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In this Issue:

March 2009

ü  Props for Mannina

ü  New Wines

ü  Vineyard Update

ü  Special Events

ü  The Perfect Match:  Merlot & Smoky Beef Stew

ü  Calendar of Events

Highlights:

Ø  2006 Merlot awarded “Best in Class”!

Ø  2006 Sangiovese sold out

Ø  2005 Merlot sold out

Ø  Wine Enthusiast rates ‘06 Cali & ’06 Merlot 88 Points

No Bottlenecks at February’s Bottling

Amazingly, this year’s bottling event went off without even the slightest hitch, despite owner/winemaker Don Redman’s sleepless nights of worry.  We even remembered to put the filled bottles in the cases upside down this time!  Don’s only moment of (demonstrated) frustration involved a good launch of the shrink wrap, which was easily resolved with a quick trip to Staples for a fresh roll.

After a weekend of filtering, nearly 700 cases of our newest wines came off the bottling line.  All will be released this May, including 18 cases of the 2008 Maddily Rosè, 67 cases of the new 2006 Birch Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, 400 cases of the 2007 Sangiovese, and 200 cases of the 2007 Cali.  Early sampling indicates the Cab and Sangio are going to be big hits, and the new Rosè will likely be gone before the warm weather hits when it will be a refreshing, cool alternative on a hot summer day.  Even co-owner, Chad, admitted he’d drink some of the pink stuff.

We have our great staff to thank for the ultra-smooth bottling process, who made sure we had excellent coverage at all stations:  the Empty-Bottle-Loader-Uppers, Eric and Barry; the Capsule-Putter-Onners, Tracie, Diane and Sara (shift one), and Maddie, Nicole and Debbie, (shift two); the Load-the-filled-bottles-in-the-boxes (upside down) guys, Ken, Jim and Mike; and the Pallet-Stacker, Teri, along with the help of “floaters” Jason, Chad and Don, who also drove the fork lift around, found more pallets, kept the wine flowing to the bottling truck, and did whatever else needed to be done to make sure it was a seamless process from start to finish.  If you’ve never seen bottling in action, it’s really quite amazing how the whole production line works; reminiscent of the days of “Laverne & Shirley”.  Special thanks to Jeanne for the yummy lasagna dinner afterwards!  That really hit the spot after the long, cold day of hard work.

Bummed you missed all the action?  Swing by in June when we’ll be bottling our new Merlot blend and another 700 cases of Cali.  It will be a whole new experience in the sun, but I’m sure more than a few of us will be thankful to trade in cold fingertips for a few beads of sweat.  Right now we’re targeting June 11 for the big day.  Check the next newsletter or email us for the confirmed date if you want be part of it. 

Don and co-owner, Chad, clean up after filtering.

Maddie (Rosè label designer) concentrates to make sure no bottles go by without a capsule on top.

Cellar Rat, Jason, stops to demonstrate his brawn for the Kodak moment.

Chad's favorite job around the winery - driving the forklift.

Don smiles with a couple of wine groupies (yes, that’s just sis-in-law, Teri, & wife, Nicole.)

Props for Mannina  

Cali is “Phenomenal”

Of course, we all knew that already.  But we love to hear that others have discovered it for themselves!   Our Cab/Merlot blend, Cali (named after the winemaker’s Grandmother, not the other popular wine region in the U.S.), priced at $17/bottle, was recently featured on a local morning show as “phenomenal” and “silky smooth”, as part of their “Wine on a Budget” segment. 

We were also excited to learn that Wine Enthusiast gave the 2006 Cali a rating of 88 points.  They liked it’s focus, balance, and mocha/toasty finish, while also noting it’s exceptional value.

In today’s economy more and more wines under the $20 mark are being highlighted as “value blends”, and we are pleased to see that our Cali is getting the recognition it deserves!

Best In Class Merlot!

We were absolutely thrilled to hear that our 2006 Merlot took the Best In Class award at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of American wines in the world!  Over 4,700 wines entered by 1,500 wineries were judged by a panel of 60 professional wine judges, representing trade, media, education, retail and restaurants from across the country.  Clearly the competition was fierce and we are proud to have our Merlot take such great honors.    

Not to be outshined by the Merlot, our 2006 Cali took a gold medal and the 2006 Sangiovese took a bronze.  Click here to see Mannina at the top of the list, as well as other medal winners.

Wine Enthusiast also recently rated the 2006 Merlot 88 points, describing it as “soft and round with pleasing flavors of black cherry and plum” with “hints of coffee and chocolate [that] do not tamper with the basic core of clean, ripe fruit.”

Although “Best in Class” will be tough to beat, we’re looking forward to more high marks from our next vintage.

New Wines Coming Soon!

The Cab is Coming

Those of you that fell in love with our first Cab will be excited to know that the long awaited 2006 Birch Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is only two months away from finally being released!  The ’06 Cab is a vineyard designated wine with 100% of the fruit from Birch Creek Vineyard.  It’s silky smooth tannins and balanced acidity are complemented by lively stone fruits.  This will again be a limited release wine, available to Wine Club members with first right of refusal.  All Wine Club members will receive one bottle with their May shipment.  Please let us know if you want more.  Priced at $30/bottle, it’s sure to go fast!

Maddily Rosè Releasing in May

Also releasing in May is our first Rosè – the Maddily.  Keeping it in the family, the Maddily is named after the winemaker's two young daughters, Madeline (who also designed the label) and Emily.  Maddily is a 100% Sangiovese Rosè, crafted from the free run juice of cold-soaked Sangiovese grapes from the distinguished terroir of Walla Walla.  This dry Rosè shows notes of red raspberries and ripe strawberries, with a lively acidity.  Complex, yet light, delicate, and fresh, the Maddily Rosè is a well-balanced, easy drinking wine that will pair nicely with salmon, shellfish, fine sauces, pork, chicken and nutty cheeses.  This is a limited release wine, and with only 18 cases made it is likely to be sold out by summertime, when it will be a refreshing alternative on a hot summer day.  Wine Club members get first dibs, so let us know soon if you want some.  The Maddily will retail for $15/bottle, discounted only for Wine Club members.  Be sure to stop by our tasting room or email us to pre-order yours before it’s gone!

Vineyard Update

Deal Closed on Cali Vineyards

After being in the works for more than a year, Cali Vineyards has finally become a reality.  Almost 50 acres was purchased in the Walla Walla Valley AVA near Birch Creek Vineyard where Mannina Cellars currently acquires some of our Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc grapes.  Don Redman, owner/winemaker for Mannina Cellars, will oversee the operation of the vineyard.  Don will be planting 30 acres this Spring including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cab Franc, Syrah, Barbera and Nebbiolo. 

The site consists of well drained, moderately sandy and loamy soils perfect for a vineyard, with the Merlot to be planted on the southern facing slope.  All plant spacing is 5x9 and will consist of VSP trellising, which involves 8100 posts that Don will be digging and installing himself!  Good thing he has an air conditioned tractor lined up for the job!  Chad is already planning a trip or two to Walla Walla this summer so he can help (but mostly so he can drive the tractor.)  Great wine comes from great fruit and we are looking forward to establishing and farming our Estate vineyard.  We will be excited to share our 2012 vintage in a few short years!

Special Events

La Medusa Winemaker’s Dinner April 26

Join us on Sunday, April 26th for a fabulous four course dinner with our friends at La Medusa in Seattle, Washington.  Seating will be staggered from 5pm to 9pm and the price is $75 per person.   Make your reservations now to reserve your desired time!  This cozy restaurant is sure to fill fast for this special event.  Contact Julia Bandy at 206.723.2192 or visit the website for more information, or to reserve your table. 

Wine Club Spring Release Open House May 1

To honor the release of our new wines, we’d like to invite all Wine Club members and friends to a special open house at the winery on Friday, May 1, at 7:00 pm.  We’ll be serving delicious hors d'oeuvres expertly paired with our newest releases by local chef, Charles Calder, from The Chef’s House.  Sample the new 2008 Maddily Rosè and the 2006 Birch Creek Cab, and pick up your wine club order while you’re here.  Non-Wine Club members are welcome as well, at $15 per person.  Space is limited so please confirm your attendance early and limit guests to two per Wine Club member.  This will be a fun opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow Wine Club members, get to know the Mannina family, and, not to mention, preview some great wines!  Click here to send your RSVP.  Not a Wine Club member?  Click here for details on how to join.  We hope to see you then!

The Perfect Match:  Smoky Beef Stew & Mannina Merlot

Mrs. Winemaker, Nicole Redman, made this stew for dinner one night after a long day of crushing, and we knew we had to share it in our next newsletter!  Of course, Don says it’s best when made using Mannina’s 2006 Merlot, however, we tried making it with a cheap Merlot, saving our Mannina to enjoy with (vs. in) our meal, and it was still excellent.  It takes some time, but it’s well worth it, especially when you’re craving some comfort food on a cold, Sunday afternoon. 

Smoky Beef Stew with Blue Cheese and Chives

Bacon, smoked paprika, and chipotle chile powder (from dried smoked jalapeños) give this stew layers of smoky flavor. Prep and Cook Time: 4 hours. Notes: You can make this a day ahead through step 3 and chill it. Add 15 minutes to the cooking time for the potatoes, since the liquid will take longer to boil. Find smoked paprika (often labeled pimentón de La Vera) at gourmet grocery stores.

Yield:  Makes 8 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

About 2 tbsp. vegetable  oil

4  pounds  beef chuck, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 1/2-in. pieces

4  strips hardwood-smoked bacon, chopped

2  large onions, peeled and cut into 1/2-in. wedges

About 1 tsp. salt

1/4  cup  flour

1  tablespoon  smoked paprika (see Notes)

1  teaspoon  chipotle chile powder

2  bottles (750 ml. each) dry red wine

2  pounds  russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large pieces

1  pound  carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4- by 2-in. sticks

1  tablespoon  butter

1/2  cup  crumbled blue cheese

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4  cup  minced chives

Preparation

1. Heat a heavy, large casserole or Dutch oven (not nonstick) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp. oil. When hot, add 1/5 to 1/4 of the beef. The first piece should sizzle when it hits the pot; if it doesn't, remove it and wait for the oil to get hotter. The pieces should not touch—you want plenty of room so the juices will evaporate quickly and the meat can brown. Cook until well browned and a bit crusted, about 5 minutes each side, adjusting heat so meat sizzles but does not burn. They're ready to turn when they release from the pot easily. Transfer meat to a bowl and repeat with remaining meat and oil, for a total of 4 or 5 batches. This takes about an hour when done properly.

2. Preheat oven to 350°. Add bacon to pot and cook until fat renders and bacon starts to brown. Transfer bacon to bowl with beef. Add onions to pot and stir in 1 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring, until onions begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Transfer onions to bowl with beef. Add flour to pot and cook, stirring, until it starts to turn golden and smells faintly of piecrust, about 2 minutes. Add smoked paprika and chipotle powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds.

3. Add wine and increase heat to high. Scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pot. Add reserved beef, bacon, and onions. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover and bake until meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

4. Return pot to stove. Add potatoes and bring to a boil. Add carrots and bring back to a boil. Adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, 30 minutes. Stir in butter and add salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with blue cheese, pepper, and chives.

Sunset, FEBRUARY 2008

*Reprinted with permission of Sunset Magazine.

Calendar of Events

Look for us at these upcoming events!

March 13 - Meet the Winemaker, Vino at the Landing, Renton, WA.  5-7 pm 

Don will be onsite pouring Mannina’s wines at this new wine shop and wine bar.  See the Vino at the Landing website for details and directions.

March 14 - Sip of Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA  6:30-9:30 pm  

Take a break from the blackjack tables and stop in to see Don and co-owner, Chad, at the Mannina Cellars table.  This grand event allows guests to try wines from all over the Northwest, speak with representatives from the local wineries and enjoy an array of appetizers courtesy of the Snoqualmie Casino. You also will enjoy an exciting silent auction and raffle with many unique, exciting and high-value items. All proceeds will benefit Encompass.  For ticket information click here.

April 5 – Taste Washington, Seattle, WA 4-8 pm

Mannina Cellars, along with more than 200 other wineries, will be pouring up to three of their wines, and approximately 75 Seattle-area restaurants will be on hand to prepare their favorite bites. Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster or visit the Taste Washington website for details.

April 11 – Feast Walla Walla, Walla Walla, WA 1-4 pm

Owner/winemaker, Don, and his wife, Nicole, will be attending this great event again this year, where Walla Walla Valley's finest purveyors gather together to make an unforgettable event each year. By bringing together both big names and newcomers to the food, wine and art industries, Feast offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the amazing variety of the area.  Visit the Feast Walla Walla website for more information.

April 26 - La Medusa Winemaker’s Dinner, Seattle, WA  5-9 pm

See above for details, and contact Julia Bandy at 206.723.2192 to make your reservations now! 

May 1 - Wine Club Spring Release Open House, Walla Walla, WA 7:00 pm 

Details above.  Email us to RSVP soon if you plan to attend; space is limited!

May 2-3 - Spring Release Weekend!  Walla Walla, WA

Come experience our new releases at one of the biggest wine events in Walla Walla.  Be sure to make reservations for your accommodations early, as for many wine lovers this is an annual trip to stock up on some great Walla Walla wines. 

May 23-24 - Washington Wine Highway, Woodinville, WA  - CANCELLED?  We are hoping the rumor is not true, as we were really looking forward to attending this fun event again this year.  Keep your fingers crossed that it’s still a go!

May 29 – Vino! Pouring Event, Spokane, WA

Don will be onsite at this fun wine shop in Spokane pouring Mannina’s latest releases. Stop by to say hello and taste some great wines!  Click here for directions.

June 11 (or so) - Bottling Round 2, Walla Walla, WA

Come by the winery and check out all the action as we bottle the rest of our 2007 Cali and the new Merlot blend.

July 17 - 19 - Kirkland Uncorked, Kirkland, WA

We’ve heard great things about this event and plan to be part of it this summer!  Enjoy a tasting garden that spotlights more than 60 select wines from Washington wineries, mouth-watering pairing plates and picnic boxes.  Learn about wines directly from vintners while receiving tips on food-and-wine pairings.  The garden features two stages offering outstanding music performed by a variety of local artists.  Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate.  Click here for more info.