tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29117013765853665252024-03-19T08:59:03.078-04:00Wine Aficionadolearning wine simplefiedwine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-10038144991806513992014-08-30T08:53:00.003-04:002014-08-30T08:53:45.256-04:00Wine Serving TemperaturesDo the proper wine serving temperatures really matter? I am not talking about whites cold and red wines warmer, I am dialing in a bit deeper. Did you ever have a glass of wine at a bar or while sitting in a restaurant and felt that the redwine gave you a bit of burn that you usually don't get? That is likely because this higher in alcohol wine, was served to warm.<br />
Same happens with white wines, they should have a chill, but if it is a wine of any decent quality, it shouldn't be ice cold. Ice cold wine hides all the sins from the poor making, but even worse, it hides all these great elements and aromas that you paid for in that glass of wine in front of you.<br />
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Either way | Temperature does and should matter and restaurants need to do a better job, serving wine at the appropriate Celsius or Fahrenheit. When guests have to put ice cubes in their red wine to bring it to proper temperature, there is certainly something wrong with that.<br />
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Click here to view proper temperatures for the different wines<br />
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<a href="http://vinoaficionado.blogspot.com/2011/09/wine-temperature.html" target="_blank">Wine Temperatures</a><br />
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wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-86964720236953175462014-08-23T11:04:00.003-04:002014-08-23T11:04:58.817-04:00International Cabernet Sauvignon Day<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheers to another great invention. The birth of the International Cabernet
Day. According to some Napa Wineries and the below linked facebook site, it all started about 5 years ago and will be held on the 28<sup>th</sup> of August. Little history about the founding of this day. It all started with a bunch of napa cab winemakers who got together at the ledendary Chateau Montelena to taste, talk and tweet about each others wines. This get together is celebrating 5 years and turned in a more global happening which is reaching about 100,000,000 people!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CabernetDay/timeline?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">International Cabernet Day Facebook page</a></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However if you look at on the <a href="http://nationalwinedays.com/">nationalwinedays.com</a> website, it is being held each
and every year on the 30<sup>th</sup> of August.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As it relates to which day to celebrate? I say – Pick both and enjoy a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know that I will certainly say cheers to that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cheers to <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/cabernetday" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">#CabernetDay</a></span></div>
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wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-83742489469655013832014-05-24T10:18:00.002-04:002014-05-24T10:18:31.083-04:00Memorial Day | Weekend cook outLooks as most of us will have great weather this holiday weekend and after a long run of poor weather who couldn't use it. What on the agenda? I am sure plenty of beach and/or pool and soaking in sunshine. But what do we drink and/or cook?<br />
I am personally a big fan of bbq ribs and burgers as well as Bratwurst for Memorial Day and have some nice Micro Brews with that. Micro brews such as the Samuel Adams Summer Ale are a perfect fit for a nice, sunny Memorial Day cookout. For the summer white wine lovers and sippers, have some California Sauvignon Blanc, Washington State Rieslings or Oregon Pinot Gris. Red Wine only? Go Monterey County Pinot for its ripe fruit characteristics or Lodi Zinfandels!<br />
Whatever you do, think about inviting some friends and/or family and celebrate this Summer Kick-off holiday weekend in style.<br />
Got extra time on your hand for the bbq? Make your own BBQ sauce and kick it up a bit by adding some Zinfandel when heating up your sauce. <br />
Grilling burgers? Switch it up and buy some bison, or use some ground lamb meat! It takes grilling burgers to a whole new level!<br />
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So to sum it up, get out of your every Memorial Day grove, try something different, be adventurous, be American! Be different! Be with Friends!<br />
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Cheers and have a happy and save Memorial Day weekend!wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-3434476900787573692014-03-16T14:54:00.002-04:002014-03-16T14:54:56.506-04:00Sangiovese | The Tuscan Sun<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is Sangiovese</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sangiovese is the heartbeat or backbone when it comes to Tuscan wine making. You find it in your everyday Chianti as well as in the famous Brunello di Montalcino. The origin of this grape dates back to the Roman times, but was first documented as Sangiovese in 1590. It has always been home to Tuscany.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where to find Sangiovese</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sangiovese can be found in many places these days, among them are California, Washington State, Argentina, Chile and even other parts of Europe such as the Languedoc in France and Corsica. It is however home and best known in Tuscany, Italy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Different Styles</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sangiovese from Tuscany: </span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Brunello - it is a special strain of Sangiovese that is the only permitted grape in Brunello di Montalcino as is usually loaded with black and red fruits as well as chewy tannins</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chianti - There are different cones of Sangiovese used in today's Chianti production, however generally speaking, Chianti is easier approachable and not as tannic as Brunello.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Super Tuscan - When Sangiovese is blended with Bordeaux varietals, it helps round out the character and plum and mulberry notes along with Vanilla and some more spice come to shine.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">USA and the rest of the world is also planting some Sangiovese, but only have little success with it. The wines are usually marked by a higher spice concentration and bitter/tart cherry notes. As of recent readings, it seems as the plantings are decreasing year over year outside of the US.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How to pair Sangiovese</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sangiovese is certainly a food wine as in Italy you don't really eat without wine anyways.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It pairs well with lots of game, such as venison, wild boar, rabbit, as well as other well known italian dishes like Osso Bucco and Veal Scallopini.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brunello di Montalcino is certainly one of my favorite wines period, therefore ranking #1 in style for Sangiovese as well. A good Chianti Classico is always welcome as are Super Tuscan blends.</span></div>
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wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-86681466428898708022014-02-15T15:13:00.001-05:002014-02-15T15:13:05.864-05:00Grape Lessons Riesling | The Elegant One<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is Riesling</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Riesling is one of the world's best white wine grape and was first grown in Gemany in the 15th Century. Given where Rielsing thrives best, it is easily understood that the hardy wood enables the vines to be very resistant to frost. Riesling excels is the cooler climates, where it ripen slowly to perfection to either produce dry style Alcasian or German Rieslings all the way to Icewine.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where to find Riesling</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Riesling's home is in Germany along the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Nahe, Pfalz Rheinhessen and Rheingau to name a few. Beyond Germany, the Alsace produces stellar dry forward Rieslings from there famed "Selection de Grains Nobles" and Austria is growing and bottling some nice </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rieslings as well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dry Style Riesling: </span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">German bottlings | Kabinett or Trocken/Dry Labels</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alsace | Most Rieslings unless special mentions otherwise</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Austria | Most bottlings labeled Riesling unless other notations are added to the label</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Off dry to sweet:</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">German bottlings in order of sweetness:</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spaetlese, </span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Auslese,</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other countries - Late Harvest Riesling</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How to pair Riesling</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Riesling can be paired with lots of different foods, depending on its style. The dry versions from the Alsace make it a great partner for most fish including shell-fish dishes as well as hearty dishes such as Sauerkraut and smoked ham.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slightly sweeter style produced Rielsings are king when it comes to being paired with Asian inspired cuisines, especially when they have some spice to it. The natural higher sugar levels and great balance of acidity and minerality make these wines a perfect match up. </span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the sweet tooth lovers, try some Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese and/or Icewine - All pair extremely well with desserts and mold cheeses such as Stilton from England.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given that I am German, I certainly have my favorite Rieslings and to no surprise (I hope), they are from Germany, followed by the drier stylistic versions from the Alsace.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.loosenbrosusa.com/weil.asp" target="_blank">Weingut Robert Weil</a> - Wines are imported by Dr. Loosen US Imports</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have lots of other German favorites such as from the Schweinhardt Estate in Nahe but most are not imported.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gustavelorentz.com/" target="_blank">Gustave Lorenz</a> - Great Alcasian Rielsings</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domaine_Zind-Humbrecht" target="_blank">Domaine Zind-Humbrecht</a></span></div>
wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-80857698355094993262014-02-01T15:05:00.003-05:002014-02-03T18:44:09.293-05:00Grape Lessons Tempranillo | Spanish Paella or Iberian Pork?<div style="background-color: white; color: #6a747c; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; padding: 0in;">What is Tempranillo</span></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666;">Tempranillo is a native Spaniard and when when yielded properly, this almost black in color grape, produces beautiful and full bodied red wines. Although Tempranillo is used in various Spanish growing regions, it is mostly associated with Rioja. When produced in the traditional style, Tempranillo often has a garnet-hued color to it and its aromas and flavors are tea, brown sugar and vanilla notes while the modern versions display notes of plum, cassis and tobacco with a dark red color and big tannin structure.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Tempranillo can be found in various wine producing regions within Spain, however Rioja and Ribera del Duero are the most mentioned. Both regions display similiar styles and offer a traditional and modern style produced wine as descriped above.</span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can also find this grape in Portugal under the name of Tinta Roriz where it is used in the Port (wine) production.</span></div>
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<strong style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; padding: 0in;">How to Pair </span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 10pt;">The Traditional Rioja Tempranillo pairs well with lamb, especially when prepared like a leg of lamb with rosemary, thyme and other herbs as well as a Spanish Paella. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">The more intense and full bodied versions should be paired up with bigger dishes like a grilled, fatty cuts of meat, various pork roasts or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arr%C3%B2s_negre" target="_blank">arros negre</a> (Black Paella).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 12pt;">Another great time to pull the cork on any Tempranillo is when having friends over and serving a bunch of "small plates" called Tapas.</span></div>
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<strong style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; padding: 0in;">Favorites?</span></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I like a broad range of Tempranillo's, from the garnet-hued, old school Rioja versions to the big, bold and tannic modern versions of Tempraniilo. A couple that I had recently and enjoyed are:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva; Vina Mayor Ribera del Duero Reserva and Dehesa Gago from Telmo Rodriguez.</span></div>
wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-33201121286011920272014-01-25T15:23:00.001-05:002014-01-25T15:23:45.007-05:00Grape Lessons Zinfandel | The American Grape<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6a747c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">What is
Zinfandel</span></strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Zinfandel can be an easy
"quaffer" to enjoy by itself or with cheese and other appetizers.
It can also be a beast! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A beast that is big, is a structured
red wine, that needs some red meat to be paired with.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">On any and all of the above,
Zinfandel is despite its longevity in the US, the most misunderstood grapes
thanks to white zinfandel. Regardless of his Italian twin, Primitivo
which has its home in the south of Italy, Zinfandel is originally from Croatia and
likely found its way to California during the Gold rush times dating back to
the 1850.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">California Zinfandel shows great
fruit aromatics like blackcurrant, plum and raisins. Through the oak
aging it often picks up some cedar, smoke and white pepper notes and depending </span></div>
<a name='more'></a>on style can have a long finish on the palate.<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Where to Find Zinfandel</span></strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Zinfandel can be found in various
wine producing states within the US, but is mostly known for its California
Zinfandels. In California Zin is grown in Sonoma County, Lodi, Mendocino County
amongst others. Each different region produces different styles
Zinfandel. As example for me, Lodi, which has some of the oldest vines,
produces nice juicy Zins whereas Amador produces big full bodied Zinfandel and
San Luis Opispo a softer and rounder version.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">How to Pair Zinfandel</span></strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A lighter style Zinfandel can be
paired with some nice cheeses and mild appetizers</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">More intense versions should be
paired up with Lamb, Venison or mild bbq meats</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Full bodied Zinfandels pair very well
with red meats such as Rib eye steaks or boldly flavored bbq meats.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Favorites?</span></strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: ""sans-serif"","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I like a range of Zinfandels, but
Klincker Brick is certainly a great value amongst Lodi Zinfandels, whereas the
Bedrock Zin from Sonoma County offers bold aromas of wild berries and licorice
with hints of sage and brown baking spices. Beyond those and many more, I
am of course impressed with Turley's expressions of Zinfandel. Terrior
does exist!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-31010152304617807422014-01-24T16:30:00.001-05:002014-01-24T16:30:27.080-05:00Super Bowl | Beer or Wine?As many beer companies are already warming up for the "Best Commercial" show down, most people have nothing but drinking beer for Super Bowl on their mind for sure. But should they? Should you?<br />
In my point of view, not necessarily as I can have a glass of easy going Zinfandel with my Burger or bbq ribs, just as well as having a craft beer with it. Another example would be having a glass of Riesling with my chips and salsa or even spicy chicken wings.<br />
Or my team is playing and I feel like celebrating and pop open a few bottles of bubbles to watch the game.<br />
Champagne and other bubbles are always a good choice and certainly go a long way with the misses who are likely "stuck" watching the game with you anyways.<br />
<br />
So what will it be at your house? All beer? All wine? Or .... ?wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-18709433294276787172014-01-23T19:02:00.003-05:002014-01-24T11:03:38.139-05:00Grape Lessons Malbec | Ready to Tango?<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">What is Malbec?</span></strong><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Malbec makes beautiful wines and its grapes are purple in color.
What does Malbec has in common with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Carmerere, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot?</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Very simple - These are the allowed grapes to use in the
blending of red Bordeaux wine. </span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">French Malbecs tend to show a bit more Terroir, have a stronger
tannic structure and showcase notes of blackberry, mocha, tobacco and at times,
raisin.</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Argentinian Malbecs tend to be a bit softer and less tannic then
its French counterpart. It is a bit fruitier, soft, juicy, a bit herbal,
and when oak ages for a bit it show some spice. I love well balanced
Argentinian Malbecs by itself or with a nice Winter Stew to stay warm in the
colder month of the year.</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Where
to Find Malbec</span></strong><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif";">Most of us tend to think of Argentina </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">as the home of all the Malbecs, when in fact, they once were
plentiful in France until a frost wiped them out in 1956. Nowadays, Argentina
certainly has plenty of Malbec planted in its vineyards; however you can find
Malbec in other parts of the world, including North America.</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">How to Pair Malbec</span></strong><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Malbecs, even the lower-acid,
softly-tannined ones, are big and bold enough to stand up to sweet, spicy, and
robust sauces and big flavors. Besides hearty stews, I like bold flavored BBQ
and nicely charred beef briskets with it.</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Favorites?</span></strong><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I didn't have lots from France, but
as for Argentinian Malbec's, I like Luigi Bosca Lujan de Cuyo Reserva, Maipe
Reserva amongst others.</span><span style="font-family: Candara, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-45968195223794485232014-01-11T14:07:00.000-05:002014-02-03T15:19:25.590-05:00Screw the Cork? | Screw the Cap?<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Screw the cork? Not so fast!</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Both the cork as well as the screw cap have their place in today's wine world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">While some may say - sealing a bottle of wine with a screw cap is inferior to one sealed with a
cork, the truth is, unless you plan to age your bottle for decades, the only thing
a cork does guarantee, is a one-in-twelve chance of your bottle being, well,
"corked." </span><br />
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">For the young and spontanious wine drinkers, it also guarantees a 100% chance you'll need a cork screw
on hand to open it easily which obviously is very inconvenient if you're unprepared (that wouldn't happen to me as I always have a cork screw near by but that is certainly not the norm :) ).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">So, my recommendation is the following:</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you are looking </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">to buy a bottle today and enjoy it within the next two or three years and its a "ready to drink" wine, follow the new generation and say:</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Screw the cork, choose the cap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">However if you plan to age the wine for 10+ years and know it will benefit from laying down, screw the cap, choose the cork!</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The bottom is line is that cork is becoming more and more less popular amongst young wine makers for various reasons. One reason certainly being the fact that a</span><span style="color: #004000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> bottle sealed with a cap, or even a synthetic stopper ensures your wine will
not be contaminated with TCA. TCA is a musty by-product of the process many wineries
use to keep things sterile and while drinking a bottle contaminated with TCA will
not make you ill, it will offer a musty bouquet of wet cardboard, or just taste
"off." </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Wine presenting this unfortunate condition leads to another reason, more and more wine makers use synthetic or screw cap closures; because if the wine is said to be corked or have cork taint, for the general public is often simply seen as a bad wine and therefore they wouldn't order or buy it again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Does
this mean you should avoid all wines with a cork enclosure? Absolutely not! Many great wineries have not yet made the transition to screw cap enclosures
for various reasons as well. The most common reason being that they're concerned that their wine will be
perceived as cheap. Another is that there are still lots of restaurant wine buyers who have an older clientele that want to have the proper wine service done table side and in their eyes that means "Pull the cork!".</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">On the contrary - E</span><span style="color: #004000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">nology instructor Tim Donahue says</span><span style="color: #004000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> "Winemakers will spend years on site selection, soil amendments, clonal
selection, canopy design and spray programs. They will monitor water stress,
leaf pull, fruit thin, measure phenolic data. use a 100% sterile bottling line
and bottles, and then, just for the hell of it, shove an old piece of tree bark
in the neck of the bottle and hope everything works out."</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">92% of
the time it does work out, and for the one-in-twelve chance it doesn't, write
it off as being "lucky" enough to finally know what a bad bottle
smells like. And the next time, why not give a capped bottle a chance?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I say - it depends on the wine and on the occasion!</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #004000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What is your thought?</span></div>
wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-41122532365255760162014-01-08T13:50:00.000-05:002014-01-08T13:50:23.285-05:00Coffee and Wine <h1 class="article-title">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Wine Lover's Guide to Coffee</span></h1>
<h1 class="article-title">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">After I read the original article from Paul Gregutt and the fact that I am a huge coffee lover myself, I just had to repost this article.</span></h1>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="s1"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">We are living in the golden age of coffee.
And as the caffeinated elixir continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, it’s
looking a lot like the wine world—from the sheer number of styles and the
importance of terroir to how aromas and flavors are described. Thankfully, you
know a lot about wine. Here’s how to apply that knowledge to your daily
grind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 30.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joe-ography <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wine can be divided into Old World and New World. Here are coffee’s
three basic regions and a flavor profile for each. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Americas</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• Sweet and mild<br />
• Bright and balanced</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> • Often fruity, with spicy highlights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Africa/Saudi Arabia</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• Pungent, wild and spicy<br />
• The most acidic, but least bitter<br />
• Often with fruit notes and moderate sweetness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pacific Islands</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• Big chocolate and cinnamon aromas<br />
• Dark, nutty and smoky<br />
• Thick, often with an almost syrupy texture<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><br />
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5 Things You Didn't Know About Coffee<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Beans 101 </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are about 100 different
strains of coffee, but we only drink two. Robusta is the easier-to-grow, more
bitter and caffeine-packed bean and is often used in cheap commercial brands.
The milder and more complex Arabica is the go-to choice for gourmet coffees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s a Super Food </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The long
list of anti-oxidants in coffee may help guard against some cancers,
cardiovascular disease, gout, type 2 dia-betes and Alzheimer’s, according to
recent studies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Terroir Matters </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like wine, a
coffee’s flavor is greatly affected by soil, altitude and climate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, the
flavors are bolder, with higher tannin levels, but these coffees can show some
bright red<br />
and black fruit flavors on the midpalate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Acid Trip </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Coffees with high acidity,
like those from Ethiopia, will often show nuanced citrus flavors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Roasters
to Toast<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="p1" style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">You can’t
make great wine from so-so grapes, or a mediocre winemaker. Coffee
is no different. A great cup is the product of a long chain of successes,
starting with the raw fruit, continuing through the processing and roasting.
Here are America’s seven best roasters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span class="s1"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">1.</span></b></span><span class="s2"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://storyville.com/" target="_blank">Storyville</a>.
Bainbridge Island, Washington. The Roasts: Prologue, Epilogue <br />
<span class="s1"><b>2.</b></span><span class="s2"><b> </b></span><a href="http://vervecoffeeroasters.com/" target="_blank">verve</a>. Santa Cruz,
California. The Roasts: Verve, Gedebe<br />
<span class="s1"><b>3.</b></span> <a href="http://bluebottlecoffee.com/" target="_blank">Blue Bottle</a>. Oakland, California. The Roasts: Bella
Donavan, Giant Steps<br />
<span class="s1"><b>4.</b></span><span class="s2"><b> </b></span><a href="http://stumptowncoffee.com/" target="_blank">Stumptown</a>. Portland,
Oregon. The Roasts: Hair Bender, Holler Mountain<br />
<span class="s1"><b>5.</b></span><span class="s2"><b> </b></span><a href="http://onmud.com/" target="_blank">Mud</a>. New York City. The Roast: Mud
Truck Blend<br />
<span class="s1"><b>6.</b></span><span class="s2"><b> </b></span><a href="http://pollardcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Pollard Coffee</a>. Vashon
Island, Washington. The Roast: Patch Blend<br />
<span class="s1"><b>7.</b></span><span class="s2"><b> </b></span><a href="http://fourbarrelcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Four Barrel. </a>San
Francisco. The Roast: La Montañita <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The
Wine Coffee Connection<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="p1" style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span class="s1"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Your wine palate is a terrific guide when choosing the right coffee style.
Just remember, the two rarely mix well.</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span class="s1"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">You Love: </span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Off-dry
Riesling<br />
<b>Coffee You Ought <span class="s2">To Drink: </span></b><span class="s3">Ethiopian</span><br />
Scents of white flowers and citrusy, tangerine flavors are important to both the
wines and the coffees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span class="s1"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">You Love: </span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Chardonnay<br />
<b>Coffee You Ought <span class="s2">To Drink: </span></b><span class="s3">Arabian </span>Mocha-Java<br />
Chardonnay’s apple and pear flavors, along with accents of lightly roasted,
buttered nuts, are paralleled by the spicy, buttery flavors of these aromatic
blends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span class="s1"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">You Love: </span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Pinot Noir<br />
<span class="s2"><b>Coffee You Ought To Drink: </b></span><span class="s3">Central
American</span><br />
Red fruits and bright acidity are in play in many fine Pinots, and the floral
highlights and light chocolate notes in Costa Rican and Panamanian coffees
offer similar elegance and definition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span class="s1"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">You Love: </span></b></span><span class="s2"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Merlot</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Coffee You Ought To Drink: </b></span><span class="s2">Central
American</span><br />
The straightforward nature of these plush, fruity wines is matched by these
crisp, citrusy coffees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span class="s1"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">You Love: </span></b></span><span class="s2"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Syrah</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Coffee You Ought To Drink: </b></span><span class="s2">Dark
Italian Roast</span><br />
A classic espresso roast has the dark, smoky richness, along with a compelling
earthiness, that matches similar strengths in your favorite Syrah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span class="s1"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">You Love: </span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Cabernet
Sauvignon<br />
<span class="s2"><b>Coffee You Ought To Drink: </b></span><span class="s3">Indonesian</span><br />
Cabernet, the quintessential steakhouse wine, has thick, chewy tannins. Dark-roasted
coffees from Indonesia have the same syrupy depth, with flavors of bittersweet
chocolate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Original article by Paul Gregutt</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.winemag.com/February-2014/The-Wine-Lovers-Guide-to-Coffee/" target="_blank">Link to Original article</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-30624685226590395382014-01-07T11:23:00.000-05:002014-01-07T11:23:44.916-05:00Old versus New<div class="MsoPlainText">
I was watching TV the other night and got a bit tired as it was late but the movie was really good, so I hit the record button and finished watching it another time. Back in days, I/you stayed awake and got yourself deeper into the movie to finish it. Nowadays we simply hit the record button and finish watching the movie over breakfast versus popcorn. But does that really have the same effect? Is new technology really always the better approach? And what has all this to do with wine?</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I compare it like this - great wine used you have to age for some
time and you waited patiently until it was ready and got all excited to open that bottle. Now, most wines are ready to drink - no aging
required!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
But is that really the same experience? Sure the movie is the same, doesn't matter if I watch it at night with a glass of wine and some snacks on the couch or if I watch it over breakfast with coffee, but he experience <br />
<a name='more'></a>certainly is very different! Wouldn't you agree?</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I say, the same is with wine. Is the screw cap wine that is ready to drink today bad? Hell no! Some of it, is really good, but is it the same when you didn't have to wait for it, didn't create a moment for it?</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I say no - So the next time you are watching a good movie, open up a nice bottle of wine that you might have been hanging on to and finish that movie that night in good company with your nice bottle of wine!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Cheers!</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-59452999911170060372013-12-27T11:05:00.000-05:002013-12-27T11:05:00.884-05:00New Year's Eve | Toast into 2014I hope everybody had a great Christmas or Holidays and is ready for 2014! Certainly hope that you stayed warm with some of the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Happy%20Holidays%20%7C%20Merry%20Christmas%20%20Here%20is%20my%20Holiday%20Wine%20Blog%20with%20some%20great%20recipes%20to%20keep%20you%20warm.%20http://vinoaficionado.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-wine-holiday-wine.html" target="_blank">Christmas Wine | Holiday Wine</a> winter cocktail recipes and ideas.<br />
2013 was another fast year in my books, but non or less very exciting. It doesn't happen all the time that you move cross Atlantic twice within 12 month, more or less. But while I toasted last year with some very nice Cava in Spain into 2013, I will certainly have real French Champagne touching my lips again this year. There is just something about closing and starting a chapter in true style, that a Prosecco, Cava, Sekt or other sparkling wines simply can't deliver.<br />
While Champagne often <br />
<a name='more'></a>gets the "too expensive" pass for various other celebrations, it certainly should get all the spot lights for New Year's Eve.<br />
<br />
Some of my favorites are<br />
Veuve Clicqout Grand Dame | Dom Perignon Brut Rose | Charles Heidsick | Krug Grand Cuvee<br />
<br />
While all of them certainly have a healthy price tag, New Year's Eve only happens every 365 days, so make it count. Shall you want to stick with true Champagne but are on a tighter budget, I would look for<br />
<br />
Veuve Clicqout Brut (Yellow Label) | Bollinger Special Cuvee | Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut<br />
<br />
Cheers to a successful 2014<br />
<br />wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-46580256938463522762013-12-25T10:18:00.003-05:002013-12-25T10:18:59.652-05:00Christmas Wine | Holiday WineI wish you all Happy Holidays!<br />
The great thing about wine is that it doesn't matter what you celebrate or if you don't celebrate at all.<br />
In the cooler (Florida) or cold (most other places) winter season, a nice mulled wine or a hot German Gluehwein, is always a nice touch and usually welcomed by all.<br />
There are of course other and with that, plentyful choices of Hot winter beverages. Below find a couple recipes for them as well as list of "warming" winter beverages. Some with wine and some without:<br />
<br />
Hot Apple Cider | Classic<br />
Peppermint Paddy | Hot Chocolate with Creme de Menthe or Peppermint Schnapps<br />
Russian Hot Chocolate | Add Vodka and whipped cream<br />
Hot Toddy | Lemon Juice, Honey and Whiskey - If you like, add a sprinkle of Cinnamon<br />
Irish Coffee | A year around popular drink<br />
Winter Julep | Peppermint Tea, Brown Sugar and of course the mint sprig<br />
Blizzard | Coffee, Whiskey, Hazelnut & Irish Cream (Baileys or similiar) liqour - topped with Whipped Cream and a drizzle of Grand Marnier (Or make it a Grand Marnier Whipped Cream)<br />
Hot Buttered Rum | Butter, Brown Sugar, Powdered Sugar and Heavy Cream<br />
<br />
Recipes:<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #cc3300; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">German Gluehwein</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">
<b>Ingredients</b> (serves 2-3 persons)</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; z-index: 0;">
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">1 bottle of dry red wine (750 ml)<a name='more'></a></li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">one lemon</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">2 sticks of cinnamon</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">3 cloves</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">3 tablespoons of sugar</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">some cardamom (or ginger)</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">
<b>Directions</b><br />Heat the red wine in a pot (don't boil). Cut the lemon into slices and add to the wine. Then add the cinnamon, cloves, sugar and a little cardamom (to taste). Heat everything for about 5 minutes - do not boil - and let stand for about an hour. Before serving, reheat and strain. Serve in prewarmed glasses or mugs</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">
<span style="color: #cc3300;"><b>Viennese Flaming Fire Tongs Punch</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; z-index: 0;">
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">1 natural/organic* orange</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">1 natural/organic* lemon</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">5 cloves</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">one cinnamon stick</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">one Viennese <i>Zuckerhut</i>** (sugar loaf)<br /> (substitute sugar cubes if you can't find a real <i>Zuckerhut</i>)</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">3 bottles of red wine (750 ml each)</li>
<li style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">one bottle of rum (750 ml)</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">
<b>Directions</b><br />Thoroughly wash the orange and lemon under hot water. Peel the citrus fruit into spirals as thinly as possible. Pour the wine into a kettle or large pot. Add the spices and the orange and lemon peels. Place the fire tongs over the kettle (or pot). Place the Viennese sugar loaf on the tongs, soak it with the rum, and then light it. Continue to pour some rum onto the sugar loaf so that the melting sugar gradually drips into the wine. Serve the punch in Pyrex (heat-resistant) glasses.</div>
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!<br />
Merry Christmas<br />
<br />wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-39970370559621420272013-11-28T09:43:00.001-05:002013-11-28T09:43:53.074-05:00Happy Thanksgiving | Beer or Wine<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Which wine should I pair with my turkey for Thanksgiving? Or should I just stick to beer?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">That is always an interesting question and in my eyes, people make it way to complicated. Isn't cooking all this food enough work as it is? </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you like a red wine, nowadays, I would look for a California Pinot, such as La Crema or even a bit lighter and more fruit forward, Meomi Pinot Noir. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">As for white wine, I would go with a German Riesling (I am German, so that might have an influence :) ) Kabinet or Spaetlese. The have a higher residual sugar content, great acidity and mineralty, which make them good partners for your Thanksgiving turkey feast today. Shall your selection be more limited, go with a nice Riesling from Washington State, such as Chateau St. Michelle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other white wines that work well with your turkey dinner are Gewuerztraminer, California Sauvignon Blancand/or Viognier. As alternative red wines, I would suggest a Australian Shiraz and ripe California Zinfandel such as Klinker Brick Zinfandel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">On the beer side, stick with the new era of craft beers. A nice Samuel Adams Boston Lager or a nice IPA from Sierra Nevada or Full Sail. Can't go wrong with that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Have a great day - Happy Thanksgiving.</span></div>
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wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-40310395337067333772013-11-09T10:26:00.003-05:002013-11-09T14:50:47.611-05:00Wine Lists | Wines by the glassI recently went to a nice restaurant that is part of a larger chain. I went to the bar area and ask for wines by the glass list. Once I received that, it had a dead bug on the inside of the menu, despite the bartender opening the menu in front of me. Maybe I really looked that hungry...<br />
Anyways - I was in the mood for a glass of red wine, and given that the restaurant was a steakhouse, I assumed a great selection of reds by the glass. Wrong! My excitment of having a nice glass of wine were quicky diminishing as the selection was mediocre at best. My choices for a good glass of wine were limited to either a glass of Mura Reserve from Spain for $15 or spend $26 on a glass of Silver Oak, <br />
<a name='more'></a>Alexander Valley. <br />
The rest of the list was layered with way overpriced grocery store wines at 14-16 per glass!<br />
WOW! - I thought to myself. I certainly don't mind spending my $14-16 for a good glass of wine, but not for a grocery store, middle shelf, kind of wine.<br />
I fully understand and support the idea of a corporate wine list. After all, we are all in the business to make money. But when the selections are purely only about money and no thought is spend to have a decent diversity of different wines, at different price points, you are killing the opportunity to sell the second glass or maybe even the first! Having 15-20 wines by the glass where 80% of them are out of the grocery store shelf, but for 13-16 per glass, meaning 60 dollars per bottle? That is crazy.<br />
It certainly seems to work somewhat for them, as the bar was busy anyways, and I am sure lots of people don't know any better or simply don't care. However, there were plenty of guests drinking mixed cocktails or beer instead of a glass of wine, which might be, what they prefer anyways.<br />
For my sake, I personally won't sit a the bar and order a glass of wine again, and nor should you.wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-56806043792595890002013-10-26T15:11:00.002-04:002013-10-26T15:17:04.007-04:00Fall Season | Stews and Red WineI don't have to be a meterologist to know that the cooler fall and winter season is upon us. Here in North Florida, we have been very fortunate and the weather been staying nice and warm thus far but that is changomg this weekend here as well.<br />
Anyways, I am certainly not here to share weather updates with you, but rather the impact this seasonal change will and should have on our eating and drinking habits. Most people already are done with the summer salads that had nice citrusy vinaigrettes over crisp lettuce et cetera and are scrolling right passed that section looking for a heartier dish. It is the time of year where butternut squash and pumpkin <br />
<a name='more'></a>soups are finding their ways onto the menus, where where melon and spring onions are being replaced with pears and other fall starches and vegetables. Beef Stews, shorts rips and all those goodies are coming back. Why? Because with the change of seasons, come different seasonal vegetables and starches on the table. Its that simple! The body is kind of automatically looking for "heartier" lunches and/or dinners. <br />
At the same time, our crisp light summer sippers are in need of replacement for the more full bodied whites and reds. Light and refreshing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%BCner_Veltliner" target="_blank">Gruner Veltliners</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdicchio" target="_blank">Verdicchio</a> whites are seasonally exchanged for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chardonnay" target="_blank">Chardonnays</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godello" target="_blank">Godello</a> amongst full bodied other whites as well as full bodied red wines such as<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barolo" target="_blank"> Barolo</a>, full bodied Cabernet from California, Ripe and big Aussie Shiraz, just to name a few.<br />
So dust of the nice rot iron big pot, buy some beef for stewing with some root vegetables such as carrots, parnsips, add some potatoes, onions and herbs such as rosemary to your creation and cook it up in some nice broth and red wine. Once cooking, look at your cellar (or go to the store) and pick out a nice big wine (see above for a few examples) and Guten Appetit.<br />
If you have any great fall recipes, post them here for exchange.<br />
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Happy Halloweenwine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-61722560996255573632013-09-24T17:40:00.001-04:002013-09-25T14:35:49.734-04:00Beaujolais Nouveau | No ReservationsI received an e-mail from one of our wine distributors who calls for a "No Nouveau" campaign this fall. <br />
My first thoughts were, WOW, I hope that he doesn't have a wine maker in his portfolio that actually produces one. My second thought was, WOW, somebody really doesn't like Beaujolais Nouveau. This supposedly easy drinking, refreshing newly pressed grape juice from Beaujolais. mmmmhhh, I took a moment and thought, he has a point if he refers to the poor and undrinkable Nouveau, we get shipped here into the US in the last 5-7 years (might be even a bit longer than that). <br />
How that one month occurrence a year and with that the push for this red wine especially in wine stores and grocery stores, destroys the reputation for an entire wine region, as most US consumers don't know any other wines from that beautiful wine region called Beaujolais. And with such quality<br />
<a name='more'></a>, we will likely never want to learn more about such wine. What a shame as it is a region that has its own "Grand Cru" and Cru level wines. A region that produces stellar wines with a little grape varietal called Gamay.<br />
Nowadays, I couldn't blame anybody that would go rampage and refuse to buy or sell Beaujolais Nouveau, as the stuff has become undrinkable. It used to be a good choice to go along with turkey for the big and grand thanksgiving dinner each year. But those days are gone!<br />
<br />
And my third thought is<br />
While I am not here to tell you, rebel or protest against Beaujolais Nouveau this November, I rather say, try something "Nouveau" and pick up a bottle of Cru Beaujolais, such as one from the sub region of Brouilly, Morgon or Moulin-a-Vent amongst other choices and be impressed what that region has to offer. For that matter, why even wait until November, pick yourself one this week and try it!<br />
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Cheers.wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-12831496812856323612013-09-12T09:17:00.000-04:002013-09-12T09:17:51.824-04:00Food Wines | Who is the Driver?I had the great opportunity to attend a very interesting wine training this past week. And besides the fact that it started with pouring the sample wines as early as 6am for all of the attendees, it was GREAT.<br />
The training was for our staff from various departments within our company and was all about Wine, Wine, Food and Wine and the comfort to sell the EXPERIENCE! <br />
The training was conducted by the Constellation Academy of Wine and the trainer was no less than Luis Torres, a Master of Wine!<br />
First training session was to learn more about the Super Palate! Super Palate?<br />
I could tell that the attendees thought "I am going to hear more about wine descriptors such as wet stone, barnyard, hint of extra ripe Meyer lemons, moist Forrest floors et cetera! So, they got really excited when this wasn't the case. They will not be sitting in a boring class learning about different soils, sun exposure and other great things they may never need in life instead they will actually learn the basics about wine and what is likely important to use when selling/describing a wine to a guest. So instead of stating that the wine has "oaky" notes or is acidic, they would describe the wine as juicy (from the acid) and share that the wine has notes of Coffee or Chocolate (characteristics that develop during the oak aging) et cetera. Cool Stuff for the waitstaff and great to help the guest make up his/her mind for what they might want to order a glass or bottle of.<br />
The rest and majority of the class was then committed to identify<br />
<a name='more'></a>food wines. What works well with what and why is that?<br />
We tried various wines with different sugar and tannin levels (only the reds) that worked better or worse with various foods such as Potato chips (representing fried foods), Tabasco (spicy foods) and acidic foods amongst others.<br />
That was a very interesting exercise and a real eye opener for most of the attendees in the class.<br />
As I don't want to get into detail and lengthen the blog, let me just highlight a couple of things that stuck out!<br />
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What matters most when seeking a wine to go with a dish, is to identify the "driver" of the dish.<br />
Just because y<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">ou ordered a steak, doesn’t mean that a big red wine is
the best choice, especially when prepared with a spicy sauce or marinade. There are five key drivers/elements and they are </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Acidity, Sugar, Alcohol levels, oak presence in the wine and the tannins (in red wines). To give you an example; when high alcohol is present, a spicy and/or salty dish would not be a good offering as the alcohol would likely cause a burn on the palate versus added dining pleasure.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As a general guideline, ensure that your wine has more sugars than your food, and you are of to a good start!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Of course that doesn't mean Ice Wine should become your recommendation for all foods, there are lots of other factors and help out. And remember, sugar comes in lots of different ways such as in food items (starches, dailry products...)</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As a closing comment, I would just like to remind everybody, especially if you are in the hospitality industry, never correct a guest when he/she orders a wine! The guest may order your biggest (high in alcohol, oak and tannins) Cabernet Sauvignon with your very spicy dish, and you will say - Absolutely!</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cheers</span><br />
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d</div>
wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-10811883894975585192013-09-01T15:51:00.002-04:002013-09-01T15:51:25.911-04:00Labor Day | Patio and Beach SippersAfter my one year in Spain or more specific the Canary
Islands, I am back in the US, back in Florida!
And let me tell you, I am happy about it! There is always more to find in a European
Country of Origin than here, but the challenge is, it is only that. In Spain, most of your wine stores carry
nothing but Spanish wines - Which is great and fully understandable, but
frustrating when looking for a nice French Burgundy or Aussie Shiraz!<br />
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Anyways, back at full swing, I wanted to make sure that I
don’t miss out giving a couple of tips for some nice patio sippers for these hot few days (at least here in Florida).
One style of wine that is coming more and more to the forefront in wine
stores and restaurant wine lists alike, are the stainless steel fermented
Chardonnay’s from California. The wines
remain with a lot more of their fruit characteristics, a higher acidity which
makes them great for small bites, spicy foods or just to sit outside and sip
away a chilled glass of wine on the patio. Lincourt does a Steel Chardonnay from
the Santa Rita Hills, </div>
<a name='more'></a>California that I can certainly highly recommend, but
there are others out there worth trying.
Other great summer sippers remain the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and
for the patio in the afternoon, I honestly like the Monkey Bay Sauvignon
Blanc. It is well balanced, easy to
drink, every grocery store has it, and it doesn’t break the bank! Beyond that, there are nice refreshing Albarino’s
from Rias Baxias in Spain or go for a crisp Pinot Grigio from the Alto Adige
region of Italy. And when I am referring to Pinot Grigio, PLEASE stay away from
Santa Margherita! It costs way too much
and the quality of the wine is poor!<o:p></o:p><br />
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For your evening Burgers or BBQ meats of the grill, switch
to an easy going red such as Tres Picos or Las Rocas Garnacha from Spain or
stick with a nice Zinfandel from Lodi, California.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a great Labor Day<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cheers | Prost<o:p></o:p></div>
wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-56855798742804108622013-05-25T09:06:00.002-04:002013-05-25T09:06:41.067-04:00Champions League Finals | Bavarian StyleI am sure that not everybody will watch the Champions League Final in Wembley tonight, but worldwide over 300 million people will watch this game live on television! Just as a point of reference, the American Super Bowl had 113 million worldwide, watching the game.<br />
Anyways, while I am not going to suggest any wines whatsoever in today's blog, I will share with you what you should be drinking and/or eating tonight before or while watching the CL Final.<br />
Bavarian Weisswurst with German Pretzels ( the big ones) and drink a Franziskaner Hefeweizen with that! Of course if you happen to be a Dortmund fan, that properly wouldn't be your choice and you already used the back arrow button on your browser.<br />
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I have been enjoying this traditional Bavarian meal before every Champions League game with my family and thus far, FC Bayern München has always won, so you can guess what's for dinner tonight.<br />
You are right, so as they say, Pack Ma's! Mia San Mia. <br />
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Prost und Guten Appetit<br />
<br />
And if you need some music to go along, listen to the "Stern des Südens" Team song.<br />
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Song: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JinbcDzw9Ds" target="_blank">Stern des Südens </a>wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-71633153170555448682013-05-24T06:10:00.000-04:002013-05-24T06:10:55.724-04:00Memorial Day | BBQWho isn't looking forward to Memorial Day weekend to start? Most of us already have their vision of how they spend their afternoons in the backyard, grilling, drinking and spending quality time with friends and family. But what will you be throwing on the grill? And what will you be drinking?<br />
If the weather is nice, most of us are likely to enjoy a few beers while grilling, but then what?<br />
BBQ ribs and beer? Sure, there is nothing wrong as long as you drink a nice micro brew, <br />
<a name='more'></a>like the Nut Sack Imperial Brown Ale from Engine 15. A great fit for some BBQ. If you like to enjoy some wine with your ribs or other BBQ style prepared meats of the grill, pick yourself up a nice couple bottles of Zinfandel. But not that white Zinfandel stuff! If you make your own BBQ sauce, like I do, add some Zinfandel when heating up your sauce. Let me know if you want the BBQ sauce recipe! I would be happy to post it here.<br />
Grilling burgers? Switch it up and buy some bison, or use some ground lamb meat! It takes grilling burgers to a whole new level, now pair a nice bold Aussie Shiraz with that and you have yourself a meal!<br />
So to sum it up, get out of your every Memorial Day grove, try something different, be adventurous, be American! Be different!<br />
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Cheers and have a happy and save Memorial Day weekend!wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-75226889680528105472013-05-03T07:02:00.000-04:002013-05-03T07:02:06.177-04:00Pinot Noir | Edition SpainIt is save to say, that I had my fair share of Pinot Noir, from really good to bad, from regions where I where everybody knows that Pinot Noir is king to regions where I didn't know Pinot was grown and/or could make a good wine. <br />
Such a region is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navarra_(DO)" target="_blank">Navarra</a> in Spain. Located in the north east, near the border to France and the Pyrenees Mountains, is this great wine region where wine is being made since the 2nd century BC by the ancient Romans. Pinot Noir is certainly a minority player <a name='more'></a>in the wine making of Navarra (DO) as Grenache and Tempranillo combined already cover about 70 percent of the grape and wine production. Anyways, 1998 marked the year that Pinot Noir was first planted and it was by the Castillo de Monjardin Winery and 2013 marked the first year that I tried their Pinot Noir and I have to say it was good stuff. <br />
The wine is stainless steel fermented and rounded out in oak barriques for 6 month. The wine displays a bright, ruby color, lively fruit and aromas that showcase red berries. The Pinot is balanced and has a medium finish.<br />
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If you are a Pinot Noir lover, you should certainly add this one to your bucket list. Not because it is a must have, but because it is unique, unknown and good pinot for a great price!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
<br />
<br />
Helpful links to wine maps of Spain:<br />
Navarra | You can see the town of Castillo de Monjardin in the top left.<br />
<a href="http://www.cellartours.com/spain/spanish-wine-maps/navarra.html">http://www.cellartours.com/spain/spanish-wine-maps/navarra.html</a><br />
<br />
Full wine map of Spain with great magnifying glass to explore the regions<br />
<a href="http://www.cellartours.com/spain/spanish-wine-maps/">http://www.cellartours.com/spain/spanish-wine-maps/</a>wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-6958059732847996022013-04-12T09:04:00.000-04:002013-04-12T09:04:09.306-04:00How to make Wine | Step by Step<br />
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wine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2911701376585366525.post-84235834651374965242013-04-11T10:29:00.000-04:002013-04-11T10:29:35.668-04:00Spring Time | Wine TimeWith the spring finally on most people's doorstep, it becomes time to wipe of the outdoor furniture, wash the cushions and make a trip to your favorite store, the wine store!<br />
Sitting outside, enjoying a nice fresh rosé or vibrant white, while having the sun shine in the sky, never gets old! But what should I be looking for this spring? While most young, fresh and vibrant wines will do, it wouldn't be me, if I didn't find a few that you might haven't heard of yet. One of those grape varietals is called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiano_(grape)" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);" target="_blank">Fiano</a>. Mostly known in the the south of Italy, in Campania as well as in Sicily. The grape displays floral notes and hints of fresh apples <br />
<a name='more'></a>with nice minerality and citrus. Simply perfect for a spring day wine. Another favorite of mine that isn't new any longer, but still very unknown is a Verdejo, a Spanish grape varietal which is mostly grown in Rueda. Perfect for any patio gathering. If you prefer a rose like I often do, look for a young, Spaniard such as a Castillo de Monjardin Rosado from the Navarra region of Spain. Simply delightful with fresh and ripe fruit from the nose to the finish.<br />
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So what are you waiting for? Get to the store, buy some wine and cheese and call your friends for a Springtime gathering on your favorite place!<br />
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For the cheese, I suggest some Manchego cheese tossed quickly in some fresh garlic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If you like, add some herbs as well.<br />
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Cheerswine aficionadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575169693119522391noreply@blogger.com0