Winemakers taste, judge, discuss Napa Valley’s ‘artisan wines’

A tasting and discussion of “artisan wines” from Napa Valley set off an explosion of conversation between members of the St. Helena Star/Napa Valley Vintners Tasting Panel who met last week at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone.
At the outset of discussions, the very definition of “artisan” was challenged. Brett DeLeuze of ZD Wines said he associates artisan winemaking more with home winemaking. DeLeuze does not see “artisan” as a positive term and said the goal of ZD is to produce world-class, not artisan, wines.
As the definition of “artisan” was explored, the majority of panelists agreed that artisan winemaking could be synonymous to labor-intensive, or “hand-crafted” wines. It also could be used by a winery making 100 or 30,000 cases; size was not relevant in and of itself, many contended.
Regardless of the term used, Kristen Belair of Honig Winery likened the pursuit of artisan or “fine” winemaking to a connection with a place — people having a connection to the product and understanding the source of the ingredients. Winemaking buzzwords such as “wild yeast” and “whole cluster fermentation” are used by wineries as a way to tell their story, to show their connection and attention to detail in making their product.
So lively was the conversation, it was evident the topic struck a note with the winemaking panelists. One sensed the discussion could have gone on forever, much like those meaning-of-life talks that go on all night in college where the partakers are surprised to find the sun coming up.
What was agreed upon by everyone on the panel was that a tasting of artisan wines from Napa Valley would necessitate a tasting of almost every single Napa Valley wine. As one of the great wine capitals of the world, Napa Valley uses, explores and re-examines winemaking techniques (that some may call “artisan”) in their pursuit of making the very best wines.
With an understanding that fine winemaking was being discussed, and trying to avoid the term “artisan” for fear of another round of dictionary definitions, a number of winemaking techniques were briefly discussed. These techniques are often used to denote attention to detail and fine winemaking, although surely each of these procedures could in turn be disputed or discussed at length by the winemaking members of the panel.
For some wineries, the use of native, or wild, yeast is important to producing fine wines. These yeasts pre-exist in the vineyard or in the winery cellar and their proponents say they provide a further expression of the growing site on the wine.
Other wineries use whole-cluster fermentation. This process requires putting whole grape bunches, stems and all, into a tank for fermentation, with no prior crushing or de-stemming. Those who use it do so to produce fruit-driven wines.
“Unfiltered” and “unfined” wines are other favorite descriptors among some Napa Valley wineries. However, John Skupny from Lang & Reed challenged the use of these terms, asking, “How can you undo something you have not done?” Panelists laughed in agreement, as John went on to use the terms “nonfiltered” and “nonfined” (no fining process used). Proponents of nonfiltered and nonfined wines say this is a gentler way to produce wine while also keeping the depth of natural flavors that exist in the wine.
Regardless of the techniques that a winery chooses, it became apparent that the goal is the same for the great majority of Napa Valley winemakers: to produce the best wines in the world. To do so, these winemakers are not satisfied to follow a set recipe and churn out wine each year. They prod, they explore, they re-examine techniques in their fervent pursuit of greatness.
With that, the panel examined the wines submitted by Napa Valley Vintner members for the tasting and found these to be their favorites:
• Jarvis 2008 Will’s Science Project ($105). This cabernet franc was aged in small (110-liter) barrels and only 400 cases were produced. Will Jarvis, son of the winery owners, made the first batch of this wine for his eighth-grade science experiment. When it was tried 10 years later, it was so delicious that the winery made a second batch in the same way and added this wine as a new product for the market.
• La Jota Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc, Howell Mountain ($75). The La Jota cabernet franc vineyard was planted back in 1976 and was grafted onto St. George rootstock, which resists phylloxera. Hand-crafted at each step, the wine is also not fined or filtered. Complex flavors with rich black fruits made this a popular wine with panelists.
• Alpha Omega Winery, ERA, 2009 Red Blend ($195). Wild yeasts were used for this 80 percent cabernet sauvignon wine, as well as barrel fermentation. Winemakers Jean Hoefliger and Michel Rolland have created a big, lush wine; panelists appreciated its rich red fruits and silky mouthfeel.
• Franciscan Estate, 2010 Chardonnay, Carneros ($40). This wine was produced with wild yeasts. Panelists loved its vivid fruitiness, and its gentle handling of oak. While having a nice richness on the palate, the wine was called graceful and elegant. This is a beautifully produced wine.
• Elyse Winery, 2007 Grenache, Carneros ($37). Whole clusters were fermented to make this favored wine, but what really captured the panelists’ attention was that dry grapevine canes were steeped in the must. Winemaker Mike Trotta explained that the technique was devised from an old Rhone Valley procedure, and enhances the aromas of the wine, adding white pepper and a nice smokiness. The canes are chopped into small pieces, toasted and put into cheesecloth sachets, which are steeped into the open-top fermenters. This wine has a beautiful nose of rich fruits, floral and spice leading to a rich, delicious wine on the palate.
• Oakville Ranch Vineyards, 2010 Field Blend ($38). This wine was made by fermenting zinfandel, petite verdot, primitivo, and petite syrah all together (co-fermentation). Panelists appreciated that the wine emulates the time in Napa Valley history when different grapes were all planted together and fermented together, creating what are called “field blends.” The wine was also favored for its expressive aromas and flavors.

http://napavalleyregister.com/star/business/winemakers-taste-judge-discuss-napa-valley-s-artisan-wines/article_f6d64760-a539-11e1-bf5f-001a4bcf887a.html

Good hotel accommodation in Clark is available for Manila residents and tourists looking for good resorts in Pampanga for vacations and holidays in Philippines. Clearwater Resort is one of the best resorts in Pampanga that is lauded by Manila residents for its safe and clean outdoor facilities that are perfect for family bonding or for stressed out Manila residents to relax and unwind during a weekend in the north. Many guests of this hotel in Clark Pampanga enjoy fishing in the lake or their fishing pond located next to the outback tents hotel accommodation. Clearwater appears frequently on the top of a list of the best hotels in Pampanga. Function room for meetings and seminars is also available in this popular resort in Clark Philippines.

Residents of Manila travel out of town to the north in search for highly recommended tourist spots in Clark, Pampanga. There are good places to visit in Pampanga but the best destination for families from Manila is Clark which is located next to Angeles City, the famous nightlife capital of the Philippines. Here in Clark, there are many interesting places to visit and one of the most frequently visited tourist spots is Clearwater Resort and Country Club, widely regarded as the best resort in Pampanga.

Subic is a popular destination for visitors from Manila bringing family out of town for a short getaway to the north. Subic is well known for its diving sites, the sea and water sports that come with the territory. However one thing that Subic is not famous for is dining options. For years, visitors to Subic have complained about the quality of the restaurants and dining establishments but it is only until recently that travelers to Subic discovered the best restaurant to wine and dine, even for visitors with families and children. Clark is already a popular destination for golfers from Manila. Clark Freeport offers some of the best golf courses in Pampanga and outshines many golf clubs and golf courses elsewhere in the Philippines.

Family bonding is a regular activity in the Philippines for families living in cities like Cebu and Manila where residents experience a lot of stress from work. Many choose to travel out of town to the north for family bonding in a resort in Pampanga. Clearwater Resort is the most popular destination for family bonding as well as team building because it offers over 10 exclusive venues for events and gatherings. This resort is Pampanga is highly recommended by event organizers and trip advisories for family bonding, company outings, retreats and team building near Manila.

There are not that many private resorts in Pampanga that are suitable for families with children. At Clearwater Resort, children enjoy the vast space while adults relax and unwind under large Acacia trees that can be found on the large picnic grounds of this top rated hotel in Clark. No wonder, this hotel in Clark is one of the most popular and frequently visited resorts in Pampanga. This private resort in Clark Philippines is safe, convenient and accessible by residents of Manila, Subic, Angeles City Pampanga and Cebu. It is in this private place that visitors can enjoy a tranquil holiday, a stress free lifestyle, relax and unwind peacefully in calming spots inside Clark Pampanga. Visitors feel that this is the best outdoor resort for a day-trip or quick getaway from Manila.

Highly recommended by travel guides as the best private resort in Pampanga, Clearwater Resort in Clark Philippines also offers beach and lake venues for company outings and family picnics. This outdoor resort hotel also offers several beautiful venues for beach wedding and garden receptions. No wonder this private resort in Angeles City Clark Pampanga is frequently visited by wedding couples for prenuptial photo shoot.

For inquiries and bookings, Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort for inquiries and reservations now

Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark Pampanga
Creekside Road near Centennial Expo,
Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023
(045) 889-5151 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177
Joanne or Jeremy or Loydha

Getting to this lake and beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines

After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down.

Family Bonding by the famous lake of Clark Pampanga

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

Email: Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort to reserve a venue for your upcoming event now

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit http://www.yilp.com

Hot Line for what’s happening in Clark: 045 889-5151 or 0927-940-2669 ask for Loydha

0915-542-6250 (Jeramie)