Tasting Notes: Meet at the Peak, Solune in France & more

SOLUNE HONORED IN FRANCE
For the sixth time, Solune Winegrower’s Owner/Winemaker Jacques Mercier was invited to Vinalies Internationales, France’s premier wine competition in Paris. There were about 100 judges from all over the world, judging 3,400 wines. “It is the strictest competition I know of,” says Jacques.
Two Solune wines (the 2009 Torrontés and the 2008 Malbec) received a Silver medal, a major accomplishment (and no, Jacques did not judge his own wines).

WINE, FOOD & MUSIC AT NAGGIAR
Naggiar Vineyards is releasing eight new vintages this spring, in- cluding a much-anticipated 2009 Barbera. The wines will be of- fered at Naggiar’s annual release party on Saturday, May 12, from 1-5 p.m. On stage music will be performed by Jamal Walker & Loose Change band. Food is avail- able for sale or bring a picnic.

BENT METAL’S NEW LABEL
Bent Metal Winery celebrates its second anniversary this spring, and it has a new wine label that appeals to motorcycle enthusiasts for its new Primitivo blend. The “moto-art” label features the venerable V-twin motor- cycle engine, ideal for wine tasting “on the road less traveled.”

NEW VARIETALS AT AVANGUARDIA
“Our vineyard is getting drenched with much needed rain, and quail and turkeys are rampant,” reports Owner/Winemaker Rob Chrisman. “We’re planting Teroldego, a terrific deep, rich red grape. We’ll be bottling the ’09 Ampio soon. I love barrel tasting.”

MEET AT THE PEAK
Pilot Peak starts their summer wine/music/dinner series May 5. The season includes tribute bands for just a $10 cover and dinners for less than $16 (including tax and tip)—the place to spend a Saturday evening in Nevada County.

GRASS VALLEY WINE CO.
The Grass Valley Wine Co. (Bent Metal, Pilot Peak and Solune) is expanding their hours to
daily wine tasting—noon-6 p.m. They will continue with later hours Friday and Saturday nights, with live music. The tasting room has new flight offerings, featuring a different varietal each month, called “Get to Know This Wine.”

WINE & CHEESE AT SMITH
This spring Smith Vineyard plans to offer small antipasto plates with cheeses, salami, olives and crackers to compliment its wine tasting. The epicurean snacks will come from Back Porch Market, a popular gourmet deli in Grass Valley.

(photo credit: GoGrassValley.com)