Learn About Wine Blog

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
Welcome starts at 730 – Sit down for dinner at 8pm

This Multi Courses Experience is a culmination of LearnaboutWine, Rivera Restaurant and The Rioja Wine Region- all dietary needs will be met – please let us know in advance if you have special needs.

Dinner is $100.00 per person plus tax and tip – taken at the restaurant.
Please call the restaurant for a reservation for this event (213) 749-1460
Dinner will feature over 10 RIOJA wines presented by RIOJA WINES

Wine educator and Rioja expert Monica Marin and IAN BLACKBURN of LearnAboutWine

BLANCOS – ROSADOS – JOVEN – CRIANZAS – RESERVAS and GRAND RESERVAS
PARTICIPATING BRANDS
VINA Herminia
BV Noe
Ontanon
Puerta Vieja
Bodegas Riojanas
Telmo Rodriguez
DeoBriga
Bodegas LAN
ARTADI
Bodegas RIOJANAS

John Rivera Sedlar
John Rivera Sedlar wrote the book on Modern Southwest Cuisine and is a pioneer and inspirational figure in the Latin food world. Sedlar grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and also spent three years in the Spanish cities of Sevilla and Zaragoza. In his early 20s, Sedlar gained acclaim as a chef in the South Bay region of Southern California. He then apprenticed himself to legendary French chef Jean Bertranou of L’Ermitage in Los Angeles, where he mastered classic techniques while evolving his own approach to cooking. Sedlar’s awards and recognitions include selection among the Top Ten Chefs in America and the First Annual Culinary Arts Hall of Fame Awards, and a place on Food and Wine Magazine’s Honor Roll of American Chefs. In 2011 Chef Sedlar was named Chef of the Year by Esquire Magazine and in 2012 Sedlar was nominated as Best Chef- Pacific for the James Beard Foundation.

About Rioja Wines

Wine regions
The three principal regions of La Rioja are Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja with each area producing its own unique expression of Rioja wine. Most of the territory subjected to the Rioja Protected designation of origin is in the La Rioja region, even though their limits do not coincide exactly. There is a narrow strip in the left bank of the Ebro river lying in the southernmost part of Álava included in the La Rioja wine region, whereas the south-southwestern part of the La Rioja region is not a part of this Protected designation of origin.

Limits of the Rioja D.O.C.

Rioja Alta
Located on the western edge of the region and at higher elevations than the other areas, the Rioja Alta is known more for its “old world” style of wine. A higher elevation equates to a shorter growing season, which in turn produces unripe fruit flavors and a wine that is lighter on the palate.

Rioja Alavesa
Despite sharing a similar climate as the Alta region, the Rioja Alavesa produces wines with a fuller body and higher acidity. Vineyards in the area have a low vine density with large spacing between rows. This is due to the relatively poor conditions of the soil with the vines needing more distance from each other and less competition for the nutrients in the surrounding soil.

Rioja Baja
Unlike the more continental climate of the Alta and Alavesa, the Rioja Baja is strongly influenced by a Mediterranean climate which makes this area the warmest and driest of the Rioja. In the summer months, drought can be a significant viticultural hazard, though since the late 1990s irrigation has been permitted. Temperatures in the summer typically reach 35 °C (95 °F). A number of the vineyards are actually located in nearby Navarra and the wine produced from those grapes belongs to the Rioja appellation. Unlike the typically pale colour Rioja wine, Baja wines are very deeply coloured and can be highly alcoholic with some wines at 18% alcohol by volume. The wines typically do not have much acidity or aroma and are generally used as blending components with wines from other parts of the Rioja.

Viticulture and Grapes
Rioja wines are normally a blend of various grape varieties, and can be either red (tinto), white (blanco) or rosé (rosado). La Rioja has a total of 57,000 hectares cultivated, yielding 250 million litres of wine annually, of which 85% is red. The harvest time for most Rioja vineyards is September–October with the northern Rioja Alta having the latest harvest in late October. The soil here is clay based with a high concentration of chalk and iron. There is also significant concentration of limestone, sandstone and alluvial silt.

The “old vines” of the Alavesa regions can produce very concentrated grapes but in low yields.

Among the Tintos, the best-known and most widely-used variety is Tempranillo. Other grapes used include Garnacha Tinta, Graciano, and Mazuelo. A typical blend will consist of approximately 60% Tempranillo and up to 20% Garnacha, with much smaller proportions of Mazuelo and Graciano. Each grape adds a unique component to the wine with Tempranillo contributing the main flavors and aging potential to the wine; Garnacha adding body and alcohol; Mazuelo adding seasoning flavors and Graciano adding additional aromas. Some estates, Marques de Riscal most notably, have received special dispensation to include Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, due to historical inclusion of that grape in their wine that predates the formation of the Consejo Regulador.

With Rioja Blanco, Viura is the prominent grape (also known as Macabeo) and is normally blended with some Malvasía and Garnacha Blanca. In the white wines the Viura contributes mild fruitness, acidity and some aroma to the blend with Garnacha Blanca adding body and Malvasía adding aroma. Rosados are mostly derived from Garnacha grapes. The “international varieties” of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have gained some attention and use through experimental plantings by some bodegas but their use has created wines distinctly different from the typical Rioja.

Some of the most sought after grapes come from the limestone/sandstone based “old vine” vineyards in the Alavesa and Alta regions. The 40 year plus old vines are prized due to their low yields and more concentrated flavors. A unique DO regulation stipulates that the cost of the grapes used to make Rioja must exceed by at least 200% the national average of wine grapes used in all Spanish wines.

Classification
Rioja red wines are classified into four categories. The first, simply labeled Rioja, is the youngest, spending less than a year in an oak aging barrel. A crianza is wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak. Rioja Reserva is aged for at least three years, of which at least one year is in oak. Finally, Rioja Gran Reserva wines have been aged at least two years in oak and three years in bottle. Reserva and Gran Reserva wines are not necessarily produced each year. Also produced are wines in a semi-crianza style, those that have had a couple of months oak influence but not enough to be called a full crianza. The designation of crianza, Reserva etc. might not always appear on the front label but may appear on a neck or back label in the form of a stamp designation known as Consejo.

The event was featured in Gayot:
To read online: Click here

“May 30 Join Rioja expert and wine educator Monica Marina and Ian Blackburn of Learn About Wine for a multi-course Rioja wine dinner at Rivera on May 30. The evening begins with a welcome at 7:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. Dinner is $100 per person, plus tax and tip. Rivera, Met Lofts, 1050 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90015, 213-749-1460. “

Food & Wine Pairing Class with Cakebread on June 5 was featured on Gayot!

June 5
Ian Blackburn of Learn About Wine and Dennis Cakebread of Cakebread Cellars will host a wine pairing class on June 5, beginning at 7:45 p.m. sharp. A plate of assorted “pairing” appetizers will be served – cheese, charcuterie, shrimp cocktail, stuffed mushrooms and other pairing “bridges.” Wines to be served include 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 Chardonnay Reserve, 2006 Chardonnay Reserve (Library), 2009 Merlot, 2005 Merlot (Library), 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Cabernet (Library), 2008 Dancing Bear Cabernet, Howell Mountain, 2005 Dancing Bear Cabernet, Howell Mountain (Library). Advance tickets are $69 per person. Limited to 48 seats. For tickets, visit www.winecloudinc.com/Food-Wine-Pairing-Class-with-Cakebread

To read about the event online: Click here

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Food & Wine Pairing Class with Cakebread
June 5, 2012 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Downtown LOFT 218
Click here to see details

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To see our past blog about the event: Click here

LearnAboutWine hosted its first “SummerTASTE”, a wine event series of 6, on May 9th from 19:00 at the 3rd floor ocean view area next to Sonoma Wine Garden.  The May theme was “Roses are Red, Cabernets are Blue – What are you?”. (The wine list is in below)  The event turned out great with guests over 230.

Santa Monica Mirror Seven Day Show featured the event on their show:
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO

WINE LIST FOR MAY 9: ROSES ARE RED, CABERNETS ARE BLUE – WHAT ARE YOU?
To download the brochure: CLICK HERE

TABLE ONE: Argot Wines (www.argotwines.com / 707-528-6203)
“Couture”, Grenache Rosé, CA 2011

TABLE TWO: Cerro Caliente Cellars (www.cerrocalientecellars.com /  805-544-2842)
2 Pinot Noir Clone #115, Edna Valley/Righetti Ranch Vineyard
Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles/Herder Vineyards, 2007
Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles/Vina de Leon, 2006
Multi-Viscosity Cab Blend, Paso Robles, Non-Vintage

TABLE THREE: Chateau Margene (www.chateaumargene.com / 805-238-3500)
Pinot Noir 2010
Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

TABLE FOUR: Hoyt Family Vineyards (www.hoytfamilyvineyards.com / 310-457-3832)
Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2009
Tempranillo, Paso Robles, 2009

TABLE FIVE: J&J Cellars (www.jjcellars.com / 805-467-2891)
Rose, Paso Robles 2010
Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2008
Petite Sirah, Paso Robles 2008

TABLE SIX: Kenwood Vineyards (www.kenwoodvineyards.com / 707-833-5891)
Jack London Cab 2009
Artist Series Cab 2007
Russian River Pinot Gris 2011
Valley of the Moon Carneros Pinot Noir 2009
Valley of the Moon Rosato di Sangiovese 2010

TABLE SEVEN: LearnAboutWine Table
Chateau Du Parc, Saint Emilion Grand Cru, France 2010
Chateau La Vielle Cure, Fronsac, France 2004
Chateau Saint-Florin, Bordeaux, France 2007
Kenwood, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, CA 1993 (6L)
Kiamie Wine Cellars, Kiamie Kuvee, Paso Robles, CA 2006
Mulderbosch, Cabernet Sauvignon Rose, South Africa 2010

TABLE EIGHT: Rocca Family Vineyards (www.roccawines.com / 707-257-8467)
Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville “Grigsby Vineyard” 2008

TABLE NINE: Tercero Wines (www.tercerowines.com / 805-245-9584)
Mourvedre Rose, Santa Ynez Vally 2011
Cuvee Christie (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvdre), Santa Barbara 2008
Thompson Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2007
Watch Hill Grenache, Santa Barbara County 2007

TABLE TEN: Cielo Vineyards (www.cielofarms.com/woodstock.php / 818-634-5412)
Woodstock Collection “The Witch” 2010
Woodstock Collection “Purple Haze” 2010
Woodstock Collection “Black Widow” 2010
Woodstock Collection “Honeypie” 2009

Upcoming:
June 13 : Que Syrah Shiraz – A night for Rhone Wines
July 11 : BBQ and Wine
August 8 : Dry Creek Vintners of Sonoma County
September 12 : INTERNATIONAL Wine Night – Wines of the World
October 10 : CHOCTOBERFEST – Wine, Beer and Chocolate!

The upcoming events were announced on JourneyPOD.com
To read the announcement: CLICK HERE

This year’s STARS of Cabernet

The event is two days – November 14th at The Peninsula Beverly Hills and November 15th in Orange County.  Both will start the day with a trade event and then go into a public tasting in the evening.

We estimate 150-200 trade and public attending each portion. We are lining up some of the most compelling wines of California, including ACKER FAMILY VINEYARDS, DOMINARI, MONTAGNA and SODARO.  Additionally, we have a charitable partner involved – the TJ Martell Foundation, which funds Childrens Cancer Research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles(www.tjmartellfoundation.org).

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STARS of Cabernet has been featured on Wine Business.com

Ian Blackburn of LearnAboutWine hosted “STARS of Napa, Paso and Baja” on March 21st at The Hotel Hanford and March 22nd at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

2012 WINE LIST

Napa
Amuse Bouche 2009 Merlot
Amuse Bouche Au Sommet 2009 Cabernet
Amuse Bouche Vin Perdu 2009 Red Blend
Amuse Bouche Pret a Boire 2011 Rose
Antica Napa Valley Chardonnay
Antica Napa Valley Atlas Peak Appellation, 2010
Antica Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak Appellation 2009
Conn Valley Vineyards Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2009
Conn Valley vineyards 60% Cabernet Franc 40% Merlot Napa Valley 2009
Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Cornerstone Cellars Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Cornerstone Cellars Stepping Stone by Cornerstone Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 2009
Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2009
Frank Family Vineyards Napa Chardonnay 2010
Frank Family Vineyards Napa Pinot Noir 2010
Frank Family Vineyards Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Frank Family Vineyards Napa Zinfandel 2009
Gentleman Farmer Cabernet Sauvignon
Gentleman Farmer Red Wine
Jarvis Estate Chardonnay 2009
Jarvis Estate Merlot 2006
Jarvis Estate Cabernet Franc 2006
Jarvis Lake William Red Blend 2007
Jarvis Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Patland Estate Vineyards Cabernet 2007
Patland Estate Vineyards Syrah 2007
Patland Estate Vineyards Propriatory Red, Stagecoach Vineyards 2008
Paraduxx Z Blend Napa Valley Red Wine 2009
Paraduxx C Blend Napa Valley Red Wine 2009
Porter Family Vineyards Cabernet 2006
Porter Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2009
Porter Family Vineyards Red Blend, Coombsville 2008
PEJU Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2010
PEJU Merlot Napa Valley 2007
PEJU Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2007
Signorello Estate Hope’s Cuvee 2010
Signorello Estate Cab 2007
Signorello Estate Padrone 2007
Sodaro Estate Winery, “Felicity” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley and Coombsville, 2008   Sodaro Estate Winery, “Felicity” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley and Coombsville, 2007  Sodaro Estate Winery, “Estate Blend” Red Blend, Napa Valley and Coombsville, 2007
Waterstone Napa Valley Pinot Gris
Waterstone Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Waterstone Napa Valley Study in Blue
Waterstone Carneros Pinot  Noir
ZD Wines Chardonnay 2010
ZD Wines Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir 2009
ZD Wines Reserve Cabernet 2008

Paso Robles
Alta Colina “Claudia Cuvee” Marsanne/Roussanne/Grenache Blanc, Paso Robles
Alta Colina, “12 O’Clock High” Viognier/Roussanne/Marsanne/Grenache Blanc, Paso Robles
Alta Colina, Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre, Paso Robles
Alta Colina, Syrah, Paso Robles
Austin Hope Syrah, Paso Robles 2010
Austin Hope Grenache, Paso Robles 2010
Chateau Margene Paso Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Chateau Margene SLH Pinot Noir 2010
Jada Vineyard & Winery White Rhone Blend, Paso Robles
Jada Vineyard & Winery “XCV” /   Syrah, Paso Robles 2010
Jada Vineyard & Winery “Jersey Girl” 2009
L’Aventure, “Optimus”, Cabernet/Syrah, Paso Robles
L’Aventure, Cabernet/Syrah, Estate Cuvee, Paso Robles
L’Aventure, “Cote a Cote”, Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre, Paso Robles
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2009
Parrish Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Monterey AVA 2009
Parrish Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA  2009
Parrish Family Vineyards Silken(51% Cab, 44% Syrah & 4% Petite Sirah), Paso Robles AVA 2007
Parrish Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles AVA 2007

Baja California, Mexico
Paralelo, Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico, 2008
Casa de Piedra, Vino de Piedra, Tempranillo – Cab Sauv, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
Monte Xanic Chardonnay, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico/Monte Xanic, 2010
Monte Xanic Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico/Monte Xanic, 2008
Rincon de Guadalupe    Tempranillo, Valle de San Vicente, Baja California, Mexico/Rincon de Guadalupe, 2007,
Rincon de Guadalupe Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de San Vicente, Baja California, Mexico/Rincon de Guadalupe, 2008
Vinas de Garza Amado IV, Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico/Vinas de Garza, 2007
Viñas de Garza “El Sombrero” Cabernet Sauvignon/Tempranillo Blend, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico/Viñas de Garza, 2008

The event has been featured at Examiner.com by Cori Solomon!
To read the article online: CLICK HERE