Winesday with The Wine Shop – Got Gott?
Dan and Ellen O’Connell at The Wine Shop in Koloa. Photo courtesy of The Wine Shop.
Tasting Kauai is happy to partner with the O’Connells for Winesday with The Wine Shop. Owners Dan and Ellen O’Connell are a delightful couple whose passion for wine is infectious, their knowledge is vast, and the service is friendly. Their beautiful store carries everything from wine and spirits to gourmet foods and sweet treats. Check in with Tasting Kauai every Wednesday to learn about their favorites. ¡Salud!
Got Gott? The Wine Shop does! Joel Gott started his world-renowned winery back in the early 1990s. He was running the Palisades Market in Calistoga, California and noticed a growing need for high quality and affordable wines. Joel took his experience from a previous job at Kenwood Winery and decided to purchase a few tons of Zinfandel from family friend and grape grower Tom Dillian.
With the assistance of his girlfriend Sarah (now his wife), who was a winemaker at Joseph Phelps Winery, they produced the first vintage of Dillian Ranch Amador County Zinfandel. The wine received praise from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator. The rest is history. He started to produce additional varietals in 1998 beginning with the Sauvignon Blanc. A year after that he unveiled the Cabernet Sauvignon and today he is making a Pinot Gris, and a Chardonnay, as well as all the different varietals that you see from the Napa Valley region.This Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Wine Shop, we will be featuring Joel Gott’s Pinot Gris, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and his newest creation, Alakai, which is a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Petit Syrah blend. All four wines have a very distinct California flavor which leads us to their food pairings. The Pinot Gris is light, fruity and has a nice hint of acidity and pairs well with grilled or sautéed fish on a bed of garden fresh greens. The California Zinfandel is a big, hearty, and bold wine that pairs well with succulent barbecue ribs or chicken. It would also be amazing with smoked brisket. The Cabernet is not as heavy as the Zinfandel but it can be paired with grilled New York steak. We would even suggest this Cabernet with a grilled ahi steak with salt, pepper and garlic. We always save the best for last! His latest discovery, the Alakai is a wine that can be paired with all the above dishes. The red blend is light enough to have with salads and deep enough to pair with barbecue beef.
We hope that you have a chance to come to The Wine Shop this Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. and sample some amazing Joel Gott wines.
See you at The Wine Shop!
Aloha,
Dano and Ellen O’Connell
The Wine Shop is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. On the first Saturday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m., they host monthly wine tastings. For more information call 808-742-7305 or visit www.thewineshopkauai.com. The shop is located just across the street from the Koloa Post Office.