Basking in the sun of Redwood Valley, winemaker Randy Meyer at Barra of Mendocino & Girasole Vineyards, welcomes THE VARIETAL SHOW. We discuss the advantages of Mendocino grapes, having estate vineyards, organic winemaking and wine blending. We get a little ZINNY, tasting the 2019 Barra of Mendocino Zinfandel & Girasole Vineyards, Charlie’s Blend!
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Trekking along Hwy 128, THE VARIETAL SHOW made a stop at Domaine Anderson, to have a chat with winemaker Darrin Low. In a different part of Mendocino, this time just outside the town of Philo, for some wines with true Anderson Valley flavors. Together we discuss the growth of wineries in AV, how the ocean portal affects the grapes and being biodynamic with 100% estate fruit!
Taste with us: Domaine Anderson 2018 Chardonnay, 2021 Rose, 2018 & 2020 Pinot Noir. Plus we go “into the deep” with their 2014 Pinoli Vineyard Pinot Noir!
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Ever get an hankering to sparkle? Well then join THE VARIETAL SHOW at Be Bubbly with proprietor Erin Riley! This lounge is a true 2020 success story, located in Napa’s historic downtown district. Together we share a bottle of 2018 Michel Gonet, Blanc De Noir, and discuss what is great about sparkling wine, what varietals make it delicious and what is a perfect palate match.
Plan your visit to this exclusive bubbly bar, with an assortment of champagne, sparking and appetizers to pair, that has an assortment of clever activities and music all week long!
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It was my pleasure to taste wines up North with Matha Barra in the amazing Redwood Valley appellation. THE VARIETAL SHOW discusses her husband Charlie’s legacy in the North Coast region, his success as an innovator and 28 years organic! Taste their wines with us, Girasole Vineyards Pinot Blanc, and Barra of Mendocino Petite Sirah for the ultimate #GoMendo experience.
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Where are we? Thanks to Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), the largest International wine competition in the world, The Varietal Show is with Charlie Arturaola in Cosenza, which is on the ankle, of the boot, in southern Italy. He shares his knowledge about Calabrian Wines, history and legends of the area, the origins of wine, and the connection to California. CHEERS!
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Making the film festival circuit these days you will likely find the documentary Love, Charlie by local filmmaker Lisa Ehrlich: It happens to be about her ex-husband, Charlie “Chuck” Trotter, the famous Chicago chef.
The Varietal Show sits down with Lisa to hear compelling stories about their life in Chicago, starting his restaurant, and her steps into the California wine world. Together, we have a taste of Lingua Franca by winemaker Larry Stone, another early connection from their Chicago days. (For much more in depth wine talk from Larry Stone watch The Varietal Show, episodes #47 & #50!)
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San Francisco Wine School is thrilled to welcome star sommelier and wine educator, Chris Sawyer and Pinot Noir expert, Ben Papapietro, Owner/Winemaker of Papapietro Perry Winery, and Steve Rogstad, Winemaker of Cuvaison Estate Wines, for a rare opportunity to delve deep into the legacy of the noble red grape Pinot Noir and taste its diverse clonal variations.
Select either In Person or Virtual (Roomer or Zoomer!) at checkout: Reserve your TICKETS for June 10, 6-8pm!
Whet your palate! On the surface, Pinot Noir is commonly marked with a thin skin, light hue, fruity flavors, soft tannins, and delicate demeanor. But when you follow its rich legacy back 2,000 years, you will see it is more than a classic grape variety listed in the vitus vinifera family, but a super genius with the unique special powers to mutate and express itself in different forms.
In the white grape category, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are mutations of Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay is its genetic offspring. It is also the father of the red grape variety Pinot Meunier, commonly grown in the Champagne region. But as a stand-alone grape, Pinot Noir has the rare ability to mutate and multiply in the form of “clones,” which have spread to the United States and propagated amazing variations for winegrowers and winemakers to work with in the cool-climate regions on the West Coast of California!
The #PNV21 Virtual Event was a success! It was an amazing presentation, fun was had by all. I was honored to lead this great show with members of the Rutherford Dust Society, and support the Napa Valley Vintners.
You can watch the show below with talented and energetic winemakers from Inglenook, Peju Winery, Frank Family Vineyards, Alpha Omega, and St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, seen with me in the photo above! Glad to represent and include the great wines from Morisoli Vineyard, Amici Cellars and Quintessa in my film pairings as well!
Experience this virtual wine + music event featuring a live performance by Toronto Symphony Orchestra musicians Sonority Sisters, as well as a guided tasting of three wines from Napa Valley’s Ghost Block Estate Wines on Wednesday June 16, 5-6:30pm PDT. An experience brought to you by Melier.
The Sonority Sisters was founded by musicians Clare Semes and Kelly Zimba, a violin and flute duo that shares music in creative, safe, and socially distanced ways.
Participants will dig into pairing wines with music, engage with the musicians, and socialize with other wine lovers. ORDER YOUR TICKETS (to request wine delivery at least 6 days in advance).
Rutherford Dust Society
Virtual Premiere Napa Valley Celebration
Thursday, June 3 from 3:00-4:00pm PT
Join the winemakers of Rutherford Dust Society and the world’s first film sommelier, Christopher Sawyer for a virtual wine & movie celebration on June 3rd.
During this high-energy event, Alpha Omega, Amici, Inglenook, Frank Family Vineyards, PEJU, Quintessa and St. Supéry will present their Premiere Napa Valley lots, with a cinematic twist!
Whether you’re in the mood for action, drama, comedy or romance– there will be a wine for you in this action-packed session highlighting the radiant Rutherford region, its famous filmmakers and winemakers, and the elusive “Rutherford Dust” character that keeps wine lovers from around the world coming back for more. Join this list of stellar panelists on ZOOM!
