R&B CELLARS BLUE NOTE NEWSLETTER
August 2010
R&B Cellars
is Alameda's largest family-owned winery. Since 1997, R&B Cellars
has grown from 230 to 12,000 cases produced annually across nine
varietals.
PHOTOS: ANNE KOHLER
Winery: Alameda Point Vintners at Rock Wall Wine Company � 2301 Monarch St., Alameda, CA 94501
Office: 1835 San Jose Ave. Alameda, CA 94501 | 510-749-8477 office | 510-749-8481 fax
info@rbcellars.com
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 From the Winemakers
The latest issue of Wines & Vines magazine featured coverage of the annual meeting of P.S. I Love You, the organization of Petite Sirah growers and producers. The discussion focused on this increasingly popular, but demanding grape variety. The rising popularity of Petite Sirah made the August bottling of our new Pizzacato Petite Sirah that much more enjoyable. You may read the article in its entirely here:
http://tinyurl.com/382woky
Petite Sirah is a delight to work with. While it is slightly more delicate from a viticultural perspective, it is not overly so. Careful canopy management to make sure that there are not more than one to two clusters per shoot, will ensure the desired crop loads, and thus, adequate ripening.
We follow a more physiological ripening process that takes into account much more than just numbers and feel that we are more than rewarded for our patience and approach. While the brix level may be high relative to other varieties, Petite can carry it very well and not show high alcohol.
We also believe in a fairly long cold soak which really helps with phenolics and color. Color stabilization during this time and early in fermentation is very important to us.
While Petite Sirah tends toward being the 350 lb. linebacker in the room, it does not mean that it cannot achieve great balance and show a beautiful fruit profile. Petite Sirah is like really well aged beef, specifically a thick filet mignon. Rich and concentrated, all at once challenging yet still melting in the mouth with a finish that lasts and lasts.
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The Pizzacato Petite Sirah Bottling Team &
"The Bottle-Mobile"
The Bottle-Mobile
Team P.S!
Barbara, warming up in the bottle-mobile.
The bottle-mobile offensive coordinator.
The bottling has begun!
"More????"
Inspector Clark at work
Mike: "Mission accomplished!"
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New Offerings
R&B Cellars Pizzicato
Petite Sirah
Available NOW!
Meet the newest member of R&B's family of wines,
R&B Cellars Pizzicato Petite Sirah.
750 mL - $28
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Friday, September 3rd
"Friday Night Flights"
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Hear Kevin and Barbara's jazz trio at Angela's Bistro & Bar and taste their newest family member, the Pizzicato Petite Sirah.
Angela's Bistro & Bar
2301 Central Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-5822
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R&B Cellars' Upcoming
Events & Tastings
THIS SUNDAY: August 22: Family Winemakers of California
"Tasting 2010"20th Anniversary TastingFort Mason, San Francisco - Public tasting: 3:00pm - 6:00pmClick here for more information
Friday Sept 3rd, from 5-7
Friday Night Flights at Angela's Bistro & Bar in Alameda - R&B wines will be poured while Kevin and Barbara perform some jazz. $10 for the tasting, all proceeds go to the Alterena Playhouse.
Friday, Sept 28th, from 1-4pm
Rotary Club of Oakland - A Taste of California - Up on the Roof - 28 wineries, delicious cuisine from several local restaurants, all at the Kaiser Rooftop Garden, 300 Lakeside Drive.
On-going Events: Vino Modo Crush Barrel Wine Market at Fort Mason, Fleet Building D.
Over 30 wineries. Super wines to taste & buy. R&B will be there
in force! September 4th, October 2nd, November
6th, and December 4th.
Concerts At The Cove, Crab Cove in Alameda. Free outdoor concerts presented by WABA and the East Bay Regional Parks. Friday's during the summer, from 5:30-7:30. You'll find R&B's super award-winning wines there!!
*For additional information please email info@rbcellars.com or call (510) 749-8477.
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Alameda Point Vintners is right here in Alameda!
2301 Monarch Street
(@ Rock Wall Wine Co.
on the old Naval Air Base)
OUR TASTING ROOM IS OPEN:
Thursday - Sunday, 12pm-6pm Come and enjoy the
Urban Wine Country Experience
Ten wineries, a killer view and lots of different wines to taste.
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THIS SUNDAY:
August 22
Family Winemakers of California "Tasting 2010"
Fort Mason, San Francisco
Public tasting
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Click here for more information |
Hot Days Ahead Special!$125 a case! Photo Credit: Anne KohlerSerenade in Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc With plenty of hot weather ahead we thought we'd offer a COOL deal on our deliciously crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
The top white wine in the North Coast Appellation, 2009 California State Fair Wine Competition. "One of the top eleven white wines in California!"
Lean, crisp, with lots of mineral tones and delicate citrus flavors. Simply delicious, and refreshing for these dog days of summer.
Normally $156 a case, it is on sale for just $125 a case! Offer ends 9/31/10.
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Featured Recipe
Salmon Pineapple Spring Roll "Popsicles"
This month's recipe is courtesy of San Francisco's Ana Mandara restaurant and Chef Khai Duong.
Perfect for those hot summer days with a chilled glass of our Serenade in Blanc Sauvignon Blanc.
This is a great, kid-friendly recipe, and something that the entire family can prepare together. You might want to pair the kid's "Popsicles" with some sparkling cider, though.
Makes 6 servings, and ONLY 105 CALORIES A SERVING!
Ingredients:
1 lb. fillet salmon or other firm white fish fillet
4 oz. corn flour
Vegetable oil for frying
12 rice-paper wrappers
1/3 pineapple, cut into 6 batons
1 long cucumber, cut into 5 em batons
8 oz. rice vermicelli
1 large handful coriander leaves, roughly chopped
1 large handful dill, roughly chopped
Sauce for dipping:
4 tablespoons of lemon Ponzu*
1 teaspoon chili sauce
1 teaspoon sugar.
Mix all the ingredients together.
Procedure:
1. Cut the fish into 5 batons and lightly dust with com flour. Take care to separate the fish batons to ensure they do not stick together and are evenly coated. Put the fish in a sieve and shake off any excess corn flour.
2. Heat a layer of oil in a frying pan over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden. Remove the fish from the pan, drain thoroughly on paper towel and allow to cool.
3. Take 1 sheet of rice paper and dip into very warm water for 1 second. Do not allow to soak as the paper will continue to take in water and will tear when rolled. Place on a flat surface and let it rest for 20 seconds.
4. Lay 1 piece of fish, pineapple and cucumber across the bottom third of the sheet. Top with a generous amount of rice vermicelli, coriander and dill. Form the filling into a cigar shape. To make a tight roll, bring the bottom of the sheet up and over the filling, neatly fold in the sides and keep rolling. Place on a serving platter, seam side down, and continue with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Serve with the Ponzu sauce.
* Available in most grocery stores in the Asian food section.
Enjoy.... Cheers!
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Our highly decorated 2007 Swingsville Zinfandel, Lodi!
BEST OF CLASS, GOLD MEDAL
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NextGen Wine Competition
GOLD MEDAL
(only 24 Gold Medals awarded!)
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R&B Cellars, home of the wine that swings!
Keep on swingin'!
www.rbcellars.com
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R&B Cellar's 2010 Awards
Critic's Challenge International Wine Competition
2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Critics Platinum
Fortissimo "Port" Dessert Wine - Critics Gold
2007 Swingsville Zinfadel - Critics Silver
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - TRIPLE Gold Medal "Best in Class" "Judges Choice"
Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
Fortissimo "Port" Dessert Wine - Gold Medal Award
2007 Swingsville Zinfandel - Gold Medal Award
2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Gold Medal Award
2007 Zydeco Zinfandel - Silver Medal Award
Beverage Tasting Institute
2007 Swingsville Zinfndel - 91 pts - Gold Medal Award - "Best Buy"
AlaWine.com
2005 Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - Gold Medal Award - 94 points
Dallas Morning News Wine Competition
2007 Serenade in Blanc Sauvignon Blanc - Gold Medal Award
2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Gold Medal Award
2007 Zydeco Zinfandel - Silver Medal Award
2005 Metronome Merlot - Silver Medal Award
Los Angeles International Wine Competition
2007 Swingsville Zinfandel - Gold Meda "Best of Class"
Fortissimo "Port" Dessert Wine - Silver Medal Award
BTI's World Wine Championships
2007 Napa Valley Zydeco Zinfandel - Silver Medal Award
2005 Bingham Ranch, Napa Valley, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Gold Medal - 90 Points
2007 Swingsville Zinfandel - 89 pts "Cellar Selection" "Best Buy"
BevX
2007 Swingsville Zinfandel, 4 Stars "Exceptional"
2007 Serenade in Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, 3 Stars "Brilliant"
San Diego International Wine Competition
2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Gold Medal Award
California State Fair Wine Competition
2007 Serenade in Blanc Sauvignon Blanc - Gold Medal Award "Best of Region, North Coast Appellation" "Best of Class"
One of California's top 11 white wines!
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