Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Prince of Pinot Profiles LIOCO

For all you Pinot Noir fans out there, if you haven't subscribed to the Pinot File yet, here's a great reason - a nice in-depth profile on the winemaking techniques & philosophy behind LIOCO.  Cheers - Ali


LIOCO Winery: A Different Path

Sommeliers approach wine from a different perspective, less focused on the hedonism of wine and more concerned with how the components of wine act in unison to compliment and enhance the experience of dining. Their profession teaches them about what kind of wine makes food sing. It is no surprise, then, that in recent years many sommeliers have launched their own wine labels, directing the crafting of wine or even making wines themselves that reflect their preference for food-loving wines. Many sommeliers have established intimate relationships with winegrowers and winemakers through the years, making it easy for them to gain access to talented people in the wine business to assist in the start up process. One of these sommeliers is Kevin O’Connor of Spago Restaurant in Los Angeles.

O’Connor predates the current surge in sommelier wine producers, having made wine for years under the O’Connor label. Beginning with the 2005 vintage, he teamed with former North Berkeley Imports wine importer Matt Licklider to found the LIOCO label, specializing in non-manipulated site-driven wines. LIOCO is a combination of the partner’s last names.

O’Connor works closely with University of California at Davis graduate Kevin Kelley (pictured below), who also crafts wines for Salinia Wine Company, Heintz Vineyard, and Spot-On Cellars. Like a number of winemakers who started out with ambitions to enter the medical profession, he was derailed after reading Charles Sullivan’s Like Modern Edens, the story of the origins of the Santa Clara Valley wine business. After serving an internship at Domaine Meo-Camuzet in Burgundy, he became an assistant winemaker under Wells Guthrie of Copain. He founded his own label, Salinia Wine Company, with his wife Jennifer in 2003, with the intention of producing wines with minimal winemaking imprint using indigenous yeasts and very little to no oak (only seasoned oak barrels are used). To achieve his goals, he picks early, does not temperature control fermentations, avoids fining and filtration, minimizes sulfur usage, and lets nature take its course...

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14.3% alc., pH 3.77, 343 cases, $48. This vineyard is located at an elevation of 1,600 feet on granite and limestone soils. The climate is extreme, with 40 to 60 degree diurnal shifts, resulting in stressed vines. 10-day cold soak, aged 12 months in 1, 2, and 3- year-old oak barrels, unfined and unfiltered. · Deeply colored. Appealing, even ridiculously sensual aromas of warm cherry tart, tea, ground savory and dark roses. Flavors of loamy black cherries and berries, spice and grilled mushrooms. A sweet and sour thing is going on with the fruit. Silky and smooth with healthy ripe tannins yet a charming elegance. Amazing persistence of berry fruit on the generous finish. This wine will stand up to hearty foods. Very good (+).

Please click here to read in full and subscribe: http://www.princeofpinot.com/article/952/ 

 

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Sunday Afternoon Office

A welcome view, warm sunshine and cool breeze. Sitting outside in San Anselmo,California this afternoon working on major-cool-stuff!  New business opportunities on the horizon have injected a big rush of excitement and massive focus. Stay tuned & cheers to a lovely week ahead everyone - Ali

Monday, August 16, 2010

2008 LIOCO SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR

In the news again! Texas has loved this vintage of LIOCO Pinot Noir for months now...please ask your favorite wine shop for a few bottles and look for it soon in Houston @ Catalan! Cheers - Ali

Friday, August 13, 2010

2005 CIACCI PICCOLOMINI NEW RELEASES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN TEXAS!

 
  

Please ask for CIACCI at your favorite wine shop and fine-dining restaurant.   Avante Beverages is their Texas distributor and just landed the new 2005's! www.IndigenousSelections.com
Cheers - Ali

Friday, August 06, 2010

New Italian Offering is SPARKLING...

and is quickly becoming a BIG HIT in Texas! BiancaVigna Prosecco - new cases have arrived and are making friends all over the state.  Please find it at your favorite Texas wine shop for $12-14.

A little reminder:  Prosecco DOC Brut NV
100% estate-grown Glera fruit; 27 year-old vines (average). 

Vinified by gently pressing the grapes, still decantation and fermentation at a constant temperature. Aged in stainless steel vats. Foaming: Second fermentation in stainless steel tanks (cuvée close) at controlled temperatures, with selected ferments, for a minimum of 60 days. Tartaric stabilization at a low temperature.
 
Bottling: Isobaric bottling, after sterile filtration

Tasting Note: Color: Brilliant straw-yellow with green reflections, fine and persistent perlage. 

Flavor: Creamy mouthfeel, yet dry in style; pleasant acidity, lovely fruitiness

Please visit their US Importer for more information: http://www.indigenousselections.com/?page_id=2602

Monday, August 02, 2010

Sunset over Dry Creek Valley


Blackberry photos only on this trip, but this one turned out pretty cool.
The sun was smiling today...cheers to a wonderful tomorrow everyone - Ali