accompany a variety of artery-clogging gameday dishes.  Where do I look?  To an ol' favorite:  Bogle.

Yeah, it's practically everywhere, but it's not bland, ubiquitous, rotgut.  Far from it.  Practically every wine they make is really good year in and year out...and none of it crosses the 12-dolla threshold.  I'm going with the Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah, but the Chard, Cab and Pinot ain't too shabby either.

Most importantly, enjoy the game with family, friends and good wine (we hate you Tom Brady).