Gold Medal Winners - Nugget Market

Wine’s Friendly Faces Tips & Tricks

for Party Bliss

Northern California Wines Named Among Best in World

Get to know the wine stewards who are always available to help

out-of-state winners, we fortunately had

no trouble tracking down outstanding

Californian wines and great values. Many

of these winners were already on our

shelves, while others are welcome

newcomers.

Among our favorites at the competition:

Hahn SLH Pinot Noir

Double Gold Medal

"This may be the best Pinot Noir of the

fair. It is exceptional at $30.00. At $19.99 it

is mind blowing!" —Hank Beal. 750 ml.

Santa Lucia Highlands Barefoot Moscato

Gold Medal

Moscato is currently a very popular

varietal, and Barefoot is arguably the best

value in Moscato. If you like your wines

with a touch of sweetness and a little lower

alcohol, this varietal is for you. 750 ml.

California Rex Goliath Pinot Grigio and Free Range

RedGold Medal — Pinot Grigio and Free

Range RedNeed a white and a red for a big shindig

and don't know what to buy? These would

be perfect as BBQ wines or for any casual

unction. The Pinot Grigio is light, crisp and

refreshing, whereas the red blend is

light to medium bodied, with nice red

berry fruit. 750 ml. France (Bordeaux)

Round Hill Chardonnay

Gold Medal

"This wine has straw-gold color, with

fruity aromas of apple and apricot with

cinnamon spice and vanilla. On the palate,

it has lively acidity and a round, creamy

texture. Filled with flavors of dried apricot,

nectarine and barrel spice with a soft, silky

finish." —Round Hiill Winery. 750 ml.

California Three Thieves NV Bandit Cabernet

SauvignonGold Medal

Not only is the wine excellent and a great

value (the 1L box offers 33% more wine

than a regular 750ml bottle),

2009 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet

SauvignonGold Medal

This is a repeat winner from last year

when the 2008 won Double Gold. It is one

of three wines we are featuring from the

Hahn Winery — all are values in their price

bracket. This is the lower tier in price, but

not quality; it has solid dark berry fruit

concentration and enough structure to let

you know it is Cabernet Sauvigon. 750 ml.

California

it is in probably the most environmentally

friendly wine package we have. Great for

camping or anywhere not suited for a

glass bottle. 1 ltr. California

2008 Ravenswood Zinfandel

Gold Medal

A California blended wine, this is a

super-reliable old standby from one of the

premiere producers of Zinfandel. Aromas

and flavors of raspberries, blueberries,

black cherries, and spicy hints of oak.

Well balanced, with supple tannins and a

long, fruit-forward finish, this wine is a

pleasure to drink now and will be for the

next couple of years. 750 ml. California

Loredona Viognier

Gold Medal

Offers aromas of sweet oranges, white

peaches and apricots, with a hint of lychee

and guava — complemented by crisp,

refreshing, luscious nectarine and citrus

flavors on the palate, balanced with crisp

acidity and mineral notes. This elegant

Viognier is a perfect match for a variety of

dishes. 750 ml. Monterey We’ve got all of these award winners on

our shelves and on sale for the next two

months, so we hope you’ll stop by and

check them out. You might find your new

favorite!

Dont be intimidated by the thought of

entertaining! Whether you’re having an

intimate gathering or an all-out bash,

Nugget Markets is always here to help

you make your party a success. Some

people shy away from the thought of

entertaining large parties in their homes,

but all it takes to throw a fantastic fete is

some careful planning.

Food and drinks can be some of the

biggest unknowns when planning a party.

How much wine should I get? How many

appetizers do people expect? It’s

important to keep guests satisfied, but at

the same time, not to overdo it and blow

your budget. Follow this handy guide for

help with some frequently asked

questions:How much wine do I need?

Always estimate that one 750 ml. bottle

will come out to about five 5 oz. glasses

of wine. If you order a whole case of wine

(that’s 12 bottles), then you can expect to

have enough for one glass of wine each

for 60 guests. Of course, many guests will

want to partake in more than just one

glass, so please plan accordingly. Also,

make sure to ask our wine stewards about

discount that may be available for large

wine purchases, and remember, when you

buy six 750 ml. bottles of wine or spirits,

you will receive a 10% discount (some

exclusions may apply, see a wine steward

for details).

How should I serve cheese to my

guests?Cheese makes a perfect accompaniment

to a well-selected array of wines, and

Nugget Markets cheese specialists are

always happy to help you make your

selections. When preparing a cheese

board, always start with a cheese-friendly

surface, such as wood, tile or marble. As a

general guideline, when buying cheese

for a party, get about 1 to 1 1/2 ounces per

person per cheese.

Cheeses are best served in odd numbers

(arranged according to flavor) with a

common theme, like country of origin or

type. Always use separate knives for each

cheese and remember to serve them at

room temperature for best flavor.

How many appetizers and hors

doeuvres should I get?

Anticipate 3 pieces per person per

appetizer if you are serving them as a start

to a larger, more formal meal. Usually in

this format, you will not need to serve

more than one or two options. Heavy hors

doeuvres parties require quite a bit more.

Traditionally, guests will consume a

minimum of 10 to 12 pieces in a 2 to 2 1/2

hour period.

In addition to providing individual-

sized nibbles, it is always a good idea to

consider including one or two composed

platters such as fruit, grilled vegetables,

spinach dip or hummus, or antipasto.

Nugget Markets’ Wine Press collects the best wines as named by San Francisco Chronical Wine Competition

Shannon Rock has been known to travel

the globe in search of the next great wine

that she can share with Nugget Markets

guests. "I have traveled to Italy, Argentina

and Spain," in pursuit of great wine,

Shannon says. "In Italy, I learned about all

the different wine-growing regions; in

Argentina, I learned about the families that

produce wine, and the different grape

varietals produced there; and in Spain, I

learned about the unique styles of wine that

come from that country." Spain holds a

particularly special place in Shannon's

heart — she says her favorite food and

wine pairing is Spanish wine with tapas. As

for her favorite wine on its own, it's a

three-way tie. "Cabernet, Chardonnay and

Pinot Noir," Shannon says. "Each one of

these varietals are completely different and

have their own uniqueness about them."

Next time you're shopping in the wine

department at El Dorado Hills, stop and

talk to Wine Steward John Seymour. If

you're lucky, he might give you a few tips

about ... basketball? "Not many guests

know it, but I received a 2-year scholarship

to play basketball at the University of

Alaska, Fairbanks in the early '70s," John

says. After his basketball career, he even

stayed on to work on an Alaskan oil

pipeline! These days, his focus is more on

wine — though don't ask him what his

favorite wine is, because he simply can't

choose. "I like all of them!" he says.

Similarly, he says his favorite food is

"everything."

Brian Madden, Wine Steward, Vacaville

Nugget Market

Having been in the wine-buying business

for nearly a quarter of a century, Vacaville

Wine Steward Brian Madden says that

when he initially started working with

wine, he had no real interest in the field. "I

need a job and the Safeway in Half Moon

Bay needed someone to run the liquor

department. My interest grew from the

job." Now an expert in the field, Brian has

traveled all over the world pursuing his

passion for grapes, including to Spain,

Germany, Alaska, Chile and Argentina.

"Mendoza, Argentina has been my favorite

place to travel for the wine industry," Brian

says. "The Malbec grape is the prominent

grape varietal for Argentina, and I love it

for the depth of dark fruits, layering,

balance and value for the dollar."

Michael Taylor, Wine Steward, Davis

(Covell Blvd.) Nugget Market

Don't be afraid to ask Wine Steward

Michael Taylor any questions you might

have about fine wine or fine cuisine. He is

always willing to help, and his extensive

knowledge of wines will certainly come in

handy. Michael boasts expert knowledge in

both areas, because before coming to

Nugget Market, he spent 17 years working

Wine Steward Steve Graham may not

always have been an expert in fine wine

and cuisine, but he has long been

employed in the food industry. Take his

first job: "I was the Chief French Fryer at

Herfy's in the newly opened Sunrise

Mall," Steve says. Today, Steve has

graduated from fries to wines,

completing his first-level training from

the Court of Master Sommeliers, and

also attaining a Certified Specialist of

Wine designation. Steve's other interests

include opera, soccer, and especially

bicycling — on his off time, he has

volunteered at the Sacramento Bike

Kitchen, and he is also a Certified Bike

Technician from the United Bicycle

Institute. It may come as no surprise,

then, that Steve says one of his favorite

things is "a cold beer after a long, hard

bicycle ride."





have about fine wine or fine cuisine. He

is always willing to help, and his

extensive knowledge of wines will

certainly come in handy.

Michael boasts expert knowledge in


Nugget Market, he spent 17 years

working as a chef. After becoming

involved with winemaker dinners and

selecting wines for his restaurant's wine

list, Michael made the transition to wine

steward, and he is currently working on

completing his certification as a Master

Sommelier. Michael has also traveled

extensively to the world's major

food-and-wine regions, including the

Rioja region in Spain, the Douro region

in Portugal, and Bordeaux and the Loire

Valley in France.

Tom Longinotti, Wine Steward, West

Sacramento Nugget Market

If you've got a question about Riesling,

West Sacramento Wine Steward Tom

Longinotti is the man to ask. "Riesling is

probably the most mis-understood grape

varietal," Tom says. Despite this, he's a

fan, having traveled to Chateau St.

Michelle in Washington state to learn

more about the varietal. "Rieslings offer

a wide range of aromas and flavors, and

they pair very well with many foods."

Of course, Tom is a fan of many other

wine varietals as well, including Pinot

Noir (for its complexity), Cabernet

Sauvignon (for its boldness) and Petite

Sirah (for its accessibility). A

Sacramento native, Tom has lived all

across the Golden state, but he returned

to his hometown of Sacramento, where

he currently resides with his wife and

three children.

Every summer we base an issue of

the Wine Press on winners from the

California State Fair. This wine fair is

a very substantial tasting, where

nearly 3,000 California wines are

judged. However, for this issue we

decided to glean winners from an even

larger fair involving wines from all

over America — the San Francisco

Chronicle Wine Competition.

Founded in 1983 as the Cloverdale

Citrus Fair Wine Competition, this

event has really evolved over the

years. In its early stages, the

competition solely included wines

from northern Sonoma and southern

Mendocino Counties. It later

expanded to include wines from all

wineries in Sonoma, Mendocino and

Lake Counties — then the entire state,

and finally the entire country!

The renamed San Francisco

Chronicle Wine Competition has now

grown to become the largest

competition of American wines in the

world. From the 3,800 wines that were

entered in 2007, it has now risen to a

staggering 4,913 entries in 2010.

Today, 60 prestigious experts from

across America’s media, trade,

hospitality and education industries

join together to judge these wines.

Our picks for this issue all hail from

California wineries. While there was

limited availability for most of the

out-of-state winners, we fortunately

had no trouble tracking down

outstanding Californian wines and

great values. Many of these winners

were already on our shelves, while

others are welcome newcomers.

Among our favorites at the

competition: Hahn SLH Pinot Noir

Double Gold Medal

"This may be the best Pinot Noir of

the fair. It is exceptional at $30.00. At

$19.99 it is mind blowing!" —Hank

Beal. 750 ml. Santa Lucia Highlands

Barefoot Moscato

Gold Medal


varietal, and Barefoot is arguably the

best value in Moscato. If you like your

wines with a touch of sweetness and a

little lower alcohol, this varietal is for

you. 750 ml. California Rex Goliath Pinot Grigio and Free

Range RedGold Medal — Pinot Grigio and

Free Range Red

Need a white and a red for a big

shindig and don't know what to buy?

These would be perfect as BBQ wines

or for any casual function. The Pinot

Grigio is light, crisp and refreshing,

whereas the red blend is light to

medium bodied, with nice red berry

fruit. 750 ml. France (Bordeaux)


SauvignonGold Medal

This is a repeat winner from last

year when the 2008 won Double

Gold. It is one of three wines we are

featuring from the Hahn Winery — all

are values in their price bracket. This

is the lower tier in price, but not

quality; it has solid dark berry fruit

concentration and enough structure to

let you know it is Cabernet Sauvigon.

750 ml. California

These wines are all award winners,

and you can’t go wrong with any of

these recommendations. We know it

can be daunting to pick out the perfect

wine, so if you’re still having trouble

deciding, keep in mind that you can

always ask a Wine Steward in our

stores if you have any questions. We

know you’ll find something that you

love. Cheers!

Every summer we base an issue of the

Wine Press on winners from the California

State Fair. This wine fair is a very

substantial tasting, where nearly 3,000

California wines are judged. However, for

this issue we decided to glean winners from

an even larger fair involving wines from all



Founded in 1983 as the Cloverdale Citrus

Fair Wine Competition, this event has

really evolved over the years. In its early

stages, the competition solely included

wines from northern Sonoma and southern

Mendocino Counties. It later expanded to

include wines from all wineries in Sonoma,

Mendocino and Lake Counties — then the

entire state, and finally the entire country!

The renamed San Francisco Chronicle

Wine Competition has now grown to

become the largest competition of

American wines in the world. From the

3,800 wines that were entered in 2007, it

has now risen to a staggering 4,913 entries

in 2010. Today, 60 prestigious experts from

across America’s media, trade, hospitality

and education industries join together to

judge these wines.




Nugget Markets’ wine stewards are here

to help you! Next time you’re in the wine

aisle in one of our stores struggling to

figure out which wine to pair with a steak

or a light salad, speak with one of our

knowledgable wine stewards. They are


selection.Tom Longinotti, Wine Steward, West






varietal," Tom says. Despite this, he's a fan,

having traveled to Chateau St. Michelle in

Washington state to learn more about the

varietal. "Rieslings offer a wide range of

aromas and flavors, and they pair very well

with many foods." Of course, Tom is a fan

of many other wine varietals as well,

including Pinot Noir (for its complexity),

Cabernet Sauvignon (for its boldness) and

Petite Sirah (for its accessibility). A


across the state, but returned to his

hometown where he currently resides with

his wife and three children.

Steve Graham, Wine Steward,

Sacramento (Florin Road) Nugget Market



and cuisine, but he has long been employed

in the food industry. Take his first job: "I

was the Chief French Fryer at Herfy's in the

newly opened Sunrise Mall," Steve says.

Today, Steve has graduated from fries to

wines, completing his first-level training

from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and

also attaining a Certified Specialist of Wine

designation. Steve's other interests include

opera, soccer, and especially bicycling —

on his off time, he has volunteered at the

Sacramento Bike Kitchen, and he is also a

Certified Bike Technician from the United

Bicycle Institute. It may come as no

surprise, then, that Steve says one of his

favorite things is "a cold beer after a long,

hard bicycle ride."

Mikael "Misha" Johnson, Wine Steward,

Roseville Nugget Market

A little-known fact about Wine Steward

Misha Johnson: He says he would be happy

living outside. Maybe that's why his

favorite product from Nugget's adult

beverage department is Knob Creek

Bourbon. "It keeps you warm when you're

camping, and it goes down smooth," Misha

says. Keeping with the outdoor theme,

Misha, who has been a Nugget associate

since 2003, says that his favorite food is

"barbecue anything. I love sweet, smoky

flavors, and grilling is always fun." Misha

also says he adheres to the wisdom passed

down to us by one of our founding fathers,

Benjamin Franklin, who said, "Beer is

Award Winnersin Store

Wine’s Friendly Faces Tips & Tricks

for Party Bliss


The Golden State’s

finest from the

largest competition

of American wines in

the world

Get to know Nugget Markets’ wine stewards, who are always available to help






newcomers.


Hahn SLH Pinot Noir

Double Gold Medal




Santa Lucia Highlands Barefoot Moscato

Gold Medal














berry fruit. 750 ml. France (Bordeaux)

Round Hill Chardonnay

Gold Medal

"This wine has straw-gold color, with








SauvignonGold Medal

Not only is the wine excellent and a great




SauvignonGold Medal

This is a repeat winner from last year








California

it is in probably the most environmentally

friendly wine package we have. Great for

camping or anywhere not suited for a

glass bottle. 1 ltr. California

2008 Ravenswood Zinfandel

Gold Medal

A California blended wine, this is a








next couple of years. 750 ml. California

Loredona Viognier

Gold Medal

Offers aromas of sweet oranges, white







dishes. 750 ml. Monterey We’ve got all of these award winners on

our shelves and on sale for the next two

months, so we hope you’ll stop by and

check them out. You might find your new

favorite!

































for details).

How should I serve cheese to my










person per cheese.

Cheeses are best served in odd numbers
















hour period.

In addition to providing individual-

sized nibbles, it is always a good idea to

consider including one or two composed

platters such as fruit, grilled vegetables,

spinach dip or hummus, or antipasto.


Shannon Rock has been known to travel



































"everything."


Nugget Market

Having been in the wine-buying business

























handy. Michael boasts expert knowledge in


Nugget Market, he spent 17 years working




you're lucky, he might give you a few

tips about ... basketball? "Not many

guests know it, but I received a 2-year

scholarship to play basketball at the

University of Alaska, Fairbanks in the

early '70s," John says. After his

basketball career, he even stayed on to

work on an Alaskan oil pipeline! These

days, his focus is more on wine —

though don't ask him what his favorite

wine is, because he simply can't choose.

"I like all of them!" he says. Similarly, he

says his favorite food is "everything." It

may come as no surprise, then, that Steve

says one of his favorite things is "a cold

beer after a long, hard bicycle ride."





have about fine wine or fine cuisine. He

is always willing to help, and his

extensive knowledge of wines will

certainly come in handy. Michael boasts

an expert knowledge.















Valley in France.

Tom Longinotti, Wine Steward, West







fan of Riesling, having traveled to

Chateau St. Michelle in Washington state

to learn more about the varietal.

"Rieslings offer a wide range of aromas

and flavors, and they pair very well with

many foods."

Of course, Tom is a fan of many other

wine varietals as well, including Pinot

Noir (for its complexity), Cabernet

Sauvignon (for its boldness) and Petite

Sirah (for its accessibility). A


across the Golden state, but he returned

to his hometown of Sacramento, where

he currently resides with his wife and

three children.

The Wine Press • Second Edition, 2011 • Nugget Markets

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Gold Medal Winners

Every summer we base an issue of the Wine Press on winners from the California State Fair. This wine fair is a very substantial tasting, where nearly 3,000 California wines are judged. However, for this issue we decided to glean winners from an even larger fair involving wines from all over America — the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Founded in 1983 as the Cloverdale Citrus Fair Wine Competition, this event has really evolved over the years. In its early stages, the competition solely included wines from northern Sonoma and southern Mendocino Counties. It later expanded to include wines from all wineries in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties — then the entire state, and finally the entire country!

The renamed San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition has now grown to become the largest competition of American wines in the world. From the 3,800 wines that were entered in 2007, it has now risen to a staggering 4,913 entries in 2010. Today, 60 prestigious experts from across America’s media, trade, hospitality and education industries join together to judge these wines.

Our picks for this issue all hail from California wineries. While there was limited availability for most of the out-of-state winners, we fortunately had no trouble tracking down outstanding Californian wines and great values. Many of these winners were already on our shelves, while others are welcome newcomers.


Hahn SLH Pinot NoirDouble Gold Medal"This may be the best Pinot Noir of

the fair. It is exceptional at $30.00. At $19.99 it is mind blowing!" —Hank Beal. 750 ml. Santa Lucia Highlands

Barefoot MoscatoGold MedalMoscato is currently a very popular

varietal, and Barefoot is arguably the best value in Moscato. If you like your wines with a touch of sweetness and a little lower alcohol, this varietal is for you. 750 ml. California

Rex Goliath Pinot Grigio and Free Range Red

Gold Medal — Pinot Grigio and Free Range Red

Need a white and a red for a big shindig and don't know what to buy? These would be perfect as BBQ wines or for any casual function. The Pinot Grigio is light, crisp and refreshing, whereas the red blend is light to medium bodied, with nice red berry fruit. 750 ml. France (Bordeaux)

2009 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon

Gold MedalThis is a repeat winner from last

year when the 2008 won Double Gold. It is one of three wines we are featuring from the Hahn Winery — all are values in their price bracket. This is the lower tier in price, but not quality; it has solid dark berry fruit concentration and enough structure to let you know it is Cabernet Sauvigon. 750 ml. California

With all these award winners on our stores’ shelves for the next two months, we know that you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll enjoy. Pick up a bottle of an old favorite or try something new — you can’t go wrong with any of these reccommendations. Ask a Wine Steward in our stores if you have any questions. Cheers!




Our picks for this issue all hail from California wineries. While there was limited availability for most of the

Nugget Markets’ wine stewards are here to help you! Next time you’re in the wine aisle in one of our stores struggling to figure out which wine to pair with a steak or a light salad, speak with one of our knowledgable wine stewards. They are always happy to help you make your selection.

Steve Graham, Wine Steward, Sacramento (Florin Road) Nugget Market

Wine Steward Steve Graham may not always have been an expert in fine wine and cuisine, but he has long been employed in the food industry. Take his first job: "I was the Chief French Fryer at Herfy's in the newly opened Sunrise Mall," Steve says. Today, Steve has graduated from fries to wines, completing his first-level training from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and also attaining a Certified Specialist of Wine designation. Steve's other interests include opera, soccer, and especially bicycling — on his off time, he has volunteered at the Sacramento Bike Kitchen, and he is also a Certified Bike Technician from the United Bicycle Institute. It may come as no surprise, then, that Steve says one of his favorite things is "a cold beer after a long, hard bicycle ride."

Tom Longinotti, Wine Steward, West Sacramento Nugget Market

If you've got a question about Riesling, West Sacramento Wine Steward Tom Longinotti is the man to ask. "Riesling is probably the most mis-understood grape varietal," Tom says. Despite this, he's a fan, having traveled to Chateau St. Michelle in Washington state to learn more about the varietal. "Rieslings offer a wide range of aromas and flavors, and they pair very well with many foods." Of course, Tom is a fan of many other wine varietals as well, including Pinot Noir (for its complexity), Cabernet Sauvignon (for its boldness) and Petite Sirah (for its accessibility). A Sacramento native, Tom has lived all across the state, but returned to his hometown where he currently resides with his wife and three children.

Mikael "Misha" Johnson, Wine Steward, Roseville Nugget Market

A little-known fact about Wine Steward Misha Johnson: He says he would be happy living outside. Maybe that's why his favorite product from Nugget's adult beverage department is Knob Creek Bourbon. "It keeps you warm when you're camping, and it goes down smooth," Misha says. Keeping with the outdoor theme, Misha, who has been a Nugget associate since 2003, says that his favorite food is "barbecue anything. I love sweet, smoky flavors, and grilling is always fun." Misha also says he adheres to the wisdom passed down to us by one of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, who said, "Beer is


Wine Stewards Help Tips & Tricksfor Party Bliss


The Golden State’s finest from thelargest competition of American wines in the world

Ask one of these experts next time you need assistance in the wine aisle

out-of-state winners, we fortunately had no trouble tracking down outstanding Californian wines and great values. Many of these winners were already on our shelves, while others are welcome newcomers.

Among our favorites at the competition: Hahn SLH Pinot NoirDouble Gold Medal"This may be the best Pinot Noir of the

fair. It is exceptional at $30.00. At $19.99 it is mind blowing!" —Hank Beal. 750 ml. Santa Lucia Highlands





Need a white and a red for a big shindig and don't know what to buy? These would be perfect as BBQ wines or for any casual unction. The Pinot Grigio is light, crisp and refreshing, whereas the red blend is

light to medium bodied, with nice red berry fruit. 750 ml. France (Bordeaux)


Gold MedalThis is a repeat winner from last year

when the 2008 won Double Gold. It is one of three wines we are featuring from the Hahn Winery — all are values in their price bracket. This is the lower tier in price, but not quality; it has solid dark berry fruit concentration and enough structure to let you know it is Cabernet Sauvigon. 750 ml. California

Round Hill ChardonnayGold Medal"This wine has straw-gold color, with

fruity aromas of apple and apricot with cinnamon spice and vanilla. On the palate, it has lively acidity and a round, creamy texture. Filled with flavors of dried apricot, nectarine and barrel spice with a soft, silky finish." —Round Hiill Winery. 750 ml. California

Three Thieves NV Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon

Gold MedalNot only is the wine excellent and a great

value (the 1L box offers 33% more wine than a regular 750ml bottle),

it is in probably the most environmen-tally friendly wine package we have. Great for camping or anywhere not suited for a glass bottle. 1 ltr. California

2008 Ravenswood ZinfandelGold MedalA California blended wine, this is a

super-reliable old standby from one of the premiere producers of Zinfandel. Aromas and flavors of raspberries, blueberries, black cherries, and spicy hints of oak. Well balanced, with supple tannins and a long, fruit-forward finish, this wine is a pleasure to drink now and will be for the next couple of years. 750 ml. California

Loredona Viognier Gold MedalOffers aromas of sweet oranges, white

peaches and apricots, with a hint of lychee and guava — complemented by crisp, refreshing, luscious nectarine and citrus flavors on the palate, balanced with crisp acidity and mineral notes. This elegant Viognier is a perfect match for a variety of dishes. 750 ml. Monterey

With all these award winners on our stores’ shelves for the next two months, we know that you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll enjoy. Pick up a bottle of an old favorite or try something new.

Dont be intimidated by the thought of entertaining! Whether you’re having an intimate gathering or an all-out bash, Nugget Markets is always here to help you make your party a success. Some people shy away from the thought of entertaining large parties in their homes, but all it takes to throw a fantastic fete is some careful planning.

Food and drinks can be some of the biggest unknowns when planning a party. How much wine should I get? How many appetizers do people expect? It’s important to keep guests satisfied, but at the same time, not to overdo it and blow your budget. Follow this handy guide for help with some frequently asked questions:

How much wine do I need?Always estimate that one 750 ml. bottle

will come out to about five 5 oz. glasses of wine. If you order a whole case of wine (that’s 12 bottles), then you can expect to have enough for one glass of wine each for 60 guests. Of course, many guests will want to partake in more than just one glass, so please plan accordingly. Also, make sure to ask our wine stewards about discount that may be available for large wine purchases, and remember, when you buy six 750 ml. bottles of wine or spirits, you will receive a 10% discount (some exclusions may apply, see a wine steward for details).

How should I serve cheese to my guests?

Cheese makes a perfect accompaniment to a well-selected array of wines, and Nugget Markets cheese specialists are always happy to help you make your selections. When preparing a cheese board, always start with a cheese-friendly surface, such as wood, tile or marble. As a general guideline, when buying cheese for a party, get about 1 to 1 1/2 ounces per person per cheese.

Cheeses are best served in odd numbers (arranged according to flavor) with a common theme, like country of origin or type. Always use separate knives for each cheese and remember to serve them at room temperature for best flavor.

How many appetizers and hors doeuvres should I get?

Anticipate 3 pieces per person per appetizer if you are serving them as a start to a larger, more formal meal. Usually in this format, you will not need to serve more than one or two options. Heavy hors doeuvres parties require quite a bit more. Traditionally, guests will consume a minimum of 10 to 12 pieces in a 2 to 2 1/2 hour period.

In addition to providing individual-sized nibbles, it is always a good idea to consider including one or two composed platters such as fruit, grilled vegetables, spinach dip or hummus, or antipasto.


Next time you're shopping in the wine department at El Dorado Hills, stop and talk to Wine Steward John Seymour. If you're lucky, he might give you a few tips about ... basketball? "Not many guests know it, but I received a 2-year scholarship to play basketball at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in the early '70s," John says. After his basketball career, he even stayed on to work on an Alaskan oil pipeline! These days, his focus is more on wine — though don't ask him what his favorite wine is, because he simply can't choose. "I like all of them!" he says. Similarly, he says his favorite food is "everything."

Shannon Rock, Wine Steward, Elk Grove Nugget Market

Shannon Rock has been known to travel the globe in search of the next great wine that she can share with Nugget Markets guests. "I have traveled to Italy, Argentina and Spain," in pursuit of great wine, Shannon says. "In Italy, I learned about all the different wine-growing regions; in Argentina, I learned about the families that produce wine, and the different grape varietals produced there; and in Spain, I learned about the unique styles of wine that come from that country." Spain holds a particularly special place in Shannon's heart — she says her favorite food and wine pairing is Spanish wine with tapas. As for her favorite wine on its own, it's a three-way tie. "Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir," Shannon says. "Each one of these varietals are completely different and have their own uniqueness about them."

Brian Madden, Wine Steward, Vacaville Nugget Market

Having been in the wine-buying business for nearly a quarter of a century, Vacaville Wine Steward Brian Madden says that when he initially started working with wine, he had no real interest in the field. "I need a job and the Safeway in Half Moon Bay needed someone to run the liquor department. My interest grew from the job." Now an expert in the field, Brian has traveled all over the world pursuing his passion for grapes, including to Spain, Germany, Alaska, Chile and Argentina. "Mendoza, Argentina has been my favorite place to travel for the wine industry," Brian says. "The Malbec grape is the prominent grape varietal for Argentina, and I love it for the depth of dark fruits, layering, balance and value for the dollar."

Michael Taylor, Wine Steward, Davis (Covell Blvd.) Nugget Market

Don't be afraid to ask Wine Steward Michael Taylor any questions you might have about fine wine or fine cuisine. He is always willing to help, and his extensive knowledge of wines will certainly come in handy.

Michael boasts expert knowledge in both areas, because before coming to Nugget Market, he spent 17 years working as a chef. After becoming involved with winemaker dinners and selecting wines for his restaurant's wine list, Michael made the transition to wine steward, and he is currently working on completing his certification as a Master Sommelier. Michael has also traveled extensively to the world's major food-and-wine regions, including the Rioja region in Spain, the Douro region in Portugal, and Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France.






Shannon Rock has been known to travel the globe in search of the next great wine that she can share with Nugget Markets guests. "I have traveled to Italy, Argentina and Spain,” she says.
















These wines are all award winners, and you can’t go wrong with any of these recommendations. We know it can be daunting to pick out the perfect wine, so if you’re still having trouble deciding, keep in mind that you can always ask a Wine Steward in our stores if you have any questions. We know you’ll find something that you love. Cheers!


































it is in probably the most environmentally friendly wine package we have. Great for camping or anywhere not suited for a glass bottle. 1 ltr. California





We’ve got all of these award winners on our shelves and on sale for the next two months, so we hope you’ll stop by and check them out. You might find your new favorite!

















Don't be afraid to ask Wine Steward Michael Taylor any questions you might have about fine wine or fine cuisine. He is always willing to help, and his extensive knowledge of wines will certainly come in handy. Michael boasts expert knowledge in both areas, because before coming to Nugget Market, he spent 17 years working






If you've got a question about Riesling, West Sacramento Wine Steward Tom Longinotti is the man to ask. "Riesling is probably the most mis-understood grape varietal," Tom says. Despite this, he's a fan, having traveled to Chateau St. Michelle in Washington state to learn more about the varietal. "Rieslings offer a wide range of aromas and flavors, and they pair very well with many foods."

Of course, Tom is a fan of many other wine varietals as well, including Pinot Noir (for its complexity), Cabernet Sauvignon (for its boldness) and Petite Sirah (for its accessibility). A Sacramento native, Tom has lived all across the Golden state, but he returned to his hometown of Sacramento, where he currently resides with his wife and three children.












































Double Gold Medal




Beal. 750 ml. Santa Lucia Highlands Barefoot MoscatoGold MedalMoscato is currently a very popular







Free Range RedNeed a white and a red for a big







fruit. 750 ml. France (Bordeaux) 2009 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet

SauvignonGold MedalThis is a repeat winner from last









750 ml. CaliforniaWith all these award winners on our

stores’ shelves for the next two

months, we know that you’re

guaranteed to find something you’ll

enjoy. Pick up a bottle of an old

favorite or try something new — you

can’t go wrong with any of these

reccommendations. Ask a Wine

Steward in our stores if you have any

questions. Cheers!




























judge these wines.Our picks for this issue all hail from










selection.Steve Graham, Wine Steward,




















hard bicycle ride."Tom Longinotti, Wine Steward, West









































finest from thelargest competition


the world







newcomers.Among our favorites at the competition: Hahn SLH Pinot Noir

Double Gold Medal




Santa Lucia Highlands Barefoot MoscatoGold MedalMoscato is currently a very popular













berry fruit. 750 ml. France (Bordeaux) 2009 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet

SauvignonGold MedalThis is a repeat winner from last year








California Round Hill Chardonnay

Gold Medal"This wine has straw-gold color, with








SauvignonGold MedalNot only is the wine excellent and a great



it is in probably the most environmen-

tally friendly wine package we have.

Great for camping or anywhere not suited

for a glass bottle. 1 ltr. California 2008 Ravenswood Zinfandel

Gold MedalA California blended wine, this is a








next couple of years. 750 ml. California Loredona Viognier

Gold MedalOffers aromas of sweet oranges, white







dishes. 750 ml. Monterey With all these award winners on our

stores’ shelves for the next two months,

we know that you’re guaranteed to find

something you’ll enjoy. Pick up a bottle

of an old favorite or try something new.

































for details). How should I serve cheese to my










person per cheese.Cheeses are best served in odd numbers
















hour period. In addition to providing

individual-sized nibbles, it is always a

good idea to consider including one or

two composed platters such as fruit,

grilled vegetables, spinach dip or

hummus, or antipasto.

















"everything." Shannon Rock, Wine Steward, Elk Grove

Nugget MarketShannon Rock has been known to travel





















Nugget MarketHaving been in the wine-buying business

























handy.















Valley in France.Steve Graham, Wine Steward,

Sacramento (Florin Road) Nugget

MarketWine Steward Steve Graham may not




















bicycle ride." Tom Longinotti, Wine Steward, West











they pair very well with many foods." Of

course, Tom is a fan of many other wine

varietals as well, including Pinot Noir

(for its complexity), Cabernet Sauvignon

(for its boldness) and Petite Sirah (for its

accessibility). A Sacramento native, Tom

has lived all across the state, but returned

to his hometown where he currently

resides with his wife and three children.

Shannon Rock, Wine Steward, Elk

Grove Nugget Market

Shannon Rock has been known to

travel the globe in search of the next

great wine that she can share with

Nugget Markets guests. "I have traveled

to Italy, Argentina and Spain,” she says.

Director of Adult Beverages

Reward Yourself With Award Winners!The Golden State’s Finest from the

Largest Competition of American Wines in the World

Hank Beal

Every summer we base an issue of the Wine Press on winners from the California State Fair. This wine fair is a very substantial tasting, where nearly 3,000 California wines are judged. However, for this issue we decided to glean winners from an even larger fair involving wines from all over America — the San Francisco Chroni-cle Wine Competition.

Founded in 1983 as the Cloverdale Citrus Fair Wine Competition, this event has really evolved over the years. In its early stages, the competition solely included wines from northern Sonoma and southern Mendocino Counties. It later expand-ed to include wines from all wineries in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties — then the entire state, and finally the entire country!


Most of our picks for this issue hail from California wineries. While there was limited availability for most of the out-of-state winners, we fortunately had no trouble tracking down outstanding Californian wines and great values. Many of these winners were already on our shelves, while others are welcome newcomers.You’re guaranteed to find something you’ll enjoy. Cheers!

2009 Hahn SLH Pinot NoirDouble Gold Medal

This wine has it all. Deep ruby in color,

bright red fruit dominates the nose and

palate, along with the black fruit flavors

characteristic of Santa Lucia Highlands

Pinot Noir. Notes of cherry cola, dried

herbs and minerals are balanced by

cool-climate acidity and velvety tannins.

“It is exceptional at $30 at $19.99 it is

mind blowing!’This is the best Pinot Noir I

have tasted this year." — Hank Beal

Santa Lucia Highlands

All prices subject to availablity, while supplies last.

$101999













































































































Wine’s Friendly Faces Tips & Tricksfor Party Bliss






























































































Double Gold Medal





































questions. Cheers!





































































































the world








Double Gold Medal






























































































































































































handy.


























































Grove Nugget Market






Gold Medal

Moscato is currently a very popular varietal, and

Barefoot is arguably the best value in Moscato. If you like

your wines with a touch of sweetness and a little lower


California

$2599

Barefoot Moscato

$3599

Rex Goliath Pinot Grigio and Free Range RedGold Medal — Pinot Grigio and Free Range Red

Need a white and a red for a big shindig and don't

know what to buy? These would be perfect as BBQ

wines or for any casual function. The Pinot Grigio is light,

crisp and refreshing, whereas the red blend is light to

medium bodied, with nice red berry fruit. 750 ml.

California

Gold Medal

This is a repeat winner from last year when the 2008 won Double

Gold. It is one of three wines we are featuring from the Hahn

Winery — all are values in their price bracket. This is the lower tier in

price, but not quality; it has solid dark berry fruit concentration and

enough structure to let you know it is Cabernet Sauvigon. 750 ml.

California$4699

Gold Medal

"This wine has straw-gold color,

with fruity aromas of apple and

apricot with cinnamon spice and

vanilla. On the palate, it has lively

acidity and a round, creamy

texture. Filled with flavors of dried

apricot, nectarine and barrel

spice with a soft, silky finish." —

Round Hiill Winery. 750 ml. California

Gold Medal and Best of Class

This is our only non-California

wine, but a long time favorite

that ALWAYS over delivers for

the price. Frankly if this was from

California it would probably be

higher priced. For a sub $10 wine

it actually has layers of flavors,

not just nice fruit. It also has the

silky tannins that Washington

wines are known for. Columbia Valley, Washington

699 $3 799 $3

2009 Round Hill Chardonnay

2008 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon













































































































































































































Double Gold Medal





































questions. Cheers!





































































































the world








Double Gold Medal






























































































































































































handy.


























































Grove Nugget Market






Gold Medal

A California blended wine, this is a super-reliable old standby from

one of the premiere producers of Zinfandel. Aromas and flavors of

raspberries, blueberries, black cherries, and spicy hints of oak. Well

balanced, with supple tannins and a long, fruit-forward finish, this

wine is a pleasure to drink now and will be for the next couple of

years. 750 ml.

California $4799

Gold Medal

Offers aromas of sweet oranges,

white peaches and apricots,

with a hint of lychee and guava

— complemented by crisp,

refreshing, luscious nectarine

and citrus flavors on the palate,

balanced with crisp acidity

and mineral notes. This elegant

Viognier is a perfect match for a

variety of dishes. 750 ml. Lodi

Double Gold Medal

This is one of our bestsellers

and it again proves that Bogle

consistently puts out quality

wines at a fair price. Bogle is

a brand that delivers across a

wide range of varietals. 750 ml. California

799 $5 799 $4

2009 Loredona Viognier 2009 Bogle Chardonnay

2008 Ravenswood Zinfandel Vintners Blend

Gold Medal — Zinfandel and Pinot Noir

The Gnarly Head Zinfandel launched this brand, and

they have steadily expanded the line. We have resisted

jumping on every other varietal released, but this Pinot

Noir deserves your attention as well. Anytime you can

get a wine that actually tastes like Pinot Noir for this

price, grab it. 750 ml.

Lodi & California

2009 Gnarly Head Zinfandel and Pinot Noir

2009 McManis Barbera, Viognier and Petite SirahGold Medal & Best of Class — Viognier and Petite Sirah;

Gold Medal — Barbera

This winery is on fire, delivering value across their

lineup. They won multiple awards, as did winemaker

Jeff Runquist (another big winner), who assisted

McManis with these offerings. Varietal-correctness with

accessible fruit is these wines' hallmark. 750 ml.

California

$1999

$2999All prices subject to availablity, while supplies last.











































































































































































































Double Gold Medal





































questions. Cheers!





































































































the world








Double Gold Medal






























































































































































































handy.


























































Grove Nugget Market






Gold Medal — Pinot Noir and Petite Sirah

Cupcake sounds like a fun, but not serious, wine. Well, this winery

has been consistent in sourcing great fruit from near and far (their

Sauvignon Blanc is from new Zealand) and producing winners. Last

year we featured the Chardonnay from the State Fair, and now the

Pinot Noir and Petite Sirah have scored Gold in San Francisco!

750 ml.

Central Coast $2999

Double Gold

This Riesling shows ripe apricot,

sweet peaches and tropical

fruit, with floral undertones.

Concentrated, rich flavors of

perfumed white flowers are

supported by juicy apricots,

peaches and melon, with a hint of

honeysuckle. A fruit cocktail in a

bottle, it has good acidity to keep

it clean and refreshing. 750 ml. Monterey

Gold Medal

A wonderfully fresh and lively

wine (2010 vintage), with

aromas and flavors of peaches

and pears. The wine does have

some sweetness, but also good

acidity for balance. Taste this

Moscato and you'll see why this

varietal is en vogue. 750 ml. California

999 $2 999 $3

2009 Seaglass Riesling 2010 Trinitas Moscato

Cupcake 2009 Pinot Noir and 2008 Petite SirahGold Medal

This Southern Rhone-inspired blend of Grenache, Syrah

and Mourvedre showcases the best of these varietals

from California’s Central Coast. Grenache brings

berry and spice notes to the mix, while Syrah provides

color and tannins, and Mourvedre adds acidity and

structure. Never had a GSM? Try this one! 750 ml.

Central Coast

Hahn GSM

2009 Heron Sauvignon BlancGold Medal

We featured the Heron Chardonnay for last year's

State Fair newsletter, and it was a big hit. This $11 Napa

Valley Sauvignon Blanc is a beauty. "Crisp, clean,

vibrant citrus notes with layers of passion fruit and

minerality lead to a long, refreshing finish. This unoaked

Sauvignon Blanc is handcrafted from sustainably

grown Napa Valley grapes." — Heron Winery. 750 ml.

Napa Valley

$21099

$41099All prices subject to availablity, while supplies last.











































































































































































































Double Gold Medal





































questions. Cheers!





































































































the world








Double Gold Medal






























































































































































































handy.


























































Grove Nugget Market






Gold Medal & Best of Class

This winery consistently over-delivers for the price. They are in the

heart of the Napa Valley and source from the best growers in the

area, in addition to their own outstanding fruit. Though this is the

most expensive wine in this issue, it was Best of Class in its price

bracket — Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at its finest.

750 ml.

Napa Valley $53599

Gold Medal

All of Jeff Runquist's wines share

a theme of fresh fruit reflective of

the inherent varietal flavors. Jeff

selects grapes from vineyards that

provide rich, full flavors without

loads of astringent tannins. "When

I swirl this wine and put my nose

to the glass, I am reminded of a

freshly baked black cherry pie." —

Jeff Runquist. 750 ml. Amador County

Gold Medal

An ultra-premium Zinfandel from

a single vineyard in Amador's

Shenandoah Valley. Aromas of

deep black fruits, cassis, and

slight perfumed lavender. The

bouquet shows smoky oak,

chocolate, and hints of pie

crust. Big, ripe black raspberry

and plum flavors dominate, with

nuances of mocha and dark

chocolate. 750 ml. Amador County

2799 2199 $3

2009 Runquist Cooper Vineyard Barbera

2008 Runquist "Z" Zinfandel

2007 Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon


Gold MedalBlends are hot! Born from select vineyards from some of the finest

growers in the Napa Valley (Spring Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford,

and Oak Knoll), this wine exhibits big, bold cherry and dark berry

fruit aromas and flavors. Aged 17 months in 75% French and 25%

American oak barrels, adding layers of complexity. 750 ml.

Napa Valley

Gold Medal The 2007 vintage was a beautiful wine; this one followed right up

with another award for the 2008. Though this winery makes a generic

California-appellated wine, this is a much better yet still inexpensive

Napa Valley version. Silky and ripe, with layers of cassis fruit and just the

right amount of both oak and tannin. 750 ml.

Napa Valley

Gold MedalFrom the best producer of Sangiovese in the foothills. This varietal is their

specialty, and they make many levels. This is the middle tier, and it is always

spot-on. Nice tart cherry flavors, with good acidity. Perfect to pair with

tomato-based sauces. 750 ml.

Amador County

2008 Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon

2008 Noceto Sangiovese

2007 Moniz Family Winery Cuvee Alexandria

1399 $4

1599 $2

1699 $3
































































































































































The prices in this publication are effective from March 1, 2011 to April 30, 2011, while supplies last. Subject to availability. Not all items are available at all stores. We reserve the right to correct all printed or typographical errors. No rain checks.

Extra, extra! Try these award-winners!

2009 Bota Box Shiraz

Three Thieves Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon

Double Gold Medal

Good wine can come in a box! This is

equivalent to four 750ml bottles, working out to

$4.50 per bottle. If you want a wine you don't

have to think about too much and you just

want flavorful juicy fruit, this is for you. It will stay

fresh for weeks in this bag-in-box format. 3 liters.

California

Gold Medal

Not only is the wine excellent and a great value (the 1L box

offers 33% more wine than a regular 750ml bottle), it is in

probably the most environmentally friendly packages we

have in our wine department. Great for taking on a picnic

or camping or anywhere you don’t want to have to worry

about the glass bottle. 1 liter.

California

$31799

$3699

Documents

Gold Medal Winners - Nugget Market