Trippin' with TexaCali!

Off to visit Spain and see the lovely families and producers who make up the KILLER Solomon Selections Spanish wine portfolio. I've now met many of these folks who've visited America over the past 2 years, it's going to be great to see them at their homes and wineries.  

If you are in the wine trade you know what I'm in for this week. For those who just love to drink good wine, check out the list that I'll be tasting over the next week: (loads of toothpaste required...) Salud! Ali

Sunday

Espelt "Vailet" Blanco

Espelt "Corali" Rosado

Espelt "Saulo" Tinto

Espelt "Coma Bruna"

Gramona "Gessami"

Gramona Gran Cuvee

Gramona "Imperial"

Gramona "III Lustros"

Tomas Cusine "El Vilosell"

Tomas Cusine "El Vilosell"

Tomas Cusine "Geol"

Tomas Cusine "Geol"

El Perro Verde

L'Origan Zero Dosage

L'Origan Rosat Zero Dosage

Paisajes V

Paisajes VII

Paisajes VIII

Vina al Lado de la Casa

Monday

Capcanes Mas Donis Rosat

Capcanes Mas Donis

Capcanes Val de Calas

Capcanes Costers del Gravet

Capcanes Cabrida

Capcanes Cabrida Calissa

Capcanes Pansal de Calas

Mas d'en Compte Blanco

Mas d'en Compte Tinto

Mas d'en Compte Planots

Black Slate (Porrera)

Roquers de Porrera "Marge"

Roquers de Porrera

Terra de Verema "Triumvirat"

Terra de Verema "Corellium"

Closa Batllet Blanco

Closa Batllet Tinto

Closa Batllet "2 Vinyas"

Black Slate (Gratallops)

Tuesday

Conreria Scala Dei Blanco

Lo Givot

Mas Alta "Els Pics"

Mas Alta "Artigas"

Mas Alta "La Basseta"

Mas Alta "La Creu Alta"

Mas Doix "Salanques"

Mas Doix "V.V."

Nun

La Bota #16 Manzanilla

La Bota #10 Manzanilla Pasada

La Bota #15 Fino

La Bota #9 Amontillado

Wednesday

Mustiguillo "Mestizaje" Blanco

Mustiguillo "Mestizaje"

Mustiguillo "Finca Terrerazo"

Mustiguillo "Quincah Corral"

Celler del Roure "Les Alcusses"

Celler del Roure "Maduressa"

Thursday

Casa Castillo Monastrell

Casa Castillo Monastrell

Casa Castillo "Las Gravas"

Casa Castillo "Valtosca"

Casa Castillo "Pie Franco"

Castano Rosado

Castano Monastrell

Castano "Hecula"

Castano "Solanera"

Castano "Casa Cisca"

Sierra Salinas "Mo"

Sierra Salinas "Mira"

Sierra Salinas "1237"

Casa Marta

Friday

Sanclodio

Sanclodio

Ercavio Blanco

Ercavio Rosado

Ercavio Tinto

Ercavio "La Plazuela"

Ercavio "La Plazuela" (1.5L)

Jimenez-Landi "Sotorrondero"

Jimenez-Landi "Pielago"

Jimenez-Landi "Fin del Mundo"

Jimenez-Landi "Cantos del Diablo"

Jimenez-Landi "El Reventon"

Saturday

Val de Sil "Val de Sil"

Val de Sil "Val de Sil"

Val de Sil "Pezas de Portela"

Val de Sil "Pedruzos"

Losada

Losada "Altos de Losada"

Evodia

Sitios de Bodega "Con Class"

Sitios de Bodega "Verdejo"

Sitios de Bodega "V3"

Pena das Donas "Almalarga"

Pena das Donas "Verdes Matas"

"Ali! Is! Back!"

...makes me laugh every time I even think about the sweet family who hosted me in Guadalajara one long summer while attending Baylor University. Each time I arrived to their home, the father would stand-up, walk to the door and greet me with open-arms while saying "Ali! Is! Back!".  It always made be smile and shake my head and say "well of course I am, I will always be back as long as your family will have me". 

Silly as it sounds, this welcome greeting has followed me through the years, now "TexaCali Ali" is who steadily appears in the doors and tasting rooms of wine accounts all over Texas, and I'm most always greeted with a smile and warm welcome. This small gesture is what keeps me keeping on these days. 

Thank you. You may not even know how much this means, but I'm out here fighting fo

r the families and passionate wine folks - the ones who own wineries, the people that sell the wine on the streets of Texas, the human beings that stand on a cold-concrete floors and perhaps have a chance every hour or so to actually tell a story to a customer about a special bottle and the families and independents who own all our great restaurants and retailers throughout the Lone Star State. I preach this often, so you know what I mean if you've been following this blog since 2005 or hopefully "get it" right away if you've just met me for the first time this year.

After hosting dozens of producers, winery owners and national sales folks like a maniac over the past 5 months... "Ali is Back" to doing a better job with the blog posts - I promise. This year has brought an extra layer of "extraordinary time-wasters" & "empty-calorie snacks" that have eaten up my creativity and desire to burn the midnight oil on here when it's well past my beauty-rest time. So tee up the bookmark again, I've got a lot on my mind and a few thousand Texans who love wine to share my thoughts and wine tips with. 

I'm gearing up for my first trip to Spain this weekend visiting producers from www.europeancellars.com portfolio. We'll visit wineries mostly along the East Coast of Spain from Barcelona to Madrid.   So stay tuned for some over-seas travel tales for sure, in the mean time - DRINK UP the wines and sake of TexaCali Wine Co.  - Cheers! Ali

Crios Rose of Malbec in Santa Fe New Mexico

I've fallen behind with the posts this week, tried to take a few days off with Mom in Santa Fe.  It's been nice to see the wines of Vine Connections and Solomon Selections all over the stores and wine-lists here, kind of like having a good friend over for dinner! Cheers from a patio over looking the magical mountains and sky surrounding Santa Fe tonight!  - Ali

Rafael Palacios...beautiful Spanish White Wine for the Weekend!

Louro 2007 

Tasting Notes: "The 2007 Louro do Bolo is 100% Godello produced from 40-50 year old vines. It was tank fermented and aged on the lies. Light gold-colored, it offers up aromas of petrol, white peach, and spiced pear. This leads to an elegant wine with a vibrant palate-feel, good balance, and outstanding concentration. Drink it over the next 2-3 years." Wine Advocate

Appellation of Origin: Valdeorras

Varieties: 100% Godello

Vineyards: Both estate vineyards plus some fruit purchased from local growers

Altitude: Between 600 and 700 meters

Soils: Sandy (caused by the degradation of the granite sub-stratum)

Age of Vines: 12-32 year old vineyards

Aging: 8 months in foudre

92 points, IWC 90 points, WA

Find it from your favorite Texas wine retailer for $15.99 or so...Cheers - Ali

Hot off the press...LIOCO!

Read up the latest from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Celler. A tremendous way to kick off the LIOCO Market Visit in Texas. Looking forward to the SOLD-OUT wine dinner at The Mansion on Thursday night! Cheers - Ali

LIOCO

By Josh Raynolds

May/Jun 09

2007 LIOCO Chardonnay Sonoma County

($20) Pale gold. Vibrant, pure aromas of citrus fruit, flowers and herbs. Juicy lime and lemongrass flavors are complemented by notes of anise and honeysuckle. Gains power on the finish, which strongly repeats the anise note and offers good mineral cut. This is an outstanding value.

90

2007 LIOCO Chardonnay Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley

($35) Light yellow. Intensely perfumed aromas of pear, apple, anise and smoky minerals. Firm, finely etched citrus and orchard fruit flavors are given body by a subtle floral honey quality. The anise and smoke notes repeat on the long, sappy finish. Packs a solid punch but is far from fat. These old vine Wente clones were picked at 23.2o Brix and this wine was bottled with extremely low residual sugar.

92

2007 LIOCO Chardonnay Michaud Vineyard Chalone

($45) Yellow-gold. Powerful scents of poached pear, mango and brown butter, with lemongrass, lees and peach pit notes adding complexity. A wild ride from citrus to pit fruit and orange marmalade on the palate, with dusty minerals adding grip. The minerality builds on the back and extends through the impressively long, spicy finish. This comes off as drier than its siblings, with more obvious energy, spice and cut.

93

2007 LIOCO Chardonnay Charles Heintz Sonoma Coast

($45) Light yellow-gold. A complex bouquet displays pineapple, passion fruit, sweet butter and floral honey. Broad and very rich, with powerful tropical and pit fruit flavors given focus by sneaky minerality. Offers an interesting blend of opulence and energy, with excellent finishing thrust and lingering minerality. I'd serve this with a rich, creamy fish or shellfish dish, or maybe with strong cheeses. None of these chardonnays ever see any oak.

92

2007 LIOCO Pinot Noir Carneros

($35) Vivid red. Smoky red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by pungent herbal and floral notes. Mineral-driven red fruit flavors are refreshingly tangy, with a bite of cherry skin adding grip. Becomes deeper and chewier with air and finishes with excellent clarity and sweet persistence. Give this some decanter time.

90

2007 LIOCO Pinot Noir Klindt Anderson Valley

($45) Light, bright red. Tightly wound red berry and rose scents loosen with air, picking up deeper cherry and blackcurrant qualities. Zesty strawberry and black raspberry flavors stain the palate, with a strong mineral quality contributing spine. Finishes with excellent clarity, leaving white pepper and Asian spice notes behind.

92

2007 LIOCO Pinot Noir Michaud Vineyard Chalone

($45) Hazy red. Redcurrant, strawberry and raspberry on the nose. Light in body but potent, offering sweet red berry and bitter orange favors and an exotic note of rose pastille. The mineral-driven finish leaves zesty strawberry and floral notes in its wake. All of these pinots are light and transparent, which aren't qualities that will appeal to those who insist on weight and thickness.

93

2007 LIOCO Red Wine Indica Mendocino County

($20; a blend of carignane, petit sirah, grenache and mourvedre) Bright red. Flamboyant aromas of raspberry, cherry preserves and incense. Lively but supple red berry flavors are given depth by anise and cherry pit qualities. Reminds me of an open-knit 2007 southern Rhone wine, with excellent finishing clarity and persistent sweetness. This is much sexier than the 2006 version. (JR)

90

ZAP today in Dallas - come see us!

COLOR:   Deep ruby with a purple edge NOSE:   Ripe brambleberries — raspberry, loganberry and boysenberry — with accents of black pepper and vanilla. MOUTH:   Quite full-bodied, with a very supple palate. You'll again encounter the rich brambleberry notes especially boysenberry complemented by soft vanilla owing to long-term aging in small oak cooperage

LIVE FROM HOUSTON THIS AFTERNOON

Paul, our Vine Connections US Sake Ambassador & Ginjo Sake Brewers! 

Brewer's in Texas

Ginjo Sake is on FIRE in Texas. 

The Brewers represented by Vine Connections are in town for a quick trip through Dallas and Houston for in-depth Ginjo Sake Seminars...ahh we were all schooled by the producers of Heaven's Door, Wandering Poet & Dreamy Clouds, Divine Droplets and the Grand Cru Diaginjo of all time "Silent Stream". 

Absolutely Delicious! Thanks to Kenichi in Dallas for hosting such a great event for us! Cheers - Ali

Mother's Day 2009

Happy Mother's Day out there. I'm in Fort Worth today celebrating with Mom - we are happy to have her with us after the Xmas Day heart attack last December. We sipped on a little 2008 Crios Rose of Malbec with dinner tonight. Cheers to all the Moms out there and have a laugh while watching the SNL skit...it was made for my Mom! - Ali

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/mom-translator/1099549/


PS: Check out the Calendar on www.texacaliwine.com, many events this week that include the Japanese Sake Brewers, Guy Davis of Davis Family Vineyards and Steven Storrs of Storrs Winery.

Davis Family Vineyards Winemaker Dinner

Ok you wine lovers, here's one of the best winemaker dinner's you'll have a chance to experience in Texas - ever. My home town of Fort Worth is all a buzz about the arrival of Guy Davis, of Davis Family Vineyards at the new spectacular fine-dining spot - GRACE! Here's the line-up, seating is limited (my Mom's even going!) give Ryan a call to reserve a seat or two. This is going to be a BLAAAASSSSTTTT!!! 

     

                           Davis Family Wine Dinner

Hosted by Guy Davis at GRACE

Friday, May 15^th, 2009

 

Meet and greet reception at 6:30pm

Schramsberg, Blanc de Blancs, California, 2004

 

Seated Dinner at 7:00pm

Summer Melon and Cucumber Soup

heirloom tomatoes, avocado, and king crab

Gusto by Davis, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ, 2007

•

Tuna and Scallop

edamame puree and yuzu caviar

Davis Family, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2006

•

King Salmon

Davis Family Vineyards extra virgin olive oil,

preserved lemon, harissa, and Israeli couscous

Davis Family, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2006

•

Muscovy Duck

caramelized fennel risotto and duck jus

Davis Family, Zinfandel, Old Vine, Russian River Valley, 2006

•

Venison

caramelized potato gnocchi, braised leg, and blackberry gastrique

Davis Family, Barn D’Or, Cabernet/Syrah Blend, Sonoma, 2005

•

Tasting of Valrohna Chocolate

Davis Family, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2004

 

Cost: $145 per person (Tax & Gratuity Included)

Reserve now: Tel. 817-877-3388, ryan@gracefortworth.com

www.gracefortworth.com 

Executive Chef: Blaine Staniford

Wine Director: Ryan Tedder

what do you think?

I'd like to hear your thoughts out there...I'm all for it, bring a bottle, buy a bottle, it's a pretty simple system I grew accustom to while living in San Francisco. Hurray!

Wine bill clears Senate with help from Dewhurst

© 2009 The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — A bill that would let Texans take their own wine into restaurants serving liquor has quietly cleared the Texas Senate after some help from Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and the Texas Restaurant Association.

The legislation passed unanimously Thursday using a fast-track process normally reserved for non-controversial bills. Dewhurst, a known wine connoisseur, had told the industry group he would likely take advantage of the law himself if it passed, according to a letter from the association.

A lawyer for the industry group has said Dewhurst drinks a particular vintage not carried by a a restaurant he frequents.

Celebrate Good Times...

Today marks the 4th year of TexaCali Wine Co. Whew...what a complicated, exciting, delicious, crazy, and beautiful 4 years!  "Supply Chain Management at it's finest", is what I usually say to those who ask what I do in the wine business. Yes, I'm living the dream -  one case of wine at a time... but from the look of TexaCali Wine Co.'s average monthly sales depletions nearing the half-million dollar mark, I believe all the hard work and idiotic hours over the past 4 years have made a big difference for the families that I'm so wildly proud to represent in Texas.  The journey has just begun...thanks to you all for your continued support and enthusiasm. 

In Celebration of the 4th Anniversary I'm asking you each to pick out a bottle on a wine list and/or a mixed case of your favorite TexaCali producer during the month of May.  Even better - try something new -  just go for

 it. I'm glad I did 4 years ago! Cheers - Ali

 (pics from the top-down, 

1) standing on the deck at Davis Family Vineyards in the Russian River pointing to the Pellegrini winery, 2) stirring Bride of the Fox Sake in Japan, 3) me and Susana Balbo in Mendoza, Argentina)

Food & Wine Magazine highlights...

Each month at some point I plunk down on my couch or lay in bed at night pouring through all the wine and foodie magazines.  Almost always a smile pops on my face after reading about a pairing suggestion or feature on one of the family owned winery TexaCali represents in Texas. The April 2009 Food and Wine Magazine highlighted many amazing producers from the Solomon Selections portfolio...check it out here 

And yes Chateau Pesquie is back in stock at Pioneer Wine Co. who is the Texas distributor - just ask for it!  Cheers - Ali

The State of Malbec...

There is no better time to add more Malbec in your life! 

·       Argentine wine imports grew 43.2% in value & 34.1% in volume in 2008 vs 2007

·       Malbec was up an even stronger 61% in value and 60.4% in volume

·       Argentine wine imports have significantly outpaced ALL other major wine-producing countries for the past five years (see attached)

·       Argentina continues to lead the other major wine-producing countries in both growth of dollar and case volume sales.  February retail sales showed Argentine sales up 50% and 33%, respectively, over same period 2008, with New Zealand (21%) and Spain (13%) as distant runners-up.

A few Malbec’s of note…

Budini Malbec 2008 “One of Our Favorite Values…”Bon Appetit 2008             

Crios Malbec 2008 88pts, Wine Spectator, 2008; Value Brand of 2009, Wine & Spirits          

La Posta Malbec, Paulucci Vyd. 2007 90pts, Wine Spectator, 2008                             

La Posta Malbec, Pizzella Family Vyd. 2007 91pts, Wine Spectator, 2008                

mapema Malbec 2006 91 pts, Wine & Spirits, June 2009                        

BenMarco Malbec 2007 91 pts, The Wine Advocate, 2008                       

Susana Balbo 2007 91 pts, The Wine Advocate, 2008

Luca Malbec 200792 pts, Wine Advocate, 2008, 93 pts & Top 100 Wine of Year (#82), WS 2008 

         

Crios: Value Brand of the Year 2009, 2007, 2007, Wine & Spirits Magazine

All details on www.vineconnections.com

Handley Cellars in the News...

Sierra Magazine (The Sierra Club) has bestowed the Most Green Chardonnay Award to Handley Cellars 2006 Estate Chardonnay, Anderson Valley in its May/June 2009 issue. 

Handley Cellars Estate 2006

Anderson Valley, CA PRICE: $20 TASTING NOTES:

 A yellow-gold wine with a muted apple aroma and an oaky fruit taste, Handley has a "perfect" texture and a

 "luscious" finish (Pucilowski). Hernandez noted its great flexibility and called it a "perfect dinner-party wine that will leave your guests wanting more." Pairing suggestions included eggplant and ric

h pastas. GREEN NOTES: Handley is 75 percent solar powered, avoids using chemicals whenever possible to prevent runoff, and makes its wines from organic grapes.

A new arrival

112 cases have finally landed in Texas! Please ask your favorite wine shop for a case,this beauty will be gone soon...Cheers - Ali

READ ALL ABOUT MY FAVORITE FRENCH ROSE HERE

Today on www.winespectator.com

A Ripe Argentine Red for $15 or Less

Dominio del Plata Mendoza Malbec Crios de Susana Balbo 2008

Dana Nigro  Posted: Friday, April 17, 2009 (Wine Spectator Online)

Argentina continues to gain recognition for its juicy, steak-friendly Malbecs, the country's flagship red variety. For a good value, look for the Crios de Susana Balbo line from one of the country's most experienced winemakers.

Susana Balbo has been making wine since 1981 and is one of the rare women at the top of the field in Argentina; she also works as a consultant internationally. She makes her signature wines at Dominio del Plata winery, a project with viticulturist Pedro Marchevsky, who has his own BenMarco label. Barrels not selected for the more expensive wine go into the Crios ("offspring") label, meant to be drunk young and priced around $15 (though I picked this bottle up on sale for $12). Along with the 100 percent Malbec, Balbo also makes a Crios Syrah-Bonarda blend, a Cabernet Sauvignon, a rosé from Malbec and a Torrontés, a floral white.

Tangy and minerally, the 2008 Crios Malbec showed bright aromas and flavors of sweet blueberry and blackberry; modest notes of vanilla and spice illustrate her judicious use of oak. It's straightforward, with a juicy finish and fairly plush tannins. I gave it 88 points, non-blind. It's great with a steak, but also enjoyable on its own and would make a great party wine. As a plus, the wine comes in a screw-capped bottle, and its distinctive label—a big hand (hers) encompassing two smaller hands (her two children's)—stands out on store shelves. With 40,000 cases made, the Malbec should also be fairly easy to find. 

This Saturday from 2-5pm you have a fantastic chance to sip and taste beautiful wines from Teira along with Scardello's amazing cheese selections. The new Teira Sauvignon Blanc is so good you'll need to grab at least two for some "patio time".  If you don't live in the neighborhood, this afternoon with Teira will be worth the drive - I promise...

 

A few days ago I  stopped into Scardello Cheese to fill an Easter Basket...many goodies that will exceed your senses in the store like beautiful salts, olive oils, chocolates, honey, nuts  as well - a food and wine lover's dream store...beautiful picnic baskets as well! Cheers - Ali

LIOCO "Heavenly Flight"

Quick picture of the first half of last night's tasting at the Lake Travis Wine Trader with Kevin O'Connor. A fantastic treat to sip on the 2007 Sonoma County "unoaked" Chardonnay, 2006 Michaud Vineyard Chardonnay and the 2006 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay.  What a terrific example of  Grand Cru "terroir" in California. Read more about LIOCO. 

Off to another full day in Austin...if you live close, please stop by and meet us at Cissi's Wine Market on S. Congress to experience the beautiful wines of LIOCO. Cheers - Ali

Kevin O'Connor is coming to town...

In a last-minute decision for dinner yesterday I opted for the Alamo Draft House on S. Lamar in Austin. A Genius concept.  Dinner, drinks and a movie - no cleaning the kitchen. Love the Alamo. I'm pretty sure it's one of the few places on earth that you can eat fried pickle spears with ranch dressing, a goat cheese salad with candied walnuts and dried cherries and have a nice glass of french chardonnay (Novellum) or one of Spain's best Castano red wines. You order at your seat and just sit back and disappear from life for a few hours. Always a much needed break for this girl.  And Yes - 'I Love You Man" is silly and funny.

Of course when the movie was over, reality of running TexaCali Wine Co.

 hit like Texas spring storm. 23 emails sitting in my inbox that needed answers before this morning. It never ends...as the supply chain rolls on. Thank goodness for all the TexaCali Wine Co. producers that keep things real. 'Relax, it's only wine".   

Off to meet Kevin O'Connor of LIOCO in a few hours. Hope he's wearing his running shoes, we've got 12 meetings and 2 consumer events to conquer in less than 36 hours in Austin. Ready. Set. Go. Cheers - Ali

Easter Weekend

Oh yeah! Easter weekend has arrived. This holiday has always been one of my favorites for a handful of reasons...

1) Friday - no school and sometimes no work 

2) the arrival of Easter candy in the house 

3) a new dress 

4) great food on Easter Sunday 

5) even greater wines that pair with all the Easter Brunch fixings

So what are you opening this year? Send in your ideas...

A few quick TexaCali Wine suggestions: Handley Cellars Gewurztraminer, Olivet Lane Russian River Chardonnay, Lange Estate Williamette Pinot Noir, Teira Sauv Blanc, Crios Torrontes and Crios Rose of Malbec. Find them at your favorite wine shop anywhere in Texas! Cheers  - Ali

Sunday Night Live

I'm stopping for a few minutes with an update, it's been a quick few days playing catch up and planning ahead for the days, weeks and months in front of me... I'm on the road with Dan Donahoe of Teira Wines this week, look-out, don't know who may have higher energy than Dan, he's an amazing ambassador of independently owned, boutique wines from California.  One night when living in the Presidio, I remember sipping on his Zinfandel with about 20 friends  for the first time...was around 2004, loved it then and love his wines even more now! Bravo Dan!

If you recall, last summer Dan hosted a group of TexaCali Wine Co. fans to some skeet shooting over the Woods Estate Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. We are soo excited to have him visiting us in Texas this week...Sauv Blanc, Merlot and Zinfandel all under $15! Nice!  Seriously, just Google "texacali skeet shooting" and watch some fun! 

So, please stay tuned for a HUGE update within the next few days, TexaCali Wine Co. is celebrating another Anniversary soon.  In the meantime, check out www.texacaliwine.com and keep up your great support when buying wines out there...Cheers - Ali