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Winemaker Tasting:Sat 7th May 6-9pm - Jochen Dreissigacker
05 05 2011
Saturday 7th May 6-9*pm _____________________________________ Rheinhessens' 'Natural Wine' with Jochen Dreissigacker ____________________________________ Winemaker Jochen Dreissigacker will be joining us - straight off the plane - to show us through his DELICIOUS organic German estate wines, which he is one of very few organic German producers We will start the tasting at our normal time of 6pm with the exceptionally knowledgeable and charming Chris Terrell of Terrell wines and expect Jochen to arrive, luggage in hand around 7:00pm Many of you know my love of Riesling - if it were the question of which wine would you have if you cold only have one forever... red would be too difficult to choose... Nebbiolo... Sangiovese... white however would be easy. for me it is Riesling - it can truly become an obsession. Come and join us as we taste some great wines and great values, and did I mention DELICIOUS... perfect timing for the wonderful weather - but will also brighten your day when the fog comes rolling back in ---------------------------- Dreissigacker Riesling 2009 $18. Dreissigacker Weissburgunder 2009 (Pinot Blanc) $22. Dreissigacker Hasensprung Riesling 2008 $37. Dreissigacker Bechtheimer Stein Auslese 2008 (Riesling) $35. Dreissigacker is a small vineyard, owned for over 200 years by the Dreissigacker family. The vineyards are located around the town of Bechtheim in the Rheinhessen wine region of Germany. The vines are farmed organically and the wines are made with minimal intervention. The wines have a superb acidity, they are unforgettable. _________________________________ Jochen The artisan path to purity The first step in changing our vineyards from conventional to organic cultivation occurred six years ago, when we stopped using mineral fertilizers or ecologically harmful chemical sprays. Since then, our soil has been continually and successfully renatured. If necessary, weeds are removed mechanically and the area under and around the vines is hoed. We sow green manure to boost the humus content of the soil. These plants loosen the soil with their roots, they absorb all superfluous nitrogen and, in conjunction with microorganisms and other soil-dwelling life forms, constantly regulate the nutrient content of the soil. All we have to do is add small quantities of organic fertilizer. All of these measures interact to create balanced plant growth in the vineyard, which makes the roots of the vines strong and healthy. The plant's roots are able to penetrate deeper into the ground to the mineral-rich layers, thus giving the plant greater resistance to disease and making it stronger. The high quality of our soil provides a healthy basis for old grapevines and the slowly ripened grapes make truly magnificent wines. Limiting harvests for greater vitality and structure The path to a truly great wine lies in limiting the amount of grapes that are allowed to ripen. At the beginning of every year, we carefully prune and manually rewire all our vines by hand. This allows us to influence the grape harvest and its quality as early as January. Our painstaking work results in glossy dense foliage. Early in the summer, we cut off at least one third of the grapes on each vine in what is called a 'green harvest' and leave them to lie on the ground where they gradually rot and become humus which, in turn, enriches the soil. The bunches of grapes that are left on the vine benefit from more essential nutrients, light and air, allowing them to ripen perfectly. These grapes yield a rich, aromatic must which, with a little luck and a lot of careful work, including selective picking, gentle transport and handling and extended yeast fermentation with the yeasts present on the grapes, will mature into an exciting, truly great wine with a distinctive bouquet. ~we hope to see you soon~ salute! ______________________________________ Become a Charter Member! Biondivino Wine Club Special Selection|Special Delivery ________________________________
05 05 2011
Saturday 7th May 6-9*pm _____________________________________ Rheinhessens' 'Natural Wine' with Jochen Dreissigacker ____________________________________ Winemaker Jochen Dreissigacker will be joining us - straight off the plane - to show us through his DELICIOUS organic German estate wines, which he is one of very few organic German producers We will start the tasting at our normal time of 6pm with the exceptionally knowledgeable and charming Chris Terrell of Terrell wines and expect Jochen to arrive, luggage in hand around 7:00pm Many of you know my love of Riesling - if it were the question of which wine would you have if you cold only have one forever... red would be too difficult to choose... Nebbiolo... Sangiovese... white however would be easy. for me it is Riesling - it can truly become an obsession. Come and join us as we taste some great wines and great values, and did I mention DELICIOUS... perfect timing for the wonderful weather - but will also brighten your day when the fog comes rolling back in ---------------------------- Dreissigacker Riesling 2009 $18. Dreissigacker Weissburgunder 2009 (Pinot Blanc) $22. Dreissigacker Hasensprung Riesling 2008 $37. Dreissigacker Bechtheimer Stein Auslese 2008 (Riesling) $35. Dreissigacker is a small vineyard, owned for over 200 years by the Dreissigacker family. The vineyards are located around the town of Bechtheim in the Rheinhessen wine region of Germany. The vines are farmed organically and the wines are made with minimal intervention. The wines have a superb acidity, they are unforgettable. _________________________________ Jochen The artisan path to purity The first step in changing our vineyards from conventional to organic cultivation occurred six years ago, when we stopped using mineral fertilizers or ecologically harmful chemical sprays. Since then, our soil has been continually and successfully renatured. If necessary, weeds are removed mechanically and the area under and around the vines is hoed. We sow green manure to boost the humus content of the soil. These plants loosen the soil with their roots, they absorb all superfluous nitrogen and, in conjunction with microorganisms and other soil-dwelling life forms, constantly regulate the nutrient content of the soil. All we have to do is add small quantities of organic fertilizer. All of these measures interact to create balanced plant growth in the vineyard, which makes the roots of the vines strong and healthy. The plant's roots are able to penetrate deeper into the ground to the mineral-rich layers, thus giving the plant greater resistance to disease and making it stronger. The high quality of our soil provides a healthy basis for old grapevines and the slowly ripened grapes make truly magnificent wines. Limiting harvests for greater vitality and structure The path to a truly great wine lies in limiting the amount of grapes that are allowed to ripen. At the beginning of every year, we carefully prune and manually rewire all our vines by hand. This allows us to influence the grape harvest and its quality as early as January. Our painstaking work results in glossy dense foliage. Early in the summer, we cut off at least one third of the grapes on each vine in what is called a 'green harvest' and leave them to lie on the ground where they gradually rot and become humus which, in turn, enriches the soil. The bunches of grapes that are left on the vine benefit from more essential nutrients, light and air, allowing them to ripen perfectly. These grapes yield a rich, aromatic must which, with a little luck and a lot of careful work, including selective picking, gentle transport and handling and extended yeast fermentation with the yeasts present on the grapes, will mature into an exciting, truly great wine with a distinctive bouquet. ~we hope to see you soon~ salute! ______________________________________ Become a Charter Member! Biondivino Wine Club Special Selection|Special Delivery ________________________________
Wed 16th Mar 6-8pm -Tenuta delle Terre Nere|Marc de Grazia himse
03 14 2011
Wednesday 16th Mar 6-8pm ___________________________________________ Tenuta delle Terre Nere with Marc de Grazia marc de grazia ___________________________________ Marc de Grazia, is a man who probably needs little introduction around here. His wines from his estate Tenuta delle Terre Nere, sell out so quickly, it is almost like we have to keep it a secret when they arrive. They have been some of the most popular and loved wines that I have seen come through - and out, our doors in the entire time we have been open. Thanks to Rand Yazzolino, owner of Estate Wines LTD, and JJ Clifton, they were able to acquire a few cases of the coveted Etna Rosso, which I call "the best *$20 bottle of wine I've had - it has gone up a mere $2 in the last 4 years...) as well as a selection of Library Wines that are available now through our site now for pre-order and on the night of the tasting. The very first time I tried these wines, I found them absolutely fascinating. The vines, which are planted at different elevations - and plots planted as far back as 94 years ago. "Guardiola" 1917 & 1947 at 800/900 meters "Feudo di Mezzo" 1927 & 1947 at 650/700 meters "Calderara Sottana" 1957 &1967 at 650/700meters and the youngest vineyard planted: "Santo Spirito" 1950 & 1960 so - only 50-60 year old vines... only? But, there is one more (currently sold out) and that is the Pre-phylloxera planting that was found near the Calderara Sottana vineyard - planted in 1870, this is "Le Vigne di Don Peppino" 141 year old vines. I have always wanted to have a tasting with the line up of cru's from this estate - to see the vast differences between the wines due to the differing elevations and age of the vines. Finally. After 4 years we will have the opportunity to do so and with the owner himself. I hope you will be able to join us in this very special event. We will be showing these 5 wines Wed. 16th of March 6-8pm __________________________________________ Etna Rosso 2009 $22.(36 bottles available now)click Etna Rosso Guardiola 2006 $55.(36 bottles available now)click Etna Rosso Sottana Calderara 2006 $55.(48 bottles available now)click Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo 2008 $50.(18 bottles available now)click Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2008 $50. (*6bottles available) click *we will pour from the Magnum - 750ml will not be tasted. Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2008 Magnum1.5L $110.00(5 magnums) click In addition to these above wines that we will be tasting with Marc and Rand, the following library wines are also available on a pre-order basis: Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo 2005 $55. (30 bottles available now) click Etna Rosso Guardiola 2007 $55. (12 bottles available now) click Etna Rosso Guardiola 2008 1.5L $110. (1 magnum available now)click Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2007 1.5L $110. (6 bottles available now) click Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2007 $55. (36 bottles available now) click Etna Sottana Calderara 2007 $55. (48 bottles available now)click Any orders placed today 14th March thru 1pm the 15th March will be avail for pick up the night of the tasting (Wed. 16th March). Library wine orders placed on the night of the tasting will be avail. for pick up Friday 18th March Wednesday 16th March 10$tasting 6-8pm ___________________________________________ a re-introduction from last week there is so much to say - but where to begin? is it possible to have a "rising star" in a country that has been producing wines for hundreds of years? I guess so --- that is one of the many beauties of Italian wine that area is... Mount Etna - Sicily. ___________________________________________ The wines of Mt. Etna are rapidly entering into the realm of excellence of that of their northern neighbors, Tuscany and Piemonte. Critics and journalists (and us here) are becoming equally obsessed with this volcanic region of Sicily. The wines have become affectionately known as "The Burgundy of the South" It is a growing area that was overlooked for sometime due to its harsh climate rugged terrain exploding volcanoes (most recently in Jan 2011) and snow capped mountains. Rising from 800-1200 meters planted in volcanic ash - the vines have thwarted off the devastating Phylloxera, lived and survived sharp temperature and weather changes and many of the pre-phyloxera vines, that went by the wayside were resurrected and saved from extinction. The results are incredible - elegant balanced wines with ashy minerality, complex smooth fruit that can easily rival pinot noir. ___________________________________________ ~we hope to see you soon~ salute! _______________________________________ Become a Charter Member! Biondivino Wine Club Special Selection|Special Delivery ________________________________
03 14 2011
Wednesday 16th Mar 6-8pm ___________________________________________ Tenuta delle Terre Nere with Marc de Grazia marc de grazia ___________________________________ Marc de Grazia, is a man who probably needs little introduction around here. His wines from his estate Tenuta delle Terre Nere, sell out so quickly, it is almost like we have to keep it a secret when they arrive. They have been some of the most popular and loved wines that I have seen come through - and out, our doors in the entire time we have been open. Thanks to Rand Yazzolino, owner of Estate Wines LTD, and JJ Clifton, they were able to acquire a few cases of the coveted Etna Rosso, which I call "the best *$20 bottle of wine I've had - it has gone up a mere $2 in the last 4 years...) as well as a selection of Library Wines that are available now through our site now for pre-order and on the night of the tasting. The very first time I tried these wines, I found them absolutely fascinating. The vines, which are planted at different elevations - and plots planted as far back as 94 years ago. "Guardiola" 1917 & 1947 at 800/900 meters "Feudo di Mezzo" 1927 & 1947 at 650/700 meters "Calderara Sottana" 1957 &1967 at 650/700meters and the youngest vineyard planted: "Santo Spirito" 1950 & 1960 so - only 50-60 year old vines... only? But, there is one more (currently sold out) and that is the Pre-phylloxera planting that was found near the Calderara Sottana vineyard - planted in 1870, this is "Le Vigne di Don Peppino" 141 year old vines. I have always wanted to have a tasting with the line up of cru's from this estate - to see the vast differences between the wines due to the differing elevations and age of the vines. Finally. After 4 years we will have the opportunity to do so and with the owner himself. I hope you will be able to join us in this very special event. We will be showing these 5 wines Wed. 16th of March 6-8pm __________________________________________ Etna Rosso 2009 $22.(36 bottles available now)click Etna Rosso Guardiola 2006 $55.(36 bottles available now)click Etna Rosso Sottana Calderara 2006 $55.(48 bottles available now)click Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo 2008 $50.(18 bottles available now)click Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2008 $50. (*6bottles available) click *we will pour from the Magnum - 750ml will not be tasted. Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2008 Magnum1.5L $110.00(5 magnums) click In addition to these above wines that we will be tasting with Marc and Rand, the following library wines are also available on a pre-order basis: Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo 2005 $55. (30 bottles available now) click Etna Rosso Guardiola 2007 $55. (12 bottles available now) click Etna Rosso Guardiola 2008 1.5L $110. (1 magnum available now)click Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2007 1.5L $110. (6 bottles available now) click Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2007 $55. (36 bottles available now) click Etna Sottana Calderara 2007 $55. (48 bottles available now)click Any orders placed today 14th March thru 1pm the 15th March will be avail for pick up the night of the tasting (Wed. 16th March). Library wine orders placed on the night of the tasting will be avail. for pick up Friday 18th March Wednesday 16th March 10$tasting 6-8pm ___________________________________________ a re-introduction from last week there is so much to say - but where to begin? is it possible to have a "rising star" in a country that has been producing wines for hundreds of years? I guess so --- that is one of the many beauties of Italian wine that area is... Mount Etna - Sicily. ___________________________________________ The wines of Mt. Etna are rapidly entering into the realm of excellence of that of their northern neighbors, Tuscany and Piemonte. Critics and journalists (and us here) are becoming equally obsessed with this volcanic region of Sicily. The wines have become affectionately known as "The Burgundy of the South" It is a growing area that was overlooked for sometime due to its harsh climate rugged terrain exploding volcanoes (most recently in Jan 2011) and snow capped mountains. Rising from 800-1200 meters planted in volcanic ash - the vines have thwarted off the devastating Phylloxera, lived and survived sharp temperature and weather changes and many of the pre-phyloxera vines, that went by the wayside were resurrected and saved from extinction. The results are incredible - elegant balanced wines with ashy minerality, complex smooth fruit that can easily rival pinot noir. ___________________________________________ ~we hope to see you soon~ salute! _______________________________________ Become a Charter Member! Biondivino Wine Club Special Selection|Special Delivery ________________________________
Winemaker Tastings for Feb/Mar
02 25 2011
Castello di Verduno - Verduno, Piemonte
02 25 2011
Castello di Verduno - Verduno, Piemonte
2009 Pelaverga Bianco 'Bellis Perennis' 2009 Pelaverga Rosso 'Basadone' $25 2004 Barbaresco 'Rabajà' $60 2005 Barolo 'Massara' $63 2004 Barolo Monvigliero Riserva $75
Tues 1st March - Austrian Wine Tasting - 6-8pm
The Wines of Austria - Kamptal vs Wachau Weingut Prager (Wachau), Weingut Fred Loimer (Kamptal), Heinrich (Neusiedlersee) and Wieninger (Vienna)
more to come soon........
Winemaker Tastings for February
02 08 2011
Wednesday 16th February after Tre-Bicchieri we have a tasting with Sabino from Pietracupa 7:30-9pm Thursday 17th February we have 3 winemakers from Carso (a big event): Edi Kante, Zidarich and Skerk 6-8pm Saturday 19th February Sergio Germano - Germano Ettore - Piemonte 6-8pm Wed 23rd February Tre-Monti Emilia Romagna 6-8pm Tues 1st March - Austrian Wine Tasting - Weingut Prager (Wachau), Weingut Fred Loimer (Kamptal), Heinrich (Neusiedlersee) and Wieninger (Vienna)
02 08 2011
Wednesday 16th February after Tre-Bicchieri we have a tasting with Sabino from Pietracupa 7:30-9pm Thursday 17th February we have 3 winemakers from Carso (a big event): Edi Kante, Zidarich and Skerk 6-8pm Saturday 19th February Sergio Germano - Germano Ettore - Piemonte 6-8pm Wed 23rd February Tre-Monti Emilia Romagna 6-8pm Tues 1st March - Austrian Wine Tasting - Weingut Prager (Wachau), Weingut Fred Loimer (Kamptal), Heinrich (Neusiedlersee) and Wieninger (Vienna)
The Best Wine Shops, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
02 08 2011
Paul Einbund is the wine director of the Slanted Door restaurant group including Out the Door Bush Street and Westfield Centre as well as Heaven's Dog. He also runs the beverage program at Frances, and has worked at Coi and more. Look for him here every Tuesday. Follow him on Twitter @pauleinbund. Now that the holiday season has come to a close, it’s time to replenish the wine cellar. Here is a short list of some of my personal favorites. Shop at any of these and you will not be disappointed. They all have good selections of fairly priced, interesting wines. Biondivino (Russian Hill) Located in Russian Hill, this place is the size of a closet. Luckily that closet is stuffed with possibly the most interesting selections anywhere in the city and owner Ceri Smith is as passionate as they come. She specializes in Italian wines with a few other goodies thrown in, and a fair amount of Champagne to. Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant (Embarcadero) Located in the Ferry Building (or weren’t you paying attention?), this shop probably has the most educated staff around. They always have a great selection and it's chosen by a tough-as-nails tasting panel. The wines that make it to the shelf here are the Olympic athletes of the wine world. Terroir (SoMa) Leading the way for the ‘natural wine movement’ in San Francisco. Gotta be the coolest wine shop in the city with its rustic feel, movies projected on the wall and…killer wines! Bi-Rite Market (Mission) From produce to great wine, this neighborhood market has everything! I mean everything, and it’s all first rate. Trac Le and the rest of the crew select eclectic wines and price them very fairly, always keeping up with what’s hot now. Swirl on Castro (Castro) Located in the heart of the Castro, this shop always has unique wines and many of them California wines that I’ve never heard of before, not to mention a really nice liquor selection as well. K&L (SoMa) This extensively stocked go-to wine shop does a lot of importing, which means you’ll find wines here that no one else has. They do a ton of their business online so check that out too. Plumpjack Wine Shop (Cow Hollow and Noe Valley) Two locations, both are cool. Always a solid selection of great wines but also really well priced and a helpful staff. DIG (Dogpatch) Ok, so this one is kinda cheating because it’s not open yet but I wanted to get a little note in here saying that the Dogpatch, where I live, is getting a wine shop too. I’m eager to see what wine writer Wayne Garcia can put together for his own place. By Paul Einbund on January 11, 2011 4:02 PM under Eat + Drink, Paul Einbund, wine shops
02 08 2011
Paul Einbund is the wine director of the Slanted Door restaurant group including Out the Door Bush Street and Westfield Centre as well as Heaven's Dog. He also runs the beverage program at Frances, and has worked at Coi and more. Look for him here every Tuesday. Follow him on Twitter @pauleinbund. Now that the holiday season has come to a close, it’s time to replenish the wine cellar. Here is a short list of some of my personal favorites. Shop at any of these and you will not be disappointed. They all have good selections of fairly priced, interesting wines. Biondivino (Russian Hill) Located in Russian Hill, this place is the size of a closet. Luckily that closet is stuffed with possibly the most interesting selections anywhere in the city and owner Ceri Smith is as passionate as they come. She specializes in Italian wines with a few other goodies thrown in, and a fair amount of Champagne to. Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant (Embarcadero) Located in the Ferry Building (or weren’t you paying attention?), this shop probably has the most educated staff around. They always have a great selection and it's chosen by a tough-as-nails tasting panel. The wines that make it to the shelf here are the Olympic athletes of the wine world. Terroir (SoMa) Leading the way for the ‘natural wine movement’ in San Francisco. Gotta be the coolest wine shop in the city with its rustic feel, movies projected on the wall and…killer wines! Bi-Rite Market (Mission) From produce to great wine, this neighborhood market has everything! I mean everything, and it’s all first rate. Trac Le and the rest of the crew select eclectic wines and price them very fairly, always keeping up with what’s hot now. Swirl on Castro (Castro) Located in the heart of the Castro, this shop always has unique wines and many of them California wines that I’ve never heard of before, not to mention a really nice liquor selection as well. K&L (SoMa) This extensively stocked go-to wine shop does a lot of importing, which means you’ll find wines here that no one else has. They do a ton of their business online so check that out too. Plumpjack Wine Shop (Cow Hollow and Noe Valley) Two locations, both are cool. Always a solid selection of great wines but also really well priced and a helpful staff. DIG (Dogpatch) Ok, so this one is kinda cheating because it’s not open yet but I wanted to get a little note in here saying that the Dogpatch, where I live, is getting a wine shop too. I’m eager to see what wine writer Wayne Garcia can put together for his own place. By Paul Einbund on January 11, 2011 4:02 PM under Eat + Drink, Paul Einbund, wine shops