***SANGRIA SO NICE***

I dropped by Campo Viejo during my recent tour of Rioja. I liked it, cuz they treated me like a star. Therefore, I’ve posted some star-themed recipes for Sangria. REAL stars, that is.

Originally created in Rioja, the light and fruit-forward classic Rioja Tempranillo, Campo Viejo Crianza (srp $9.99) is a great wine for authentic Sangria. If you’re celebrating summer’s white nights, try the floral Griffigna Pinot Grigio (srp $12) for Sangria Blanca.  To enrich the flavors be sure to chill the Sangria overnight.  The next day, pour the Sangria into a pitcher full of ice cubes, garnish with fresh fruit and enjoy. Make sure you have a pitcher, wooden spoon, large wine glasses, lots of ice and seasonal fresh fruits on hand: 
 
Suggested Recipes:
 

Catherine Sangria Jones (serves 2 pitchers)
 
2 Granny Smith Apples
3 Large Valencia Oranges or 1 Quart Orange Juice
2 Peaches
2 Plums
1 Small Bunch Seedless Grapes
1 Tahitian Lime
1 Lemon
6 Teaspoons Sugar
1 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 Kaffir Lime Leaves
2 bottles Campo Viejo Crianza 2005
1/4 Cup Triple Sec or Cointreau, added to taste
Peach schnapps, added to taste Read More...

Raise your hand if you love “The Sopranos.” Yeah, me too. (Now, quick, put your hand down before people start giving you funny looks). When she’s not playing Dr. Melfi on the soon-to-be-dearly-departed HBO series, Lorraine Bracco indulges her enological predilections with her own line of Italian vino. Bracco Wines offers eight different selections, handpicked by the acclaimed actress, ranging in price from $12.99 for a 2004 Pinot Grigio delle Venezie to $64.99 for a 2000 Brunello di Montalcino. Your Imbiber recently chatted up the star, and here are some highlights:

Why did you launch Bracco Wines?

I really don’t want people to be intimidated by wine anymore – by the labels, by the price, by the name. It should be easy, and that’s what I’m trying to make it – easy. As for me doing it, I believe at a certain point in your life, you should only do what you love. If you do things that you love, most of the time you’re successful. Read More...

Chris Sawyer: The Man, the Myth, the Sommelier

By Dan Dunn

I was on Interstate 580 between Oakland and San Francisco when my iPod shuffled from Winger’s “She’s Only 17” to Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40,” the road-trip soundtrack equivalent of a groin tear. Fortunately, I arrived at my destination – the ambrosial wine country of Sonoma – without any unmelodious sonic segues of Bach-to-Gerardo proportions occurring.

Of the many things I genuinely appreciated about the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, foremost among them was the inclusion of renowned wine expert Christopher Sawyer, a friendly chap who, as the Fest’s official sommelier, owned the unique responsibility of pairing wine with movies. Says Sawyer, “I find angles or themes that can bring both together. For instance, if you want to add some color to a classic black and white film like ‘The Thin Man,’ pair it with a robust red like the Ravenswood 2003 Zinfandel, Barricia Vineyard, Sonoma Valley or the Outpost 2003 Zinfandel, Howell Mountain.” Read More...