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The Modesto Bee
Put this festival of Italian classic wine on your 2025 calendar, Modesto columnist says
By Russ Winton,
12 days ago
Let me put this out there right now. If you love Barbera wine, I mean really-really love it for its deep color, full body, low tannins, high level of acidity and food friendliness, then you need to put this festival on your calendar for next year. Do it right now! This highly anticipated Barbera experience treats everyone like a VIP. The big draw, of course, is the opportunity to indulge in the grand tasting featuring Barbera wines from 40-plus renowned wineries from California and Italy. It is held at Terra d’ Oro Winery in Amador County, in their very cool and spacious barrel room.
Parking was easy with a convenient shuttle to the barrel room. The servers began circulating with a variety of hors d’ oeuvres at 4 p.m. Succulent lamb and beef skewers were grilled to perfection and the bruschetta was delicious. They also offered flatbreads topped with creamy brie, grilled peaches, fresh basil and a drizzle of hot honey. In the center of the room was an impressive charcuterie and cheese display. You could also watch the chef preparing a sizzling paella and later a creamy pasta. The dessert bar included rich decadent brownies, salted chocolate chip cookies, caramel toffee cookies and double chocolate chip cookies. I guarantee you will not be hungry at closing, which is 7 p.m.
Excellent live music set the mood, along with a 360 photo booth, a fire dance light show, a silent auction. There was also a quiet VIP lounge if you needed a break, and I did. I should mention that the tasting is an array of Barbera wines, including sparklings, roses, classic reds, whites and unique blends. The Terra d’ Oro Winery is at 20680 Shenandoah School Road, Plymouth. Congratulations to the Amador Vintners Association for cerebrating the rich heritage and unique flavors of Barbera. The 12th annual Barbera Festival is Aug. 2, 2025, and is on my calendar. Is it on yours?
What’s on our table
Two valley wineries, Peirano Winery and Bogle Family Vineyards scored well in the current Wine Enthusiast magazine. Bogle scored 91 points for the 2021 Essential Red Blend, the 2021 Petite Sirah and the 2022 Chardonnay. The SRP is $11 and the sale price is in the $7-$10 range. These are quality daily wines at very fair prices. Peirano Winery from Lodi scored a 92 points for its 2022 The Immortal ZIN, $14. I’ve seen this in our local Save Mart. The Peirano Estate Winemaker’s Selection Red Blend scored 91. It is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo, $20. I stopped by recently to taste and bought a mixed case for $96. Again, quality wines at $8 a bottle. Wowza!
I don’t get into Trader Joe’s very often because there is no TJ’s between Modesto and Fresno. I live in the town that had the last stoplight on Highway 99, so I’m stuck in the middle. Coming home from the Barbera Festival, the Navigator suggested we stop at TJ’s in Modesto. Of course I agreed. I picked up a 2022 La Sonriente, a Spanish Garnacha from the Calatayud Region, for just $6.99. La Sonriente made our table many years ago and I’m happy to see it again, kinda like meeting an old friend. Is it muy fantastico? No, just a sound wine at a fair price with a very cool label. Cheers!
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