"mendocino" news and stories

Mendocino is the Berkeley of California wine country. More than a few of the 80-odd wineries from the region (which is about two hours northwest of Napa and closer to the Pacific Ocean) practice "green" business in some form or another. This includes creating earth-friendly packaging, converting to solar-powered winemaking production methods and aggressively recycling corks. Many also grow their grapes without relying on chemicals or pesticides. Still others choose to farm biodynamically. Frey Vineyards, which is America's first certified-organic winery, continues to make wine in Mendocino. It was in 1980 that Frey was awarded the certification.

The region is growing as much of a variety of wine grapes as Napa, Sonoma and California's Central Coast. Recently we tasted red wines from Mendocino, and found five favorites.

Graziano 2005 Old Vine Zinfandel, Bertozzi Vineyard, Mendocino, California ($21)
Balanced and packed with ripe fruit (black cherry and raspberry) the Zinfandel also contains delicate flavors of vanilla and oak. Rich, soft tannins on the finish are delightful. It would pair well with a braised-meat dish or a hearty bowl of stew.

Russ Parsons makes a visit to California's northern wine country, Mendocino, where "tasting rooms are uncrowded and friendly and, though mostly bare bones, the wines poured are often of astonishing quality. They are certainly of astonishing diversity. California's best sparkling wines and brandies are made here and so are Zinfandels from 50-year-old vines." Cafe Beaujolais's founder, Margaret Fox, heads off to greener pastures, as the Culinary Director at Harvet Market in Mendocino. She offers her recipes for Black Bean Chili, Mendocino Frittata, and Buttermilk Cinnamon Coffeecake.

In the kitchen, Amy Scattergood uses one basic recipe to make a whole basket of different breads. Dates are at their peak at local farmers' markets, and if you over-bought tomatoes, make a tomato paste to use later this season. Betty Hallock investigates and finds out Axe's recipe for Mint Ice Cream.

Out on the restaurant scene, Leslie Brenner travels down the coast to La Jolla's Dining Room at Jack's. Closer to home, retro is the new now.

The WIne of the Week is 2001 Domaine Caillot Meursault La Barre Dessus Clos Marguerite, which S. Irene Virbila says is "fine spun and layered with flavors and aromas."