An afternoon of wine and words with Jancis Robinson

The British wine writer and critic Jancis Robinson has been described by Decanter magazine as “the most respected wine critic and journalist in the world.” She writes daily for her website, jancisrobinson.com, pens a weekly column for the Financial Times of London as well as a bi-monthly syndicated wine column.

Among the many wine-related subjects Robinson has explored and written about recently include: “Why is wine so expensive?” She explains: “Inflation is a worldwide phenomenon and it applies from the bottom to the top of the scale.”

Robinson is perhaps best known for her critically acclaimed wine reference books, including The Oxford Companion to Wine, and The World Atlas of Wine, which she co-wrote with Hugh Johnson. This fall, it published its 8th edition (and first since 2013). Although it weighs a ton, it’s an invaluable reference tool and a great companion read. One thing worth noting is The World Atlas of Wine is renowned for its superlative cartography. The 8th edition has – count ‘em – 230 “unique detailed” maps of the world’s wine landscape, “including specially created soil maps, helping readers to understand the link between the wines and their source.”

A New York Times review of The World Atlas of Wine stated: “The atlas is so good in so many ways, with concise sections on the history of wine, how it’s grown and made, climate change and how to store and serve wine. But the maps are the thing, along with the brilliant descriptions of terrain and terroir. A great way to learn about wine is to open bottles and read this book.”

Recently, I enjoyed a rainy, NFL-free Sunday afternoon at a Smithsonian Associates wine event in Washington, D.C., “Jancis Robinson and the Newest World Atlas of Wine.” It was time well spent – and that was before sampling the tasting menu!

Throughout Robinson’s 90-minute conversation with Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntyre, I learned about wine’s newest regions and listened as Robinson discussed several oenology-related topics such as the recent changes in the global winescapes. She also spoke on the accelerating effects of climate change that’s forcing the wine industry to take decisive measures in which to counter or adapt to the shifts.

Later, Robinson led a tasting of selected 21st century wines from Uruguay (Albariño Bouza 2017), Cyprus (Tsiakkas Xinisteri 2018), Israel (Flam Classico 2017 and Sphera First Page 2018) and Virginia (Cabernet Franc Riserva 2014, Ramiisol). The local red from Virginia was enjoying its first public tasting and among wine drinkers attending, it proved to be a popular favorite.

Credits: Photos by Michael Dickens, © 2019.

Appreciating summer vacations – even if for just a day

On the grounds of V. Sattui Winery in Saint Helena, California.

Summer vacation is a time of the year when many of us enjoy escaping urban environments in favor of wide open spaces – beaches, lakes, hills and mountains, even wineries – in seeking respite from our fast-paced lives. Sometimes, just a day off from routine to escape to the Napa Valley, which I did with my wife last week to celebrate our recent wedding anniversary, was just the right thing to do.

The Napa Valley is only about 75 miles from our Bay Area residence, and on a good day it is reachable by car in about 90 minutes. During summer, the drive and the crowds doting the valley's towns along California State Highway 29 from Yountsville to Calistoga that come for a wine tasting or to enjoy an outdoor picnic can be jam packed. 

Fortunately for us, going up to Napa Valley as we did on this recent weekday, proved a totally different experience. The traffic was manageable and the public spaces were far less crowded than we expected, and it added up to a delightful day.

Enjoying a picnic on the grounds of V. Sattui Winery.

Arriving shortly after noon, we started with a picnic lunch at one of our favorite wineries, V. Sattui, in Saint Helena. The weather was ideal for sitting outside.

From there, we drove north through "downtown" Saint Helena and, soon, we were in Calistoga. Once there, we parked our car and walked along the main "high" street, filling our time with perusing café and bistro menus, and browsing summer reading recommendations at the independent bookseller, Copperfield's Books.

Finally, we backtracked to Yountville, where we savored a late-afternoon treat of gelato, then bought puff pastries and macarons at the famed Bouchon Bakery to bring home.

Public art in Yountville

We return often to the Napa Valley to relish its culinary aspects and sample its wine. Over the past 20 years, we've seen the town of Yountville – our favorite destination – transform nicely, thanks to its colorful outdoor sculptures that blend in with the fabric of its main thoroughfare, Washington Street. 

Although we were gone just a few hours, we both agreed that our Napa Valley day road trip was both satisfying and time well spent – and we can't wait to go back.

All photos: By Michael Dickens © 2016.

2010 Beaujolais Nouveau: A return to classic

2010 Beaujolais Noveau
A return to classic, bygone Beaujolais

"Beaujolais Nouveau Day" is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of November with the release of a new year's product, often only a few weeks after harvest.  Beaujolais Nouveau is a lightweight red wine made from Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc grapes and is produced in the Beaujolais region of France.  It is intended for immediate drinking and not for investment.

I am happy to report that we bought two bottles of 2010 Beaujolais Nouveau last week to enjoy during the Thanksgiving holiday, purchased from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant in Berkeley, Calif. (www.kermitlynch.com) ~ arguably, one of the outstanding wine merchants in the country, let alone just in the Bay Area.

The bottle (pictured) that we are currently drinking is from Cédric Vincent, which according to the Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant newsletter is "a return to the roots" ... "a return to classic, bygone Beaujolais, thanks to conditions that used to be typical but have since become rare: a long, cool growing season followed by a late harvest."

Enjoying a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau is simply a good excuse for a good time ~ and, a nice complement with any home-cooked meal, or to serve with Thanksgiving leftovers.

Cheers!

Photograph by Michael Dickens, copyright 2010.