Winemaker Terri Love (L) with Wine Chix Carmen Micheli (R)

Guest Wine Chix Carmen Micheli is a freelance wine, food and music writer living in Temecula Valley Wine Country. An amazing home chef, mother of two and wine aficionado she writes about those in-the-know and on-the-go. With a pulse on the latest in dining, entertainment, events and more, Carmen delivers the latest news and happenings around the city, showcasing the best that Temecula Wine Country and the SoCal area has to offer.

Enjoy her wine reviews and special bonus recipe in today’s article.

The Joy of Gioia Wines

Tasting Lineup

A chance to be in the presence of and review the wines of a wine goddess is the opportunity of a lifetime.  Teri Love, founder and winemaker of Gioia Wines, has a unique gift to transform any wine grape she touches into an unbelievable wine entity.  I truly believe that somehow this woman was granted a supreme ability and superhuman power to capture and blend the pure essence of beauty and joy into each bottle of Gioia wines.  On a gorgeous afternoon in Southern California’s Bear Creek Estates, graciously hosted at the home of Joni Baker, Women’s Wine Council (WWC) eagerly embraced Teri as the first ever winemaker to attend a review.

For those who have not had the pleasure of tasting Gioia wines can be assured they are a wine lovers dream come true.  Only the best grapes from the finest vineyards in California’s prestige North and Central Coast wine regions are sourced for these limited-production, award-winning wines.  With the help of another master winemaker, Jim Porter of William James Cellars, Teri Love personally tends to and blends wines to bring out the natural perfection that lies within the spirit of California’s most coveted wine regions.

Gioia Wines are special for so many reasons.  Not only are the wines themselves impressive and do their roots reign supreme but behind the beauty of the terrior and brains of a wine goddess, there is a deep inspiration that stems from the love of a mother honoring the memory of her lost son.  “The inspiration for Gioia was born from the joy my son Tyler (1983-2005) brings to my life.  Gioia is in honor and memory of his strength…”.

Teri and Tyler shared a passion for wine, animals and especially for life.  Gioia is the Italian word for Joy and the signature logo on each label is a tribute to Tyler, his love of Italy, and his joyous outlook on life.  The wings are his gothic angel wings, the heart represents love (and their last name), the crown portrays a mother’s precious prince, and the shiny gold behind “Gioia” is because he was and always will be her golden child.

In celebration of Teri and Tyler’s love and respect for life, our food pairings were all vegetarian dishes, another WWC first.  Wines are listed in order of tasting:

Bacia Bianca and Asian Spring Rolls

2009 Bacia Bianca  – $28- 56 cases-

Bacia Bianca means “White Kiss” in Italian and Teri named this wine after her Italian Greyhound,  Bacia since it reflects her sweet and spicy personality.  This is a faintly sweet, bright and crisp blend of 77% Chardonnay, 20% Muscat Alexander, and 3% Pinot Gris from Santa Barbara County, Fresno County and Paso Robles.  The clean and smooth mouth feel is heavenly.  A meadow of sweet spring flowers greets the nose and is followed by flavors of green apple, ripe pear, and honeysuckle.  It is chilled and delightful on this warm evening with WWC founder Linda Kissam’s Vegan Tomato, Onion, Havarti Quiche and Rainbow Asian Spring Rolls with Spicy Plum Sauce by WWC member Ginger Giordano.

Chardonnay & Kale Salad

2011 Chardonnay- $30- 250 cases-

It is a delectable, 100% Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County’s Premiere Coastal Vineyard with “rich, crisp, flavors of pineapple, yellow apple and lemon”.  One of the best Chardonnay’s I have experienced to date.  I still can’t get over the intense aroma of honey butter that jumps out of the glass.  It is the definition of a dream Chardonnay: luxuriously smooth with notes of citrus leading into a vanilla bean and coconut crème finish.  My mouth waters at a glance now that I know its seductive secrets.  The spirit of a siren resides here!  WWC member, Coletta Boone’s Goddess worthy Fresh Kale Salad with Dried Fruit and Nuts is a refreshing salad course.

2011 Pinot Noir- $40- 300 cases-

An exceptional Pinot Noir from grapes grown at Garey Ranch & Premiere Coastal Vineyards in Santa Barbara County.  I get a warm welcome of earth and wood, fall leaves, and wild strawberry on the nose that reminds me of late autumn walks and berry foraging in the forest.  Prominent flavors of juicy red cherry, raspberry and nutty spice stand out at the finish.  Baguette with Roasted Red grapes and Goat Cheese make an outrageously satisfying and creative combination courtesy of WWC member Corie Maue.

2009 DAX Ryder Red- $30- 112 cases-

Named after Teri’s grandson “DAX” this lovable blend of 86% Sangiovese and 14% Petit Sirah from Domenico Estate in Paso Robles is a true “Wow” wine.  It is brilliant and deep garnet in the glass with a layer of dark berries and cedar on the nose.  What really makes this wine for me is the bold black pepper and nutmeg bite on the tongue that add a great kick to the lingering boysenberry and vanilla flavors.  I give this one my #1 vote and made sure to buy a bottle to take home.  Men’s Wine Council Member Roger Paige crashed our private meeting with his fancy photography equipment, and an awesome Vegetarian Pizza with creamy garlic sauce, spinach, zucchini, mushrooms and herb cheese blend to pair with the DAX.  As the first man ever to catch a glimpse of our elusive wine reviews, his knowledge, input and photography skills were a valuable and welcome part of our special evening.

Cab & Vegan Fudge

2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon- $42- 50 cases-

This stellar Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from grapes grown from Jaeger Vineyards in the Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley; “40 years of growing quality grapes beyond expectation have made this wine exude deep rich cherry and cassis flavors with a slight hint of green bell pepper and warm spice.”  It is an excellent sipping wine but also makes a great dessert course with my Vegan Chocolate Fudge.

2006 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon- $45- 75 cases-

The #1 pick of the group and a very well done, excitingly classic 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles Halter Ranch Vineyards.  It was aged for 22 months in 40% new French Oak barrels. Words can’t do it justice.  I get lots of cherry and mocha on the nose and palate with a balanced and velvety smooth chocolate finish.  It pairs great with my Vegan Chocolate Fudge, Roger’s Veggie Pizza and I’m sure would be good with any traditional Italian dish.

These wines crafted by a wine goddess are available for purchase at select locations and on the Gioia Wine website www.gioiawine.com. Teri Love does private and on-location tastings by appointment only, please visit the website for questions and contact information.

Carmen’s Vegan Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients
6 tablespoons Earth’s Balance vegan margarine
3 ½  cups organic confectioners’ sugar
¾ cup sifted Ghirardelli cocoa powder*
1 ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup Non-GMO almond or rice milk

Instructions

Lightly grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan using some of the margarine. Put the remaining margarine, sugar, cocoa, vanilla and almond milk in the top part of a double boiler over lightly boiling water.  Stir until smooth then pour the mixture quickly into the pan. Chill thoroughly and cut into squares.  Keep covered and refrigerated until serving.

*For a dark chocolate fudge increase cocoa powder to 1 cup and almond milk to just shy of 1/3 cup.