WINE PICK: Anaba Wines 2017 Sonoma Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

Today’s pick is Anaba Wines. Although initially unfamiliar with them, the TasteTV wine reviewers recommend each one that we have tasted, and believe you will want to have them around for yourself, your friends, and for special occasions.

In addition to the new wine vintages, Anaba recently opened their new Anaba Vintners House in October, 2019. It is a reflection of the Sweazey family’s belief in gracious and uncomplicated hospitality. Broad windows look out over the estate vineyards, drawing the eye to the distant hills, while private seating areas allow for leisurely personalized wine exploration. The color palette takes inspiration from nature – evoking fog, water, earth and even the Anabatic winds that give the winery its name. Beyond the landscaped courtyard, paddle tennis and bocce ball offer an unexpected chance to engage in a bit of competition.

We talk with General Manager John Michael Sweazey to find out a bit more about this winery, and why they admire their 2017 Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

Winery Name: Anaba Wines

Owner: John T. Sweazey and John Michael Sweazey

Winemaker(s): Katy Wilson

Established: 2009

Interview with John Michael Sweazey

Anaba Wines

Why did you decide to make your Pinots in this style?

It’s hard to describe our wine as any one particular style. Originally, we were inspired by the red wines of Burgundy in the early 70s. But, we are not in Burgundy, and we can’t make Burgundian Pinot. Instead, we make a number of different Sonoma Pinots, and the aim is always to let the fruit speak for itself. For the Sonoma Coast Pinot in particular, the goal was universal appeal. From first-time wine tasters to certified sommeliers, we wanted to make a well-integrated wine that was indicative of what the Sonoma Coast should be.

Are there any elements of terroir that the drinker of your Pinot Noir should notice?

Yes, showcasing the terroir is a priority, and so there are many different elements. For the Sonoma Coast Pinot, you will notice a lot of red, bright fruit notes that are common to the AVA. The wine has the energy and vibrancy one would expect from a classic Pinot made in Sonoma.

What are the most noticeable elements in your Chardonnay?

For our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, the wet stone/flint and minerality, accompanied by citrus and stone fruit notes show through and are an expression of the land from which the fruit is sourced.

What is the inspiration for your newest wine releases?

Our WestLands Chardonnay comes mostly from a higher elevation vineyard, located in northwest Sonoma and very close to the coast. The cooler climate shares some commonalities with northern Burgundy, and if we had to choose one place as the inspiration, it would be Chablis. The wine is nuanced, with depth from a touch new oak and the grape itself, but the high acid levels keep it crisp. Also, it is distinct from the wines of Chablis, but it is our representation of the possibilities of the fruit grown in the western-most parts of Sonoma Coast.

What are the most exciting attributes about these wines?

In short, you might notice the subtle oak expression. Or that one can enjoy upon release, but can also let the wines age for several years. This is a hard balance to obtain. They can also pair with many foods, or can be enjoyed alone.

With which foods do you recommend this pairs?

Pork or duck with the Pinot. Halibut, oysters, chicken with the Chardonnay.

Is this wine better outdoors on a picnic or indoors for a dinner?

Anytime is a good time for Anaba (as long as the wine stays below 65 degrees). It really depends on your situation, but we know the wines are dynamic and can meet criteria for any number of occasions.

What’s next for Anaba Wines?

We are planning to plant Picpoul Blanc at our property, and we are working with three new vineyards throughout Sonoma to produce a number of Rhone varieties.

TasteTV WINE RATINGS

4.00 out of 5 Stars: 2017 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
4.25 out of 5 Stars: 2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Find them at www.anabawines.com

Photos courtesy of TasteTV, Rocco Ceselin, and Los Heffernans Photography

WINE PICKS: 3 Chardonnays that are Perfect to Drink Right Now

On a hot sunny day or in cool stormy weather, if you’ve closed a big deal or just sitting down to relax, these 3 Chardonnays are perfect for any situation or climate.

Tolosa 2018 1772 Chardonnay, Eden Ranch Edna Valley

Fermentation: French oak barrels

Aging: 9 months in French oak barrels, with 20% of them being new

Vineyard: Edna Ranch

Alcohol: 13.4%

Tolosa has a wine series they call “1772”. The series is named for the founding year of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and honors the local terroir and winemaking history of the cooler and Pacific Ocean-influenced climate and limestone sediment of the Edna Valley. The 1772 Chardonnay from 2018 is priced around $58 a bottle. Tolosa calls this their classic Chardonnay, and says that it truly captures the essence of the estate. The 2018 Tolosa Chardonnay has an appealing hint of bright acidity, with notes of the minerality of the Edna Valley, as well aromas of fresh fruits and herbs. This Chardonnay was aged for 9 months in French oak barrels.

Find here.

Anaba 2017 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

Vineyards: Tolay Vista, Dutton (Shop Block and Mill Station), J McK Estate

Alcohol: 13.2%

Fermentation: Hand-sorted and whole cluster pressed. Barrel fermented (75% malolactic fermentation, 25% retained natural malic acid). Aged 17 months sur lie in French oak barrels, 25% of which were new.

Cooperage: Damy, Cavin, Taransaud, François Frères Cases Produced: 738

This Sonoma Coast Chardonnay comes from distinct areas within the Sonoma Coast AV. Some of these areas were impacted by the 2017 North Bay fires, however the fruit was picked before those events took place so they were not affected. In general, the regions from which they come are cooler or foggier than some other Chardonnays, giving this 2017 vintage a great year.

The Anaba Chardonnay’s fruit tends towards the citrus and vanilla bouquet, with a bit of minerality and a very subtle palate. The alcohol content is in the European-style of 13.2%. Only 738 cases were produced, and it was aged 17 months in French oak barrels.

Find here.

Sangiacomo 2018 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

Alcohol: 14.3%

Production: 280 cases

The Sangiacomo family has been farming in Sonoma County for three generations and almost 100 years. The Vineyard is 100% certified sustainable, and it produces California Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has aromas that bring in tea-like flavors, including nutmeg and chai, as well as the French oak in which it rested. You might also enjoy some aromas that remind us a bit of a delicious pear cobbler. It’s very rich, and was aged in the aforementioned French oak for about 10 months. The alcohol content is medium-level 14.3%, and the retail price is a reasonable $55. Only 280 cases however were produced by James MacPhail the winemaker.

Find here

THE BEST: Picks for Top Healthy Gourmet Snacks of 2020

2020 TOP HEALTHY GOURMET SNACKS

The world is full of fantastic, delicious, and innovative healthy gourmet snacks. That’s why we’ve tasted some of the best, and here’s what we found.

The 6th Annual Snack Awards selects and rewards the Top Healthy Gourmet Snack creations of the Year.

Products from across the country entered into this competition, and were sent to a select jury panel of food & wine media and industry judges located throughout North America. This panel tasted, reviewed and voted on which they consider to be the “Top Healthy Gourmet Snacks of the Year” by the TASTY AWARDS panel, the Academy of Media Tastemakers

The Healthy Snack Awards look for the tastiest, most appealing , and healthiest snack choices on the market. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bar, a chip, popcorn, or nuts, as long as it looks good and tastes good and is good for you then it has the chance of making the list. Gluten Free, Sugar Free, or just made with fresh and natural ingredients, the bottom line is that they have to satisfy your urge to munch.

The judges and reviewers for this year’s selections come from a panel of gurus from the Academy of Media Tastemakers. Here are their favorites

OUR TOP PICKS FOR GREAT HEALTHY & TASTY SNACKS

GOODTO GO Snacks Strawberry Macadamia Nut Snack Bar

“Tastes like something you have to keep checking the package to make sure it’s actually healthy. But it is!”

Kathies Kitchen: SuperSeedz Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Gourmet Pumpkin Seeds

“Be ready to maintain a bit of portion control, it’s easy to keep munching on these tasty Salted pumpkin seeds in dark chocolate”

Nature’s Path Love Crunch Dark Chocolate & Red Berries Granola

“So cool to see a granola that adds unique ingredients and seasonings like red berries, healthy dark chocolate, and organic coconut”

Mary’s Gone Crackers – Super Seed Classic

“Fully plant-based gluten-free protein, these crackers can be eaten alone or paired with a topping such as cheese, avocados, or even peanut butter”

MadeGood Food Red Velvet Soft Baked Mini Cookies

“If you have a taste for red velvet, you’ll like these, but because of their size and healthy ingredients you won’t feel too guilty about having them”

Barebells Protein Bars – Crunchy Fudge

“The snack bar with no added sugar that you want to take with you to the gym or before a good run. “

Recipe for Grilled Tajín & Maple Chicken Wings by Chef Dennis Prescott of NETFLIX

A once struggling musician living in Nashville, Dennis Prescott is now a celebrated Canadian chef and cookbook author, with almost 600,000 Instagram followers.

His bestselling cookbook, Eat Delicious: 125 Recipes For Your Daily Dose of Awesome was published in 2017. Currently he is the resident chef of Netflix‘s series, “Restaurants on the Edge“.

For this season, Chef Prescott has created a delicious recipe for Grilled Tajín & Maple Chicken Wings.

Grilled Tajín & Maple Chicken Wings

For the Chicken Wings

2 pounds chicken wings
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons TajIn

Glaze & Garnish

¼ cup pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon Tajín

To Serve

¼ cup minced cilantro leaves, to garnish

Extra lime wedges, to serve

When ready to cook, preheat a grill to medium-high heat.

In a large bowl, combine wings, olive oil, Tajin, and toss until the chicken is completely coated in the mixture. (Note! This step can be done up to 4 hours before grilling – the longer the wings marinate in the Tajín mixture, the better.)

Transfer the wings to the grill, placing directly on the grill grates in a single layer. Cook for 15 – 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden on the outside and cooked through on the inside (and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F).

Meanwhile, combine maple, lime, and Tajín in a large bowl and mix well. When the chicken wings are done, immediately transfer them to the maple glaze bowl and toss well to coat entirely in glaze.

Transfer chicken wings to a serving platter and sprinkle over the cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Watch the Trailer for Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge

Finally, a Bolognese Sauce that is 3 in 1: Delicious, Versatile and Healthy

A thick and rich tomato Bolognese sauce is a gift for the home chef. That is because it is so versatile. A new sauce we have discovered is Otamot, and its versatility is perfect for these challenging times.

This organic sauce is made from vine ripened tomato, carrots, red bell peppers, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, spinach, red beets, sweet onions, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and shiitake mushrooms. Otamot is also certified as vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-verified.

We have used this sauce on everything from pastas such as tortellini and ravioli, to the base for deep dish pizza, to meatball sandwiches. It has yet to fail us!

Based in Brooklyn, the brand was founded by a dad Andrew Suzuka, who wanted his daughter to be able to eat healthier while enjoying her meals. As Suzuka says, “Tomato sauce CAN be packed with vegetables, vitamins, antioxidants and have no added sugar or preservatives.”

Find it at https://www.otamotfoods.com

A Taste for Travel? Try this Serrano Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Food and travel go hand-in-hand. You simply cannot visit a place without tasting at least some of its cuisine. Fortunately, even when you are not traveling you can still experience some of that cuisine at home.

For example, if you are thinking about Spain then you might enjoy a little snack to enhance those memories, such as the recipe for this open-faced Spanish style sandwich. It is simple to make. The ingredients are premium Serrano ham, a choice of Brie, Camembert, or a soft cheese from Spain, a bit of extra-virgin olive oil, and some slightly toasted bread, such as sliced sourdough.

Simply toast the bread, add a bit of cheese, lay a piece of Serano ham across it, and lightly drizzle with olive oil.

Enjoy with your beverage of choice, such as a glass of Rioja, or even a California Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Find Serrano ham online at the Spanish Table, and olive oil from Wild Groves.