Drinking Well and Doing Good

So, the holidays gave me my new favorite wine.  I was lucky enough to be invited to the "Girl's Greedy Grab"  (it's pretty benign, all you boys out there -- women fighting over swanky holiday gifts) by my friend Linda.  Now, I'm quite fond of Linda because she's fun, and a mom, and she wears super-cool jewelry from Sonya Ooten, but I'm mostly fond of her because she has a big, old pantry full of wine, courtesy of her family business, Wine Warehouse.

But I digress (yes, I know you guys are still thinking about the grabbin').  Among the beverages Linda supplied to start all the greediness was a delicious Mourvedre from Graff Family Vineyards.  This is a Monterrey County wine made from grapes that are often overlooked in California's cooler wine-growing regions.  Mourvedre is a sun grape, popular in Provence.  And drinking it reminds me of the Bandol region:  it brings up memories of fields of fresh lavender, the smell of the sea at St.-Raphael, fireworks on Bastille Day.  Not necessarily a wine I would associate with rainy SoCal winters, but exceptionally lovely with our Mediterranean-inspired dinner of chicken with raisin-infused couscous and crunchy roasted vegetables. 

Even better, proceeds from the sale of Graff Family Vineyards wines help fund the Woodward-Graff Foundation, which provides scholarships to students interested in studying the "art and science of food, wine and hospitality."  Phil Woodward and Richard Graff were pioneers in California winemaking, and co-founders of Chalone Wine Group.  Mr. Graff also co-founded the American Institute of Wine and Food with Julia Child and Robert Mondavi.  Sadly, we lost Mr. Graff to a plane crash nearly 10 years ago, in January, 1998.  After his death, his family established the first version of the Foundation. 

So, Graff Family Mourvedre goes to all the best parties now, courtesy of my handy wine tote.  And I share the warm taste of sunshine with my friends while helping educate the next generation of California winemakers and chefs.  Who knows, perhaps the next Richard Graff is among them. 

Comments

[Elliot Essman]

Mourvedre (or Monastrell in Spain) may never become a true international grape, but I believe it will make some waves in years to come as consumers look to expanding their tastes. The grape requires contemplation and patience to enjoy.

[Elliot Essman]

Mourvedre (or Monastrell in Spain) may never become a true international grape, but I believe it will make some waves in years to come as consumers look to expanding their tastes. The grape requires contemplation and patience to enjoy.