The Capital Grille Generous Pour Wine Event Returns, Celebrating Top California Winemakers

ORLANDO, Fla., July 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Capital Grille today announced the return of its signature summertime offering, The Generous Pour Wine Event.  From July 8 through September 1, 2013, guests can experience seven individual wine varietals for only $25 with dinner.  Now in its fifth year, The Generous Pour offers a collection of wines that have been hand-selected by The Capital Grille's own Master Sommelier George Miliotes, one of only 201 Master Sommeliers worldwide. Guests are invited to enjoy as many of these remarkable wines as they like.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130702/CL41042)

As in years past, The 2013 Generous Pour will feature a range of varietals and vintages; however, this year's event will pay homage to California winemakers, exclusively. Additionally, all rated wines have received 90 points or above by renowned wine critics, including Anthony Dias Blue and Robert Parker.* The Capital Grille's servers will help personalize the guest experience based on individual preferences, providing background and tasting notes on each of the wines and suggesting pairings for each course.

"This event gives our guests the opportunity to enjoy truly delicious wines and explore their own perfect pairings at a price-point that is truly generous," said The Capital Grille Master Sommelier George Miliotes. "I also am excited about the fact that all of this year's Generous Pour wines hail from California, a beautiful state whose wine-growing appellations are recognized worldwide for their quality and diversity."

One of the most notable wines on this year's Generous Pour line-up is an inaugural Pinot Gris from the winemakers at La Crema in Monterey, California. Described by Miliotes as "the ultimate appetizer wine", the La Crema Pinot Gris is a crisp white that pairs beautifully with an array of first-course offerings, from Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers to Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with Wasabi Arugula. In celebration of this special launch, The Capital Grille will host a drawing for Generous Pour, whereby a lucky winner from each restaurant will receive one of only 200 Double Magnum (3L) bottles produced and signed by the La Crema Pinot Gris winemaker, Elizabeth Grant-Douglas.

Also worth noting is a Kendall Jackson Highland Estate Taylor Peak Merlot from Bennett Valley, Calif., showcasing the vineyard's exceptional terroir. Produced from the great vintages of 2005/2006, the Kendall Jackson Highland Estate Taylor Peak Merlot, is a medium-bodied red typically only available in Kendall Jackson's California tasting room. Made available exclusively for this year's Generous Pour, Miliotes says it "tastes as if it were made for The Capital Grille's Dry Aged Sirloin." However, thanks to its extended aging, it also pairs well with seafood dishes, such as Seared Citrus Glazed Salmon and Sesame Seared Tuna.

The 2013 Generous Pour Wine Event includes:

• La Crema, Pinot Gris, 2012 (Monterey, CA): With ripe citrus and peach aromas, complemented by yellow apple flavors, this delicious, crisp white is the ultimate appetizer wine. {To be rated}
• Matanzas Creek, Sauvignon Blanc, 2011 (Sonoma County, CA):  A bright, joyous wine with aromas of lime, grapefruit, and lemon thyme, and notes of green melon, pear, and papaya. Delights the palate and pairs beautifully with seafood. {91 Points, Anthony Dias Blue & The Tasting Panel}
• Freemark Abbey, Chardonnay, 2011 (Napa Valley, CA): With its perfect straw color, aromas of apple, banana, and mango, and hints of nutmeg and vanilla, this Chardonnay is the standard against which all others can be judged. {90 Points, Wine Enthusiast}
• Hartford Court, Pinot Noir, 2011 (Russian River Valley, CA): Intensely red in color, with flavors of cherry and raspberries followed by spice and vanilla. Powerful yet silky, it's the epitome of what a cool-climate Pinot can be. {To be rated}
• Kendall Jackson Highland Estate, Taylor Peak, Merlot, 2005/2006 (Bennett Valley, CA): Rich and round, with flavors of ripe plum, cooked cherries, and chocolate intermingled with ripe blue fruit and toasty oak. Medium-bodied with a delightfully long finish. {90 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate}
• Atalon, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 (Napa Valley, CA): A classic Cabernet featuring cassis, blueberry, and blackberry aromas followed by red berries, flowers, and spice. Voluptuous, velvety and pure Napa. {90 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate}
• Arrowood, Saralee's Vineyard, Syrah, 2007 (Russian River Valley, CA): A gorgeous bouquet of ripe blackberry and violets, with flavors of plump blueberries, cracked pepper, and allspice, finishing with a long, lush mouth-feel. It is a beautifully complex wine. {92 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate}

Follow George Miliotes on Twitter at @TheWineExpert and join the #GenerousPour conversation.

*Rating sources: The Tasting Panel, Wine Enthusiast and The Wine Advocate; La Crema Pinot Gris and Hartford Court Pinot Noir have not yet been rated.

About The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille (www.TheCapitalGrille.com) owns and operates 49 locations nationwide. The restaurant is known for its dry-aged steaks, award-winning wine list and professional service in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.  The Capital Grille offers more than 350 New and Old World wine selections, including some of the world's most highly allocated and sought-after wines. The restaurant also offers a variety of elegant private dining spaces for meetings and group events.

Routinely recognized by Wine Spectator magazine and receiving other top accolades, The Capital Grille has received the American Culinary Federation's "Achievement of Excellence Award" and was voted a guest favorite on Open Table's "Best American Cuisine Winners-Top 50 Restaurant List."

Please visit The Capital Grille on Facebook and follow on Twitter @CapitalGrille.

SOURCE The Capital Grille