In This Issue: Issue Wine Releases Grape Stomp Recipes & More!
Grape Stomp - Wine Club Pick Up Party Saturday, September 17th from 1111-5pm Time to get footloose and fancy free… Come and join in the fun of our annual grape stomp and wine club pick up party. We will be hosting grape stomp competitions at 1, 3 & 5 pm. Bring your partner to compete for the title of Del Rio’s stomping champion! Fresco Food’s mobile catering will be on site, offering their wonderful fresh bites for purchase from 12-4pm. Live entertainment will be featuring Clint Ingbretson; showcasing his Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson renditions. Guests are welcome!
2010 Grape Stomp Winners
Clint Ingbretson
In the Winery . . . Labels & Varietals Matter! Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier… The grape varieties in the market are numerous. However, the varietal indicated on the label does not mean that it is exclusively the one in the wine. The rules of production for Oregon wines require a minimum of 90% Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris be the content of the wine and 75 % for other varieties. The regulations are established with the goal of improving the wine, as well as, allowing the producer to increase its production in case of a very low crop level for example. Although, the majority of the grape is what is labeled, an addition of another varietal can change the typical flavor profile significantly. At Del Rio, I choose to bottle 100% varietal wines for the Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. I believe that the aromas of those wines are so delicate that even a small addition of another grape will be at the expense of the overall quality. Our single varietal Bordeaux labels, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec are also made of 100% of the grape mentioned to ensure authenticity. However, the Bordeaux varietals blend very well with each other as shown in the popular Claret. In this case, it’s up to the winemaker to find the best percentage of each of the grapes according to its style. The Syrah, starting in 2009, is lightly blended with 2 % to 5 % of Grenache. Here, the Grenache lightens the tannic structure of the Syrah and increases the flavor intensity. It’s also a very popular blend in France’s Rhone Valley, and for good reason. Ultimately the flexible laws allow me to pick and choose whatever varieties I believe are going to improve the quality of my blends and even experiment a little. However, remember it can also be misleading about the real composition of the wines especially when it’s labeled as a single varietal. At Del Rio I choose to be transparent and truthful to the labeling with the objective of preserving the typical varietal profile. It also guarantees that the labeled bottled corresponds to the wine you are looking to taste. Enjoy et santé!
Jean-Michel
Harvest Notices
Wine Club Release Notes . . .
September Wine Club
Rose Jolee (Rio Club Only)
$15.00 bottle/$12.00 Wine Club - $144/case A lovely pink shade, with soft aromas of rose and mango provide a delicately balanced wine perfect for summer fun. The light sweet fragrance is enhanced by the flavors of strawberry, honey, and a hint of citrus. Completed with a slight spritz, this wine provides joy with each sip.
Shipping - September 6th First day to Pick Up - September 6th Please pick up your wine before November 15th, 2011.
Wine Club Case Sale!
2009 Pinot Noir (Rio Club & Reds Only)
$28.00/bottle/$22.40 Wine Club - $268.80/case Our 2009 Pinot Noir has a bright ruby color and displays aromas of cherry, rosemary, and vanilla. The nose leads to delicate violet flavors, accompanied by a structured mouth feel that will ensure long aging. 88 Points -Wine Spectator
September 17th & 18th only To order: Drop in, phone, email or purchase online.
2009 Claret $200/Case
2009 Pinot Gris
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
$100/Case
(Reds Only)
$28.00/bottle/$22.40 Wine Club - $268.80/case Intense fruit flavors of black currant and cherry with spicy nuances of cloves and black pepper. A full bodied wine, well balanced, and structured for aging potential.
Follow Del Rio Online!
89 Points –Wine Enthusiast
A Warm Welcome for Stella Stella has arrived! She will be helping Jean-Michel during harvest this year. She is from Crete, Greece and has graduated from the University of Bordeaux in France. We are excited to share our Western culture with our new intern.
Wine Club Gift Del Rio Vineyards special ordered this lip balm as it reflects some of the nuances in our Rose Jolee. Our Tangerine flavored lip balm is made with aloe vera and has UVA and UVB protectors.
Your Opinion Matters! We would love to hear what you think about our events and wine club. Please let us know if you have any suggestions or events you would like to see at Del Rio. Feel free to email, call, or stop by with your opinion.
Fall Calendar September Vineyard Hikes URWT: Women Who Wine - Sept 10 Wine & Dine in the Vines - Sept 11 Grape Stomp - Sept 17 Wine Walk 4 Women - Sept 18
October URWT: Harvest Celebration - Oct 8 Roam the Rogue Tour –Oct 29
November URWT: Grape to Glass –Nov 12 Thanksgiving Weekend Open House: • Black Friday Case Special • Cyber Monday
December Wine Club Party –Dec 10 For more information on events please visit our website’s Events page www.delriovineyards.com/calendar
Awards & Accolades World of Wine Festival 2009 Claret - Silver 2009 Viognier - Silver Taste of Harry & David 2009 Claret - Gold 2009 Pinot Gris - Silver 2009 Pinot Noir - Bronze Wine Spectator 2008 Syrah –89 Points
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Jolee’s Kitchen . . . Sausage, Tomato, and Arugula Fettuccine Ingredients 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated fettuccine 1 tablespoon olive oil 6 ounces Italian turkey sausage 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 pint cherry tomatoes 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 cups baby arugula leaves 2 ounces pecorino Romano cheese, shaved Preparation 1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 2/3 cup cooking liquid. 2. While pasta cooks, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausage. Break sausage into bite-sized pieces and add to pan; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently to crumble. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes and pepper; cover and cook 2 minutes. Mash tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to break them up. Cover pan; reduce heat to low, and cook 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Add pasta, reserved 2/3 cup cooking liquid, and arugula; toss well. Sprinkle with pecorino Romano. Ivy Manning - Cooking Light Enjoy with a glass of 2009 Del Rio Pinot Noir
Seared Figs and White Peaches with Balsamic Reduction Ingredients 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 2 teaspoons butter, divided 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided 4 firm ripe white peaches (about 1 3/4 pounds), halved and pitted 8 firm ripe Black Mission figs, halved lengthwise (about 1 pound) 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup crème fraîche 1/8 teaspoon salt Preparation 1. Cook peppercorns in a small skillet over medium heat 6 minutes or until fragrant and toasted. Cool. Place peppercorns in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; seal. Crush peppercorns with a meat mallet or rolling pin; set aside. 2. Melt 1 teaspoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; stir in 1 teaspoon thyme. Add peaches, cut sides down, to pan. Cook 2 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan. Place 1 peach half, cut sides up, on each of 8 plates. Melt remaining 1 teaspoon butter in pan; stir in remaining 1 teaspoon thyme. Add figs, cut sides down, to pan; cook 2 minutes or until browned. Place two fig halves on each plate. 3. Add vinegar to pan; cook over medium-low heat until reduced to 3 tablespoons (about 3 minutes). Cool slightly. Spoon about 2 teaspoons crème fraîche into the center of each peach half; drizzle about 1 teaspoon vinegar mixture over each serving. Sprinkle each serving with about 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle evenly with salt. Serves 8- Cooking Light. Enjoy with a glass of Rose Jolee
Remembering Jerry 1931-2011 Nearly 10 years ago, we opened our tasting room to the public. Soon after that day, a spry 70-year old man soon became our first regular. In those early days, we only had one person full-time during the week. Each time he came by, he would remind us that if we ever needed someone, to keep him in mind. Well, soon after that we took him up on his offer. That special person was Jerry Dynge. He started off by working every Saturday and Sunday. Not long after, we talked him into going from two days a week to five: Monday through Friday. During those early years here at Del Rio, Jerry did everything from grape samples to inventory and sales of wine to art festivals. He was our man. As we grew, we hired more and more ladies to help out. He loved them all very much. Jerry was always willing to do anything that needed to be done and helped us move forward. Working alongside Jerry was easy, he tended to the customer with great diligence and we were his back-up. The tasting room ladies enjoyed reminding Jerry frequently of their favorite pet peeve‌daily customers would come in the tasting room, look around, and then ask for Jerry. When it was shared with the customer that Jerry had a day off, the look of disappointment in the customer’s eyes could not be overlooked. This was a true testament of his strong character as the most thoughtful and caring person. Jerry always went out of his way to make each person he met feel special. His love of art and nature was expressed through his work and his compassion for others was felt in the warm touch. He was a very special person to us all and will be greatly missed.
-- Jolee & Rob Wallace A memorial service in honor of Jerry will be hosted at Del Rio. All are welcome to attended and share in remembering Jerry.
When: Friday September 16th Time: 5pm Location: Del Rio Vineyards Park ~ In memory of Jerry, we have posted a book in the tasting room to fill with all the great stories of Jerry . Please stop by and share yours.
Return Service Requested
Del Rio Vineyards 52 N River Road Gold Hill, OR 97525
Tasting Room Fall Hours Monday– Sunday 11am to 5pm
www.delriovineyards.com Vineyard Hikes With verasion (color change) setting in, we think that this is the most spectacular time of year to hike through the rolling hills of the vineyard. This is your opportunity to join our vineyard staff on a complimentary 3.5 mile guided hike. Come along for this journey and be sure to bring a friend. Please bring a water bottle and comfortable shoes as we will be traversing through vineyard terrain, tasting the grapes as they begin to ripen. Hikes will take approximately 1 hour. Hikes will be held throughout the month of September , we will meet in the parking lot at the tasting room and depart promptly at 9:30 a.m. Sundays 9/11 & 9/25 Wednesdays 9/7, 9/14, 9/21 & 9/28
Rogue Valley Soroptimist 5th Annual Wine Walk for Women’s Health September 18th 12-4 pm Proceeds fund prevention, detection, treatment and support services for uninsured and under-insured women in our community. 3.5 mile stroll through beautiful Del Rio Vineyard. Wine tasting featuring wines from seven premier vineyards, including Paschal Winery & Vineyard, Slagle Creek Vineyards, Del Rio Vineyards & Winery, LongSword, Quady North Winery, EdenVale Winery, Serra Vineyards. Snacks, Raffle, Pledge drive drawing. Souvenir wine glass & music by Hired Gun! Space is limited, register online at: http://www.siwinewalk.org/