What is ZigSaw? It’s when Sawyer Somm and Ziggy the Wine Gal get together to talk about their favorite subject! Keep an eye out for our show on Allvino.com starting in August 2015.
Korbell NV Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine, California ($11.99) One of the most intriguing sparkling wines around! Unlike most Blanc de Noirs, which are made primarily with just Pinot Noir grapes; this magnificent new release has smaller portions of three other flavorful red grapes varieties: Zinfandel, Gamay and Sangiovese. As a result, the wine has lively flavors of raspberry, strawberry and cherry; soft, spicy notes of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg; and a long, enchanting finish that makes you want more! SawyerSomm Pairings: Great wine to serve with brunch, especially with Lox & Bagels, fresh fruit and tangy salads; for lunch, think chilled soups, BLTs, turkey sandwiches; and for dinner, salds with goat cheese and berries, tuna tartare, salmon, sushi, pork with fruit chutney.
Thirty-Seven 2013 Albarino, Paradise View Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($22) Crisp, dry and refreshing wine with fresh aromas of summer flowers, melon, citrus, and mineral. Lively flavors of Meyer lemon, lime peel, cantaloupe, white pepper, and a burst of bright tangy acidity on the finish. SawyerSomm Pairings: fresh oysters, Ceviche, spring rolls, fish tacos, and grilled chicken with zesty lime aioli.
Trattore Farms 2013 Roussanne, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley ($28) Blended with a small portion of Viognier, too. This dazzling medium to full bodied wine has lovely aromas and bright flavors of white peach, ripe melon, fresh squeezed grapefruit, hint of apricot, vibrant acidity and lush creamy texture. SawyerSomm Pairings: Medium cheeses, guacamole, Heirloom tomato salad, peaches and citrus, poached scallops, sea bass, pasta with tangy white sauce, and lemon chicken.
Acorn 2012 Dolcetto, Alegria Vineyards, Russian River Valley ($35) Dolcetto is best known for being one of the flavorful red grapes grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. Through the years, Acorn Winery in Healdsburg has made one of the finest offerings from the United States. Not surprisingly, this new release did great against selections from around the globe at the San Francisco International Wine Competition 2015. Captivating notes include: lofty aromas of wild berries, citrus peel, cocoa and spice; vibrant flavors of fresh-picked blackberries, blueberry, boysenberry, black pepper, espresso, and roasted walnut; tangy acidity; soft texture. Alluring, playful and generous. SawyerSomm Pairings: Salty cheeses, especially parmesan or Vella Dry Jack; pulled pork sandwiches; grilled veggies, Ahi tuna with Espresso Rub, pan-seared Liberty Duck breast; gourmet sausages and juicy burgers done on the grill.
McEvoy 2011 Red Piano, Estate Bottled, North Coast ($35) Gold Medal winner at both the San Francisco International Wine Competition 2015 and the North Coast Wine Challenge earlier this year, this wine is all about Mediterranean delights. Made with a selection from special blocks of Syrah, Grenache, Montalpuciano and Refosco planted at the McEvoy Ranch south of Petaluma, the wine features lovely aromas of red fruits, red apple peel, blood orange and spice. On the palate, the flavors are layered with notes of dark cherry, pomegranate, licorice, white pepper, and fresh herbs. SawyerSomm Pairings: A dazzling picnic wine, especially when paired with a selection of local chesses, charcuterie, baguette, fresh berries, roasted nuts, cured olives, and McEvoy Olive Oil. Other tasty pairings include grilled fish with savory herbs; pasta with hearty red sauce; pomegranate chicken; lamb sliders; sweet & sour pork; baby back ribs; and grilled red meats.
Casablanca will be the featured film this Thursday July 16th at St Francis Winery for the 6th Annual Outdoor Film Festival. While I will be tasting wines in Italy, imagine the amazing pairing you can enjoy with St Francis wines and Moroccan Chicken Tagine & Apricot-Almond Couscous!
The film begins at dusk, seating begins at 7pm, so you can enjoy the pre-show concert by The Atomic Lounge Show.
For a more in depth look at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, I have posted some photos on my Pinterest page to share: Partake in the antics of The Wine Judge!
And for the perfect Sawyer Somm Pairing, accompany that with my post of the SFIWC Press Release.
Hard to resist enjoying “FEAST Chronicles – Day 2″ at BottleRock Napa is LIVE! Filled with food, wine, music and fun, our Feast it Forward Ultimate Airstream Adventures Northwest hosted Capital Cities, Brett Dennen, ZZ Ward, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Wild Ones, Grizfolk, Joe Kwon of The Avett Brothers and many more for intimate interviews and jam sessions while enjoying (lots!) Sullivan Vineyards and Miner Family Vineyards.
Stay tuned for “Day 3″, followed by each of our acoustic #FEASTsessions sets from participating musicians alongside a full episode of our #BetweentheBottles at the festival.
Although it ended last week, Bottle Rock Napa Valley 2015 is still alive and kicking with all the live interviews that will be highlighted on FeastItForward.com over the next few months, as well as in a number of the articles I’m writing for more national publications.
So to get you primed, here’s a review of FEASTing Day 1 at the Williams-Sonoma Culinary Stage and great times spent with musical dynamos Imagine Dragons, Flavor Flav, Zella Day, and The Mowgli’s; star chefs Rick Moonen, Michael Voltaggio, Mei Lin, Victor Scargle, and the Forgone Family; Dave Miner of Miner Family Winery; MC Liam Mayclem; and Katie Hamilton Shaffer and the rest of the great Feast It Forward team!
You can also see some of my fun posts from the festival by visiting my Facebook page at Christopher Sawyer Sommelier or my Twitter/Instagram handles @sawyersommelier. And for more information about the sold-out festival and news on what will be happening in 2016, visit www.bottlerocknapavalley.com.
Getting ready for a fabulous weekend at the Sunset Headquarters in Menlo Park. Find me at the Sunset Celebration Weekend.
If you already purchased tickets, come to the 1pm Wine Seminar: Sunset International Wine Competition Winners that I will be hosting (Sold Out) but there are still plenty of other things to do if you buy a General Admission Pass; Kids’ Zone, Camp Sunset, 2015 Travel Awards, and more . . .