Beauzeaux{bō-zō}of a wine 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. For more great wine suggestions, click here Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.