by Christina Waters | May 22, 2016 | Home, Wine |
After so many years of writing about wine I experienced another epiphany yesterday. In the company of 75 gathered aficionados I listened to winemakers and viticulturists talk about their land, their soil, the tender regard they had for their particular slope of eden.
And as they talked, we tasted wines made from their grapes ranging throughout the appellation, a cross-section of four of the AVA’s distinctive winegrowing areas.  And in each of the four flights (four vineyards x three winemakers = a dozen wines), the individual personalities, desires, and  vitality of those vineyards unfurled.
Wine. A living work of art existing for the moment of time it takes to travel from sip, to palate, to memory. Liquid music.  Like music, wine is a living creation, existing as long as it is tasted (experienced, played). Music isn’t quite right as an analog, but it’s more apt than painting (too concrete) or sculpture (again, extant in a specific time and place). Music exists in many states—altered states, if you will. In Brian Eno’s head, on a cocktail napkin at Brian Eno’s favorite saloon, in Brian Eno’s computer (software program where it can be emailed to his friends and collaborators), and finally in both the real spacetime world, as well as infinitely in cyberspace. (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jan 19, 2015 | Wine |
The incomparable Nikky Saahs of Nikolaihof biodynamic winery in Austria’s Wachau region, takes the Soif winebar mainstage next Sunday, January 25 from 2-4. This is the fifth year in a row that Saahs has visited to explore and discuss the crisp mineral-driven wines of his very ancient estate. How ancient? Well with a history that dates to the Roman times, Nikolaihof was the site of a monastic center in the 10th century. That’s how ancient!
Included in the tasting will be Grüner Veltliners and a 1998 Riesling that should blow participants away. Georg Prieler of the Burgenland estate Weingut Prieler will also be on hand to walk us through a few choice Pinot Blancs and a Blaufrankisch from his estate.
These are rare and extraordinary wines, introduced by expert vintners who will entertain questions and comments with diplomacy and charm.
Plan to be there – expand your wine knowledge and treat your tastebuds to a very happty New Year!
That’s at Soif.
by Christina Waters | May 8, 2014 | Wine |
Does your mother love big, energetic gorgeous Italians? (wines that is).
Well then take her on over to Soif this Saturday, May 10, where from 2-4pm Marco Parusso will be pouring no fewer than six of his estate Barolo wines. $20 per guest (buy one get one free) – and you’ll enjoy learning more about these stupendous vintages, have a little bread and cheese and chat with the winemaker himself.
Call immediately for your reservation – 831.423-2020 or email Alyssa@soifwine.com.
by Christina Waters | Mar 21, 2014 | Home, Wine |
From Muns Vineyard comes a spectacular example of Santa Cruz Mountains terroir.
Muns’ 2009 Estate Pinot Noir is everything you could want in a brilliantly balanced wine. From the nose of white pepper, roses, and licorice, straight into an expanding heart of tangerine, bay leaves and a long, slow finish ot black cherries, this is a gorgeous pinot noir. Its luscious 100% pinot noir grape composition has been coaxed into elegant nuance by aging in Hungarian oak, and at a highly desireable 14.1% alcohol it is light enough to partner almost anything, yet won’t get in the way of simply kicking back and enjoying.
This could be one of the top five pinot noirs I’ve ever tasted, and one that justifies our pride in what the SCMtn appellation can produce. Stop by VinoCruz and buy what remains after my recent purchase (I emptied out my piggy bank). At $40 this memorable Muns creation rivals many Burgundies at triple the price.
by Christina Waters | Dec 17, 2013 | Home, Wine |
Jon Morgan and the Bargetto boys have done it again. This time the must-have wine from Soquel Vineyards is a charismatic blend called Trinity Bianco. First off know that the wine is one of the many many bargains available right this minute at Shoppers Corner. In fact the 2012 Trinity Bianco is priced to move from here to kingdom come at a low, low $11.99. (I really missed my calling.)
But here’s the most important intel about this really lovely and highly versatile white.
It weighs in at a very accessible 13.8 % alcohol. Just about perfect in my book. The charm comes from an inspired blend of 76% chardonnay, 20% sauvignon blanc and 4% Gewurztraminer, for those floral topnotes. What it offers is a lovely tart nose that begins with a soft focus of violets and grapefruit and then unfolds into lime peel, geranium, and minerals followed by a soft wave of unctuous depths. Long legs and a light golden hue, this is a beauty just waiting to go with Dungeness crab, paella, ham, even alio e olio pastas.
We like it with kalamata olives and a few marcona almonds. Get a case while it lasts!
by Christina Waters | Jul 31, 2013 | Wine |
Pizza & Poetry – that’s the theme for this delicious wine-tasting party to benefit the late winemaker Katy Lovell’s family. Your $20 per person gives you access to fabulous pizza, salad bar and oodles of Poetic Cellars wine tasting. Come toast a valiant life, and enjoy the summer afternoon up at Nonno’s Italian Cafe, in Redwood Estates – Sunday, August 4 from 2-5pm.
Nonno’s is located at 21433 Broadway Rd., Los Gatos. 408/353-5633.
