grape goddess®
By Catherine Fallis

European Union May Ban California Wines

French words such as ''clos'' and ''chateau,'' along with other wine terms such as  ''classic,” ''tawny,'' ''noble,'' ''ruby,'' and ''vintage,'' are strictly regulated wine terms within their countries of use and also within the European Union (EU). The EU is contending that U.S. vintners must adhere to the same EU rules for wines, using terms regarded as ''traditional expressions'' as they must for those with protected place names (e.g., Champagne or Chablis). The term “clos” refers to “enclosure” and for wineries in France this typically means a walled-in vineyard. “Chateau” is used most often in Bordeaux and refers to the castle-like buildings on the estate that are featured on many prominent labels. If the resolution passes, Sonoma County’s Clos du Bois and Chateau St. Jean as well as Napa Valley’s Chateau Montelena and Clos Pegase are among countless wineries that will no longer be able to sell their wine in the EU countries.

grape goddess® recommends: Yummy Wines of the Week

2007 Borgo Colloredo Falanghina, Molise, Italy
Falanghina from Campania is refreshing with lemon and peach notes and often a complexing and intriguing note of crushed mint leaves. This version from nearby Molise on the Adriatic coast, is beautifully expressive of the varietal with aromas of daisies, hay bale, honey, mineral, and mint. On the palate it is round and creamy — heavier than Campanian versions — with peach, lemon crème and almond notes. It is oak-free, has balanced acidity, and is pithy and peachy on the finish. Available at Beltramo’s in Menlo Park for $13.99.

2007 Pellegrini Sauvignon Blanc Leveroni Vineyard, Lake County, California
This wine is bright yellow and moderately viscous with visible tartrates. It has aromas of freshly cut hay, slate, chalk, peach, apple, honey, and white flowers. Medium in body with clean, fresh lime, lemon, apple, and pear, it has floral notes and a dry, crisp finish. Unoaked. Delicious. And a great value. On sale at the San Francisco Trading Company for $10.95 (regular price is $16.50).

2006 Chateau D’Aussieres Corbieres, Languedoc, France
This blend of 70 percent Syrah, 20 percent Grenache and 10 percent Mourvedre from Les Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite) has crowd-pleasing top notes of juicy red and black berries and dark chocolate with sage and laurel for complexity. It is medium in body and has a refreshingly moderate alcohol content of 13.5 percent. Available at The Cellar Online in El Sobrante for $13.


2005 Antica Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, District of Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, California
Piero Antinori’s magic touch is evident in this lovely, softer style of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. As with the family’s other projects outside of their home base of Tuscany, the wine demonstrates a sense of place rather than a person or brand. The only commonalities across the wines of the Antinori Empire are their innate sense of elegance, breed and finesse. This 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of sagebrush, eucalyptus, dried leaves, moss, blackberry, cherry cola, and cocoa. Tannins are fine and well-integrated into this seamless wine and the finish is long and expressive. Available at K&L Wine Merchants or The Cellar Online in El Sobrante for $54.99.

 

SIP-worthy Wine Events

Rutherford Appellation Wineries Spring Passport Weekend
Saturday–Sunday, May 2–3, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Rutherford, Napa Valley
Fourteen wineries — Alpha Omega, Beaulieu Vineyard, Elizabeth Spencer Wines, Franciscan Estates, Honig Vineyard and Winery, Peju Province Winery, Pina Napa Valley, Rubicon Estate, Rutherford Hill Winery, St. Supery, and Tres Sabores Winery will participate. Passport holders will experience the wineries of the Rutherford appellation with exclusive tastings of new releases, current and library vintages, wine and food pairings, and special Passport Weekend discounts. Weekend passports are available for $65 per person or $50 for a Sunday-only pass. Members of participating winery wine clubs will receive a 20 percent passport ticket discount applied with the use of a promotional code. Passports may be purchased online at http:// www.rutherford-appellation-wineries.com and will be available for pick-up on May 2–3 at the preselected winery. Proceeds from the spring event will be donated to a Napa Valley community charity.

PINK OUT! SF
Tuesday, May 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Butterfly Restaurant
Pier 33, Embarcadero (at Bay)

The 5th annual fine rosé tasting features 40 participating wineries pouring still and sparkling rosés from around the world, with many of the winemakers who craft them in attendance. Butterfly’s executive chef and owner Robert Lam will create rosé-inspired appetizers from sustainably and organically sourced ingredients. Tickets are $35 in advance only at www.rapwine.com and $45 at the door, if available.

Catherine Fallis is the fifth woman in the world to have earned the title of Master Sommelier, and is also a Certified Wine Professional. To read more of her writings on wine, please visit www.planetgrape.com. E-mail: grapegoddess@yummyletter.com