Many wine-lovers have yet to discover how delicious a late harvest wine can taste – especially when paired with cheese and honey, chocolate or a fruit-based dessert.
The perfect sweet dessert wine for Valentine’s day, late harvest wine is simple to understand and easy to find here in Temecula Valley!
Here are five fun facts about late harvest wine! Facts courtesy of Snooth and Wikipedia
1) “Late harvest” refers to wines made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual and picked later than normal. Late harvest grapes are often more similar to raisins, but have been naturally dehydrated while still on the vine. 2) Late harvest wines are made around the world with almost every grape imaginable. Grapes like zinfandel and riesling are ideally suited to produce late harvest wine and are among the most popular. 3) Grapes used for late harvest wines go through their full growth cycle and then some – becoming super sweet and losing acidity as they ripen. 4) “Noble rot” is the term for the edible mold that causes grapes to lose nearly all of their water content. This natural process begins to take place in late September and can last until late October. 5) Late harvest grapes are often hand-picked. Sometimes, the usable grapes from one vine may only produce enough juice for a single glass.
Looking for a great bottle of Temecula Valley Late Harvest Wine? Check these wines out!
Your Holiday Wine
Guide, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country Style
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a very good
reason: the holiday season is filled with deliciousness. From epic family meals,
to festive office parties, to coworkers bringing in all sorts of home-baked
treats, to endless cocktails and tipples – there is plenty to indulge in. There
are also so many occasions that call for wine!
In Temecula Valley, we enjoy a warm, Mediterranean climate
that offers long, sunny days followed by afternoon breezes and cool, crisp
nights; these conditions are ideal for ripening grapes while retaining balance
and acidity. As a result, we are able to produce a wide range of wines from
dozens of different grape varieties – plenty of which are absolutely perfect
for holiday sipping and entertaining. Here are a few of our favorites this
season.
When it’s time to celebrate:
Temecula Valley produces some truly wonderful sparkling
wines in a range of styles from sweet to bone dry. Many Temecula Valley sparklers
are even made in the painstaking “méthode traditionnelle” or Champagne
method, where the wine undergoes secondary fermentation (the one that gives the
wine its bubbles) in the bottle, and spends a long time on its “lees” – the little
yeasty cells that give traditional method sparkling wines those unmistakable
and delicious toasty, brioche-like aromas.
When hosting a party or even just entertaining your family
who doesn’t agree on anything – especially wine – finding a few crowd-pleasing
sippers is essential. You will want to pick a versatile white and an
easy-drinking red that pair with a variety of different cuisines and aren’t
overly heavy or rich. Save the heady stuff for sipping solo after the last dish
has been washed and put away, and you finally have a few minutes to yourself to
lounge by the fire.
This is perhaps the wine that is saved for the main dinner.
You may even opt to decant it tableside for a bit of added drama. Regardless of
what you are serving, you will want a couple of bottles of something truly extraordinary
to mark the special occasion.
Who needs dessert when you can pour yourself a small glass
of dessert wine? There are many wineries in Temecula Valley that are
producing some truly impressive dessert wines. Serve these alongside something
simple like a tray of Italian cantucci or a winter cheese course with
all the fixings, like nuts, candied fruits, honeys and sweet breads. Or, just
pour a taste of the sweet nectar and move to the living room for those long and
spirited post-meal conversations with loved ones.
In just a few weeks, your tummy will be rumbling and your mouth salivating with the promise of the once-a-year feast that is Thanksgiving. America’s biggest food holiday serves up the chance to do some serious (and seriously fun) fun wine and food pairing. Here in Temecula Valley, Southern California’s Wine Country, we’ve got the perfect wine pairings to go with each Thanksgiving course. No matter what your budget, this simple guide will have your friends and family giving thanks to you for making their holiday meal extra special.
Light Appetizers + Mellow Whites These bright yet mellow whites pair well with lighter dishes to kick off your Thanksgiving meal. The floral notes of a viognier complement a fall salad of pears, blue cheese and walnuts; a selection of fruit and cheeses match nicely with a chardonnay; and light pinot grigio will sing next to your pumpkin soup.
Herbacious Side Dishes + Spicy Reds The spicy notes derived from these unique wine grapes pair especially well with stuffings and gravies seasoned with holiday herbs like sage, thyme and rosemary. Having a vegetarian Thanksgiving? These wines work well with earthy mushroom and winter squash dishes too!
Poultry & Meats + Bold Reds Whether it’s wine or food, everyone looks forward to the main course. The dark fruit flavors in these big reds will enhance similar flavors in your herb-rubbed turkey or peppered roasts. Whether you’re serving poultry, lamb or beef, all three are bold enough to stand up to a rich meat course.
Dessert + Sweet Wines Your Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without dessert, and no dessert is complete without wine – at least that’s how we feel! Apple pies and pear tarts are practically made to pair with a sweet moscato, where red delicious apples, kiwi , pears, and apricots come together nicely with honeysuckle and jasmine undertones.
One Meal, One Wine On a wine-buying budget? Or just looking to simplify your evening by serving one wine from start to finish? Any of these four, well-priced wines fit the bill. Each is lighter on the palate, with only subtle hints of sweetness making them suitable to drink from appetizers all the way to dessert. Bon appetit!
As summer winds to an end, and pumpkin spice starts creeping into
what seems like literally everything, it’s about that time to turn our palates
to Fall flavors, especially when it comes to wine. Harvest is under way and
this year’s grape crop is getting picked and processed into a new vintage. As
we welcome this change in weather and celebrate the next phase in the life
cycle of the grape, we thought we would put together a list of some of our
favorite wine grapes for fall. Whether you love the classics or are itching to
try something new and unique, you’re bound to find something you like in this
lineup.
Grape: Chardonnay
What it’s like: If you’re part of the “Anything but
Chardonnay” crowd, you need to think again. Chardonnay is a wonderfully
versatile grape that comes in so many different styles, from crisp and clean
with notes of green apple and citrus, to rich and buttery, dripping with
tropical fruit and caramel, and everything in between.
Why we love it: Although classically linked to the Burgundy
region of France, Chardonnay is actually the most-planted white grape in the
world, growing in every region wine grapes are planted, including Temecula
Valley. Chardonnay is the perfect departure from the light and zingy whites of
Summer. It’s got a little more body, and takes on a wide range of dishes
depending on the style of the wine.
This Chardonnay is only slightly oaked, imparting delicate flavors
of vanilla, butterscotch and caramel, mingled with apple, pineapple, honey and
vanilla. A dream paired with roast chicken.
Translating to “without oak,” this Chardonnay is bright and clean,
with notes of Honeycrisp apple, citrus zest, and jasmine blossom and a long,
mouth-watering finish.
Grape: Viognier
What it’s like: Viognier is a red-wine drinker’s white. It’s
rich, luscious and full-bodied, with powerful and unmistakable floral
aromatics.
Why we love it: Viognier originated in Southern France and
the Rhône Valley, and thrives equally well in the soils and climate of Temecula
Valley. Like Chardonnay, it tends to have more weight than other whites so can
stand up to some of the richer flavors of Fall.
This vibrant wine’s aromatics
explode with bright floral notes on the nose, delighting the senses as it hits
the palate. An elegant backbone of acidity balances out the soft tones of
honeysuckle and apricot.
Ripe stone fruit meets tropical
aromas and notes of apple blossom in this rich bottling. The luscious and layered
palate of this wine makes it a great match for exotic cuisines like spicy Thai and
Indian dishes.
While Viognier is sometimes fermented in oak, this bottling
was done in stainless steel in order to let the pure, rich fruit character prevail.
Aromas of ripe nectarines, orange blossoms and a hint of fresh herbs flow into
a soft and balanced palate with long-lasting, tingling acidity. This wine is
perfect for sushi night with family and friends.
Grape: Cinsault (also Cinsaut)
What it’s like: If you like lighter bodied wines like Pinot
Noir and Gamay, you will love Cinsault. Hailing from Southern France as well,
this grape is capable of producing elegant, complex wines with juicy red fruit
and unique savory notes when handled well.
Why we love it: It’s not Winter yet, so if you’re not ready
to move to the heavy Syrahs and Zinfandels we crave in cold weather, Cinsault
is the perfect pick. It’s juicy, it’s easy-drinking and it’s great with all
kinds of dishes. If you’re really not ready for Summer to be over, you can even
serve it with a slight chill.
This Temecula Valley Cinsault
displays lively floral and ripe strawberry aromas on the nose, and a lush, warm
palate balanced by an elegant structure. A perfect food wine, pair this with
pizza, pasta, cheese and charcuterie.
This bottling is bursting with aromas
of cherry and raspberry with hints of black licorice and spice. The wine is
soft, elegant and approachable thanks to the addition of a light touch of Syrah
& Grenache and 18 months spent in small French Oak barrels.
The Grape: Cabernet Franc
What it’s like: Cabernet Franc is actually one of Cabernet
Sauvignon’s parents (the other being Sauvignon Blanc), and yet it is often
overlooked in favor of its more famous offspring. Known for its role in
Bordeaux blends, it stands alone quite well, offering savory notes of bell
pepper, green herbs, graphite, berry fruit and cedar
Why we love it: Cabernet Franc has the benefit of being both
age-worthy and drinkable now. Its medium-bodied structure makes it a great food
wine, but it also holds up to serious oak treatment quite well, giving it a
wide range of different possible styles depending on how it is handled.
Baily Winery is known for their traditional, Old World take on
winemaking and this Cabernet Franc is no exception. Ripe berry and plum mingle
with exotic spice and black pepper and a touch of forest floor. This is a wine
to linger over now, or put away for several years to let it develop.
Notes of crushed raspberries,
black currants, violet and graphite are prominent on the nose, backed by a
pleasant green bell pepper note. This Cabernet Franc is medium-bodied with
well-integrated tannins and a smooth mouthfeel.
A balanced wine with crisp acidity and bright fruit reminiscent of
Cabernet Franc wines from France’s Loire Valley. Notes of green olive, clove,
raspberry and violet on the nose are followed by tart berry fruit and licorice,
backed by firm, elegant tannins on the palate.
Share your favorite Temecula Valley wine picks for Fall! Tag us
@temeculawines using the hashtag #DrinkTemecula.
As the holiday season approaches, wine lovers will be searching for wines that complement holiday dinners and can please a wide array of palates. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large soiree, Temecula Valley sparkling wines offer something for every wine personality. Sparkling wines are ideal for special occasions, and as the holidays approach, we’ve asked our winemakers which are their favorites that will work well for holiday entertaining and gift-giving.
A blend of primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which gives the wine an exciting, crisp fruit character while taking on a clean and straight forward yeast flavor from the lengthy tirage time of 28 months using the méthode champenoise process. The addition of a small amount of Pinot Noir helps to round out the wine, giving it complexity and uniting the white varietals. The Thornton NV Brut has a lot of finesse along with apple, pear and tropical aromas, which meld with toasty yeast flavors, while the finish is long and creamy. $33 Bottle
This sparkling Pinot Grigio is worlds apart from what is normally expected with this style of dry white wine. Finished as a “Brut” this is a Pinot Grigio with wonderful nuances of pears and apples, a touch of tropical fruitiness and crisp acidity. “Whenever toasting a special occasion, serve this wonderful sparkler and let the good times roll!” says winemaker Jon McPherson. $24 Bottle
This product has been painstakingly nurtured to deliver a sparkling wine with the finesse, flavor and aroma of a fine méthode champenoise sparkling wine. The process included barrel fermentation and barrel aging of approximately 8% of the cuvee prior to the secondary fermentation. Once the Blanc de Blanc had been blended and undergone secondary fermentation, it was aged for an additional fifteen months on the yeast lees. This time on the yeast lees helped to develop the yeasty, toasty aromas, a very fine bubble bead, wonderfully full creamy textures and an extraordinary mousse. The bottle is brimming with fresh apple and delicate floral aromas; a hint of oak shows in the background with a nuance of vanilla, toasty cookie and a rich yeasty character. This wine has a very bright acidity and a refreshingly dry finish. “Definitely our finest sparkling release to date,” states winemaker Jon McPherson. $34 Bottle
100% Estate Malvasia Bianca sparkling wine. Sweet, Muscat-like with notes of apricot, peaches and honey, for the taste buds that like more of a dessert flavor.
This refreshing sparkling wine explodes with a slightly sweet raspberry candy touch. Great for sipping by the pool or celebrating your special occasion. Winner of a Silver medal – Orange County Fair Wine Competition. Pairs well with ham, turkey, prime rib or most any main dish. $25 Bottle
Though Temecula Valley wines can be ordered through the wineries’ online stores and shipped to most states, what better excuse to visit the destination and try the wines onsite. Temecula Valley is conveniently located in the center of Southern California, just an hour drive from San Diego, Palm Springs and Orange County and 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Many winery restaurants offer special holiday dining menus that pair wonderfully with their holiday wines. Resort, hotel, bed and breakfast inns and vacation rentals offer special packages and pricing for Sunday through Thursday stays.
Barbecues are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the day with Dad. And all that grillin’ just screams for a good red wine. But if you’re thinking it’s too warm for red, think again! With these few tips, finding the perfect summer sip won’t have to put your love of red on hold.
Chill out! Pop your bottle of red wine in the fridge for about 30 mins – or in an ice chest for about half that – and you’ll be amazed at how much more refreshing it will taste.
No or Low Oak wines are generally fresher and fruitier.
Low to Moderate Alcohol levels usually equate to lower tannin levels for a wine that won’t weigh you down.
Light to Medium bodied wines tend to be easy on the palate, bright and light.
So, whether you’re in the backyard or on the beach – serving burgers and brats, or steak and grilled veggies – there’s tons of options for pairing your favorite Temecula Valley wine with whatever you’re serving up.
If the mainstay is red meat, a spicy Zinfandel or Syrah would be perfect. If you’re looking for a more mellow choice, a fruit forward Merlot always works; it’s also great with chicken, pork chops or fish. If your fave is a Cabernet, go ahead and drink what you like. But try not to shortchange your options. Go for a nice red blend for the best of all worlds. And don’t forget about a blush wine; there’s nothing a nice dry rosé can’t do for spicy ribs and coleslaw – or a plate of spicy hot wings!
A few Temecula Valley wine suggestions for your next barbecue:
Moscato, Muscatel, Muscat… what’s the difference between them? Just the names, actually. Rather than just being one grape, Muscat includes a family of grapes in a range of colors (from white to brown, or to near black.) For instance, Moscato is the Italian name and Muscatel the Spanish.
Here in the U.S., Moscato is making its mark and has become the hot wine of the moment. Some would say sweet versions of Moscato are ideal for the American sweet tooth; it’s also an easy wine for the new wine drinker to love.
For a perfect spring day, pack a picnic with a chilled bottle of Temecula Valley Moscato and pair it with good cheese, buttery crackers and seasonal fruit.
Here are five fun facts about Moscato:
1. Muscat is the only fine wine grape that doubles as a table grape.
2. Twitter buzzes with an average of 250 tweets an hour about people drinking their Moscato.
3. In addition to Moscato, Muscatel and Muscat, this common white variety is also known as Muscadel, Muscat Blanc and Muscat Canelli.
4. Virtually all pink Moscatos gain their hue from a splash of red wine, not skin contact.
5. The breadth and number of varieties of Muscat suggest that it is perhaps the oldest domesticated grape variety, and there are theories that most families within the Vitis vinifera grape variety are descended from the Muscat variety.
Some Temecula Valley Moscatos and Muscat Canelli’s to try:
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country gets into the Valentine’s Day spirit by going one step beyond the chocolate and wine pairings so prevalent this time of year – aphrodisiac pairings. The popular wine destination shows the diversity and versatility of the region’s wines through suggested pairings with certain foods believed to be libido-enhancing.
“One of the things that makes Temecula Valley so special is the number of different grape varieties we can grow successfully here, thanks to our Mediterranean-like climate, as well as the broad spectrum of wine styles we produce. This makes experimenting with food pairings – even the most challenging ones – really exciting,” said Devin Parr, Wine Country Marketing Director for Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. “We thought it would be fun to throw around some ideas about which Temecula Valley wines might go with foods rumored to be natural aphrodisiacs, given that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Jury is still out on whether or not the foods actually work, but we had a lot of fun coming up with the list of pairings.”
Although the science behind this mollusk’s libido-boosting properties is murky at best, Oysters are one of the foods most commonly thought to have aphrodisiac effects. This is thought to be because they contain zinc, which is necessary to produce testosterone, as well as amino acids and serotonin, which enhance the body’s response to pleasure. Pair these briny bivalves with a crisp, mineral driven white, like Hart Winery’s 2016 Arneis.
Avocado’s reputation for being an aphrodisiac dates back to the Aztecs, who believed in it so much that they prohibited virginal women from leaving the house while they were being harvested. Avocados are also rich in vitamin E, which boosts the immune system and helps give skin a youthful appearance, perhaps making us look more attractive to the objects of our affection. Pair a bowl of rich, creamy guacamole with something bright, bubbly and capable of cutting through the fattiness of the avocado, like Thornton Winery’s zero dosage Brut Reserve Natural Methode Champenoise sparkling wine. For extra oomph, sprinkle on some maca powder, whose libido-driving powers have been more firmly established in science.
Chili peppers are known to stimulate endorphins, speed up heart rate and increase sweat production, all similar to what we undergo when we are getting in the mood. Spicy dishes can be tough to pair with wine. Stick to a wine with some acid, which can soften extremes in richness, fat or spice, as well as some fruitiness or residual sugar, which can help temper spicy heat. Try Baily’s easy-drinking, slightly off-dry Rosé of Sangiovese.
Much like chili peppers, coffee is a stimulant that increases heart rate and blood flow, contributing to feelings of an enhanced libido. Since an actual cup of coffee is one of wine’s worst enemies, try something like coffee-rubbed brisket paired with a complex, juicy red like Fazeli Cellars’ 2012 Shiraz, which also just received 92 points in the Wine Enthusiast.
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without chocolate, and probably for good reason. Chocolate is thought to boost passion levels through phenethylamine, the stimulant that is released in the brain when we fall in love, and tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin, a brain chemical associated with elevated moods and arousal. Choose a dopamine-spiking dark chocolate and pair it with something sweet and luscious, like Leoness Cellars’ 2008 port-style dessert wine of Cinsaut grapes.
In just a few weeks, your tummy will be rumbling and your mouth salivating with the promise of the once-a-year feast that is Thanksgiving. America’s biggest food holiday serves up the chance to do some serious (and seriously fun) wine and food pairing. Here in Temecula Valley, Southern California’s Wine Country, we’ve got the perfect wine pairings to go with each Thanksgiving course. No matter what your budget, this simple guide will have your friends and family giving thanks to you for making their holiday meal extra special.
Light Appetizers + Mellow Whites
These bright yet mellow whites pair well with lighter dishes to kick off your Thanksgiving meal. The floral notes of light white wine complement a fall salad of pears, blue cheese and walnuts; a selection of fruit and cheeses match nicely with a Chardonnay; and light Pinot Grigio will sing next to your pumpkin soup.
The spicy notes derived from these unique wine grapes pair especially well with stuffings and gravies seasoned with holiday herbs like sage, thyme and rosemary. Having a vegetarian Thanksgiving? These wines work well with earthy mushroom and winter squash dishes too!
Whether it’s wine or food, everyone looks forward to the main course. The dark fruit flavors in these big reds will enhance similar flavors in your herb-rubbed turkey or peppered roasts. Whether you’re serving poultry, lamb or beef, all three are bold enough to stand up to a rich meat course.
Your Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without dessert, and no dessert is complete without wine – at least that’s how we feel! Apple pies and pear tarts are practically made to pair with Ponte’s sweet moscato, where red delicious apples, kiwi , pears, and apricots come together nicely with honeysuckle and jasmine undertones. Or try the People’s Choice Blind Tasting award winner, Briar Rose’s Estate Riesling with your fruit tarts or pies. And for a special treat, buy a bottle of Renzoni port to pair with a fudgy chocolate cake.
Looking to simplify your evening by serving one wine from start to finish? Any of these four, well-priced wines fit the bill. Each is lighter on the palate, with only subtle hints of sweetness making them suitable to drink from appetizers all the way to dessert. Bon appetit!
Cool and refreshing late-summer salads make dining in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country another great reason to visit during the month of August. Temecula Valley wine country chefs use garden fresh ingredients to make irresistible entrée salads with some surprising pairings of Temecula Valley’s finest wines. (Hint: Not all salads pair best with white wines.)
1. The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars favors the sensational figs now in season with their Fig & Goat Cheese Summer Salad. Dive into delight with this seasonal selection of mixed baby greens, julienne of carrot and cucumber, sliced red onion, baby tomatoes, house made candied nuts, with white balsamic dressing and fried prosciutto garnish. This salad pairs wonderfully with Leoness Cellars’ 2015 Viognier.
2. Meritage at Callaway Vineyard & Winery offers a unique twist on the traditional California fruit with their Beer-Battered Avocado Salad. This summer salad includes locally-grown wild arugula, Gorgonzola, and whole cloves of roasted garlic. These ingredients are tossed with a crisp house made vinaigrette dressing and are then plated with large pieces of beer battered avocado. A surprising wine to pair with this plate is Callaway’s 2012 Special Selection Mourvedre.
3. Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery has created a juicy and refreshing selection of locally-grown ingredients for their Heirloom Tomato and Harry’s Berries Salad. The new menu feature includes a perfect balance of makes this salad paradise on a plate. South Coast Winery’s 2011 Grenache is an ideal pair for this lovely salad.
4. Annata Bistro at Mount Palomar Winery welcomes a warm afternoon with a strikingly colorful display of refreshing produce in the perfect seasonal Citrus Salad. This exquisite summer selection contains fresh and creamy Burrata cheese, blood orange, naval orange, grapefruit, purple and green kale, striped beets, extra virgin olive oil, and a white balsamic reduction. This particular summer creation is only available on the weekday menu (Monday-Thursday). This salad pairs incredibly with the slightly sweet 2013 Cinsaut Blush.
5. Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek Winery serves a light and imaginative Cucumber, Melon, and Heirloom Tomato Salad. The leaf crown lettuce head is topped with local, organic cucumber, melon, tomato, sweet onion, and feta cheese with a homemade raspberry vinaigrette. Wilson Creek’s Sparkling Rose is the predictable yet sensational recommended pairing.
Barbecues are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the day with Dad. And all that grillin’ just screams for a good red wine. But if you’re thinking it’s too warm for red, think again! With these few tips, finding the perfect summer sip won’t have to put your love of red on hold.
Moscato, Muscatel, Muscat… what’s the difference between them? Just the names, actually. Rather than just being one grape, Muscat includes a family of grapes in a range of colors (from white to brown, or to near black.) For instance, Moscato is the Italian name and Muscatel the Spanish.
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country gets into the Valentine’s Day spirit by going one step beyond the chocolate and wine pairings so prevalent this time of year – aphrodisiac pairings. The popular wine destination shows the diversity and versatility of the region’s wines through suggested pairings with certain foods believed to be libido-enhancing.
Cool and refreshing late-summer salads make dining in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country another great reason to visit during the month of August. Temecula Valley wine country chefs use garden fresh ingredients to make irresistible entrée salads with some surprising pairings of Temecula Valley’s finest wines. (Hint: Not all salads pair best with white wines.)
