Ciatano Winery Newsletter March 2011
March 7, 2011
In this issue of Ciatano Winery March 2011 Newsletter……
Shipping to Wisconsin Now Available
You can now order wines for Wisconsin…..more
Sign up to our wine club and get free shipping and buy 11, 12th bottle free!
Wine of the Month – 2008 Cabernet Franc – new release!
Find out more about our ever popular Cab Franc.
Travelers Guide to Finding Cab Franc in other regions and countries
Find out where else you can find Cab Franc while traveling this summer and the different names it goes by in different regions.
Wine food Pairing Recipe: Cabernet Franc Jelly
Try this great little recipe that goes great with cheese. There’s a white wine version too.
Save the Date: Brides Open House March 2011
Save the Date: Ciatano Winery WineJazz Fest 2011
Mark your calendars we are Jazzing up this summer!
Save the Date:
We now ship to Wisconsin – with free shipping!
Finally our shipping permits came through – yey! Customers who live in Wisconsin can now purchase wines from Ciatano Winery all year around without having to take a trip to Colorado to do it.
Someone from any other state can now send wine gifts to friends in Wisconsin.
When you visit our winery in person, we can ship your wines back home to Wisconsin.
If you live in WI you can order wine shipments to be delivered direct to your home on a regular or one off basis and get free shipping via our Wine Club. You can order online at ciatanowinery.com or phone 303 823 5011 or email wineclubmanager@ciatanowinery.com
Free Shipping through our Wine Club!
Join our wine club. Free to join, cancel any time, very flexible – you choose – and free shipping!
- 3 wines delivered every 3 months (cancel anytime)
- You chose types of wines: whites, reds, mixed
- You can even choose the varietals that you prefer. For example, – if you just like Pinot Noir, then we’ll send you 3 bottles of Pinot Noir every three months
- Alternatively, if you like to explore wines, you can choose to have us send you the wines of the month so you can try different wines we make and share wine tastings at home with friends.
- Free to join and cancel anytime you like
- Free shipping
- And….buy 11 bottles and your 12th is free!
- Purchase a case of 12 and receive 10% discount on the case AND free shipping!
- First notice of new releases
- You have total control on your wine club account subscription online:
- Update, change order requirements, frequency, add additional wines, subtract from an order or cancel, postpone your deliveries all at the click of a mouse. You choose. It’s that simple.
- Receive Ciatano Winery monthly newsletter with information on wines of the month, recipes, wine vacations and offers and resort news.
We currently can offer our wine club service to the following states:
California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Wisconsin
Wine of the Month
Our WOM for March is our new release 2008 Cabernet Franc.
History of Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is thought to have first been established sometime in the 17th century in France and then established in the Loire Valley at the Abbey of Bourgueil under the care of an abbot called Breton. The varietal is named after the abbot, where in France the varietal is named “Bouchet.”
As Cabernet Sauvignon became more popular in the 18th & 19th century, the close similarity of the two grapes was observed and theories emerged as to the extent of the relationship. In 1997 DNA evidence emerged to show that Cabernet Franc crossed with Sauvignon Blanc to produce Cabernet Sauvignon and that the Cabernet Franc is indeed the parent vine of Sauvignon.
The main differences between the two are that the Franc produced a lighter red than the Sauvignon. For several centuries, Cabernet Franc was produced primarily to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals to produce a Bordeaux style wine.
California growers and wine makers became interested in growing and cultivating the grape in the early to mid 20th century to produce their own Bordeaux style blends which are now marketed as “Meritage.”
Cabernet Franc can adapt to a wide variety of vineyard soil types but seems to thrive in sandy, chalk soils, producing heavier, more full bodied wines there. It does indeed grow well in Colorado for that reason. Our Cabernet Franc grapes are usually grown and harvested in the Grand Valley around Palisades, Colorado, where the soil, the sunny climate and cool nights intensify the fruits.
Unfortunately for us, in 2008 the Colorado Cabernet Franc harvest failed due to a large late snow fall in spring 2008, destroying the buds. So for this Cabernet Franc, Tim our winemaker chose grapes grown in Washington State which produce a similar style of Cabernet Franc to Colorado. The grape concentrate from the select vineyard is then brought to our wine making facility here near Lyons where Tim makes the wine, ferments and ages it to perfection. The result is a Cabernet Franc which equals the excellence of our highly popular 2007 Cabernet Franc.
On the bottle you’ll notice it says “American.” This indicated that the grape was from a different state to where it is made, hence grape was grown in Washington State, but the wine was made completely in Colorado at our winery.
As an enthusiast of our 2007 Cab Franc, I was very relieved to find this 2008 version equally to my liking and feel that those of you who loved our 2007, will enjoy this one equally especially as it ages. Cheers!
You can order our new release Cabernet Franc and receive free shipping by calling us at 303.823.5011 or online through our wine club (see details here) on our website www.ciatanowinery.com
The Wine Sippers Traveling Guide to Cabernet Franc
You can find Cabernet Franc in many regions of the world and with many different names, so here’s a short guide to help you search out Cab Franc while on vacation:
USA:
California: Napa and Somona counties; Long Island and Finger Lakes of New York state; Colorado Grand Valley; Washington State; Virginia Piedmont, Roanoke and SW Virginia; Illinois Shawnee Hills AVA; Pennsylvania; West Coast of Michigan.
Canada:
Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, the north shore of Lake Erie, Pelee Island, and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
Europe:
France, Italy, Hungary, and to a lesser extent Spain, Slovenia and Kosovo.
Other regions:
Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina and New Zealand
China and Kazakhstan.
What’s in a Name?
Cabernet Franc actually goes by many names, so when travelling to different wine regions look out for it appearing on a restaurant menu or at a winery as any of these names:
Aceria, Bouchy (Gascony), Breton, Capbreton Rouge, Carmenet (Médoc), Messanges Rouge, Petite Vidure, Véron, and Cabernet Gris.
Recipe Pairings for Cabernet Franc
Our Cabernet Franc is an Italian style full bodied, fruit forward, smooth wine with lower tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc tends to have a more pronounced perfume with notes of raspberries, black currants, violets and graphite, yet it has subtle hints of green herbs or even green peppers.
In winter, Cabernet Franc pairs well with hearty and earthly dishes including vegetables such as Portabello mushrooms, Brussel sprouts and strong leafy green vegetable dishes. Serves well with warm suppers with poultry, veal and pork.
For spring and summer, try pairing with a traditional Italian style meal of Lasagne and crusty garlic bread, or with grilled meats and poultry. Due to the deep dark fruit notes, it will also pair well with fruit desserts with freshly harvested blackberries, black currants and raspberries and pies.
Cabernet Franc Wine Jelly
By The Canadian Living Test Kitchenroll over and click star to rate
Fresh thyme accentuates the herbaceous notes of Cabernet Franc. This makes a wonderful accompaniment to a cheese platter. – Adell Shneer
This recipe makes 4 servings
Ingredients
1-3/4 cups Cabernet Franc wine 1-3/4 1-3/4cups cups(425 mL) (425 mL) Cabernet Franc wine or Merlot
1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 1/4cup cup(50 mL) (50 mL) red wine vinegar
2 large sprigs fresh thyme 2 2large largesprigs fresh thyme
3-1/2 cup granulated sugar 3-1/2 3-1/2cup cup(875 mL) (875 mL) granulated sugar
1 pouch liquid pectin 1 1pouch pouchliquid pectin
Preparation:
In large saucepan, bring wine, vinegar and thyme to boil over high heat. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 20 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth-lined sieve into clean saucepan.
Stir in sugar; bring to full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute, stirring. Remove from heat. Stir in pectin; stir for 1 minute, skimming off any foam.
Pour into hot 1/2-cup (125 mL) canning jars, leaving 1/4-inch (5 mm) headspace. Wipe rim. Cover with prepared lids. Screw on bands until resistance is met; increase to fingertip tight. Boil in boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Store in cool dark place for up to 1 year.
Variation
Try Viognier or Riesling Wine Jelly: Replace Cabernet Franc with Viognier or Riesling and vinegar with lemon juice. Replace thyme with 1 strip each of lime rind and Granny Smith apple peel and 2 dried apricots, halved.
Save the Date!
La Bellezza Spa and Rock n’ River Resort announces:
Bridal Open House
March 27, 2011
Save the Date!
Ciatano Winery at Rock n’ River presents
WineJazz Fest
Saturday June 18th, 2011
Continuing the Lyons grass roots music festival tradition, we announce our 1st music and wine festival featuring top local jazz bands by the St Vrain River at Ciatano Winery and Resort, Lyons. Colorado.
More info on bands, tickets, accommodation and features to be announced soon.
To reserve accommodation on site or for questions, email wine@ciatanowinery.com or call 303.823.5011
Ciatano Winery February 2011 Newsletter
January 24, 2011
February 2011 Greetings and News
from Ciatano Winery at Rock n’ River Resort, Lyons, Colorado
In this month’s Newsletter:
News and Happenings at Ciatano Winery
Wine of the Month – Rosé Wines and Valentines
Concertos in Chocolate and Wine Pairing
Winter Wine, Spa and Stay Packages and Specials
Free wine tasting when you buy a 1 bottle or more
New resort amenities.
Last year saw big changes at Ciatano Winery and the Rock n’ River Resort, with a return to some of the resort amenities that were offered in the past. All through 2010 we went through a gradual refurbish of all the cabin rooms. Although a couple of rooms maintain in the rustic Colorado cabin style and benefiting from enhancements, many got total makeovers including a romantic European style room with a dual head shower installed. In addition, we now have a remote cottage to rent on the river at the back of our 18 acre site which sleeps 4-6 guests.
Trout fishing.
We brought back trout fishing in the summer months, which was a big hit with families and adults alike. Guests enjoyed fishing for trout and then having it cooked on the outdoor grill and served with a couple of sides for a nice impromptu picnic along with a glass of Ciatano Winery wine. It proved to be very popular and will return again in 2011 starting Memorial Day weekend, through Labor Day Weekend.
More places to relax.
Geralyn updated and added additional patio, deck furniture and comfy picnic chairs around the ponds, with some nice little romantic wicker chairs near the small waterfall and under the apple trees, to relax and enjoy the views. With the additional amenities, the spa for treatments and of course the wine tasting, we believe we have a great destination place for day trip visitors from around the metro Denver area and Front Range.
Our new Winter Wine Lounge.
This winter, we opened up the banquet room to create a Wine Lounge where visitors can come and sit, relax in front of a glowing fire and enjoy wine tasting, or a glass of wine. There are comfy couches and chairs, tables and views of the river and canyon from the picture window, providing a nice relaxing place to unwind after a day out.
Wine of the Month for February
Ciatano Winery 2008 Rosato – White Merlot
A romantic white wine, perfect for any season as a porch wine in summer or a splash of winter color for your Valentine.
How is a Rosato made?
Rosato, rosé or blush wines are actually made from red grape varietals and get their color in the same way red wines do–by putting the juice from the grapes in contact with the red skins during fermentation. The difference between the two, however, is that the contact is shorter for rosés. Another method, called “saignée” (or “bleeding”), removes some wine while it is going through a primary fermentation for reds. This makes the red wine redder, while retaining some wine at an early contact stage, while it is pink. This is the way that many white zinfandels are produced in the United States.
White Zinfandel and a Rosato – what is the difference?
To explain this simply, white Zinfandel wines are made from the red Zinfandel grape and were first made by Beringer Wines in California in the 1970’s. The US White Zin’s are traditionally sweet and light in alcoholic content. A European style rosé or Rosato is typically dry.
A Rosato or rosé can be made from most red grape varietals and can be made as sweet or dry as the vintner chooses to craft them.
Our 2008 Rosato is in fact a “white” Merlot, made by the first process described above in that Tim, our winemaker, only exposes the juice to skins for as little as 24-36 hours, whereas a fully exposed red wine would be left for several weeks. Ciatano Winery’s White Merlot is a dryer style rosé wine with delicate pink color, crisp and clean with subtle aromas of strawberry and cherry. Ciatano Winery’s Rosato is crafted from a red Merlot grape varietal grown in Palisades, Colorado on the sunny western slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Ciatano Winery Rosato is February Wine of the Month – the perfect romantic wine! To purchase, visit our tasting room at Ciatano Winery between 11am-5pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday or call 303 823.5011 to be delivered or buy directly online here.
For further reading on the history of rosé wines, please read this useful article here.
Valentine’s Day Wine and Chocolate Pairing Guide
If you are looking for delicious ways to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day treat? How about a gift of decadent chocolate dipped fresh strawberries accompanied with a chilled bottle or glass of Ciatano Winery Rosato wine? Our Rosato, white merlot presents crisp delicate aromas of strawberry and cherry to provide a beautiful compliment to the creamy chocolate and fruity, delicious strawberries.
Warming Wines for Winter
Its cold out there and we all love warm soothing drinks. Try these recipes for a comforting warm, mulled wine:
Riesling and Rosemary Mulled Wine
This is a fabulous white mulled wine recipe perfect for a cold winter day. We suggest Ciatano Winery’s Riesling or Bianco Cambiani (Muscat/Chenin Blanc blend.) If you have a cold, this is a wonderful hot toddy that will certainly warm you through. This should work well as a warm aperitif to welcome guests or just put your feet up in front of a cozy fire. The quantities are for a group or party gathering for 10 – 15 people, but you can adjust the quantities for smaller numbers too. Serve with a cheese platter, prosciutto and foccachia. bread.
½ c water
½ c sugar
2 Tbsp rosemary
¼ cup honey
2 lemons
2 bottles Ciatano Winery Riesling or Bianco Cambiani
Simmer (but not boil) the water, sugar, rosemary, and honey for 10 minutes. Add in the wine. Peel the lemons and add in the peels. Let sit for about 10 more minutes to seep in the flavors, without boiling. Strain out the larger bits and serve warm.
Note: We served this as a welcome aperitif at one of our winter wine and food dinners. It was the perfect thing for our guests coming in from the cold snow.
Concertos in Chocolate and Wine – enjoy at our tasting room!
We carry delicious handmade chocolates at our Lyons tasting room from Concertos in Chocolate made locally in Boulder, Colorado. We have a smooth dark or milk chocolate bark with almonds, along with delicate milk chocolate covered cookies with creamy middles. Divine!
In my opinion, most red wines go with chocolate – but I love both so may I may be a little biased. However, after a totally non scientific taste testing, i.e., my humble opinion and those of some of our customers and friends, here’s our non objective results.
Sangiovese pairs wonderfully with chocolate cherry liqueurs. Sangiovese is a smooth, medium bodied Italian wine varietal with cherry aromas that balance well with chocolate. When you visit our winery and try a glass of our Pinot Noir with the Concertos in Chocolate dark chocolate almond bark, or cabernet Sauvignon or Franc with the milk chocolate. For a little indulgence sample Ciatano Winery’s Vino Rosso Cambiani / Merlot blend with a chocolate fondue fountain.
Winter Wine, Spa and Resort Specials
February Wine Specials
Syrah – $18.00 / bottle (regular price $22.00)
Bianco Cambiani (Chenin Blanc / Muscat blend) $18.00 / bottle (regular price $22.00)
Free Wine Tasting
For a limited time we are offering a tasting of five wines for free when you purchase a bottle of Ciatano wine at Ciatano Winery tasting room nr Lyons. Bring a friend and relax with a glass of wine or open a bottle in our new cozy wine lounge with comfy couches and chairs and a glowing fire.
Offer limited to one set of five wines tasted – one per visit, per bottle or purchase, per person.
The Riverside Retreat
A luxurious one night stay for two at our beautiful Foothills setting along the St Vrain River, that is Rock n’ River Resort. You’ll stay in one of our newly renovated cabin rooms, complete with cozy stove fire, king sized bed, with a shower and coffee tea making facilities.
Then, indulge in therapies at our own intimate La Bellezza Spa, where you’ll have the complete privacy of the spa all to yourselves to enjoy a eucalyptus steam sauna and a relaxing hot tub session prior to your 50 minute Therapeutic massages. Then, take a short walk along the path to Ciatano Winery, for two wine tastings of five wines and choose a bottle of your favorite premium Ciatano wine for your room.
$295.00 for 2 people, one night. Call 303.823.5011 for reservations
The Rock n’ River Resort Holiday
A warmth filled two-night, spa & wine accommodations package incorporating Colorado renewal & celebration this holiday. Visit & play in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, then warm-up at La Bellezza Spa in the eucalyptus steam sauna. Deeply unwind with an 80-minute, Hot Stone Massage that integrates warmed basalt river rocks and massage. Enjoy a delicious wine tasting of five wines at Ciatano Winery with a Colorado gourmet cheese plate, and a favorite Ciatano bottle for later cheer. $495.00 for 2 people, 2 nights stay Call 303.823.5011 for reservations
Special 2 Night Retreat at Rock n’ River Resort, Lyons, CO
September 28, 2010
It’s Wine Festival Time!
September 14, 2010
1st Annual La Familia Wine Festival at Ciatano Winery
~Saturday September 25th, 2010~
~12pm – 4pm~
@ Ciatano Winery 16858 N St Vrain Drive, Lyons, Colorado 80540
• Winery tours at: 12pm and 1pm
• Italian pasta lunch and wine tasting provided after each tour
2 – 3pm Try your hand at bottling wines. Sign up to join in. A limited number of spots available.
Traditionally, Italian wine makers would bring friends, family and neighbors each year in September to help bottle their new wines. After the bottling which takes 3-4 hours, everyone would gather to celebrate the harvest and bottling with a traditional meal of pasta, salads, crusty garlic breads and of course, wine. Please celebrate with “La Familia.”
Picnic Lunch Menu
~ Italian style salad w/Homemade Italian Dressing
~ Chicken Tetrazzini
~ Cheese & Fresh Basil Tortellini
~ Fresh Bread & Herbed Butter
~ Vanilla Cheesecake
Enjoy the lunch and wine at our outdoor patio and picnic tables.
Join us on a tour of Ciatano Winery, see where the wines are made and observe wine bottling in progress. learn about the history of our wine making and the Rock n’ River Resort premises and it’s routes in local culture as a homestead.
Ticket Information
SPECIAL OFFER ON TICKETS PURCHASED IN ADVANCED!
Tour, lunch and tasting 5 wines $22.50
Designated driver lunch and tour only: $17.50 pp
Event day walk-up tickets: $25.00pp/$20.00 pp
Groups of 6+ purchase tickets in advance please
Glass of wine $6.00
Call 303 823 5011 11am-7pm daily to reserve or purchase online. We accept most credit cards.
We will be discontinuing our Pinot Grigio this fall and replacing it with a Riesling.
Order or come in to purchase soon to avoid disappointment – it is going fast!
Karen
Ciatano Winery New Varietal Reisling due early September
August 20, 2010
We are happy to announce Ciatano Winery is adding a Reisling to our wine collection this fall. We are anticipation the release to be around the beginning of September 2010. We will have a new release wine tasting event around that time, so please what this space for further announcements soon.
The REisling will be replacing our Pinot Grigio. As a result we have a special end of release offer – Pinot Grigio is now offered at $18.00 a bottle, reduced from $22.00, while stocks last.
To avoid disappointment, call to order at 303.823.5011, 11am – 7pm daily. Or visit our website at http://www.ciatanowinery.com to order on-line. We ship too!
New Wine Release Updates: Rosato due early September
August 20, 2010
Waiting for our new release Rosato? Put your name on our waiting list by either calling Ciatano Winery at 303.823.5011 and we will call you as soon as it is available. Or email wineclubmanager@ciatanowinery.com to reserve your Rosato. You can’t rush a good wine!
Ciatano Winery Now Shipping Wines to North Carolina
March 5, 2010
We are expanding our reach around the country and are pleased to announce we can now ship wines to residents and businesses in N Carolina.
This means customers and fans of our premium Italian style wines can order our wines from home in N Carolina. Wine Club members can receive discounts and special offers, including – up to 15% off wine shipments!
We have several different wine club levels available:
Ciatano’s La Familia Wine Club – choose to take delivery of 2 – 3 bottles wine every 2 months to earn discounts on additional wine purchases. You choose the type of wines, reds, whites, mixed and varietals. Great way to start learning about wines, we also send you a wine tasting host kit too to share with friends.
Vintner’s Selection – delivery of 3 bottles every three months with immediate 10% on each shipment. We select and send our wines for the season with seasonal recipes and tasting notes, a great way to explore different wines.
Collector’s Choice – For the wine cellar enthusiast who knows what they like. Choose a case or more to be shipped either once or regularly on a schedule – 10% to 15% discounts. Enjoy additional wine club privileges.
Executive Wine Club – we become your marketing partner – let Ciatano Winery send appreciation gifts and wine shipments with your cards and message enclosed. A great way to keep in touch with important clients and associates and build business relationships too. We can also provide wines for your corporate event.
Cheers!
Karen
Wine Lover’s 2 night stay at Ciatano Winery – $199.00
February 26, 2010
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Beating the Recession – Local Lyons Business Expanding Nationally
February 19, 2010
Press Release
For Immediate Release
2/19/2010 11:22 AM
Beating the Recession – Local Lyons Business Expanding Nationally
Local family owned and operated Ciatano Winery in Lyons, Colorado is expanding the availability of their premium, Italian inspired Colorado made wines direct to customers across the US and now ships to 20 states.
Ciatano Winery tasting rooms at Rock n’ River Resort, located three miles west of the town of Lyons is a popular stop on Hwy 36 for visitors to and from Rocky Mountain National Park, and enjoys a thriving business during the tourist season. However like many seasonal businesses, the winery suffers from significantly reduced traffic in the off season. Owner and manager, Geralyn Gibson explored ways to become a thriving year round business, help beat the recession and build business for the future.
As a result, their premium boutique wines which are not found in stores, are now available through Ciatano Winery’s newly expanded wine club direct shipping program providing customers a choice of wine experience and purchasing options both locally and nationally. Wine enthusiasts benefit by receiving discounts up to 15% on wine purchases, along with information, facts, news and “how to” wine tasting education on Colorado wines, varietals and food pairing, all with the convenience of them being shipped directly to their home.
Ciatano Winery offers four flexible Wine Clubs options, including a corporate wine club gift program and a local customer loyalty rewards program. They produce a range of varietals some of which are grown here in Colorado, including Viognier, Syrah, White Merlot, Cabernet Franc.
For more information, list of states they ship to and a free wine club information, pricing and order form package, please visit www.ciatanowinery.com/wineclub and download the PDF file. Or to request a package to be emailed or sent by mail, please contact wineclubmanager@ciatanowinery.com or call Karen direct at 720-891-1579.
