Chef Shari Sabari of Baci's Restaurant slicing his baron of beef
Matt Johnson, winery staff; Joe Ramazzotti; Bob Keeble, associate winemaker; Kevin O'Conner, advisor
In addition to a magnificent appearance, Ramazzotti’s tasting room displays more than their award winning wines and the numerous medals they have garnered. There are a series of oil paintings by Sam Racina, magnificent counter tops made out of solid redwood planks from the 1850’s, a hand crafted rock- ing chair made from wine barrels, alabaster and redwood arti- facts, along with a display of quality Olive Oils and Vinegars by both Ramazzotti and Asti Olive Oil Co. At the Grand Opening, guests were welcomed by a family member, who also gave them their glass for tasting. The Ramazzotti’s approach to the tasting was something that every tasting room should consider. Rather than standing at the counter and having a pourer ask you which varietal you would like to try or suggesting one, their approach is both unique and very practical. On the patio there were Ramazzotti and Mercury Wines along with the fantastic Baci hors d’oeurves including prosciutto and salami along with a fantastic assortment of cheeses such as gorgonzola dolce, Sonoma dry jack, parmesan reggiano and a triple cream brie. There were three tables, the first featuring Ramazzotti’s Frizzante, an award winning blanc d’blanc sparking wine made with 100% chardonnay grapes, Ramazzotti 2010 Chardonnay, their 2010 Zin-Giovese Rose` and the Ramazzotti 2009 Rapport. In all probability the highlight of the table was the combination of Baci’s decadent chocolate creations paired with Ramazzotti Rapport Dessert Wine, made in the true Portugal Port style with 100% zinfandel grapes. At the second table was a selection of Mercury wines, with the third featuring Ramazzotti reds. Needless to say, the patio area was very popular. What was unique was that the servers were pouring only one or two of the varietals, giving tasters the opportunity to really learn about a particular wine if interested.
One of the features of the day was Chef Shari Sabari of Baci
and his Baron of Beef. Served with sourdough rolls, horserad- ish-sour cream and au jus for dipping, the raves were continu- ous! The Ramazzotti “inside” tasting featured only their red wines. It was suggested to guests tasting either the Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, or the Regale - a fantastic Cabernet blend - that they pair it with Baci’s Baron of Beef. Needless to say, there were countless positive comments about this perfect pairing. Many guests expressed wonderment at the softness of every wine, almost as if there isn’t such a thing as tannin. Although the tasting spots were popular, many guests soon discovered the small table for tasting - and enjoying -
Tasting room manager Sharon Ray, Joe Ramazzotti, Norma Ramazzotti, Joe's Mother Yolanda, Nephew Matt Behren
Ramazzotti Reserve 2005 Raffinto and Reserve 2005 Regale. The Raffinto, made from Ramazzotti Vineyards grapes grown in the Dry Creek Valley, is 60% Sangiovese blended with Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. After fermenting it was aged in new French Oak for two years, then in the bottle for another year. The result is a soft but complex wine with hints of both vanilla and chocolate along with cherry flavors and minimal tannin. For Cabernet lovers the Regale Reserve is a must! A blend of 40% Cabernet, 30% Merlot, 18% Syrah and 12% Cabernet Franc grapes from the Alexander Valley is simply awe- some! After originally being blended in ½ American and ½ French Oak for 14 months, four barrels were transferred to new Radoux French Oak for another 36 months before bottling. The result is another fantastic wine, slightly complex with a flowery nose and a soft palate, ready to drink now, but will no doubt improve over the years. So, if you’re ready to enjoy some of the Sonoma County
Wine Country’s finest wine and cuisine, you have to visit the Ramazzotti-Mercury Tasting Room for the award winning Ramazzotti Wines. As for the cuisine, in all probability you might have to wait in line behind grand opening party guests for a seating at Baci Café and Wine Bar in Healdsburg. Located at 336 Healdsburg Ave, just a half block from the town plaza, they feature Italian and Mediterranean Cuisine. Call 707-433-8111 for reservations or information, or visit their website at
www.bacicafeandwinebar.com Of course if you want a terrific dining experience just a few
doors down from the tasting room you must try Catelli’s the Rex. The tasting room staff that went to Catelli’s for dinner after the party received a very special treat. A friend of Domenica Catelli, who along with her brother Nick owns Catelli’s, made an unannounced appearance. I guess you can imagine the reac- tions when Lady Gaga walked in the restaurant’s front door! Domenica, who is a recurring judge on Iron Chef America, has appeared on numerous programs including Oprah and Friends, Dr. Oz and Web/MD, and has prepared meals for numerous celebrities. Her healthy approach to cooking combined with the Catelli family recipes going back to 1936 when the restaurant opened has resulted in an outstanding dining experience. Check out
www.mycatellis.com, or call 707-857-3471 for reser- vations or information. We’ve attended countless tasting room grand opening and parties, and Ramazzotti’s ranks in the top handful. The combi-
S P R ING 2012 • EAT P LAY S
TAYMAG.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52