Source: http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/03/24/the_shutter.php
Lanessan Langoa Barton Larcis Ducasse Larmande Larrivet Haut Brion
Monday, March 28, 2011
What do you do with 9217 corks?
grace: a wine cork portrait from Scott Gundersen on Vimeo. A time-lapse video. 50+ hours (of 200 total) 9217 wine corks. 96″ x 66″ Her name is Grace. A part of Grand Rapids artprize 2010. Learn more at: facebook.com/scottgundersen.art
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/vg8v5le3mPs/what-do-you-do-with-9217-corks
d\\\\\\\'Agassac d\\\\\\\'Aiguilhe Dame de Montrose d\\\\\\\'Angludet d\\\\\\\'Armailhac
A Spitacular Competition!
For three days, our judges swirled, sniffed and spit their way through more than 3,500 wines from around the globe. Today they wrapped up by choosing the best of the best in each category. Results will be available next month, so stay tuned. In the meantime, enjoy this compilation of expert spitters:
Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=74
Exception de Quinault Ferriere Feytit Clinet Figeac Fleur de Gay
Tuesday March 1st: Dunn Vineyards Tasting at The Urban Grape
Dunn produces two Cabernet Sauvignons -- one from Howell Mountain and another labeled as Napa Valley. The Howell Mountain is said to be a bigger wine - massive fruit and tannins. The Napa Valley wine is 85% Howell Mountain fruit/15% from the Napa Valley floor and is softer and more approachable.
The wines are tough to find at retail in Massachusetts. The Howell Mountain typically sells for around $120/btl and the Napa Valley falls somewhere around $75/btl. The 2007s will be available at the tasting at a one-day discount price.
More info on The Urban Grape's event's page.
Also - I hear there are just a few seats remaining for their Thursday Barolo/Barbaresco dinner at The Capital Grille. Jump on that now if you're available and interested because space truly is limited for their dinners.
Further Reading:
- A store review of The Urban Grape
- An event report from their Quintessa wine dinner at The Capital Grille
The Urban Grape
7 Boylston Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-232-4831
Calon Segur Cambon la Pelouse Canon Canon la Gaffeliere Cantemerle
Sunday, March 27, 2011
How To Pronounce Willamette
One of the dangers of being a wine podcaster is you have to say wine terms and regions out loud. It’s hard enough to keep everything spelled correctly and often over the years I’ve made some embarrassing mistakes on the podcast. But the one that is probably most distressing for me was my butchering of [...]
How To Pronounce Willamette originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/_0EmuKW5OiA/
Bel Air Lalande de Pomerol Belair Belgrave Bellefont Belcier Bellevue Mondotte
Field Notes from a Wine Life ? Junk Food Edition
Odds and ends from a life lived through the prism of the wine glass…
Pizza in the Crosshairs
If you’re a foodie you like wine. If you’re a wine enthusiast you appreciate good food. Regardless of which side you lean, you appreciate the other side. And, in my estimation, the common ground for wine enthusiasts and foodies is pizza.
I’ve never met a single person who couldn’t wax philosophic about their favorite pie. From New York thin crust to Chicago deep-dish to California-style gourmet pies, everybody loves pizza. And, pizza, in a foodie society that rightfully denounces our Fast Food Nation, generally gets a hall pass. It’s like M&M’s. The locavore/whole foods/white table cloth person who swears to never eat junk food will bottom out a bowl of M&M’s, right? The same thing happens with the foodie and their favorite pie.
Yet, despite the wino/foodie familial alignment, a distressful situation happened a couple of weeks ago: On January 31, the USDA released the 2010, “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” In typical, “Good enough for government” fashion, the 2010 guidelines were released in 2011, and noted in not so subtle terms that pizza is public enemy #1 in battling the near epidemic levels of obesity and diabetes in the US.
Ahem. I liked it better when the devil’s spawn was McDonald’s and not the staff of life … a slice of ‘za.
Aside from the truly scary fact that pizza is the number two source of calories for kids aged 2-18 (link initiates download of the entire report), it seems that pizza has everything that is bad for us – saturated and solid fats, sodium, added sugar and refined grains.
All I can say is I’m glad I’m on the wine side of the foodie/wino equation because Resveratrol, the little wine miracle compound, has been shown to have great potential in reducing obesity and diabetes. So, to the USDA and Obama’s Victory Garden I say, “I’m in your corner more often than not, but don’t demonize pizza, my man. All things in moderation, and paired with a nice red.”
You can read the Dietary Guidelines at this link. Mark Bittman and his book Food Matters is the antidote (if you’re interested) and Resveratrol research is as prevalent as pizza joints in the suburbs.
Speaking of Junk Food
Palate training for a wine enthusiast is a process that is fraught with challenge. No two people are necessarily going to get the same secondary or third-level notes on the same glass of wine so training is often a singular pursuit measured by much trial and error – bottle after bottle of wine, an aroma list by varietal and many tasting notes cross-referenced against a wine critic whose palate you respect.
But, what if you trained your palate not with wine, but with a soda and what if you knew the list of ingredients so you could test your palate in a quantifiable manner?
I saw an NPR news report earlier this week that noted the proprietary recipe for Coca-Cola was revealed in a 1979 Atlanta Journal-Constitution article. With the republished recipe, the NPR report isn’t so much news as it is a consumer interest piece – secret recipes the likes of the Colonel’s 11 secret spices or the 23 flavors in a Dr. Pepper always garnering attention.
The recipe itself is a bit of an aha moment for those that grew up in a Coke household, as I did – allowed one glass of Coke a day. Containing a number of essential oils, a glass of Coke and a review against the alleged recipe allows for a simple palate test, as I did yesterday.
Give it a try. I wouldn’t use a fountain Coke, but any old bottle from the convenience store will do, probably better if you go to a Mexican grocery store to get the version with pure cane sugar for purity of flavors.
I picked up the lime juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and Neroli which is similar to orange peel, offering an orange-tinged bitter note in my own palate exercise. The lemon oil presented itself on the latter portion of the mid-palate. Though, coriander and vanilla eluded me. How will you do?
The alleged original Coke recipe (from NPR at this link):
Fluid extract of Coca 3 drams USP
Citric acid 3 oz
Caffeine 1 oz
Sugar 30 (qty. unclear)
Water 2.5 gal
Lime juice 2 pints
Vanilla 1 oz
Caramel 1.5 oz or more to colour
7X flavour (use 2 oz of flavour to 5 gals syrup):
Alcohol 8 oz
Orange oil 20 drops
Lemon oil 30 drops
Nutmeg oil 10 drops
Coriander 5 drops
Neroli 10 drops
Cinnamon 10 drops
Source: http://goodgrape.com/index.php/site/field_notes_from_a_wine_life_junk_food_edition/
Armagnac XO Lauboude NV Croix de Salle Armagnac Domaine du Peyrot Alter Ego de Palmer Angelus
Ch�teau de La Font du Loup
The last time we saw Anne Charlotte Bachas, co-owner of Chateau Font du Loup, Ch�teauneuf-du-Pape, just about a year ago, she was in town to promote her wines with AHD Vintners, who import and distribute them locally. We had a delightful time with Anne Charlotte, and loved the wines, so when I heard that she [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gangofpour/uncZ/~3/7iiu0N_G4RM/chateau-de-la-font-du-loup-2
La Croix de Beaucaillou La Croix du Casse La Fleur Cardinale La Fleur de Bouard La Fleur de Gay
A Spitacular Competition!
For three days, our judges swirled, sniffed and spit their way through more than 3,500 wines from around the globe. Today they wrapped up by choosing the best of the best in each category. Results will be available next month, so stay tuned. In the meantime, enjoy this compilation of expert spitters:
Mondavi Winemaker Dinner at Morton's The Steakhouse Back Bay
Morton's The Steakhouse is hosting Peter Mondavi Jr. of Charles Krug Winery for a winemaker dinner this coming Tuesday March 22nd, 2011. Check it out:
What
Morton?s The Steakhouse Back Bay invites wine enthusiasts to dine and drink with one of the country?s foremost winemakers, Peter Mondavi Jr. of Charles Krug Winery. Known for its extensive, award-winning wine list, Morton?s has cultivated relationships with some of the leading domestic wineries. The Winemaker Dinners offer guests a glimpse into the inner-workings of these vineyards, as well as an interactive experience with the winemakers themselves.
Hailing from Napa Valley?s first family of winemaking, Peter Mondavi Jr. was introduced to the process at a young age and quickly became versed in the world of wines. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Charles Krug Winery, third generation proprietor Peter explores some of the estate?s finest vintages, including the 1980 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Selection. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, the famed Charles Krug is home to super-premium and reserve wines made with estate-grown, sustainably farmed fruit representing the region?s most prized sub-appellations.
In addition to several courses of Morton?s signature cuisine, guests sample Peter?s hand-selected Charles Krug wine pairings. The menu and wines include:
Details
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
6:30 PM - Reception; 7:00 PM - Dinner
$150 per guest, inclusive of tax and gratuity
Call 617-266-5108 for reservations
699 Boylston Street
Boston, MA
Parking
Valet parking available.
More Info
http://www.mortons.com/bostonbackbay/specialevents/
What
Hailing from Napa Valley?s first family of winemaking, Peter Mondavi Jr. was introduced to the process at a young age and quickly became versed in the world of wines. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Charles Krug Winery, third generation proprietor Peter explores some of the estate?s finest vintages, including the 1980 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Selection. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, the famed Charles Krug is home to super-premium and reserve wines made with estate-grown, sustainably farmed fruit representing the region?s most prized sub-appellations.
In addition to several courses of Morton?s signature cuisine, guests sample Peter?s hand-selected Charles Krug wine pairings. The menu and wines include:
Reception
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Belgian Endive with Blue Cheese
Tuna Tartare, Diced Tomato and Avocado
Charles Krug, St. Helena - Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, 2010
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Belgian Endive with Blue Cheese
Tuna Tartare, Diced Tomato and Avocado
Charles Krug, St. Helena - Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, 2010
First Course
Mixed Field Greens topped with Grilled Colossal Shrimp
Charles Krug, Carneros Chardonnay, 2009
Mixed Field Greens topped with Grilled Colossal Shrimp
Charles Krug, Carneros Chardonnay, 2009
Second Course
Filet Mignon served with Chive Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Tomato stuffed with Saut�ed Spinach, Shiitake Mushrooms
Charles Krug, Vintage Selection - 125th Anniversary, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1980
Charles Krug, Vintage Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
Charles Krug, Vintage Selection - 150th Anniversary, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008
Filet Mignon served with Chive Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Tomato stuffed with Saut�ed Spinach, Shiitake Mushrooms
Charles Krug, Vintage Selection - 125th Anniversary, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1980
Charles Krug, Vintage Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
Charles Krug, Vintage Selection - 150th Anniversary, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008
Cheese Course
Green Hill (Jersey Cow Milk Cheese)
Roasted Wild Rice (Gouda)
GoreDawnZola (Gorgonzola)
Snow Drop (Goat Cheese)
Charles Krug, Zinfandel Port, Lot XIV
Green Hill (Jersey Cow Milk Cheese)
Roasted Wild Rice (Gouda)
GoreDawnZola (Gorgonzola)
Snow Drop (Goat Cheese)
Charles Krug, Zinfandel Port, Lot XIV
Dessert
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Details
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
6:30 PM - Reception; 7:00 PM - Dinner
$150 per guest, inclusive of tax and gratuity
Call 617-266-5108 for reservations
699 Boylston Street
Boston, MA
Parking
Valet parking available.
More Info
http://www.mortons.com/bostonbackbay/specialevents/
Clos de Sarpe Clos des Jacobins Clos du Marquis Clos Dubreuil Clos l\\\\\\\'Eglise
Announcing WBW 71: Rhones Not From The Rh�ne
The theme for WBW 71 is, "Rhones Not From The Rh�ne." Pick any wine made from a variety best known in The Rh�ne but not made in that famous French region. It doesn't matter if the wine is white, pink or red; still, sparkling or fortified. Whatever you choose just needs to be made from primarily a Rhone grape and come from a region not in France.
Announcing WBW 71: Rhones Not From The Rh�ne originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/jrDA0wzAgrw/
Napa Valley California Vinyard Wine Bottle Types of Wine Food and Wine
How To Find Values On A Restaurant Wine List
One of the most stressful moments for a lot of business travelers is not when the client has an objection or asks a difficult question but when they are handed a restaurant wine list. Depending on where you are dining this can be a selection of a few dozen to several hundred choices or even [...]
How To Find Values On A Restaurant Wine List originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/NvbXZpZUqCM/
Leoville Poyferre Les Forts de Latour Les Tourelles de Longueville l\\\\\\\'Evangile l\\\\\\\'Interdit de Valandraud
Sogg Blogs Truth About Wine
Former wine critics don't go away, they just blog. And this is a good thing. For many years, Daniel Sogg worked on the West Coast for The Wine Spectator. He reviewed wines, wrote features and wrote news reports. He understands...
Charmail Chasse Spleen Chateau Hermitage St Emilion Chauvin Cheval Blanc
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sogg Blogs Truth About Wine
Former wine critics don't go away, they just blog. And this is a good thing. For many years, Daniel Sogg worked on the West Coast for The Wine Spectator. He reviewed wines, wrote features and wrote news reports. He understands...
Fleur de Gay Gazin Giscours Giscours Rare Signed Marie Jeanne Gloria
TasteCamp East:Bloggers Arrive in the Finger Lakes
This is one of my favorite times of the year.� I’m fortunate enough to be included on the list of wine bloggers and writers who get asked to attend TasteCamp East, organized by Lenn Thompson and Evan Dawson at The New York Cork Report. Last year, Long Island Wine Country hosted our group and although [...]
Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/tastecamp-eastbloggers-arrive-in-the-finger-lakes/
Malartic Lagraviere Malescot St. Exupery Margaux Marojallia Marquis de Terme
Wine Research and Amazing Coincidences
Wine Intelligence, a wine research firm based in London, released their “Portraits USA 2011” report this week highlighting six distinct groups of consumers based on their relationship with wine.
According to the press release and marketing materials, the research provides insight into six prevailing consumer-based wine segments.
To this I say, “Fantastic.”
I also say, “Constellation Wines did this in 2006 with their Project Genome study and the Wine Intelligence bracketing of consumers has more than a passing resemblance to the Constellation study that was hailed at the time as a ‘landmark’ piece of consumer research.”
Take a look at the three images below and tell me that they aren’t materially the same. The only difference I can determine is you can read a substantive summary of the Constellation research for free and the Wine Intelligence research will cost you $3,750.
No mention in the Wine Intellligence marketing materials about methodology or inspiration for their market segmentation, either.
PT Barnum said there’s a sucker born every minute. PT Barnum didn’t acknowledge, however, people with a memory like an elephant.
Wine Intelligence
Constellation Project Genome
Comparison Chart Between the Two
Source: http://goodgrape.com/index.php/site/wine_research_and_amazing_coincidences/
Cheval Blanc Cheval Blanc (Bin Soiled) Cheval Blanc (Damaged Label) Cissac Citran
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