Chocolate is one of the most sensual foods out there in the world. And if you were to say it were to have a liquid counterpart, wine would be it. But with so many wines and so many chocolates out there, pairing them can be harder than one might imagine.

One great combination is Zinfandel and dark chocolate. The medium to dark berries coupled with a bit of spice / pepper (you don’t want too much pepper) are natural compliments to the almost bitter dark chocolate. Pick your Zins from well-known Zinfandel regions, such as Dy Creek, Paso Robles or Lodi. Remember to not have too much pepper on the tongue or the taste of the chocolate will be muted.

When picking out a dark chocolate, try to stay near or above 70%. Too light and the intensity of the chocolate won’t match the strength of the wine. Good friend, and fellow blogger, Kelly Staples of dogs2cents.com (a great read about the life of Lucy in wine country), recently paired a Pezzi King Zinfandel from Dry Creek with blueberries and dark chocolate. The fruit forwardness of the wine and the ample tannins mixed extremely well with both the fruit and the chocolate. Much like a decanter is used to amplify the wine’s notes, so to does the chocolate. A simply Zin turned extraordinary with the help of one extra component.

Have you tried Zinfandel and Dark Chocolate? If you, what’s your take on it? I’d love to hear from you on either the comments here or through twitter @haydnadams.

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Haydn Adams is the author of the book, Wineries Beyond Napa Valley: Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, an insider’s tasting guide to the hidden gems region. He also contributes to the Beyond Napa Valley Wine Blog, writes for vinvillage.com, and can be found roaming the hills of Sonoma County (and at times, Napa Valley) looking for the next hidden gems. You can contact him at haydn@beyondnapavalley.com.

There was something for everyone at July’s Crush Barrel Wine Market, from bubbly bruts to earthy Bordeaux blends. The event was set at Fort Mason, in San Francisco, where wine enthusiasts could try and buy, directly from the winery. Here are the top picks of the market:

Best of Show – Stein Family

A new discovery and overall best of show winner was Stein Family Winery. Josh Stein was on hand to personally pour his two wines— a 2009 Los Carneros Semi-Dry Gewürztraminer and his Just Joshin 2007 Tempranillo, from the Sierra Foothills. The Gewürztraminer was beautiful with honeysuckle and rose pedals on the mid-palate with a big of orange and lemon to round it out. A touch of residual sugar adds to this wine, kicking up the acidity a bit and making it a desirable wine for my next outing to a thai restaurant.

The tempranillo further illustrated that, to me, the grape is Cabernet’s baby sister. It ripe and ready to drink now, though you might want to wait a few years for the soft tannins to further settle. There’s a bit of blueberries and red berries mixed with a mocha aspect, further added by a dusting of dirt (terrior). Tempranillos have a higher bit of acidity, making it perfect for your next lamb shank dish.

Here are a few other noteworthy wines of the Crush Barrel Wine Market:

Aver Family Vineyard 2007 Homage (Syrah) – The wine is tasting beautifully right now. The tannins have somewhat resided and what you are left with is a medium spice coupled with a bit of vanilla and dark berries. It’s ready to drink now, though you could lay this down for another few years.

Ricardus Corculum 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon – Using a mixture of new French Oak as well and neutral, Ricardus Corculum has crafted a beautiful Cab. Blackberries can be found both on the mid-palate, along with a cedar plank spice and a bit of mocha. The wine is clean, with good, strong tannins. This is a wine that you’ll want to lay down for 10+ years.

R&B Cellars Fortissimo “Port” Desert Wine – A beautiful wine to finish off the wine tasting. I coupled this with a few chocolates from different tables to really get this port to shine. Tobacco, leather and plum can easily be found in this wine. It’s thick and leathery; simply beautiful.

Cheers,
Haydn

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Haydn Adams is the author of the book, Wineries Beyond Napa Valley: Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, an insider’s tasting guide to the hidden gems region. He also contributes to the Beyond Napa Valley Wine Blog, writes for vinvillage.com, and can be found roaming the hills of Sonoma County (and at times, Napa Valley) looking for the next hidden gems. You can contact him at haydn@beyondnapavalley.com.

Photo Credit: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Sip, spritz, and spa this Spring
By Robin Barr Sussman

Bubble baths, wedding bubbles, tiny bubbles in champagne…no question, bubbles make a girl’s world brighter. Stylish French women swear that a glass of champagne a day keeps you beautiful. So, after a long cold winter with buckets of rain, aren’t you about ready for a sunny wine country getaway? Back by popular demand “Bubbly Weekend II” with Domaine Carneros by Taittinger at the fabulous Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, March 26-28, is a prime way to mix beauty, friendship and fun.

photo: Eileen Crane, winemaker Domaine Chandon. Photo credit: Domaine Chandon

The weekend is hosted by a lady who knows a thing or two about bubbly. CEO/Founding Winemaker Eileen Crane, one of only a handful of female sparkling wine vintners in California, has been at the helm of Domaine Carneros since the first harvest and continues to direct winemaking duties. Located in the heart of Carneros, an area between Napa and Sonoma, the French chateau and terrace sport exquisite views of endless vineyard covered hills. Established in 1987 by the famous French champagne house, Taittinger, Domaine Carneros has become known as a regional landmark. “Sparkling wines, the spa, a cool winery visit, scent explorations, original cocktails and locally inspired cuisine promise to deliver what today’s savvy trend-setters crave in the ultimate weekend get-away, ” says Crane. The weekend is so well organized that you won’t have to plan one thing except your flight.

Here’s the itinerary

• Friday evening kicks off with a Welcome Bubbly reception and Winemaker dinner hosted by Eileen Crane of Domaine Carneros.
• Saturday morning private yoga session and 60-minute Spa Experience at the Sonoma Mission Spa, known for its natural underground thermal pools which are considered therapeutic. Then take a VIP Journey to the hilltop Domaine Carneros winery for a wine blending session and out-of-the box food and wine pairings. You’ll learn winemaker Crane’s secrets to crafting her award winning sparkling rosé from organic vineyards at this hands-on component tasting and blending session and enjoy a guided tour of the sparkling wine and pinot noir cellars for an insider’s peek at the inner workings of a winery, along with tips on how to entertain with bubbly on any budget.
• Soak up the cooking demonstration and lunch with celebrity chef LuLu Powers using local organic ingredients paired with the latest releases from the Domaine Carneros portfolio.
• Saturday Night Sonoma Style: Crane hosts a party featuring sparkling cocktails by a surprise local master mixologist along with Jo Malone Scent Explorations. Femmes will enjoy the Jo Malone fragrance bar set up for sampling and combining your favorite fragrances to take home. While sipping and spritzing, indulge in Sonoma County artisan favorites such as succulent Hog Island oysters, Fatted Calf charcuterie, cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery and of course, local chocolates. Cheers to bubbles!

Bubbly Weekend, March 26-28, 2010. Rates start at $800.00 and space is limited. For reservations call 707.938.9000 or visit www.fairmont.com/sonoma. Fairmont Sonoma Mission & Spa, 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, California.

Ata Rangi 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Martinborough
Alc: 13.5%
Price: $14-$20
Haydn gives it: 92pts
You can buy this wine at: K&L Importers

I was thrilled to discover this wine sitting unannounced on one of the shelves of a wine store. There it was, in a nonchalant style resting it’s head on one of the wooden racks. Either the store employee had no idea what they had in stock (probably the case, no pun intended) or they knew what it was and played it cool. Either way, the Ata Rangi 2008 is truly a gem. It’s one of the top wineries in the Martinborough region (no, not Marlborough), if not one of the top 10 in New Zealand.

On the nose , the wine displays it’s trademark Kiwi styles with a bit of lemon and grapefruit. There is a shallow tartness in play, though it starts to alter a bit on the mid palate, with a bit of pear in the middle. It’s soft and flavorful. At the end, a beautiful finish plays out by brining back a bit of the grapefruit.

The wine is balanced from beginning to end. The secret to this wine I feel comes in the fermenting process. 90% touched only stainless steel, but the remaining 10% sat in 3-year neutral oak barrels. That small amount of oak is enough to round out what could have been a lawn full of grass in your glass.

I originally purchased this wine for $20. However, after returning a week later, it was nowhere to be found. After calling around, I tracked the wine down at K&L in San Francisco. It is currently sitting in their Hollywood warehouse, at a price of $14.99. Wow. Now the only question remains, do I buy a half or an entire case?

Cheers,
Haydn

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Haydn Adams is the author of the book, Wineries Beyond Napa Valley: Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, an insider’s tasting guide to the hidden gems region. He also contributes to the Beyond Napa Valley Wine Blog, writes for vinvillage.com, and can be found roaming the hills of Sonoma County (and at times, Napa Valley) looking for the next hidden gems. You can contact him at haydn@beyondnapavalley.com.

By Robin Barr Sussman
twitter: @sussout

Don’t have lots of extra dough to woo that special someone with spectacular wine this Valentine’s? We’ve got tips on wines that will win him or her over and cost less than $25. So go celebrate all the silly sweetness in style!

WHITE

2008 Hop Kiln, “Thousand Flowers,” California (pictured)
Of course your lover deserves a thousand flowers! This trio of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat and Gewurztraminer with a pretty bouquet of orange blossoms is crisp, flirty and quaffable. You brought flowers, so you’re in.

2007 William Hill Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker Ralf Holdenried’s Chardonnay will make her swoon with its big juicy honeysuckle and peach fruit, creamy malolactic character and engaging mouth-feel. For a romantic outing, make an appointment to visit the tasting room perched atop a hill off the Silverado trail with stunning views of the treetops and mountains.

2007 Eberle “Mill Road Vineyard” Viognier, Paso Robles, California
Heidi Klum s-e-x-y and fragrant, with lush body and a kiss of spice. Think honeysuckle, apricot and candied ginger. Surprisingly, this lusty white hovers right at the $20 mark. Seize the moment.

2007 Chateau Graves de Liron, Bordeaux
White Bordeaux is a classy wine for the money. This graceful wine sports lip-smacking acidity and fruity melon-like fleshiness. Great with succulent seafood—and less than $10, sweetheart.

RED

2007 Vignerons de Caractere Vin De Pays de Vaucluse
This French Grenache-Syrah blend has earthy soulfulness. Flavors of blackberries and bright cherries, rose petals, and nuances of black pepper, licorice and lavender will warm things up right away. Grab the bottle with the sweet label displaying a tiny white dove holding a heart in its mouth, all for under $7! Take it on a romantic picnic.

2007 Murphy Goode Liar’s Dice Zinfandel, California
Oh how Zin tempts us to sin. Alexander Valley grapes display rich blackberry jam and black cherry flavors and the Dry Creek grapes contribute black raspberry and currant flavors. Passionately sweet and juicy with a shot of pepper, it will steal her heart.

2007 Brazin (B) Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, California
Looking for an intense experience? Here’s a Zin sourced from vines that range from 35 to 80 years. Prepare for a deep, inky color, bold aromas of plum and chocolate, plus palate purring vanilla mocha notes. Then there’s that long, lingering finish, and a price tag around $17. It fires on all cylinders kind of like Johnny Depp. (They were also selected as “wine to watch for” from ZAP’s grand tasting).

2006 Field Stone Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California
He will adore you for bringing a robust Cabernet to go with grilled steaks for dinner. Here’s a sultry one with a nose of caramel, cream and chocolate-covered cherries and flavors of black cherry, cocoa and casis. Yes love, it’s under $25.

2008 Nova Wines “Norma Jeane” Merlot, California
Marilyn Monroe takes center stage on these various labels like the one with the starlet donned in cowboy gear. More fun than complex, this fruity Merlot is youthfully exuberant. Ride ‘em cowgirl!

2006 Cupcake Vineyards Merlot, Central Coast California
She has a die-hard sweet tooth so bring on the trendy cupcake. This easy-to-find, affordable wine has dark berry fruit, a touch of vanilla, and velvety texture, plus a fanciful label that will make your funny little Valentine smile.

Dow’s NV Port, Six Grapes Reserve
Classic reserve port will pair right up with your Valentine’s chocolates. Expect thick and grapey with black cherry, raisin, spice and mocha with a sweet finish. Perfect to sip in front of a roaring fireplace.

PINK

NV 2007 Francis Coppola Sofia Rose, Napa Valley, California
You won’t be able to keep your eyes off the feminine shape of this bottle and its gorgeous coral-hued contents. The romantic label even pulls you in. In the glass, it’s all fresh strawberries, rose petals, juicy cherry, raspberry and citrus zest. Think seaside café along the French Riviera.

2008 McDowell Grenache Rose, Mendocino, California
Bursting with red berry fruit and black pepper, this dry potent pink will put the blush in her cheeks. Perfect for white wine drinkers who “don’t drink red” and red wine drinkers who “don’t drink white.”

True Prosecco Pink Couvee Rose, Italy
Here’s a delicate pale pink and lightly sweet prosecco of Valdobbiadene for a Valentine’s tete-a-tete. Distinctively bright with stone fruit and red currant flavors, sip as an aperitif or enjoy with a lavish fish and shellfish dinner. Be true.

This question was posed, half-in-humor, while I was in Las Vegas a few weeks back. At the time I lightly brushed off the question, no, wait, light scoffed off the question, the answer is a bit puzzling. I should disclose that I’m a fairweather Pescatarian, so the simple thought of eating at McDonalds is not something that comes to mind very often. That being said, I still thought, “I’m up for tackling this perplexing question”. I now ask that you sit back, and relax as I ask the timeless question, “What Wine Goes With McDonalds”?

The goal of wine is meant to enhance the flavor of the meal. While great food can stand on it’s own, wine has the catalytic power to push the food to heights one can only dream of. And then there is McDonalds. The land of the two all beef paddies, lettuce, pickles with some more fixins piled in on a sesame seed bun. Is it possible to elevate the quality of food that costs the same as a few Washingtons? I say yes.

For most of the food, the grease is a big factor. Yes, it is yummy and produces a great spike the ‘ye ole blood sugar, but it also greatly interferes with the wine. So for most of the foods at McDonalds, a safe bet is to go with a dry Riesling. It will do a good job of cutting down on the grease monkey and help to hold up the meat / poultry / fish that you’re eating. Another quality of any Riesling is it’s alcohol content. Most range from around 9% to about 11 or 12% if you get your hands on a non-German. The prices are affordable for most of the varietal so that you won’t feel bad breaking the bank on the wine while skimping on the food budget.

With the burgers and the chicken, including the McChicken and Chicken McNuggets, look for a fruit-forward Merlot. There easy to spot. Simply take a stroll down your local Seven-Eleven wine aisle. The larger producing wineries are sourcing grapes from the central valley of California and, in turn, producing big big berries with a lot of juice in them. That results in a strong fruit-forward style of wine. Beringer, Mondavi, and other common ones will have a Merlot that is going to go great with the items mentioned above.

If you are just going with the fries, then a Chardonnay that has touched some neutral oak will be your friend. The salt of the fried spuds will mix well with a mellow oakiness that will most likely be present. Unfortunately, you’re going to have to hunt these down and probably spend fifteen times the cost of your fries on that bottle of wine.

All in all, be aware how much you’re spending in a place that advertises their food for a buck. Yet at the same time, it could make that buck-fifty sandwich taste like ten with the right wine.

If you have tried a certain wine with McDonalds, I’d love to hear your comments. Feel free to e-mail me at haydn@beyondnapavalley.com.

Enjoy,
Haydn

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Haydn Adams is the author of the book, Wineries Beyond Napa Valley: Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, an insider’s tasting guide to the hidden gems region. He also contributes to the Beyond Napa Valley Wine Blog, writes for vinvillage.com, and can be found roaming the hills of Sonoma County looking for the next hidden gems. You can contact him at haydn@beyondnapavalley.com

What wine goes with CJ Bitz??

CJ Bitz – $19.99

That holidays have arrived, which means desserts are sure to take center stage. Aside from the ham, the turkey and other proteins, it’s impossible to think of the holidays without mentioning any kind of sweet. One sweet treat that should be on your winter radar is CJ Bitz, made locally in Marin County (but available nationwide, see their retail locations). The question of the week then, is What Wine goes with CJ Bitz?

If you’re thinking dessert, then dessert wine should be on your radar, namely Tawny port. The reason I’d go with a Tawny is the toffee characteristics will match the toffee that’s added last when making CJ Bitz. Other ports will match decently, but the Tawny Port should match very well. I’d recommend taking a trip to your local wine market and seeing what they have in stock. Tawny’s can get up there in price so be aware what you’re picking out before you hit the checkout aisle.

If you are not a dessert wine fan, then you could go Zinfandel. However, you generally want to reserve the Zin for darker chocolate then what CJ Stix has. That being said, you’re other option would be to go for the Petite Sirah. Two Petites I’d recommend are from Optima Winery in Dry Creek and Judd’s Hill ($30) in Napa.

Both the dessert wine and CJ Bitz would work great during your next holiday party!

Cheers,
Haydn

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Haydn Adams is the author of the book, Wineries Beyond Napa Valley: Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, an insider’s tasting guide to the hidden gems region. He also contributes to the Beyond Napa Valley Wine Blog, writes for vinvillage.com, and can be found roaming the hills of Sonoma County looking for the next hidden gems. You can contact him at haydn@beyondnapavalley.com

by Haydn S. Adams | Beyond Napa Valley Wine Blog

I received this poem from a good friend and colleague of mine, Paula Wood. Poetry, like wine, have similar characteristics.  There is a lot of poetry out there, yet it takes a talented poet, much like a winemaker, to organize words into blissful stanzas. However, poetry doesn’t age as well as wine does.

Enjoy,
Haydn

Ode to Wine
by Pablo Neruda

Day-colored wine,
night-colored wine,
wine with purple feet
or wine with topaz blood,
wine,
starry child
of earth,
wine, smooth
as a golden sword,
soft
as lascivious velvet,
wine, spiral-seashelled
and full of wonder,
amorous,
marine;
never has one goblet contained you,
one song, one man,
you are choral, gregarious,
at the least, you must be shared.

At times
you feed on mortal
memories;
your wave carries us
from tomb to tomb,
stonecutter of icy sepulchers,
and we weep
transitory tears;
your
glorious
spring dress
is different,
blood rises through the shoots,
wind incites the day,
nothing is left
of your immutable soul.

Wine
stirs the spring, happiness
bursts through the earth like a plant,
walls crumble,
and rocky cliffs,
chasms close,
as song is born.
A jug of wine, and thou beside me
in the wilderness,
sang the ancient poet.
Let the wine pitcher
add to the kiss of love its own.

My darling, suddenly
the line of your hip
becomes the brimming curve
of the wine goblet,
your breast is the grape cluster,
your nipples are the grapes,
the gleam of spirits lights your hair,
and your navel is a chaste seal
stamped on the vessel of your belly,
your love an inexhaustible
cascade of wine,
light that illuminates my senses,
the earthly splendor of life.

But you are more than love,
the fiery kiss,
the heat of fire,
more than the wine of life;
you are the community of man,
translucency,
chorus of discipline,
abundance of flowers.
I like on the table,
when we’re speaking,
the light of a bottle
of intelligent wine.

Drink it,
and remember in every
drop of gold,
in every topaz glass,
in every purple ladle,
that autumn labored
to fill the vessel with wine;
and in the ritual of his office,
let the simple man remember
to think of the soil and of his duty,
to propagate the canticle of the wine.

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Haydn is the author of the book, Wineries Beyond Napa Valley. He also teaches the Wonders of Wine class in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as a contributor to vinvillage.com.