ALAMEDA WINE NOTES


Kent Rosenblum should heed his own advice of filling up a pool before jumping in and pass his dashed-off wine tips to someone more knowledgeable in the trade to avoid sending to press the aching gaffs he presents in his article "Dive in to Spring" [May/June 2006].
He suggests the aromatic and crisp Albariño grape for springtime sipping. That grape does not come from the Penedes, but rather the Rias Baixas region of Spain. While Penedes is known for its sparkling wine, Cava, it is produced mainly from three grapes: Xarello, Parellada and Macabeo (and sometimes Chardonnay).
His opinion that the most favored Rosés hail from the south of France is not a bad one, but the grapes of choice do not include Gamay; in addition to the Grenache he mentions, those grapes are Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre, to name a few.
The reference to southern Beaujolais instead of the Beaujolais region is mystifying in the context of heartier reds. The southern region produces basic, thin-fruited Beaujolais, while the northern produces Beaujolais of more concentration, structure and age-worthiness.
It is truly embarrassing that the owner of such a venerable institution such as Rosenblum Cellars should be allowed to print such gross errors in wine fact.
Karen Ulrich, Certified Master Sommelier
Alameda

KENT ROSENBLUM RESPONDS:


Thank you for your comments, and I hope you realize that this is not Wine Sommelier 101. First of all, I've been in Penedes and had some lovely Albariños. In fact, I've had some lovely Albariño in Australia. This is a grape that is widespread, and I was simply pointing out that the ones from that region are very nice. I suppose it's a bit like recommending a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa and not having to trace it back to Bordeaux.
Thank you for adding to the list of our Possible rosé varietals. Most times the varietals are not even mentioned on the label; suffice it to say, they all work well for summer consumption.
I personally have had some lovely heartier Gamays from the southern Beaujolais region. The northern part is certainly more famous and highly regarded, but I'm not sure we have to pigeonhole every region. I like to keep an open mind and keep wine fun.

THE AMERICAN DREAM


Thank you for the great column, "A Wake Up Call" [Just Between Us, July/August 2006]. I wish you all the best for a good night's sleep. Your observations regarding sleeplessness as it relates to a "hyper-
competitive, hyper-stimulated culture" are right on. You then talk about the "pressures and demands of the daily grind."
May I push your observations a step further? For me, the constant national reference to the "American Dream" is anathema (or as I understand it). Our focus on the American Dream is all about economics; it is hedonistic and egocentric. And, of course, it is about competition. What if the American Dream in this nation was about "justice for all?" What if it was a phrase loaded with compassion? What if it meant that no one in America need sleep in a car night after night? What if it meant access to quality health care for everyone? What if it meant a national investment in children's education such that all schools were attractive to all people? What if the American Dream meant that children throughout the nation were once again given opportunity to use their imaginations? What if the American Dream meant I could go to bed at night knowing I haven't been lied to throughout the day by the policymakers of my country?
Well, you get my drift. I don't wonder that we are a sleep-deprived nation.
Thank you for writing to us in such a thoughtful way. My wife and I turn to your column first thing when the Alameda Magazine arrives.
I'm going to bed early tonight.
Steve Garner
Alameda

STUDENT PLAYWRIGHTS


I just wanted to thank you for the lovely little piece, "Bravo!," in the July/August 2006 issue about my students, Jon Siapno and Gabrielle Soria, who wrote the musical Home Sweet Home last spring. I very much appreciate you finding some room to give the kids a little publicity. Please extend my thanks to the author [Amanda Cherrin] of the piece who did a splendid job of capturing the spirit of this endeavor.
Didi Kubicek
St. Joseph Notre Dame High School
Alameda