L.A. WINELINE HOT WINES THAT GO WITH 'CUE.Byline: LARRY LIPSON With spring here and summer approaching, the rich reds from the Rhone region of France are being touted as great companions to barbecued meats. Personally, I would add zinfandel to the list along with syrah (or shiraz) from anywhere. Wine expert Kevin Zraly, who works for the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group tells us why red Rhones should be in our shopping cart. "Rhone Valley reds are a must when enjoying various types of grilled meats," he opines Opines are low molecular weight compounds found in plant crown gall tumors produced by the parasitic bacterium Agrobacterium. Opine biosynthesis is catalyzed by specific enzymes encoded by genes contained in a small segment of DNA (known as the T-DNA, for 'transfer DNA') . "The smoky flavors of the meat are mirrored perfectly in the spicy, smoky characteristics of Rhone wines." When buying Rhones, there are regional and quality differences. Cotes du Rhone are the least expensive. They are recommended with burgers, sausages and grilled chicken. A notch higher are the wines designated Cotes du Rhone Villages. They go well with everyday steaks, lamb and blackened black·en v. black·ened, black·en·ing, black·ens v.tr. 1. To make black. 2. To sully or defame: a scandal that blackened the mayor's name. 3. shrimp. Southern Cru bottlings like Vacqueyras and Gigondas deserve tenderloin filets or mature cheeses. And Northern Cru Rhones, the best of the region such as Cote-Rotie, Crozes-Hermitage or St. Joseph should be paired with the finest cuts of prime meat. Not many California chardonnays age well. An exception is Mayacamas, a very reliable Napa winery that releases some of its older wines every so often, much to the delight of the winery's devotees. Available now are the 2000 chardonnay ($45), the surprising 1970 zinfandel ($100) and the 1991 cabernet sauvignon Cab·er·net Sauvignon n. 1. A variety of black grape used to make red wine, notably in Bordeaux and the Napa Valley. 2. A dry red wine made from this grape. [French. ($175). Information: (707) 224-4030 or www.mayacamas.com. NEW RELEASES: From the people who bring us Hahn Estates and Smith & Hook wines comes a new label dubbed Cycles Gladiator gladiator (Latin; swordsman) Professional combatant in ancient Rome who engaged in fights to the death as sport. Gladiators originally performed at Etruscan funerals, the intent being to give the dead man armed attendants in the next world. , with 2004 Central Coast bottlings of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and chardonnay (each $9.99) currently in release and a 2005 California pinot grigio for $10.99 due next month. The new Belle Epoque-style label presents an interesting image of a naked Lady Godiva type ready to mount a winged bicycle. Information: (831) 678-2132 or www.cyclesgladiator.com. ... Also on the shelves now is Nicolaus Hahn's Santa Lucia Highlands 2003 Smith & Hook cabernet sauvignon ($25), the winery's grand reserve cab, usually a fine companion to steak or prime rib. Information: (831) 678-2132 or ww.smithandhook.com. ... Martin Ray has released its 2004 reserve Russian River Valley pinot noir ($40) and two Mendocino County 2005s from its Angeline line, a riesling and a gewurztraminer, each $14. Information: (707) 823-2404 or www.martinraywinery.com. Are you ready to cough up $2,500 for a bottle of bubbly? Dom Perignon Dom Perignon renowned vintage French champagne. [Western Cult.: Misc.] See : Luxury has introduced "A Bottle Named Desire," a limited edition of its '98 vintage designed by Karl Lagerfield and sold exclusively via the distributor at (877)-774-7487. ... On a more down-to-earth note, Schramsberg has released its 2003 brut Brut, Brute (both: br  t), or Brutus (br rose ($39.50) and 2002 blanc de noirs Blanc de noirs is a French term (literally "white of blacks") for a white wine produced entirely from black grapes. It is often encountered in Champagne, where a number of houses have followed the lead of Bollinger's prestige cuvée ($32.50) especially for those who like prime steak and premium champagne combinations. Information: (707) 942-6668 or www.schramsberg.com. Sterling Vineyards Sterling Vineyards, in Calistoga, California, is a large high-end winery that achieved international recognition when it won first place in the Ottawa Wine Tasting of 1981. Visitors to the winery take a short tram to gain access. has sent out its 2005 Napa Valley Napa Valley, Calif.: see under Napa. Napa Valley greatest wine-producing region of the United States. [Am. Hist.: NCE, 2990] See : Wine sauvignon blanc ($15) and 2003 Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon ($25). Information (800) 726-6136 or www.sterlingvineyards.com. ... From Rodney Strong Vineyards come three new wines, each priced at $19: a 2002 Sonoma County merlot, a 2004 Russian River pinot noir and a 2003 Knotty knot·ty adj. knot·ti·er, knot·ti·est 1. Tied or snarled in knots. 2. Covered with knots or knobs; gnarled. 3. Difficult to understand or solve. See Synonyms at complex. Vines zinfandel. Information: (707) 433-6521 or www.rodneystrong.com. SIPS AND NIBBLES: So what is the relationship between wine consumption and long life? According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the Bedford Uncorked newsletter (www.winesfrombedford.com), the residents of Le Marche in Italy (known as Marchigiani) consume the most wine per capita [Latin, By the heads or polls.] A term used in the Descent and Distribution of the estate of one who dies without a will. It means to share and share alike according to the number of individuals. . And live the longest. ... Two major Sonoma-based names in California wine have made recent announcements. Richard Arrowood of Chateau St. Jean fame (he left in 1990) insists he's continuing as winemaking director of Arrowood Winery (currently in Chapter 11) despite reports to the contrary, and yes, will also be making some 3,000 cases of red wine (cab, syrah and zin) under his private estate Amapola Creek label. Information: (707)935-2600 or www.arrowoodvineyards.com. And David Stare, founder of Dry Creek Vineyard in 1972, has announced his move from president to chairman of the board, handing operational responsibilities to son-in-law and daughter Don and Kim Wallace. Information: (707) 433-1000 or www.drycreekvineyard.com. Larry Lipson, (818) 713-3668 larry.lipson(at)dailynews.com |
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