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Nightlife Spotlights Napa Wines In Fundraiser

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By KURT LOFT, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

TAMPA - A tidal wave of California wine is heading this way.

"Nightlife Napa Valley: Tampa" is a monster tasting event unfolding this week on Bay Street at International Plaza. As part of a Florida tour and fundraiser, more than 50 prominent wineries will be pouring liquid gold to promote signature wines and educate people about this almost sacred region for growing grapes.

Napa Valley is a paradise for winemakers. Nature has graced it with super-rich alluvial soils fed by water from the surrounding hills and mountains.

"Napa is California's most renowned region, but it's really only 4 percent of the state's production of wine," says Terry Hall, a spokesman for Napa Valley Vintners, which comprises more than 300 member wineries. "It's a small but incredibly diverse spot of land."

An old Indian word for "valley of plenty," Napa essentially enjoys a Mediterranean climate with an optimal matrix of soil types - and microclimates - for growing a wide variety of grapes. The region has been known for sugary fruit with big, ripe flavors and complexity, but in recent years, wineries are creating more soft and subtle wines.

"Everything from A to Z can be grown in this region," Hall says. "There's more diversity of soil types in Napa than in all of France."

"Nightlife Napa Valley: Tampa" includes many of the valley's finest wineries, such as Benessere, Clos du Val, Duckhorn, Flora Springs, Grgich Hills, Hess, Markham, Pine Ridge, Spring Mountain, Trefethen and Zahtila.

The tasting is from 9 to 11 p.m. Thursday on Bay Street, beginning late to avoid the usual shopping crowds at International Plaza. Proceeds will support the Abilities Foundation, a Florida nonprofit that serves the employment, housing and health needs of persons with disabilities.

Tickets are $45 at the door or $35 in advance; go to www.abilitiesfoundation.com or call Sandy Liberatore at (727) 538-7370, Ext. 349.

Grapes And Teeth

We've all read about the possible health benefits of moderate amounts of red wine, especially as an anti-oxidant. Now, researchers at Cornell University in Rochester, N.Y., say both red wine grapes and a winemaking residue called pomace contain substances that may help prevent tooth decay.

In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, scientists say that specific polyphenols - chemicals present in fermented seeds and skins that are cast away after grapes are pressed - block bacteria from doing dental damage. The study may offer clues about the role of grapes in systemic infections caused by bacteria.

Grapes are one of the world's largest fruit crops, and potential drugs could be made directly from fermented winemaking waste, the report says.

Tasting Notes

Today we share some thoughts on 10 wines we recently enjoyed, most from California and all perfect for your Valentine's Day dinner. Wines are in order of price.

Stonecap 2006 Monson Family Estates Riesling: Clean and refreshing, this Washington State varietal has a nice balance between fruit and acid, and is great with seafood; $11.

Palandri 2002 Shiraz: This peppery, well-rounded wine from Western Australia resonates with dark and chewy flavors, making it a bargain for $12.

Handley Cellars 2006 Gewurztraminer: The heady nose of orange blossom and melons goes well with spicy foods; $15.

Kim Crawford 2007 Marlborough Pinot Gris: We've fallen in love with the honeysuckle scent of the pinot gris grape, and this new discovery from New Zealand blends nuttiness and zest; $17.

Artesa 2006 Carneros Chardonnay: Alive with scents of honeydew and apple, this crisp but silky chard stands up to pasta with cream sauces or grilled salmon; $20.

Simi 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay: The deep golden color alone is as delicious as the wine's slightly tropical notes, all beautifully integrated; $25.

Chateau St. Jean 2005 Robert Young Vineyard Chardonnay: A mix of pears, almonds, lemon and spice creates a wonderful feel in the mouth and lingering finish; $25.

Rimon 2005 Pomegranate Dessert Wine: Impress your valentine with this lusciously sweet, cherrylike wine made from Israeli pomegranates; $38.

Trefethen 2004 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: Located in south Napa, Trefethen Family Vineyards is a force in the wine industry, judging from this seductive, complex and intense cab; perfect with beef stew; $50.

Lancaster Estate 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon: Winemaker Jennifer Higgins aims high with this extraordinary blend with cabernet franc, merlot and malbec, made in a Bordeaux style that reveals subtle layers of spice, black cherry and velvet tannin; $65.

Reporter Kurt Loft can be reached at (813) 259-7570 or kloft@tampatrib.com.

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