This Month
I'm working on something "special" for our classes, so for those of you looking to take some, hang in there, we should be loaded for bear very soon!

Jane Garvey of The Atlanta Wine School will be running three seminars at this Saturday's Wine & Dine at Villa Christina. Use promotion code "AWS" to get $10 off tickets when registering in advance. These seminars are free and first come, first serve to ticket holders.

Next, I'll be running seminars and hanging out at the Wine + Culinary Festival in Orange Beach, AL May 18-20th. This is an awesome event you should experience some time.

Lastly, I leave you with some shots from last week's Taste of the Nation, a fundraiser for Share Our Strength (SOS) held the 2nd year at the GA Aquarium. The Exec Director for Atlanta's SOS is Amy Crowell, and she does a rockin' job with this event.

Jane's Monthly Dozen: Pleasin' Pinots
by Jane Garvey

Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir...and the list continues. Formerly a Northern Hemisphere family of grapes, "Pinot" in its many derivations is found in all top wine regions, with Australians even pumping out some yummy Pinot Noirs.

>>> This Month's Column

Destin Charity Wine Auction 2007 WRAP-UP
by Michael Bryan

With a savvy, wine-loving Board, this auction raised $250k in its first year of operation--last year! This year it went north of $500k, and nothing is in it's way from being one of the top wine auctions for charity.

Cast in beautiful Sandestin, Florida, this contributor to three childrens' charities brings together stellar winemaker dinners, with top chefs, unique silent and live auction items, all in a bucolic beach environment that is unparalled.
>>> View Pictures from the weekend

• 13th Annual Pacific Coast Oyster Wine Competition
  That's right, the competition isn't about those slippery critters, but more about whatcha chug while you slurp 'em! Your winners are: Brassfield Estate Winery 05 Sauvignon Blanc (CA), Dry Creek Vineyard 05 Sonoma County Fume Blanc (CA), Dry Creek Vineyard 06 Dry Chenin Blanc (CA), Geyser Peak Winery 06 Sauvignon Blanc (CA), Hall 06 Sauvignon Blanc (CA), Kenwood Vineyards 06 Sauvignon Blanc (CA), King Estate Winery 05 Signature Pinot Gris (OR), Martin & Weyrich Winery 06 Unwooded Chardonnay (CA), Sweet Cheeks Winery 06 Pinot Gris (OR), Willamette Valley Vineyards 06 Pinot Gris (OR)
• Four-lane Highway Planned Through Vineyards of Spain's Top Wine
  Those who play at the top of the Spanish wine game are well accustomed to Vega Sicilia and Dominio de Pingus. A 2000 Pingus is valued at approximately $400 per bottle. For some reason, the government would like to push a major highway right through these vineyards. Politically motivated? More
• "C'mon Honey, Let's Go Make Some Wine"
  Kings Hill Cellars is a "members only" winery in the Mayacamas Range between Sonoma and Napa counties that sells no wine. Instead, it provides premium winegrapes, a state-of-the-art winemaking and storage facility, and guidance from an expert winemaker to individual or group members, who invest in half or full barrels of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel or Sauvignon Blanc. More
• Karen MacNeil Wines 2007 Wine Literary Award
  Having spent a week this time last year with Ms. MacNeil, I can tell you her pen is mighty, but she is quite potent as a speaker as well. In winning this award, Karen joins other wine-literary-lumineries such as Hugh Johnson, Robert M. Parker, Jr., Harry Waugh, Leon D. Adams, Dan Berger, Jancis Robinson, Gerald Asher, Tom Stevenson, Gene Ford, Michael Broadbent, Robert Lawrence Balzer, Andrea Robinson and Kevin Zraly.
  More
• World's Biggest Wine Fair Takes Cues from Auto Shows
  1 million square feet of wine tasting booths, housing approximately 43,000 products to smell, taste, swish and gulp or spit. But how do you compete with the booth next to you--use more cray paper? No, you have better looking female (or even male) models to get customers to stop! More
• Red Wine Sales Effected (continually & partially) by Health Reports
  This report is from 4th quarter last year, on the heals of a mice reportedly living longer due to a red wine compound resveratrol. More
• W.R. Tish' Comedic Quips Often Target the Wine Spectator
  Tish had me rolling with the latest (is it really true?) claim that Wine Spectator will be using fractions now to score wines, i.e. 90 1/2 for a nice Cabernet. Enjoy four more parodies involving Riedel, Corks, and Trump & Rosie. Visit the Site
• Paris Hilton the New Face of Bordeaux Wine
  OMG--we need miles of literary space to pan this one. Unfortunately, the great classed growths will have someone as their spokesperson who is short on class. Said by one observer to Decanter Magazine, "What do you do if you want people to stop thinking your wine is expensive, shallow, pointless and without taste? Clearly the CIVB's view is to employ someone with, erm, all those qualities, and who is famous for being famous, not for actually achieving anything in life." More
• Exceptionally Rare & Hard-to-Find Wines
  Forbes Magazine has put together a fun (self-turning slide show) of wines that money barely can buy. More
  
  

All the Pinots are in some way kin to each other, and all are mutations of Pinot Noir. Pinot Gris (a/k/a Pinot Grigio in Italy, Grauburgunder in Germany) is a mutation of Pinot Noir that sometimes leaves behind a coppery color in the wine as a testament to its origins.

Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio
Sometimes known as Pinot Beurot in Burgundy, where it originated, Pinot Gris was interplanted in the Pinot Noir vineyards, and was routinely included to soften the Pinot Noir and add some acidity. Today in France, Alsace keeps up the drumbeat for the grape. The difference one perceives between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio has more to do with terroir and vinification than anything else, as Pinot Grigio typically is fermented in stainless steel while Pinot Gris typically will see some barrel.

Pinot Blanc / Pinot Bianco
Pinot Blanc is a white mutation of Pinot Gris, and in years past often was confused with Chardonnay, itself known until not too many years ago as Pinot Chardonnay. Some Pinot Blanc is still grown in northern Burgundy, but Chardonnay has the upper hand among white wines in that region. In Germany it's known as Weissburgunder, and in Italy, it's Pinot Bianco.

Pinot Noir (daddy to them all)
Lovers of Pinot Noir and Burgundy can be somewhat one-sided about their wine preferences. It's the red wine or bust, for many of them, and it has to come from France,. specifically from Burgundy. But Pinot Noir has numerous other homes, some more successful than others, to be sure.

In France, Pinot Noir is the grape of red Sancerre, in the Loire Valley, where it also makes rosé, and it's grown in Alsace, believe it or not. In next month's column, we'll explore the wines of Alsace, including a Pinot Noir.
As the large wine-growing regions of the south begin to figure out what grapes do well in their zones, Pinot Noir finds itself a home in parts of southern France where ocean influences and high altitudes moderate heat, for it’s a grape that likes cooler climates.

Pinot Noir becomes Spatburgunder in Germany, and Pinot Nero in Italy. Their respective flavors couldn't be more different, but one still knows they're in the family. Increasing exponentially in popularity in Germany, Pinot Noir is planted from the Ahr, Germany's northernmost wine-growing region, to the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Baden, the Pfalz, the Rheinhessen and the Rheingau, where 13th century Cistercian monks gave it the same attention they gave it in Burgundy. In Italy, Pinot Noir is grown in the north east and in Lombardy, and there are a few Alto Adige producers giving the grape its due in those cooler climates.

In California Carneros and Russian River Valley are highly regarded for their Pinot Noir, and, as in Burgundy, for their Chardonnay. But personally, I'm fonder of Monterey, Sonoma Coast and Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. Coming on strong in the latter area is Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills, as well. The grape also is planted in Paso Robles, but the results don't pass muster at least with this palate. In Paso Robles, a zone that's too warm for this grape, the wines are heavy, lack finesse and are high in alcohol. Not fun in my view, unless you like your Pinot Noir to behave like a Zinfandel.

Oregon is highly regarded Pinot Noir country as well, but also does a great job with Pinot Gris..Oregon's King Estate (NDC) still grows Chardonnay, but the white wine that finds much success in Atlanta is their Pinot Gris, which even finds its way into two excellent dessert wines.

Look to Chile and Argentina, and you'll find Pinot Noir being planted in high elevations. As it's a fairly new phenomenon, the vines are rather young. Still, some of the results are promising. In last month's column, we published a review of the Cono Sur Pinot Noir, a phenomenal value for just $10 (Empire). Familia Schroeder from Patagonia has two Pinot Noirs, priced at $13 (Saurus) and $17 (Saurus Patagonia Select), both of which are excellent additions to the genre (New World Wines).

In general, the Southern Hemisphere is just now waking up to Pinot Noir. Central Otago, Martinborough and Marlborough in New Zealand are primary zones for not only Pinot Noir, but also Blanc and Gris. In Australia, Yarra Valley is great Pinot Noir country, and produces a wine that tends to be rather more savory than sweet. Pinot Noir also does well in the southern growing regions of Australia, while all the Pinots have a home in Tasmania. In South Africa, a formerly fruit-planted zone called Elgin is finding Pinot Noir in scattered areas, and the results are exciting if the Paul Cluver Pinot Noir is any hint (Quality Wine & Spirits, $36), while in Walker Bay Hamilton Russell (Empire, $35) proved the region worthy for Pinot Noir.

Finally, don't overlook a good rosé of Pinot Noir, which sometimes will be called a "vin gris." As the warm weather approaches, this, along with the other pinots, will make getting through the heat a lot more interesting.
And regarding serving temperatures and circumstances, keep temperatures moderate on all three. Go for about 60-65 degrees on reds, and no colder than about 55 degrees on whites, or cellar temperature. For the red wines, a round balloon-shaped Burgundy glass is a good choice, and that shape also is good for full-bodied Chardonnays (a/k/a Pinot Chardonnay). For Pinot Gris and Blanc, a tulip-shaped white wine glass is fine. For the rosé, Riedel has developed a glass just for the genre, and I plan to acquire a couple as I adore rosé all year long.

Medium-bodied dry white wine; medium pale straw. Classic Pinot Grigio aromas of yellow stone fruit and minerals, with flavors that expand that profile and add a fleshy dimension in mid palate. Minerality lends texture and complexity to the clean fruit flavors. Good acidity (typical of Pinot Grigio from northern Italy). Wine seems a bit dull initially, but opens and develops delectable fruit flavors within about 15 minutes in the glass. Be careful not to serve too cold.

Blue-cheese-stuffed green olives, crab mousse, grilled garlic shrimp, shellfish with mild rйmoulade sauce, fish and seafood with mild Thai seasonings (lemongrass), calamari with lemon aoli, baked crab-stuffed flounder or other mild fish, soft-shell crabs either sauteed or fried, crab cakes, poached or baked salmon with lemon Hollandaise or sabayon, chicken baked with caramelized onions, roast breast of turkey

Bacco Fine Wine
$14

Medium-bodied dry white wine; medium straw. Aromas of peach blossom and peach, minerals as it opens, with flavors that continue this style of PG through to the long, tasty and crisp close. A touch of the taste of honey joins the final flavors. This New World Pinot Grigio shares the minerality of an Old World PG, but has more voluptuous mouth feel, thanks partly to its being barrel fermented. "Monte Volpe" means "Mountain of the Fox" in Italian, and owner Greg Graziano acknowledges his heritage with a variety of Italian grape types, including Arneis.

Crab cakes with Hollandaise sauce, grilled scallops with honey-mustard mayonnaise; garlic shrimp, baked or grilled mild fish, Chinese-American dishes, such as sesame chicken or sweet-and-sour dishes, noodle dishes; pork, seafood or chicken dishes with exotic spices (but not hot)

Continental Beverage
$15

Light-medium-bodied dry white wine; pale straw. Gentle aromas of peach, pear, apple and minerals; well-integrated white fruit flavors with a touch of vanilla in the close. Silky mouthfeel. Finish is dry, crisp and elegant, with a lively citrus note in the close. Very well crafted wine, with acidity, minerality, fruit in synch. Mosby is completely devoted to producing wines from Italian varietals.

Crab cake Benedict with mustard Hollandaise sauce, grilled bacon-wrapped scallops with honey mustard sauce, cold Asian noodle dishes, chicken salad with yellow fruits, baked mild fish with mustard Bйchamel; squash-stuffed ravioli with brown butter; chicken fettuccine, pork, chicken or seafood dishes with mild exotic seasonings

Ultimate Distributors
$18

Full-bodied dry white wine; medium golden straw. Aromas of intense pear, touch of mango and minerals. Very sweet (fruit sweet) fleshy fruit informs the palate, emphasizing pear, mango. Good acidity refreshes the palate. Delightful peachiness in mid palate. Moderate alcohol: 12.5%.

Calamari with lemon aпoli; grilled or sauteed paillard of wild salmon with lemon Hollandaise; grilled or sautйed scallops; mild delicate smoked white fish, roasted turkey breast; crab cakes with lemon Hollandaise, salt-and-pepper shrimp; coq au vin blanc (made with some of this wine); chicken pot pie

Unique World Wines
$16

Full-bodied dry white wine; medium straw with a very slight coppery cast.(as Pinot Gris can do). Aromas of white fruits with slight note of wet, warm stone. Flavors advance distinctive richness on top of white fruit characters. Clearly follows Alsace models, with its rich, concentrated, intense fruit character. Complex and rewarding, with lively ripe, exuberant, mostly stone fruit character. Fleshy texture. Not a keeper, so drink now.

Baked, poached or steamed wild salmon (with Hollandaise sauce); grilled bacon-wrapped scallops with honey-mustard sauce; crab cakes; roast pork tenderloin with pear chutney; Asian fare, especially seafood or chicken with slightly exotic seasonings; chicken pot pie.

Empire Distributing
$30

Full-bodied dry rosé wine; medium salmon pink. All the red fruits play in the aromas, from watermelon to strawberries to red raspberries. Flavors reach deeply into the red and black berry characters, with a touch of aromatic brown spice. Long, clean, crisp finish. Terrific acidity completes the profile. Aromas and flavors develop in the glass, about 15-20 minutes after the wine is poured. Consider decanting. No foolin'. Barrel fermented (neutral oak) four months in used barrels.

Sooo many dishes: vegetable quesadillas or fajitas; roast pork tenderloin; smoked meats (chicken, pork) with medium-bodied tomato-based barbecue sauce; Chinese barbecued steaks; Korean barbecue; sautйed or grilled wild-caught salmon; grilled ham steak with Muscadine sauce glaze, fried chicken

United Distributors
$20

Medium-bodied dry red wine; medium deep dark cherry red. Aromas of red and dark cherries with exuberant spice notes. The palate shows relatively simple cherry fruit flavors true to the grape type, with good acidity (.73), and moderate alcohol (13%). Elegant, clean, simple and pure. Vines are relatively young, just 15 years old, and are planted in a zone of Limoux, France, influenced by the distant Atlantic Ocean. Very good value.

Smooth-textured pаtes; mild salamis and other cured meats, mushroom ragoыt, braised veal with mushrooms, grilled lean pork tenderloin, Asian barbecued beef and Chinese honey barbecued pork (especially yummy), roast duck or Cornish game hen, chicken thighs braised with Vidalia onions, grilled chicken breast with sun-dried tomato/caper relish, barbecued Asian steaks, mild aged cheeses, dark chocolate

Grapefields
$13

Light/medium-bodied dry red wine; translucent medium dark cherry color. Aromas suggest brown aromatic spices, dark cherry, a hint of composted earthiness. Flavors pick up the spice factor, but don't overplay it, leaving a savory sensation. First impression seems a bit understated, but blooms in the glass, so be patient with it. Supple tannins. Long, elegant, savory finish. Likely just settled on the lees, not filtered, some sediment, but decant for formal serving (be sure to stand upright for a day or so before decanting.) The Fleurieu Peninsula runs south of Adelaide and thus enjoys constant maritime influences, which cool the climate.

Creamy-liver pate, mildly smoked light meats, smoked liverwurst, grilled salmon or tuna, salmon sashimi, some sushi (eel rolls), light meats, braised chicken thighs with caramelized onions, chicken or veal saltimbocca, mushroom risotto or mushroom-stuffed ravioli, ravioli filled with veal and sage, grilled sweetbreads, well-seasoned ground beef pie, hangar steak with Gorgonzola cream

Bacco Fine Wine
$22

Medium-bodied dry red wine; bright translucent ruby red. Fine aromas of dark and red cherries, with flavors that continue the fruit and add aromatic brown spice to enhance complexity. A little earthiness emerges in the finish. Very easy tannins. Good acidity. Elegant, graceful, supple texture. A superior example of German Pinot Noir.

Smoked liverwurst, layered ham/salami/cheese casserole, pork steaks with sautйed mushrooms and sweet-potato-stuffed baked Vidalia onions, roast chicken, ground beef pie with aromatic brown spice seasonings, grilled steak with bleu cheese drizzle, roast duck, turkey or Cornish hen, mushroom ragoыt, braised chicken thighs with caramelized onions, grilled veal chop

Quality Wine & Spirits
$30

Medium-bodied dry red wine; translucent medium dark ruby red. Somewhat subdued aromas hint at dark cherries, while elegant flavors pull up sensations of dark cherry and a touch of raspberry followed by good fruit tannins and a sensation of alcohol. Firm but supple tannins lend structure and weight to the mouthfeel. A classic of the California style but with tempered fruit, so it's not a cherry bombe.

Creamy liver pates and mousses, sauteed foie gras, rabbit or chicken marchand de vin sauce, coq au vin made with a good but less expensive Pinot Noir, well-seasoned with aromatic spices ground beef pie, fairly firm aged cheeses (but not sharp or too ripe), creamy blue cheeses, hanger steak with bleu cheese drizzle, furred or feathered game, roast duck. Very nice with dark chocolate.

National Distributing
$40

Medium-bodied dry red wine; medium, translucent dark cherry red. Aromas typical of a Central Otago Pinot Noir, with an emphasis on dried herbs rather than cherry fruit. Raspberries, a touch of wild strawberry, and cherries do, however, inform the palate. The rich fruit character is buoyed by supple tannins and good acidity. Classy package. The winery's 30 acres were planted in 2000, and include Pinot Gris and Riesling. If this is the quality that they can get off these young fines, the future holds much promise. Potential keeper 5-6 years.

Creamy, smooth-textured liver pates (especially yummy), peppered grilled tuna steaks, roasted or grilled pork tenderloin, roast chicken or braised chicken with caramelized Vidalia onions, warm lamb salad, roasted Cornish hen and duck, beef pot pie, dark chocolate

Bacco Fine Wine
$42

Medium- full-bodied dry red wine; medium garnet red. Fruit-rich aromas grape a bowlful of red cherries and spice, with an initial earthy note that seems to fade as the wine opens. Dark cherry flavors are the follow-up, again with spice notes, a hint of vanilla from toasted oak, and a touch of intriguing bitterness at the end.. Elegant, soft tannins and clean finished with a long fruit-filled wrap-up. Balanced and silky textured. Another wine from Greg Graziano. Pinot Meunier is a native of Burgundy that serves as one of the three mainstays of Champagne. White hairs on the back of the leaf look like flour, hence its name, which means "miller" in French.

Smooth pates or chicken liver mousse; beef and mushroom pot pie; moussaka; roast duck and pork loin (some dark or dried fruit-based embellishments, sauces or chutneys would add a good dimension), roast Cornish hen brushed with a melted dark fruit jam glaze; ground lamb casserole with aromatic brown spices and a bechamel-tomato topping

Continental Beverage
$16