Paso Robles – The Uncharted Wine Getaway

By Kat Thoma, Editor in Chief, Edible Skinny

A few weeks ago Edible Skinny was lucky enough to tour the wine wonders of Paso Robles.  Now we’ve done California vino before with jaunts to Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and Temecula, but this was our first delving into the world of Paso.  It was an uncharted wine getaway, the perfect excuse for Kat and Kelly to hop in the car and discover all that this growing wine region has to offer. 

 

Paso Robles is located approximately halfway between the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco.  It is a community in the process of defining itself as an independent wine region.  Cabernet is most widely planted grape in the area.  It is primarily shipped North to more notable wine regions such Napa and Sonoma as filler wine; but the times they area a changing.  

The booming Paso Robles wine region is now home to more than 100 tasting rooms and more than 200 wineries.  This translates to over 32,000 acres of vineyards on which about 40 varietals of wine grow.  This expanding wine region now gets 1 million visitors per year (Napa by contrast gets 3.5 million visitors). 

 

The “Templeton Gap,” a notch in the coastal Santa Lucia mountain range, allows marine air to cascade inland and across the Paso Robles wine country.  This cooling influence fosters quality and complexity in the local wines as temperature swings of 50 degrees within a 24-hour period are not uncommon during the late summer months.  About two-thirds of Paso Robles wineries produce less than 5,000 cases. In other words, they are smaller, more boutique wineries.  And so, Edible Skinny delighted in diving into the world of the emerging wine region of Paso Robles.     

JUSTIN Winery

We started our wine weekend with one of Paso’s biggest JUSTIN Winery.   JUSTIN is one of the largest wineries in the area producing 180,000 cases per year on 1,000 acres of property.  

Our server Mark was the perfect pour-er, being present when needed and scare when not (he recommended always to toast from the bowl of the wine glass… “No clink when you drink….”).  Mark noted the “tasting is about trust”  Some of favorites included the Right Angle, a wine that is only available onsite.  As Mark noted, “it’s my Tuesday wine.”

But the most famous wine made by JUSTIN is their Isosceles.  Named after the triangle that has a ratio with two sides of equal length Isosceles is a combination of lots of Cabernet and equal pats Cabernet Franc and Merlot.  Kelly chirped in that the wine “makes me want to be in the bathtub.”  We finished this off with the Isosceles Reserve, an elusive wine as they only make 350 cases per year, making it only available to members of the Isosceles Wine Club.  With a mouth swirling of Blackberry Pucker and Ruby Raspberry Kelly commented, “it tastes like the first day of fall when you build a fire.”  

Something To Check Out: STARS of Cabernet

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most recognized red wine grapes.   And with that in mind, Edible Skinny is stoked to be recognizing one of our favorite grapes at this year’s 7^th annual STARS of Cabernet at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, produced by WineLA.com

Cabs are statement bottles.  They’re full bodied wines with high tannins and acidity that makes you notice what is up!  And STARS is a full of bodied collectable showcase bringing the best producers together with their respected wineries.   Wines featured at this event includes: Fairchild, Duckhorn, J. Lohr, Jordon, JUSTIN, and many more. 

This STAR studded event allows all guest to enjoy unlimited wine tasting, tray passed Hors d’oeuvres, and an assortment of breads, cheese, and chocolate.  There will be a silent auction with 100% benefits going towards the TJ Martell Foundation, which help funds Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a charitable 501c.  Splurge for the VIP tickets and you’ll enjoy a delicious VIP Buffet and receive a Gift Bag upon departure.  

The event’s almost sold out but if you want to grab some of the last remaining slots head over to:

http://www.starsofcabernet.com/

Hoping Life is Delicious and you’ll be recognizing one of our favorite grapes at STARS.  

 

 

Some Stunning Pictures from Fumanelli's Cherry Party

Red is the color that makes people hungry.  Red instantly attracts attention, makes people excited, energetic, and increases the heart rate.

--ThePsychology of Color

Italian Friend of Edible Skinny, Fumanelli Winery recently turned red to celebrate their Cherry Festival and the wines of the Valpolicella territory (that typically resemble the color, taste, and aromas of this summer fruit!). 

This year the guests were nearly 200 coming from over 16 different countries (including the fabulous Allison Levine of Please the Palate all the way from SoCal!) to celebrate the tradition of this half a millennial old winery.

The ladies in attendance were dressed in cerise and Valpolicella red, delighting the eyes and sparking the palate! 

Here’s the Life being Delicious and the art of wearing red!

Pretty in Pink: The Wines of Provence

Edible Skinny was lucky enough to attend the Wines of Provence at L'Ermitage BeverlyHills Rooftop Terrace a few weeks ago hosted by the Wines of Provence (aka Vins of Provence)!

Provence, located on the southern coast of France, is the birthplace of dry rosé and is recognized gold standard of this coral colored drink.  Eighty-eight percent of all wine produced in Provence are rosés.  Which is a big deal as rosés outsell white wines in the country of France. 

Ever since the Greeks first brought wines and vines to the Marseilles area, 2,600 years ago, the people of Provence have been dedicated to the art of rosé winemaking.  The landscapes aggressive sun, Mistral winds, and patchwork of terroirs made the region exceptionally well suited to growing grapes.  In the centuries since, Provence has set the standard for high-quality rosé.  Today it is home to the world’s only research center devoted to rosé wine.  

 

One of Provence’s most vital environmental components is the Mistral wind. Icy cold in the winter after having sped across the Alpine snows, it can also be refreshing during the long hot summer months. Although it can be violent and capricious, the Mistral does nonetheless have one noteworthy quality that is important for Provence's vineyards: it is extremely dry, which protects the vines from illnesses caused by excess humidity.

 

Among Provence rosés, you’ll find a variety of styles – some lighter, some fuller.  But overall the wines are all tend to be fresh, crisp, and dry; a pink Provence rosé is by definition is not sweet.   By contrast, the typical America blush wine (our sweeter, also pink, wine) contains almost seven times as much residual sugar per liter (gross, gross, gross…).  So it’s not surprising that Americans have sought out Provence’s rosés.  For the 11th consecutive year, exports to the USA have grown at double-digit rates.  We’re also the number one importer of Provence rosé wines.  

Authentic rosés are made from red grapes, which have dark skins and white flesh.  As they’re crushed, the grapes release a pale juice that quickly takes on some color and tannins from the dark skins (the pulp doesn’t emit any color).  The color of a rosé wine will then depend on the duration and temperature of the contact between the grape juice and the skins (the maceration time).   Traditional Provence rosé grape varieties include: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tibouren, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  

Some fun pink wines we explored while at L'Ermitage included Château de Brigue’s Signature ($17), Château Réal D’Or Rosé ($12), Domaine Terre de Mistral Rosé ($12), Château D’Esclans Garrus ($85). 

All absolutely pretty in pink, pink wine that is!

PS If you've read to the end you get another fun fact: In Provence most red wine is made on concrete tanks!  

Loving Italian Amarones with Armando Fumanelli

 Edible Skinny LOVES Amarones, LOVES THEM!!! 

Armando Fumanelli and Maria Brown

ICYMI an Amarone (aka Amarone della Valpolicella) is a typically rich Italian dry red wine made from partially dried grapes of the varietal combination of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella.  It’s like if velvet was transformed through the magical of alchemy into a bottle of wine!  And last week we were lucky enough to try out some fun ones from the family estate of Marchesi Fumanelli at a classic Italian lunch at Mr. Cs in Beverly Hills.   

Our event was hosted by Mister Armando Fumanelli, head of Marchesi Fumanelli family and the wines they produce.  As of 1998 Armando has served as proprietor and CEO of this wine with a goal of combining traditional and modern techniques to produce authentic expression of their family estate’s distinctive terrior.  Before working in the family business, Armando served in the Italian Embassy for several East African and Middle Eastern countries.  Armando definitely gives the Most Interesting Man in the World a run for his money as when he’s not working on the grounds or being an ambassador for Fumanelli he’s racing his twenty plus vintage cars in exotic destinations (gotta Love Italian men flying around racing 1967 Mercedes for 3 days in the South African desert…).  

 

But back to the wine!  So the continental Squarano estate is located in the heart of Valpolicella Classico area in Verona (yes that Verona, home of a certain pair of infamous star crossed lovers…) on a gentle hilltop surrounded by vineyards, cypress, and cherry trees (apparently they have a fabulous cherry festival every year on the estate where all the female guests must dress in red!).

Wine is nothing new to Armando as the Marchesi Fumanelli family have been fostering grapes and producing wines since 1470.  Located on 78 acre Squarano estate are vestiges of a temple dedicated to the Goddess Flora, built by the Romans who planted the first vines over a thousand years ago.

Mr. Cs' Gnocchi

Of the wines sampled at that multi multi course meal (gotta Love Italians and there Love of 3 hours lunches…) one of our favorite delights was their white Terson Bianco Venteo 2009 MSRP $40).  Their only white wine is a 50/50 blend of Garganega and Trebbiano Toscano.   The wine’s high minerality is due to their fifty-year-old vines growing over limestone rocks.  Once hand harvested the grapes are then placed into plateau where they are left to rest for 15-20 days.   The result is tangy acidity with flavors of green apple, almond, and fennel that’s great balance to lobster and scallops!

Our other favorite was their flagship, the Octavius Amarone della Valpolicella DOC Classico Riserva (MSRP $150).  Composed of the classic Amarone balance of Corvina Veronese 40%, Corvinone 40%, Rondinella 20%.  The vines are forty years on average and are hand selected and then placed into the traditional wooden plateaux and left to rest for 120 days with drying and concentration of all the elements.  

Grilled Veggies at Mr. Cs

This is a wine traditionally enjoyed with boar meat (and this was actually suggested in at the lunch… Gotta Love Italians and their love of game meat…), hard cheeses, and dark chocolate.  Full of spice, cherry, and cranberries with a dark ruby red coloring and a viscosity that screams a vampire should sip it.  

So if you’re looking a classical Mediterranean bottle that whispers to you of that dream of velvet being transformed into wine, Armando Fumanelli would say “stay thirsty my friends and Salute”! 

Spread the Warmth Gift Idea #3 – The Getaway Wine Weekend

The Thomas Gals at Hartford Family Winery

Spread the Warmth Gift Idea #3 – The Getaway Wine Weekend

Edible Skinny loves travel and adventure, especially when it involves wine country!  Earlier this year we experienced a fabulous trip to the Russian River Valley!  And because we have a most spectacular time we thought it would be a fabulous getaway wine weekend for our Spread the Warmth Gift Giving guide!

DO

Wine Cube Tours

Raymond Rolander, a grinning bearded guy in pageboy cap, knows where to go and what to drink in the Russian River Valley.  Driving around wine country in his Nissan Cube, Sonoma Magazine referred to Raymond as “a one man Uber.”  A super smart native of Sonoma County, Raymond’s a former tasting room manager with a decade of bar work under his belt.  Rolander tailors all tours based on whatever you want in wine, experience, and location preferences in a fun and 100% worry free environment.  With a catchphrase of: local is knowledge, he specializes in access to small, off the beaten path producers of wine, cheese and olive oil while serving up a side order of local history!

STAY

The Rio Villa Beach Resort

Located in the tiny hamlet of Monte Rio (Population: 1,152,) the Rio Villa Beach Resort, is a Bed and Breakfast Inn located on a quiet bend of the famed banks of the Russian River.  Just moments away from the Sonoma Coast and over a hundred wineries, this quaint resort offers a variety of accommodations for couples, families and individuals traveling for relaxation or business.  Surrounded by majestic redwoods, the Rio Villa has a private beach that is totally bathed in sunshine.  The grounds are meticulously manicured and aglow with the color of flowers and the aroma of herbs.  Just next door and around the river bend is the Monte Rio public beach where canoes and kayaks can be rented.

EAT

Boon Eat +Drink

Located in close by Guernville (Population: 4,534), Boon Eat + Drink is a modern California bistro.  Tiny, yet airy with tables composed from felled redwood trees, Boon is all about the blessings of simplicity.  Its simple menu is meant to show off produce from backyard garden and area farms.  Owner Crista Luedtke (who’s dog is the inspiration for the name of the restaurant) has her details in every nook and cranny of this minute restaurant that Food and Wine noted as one of the best restaurants in “America's Best Little Food Towns.”

So here's to Life Being Delicious!!!

Vines to Vino Contest Winner: Julia Reed Nichols

And we have a winner!!!

Miss Julia Reed Nichols who submitted the simply adorable wine picture for Edible Skinny's Vines to Vino Contest!

Julia, who runs the nonprofit consulting firm Do Right! Industries, will be taking her spoils (a Private Reserve Tour and Tasting for 6 people at Alexander Valley Vineyards) and donating to one of the numerous charities that she works for!  Talk about Charity Tuesday!

Sick of hearing that her generation is nothing but narcissistic brats - Miss Nichols decided to start Do Right Industries with the idea of dedicating to helping nonprofits thrive and finding creative ways to work worthy causes into everyday business.  Her work been featured on Good Day LA, The Queen Latifah Show, The Military Channel, LA Weekly, Time Out LA, The LA Times ,E! Online, US Weekly, Daily Mail and more. Past projects include events for Pin-Ups for Vets,  LAPD’s Eagle & Badge Foundation, The Los Angeles Jazz Society, LA WineFest, The American Society of Music Arrangers & Composers, SHARE Ladies, California’s Disabled Veterans Business Alliance, City Club of Los Angeles, The Dollface Dames and more.

Alexander Valley Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of Sonoma's Alexander Valley, on the historic site originally settled in the 1840's by valley namesake, Cyrus Alexander.  With vineyards that stretch from the banks of the Russian River to the Mayacamas hillsides of the Wetzel Family continues the tradition of family farming on the property.  Their wines reflect the unique character of the region and they are known for elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, a trio of iconic Zinfandels - Sin Zin, Temptation & Redemption, luscious Chardonnay, rich Merlot and their flagship, CYRUS - the first growth of Sonoma.

I'm sure Alexander Valley Vineyards is glad their giveaway will end up benefiting so many people with Do Right Industries!  Happy Charity Tuesday!!!

You can follow on Twitter
Edible Skinny:  @EdibleSkinny
Do Right: @DoRightInd
Alexander Valley Vineyards: @avvwinery

Jordan Just Became My New Favorite Wine..!

Let's dance!  So Jordan Vineyard & Winery just became my new favorite wine based on this YouTube video.  Jordan's latest vintages were released nationally on May 1, and since May was National Fitness Month, they decided to make a music video to get everyone ready for their new wines.

It's a hysterical blend of "Flashdance," "Footloose," and the Pointer Sisters for inspiration! Starring Jordan staff members it was produced, filmed and edited by Jordan's marketing & communications team it's the perfect blend of fun and DIY style. 


Unfortunately the embedding has been disabled by request but you can check out the video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn4OAoZJ18Q&feature=youtu.be

For those interested in learn more about Jordan's new vintages the URL is http://www.jordanwinery.com/wines.

Bevy of Choices w/ Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea

 

While in Carmel, Edible Skinny took advantage of the awesome Wine Tasting Passport of the Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea.  The Wine Walk by-the-Sea is a self-paced, self-guided stroll down Ocean Avenue to Carmel’s uber friendly tasting rooms (all of which are located within the 1 square mile village of Carmel-by-the-Sea).  For the steal price of $50 at Hofsas House (or $65 at the Chamber of Commerce) you get 9 tickets for a 4 glass flight of wine from 12 different tasting room offerings.

Mr. Jack Galante of Galante Vineyards

What's awesome is the tickets for the Wine Walk can be used by one individual or can be broken up among many imbibers.  Also the Wine Walk Passport does not expire so you can use the tasting over multiple trips if necessary (but is that really necessary...).  Plus corkage is waived for bottles purchased at a Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea tasting room at participating Carmel restaurants for one bottle per visit, per party. 

While in Carmel, Edible Skinny was able to experience the following wineries:  

Caraccioli Cellars

Family-run and the only sparkling in town this winery offers distinctive, fruit forward sparkling (made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir only, not an ounce of Pinot Meunier in this bubbly) and still wines through the utilization of top-tier grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands.

www.caracciolicellars.com

Dawn’sDream

Dawn’s Dream specializes in Pinot Noir (this year they received 5 Gold Medals at the Pinot Noir Summit in San Francisco ).  They also produce Chardonnay, Rosé and other varietals sourced from some of the finest vineyards in Monterey County.

www.dawnsdreamwinery.com

DeTierra Vineyards

De Tierra Vineyards is a family owned and sustainably operated winery producing limited production, estate grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah.  Their wines are a poetry of jam and juxtapostion

www.detierra.com

Figge Cellars

Located inside the Winfield Art Gallery, Figge Cellars is a celebration of art and wine.  Where the palate meets the palette.

www.figgecellars.com

Galante Vineyards

One of the oldest tasting rooms in Carmel (with some of Edible Skinny’s favorite wines!), Galante produces 100% estate grown wines with their simple philosophy: grow the finest grapes and let the fruit express itself in the wine.  Fun and friendly (Mr. Jack Galante personally escorted us to his wife's winery, Dawn's Dream, after spending an hour chatting at his).  This label doesn’t have a wine club they have a wine gang, and their looking for outlaws to join up!

www.galantevineyards.com

Other wineries included in the Wine Walk Passport: Blair Estate, Manzoni Cellars, Scheid Wines, Shale Canyon, Silvestri Vineyards, Vino Napoli, and Wrath Wines.