Monday, June 30, 2008

Mugello, Italy - June 2008 with Marc Gene

Historic Mugello Circuit, Italy - June 25, 2008. Fun and excitement exist whenever you can attend a Ferrari event and get on the racetrack. We were fortunate enough to drive with Marc Gene, Ferrari test driver, around the track at speed. Even though we drove an Audi, the event was exciting as Marc put Gunner's car though fast paced track. Gunner might have to purchase new tires to get home!






















































Thursday, June 12, 2008

Chateau Julien Blogspot has a record "hit" week

While completing year number two as a blogger, we had a record number of visits to our blogspot last week. Someone must be watching!


Chateau Julien Wine Estate - Site Summary ---
Visits Total ....................... 10,403
Average per Day ................. 48
Average Visit Length .......... 0:33
This Week ...................... 334
Page Views Total ....................... 18,484
Average per Day ................. 64
Average per Visit .............. 1.3 T
his Week ...................... 448

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Chateau Julien Cigar & Wine Dinner - Coming on June 13, 2008

Wine & Cigar Dinner
Friday, June 13, 2008

Your Host – Bob Brower
Your Chef – Terry Teplitzky
Your Wine Guy – Shawn C. Bruce

First Course
Prawn and Calamari Cocktail
with mandarin orange segments, mint and shredded fennel

Second Course
Beefsteak Tomatoes & Butter Lettuce
with red onions, capers and parsley with a shallot vinaigrette

Third Course
Lamb Osso Buco Soffritto
vegetables, sun-dried cherries, cracked green olives and couscous pilaf.

Dessert Course
Vanilla Mint Panna Cotta
three fruit coulis and petite biscotti

Illy Cafe and Good Earth Teas.

Tonight we are featuring these superior wines and cigars.

Wines Cigars
2005 Bravura - $125.00 per bottle Petite Cigar - $9.00 per cigar
2007 Pinot Grigio - $22.00 per bottle Torpedo Cigar - $16.00 per cigar
2007 Reserve Chardonnay - $32.00 per bottle Churchill Cigar -$12.00 per cigar
2005 Reserve Zinfandel - $40.00 per bottle
1997 Quinta Port - $60.00 per bottle

You may purchase these limited release Gold Medal winning wines and fine cigars this evening for your next summer party.

Chateau Julien Wine Estate
8940 Carmel Valley Rd. Carmel, Ca. 93923 831-624-2600
fdominguez@chateaujulien.com

Friday, June 06, 2008

Ferrari 60th Anniversary - One Year Ago in Italy

One year has passed since we were on our way to Maranello, Italy to participate in the 60th anniversary of Ferrari. While the days have gone by the memories have remained vivid. Ferrari throws one incredible party. Can't wait for the next event!

































































Monday, June 02, 2008

The French try to take on New World Wines

As reported by Wine & Spirits Daily
n e w s , n u m b e r s , c o m m e n t a r y , f o r e c a s t si n t e r v i e w s , b e s t p r a c t i c e s , s t r a t e g y , m o t i v e

France Takes New World Approach

June 2, 2008

President Nicolas Sarkozy and the French cabinet approved a five-year plan to modernize its wine industry by simplifying marketing, production and labeling techniques. The proposal was written by the country's Agriculture Ministry as a way to gain back international market share from other wine producing countries, most notably the New World. The measure has been drawn up over the past two years.

"French wine is complicated and often little understood," the Agriculture Ministry said.

The most controversial initiative, perhaps, is a proposal to create three categories for French wines. A new mid-quality category, called the "Wines of France," will most closely mirror New World wines by including the grape varietal on the label (instead of grape origin) and using cheaper production practices, such as adding wood chips and tannins.

In another example, certain wines traditionally produced in one area (such as gewurtztramminer) can now be produced anywhere in France and sold under the new Wine of France category.

In addition to the Wine of France, the second category will be directed to a specific area and the third will cover the AOC appellation, of which there are 457.

The proposal is to be signed in August 2009. The French wine industry is cautiously optimistic, although some are disappointed that the proposal doesn't address whether it is legal to sell and promote wine on the internet.

"It's a way of giving new consumers a taste for wine," said Jean Claude Ruet, chief sommelier at the Paris Ritz hotel. However, "we will not fall as low as the Americans, who make vin rosé that is sugary and fizzy like soda," he continued.

In terms of volume, French exports have fallen behind many New World and Old World countries, but remain at the top in terms of value

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Wedding time at Chateau Julien Wine Estate

June is wedding time at Chateau Julien Wine Estate. Imagine having your wedding in the middle of our vineyard and reception at the Chai! Many brides and grooms have fond memories of their special event at Chateau Julien Wine Estate.