Sunset to Sunrise: One Night of Music in Lisbon

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Pedro Ribeiro Simões

Bairro Alto and Beyond

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Climb your way up the curving cobblestone streets of Lisbon’s Bairro Alto, which looks out over the historic center of the city. Dart through cramped walkways between ancient houses and out onto still smaller streets, just in time to dodge a yellow tram and watch the sky fade to a darker tone of blue. Advance still further and you’ll find yourself amongst 18th century mansions and a breathtaking park with a giant, umbrella-like oak tree, as the lamplights begin to flicker on.

Paso Robles Establishes 11 New Viticultural Areas

Defining Paso Robles

by Christopher A. Friedmann

On October 9th, 2014, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) published a final ruling establishing 11 new viticultural sub-areas nested within the greater Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. The decision marks the conclusion of a seven year process that will help to better define the diversity of Paso Robles’ wine region, which until this ruling had existed as the largest undivided AVA in California.

Pilsen, Czech Republic – Exploring Beer and Culture in the Land of Stories

The European Capital of Culture

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Welcome to the Czech Republic, “The Land of Stories.” At least that’s the line from the tourism board – the truth of this former Soviet Bloc region is much more nuanced. Take for example Pilsen, the official home of Pilsner, that light Czech-style golden pale lager that is so well known. This rich and vibrant city boasts an evocative history full of kings, tyrants and a constantly transforming government and people; some buildings are still peppered with bullet holes from World War II, while others hold their centuries-old charm with a boundless grace.

Argentine Wine Finding a Sense of Place

Does Robust Red Wine From Argentina Age Well?

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Santiago Achaval knows personality when he tastes it – especially when those same characteristics are repeated year after year in bottles of his Argentine Achaval-Ferrer wine. A good wine has a “sense of place,” or terroir, meaning astute tasters can often determine a wine’s growing region (and sometimes even year) just by the taste. Grapes offer the uncanny ability to take on the characteristics of their geology, geography and climate, and express those same characteristics year after year when tasted. It’s part of what makes winemaking such a personal experience for growers like Achaval.

Third Annual Sunset & Dine Takes Over Hollywood

The Annual Festival Showcase’s the Neighborhood’s Best Culinary Talent

by Christopher A. Friedmann

The third annual Sunset & Dine is a celebration of the often overlooked culinary scene of the famed Sunset & Vine intersetion, taking place Thursday, October 2nd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Taglyan Complex on Vine. The Los Angeles Film School, located nearby, is the primary sponsor of this year’s event.

O. Fournier 2008 Alfa Crux Malbec – Wine of the Week

Price: $55

Rating: 15.5/20

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Varietals: 100 percent Malbec

Alcohol: 15.1 percent

Tasting Notes: The O. Fournier Group produces wines in Argentina, Chile and Spain, and uses local winemakers in each region to produce wines that are internationally recognizable. The 2008 Alfa Crux Malbec hails from their Uco Valley vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina, which sits in a picturesque location at the foot of the Andes Mountains. This dark crimson wine boasts aromas of ripe fruit with notes of sweet dark cherry and spice. On the palate, intense flavors of blackberry and creamy oak lead to a long, smoky finish. The elegant profile of this full-bodied wine is perfect for the changing temperatures and rich, meaty foods that are coming into season.

Food Pairings: Wild boar, beef stew, cheese and mushroom enchiladas

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Originally featured on Gayot.com

Truett Hurst 2013 Salmon Run Zinfandel Rosé – Wine of the Week

Price: $18

Rating: 13/20

Region: Sonoma County, California

Varietals: 88 percent Zinfandel and 12 percent Syrah

Alcohol: 15.4 percent

Tasting Notes: Only 10 percent of California wineries have a woman at the helm, but with talented people like Virginia Marie Lambrix of Truett Hurst, we hope that will soon change. Lambrix, the vintner for Truett Hurst, also makes wines from her eponymous vineyard VML, whose rosé of Pinot Noir we featured as Wine of the Week just weeks ago. This time around, it is her Truett Hurst 2013 Salmon Run Zinfandel Rosé that caught our attention. The Zinfandel-Syrah blend boasts aromas of peach and raspberry, with luscious wild strawberry and honeysuckle on the palate, making this lively rosé perfect for toasting Women’s Equality Day.

Food Pairings: Cheese and charcuterie plates, fresh fruit, chicken vindaloo

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Originally featured on Gayot.com

House of Dow’s 2011 Vale do Bomfim Douro DOC Red Blend – Wine of the Week

Price: $12

Rating: 13.5/20

Region: Douro Valley, Portugal

Varietals: 40 percent Tinta Barroca, 25 percent Touriga Nacional, 25 percent Touriga Franca and 10 percent Tinta Roriz

Alcohol: 13.9 percent

Tasting Notes: The Dow name can be traced back to 1798, when Bruno de Silva, a Portuguese wine merchant, made the journey from Oporto to London to set up his wine importing business. During the Napoleonic Wars, Bruno was one of the few merchants able to equip his ship with defense artillery, allowing his crew safe passage through the treacherous Bay of Biscay. As a result business flourished, while much of the competition saw their sales diminish. The Symington family has continued to build upon this intrepid legacy over the last two centuries, while continuing to produce some of the finest Port wine. Using the grapes from their centuries-old Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira vineyards, the 2011 Vale do Bomfim red blend has rich fruit and floral aromas, while the palate displays blackberries and plum with a fresh acidity. This wine can be best enjoyed during a summer cookout with barbecued meats and vegetables.

Food Pairings: Steak, barbecue ribs, grilled vegetables, grilled caprese pizza

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Originally featured on Gayot.com

Andrew Murray Vineyards 2012 Espérance Red Blend

Price: $25

Rating: 14.5/20

Region: Santa Barbara County, California

Varietals: 60 percent Grenache, 25 percent Syrah and 15 percent Mourvedre

Alcohol: 15 percent

Tasting Notes: Andrew Murray graduated from the U.C. Davis wine program, and soon after founded his eponymous vineyard. He is considered to be one of the most impressive talents in the wine industry, and an important part of the burgeoning Santa Barbara viticulture scene. The 2012 Espérance is a blend of 60 percent Grenache, 25 percent Syrah and 15 percent Mourvedre. The Syrah that Murray chose for blending was bigger than in years past, and therefore created a deeper and more intense wine. It is round on the palate with strong flavors of black cherry and blueberry that mix well with the creamy vanilla and cinnamon produced by the French Oak the wine was aged in. It is a well-balanced wine that can be enjoyed to its fullest on the porch during a warm summer evening.

Food Pairings: Rack of lamb, rabbit, goat cheese pizza

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Originally featured on Gayot.com

Monte Xanic 2010 Viña Kristel Sauvignon Blanc

Price: $15

Rating: 13.5/20

Region: Baja California, Mexico

Varietals: 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc

Alcohol: 13.5 percent

Tasting Notes: While the wines of Mexico are currently enjoying a bit of a renaissance, it’s important to remember the nation’s long history with the vine. During Spanish rule, the popularity of Mexican wine caused exports of national Spanish varietals to plummet, leading Charles II to prohibit the production of Mexican wine entirely. But thanks to the hard work of producers like Monte Xanic, Mexican wines are once again being recognized as among the most respected in the world. Located in Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California, the winery has been producing Bordeaux style wines for over 20 years, improving their process with each harvest. The 2010 Viña Kristel Sauvignon Blanc shows aromas of grapefruit and fresh floral notes on the nose, while exhibiting well-balanced acidity in the mouth and a crisp pineapple finish. It is a fun, approachable wine perfect for warm summer evenings and is a great complement to any celebration, especially those happening during the upcoming National Tequila Day.

Food Pairings: Ceviche, grilled fish, mixed citrus green salad

by Christopher A. Friedmann

Originally featured on Gayot.com