Beauzeaux {bō-zō} of a wine
Edited by Darryl Beeson
Talk about an identity crisis. Beauzeaux is a red wine
blend made from eight different grape varietals. "And, with a name like
Beauzeaux," says winemaker Bob Masyczek (ma-CHES-key), "we knew it had to be
good." Or at least fun. My curiosity is peaked.
Masyczek explains that he was playing around in the cellar,
mostly with Zinfandel and Syrah, as well as small amounts of Petite Sirah,
Charbono, Grenache and others, when he hit upon the perfect mix. "Show (this
wine) off to your wine geek friends when you tell them it also contains two
percent Lagrein, a red grape variety mentioned in the 17th century records of a
Benedictine monastery," suggests Masyczek. “I think wine lovers will be
delighted by the wine’s ruby red color, its aromas of red raspberry, spicy black
pepper and cinnamon and its juicy ripe black cherry flavors and lingering
finish. I made this wine to entertain all the senses.” And to pull a few legs, I
bet.
"While the blended wine in each bottle of Beauzeaux will
surely put a smile on your face, so will the package" adds Masyczek. "Beauzeaux
is bottled with a “four act” label. Each features an illustration of a whimsical
French juggler in different positions. Keeping with the theme, each bottle comes
with four easy-to-learn parlor tricks, perfect pizza night entertainment for
wine lovers and friends. Nothing but a screwcap would do to preserve the wine’s
lush aromas and fresh style... No joke. a screwcap is handy at picnics."
This Zinfandel-based mix of varietals is a moderately rich
and fairly concentrated wine with nuances of dark, dried fruits and a bit
ofmocha. It is smooth on the palate with a good length. Serve this soft red with
pizza. Usually, tomato sauce conflicts with many red wines, unless there is
enough acidity within the wine. This fun red steps up to the plate with
barbecue, burgers, gourmet-styled meatloaf or perhaps pasta and meatballs.
Wine lovers are showing a fondness for red wine blends.
According to IRI data, sales of California red wine blends in the United States
increased 50 percent in 2005. Beauzeaux is offered nationally at a suggested
retail price of $9.99. Beauzeaux wines are vinted and bottled by Beaulieu
Vineyard, part of Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines.
This fun red blend has a rich history. In May, 1900 Georges
de Latour purchased four acres of land in Rutherford, in the heart of Napa
Valley, as for his wife, Fernande. When she saw the property, Fernande exclaimed
“Quel beau lieu!” …French for “what a beautiful place!” Beaulieu Vineyard, as it
was immediately named, has been a leader in Napa ever since, whether by
introducing methods of fighting phyloxera in the first years of the twentieth
century, surviving prohibition by making sacramental wines or by bringing
legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff to California. Tchelistcheff,
revolutionized winemaking in the United States, demonstrating at Beaulieu
Vineyard that America can make world class wines. Today, Joel Aiken and Jeffrey
Stambor, both of whom worked with Tchelistcheff continue to lead B.V.'s
winemakung tradition.
Beauzeaux Winemaker Bob Masyczek has spent many years
developing his skills and refining the craft of making wine. Since 1980, when he
entered the enology program at the University of California Davis, he
demonstrated that he was committed to understanding all elements of fine
winemaking. Remaining at Davis as a teaching and research assistant for several
years before packing off to New Zealand and Australia, where he studied warm-
and cool-climate viticulture while working at several different wineries. He
returned to California in 1984 to work for Grgich Cellars. He also attracted
much attention as a winemaker for Clos Pegase and assistant winemaker at
Cuvaison. Recently, he completed his MBA from UC Davis by attending night
classes in Sacramento for 3 years. His numerous years of winemaking experience,
coupled with his international winemaking stints, give him not only the solid
background for the serious side of winemaking, but the innovative personality to
bring a wine like Beauzeaux to life.
Beauzeaux is a fun blend. Don't contemplate, just drink the
stuff.
------
Darryl Beeson is an instructor for The International
Sommelier Guild www.sommelierguild.com
and is the American editor of
www.wineontheweb.com . He reports for
www.travellady.com as well.
# # # Fact Check
CONTACT: Tia Butts, Benson Marketing Group
(707) 254-0465,
tbutts@bensonmarketing.com
Back to TravelLady Magazine |
|
