San Francisco Wine Center Blog

The Great White Wines of Burgundy

SFWC — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:34:29 +0000

Burgundy. Burgundy. Burgundy. And just like Beetlejuice would, the magnificent whites of Burgundy magically appeared in our glasses. James Beard Award-winning author Jordan Mackay grasped the lead and took us through an epic journey from Chablis all the way down to Mâconnais. To start the class, Jordan laid out the ground work to help everyone understand and interpret the minerality that is Chablis. Typically untouched by oak, the Kimmeridgian soils of the area are so perfectly expressed in the wines and give Chablis the timeless minerality and natural acidity that have earned the region the following that it has.

Next we moved on to the notorious Côte-d’Or and then down to Mâconnais, during which we tasted an A-list of wine producers including Leroy, Latour, Leflaive and several more. As terroir widely differs throughout Burgundy, we examined how well Chardonnay is able to articulate the soils and climate from which it came. Expressing a broad range of characteristics, the wines tasted blessed our palates with notes of just about everything from lemon zest to green apple to cinnamon and even lightly buttered toast. Despite the extensive list of characteristics that the class noticed, one thing did seem to appear unanimous…Minerality.

My favorite wine of the night?

Dom. Bernard Morey Chassagne-Montrachet Maltroie 1er Cru 1998

At a rather pleasant point of oxidation, this golden-hued wine conveyed the richness of a baked apple layered with cinnamon while carrying the salty bitterness of peanut skins. Full bodied and still bracing with acidity, this is a wine that’ll send you straight into White Burg bliss.

-Julie Albin

Wine List

Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire 2010
Maison Louis Latour Pouilly Fuisse 2009
Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc 2008
Thierry & Pascal Matrot Puligny-Montrachet Les Chalumeaux 1er Cru 2010
Domaine de la Vougeraie Le Clos Blanc Vougeot 1er Cru 2007
Dom. Bernard Morey Chassagne-Montrachet Maltroie 1er Cru 1998
Maison Leroy Meursault 1er Cru 1996
Dom. Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 1995

Exploring the Red Wines of Burgundy

SFWC — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:09:19 +0000

There’s no place like Burgundy. There’s no place like Burgundy. There’s no place like Burgundy. Ironically, this truly is a belief that floats in so many minds all across the globe. And who more passionate to instruct a class on the red wines of Burgundy? None other than James Beard Award-Winning author Jordan Mackay. Aside from a little bit of Gamay thrown into the mix, we explored the infamous Pinot Noir grape and the many facets of Burgundy in which it grows. From its continental climate to limestone soils, we ventured through the most prestigious appellations that make up the Burgundian empire.

To even further our experience, we tested the waters of several different vintages from as far back as 1976 to as recent as 2010. What’s even better, the wines in which we tasted were from an enormously wide range of price points starting at $14 all the way to $500.

My Favorite Wine of the Night?

1976 Domaine Leroy Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru

This musty old girl was still smokin’ hot like a Bloody Mary on a Sunday morning. My nose was blown away with aromas of sour cherry, tomato juice, peppercorn, and Tabasco sauce. Along side its well-structured tannin and vibrant acidity, this wine certainly didn’t let the palate down with further notes of grilled red meat, rhubarb, orange peel and black tea on the finish.

Thanks to Brian for an epic wine list and to Jordan for another amazing class!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

1. Jean Marc Burgaud Beaujolais Villages Les Vignes du Thulon 2010

2. Oliver Guyot Bourgogne Rouge 2005

3. Claire Forestier Volnay Cave des Ducs 2007

4. Domaine Gabriel Billard Pommard 1999

5. Dujac Fils & Pere Chambolle Musigny 2009

6. Domaine Perrot-Minot Gevrey-Chambertin “Les Perrières” VV 1er Cru 2007

7. Vincent Giradin Echezeaux Grand Cru 2005

8. Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2005

9. Domaine Leroy Romanee St Vivant Grand Cru 1976

Three Big B’s of Italy

SFWC — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:14:50 +0000

To spend an evening with one of the B’s is a blessing, but to spend it with all 3 B’s? Now that’s just heaven. Led by Mauro Cirilli of the North American Sommelier Association, our class featured wines from three of the most reputable regions of Italy: Barolo, Barbaresco, and Brunello di Montalcino. A native from Venice, Mauro was the perfect candidate to lead this excursion through these three amazing regions.

Mauro dove deep into the nitty gritty of each region describing the varietals that dominate, the differentials in climate, the variances in soil types, and most importantly, the characteristics of the wines produced. Although many people know that Barolo and Barbaresco both produce the Nebbiolo grape, not everyone might be familiar with the differences the two have in wine styles. For that matter, some may not be acquainted with the characteristics of the Sangiovese grape and why it has made Brunello di Montalcino as celebrated and renowned as it is. With so much to learn and so much to taste, this class definitely had no problem keeping everyone interested and having a great time.

My favorite wine of the night?

Salvioni Brunello di Montalcino 2001

Even with a bit of Brett on the nose, this wine is still wonderfully aromatic with notes of meatiness, muskiness, and wet doggy-ness. This Brunello is well-balanced with fresh acidity, smooth tannin, and notes of dusty wood, red cherry, red currant, and smoky coals on the palate with Pico de Gallo on the finish.

Thanks to Mauro and Brian for such an exciting class on these awesome B’s of Italy!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

1.Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2006

2.Moccagatta Bric Balin Barbaresco 2004

3.Burlotto Vigneto Monvigliero Barolo 2000

4.Vietti Barolo Brunate 2005

5.Luigi Einaudi Costa Grimaldi 2006

6.Talenti Brunello di Montalcino 1999

7.Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) Rennina Brunello di Montalcino 2004

8. Salvioni Brunello di Montalcino 2001

The Grand Wines of Bordeaux

SFWC — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:59:49 +0000

A Tuesday evening filled with both older and newer vintage wines from some of the best producers in Bordeaux. What’s not to like? I certainly couldn’t think of anything. General Manager of Meteor Vineyard and former Wine Director of Gary Danko, Jason Alexander led our class through a highly valuable (both in experience and the wines tasted) exploration of both the left and right bank of Bordeaux.

Jason went into depth about the many facets of the Bordeaux region including the varietals used, the wine classifications, and of course, the terroir. Explaining the differences between the left and right bank as far as gravel soils vs. clay soils, different producers, and the types of blends being produced, it truly helped the class understand what certain things to expect when tasting these amazing and collectible wines from Bordeaux.

My favorite wines of the night?

1988 Château Gruaud Larose Grand Cru – Saint-Julien

An impressive wine with pungent and satisfying aromas of charcoaled zucchini, dried roses, black plum, and blackberry. A powerful combination of gripping tannin and juicy acidity, this wine presents the palate with notes of rotisserie meat, tar, black pepper and a smoky finish.

1995 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande– Pauillac
A perfect combination of grace and muscle, this wine expresses aromas of smoked meat, lavender, red plum & red cherry. Tickling tannin and perpetuating acidity is well partnered with a palate of cough syrup, burnt wood, black pepper, and barbecued asparagus on the finish.

Thanks to Jason and Brian for an incredible Bordeaux class with an unbeatable wine list!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

1.Château Lamothe Blanc 2009 – Haux

2.Château Monbousquet 1995 – Saint Émilion

3.Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1995 – Pauillac

4.Château Cos d’Estournel 1986 – Saint-Estèphe

5. Château Haut Brion 1986 – Pessac-Léognan

6.Château Brane-Cantenac 2008 – Margaux

7. Château Hosanna 2008 – Pomerol

8. Château Climens 2003 – Barsac, Sauternes

Indigenous Varieties of Italy

SFWC — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:56:03 +0000

We were thrilled this past Tuesday to welcome our special guest Mauro Cirilli for an exciting class on the indigenous grape varietals that make Italy’s wine industry so puzzling to wine lovers across the globe. A Venice native now living as a San Francisco local, Mauro is the former wine director for Perbacco and Barbacco Eno Trattoria and currently heads the North American Sommelier Association. Having spent many years working as a sommelier for prestigious hotels throughout Italy, Mauro felt right at home as he led the class on a voyage through the Italy’s mysterious world of indigenous wines.

Featuring ten different varietals, Mauro briefed the class on the history, terroir conditions, viticulture, and style of wine involved with each one. As most people in the class had not yet heard of many of these varietals, Mauro was able to enlighten everyone with knowledge and understanding of why these indigenous grapes make Italy so special.

My favorite wines of the night?

White

Valentini Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 1998 – Abruzzo

This trebbiano was nothing short of incredible. Dusty and golden in color, the wine carried aromas of barnyard with canned pineapples and pears. The remarkably fresh acid for this 14 year old wine was decorated with notes of white pepper, salty minerality, baked bread crust, and a savory bacon finish.

Red

Castello di Verduno Pelaverga Basadone 2010 – Piemonte

A very uncanny type of wine, this Pelaverga exuded rustic aromas of dusty wood, rubber, and a hint of tart red cherry. Lightly gripping tannin and excellent acidity, this wine definitely grew on me while my palate tasted wood fire, tar, red cherry, and salted peanut skins on the finish.

Special thanks to Mauro and Brian for a very memorable class!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

1. BioVio Riviera Ligure di Ponente Pigato di Albenga 2010 – Liguria

2. Aia Vecchia Vermentino 2010 – Maremma, Toscana

3. Vietti Arneis 2010 – Roero, Piemonte

4. Valentini Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 1998 – Abruzzo

5. Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Enrico Cialdini – Emilia-Romagna

6. Castello di Verduno Pelaverga Basadone 2010 – Piemonte

7. Cataldi Madonna Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008 – Abruzzo

8. Cantina Andrian Lagrein Riserva Tor di Lupo 2008 – Trentino Alto-Adige

9. Scacciadiavoli Sagrantino Montefalco 2000 – Umbria

Cantine del Notaio Aglianico del Vulture La Firma 2007 – Basilicata

Tasting and Comparing Old World & New World Wines

SFWC — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:20:51 +0000

The epic battle of Old World vs. New World wines was placed in the spotlight again in class this past Tuesday. GM of Meteor Vineyard Jason Alexander led the class through a blind tasting of five different grape varietals while comparing one example of both the Old World and New World style of that varietal.

While conducting these blind tastings, Jason explained in full depth the specific characteristics in the wines and how they were able to lead us to conclusions about the varietal and whether it was Old World or New World. Using specific examples such as minerality, ripeness of the fruit, and level of alcohol, Jason let the students decide what they concluded based on all of the clues. Some students were surprised to find out that they were successful in being able to tell the grape varietals and whether the wines were Old World or New World. All it took was a little guidance and, literally, following your nose!

My favorite wines of the night?

Old World

2008 M. Chapoutier La Petite Ruche, Crozes-Hermitage

Simply alluring, this wine’s aromas of fresh soil, wet roses and oregano remind me of walking through the gardening section of Home Depot. Smooth texture and sufficient acid on the palate with notes of blackberry, rose water, pine, roast beef, and a fertilizer finish.

New World

2010 Felton Road Cornish Point Pinot Noir- Central Otago, New Zealand

A real crowd pleaser, this wine carries enticingly sweet aromas of roasted marshmallow, red cherry, red plum, violet, and cooked tomatoes. Light weight and graceful tannins on the palate with added notes of burnt sugar, coffee beans, rose petals, black pepper, leather, and an earthy finish.

Thanks to Jason and Brian for another fantastic blind tasting class!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

1. Seven Hills Columbia Valley Riesling 2009 – Washington State

2. Lucien Albrecht Reserve Riesling 2010 – Alsace, France

3. Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnere – Chablis, France

4. Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay 20009 – Sonoma County, CA

5. Felton Road Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2010– Central Otago, New Zealand

6. Domaine Perrot-Minot Nuit St Georges La Richmone 1er Cru 2007 – Burgundy

7. M. Chapoutier La Petite Ruche Crozes-Hermitage 2008 – Northern Rhone

8. Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz 2008 – Barossa Valley, South Australia

9. Pride Vineyards Sonoma Merlot 2009 – Sonoma County, CA

10. Chateau Certan de May Pomerol 2008 – Bordeaux, France

We’re in 7×7!

SFWC — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 04:50:58 +0000

We were mentioned in another awesome article from 7×7 Magazine. Check it out! :)

http://www.7×7.com/napa/how-get-job-wine-industry

Terroir in Pinot Noir

SFWC — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:08:29 +0000

On a special Wednesday night class, the SF Wine Center had the wonderful pleasure of welcoming Manhattan-based Master of Wine Christy Canterbury. Christy is one of just 299 living Masters of Wine in the entire world, only seven of which are American women. She has worked all over the world and opened restaurants in places like Istanbul, Doha, Vancouver, and Bora Bora and is currently a wine buyer, writer, educator, and judging panelist. Christy’s topic of choice for class: Terroir in Pinot Noir. Focusing on the intensely distinct variances of the Pinot Noir grape, Christy chose to focus on comparisons between those of Burgundy, New Zealand, and domestic regions like Russian River, Central Coast, and Oregon.

Christy began the class by explaining in depth the finicky grape that Pinot Noir is and how it attributes to the incredible diversity from region to region. She then led the class on proper wine tasting techniques from how to look at the wine all the way to understanding its balance of alcohol. After that, Christy briefed everyone on what certain characteristics and aromas are typically found in Pinot Noir, pointing out examples like barnyard and earthiness.

As the class tasted through the flight of wines, Christy explained the terroir of these particular regions, describing the soils and climates. The class learned interesting details such as the southern hemisphere tending to have cooler temperatures, as well as the fact that Central Otago of New Zealand is the main area for continental climate in that country. Thanks to Christy, the class was exposed to fantastic industry insights and beneficial information in order to help them understand and enjoy this pernickety grape.

My Favorite Wine of the Night?

Felton Road Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2010 – New Zealand

This youthful wine has a deep colored core with luscious aromas of burnt marshmallows and strawberries. Light in body with juicy acidity, this Pinot Noir presents the palate with gorgeous floral notes of violet along with red berries, cinnamon, black pepper and new leather on the finish.

A big thank you to Christy for joining us and leading this magnificent class!

Wine List

1. Ata Rangi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2008 – New Zealand

2. Felton Road Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2010 – New Zealand

3. Casa Marin Lo Abarca Litoral Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 – San Antonio Valley, Chile

4. JK Carriere Dundee Hills Anderson Family Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005 – Willamette Valley, OR

5. Foxen Block 8 Bien Nacido Vnyd Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2008 – Santa Barbara Cnty, CA

6. Patz & Hall Santa Lucia Highlands Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 – Central Coast, CA

7. Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Lindsay Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 – Sonoma County, CA

8. Paul Pernot Pommard Les Noizons 2005 – Cote de Beaune, Burgundy

9. Domaine de L’Arlot Nuits-St-Georges Clos des Forets 2009 1er Cru – Cote de Nuits,Burgundy

10. Domaine Dujac Vosne-Romanee Les Beaux-Monts 2007 1er Cru – Cote de Nuits, Burgundy

Tasting & Describing Wine

SFWC — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:01:19 +0000

Tuesday was an amazing kick-off to what will be an electrifying wine school season here at the SF Wine Center. Advanced Level Certified Sommelier and General Manager of Meteor Vineyard Jason Alexander lead our first class of the year into the world of tasting and describing wines. Having the class taste each wine blindly, Jason guided our eyes, noses, and palates to truly utilize our senses in order to understand the wines. Paying close attention to the wines’ clarity, color, intensity, aromas, notes, body, tannin, acidity, and finish were just some of the aspects that we closely evaluated. Jason also presented the class with some helpful hints as to the distinct characteristics that certain grape varietals typically depict on the nose and palate. We also discussed terroir, viticulture, climate, winemaking processes, barrel and bottle aging and how exactly those factors all contribute to what we taste in our glass.

We tasted through a rather diverse flight of wines focusing on both Old World and New World regions. Without knowing it, since no one was told what any of the wines were, we tasted some elegant Oregon Pinot, crisp German Riesling, earthy Syrah from northern Rhone, green peppery New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, velvety right bank Bordeaux, and more. Each wine exemplified the particular features that one would find when drinking these wines.

My favorite for the night?

Marchesi di Barolo – 2005 Barolo – Piedmont, Italy

Having spent a whole day at their estate with proprietor Anna Abbona last summer, I naturally have a soft spot for this wine. But that’s beside the point that this Nebbiolo is dazzling with luscious dark chocolate covered cherries on the nose. The palate expanded on that while adding in hints of creamy vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, nuttiness, and a leathery finish. Upholding its acidity, bold tannins, and succulent cherry notes, this Barolo drinks lovely now but will continue to impress for many years to come.

Many thanks to both Jason and Brian for a marvelous start to the new year!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

1. JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2007 – Mosel Valley, Germany

2. Hunter’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 – New Zealand

3. Joseph Drouhin Chablis Secher 2009 1er Cru – Chablis, France

4. Holloran Le Pavillon Vnyd Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2005– Willamette Valley, OR

5. Sierra Cantabria Reserva Rioja 2006 – Rioja, Spain

6. Bernard Burgaud Cote Rotie 2008 – Northern Rhone, France

7. Marchesi di Barolo 2005 Barolo – Piedmont, Italy

8. Chateau Monbousquet Saint Emilion Grand Cru 1995 – Bordeaux, France

Champagne & Sparkling Wine

SFWC — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:06:09 +0000

As that special time of year has rolled around, we celebrated our last class of 2011 with the delightful bubbly wines of the world. A particularly amusing class session led by our very own James Beard Award-Winning author Jordan Mackay, our class certainly ended the year with a bang as we explored the sparkling wines of Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and California.

In spite of the class’s anticipation for all of the sparkling wines to be tasted, Jordan started the class by offering fine points on the Champagne region and explained why there is valid reasoning behind the laws against calling sparkling wines from anywhere else “Champagne.” Along that topic, he proceeded to teach the class about other important sparkling production areas such as Cava, Prosecco, and even some here in the US. With that being said, Jordan described in ample detail the differences between traditional method and tank method produced sparkling wines.

Before diving headfirst into the wines, Jordan also dedicated a few extra minutes to discuss the rising significance of small grower Champagne. Sharing his utter fondness for these small producers, he went on to illustrate his opinions on how they are currently changing the game for the big Champagne houses. And after an incredibly informative, yet ultimately entertaining, class we moved on to the wines!

My Top Pick for the Night?

Deutz Brut Classic NV

A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, this wine marvelously starts the nose off with the hints of a salted caramel apple. On the palate, this wine expresses fresh green apple, buttery toast, and an enjoyable macadamia nut finish that lingers for several moments after tasting the wine. Priced at $34, this wine is definitely worth a “cheers”!

Thank you to Jordan and Brian for a great class and an amazing end to 2011. We hope to see you all back here for class in January!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

Nino Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Segura Viudas Aria Estate Brut NV Cava
Louis Boillot Perle Rare Cremant de Bourgogne 2006
Schramsberg Brut Blanc de Blancs 2007
Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs 2004
Deutz Brut Classic NV
Vilmart Cuvee Creation Champagne 2000
Pierre Peters Les Chetillons Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2004
Marc Hebrart Brut Rose Premier Cru NV
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose