After judging the Dare to Pair Food & Wine competition last month in the Surf City Vintners complex on Ingalls Street, I dashed over to Odonata Wines on Mission Street to get a bottle of a brand-new release of 2015 Rosé of Mourvedre, Machado Creek Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley.
A gorgeous light rhubarb-colored wine full of rich minerals and tropical fruits, it’s a Rosé lover’s delight for a reasonable $18, and an easy pairing with a variety of food.
“It has super aromatic peaches and stone fruit on the nose, crisp acidity and minerality in the palate,” says Odonata winemaker Denis Hoey. “We picked, cold-soaked on skins for two days, and pressed to a stainless-steel tank, where it is cold-fermented for a long period of time. It’s a taste of last season’s harvest,” Hoey says. “Drink it on a hot summer day or with spicy fare where you might otherwise have a beer.”
Hoey named his winery Odonata after an order of insects encompassing dragonflies and damselflies, which he happens to love, and each label’s artwork depicts a beautiful dragonfly.
Odonata also makes Malbec, Petite Sirah, Sparkling Rose, and a wonderful Dessert Petite Syrah that is perfect for after dinner. Check them out for yourselves at either of Odonata’s two locations.
Odonata Santa Cruz, 2343 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 566-5147. odonatawines.com. Odonata is open Friday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Open for every First Friday Art Walk. Odonata South, 645 River Road, Salinas. Open noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Teroldego Release Party
Bottle Jack Winery in Santa Cruz is celebrating the release of a varietal made from a rare Italian grape: its 2013 Teroldego. A delicious assortment of Italian fare to complement this unique wine will be prepared by the talented chefs of local Tramonti and La Gioconda restaurants. Picnic on the Pad is Sunday, May 22 and tickets are $35 ($25 for wine club members). Bottle Jack Winery is at 1088 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz. Visit bottlejackwines.com or call 227-2288 for reservations (required). Due to limited space and parking, there are two event time slots; Noon-2 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.
