ISSUE 29 | February 2012

Welcome to the Winacea E-newsletter.

The most romantic wines that help "put you in the mood" for Valentine's Day evening festivities are pink hued Rosé sparkling wine and sultry Pinot Noir. Rosé bubbly is harder to find and more difficult to produce, but unmistakably pretty (kind of like a long term relationship). Whether you choose a French Champagne or a salmon colored sparkler from Carneros, CA, Rosé sparkling wine will be the perfect opening act to a seductive dinner production. The next temptress is Pinot Noir, having supple texture and an intoxicating scent. These sexy wines are extremely versatile with food, which is an added bonus. Or, if you are looking for something extra indulgent for your extra-special-someone, seek out these two ultra premium alternatives. A stunningly complex chardonnay such as a Chablis Grand Cru from Vaudesir ("Valley of Desire") and the very old and adored Chateau Calon-Segur, a third-growth Bordeaux, with a prominent heart on the label. What says "love" more than a rich, French, dark Cabernet Sauvignon?

Port-Mulled Cherries with Ricotta

Serves 4

Ingredients:
	2 c Ruby Port wine
	1.5 c pitted fresh cherries (or 10 oz bag of thawed, drained frozen cherries)
	2 c fresh ricotta cheese

Using a medium sauce pan, heat the wine over medium-high heat, simmering until a thick syrup forms. Stir in the cherries and turn off heat. Scoop ½ cup of ricotta cheese in each bowl and spoon the cherries and syrup over top.

Recipe adapted from Food & Wine Magazine July 2008.

2009 Bordeaux Tasting!

The Annual Fete du Bordeaux presented by Applejack Wine & Spirits happened again this January 18th at the Westin Tabor Center in Denver. This was a "first" for Winacea's Stephanie Davis. What a charming, yet luxurious, way to be introduced to the highly-regarded 2009 Bordeaux vintage! Our special guests, Jean-Charles Cazes from Chateau Lynch-Bages and Nicolas Glumineau from Chateau Montrose were hilarious and unpretentious. Nicolas stunned the audience by singing a little opera, without any accompaniment, before he shared his wines with us. The six 2009 wines we tasted were gripping, young and tannic. Although they were a little tough on the gums, the pheasant pate en croute with black truffles and foie gras comforted our palates. The real pleasure came with the 2001 and 1996 vintages, especially the 1996 Chateau Montrose. The seven courses and fourteen wines entertained us all night. Looking forward to being delighted next year!

Stay Tuned!! Next month's issue will explain the "three-tiered" distribution system in the United States.

From left to right: Stephanie Davis, Jean-Charles Cazes, Carol Severson, and Nicolas Glumineau.

Winacea Events

- to be announced -

Other Recommended Colorado Wine Events

Copper Mountain Winter Wine Festival - Copper Mountain, CO (Feb 10-12)

A Bottled Affair February Wine Classes - Denver, CO (Feb 4,8,14, &21)

Monday Night Wine Dinners at Frasca - Boulder, CO (Feb 6, 13, 20, 27)

DAM Uncorked Wine Tasting - Denver, CO (April 21)

Other US Recommended Wine Events

The 23rd Annual Boston Wine Festival - Boston, MA (Jan 6-March 30)

Capital Wine Festival - Washington DC, (Jan 19- March 28)

Red Wine & Chocolate - Yakima Valley, WA (Feb 18-19)

South Beach Wine & Food Festival - Miami Beach, FL (Feb 23-26)

BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival - Charleston, NC (March 1-4)

The many faces of Sangiovese.

Sangiovese is the most widely planted red grape in Italy, having dozens of clones and sub-varieties. Unlike the USA and other new world wine regions, Sangiovese based wines in Italy do not put the grape name on the label. Here are a list of Sangiovese wines from Italy that you may or may not recognize. These wines range from 60%-100% Sangiovese.

Chianti or Chianti Classico

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Brunello di Montepulciano

Morellino di Scansano

Torgiano Rosso

Rosso di Montefalco

Rosso Piceno

Toscana and Super Tuscans

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