Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Artisan Wines Being Featured in Baja California, Mexico

"Vino-Tourism" by Steve Dryden

Friday, March 7th will be a time of celebration and appreciation for three artisan wineries of Baja California, Mexico, as Chabert’s Restaurant in the Rosarito Beach Hotel matches these excellent local wines with culinary delights from their gourmet kitchen. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with wines from Vides y Vinos California or Roganto, J.C. Bravo, and Oporto de Moreno. Two of these rare and hard to find wines are now only available at Chabert’s and have been sold out on the open market for several months. Special guest, Antonio Escalante from Roganto, will host the event along with Laura Torres and Steve Dryden.

The first wine presented is a delightful Chardonnay from Roganto, stainless steel tank fermentation with no oak barrel aging, creates a clean and elegant white wine that matches well with our Spanish-style creamed pea soup with chorizo. The second course of rack of lamb and mixed baby greens is paired with the sold out vintage of Carrigan from local artisan winemaker J.C. Bravo. Or you can have the other second optional course of T-bone steak in a special Chef’s sauce with Chabert’s potatoes and mixed vegetables matched with J.C. Bravo’s elegant wine. Dessert featuring Chabert’s homemade cheesecake in a berry jubilee sauce is married to the rare and sold out vintage of oporto (port) from Oporto Moreno. Pricing of the event is $39 person (plus tax) for three glasses of wine and three gourmet delights, includes tip. Additional refills can be purchased at $7.00 per glass. Reservations requested at (800) 343-8582 or (661) 612-1126; and visit www.rosaritobeachhotel.com.

Roganto Wine or Vides y Vinos Californianos, S.P.R. de R.L, is considered by experts to be one of the top wineries in Mexico. In fact, last year a special wine tasting event organized by Mexico’s top independent wine experts and specialists was held at 13,200 feet in elevation (creating superior tasting conditions), where they chose 2005 Roganto Tempranillo as the second best wine in the country. The point spread between their Tempranillo and the first place wine (L.A Cetto Platino) was less than one point. Currently only about 250 cases of the wine ($65 US) are available for purchase from this Ensenada winery located near Wal-Mart. This 2005 Tempranillo was aged in a combination of new oak barrels for ten months and is a prime example of a top quality Mexican wine. In 2005 the winery also released a superb blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon and 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. About 180 cases of the Temp/Cab blend (aged in new oak for twenty-two months) remain at $32 and 300 cases of the Cabernet (twenty-two months in new French oak) are available at $65 a bottle.

Even though Roganto winery is technically a boutique winery in size and production, I consider it to be an artisan winery due to the high quality and individual attention focused on each vintage of wine. Their state-of-the-art winery facility is a hidden treasure of Ensenada, located behind a well drilling and commercial pump business – just a few miles south of downtown on Reforma Ave. Two wine enthusiasts, Rogelio Sanchez and Antonio Luis Escalante, have teamed up to create the remarkable Roganto wines.

It’s almost a “top secret,” and access to the tasting room is limited to serious wine lovers and those with “inquiring palates.” One of their newest premium wines is an incredible 2007 Sauvignon Blanc. It’s not a traditional herbal and grassy tasting wine typical of this varietal, but an elegant wine with tropical fruit, guava, pineapple and pear on the nose, refreshing, crisp, well balanced and delicious. The production was limited to 550 cases, fermentation in stainless steel tanks with no oak barrel aging and retailing for about $25. These two dedicated local winemakers also create two distinct Chardonnay wines, one with stainless steel fermentation and no oak barrel aging ($22) and another excellent Chardonnay aged in new French oak for twenty-two months at $28 bottle. To arrange a private tasting or purchase wine contact: (646) 176-6185.

If you love discovering (and drinking) rare and amazing wine come try a wonderful rare artisan creation featured during this wine dinner event from J.C. Bravo of Valle de Guadalupe. Mr. Bravo has a cult following for his “famous” Carrigan, one of the most stunning artisan red wines to come out of Mexico’s premier wine growing region of Baja California. He’s a former student of wine guru Hugo D’ Acosta, and has risen to the top in the artisan winemaking movement in Valle de Guadalupe. J.C. Bravo is a prime example of local people in this region who have learned the skills of hand-making artisan wines that are creating a niche market among wine enthusiasts and wine lovers nationally and internationally. In addition, one of the rarest and hardest wines to find is a wonderful port wine from Moreno of Baja California. We’ve got the last vintage of this dessert wine and you can help us finish off these “bottled treasures of delight” by attending our artisan wine dinner event on Friday, March 7th.

"Vino-Tourism" by Steve Dryden
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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

What to do if you get a traffic ticket in Baja

If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation you should always be polite and insist on a written citation that you could pay at the police station or by mail. Be aware that speed limits in México are set in kilometers (1 mile= 1.6 kms.) so that the speed limit on highways is 55 Miles per hour and within city limits it averages 15 miles per hour.When faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can contest the fine by filling an appeal, either orally or in writing, for a municipal judge to review the fine. To do this, immediately go to the nearest municipal judge; if you need help to do this call our Tourist Assistance Hot Line 078.Just like in the United States, you can get a ticket and be issued with a fine for the following
Running a red light.
Not having or not using the seat belt.
Using cellular phone while driving.
Driving without a valid driver’s license or car registration.
Drinking alcoholic beverages on the streets, sidewalks or public property. Exceeding the speed limit.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) In addition to the fine, you may also be detained.

"Baja one of the hottest destinations"


Baja is one of the hottest destinations it is a place to just get away with many luxury resorts and year round sun for those who truly need pampering , or for a little more excitement try the off road racing or whale watching, this time of year is prime time for the whales. Each January California gray whales in the Bering Sea head south to breed in San Ignacio Lagoon, Scammon's Lagoon, and Magdalena Bay, returning north each spring, usually in March and April. The breeding ground is a Mexican national park, and tour-boat access is controlled.
March is prime time for college kids on spring break, and Baja gets its share with their many clubs, particularly Rosarito and Ensenada is the hot spot some travel to San Felipe but most stay close to the border, you can get to Rosarito within 20 minutes and Ensenada within 1 hour.
Please be advised that when traveling to Baja you will need a passport or a birth certificate accompanied by a photo I.D you may also present a Voters card accompanied by a photo I.D. Minors must come accompanied by their parents, or have a notarized letter from the absent parent, authorizing their leaving the country.
SecurityThe most important thing is to use common sense when traveling, just as you would at home. Our police and security guards throughout Rosarito are here to help you; feel free to ask questions or report suspicious behavior. For additional help, use our 24-hour Tourist Assistance Hotline 078.
Anyone planning to drive into Baja can find driving and other advice through the U.S. State Department's country-specific information on Mexico at http://travel.state.gov/

Saturday, February 9, 2008

The Next Wine Frontier

Angie Fernandez

By L. PIERCE CARSONRegister Staff Writer
Friday, February 08, 2008
Savvy vintners from all over the world are betting that Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley may well be the next frontier for New World wine.Located less than 100 miles southeast of San Diego — and only a few minutes drive from Ensenada, Baja California’s third largest city — Guadalupe Valley is only now being recognized for its potential as a world-class winegrowing region.Although wine has been made in the region for centuries, it’s only in the last two decades that producers from around the world began investing in its winemaking operations.The present and future of Guadalupe Valley was the focus of a seminar and public wine tasting at Copia two weeks ago.
Three representatives of the region’s wine trade brought locals up to date during a morning question-and-answer session, aided by a local vintner who knows Guadalupe Valley well — Mexico-born Amelia Ceja, partner in Ceja Vineyards.The visitors from Guadalupe Valley represented cellars with varied production totals: Marco Antonio Amador, senior marketing director for the 600,000 case L.A. Cetto; Israel Zenteno, vineyard manager for the 40,000 case Monte Xanic; and Thomas Egli, winemaker for 3,000 case Casa de Piedra.They spoke about the region’s ideal climate for growing grapes, similar to that of San Diego. Temperatures top out at 90 to 95 degrees on average during summer months and rarely soar above 110 on a few hot days, with winter lows bottoming out at 25 degrees.Water is scarce, they noted. The winter rain season is short and the area is prone to prolonged droughts.During the growing season, the temperature ranges from 60s at night to 90s in the daytime, and the area is prone to fog.Situated at 1,400 feet above sea level, Guadalupe Valley is about 10 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.On average, soils on the flat valley floor are sandy, those on the hillside more alluvial in composition.At present, the loosely knit association of 27 producers is undertaking a project mapping the region’s diverse soils, and trying to define the valley’s terroir.About two-thirds the size of the Napa Valley, some 2,200 hectares are planted to grapes. Dry farming is rare, they said, as most vines are irrigated.The first cabernet sauvignon was planted in Guadalupe Valley in 1974, Zenteno noted, and cabernet is the largest planted grape variety at present. Malbec, tempranillo, grenache and syrah also do well in this clime, he added.The majority of the (grape) plantings are red,” Zenteno said. “It’s a little tricky to make white wine, although chenin blanc does develop nicely in the valley. But we are just now experimenting (with various grape varieties).”Amador revealed that his company, L.A. Cetto, has just launched a 10-year vineyard experiment incorporating 50 varietals.“Guadalupe Valley reminds me of what Napa Valley was in the 1970s,” interjected Ceja, “especially with the experimentation. I believe you will see exceptional wines coming from Guadalupe Valley.” Ceja feels the region will become a prime supplier of first rate cabernet sauvignon.“Water is the key to growing grapes in Guadalupe Valley,” declared Egli. “We’re running out of water.” He said valley grapegrowers have to share existing water supplies with the city of Ensenada, which is experiencing considerable growth at the moment.Also discussed were the difficulties in the export/import business involving Mexico and the United States. Ceja said regulations contained in NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) have seriously curbed wine trade with our neighbors in Canada and Mexico.“We can ship (wine) to the rest of the world, but we can’t ship to our neighbors,” she noted. On top of that, border states impose their own restrictions. For example, an individual returning from Mexico may only bring one liter of wine into California. In Arizona, that amount jumps to six liters.“Most producers (in Guadalupe Valley) are interested in quality, not in making huge volumes for export,” concluded Egli.And quality was indeed evident in the wines Egli offered during the afternoon walkaround tasting:Arenal 2005 Ensemble ($35): a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, barbera and petite sirah for the experimental effort label from Casa de Piedra. A spicy, fruity nose leads to a mouth full of ripe blackberries, with a sweet/tart finish of cassis. A lush, well structured wine from a leader in Guadalupe Valley wine quality.Casa de Piedra Vino de Piedra Tinto ($55): Piedra is Spanish for stone and this particular medium-bodied red has a mineral edge that undoubtedly speaks to the vineyard’s stony makeup. It’s an attractive blend of tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon (50/50) with lots of strawberry and spice.For lunch that day, Jeff Mosher, executive chef of Julia’s Kitchen, put together a tasting menu featuring a few of the wines from Guadalupe Valley.Monte Xanic 2005 Limited Edition Malbec ($15): Paired with the chef’s seared ahi dish — which incorporated quinoa/citrus salad, avocado puree and chipotle beurre blanc — this lush, velvety, well-balanced malbec offered red fruit flavors, integrated with ripe tannins, a touch of mint on the lengthy finish and a hint of oak, that made this exceptional dish even better. It was the best pairing of the day, a smooth, easy-to-drink Bordeaux grape south-of-the-border style, and a bargain at that.L.A. Cetto 2003 Nebbiolo ($15): Paired with pan-seared beef tenderloin slices and sweet potato puree, this Italian varietal seems to like its new Guadalupe Valley home. An elegant, silky nebbiolo with soft tannins and tasty ripe blackberries from entry to finish. While it’s a bit short on finish, its soft palate and fruity flavors made this an exciting pairing.A couple of other wines worth seeking out:L.A. Cetto 2005 Petite Sirah ($6): An inky, perfumy red with sweet tannins and cherry/grape flavors. Lots of stuffing, a vibrant example of this variety with a pleasant ripe blackfruit finish. A great deal.Monte Xanic 2006 Chenin Blanc/Colombard ($10): Since there’s little more than 1 percent colombard in the blend, it’s anybody’s guess why the firm displays the varietal name so prominently on the label. Slightly off-dry, it tastes of ripe peaches and honey and smells the same. A little zing on the finish makes it a nice sipper to be paired with any number of hors d’oeuvres.At this point, you’ll have to drive down to Baja to taste and pick up the Casa de Piedra wines. The wines of L.A. Cetto are abundant in the Los Angeles area and are winging their way northward as winery principals have complied with U.S. label regulations. Monte Xanic will be available in California any day now, its owners having jumped through all requisite NAFTA hoops.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Britney Takes a Mexican Vacations with Photographer

By Mike Fleeman
Britney Spears spent a brief Mexican holiday with her paparazzi friend, checking into a hotel in Rosarito Beach and buying a knockoff Gucci purse, according to a local press report. Spears, 26, wore her pink wig as she and photographer Adnan Ghalib, 35, arrived in a black SUV at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, just south of the Border, at about 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Ensenada, Mex., newspaper, Frontera. Ghalib's own photo agency, Finalpixx, has been photographing the pair's Mexican activities – one picture shows Ghalib hand-feeding whipped cream from a Starbucks cup to the pink-wigged Spears – and posting online updates."Britney Spears and Adnan Ghalib are happily dating," the agency says in a post. (The agency notes that Ghalib "is married but has been separated from his wife for over a year.") The pair have been together for much of the last week. "After being released from the hospital Britney and Adnan spent the night and the following days together resting, eating, sleeping, shopping and talking about life and the love they have for their families," Finalpixx says, adding that Ghalib, himself, has not spoken publicly because it would "not be of benefit to her for him to do so." "Should he choose to speak about Britney," Finalpixx continues, "he only has positive things to say about her and the time that they have spent together." As for the other paparazzi chasing after them, "Despite such heavy scrutiny, the pair are enjoying a healthy, normal relationship," Finalpixx says.
Shopping Trip with PaparazzoWhile at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, Spears stopped in a gift shop and purchased an imitation Gucci bag and another bag while Ghalib bought a rosary, spending a total of $60, Frontera reports. "She looked serious and haggard," a sales clerk told the paper in Spanish. "She didn't have makeup on."