Verdelho 2009
Jeff Emery has always turned out some wonderful wines under his Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard label—they are much appreciated by local wine lovers and have always sold well. And now the same can be said for his Quinta Cruz label—where Emery concentrates his talents on producing Iberian style wines such as Verdelho ($20). The grapes for this tangy medium-sweet wine were first cultivated in Portugal around 1400 and used in the making of Madeira. Emery’s Verdelho, Alta Mesa Silvaspoons Vineyard, is a dry, crisp aromatic wine that will knock your socks off. Aromas and flavors of ripe peaches, apricots, honeydew melons, citrus and floral notes make this unusual wine so enjoyable. I simply love it.
Emery’s making of Verdelho stems from a couple of trips he made to Portugal where he was more than impressed with the table wines there. He wanted to make these wines himself, found growers in California—and the Quinta Cruz label was born. He’s now making about eight different wines under this label, and there are more to come.
Emery suggests that you drink the Verdelho as an aperitif or with seafood or rich white sauces. I suggest that you head to Emery’s tasting room, try some, buy some, take it home and drink it. You won’t be disappointed.
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Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard/Quinta Cruz, 334-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 426-6209, scmountainvineyard.com.
Farm to Table at Chaminade
This year’s summer series of Farm to Table dinner kicks off with Talbott Vineyards of Carmel on June 24. These very popular dinners are held outdoors on Chaminade’s beautiful patio—complete with magnificent ocean view. We can look for excellent food prepared by executive chef Beverlie Terra—with local meat and produce showcased on every menu. Cost: $75 per person. Chaminade.com.
Sarah’s Vineyard Carnival
Sarah’s Vineyard is holding its Spring Grill, an informal gathering to celebrate spring to be held on Saturday, June 25 from 6-10 p.m. There will be live music, various acts and entertainment, dancing and catered barbecue by Mansmith’s. Tickets are $50 (wine club members $40).
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Sarah’s Vineyard, 4005 Hecker Pass Highway, 1-877-44.PINOT or (408) 847-1947. sarahsvineyard.com.
Ashby Confections in Beauregard Vineyards Tasting Room
Jennifer Ashby, owner of Ashby Confections and maker of scrumptious chocolates, is doing a special order of chocolates for Beauregard Vineyards. They are marinated cherries in Zinfandel and wrapped in Ashby’s chocolate – and offered free after a wine tasting. Beauregard is also selling Ashby’s chocolate turtles at the tasting room – and we all know how well chocolate and wine go together.
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Ashby Confections, 7486 Soquel Drive, Aptos (in Heather’s Patisserie), 234-1171. ashbyconfections.com.
