Hola! My Perspective and a free ticket!
February 09, 2007
Hola!
I will keep this brief, my new mantra for
2007.
During the month of January, summertime in the
southern hempishere, the store was closed while we toured the wine producing
regions of Argentina and Chile.
Tremendous investment in modern winery facilities
and vineyard development is ongoing in the major growing regions of both
countries. Sub-appellations are being successfully developed, and new ventures
are exploring and extending to many out-of-the-way, obscure areas
once never considered for viticulture. Where Chile has depended upon
the exportation of 85% of its wine production to foreign markets,
Argentina's wine production has been self-consuming, as only 15% of its
total wine production is exported.
It is easy to forecast that Argentina is
preparing to emulate Chile's marketing plan. For those of you unfamiliar
with the incredible virtues of Argentine Malbec from the high elevation
vineyards of Mendoza, it is about to explode on to the American
market. For that matter, the very appealing white varietal Torrontes from
the hot Salta region in the north west of Argentina is going to find
a niche too!
In Chile, the coastal influenced, cooler
Casablanca Valley is now producing stunning white wines of every
varietal. Inland, where the warm bucolic Colchagua Valley
nestles up against the Andes to the east, the recent discovery of the
Carmenere grape varietal from Bordeaux, once thought to be Merlot plantings,
could be the final piece to the puzzle that will elevate Chilean red blends to a
world class level. Arguably, some Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maipo
Valley, just to the south of Santiago, have already reached this
plateau. Once never considered new hillside vineyards, to stress the
grape and naturally reduce yields, are now reaching up from valley floors
everywhere!
And hang on, because both countries are
experimenting with Syrah and Pinot Noir and early results are extremely
impressive and promising!
Then there is the price to value relationship to
consider. With few exceptions, most of the wines produced by
both countries undercut the price of similar quality wines from around the
world.
Not everything is rosy. Just like
anywhere, there are better wines than others, and certainly wines to
avoid. But for the most part, the problems with overcropping
(resulting in thin, herbaceous, under fruited wines) is a thing of the
past. Over the
next few months, beginning this coming week, I will provide you with
accounts of our discoveries. Even if you purchase just a bottle per
e-mail, I know you will be pleased, and the learning curve will
prepare you for what's to come!! It all about pleasure
and education.
The tasting bar will be open tomorrow from Noon to
4 pm. Every Saturday we intend to include wines from Argentina and Chile
in our tasting lineup.
The 05 Patassy Pinot Noir sold out early yesterday
morning. Your response was overwhelming and I appreciate it. I am
very sorry I could not fill orders for the rest of you. Ready to
pickup!
REMEMBER THESE? We just received a couple of
"unexpected" surprise cases of the 04 Obsidian Ridge ($25.95) and 04 Happy
Canyon Pioccho ($29.95). Also, arriving today is a restock of the 2004
DuNah Pinot Noir ($44.95) and 03 Talisman Ted's Pinot Noir ($39.95)....both from
the Russian River Valley, and the new release of the 05 Brown Estate Zinfandel -
Napa Valley ($35.95). ORDER QUICKLY if interested. LIMITED TO
STOCK ON HAND! ......
OH! If you missed out or procrastinated, or
want to change your mind....a wee bit (less than two cases) of the 2002 Silver
Oak Napa Valley Cab is still available at $97.95. Ready to
pickup!
BEST for
last!! Our friend Louisiana
Chef Andre Robin is "performing" at Copia tomorrow in
Napa. Yes, the master of Cajun is doing an authentic "shrimp boil" tomorrow from Noon to 3
pm. We wish we could be there to indulge, but after a month off
we feel a need to stay here at the store and stick to our
diets....
But, I have one free
ticket worth $95 for the first person who calls me**** (no
e-mails).....extra tickets are
available to purchase at the Copia website, or at the door.
For extra salivating and more on Chef Andre
and what he's up to tomorrow go to www.cookingwithandre.com and
view the video.
It's good to be back home!
Eric Stumpf
The Wine Consultant
8039 Greenback Lane
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(916) 721-WINE (9463) **** Just say MARDI GRAS MADNESS!!! FOR ONE FREE
TICKET!!
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