Wine Along The 101
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    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
    • Rhone Rangers 2015
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  • Videos
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  • About Me
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Chilled and crisp wines are a perfect way to beat Summer’s heat, and with all that the season brings, such as outdoor concerts, barbecues, pool parties, and al fresco dining, a thirst for a cool long drink brings out these refreshing beauties!  Rosé, the pink wines are always a summertime thriller, and Riesling, mineral driven white wines whose high acidity is so refreshing, are traditional go-to summer wines.  Familiar with Rosé and Riesling, but what about Ramato?!  
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Lara Scarbolo presented her family's unique Pinot Grigio, Ramato style
Meet the Pinot Grigio rosé, Ramato, made in the Friuli region of Italy, a product of a day of maceration with the pale purple skins of the grapes.  A little different profile, this copper-colored wine displays a fruity bouquet and weight on the palate, savory and a bit exotic, with complex notes of ripe apple, citrus peel, stone fruit, dried fruit, and spice.
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Scarbolo Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio Ramato XL 2014 (Friuli-Venezia)
        If you only get a chance to taste one, this is it!  A full expression of this style,
        fermented in tank and barrel, it has the potential to evolve and age
Scarbolo Venezia Giulia Pinot Grigio Ramato XL 2013 (Friuli-Venezia)
        Bold and structured, notes of plum jam, white pepper, spice 
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Chambers & Chambers Wine Merchants imports and distributes a diverse group of these wines, from many of the major wine regions of the world.  These classic, food-friendly, thirst-quenching wines are reason to celebrate the Summer Solstice, and can be drunk throughout the calendar year.  Here are my highlights from a recent tasting, these are certainly wines to look out for.

​Rosé can be made from any dark-skinned grape, in varying shades of pink, depending on how long the juice stays in contact with the skins during the initial crushing and maceration of the fruit.  Meant to be drunk young, they’re crisp and refreshing, highly aromatic, dry yet fruity, and perfect with a wide range of food.
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California Rosé
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Bokisch Vineyards Clements Hills Rosado Terra Alta Vineyard 2016 (Lodi)
        Spanish-style Garnacha, flavorful 
Bonny Doon Vineyards Central Coast Vin Gris de Cigare Rosé 2016 (Central Coast)
        French Rhône-style blend, elegant, complex palate 
Margerum Wine Company Santa Barbara Riviera Rosé 2016 (Santa Barbara)
        Grenache-Syrah blend, bright fruit, vibrant acidity
Quivira Dry Creek Valley Rosé 2016 (Sonoma)
        GSM blend, floral, textured, complex, beautiful wine
Sidebar Cellars Russian River Valley Rosé 2016 (Sonoma)
        Old vine Syrah, bone dry, mineral, strawberry & watermelon aromas/flavors
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Spain Rosado
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Armas de Guerra Bierzo Mencía Rosado 2016 (Bierzo)
        Organic, old vine Mencía, lively and balanced
Cortijo Rioja Rosado 2016 (Rioja)
        Organic Garnacha, complex, long finish
Compañia de Vinos del Atlantico Vinos de Madrid Zestos Rosado 2016 (Madrid)
        Old vine Garnacha, textured body
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Italy Rosato
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Elena Walch Vigneti delle Dolomiti Rosé 20/26 2016 (Trentino-Alto Adige)
        Lagrein/Merlot/Pinot Nero blend, intense, complex, savory, long finish
Garofali Kòmaros Rosato 2016 (Marche)
        Montepulciano, mineral, berry flavors
Li Veli Primerose Rosato 2016 (Puglia)
        Negroamaro, explosive nose, juicy, textured, savory finish
Tenuta Sant’Antonio Scaia Rosato 2016 (Veneto)
        Rondinella, floral, fruity, unique wine, best with food
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France Rosé
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Triennes Vin de Pays du Var Rosé 2016 (Provence)
        Cinsault/Syrah/Grenache, classic Provence, great balance
Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Rosé Jeunes Vignes 2015 (Loire)
        Pinot Noir, elegant, mineral, tasty
Maison Roche de Bellene Coteaux Bourguignons Gamay Rosé 2015 (Burgundy)
        Gamay, fresh, fruity 
Petit Bourgeois Vin de Pays du Loire Rosé de Pinot Noir 2015 (Loire)
        Pinot Noir, floral and fruity nose
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Riesling is a versatile grape, with every incarnation made, from sparkling to very sweet, all having that vein of buoyant acidity.  A pure expression of place, the wines channel the mineral character of the soil, and are highly regarded as some of the finest wines in the world, excellent with food, with its combination of acidity and sweetness, and so, a favorite of many restaurant sommeliers.
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Germany Riesling
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Weingut Dr. Crusius SchlossBockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosse Gewach 2014 (Nahe)
        Mouthwatering, exotic fruit, spice, mineral, depth of flavor
Weingut Dr. Crusius Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewachs Bastei 2015 (Nahe)
        Old vine, exotic fruit aromas, mineral, round body
Weingut Stephan Ehlen Riesling Spatlese Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2014 ( Mosel)
        Fresh, aromatic, vibrant acidity
Weingut Werner Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Auslese 2006 (Mosel)
        Apple, pear, apricot fruit, lush and balanced, amazing
        2013 and 2002 also delicious and distinctive
Von Simmern Rauenthaler Baiken Riesling Auslese 2005 (Rheingau)
        Dried apricot, orange marmalade, crushed stone, spicy notes
Von Simmern Kabinett Trocken Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen 2015 (Rheingau)
        Citrus, floral, bright
Stay cool throughout the summer with these unusual wines, by the glass or with food, it’s an alternative that will delight and surprise your family and friends.