Food and Wine Blog

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

WALDULM IS REDWINE!!!..
no doubt about that with the experts….
and 80% is planted with Spätburgunder vines.

The Pfarrberg vineyard faces to the south-east and gets a whole dose of morning sunshine..which the above experts say is better than the evening version. So it is..that the wines are as good as it gets for the price you pay. Most folk will know Co-Operatives in France. The German equivalent is Winzergenossenschaft. A recent visit showed a massive range to choose from. Most of the growers in Waldulm belong to this WG.. it was founded in 1928. Cellermaster is Urban Laible.


Winzergenossenschaft Waldulm
Waldulmer ‘Selection’ Pfarrberg Spätburgunder 2005
Baden, Germany
Tight aroma..liquorice..which opened with a few swirls..cherries, blackcurrant/blackberry jam…some vanilla…easy on the palate tannins…thick fruit..typical ’sweet’ style of the area…very tempting..maybe not elegant..but age may help…
Points 16.5

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

No time to open a bottle after a day when the rest of our plants arrived in the garden.The last three bottles tried were still half-corked in the cellar. All three I placed on the table in the garden, and from a distance, it would have made the neighbour think I was on a binge!
First one was the wine opened 3 days ago..Männle…which had been lying on it’s side..and I thought..get this one out of the way..the 2 newer examples will be better. How wrong…still all there..maybe a touch freshness missing..but a real surprise. The perfect wine for when you get told ‘One Glass A Day’(I have BIG glasses Doctor).
Next up..Hauvette..which had been standing..with half a glass in there..and it was taking on a slightly metal touch..I didn’t continue with it.
Last..was the ABC from the day before..and this powerpack was certainly holding up…
Usually when I leave bottles with the thought of trying them a day later…well… I weaken and open something new. This was a pleasant surprise.

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Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks

Did you know how easy it is to make your own fruit spread at home using fresh fruit?  Many of you grow fruits in your garden, or your local market has a great selection of fresh fruit.  Now you can prepare fresh fruit spread without any additives or preservatives.  Try this out with raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, etc.  Store bought spreads contain so much sugar, but at home you can use less sugar and let the natural fruit flavor stand out.

You will need:

1 quart of fresh fruit
2 cups sugar

Carefully wash the fruit, remove any stems or discolored berries.  Place in a large saucepan with one cup of sugar.  Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes.  Be sure to stir the pot every 5 minutes.  Remove from the heat and let cool.  Now re-heat the pot over low heat and add one cup of sugar.  Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Let cool.  Pour into glass jars.  Keep refrigerated.  Also note that these spreads will not keep as long as store bought since they do not contain any preservatives.

Enjoy !
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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Jim Clendenen celebrated 25 years of winemaking in 2005 and says it was the best vintage in his time. He decided to look back at his “roots” and honor the vineyards that furnished grapes for his (and others) ground-breaking wines that put the area firmly on the world’s winemaking map. The Historic Vineyards Collection on the label is being used to highlight the original important sites.

In Bien Nacido vineyard there are extreme temperature differences..with warm days changing by up to 15° in the night. It is this difference that characterises the wine.

Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir,
Bien Nacido 2005
Historic Vineyards Collection
California, U.S.A.
Cinnamon and cloves stream from the glass…and various spice mixtures..intense dark fruits..thick tannins..but approachable ..a mix of rich fruit that reminded me of sliced marzipan. This is not your typical Pinot Noir..it is a wine that is true to it’s terroir…and although drinkable..will benefit from 5 years in your cellar. An iron fist in an iron glove…this is a power Pinot..probably not found anywhere else in California.
Points 17.75+

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

I have this recurring dream..I am being breast-fed by this buxom lady…the right one has Pinot Noir and the left..Spätburgunder. I am too young to differentiate..but both taste great. I can’t wait to grow up in this dream and learn to appreciate what that baby is missing. My psychiatrist tells me I should change my drinking habits once in a while..that should help. Listen ‘Mr. Couchman’…I think I would have more problems if I was starved of it..the grape I mean…

The last non Pinot/Spätburgunder was over a month ago..and that was a Zinfandel…hang on..I did drink a Chardonnay…but you know what I mean..so…managed to pull the cork of this wine from the south of France.
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah & 20% Cabernet Sauvigon (can’t imagine that lady with this mix..and I am certainly not gonna dream about Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a possible 13 grape varieties!!!)

Domaine Hauvette
Les Baux de Provence rouge 2001
Provence, France
Light meaty nose..some cassis and raspberry..animal aromas..some balsamic..earthy..very soft opening mouthful..gentle Provence spices..elegant….this would have gone with the salmon from the previous post..but I was worried it would be too tannic..not the case…very discrete..a cool style that the French do so well..imagine a cross between a Bordeaux and a Châteauneuf-du-Pape….and you would end up with this.
Points 17.25

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

After a warm sunny Sunday..it was hot on the football pitch(the round-ball version)…poached Salmon for the evening meal…. and a perfect match is any Pinot Noir…this marriage convinces even the most stubborn folk about red wine and fish. Actually..I could drink Pinot with anything..but we won’t go there. There are ways and means on how to obtain wines…and sometimes you end up getting something via the back door..so to speak. While at ‘Rebstock‘ I had planned the week’s wines..and a ‘reserve choice’ was this wine from Männle. I had read that it was under the top 10 Spätburgunder wines from Baden..for the 2005 vintage…confirmation is on the bottle neck. It was on the list at Euros 29,– but was not really gonna get drunk this time round as the days ran out. We visited the vineyard..but all that was on offer was the new 2007… not in barrique this one…it cost Euros 11,–. On the day we left Rebstock I decided to purchase the 2005 from the wine-list and said that they should add it to my bill..which I paid…and only later saw that they had charged Euros 11,–….probably what they paid for it 2 years ago. Thank you guys! Was it a bargain at the back door?

Alfred Männle Durbacher Bienengarten
Spätburgunder Spätlese trocken Barrique 2005
Baden, Germany
Medium deep, gradual colour..no light rim paleness here…bouquet was muted at first..then opened up to show thick compact strawberries….real power package…then after 30 minutes it was like someone had left the door open..an extra freshness appeared..like fresh air..became more elegant. On the palate..delicious up-front fruit..again the stawberry layers…integrated soft tannins..some liquorice flavour..slighty spicy..touch of oak(12 months in barrique)..but only hovering…not attacking…all-in-all..a quite complex wine..elegant and firm….and should develope very well. Next time at Rebstock….
Points 17.75
Feinschmecker..a top German magazine..issue a pocket book of German Growers every year….very helpful when travelling….they mark the vineyards with F’s..the highest marking is 5 F’s….this grower only gets one…methinks they need to check their palates with this vineyard.

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

There used to be a radio program…probably still is…..that was about Desert Island Discs…..you had to choose 10 records you would take with you..and one essential ‘extra’. Let’s change the idea a little..10 different wines…and a corkscrew...
I’m not going to start listing all the great wines I have drunk over the years that I would pack in my rucksack…but amongst my selections there would probably not have been one under today’s priced wine.
BUT…one of the most satisfying things about wine drinking is ‘finding’ a wine..then being told a price. Well..this was the other way round….and was purchased in Freiburg on our recent visit to the Black Forest. I asked the shopkeeper to recommend a couple of Spätburgunder from the vintage 2005…he handed me a wine and told me it cost Euros 13,–…I took it home to see if it was a ‘find’
And so it is that a week later I decided to try it.

Comparisons…OK….you go to the local market and see some white truffles costing £1 each..
OR
you go to your local car-lot..and they have a Jaguar for $ 100,–
OR
down at your local liquor store..let’s say called Crazy Joe’s..they have an Aligoté that cost $23.85..Canadian Dollars that is..and you give it 18/20.

Well..the truffles sound a bargain..unless there is a worm in them..
and I havn’t checked the engine of the Jaguar..
and the Aligoté….well..let’s say that is the ‘dream sequence‘ in this little story..
rather like Bobby Ewing in the shower on the Dallas soap TV show….some things just can’t be true!

‘What About The Wine!’….OK OK…but after all this you should be convinced……
‘How About Some Notes!’…..who cares..it could be green with 3 eyes and no nose…well,..actually no nose would be a bummer.
I suppose as this is Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories and not ‘The Rantings Of A Wino’..I had better write something.

The vineyard, in Köndringen, is owned by two guys..Elmar Lehmann und Odin Bauer (his day job is Cellar Master at Freiherrn von Gleichenstein) ..they got together in 2002 and purchased it..with only 20-30 year-old Spätburgunder vines in it…good way to start I suppose.They have since planted Lemberger und Grauburgunder but it’s the Sexy grape we are talking about here. Their first vintage was 2003…which had good reviews….but my guess is that this vintage, in my opinion, perfect for the grape..is better. It spends 12 months in Barrique.The name Zalwander in South Baden dialect means ‘togetherness‘..and so that this young venture has no financial problems..it is run as a part-time concern. Fairy-tale really…

Zalwander Spätburgunder 2005
Baden, Germany
Light-medium colour..with a watery rim…just ignore that all you lovers of thick dark red wines….the aroma is quite complex…Burgundian style…cherries and some vanilla..the palate was medium full with spices, cinnamon..again soft vanilla..and that slight peppery feel on the tongue that gives good Pinot the necessary balance. I have tried many wines at double the price…..are you now convinced? Who wants a bottle sent to them?…even with the postage you are getting a bargain!

Points 17.75…I feel I may even be cheating the wine here….maybe if it had cost double I would have given it 18…..maybe I will next time…

PS…they also produce a ‘better’ Spätburgunder called EEE..using the older vines….heaven knows how good that one is…

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Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

“National Old Friends, New Friends Week” is hosted from May 18th-25th and it couldn’t have come at a better time for me. As many of you know, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer last year. I’ve spent the last month with her and am currently back home to celebrate my daughter’s high school graduation. Next week, I will return to continue caring for mom. It’s been a bittersweet time, but I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to spend this time with my life mentor.

Mom has always been an amazing cook. Everything I know about cooking, I owe to her. In fact, a few weeks ago, mom had a craving for ham salad. I’d never made ham salad before and actually turned my nose up at it, but I gotta tell you — this stuff is amazing! I’ll share the recipe with you in my next post. Today, I need to express the importance of friendship.

My good friend and business associate, Viveca Stone-Berry recently founded DogCaptions.com with her brother and humorist-photographer, Richard Stone. DogCaptions.com is offering the “Barker’s Dozen” Friendship Card Pack, a collection of 13 all-occasion cards with adorable photos of dogs (and one cat!). Each card has a funny or uplifting caption printed on the front and are blank inside, leaving plenty of room to express your love and gratitude.

I’ve experienced an outpouring of love from old and new friends during mom’s illness. My friend, Patty, treated me to lunch one day and provided me with transportation to and from the airport. My friend, Evelyn, called me several times and sent me humorous and inspirational emails. Viveca, of DogCaptions.com sent me a wonderful Kathryn Ponder book, a “Barker’s Dozen” Friendship pack, a fabulous tote that folds up so you can carry it in your purse, and adorable bookmarks (called Bark Marks — too cute!).

Mom’s neighbors frequently stopped by to visit, bring food, take down the trash, scoop up dog poop and show their love. Her friends offered so much love and support to both of us. Their love and friendship made all the difference in the world. They offered a shoulder to cry on, a hug, a smile, a prayer.

Think about all the people who are important in your life. Take advantage of “National Old Friends, New Friends” week to reconnect with your friends and family and remind them how important they are to you. Go buy a “Barker’s Dozen” Friendship Pack today and send cards to everyone who is important to you. Not only will you brighten their day, you’ll be doing something to save a pet’s life. How??

When you purchase the Barker’s Dozen Friendship Pack this week, DogCaptions.com is donating up to 50% of the profits to three animal shelters. These organizations help spread the word about spaying/neutering services, adoption services, and provide shelter and medical services for these animals.

DogCaptions.com will send you a special gift when you purchase the Barker’s Dozen cards this week. They have lined up some amazing sponsors who are giving you some pretty great gifts for FREE.

Share your love. Brighten your friends day. Help an animal. Go to DogCaptions.com today and pick up a pack or two of these adorable cards. Doing so will make the world a better place

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

The vintage 2005 was excellent in both Germany and France….for the sexy grape…Spät-Pinot-Burgunder-Noir.
After my trip to Baden..I decided to try some bottles that were awaiting a cork-pull….all from the vintage. Points for wine, as usual, out of 20…followed by sexiness..out of 10.

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Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks

Everyone loves eating at Applebee’s, Chili’s, McDonalds, T.G.I. Friday’s and Red Lobster.  Many have a desire to cook these famous foods at home.  When it comes to copycat recipes, some call it a hobby, some call it a science.  Whatever you call it, the truth is, thousands of home cooks are having fun and saving time by recreating their favorite restaurant dishes in their home kitchen.  Here is a great copycat recipe that tastes just like Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheese Soup.  I serve mine in bread bowls just like at Panera.  If you are interested in more great copycat recipes, pick up a copy of America’s Most Wanted Recipes.

Serves/Makes: 4
Ready In: 30-60 minutes

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 pound fresh broccoli
1 cup carrots, julienned
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
salt & pepper, to taste
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar

Directions:
Saute onion in butter. Set aside.
Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently.
Slowly add the half-and-half, continue stirring.
Add the chicken stock whisking all the time.
Simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender, about 20 minutes.
Add salt and pepper.
By now the soup should be thickened.
Pour in batches into blender and puree.
Return the puree to the pot and place over low heat, add the grated cheese; stir until well blended.
Stir in the nutmeg.
Serve.

Let me know how much you love this recipe!

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Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks

Tomato soup is one of my favorites on a rainy day. I like to toast some bread and cut it into cubes and use them as croûtons. This recipe has a bit of a kick, so watch out!

3 (10 1/2 oz) cans beef consommé
3 (10 1/2 oz) cans water
1 quart tomato juice
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
3/4 teaspoon salt

Pou beef consomme, water, and the tomato juice into a 5 quart pot. Bring to a boil, then add the seasonings. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve.

Makes about 3 quarts of soup.

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

At short notice we had added a day to our trip…5 days this time..and had to spend the first night in a smaller room as our usual one was occupied. As ‘Gasthof zum Rebstock’ is usually closed on Mondays we had booked a table for dinner elsewhere.It was only after we arrived that the staff said they would be open as it was a national holiday. We did have a light lunch tho..on the terrace..more of that later….
FUNNY FUNNY or FUNNY PECULIAR:
We ordered a taxi to take us from Kappelrodeck-Waldulm to Sasbachwalden(the Waldulm is important as we know some people who relied on their car navigation system..and ended up in the wrong place…there is a Rebstock in every second village!!!) …outside waiting was a bus!…enough for 20 people…the owner was driving and explained she had just taken a group somewhere and wouldn’t have got to us in time if she had changed cars. Arriving at Restaurant Fallert..the staff must have had a shock as well…but only two people appeared…
Hotel Talmühle.. with Restaurant Fallert has a large garden area but a light breeze kept us in the main room.
During the evening we had been informed they had received a star in Michelin. The food was good..the lady serving us very friendly…

FUNNY FUNNY or FUNNY PECULIAR:
A young waitress..away from her ’safe’ serving area…saw that my wife had finished a course…and although I was still eating..happily removed the plate…we both smiled..but very much a no-no in a one-star establishment.
Martin Wassmer Spätburgunder
SW Schlatter 2002
Baden, Germany
Medium deep…a nose that says WOW as it jumps from the glass..smoky, a bag of red berries..so typical Pinot..touch of oak..this all leads into a similar flavour…fine oak again..but well integrated..with some minerals and spices…perfect now.
Points 18

Next day..a lazy one..just chilled out…the change of rooms took 15 minutes.
The biggest surprise was the new garden terrace.

The weather was great so Tuesday evening gave us the chance to sit outside again. It had been 2 months of building…but was taking shape..and as the sun was shining..it was decided to use it. Marvelous to sit outside with the evening sun going down..better choose a good wine. Hardly a problem..as the list is superb..and I have a copy permanently in our room!
FUNNY FUNNY or FUNNY PECULIAR:
On a table next to us were a pair..well..let’s say they were two people. From what we heard…and man…did we hear a lot..they had lived together..were probably now separated..and spent the whole evening discussing money, houses and family. Annoying..but the funniest part was the woman talking..and her husband opened a large newspaper and started to read it…the woman continued to talk.. but threw in an ‘Hello’….Hello’.. in the hope he would be listening. Funny, sad and irritating. Luckily they left before the main course or I would have taken my chair and joined them in order not to miss ANYTHING they said.

Bernhard Huber Hecklinger Schlossberg *R’ Reserve
Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs 2005
Baden, Germany
Vines grown on similar ‘terroir’ to the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy.
Cranberry, smoke and cherries.. warm and full..with a softness but still with firm fruit, superbly balanced, long long finish…the vintage is perfect for this wine….will age beautifully..but very approachable now.
Points 18+

Next day we spent primarily in Offenburg..with a stop at Durbach to buy some wines..and play my wife at mini golf!
Weather was gorgeous..
FUNNY FUNNY or FUNNY PECULIAR:
Across the fields as we sat outside on the terrace..was a farmer..cutting his grass with an electric saw…took about an hour..all dentist haters would understand…the sight of a fire meant peace to the eaters…
The sky was clear..except for a few clouds..one of which reminded me of New Zealand…

Bernhard Huber Hecklinger Schlossberg
Chardonnay trocken 2005
Baden, Germany
Drinking a whole bottle alone in a restaurant..means Spätburgunder or Pinot Noir for me..alcoholic fruit bombs or tannin terrors are meant to share with friends. We sat outside again..and so I decided on a white….but to be honest..I generally get bored after a half bottle..and crave for red….
Made from 40-year old vines..the oldest German Chardonnay vineyard…the previous owners..an elderly pair..thought the vines were Weissburgunder. Bernard Huber bought the property..and discovered the correct grape…and this was confirmed by the Freiburger Wine Institute.
Yellow gold…light oaky aroma..minerals with rich Chardonnay fruit..citrus….but for me..just a touch too much rest oak on the palate at the moment…give it a year or two..and it may be worth the proclamation..
‘Best German Chardonnay 2005!’
Points 17.5… but with more to come

The third day we planned to drive to Freiburg..stay for a short while….then to some vineyards in the Kaiserstühl area….Freiburg took all day…they have a superb market..and an old town with TOO many shops to interest a wife!…hence..no time for Kaiserstühl.
We had a storm on the way back..it was dry back ‘home’..but too cool for the terrace..so we ate in the main restaurant.

R & C Schneider Spätburgunder 2005
‘Parzelle Schönenberg’
Baden, Germany
Brick red with a brownish rim…tight strawberry fruit..opened quickly….full….lovely aroma streams from the glass…one gets the impression this is SO soft..but there are dry brittle tannins…this will age as well..but why wait..2005 is a terrific vintage..and it slipped down a treat. The Burgundians should be wary….
Points 18.25

The last day..and the weather was warm with a slight breeze..we walked the vineyards at the back of the Hotel..and into the forest…

We started the evening in the restaurant as a few drops of rain appeared but it cleared..so halfway through the meal..we were on the terrace again….

Bernhard Huber Wildenstein Spätburgunder ‘Reserve’2004
Baden, Germany
I almost tried this 6 months ago..but the vintage and Huber style stopped me..would have been infantile….decided to give it a go now….if you don’t buy a ticket..you don’t win a raffle…
‘Wildenstein’ is a small parcel of vines in the ‘Bienenberg’ vineyard.
Burnt smoke….rich ripe cherries…minerals to the fore..very fruit driven but with a massive firm backbone that masks it again and again…musty tannins..power wine..you gotta work hard at the moment..and the vintage is not sympathetic. Will age for a decade..but should be better in 3-4 years.
Points 17.5……no doubt a point more with time..

If you have the time..a short video..it’s no Hitchcock movie…..just some film I took.

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Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

WineBible.com is one of the most informative sites on wines I have ever found. What originally drew my attention to their website is the fact that they sell Virgin Wines. I have always admired Sir Richard Branson. Not only is he the founder of Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines, he also created Virgin Mobile. I’ve had cell phone service with Virgin Mobile for years and absolutely love their service and affordable plans. But, I digress.

I located Virgin Wines at WineBible.com and learned some fascinating information about wine. At the Wine Bible website, you can discover the history of wine, wine grape varieties, wine producing countries and anything else you could ever want to know about wines.

Unfortunately, WineBible.com wines are currently available to residents of the United Kingdom. However, their website is a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in learning more about specific types of wine, how to pair them with food and their origins.

The good news is, by using WineBible.com, I discovered a Pinot Noir wine I was interested in and when I “Googled” it, I found a supplier in the U.S. I also discovered, “The World Atlas of Wine” by by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson which was promoted on WineBible.com and available through Amazon.com. With a click of a button, I was able to purchase this book through Amazon’s U.S. division.

While I wish I could take advantage of the many delectable wines and resources offered at WineBible.com, I found their online Wine Guide to be extremely informative and helpful. Additionally, I know there are many visitors to The Cheap Gourmet Blog who reside in the U.K. who can take advantage of the deep discounts and wine resources located at this wonderful wine site.

Even if you don’t live in the U.K., take a moment to stop by WineBible.com. You’ll find a wealth of knowledge on French Wine, Spanish Wine, Italian Wine, Virgin Wines, how to buy wine online and much more. It’s one of the best wine websites I’ve ever found and I hope you will enjoy it too!

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Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

SBS Teas owner, Lady Babs, is celebrating her 65th birthday on Thursday, May 15th. She invites you to celebrate in her joy of being eligible for “Senior Discounts” and is offering everyone a whopping 15% discount on their entire purchase.

If you’ve never tried SBS Teas, now would be an excellent time to order. Be careful though… once you try these high-quality loose leaf teas you’ll never settle for anything less. SBS Teas offers a wonderful selection of custom-blended teas including black, green, white, chai, oolong, organic, iced teas and more.

Not a fan of tea? No worries…SBS Teas also has an amazing selection of coffees and cocoas. My favorite coffees include Bird Friendly Organic, Black Forest Cake and Rainforest Crunch. My favorite cocoa selections include Belgian Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Chocolate and Triple Fudge Hot Cocoa.

If you’re like me and can’t get enough coffee, tea or cocoa on the inside, you’ll flip over the amazing SBS Teas body products. These all-natural products include body wash, body lotion, body scrubs and bath perfumes. These delightful bath and body products are available in a variety of scents including: Chocolate Decadence, Blackberry Sage, London Lemon Curd, Vanilla Grapefruit and Zen Tea.

Mark your calendar to join Lady Babs in her 65th Birthday Celebration on May 15th and save 15% on your ENTIRE ORDER! The discount will automatically be deducted from your order at check-out.

While you’re waiting for Lady Babs birthday to arrive, take a moment to download The Cheap Gourmet’s FREE Tea Report — “Think Outside the Cup - Cooking with Tea“. This 16-page report focuses on the many ways to combine tea with cooking. You’ll learn how to use tea as a spice, meat and vegetable marinade, meat tenderizer and more.

Click on the banner below and place your order on May 15th to save 15%. You’re going to love the massive collection of custom-blended loose leaf teas, exotic and flavorful coffees and rich, decadent coffees and soothing body products. Enjoy! and be sure to wish Lady Babs a Happy Birthday!

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Feudi di San Gregorio 2005 Falanghina, Campania
Regali 2006 “Principessa Gavi” Gavi, Piemonte

Fontanafredda 2006 “Briccotondo” Barbera, Piemonte
Allegrini 2004 “Palazzo delle Torre” Rosso Veronese, Veneto

Monrosso 2004 Chianti, Toscana
I Muraci 2004 “Fortediga” Maremma Rosso, Toscana

Morgante 2005 Nero d’Avola, Sicilia
Di Majo Norante 2001 “Ramitello”, Molise

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Tenute Dettori 2003 Tudori “Badde Nigolosu”, Sardegna

Attending a large scale wine tasting with over 150 producers represented reminds me of a major league tryout camp - there are the usual suspects who always turn up, a couple of can’t miss prospects that are showing well, and that unexpected gem that appears from out of nowhere. Except in this case nowhere is Sardinia.

Those who have read previous reviews have probably noticed that I often favor wines that are authentic, that are the creations of makers who take the road less traveled rather than the superstrada of standardization. Alessandro Dettori freely admits, and takes pride in the fact, that his wines are what they are and are not crafted to the expectations of others.

Tudori is 100% Cannonau, and from the moment it spills into the glass it is obviously not ordinary. Its tomato juice color and consistancy are tell tale signs that it hasn’t been fined, filtered or clarified and would be an immediate deal killer for those used to more extracted versions of the grape.

The production philosophy is to play down tannic strength and remove any semblance of heaviness in the texture and mouthfeel, allowing the true nature of Cannonau to emerge. The result is hard to define. There is definately less of a “garrigue” presence and bite. The fruits are mellow and roll smoothly across the tongue. It doesn’t exactly have finesse in contrast to other Sardinian reds… maybe less rough and rustic? Put it like this..you try it, and in the spirit of Signore Dettori, you nod in satisfaction or put it down and walk away.
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Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks

1 boneless chicken breast
3/4 cup hot teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 tomato, diced
mayonnaise
salt and pepper, to taste
lettuce
4 slices 7 grain bread

Marinate the chicken breast in the hot teriyaki sauce and honey for at least an hour.  Cook on both sides on a hot grill.  Let cook and dice the chicken.  In a bowl, mix together the diced chicken, tomato, salt, pepper and mayonnaise.   Assemble sandwich with mixture and a lettuce leaf on 7 grain bread.

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School
Date: Tuesday, June 10th
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
The Prime Rib, 1701 Locust Street

The Sommelier Smackdown

A Special One-Hour Competition

Tickets (or Seats) Available: 20

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Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Tomorrow evening, Frank Cipparone, the Wine School’s resident Italian-wine expert, and I will do battle in a Smackdown for the ages. Planetary polarity may shift. Weather patterns could run amok. Children and grown men may very well weep. Indeed, the amount of energy generated by the CERN’s Large Hadron Collider will, in all likelihood, pale next to the element-shifting vino-passions unleashed on May 12th.

Or, you know, it could just be a tie.

Either way, things should get interesting: The rules this time are a bit different than they have been in the past. The menu includes two vaguely Italian courses and two kinda-French ones. And for the pairings, Frank is only allowed to use Italian wines, whereas I’ll be limited to those of l’hexagone. Strategy, as well as a real sense of creativity, will be crucial. For there is much more at stake here than the thrill of victory.

This time, nothing less than pride itself is on the line. And, perhaps, the future off the human race. (Vive la France!

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Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks

This recipe is a classic.

6 eggs
2 tablespoons mayonaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Dash of onion powder
paprika, for garnish

Hard-boil the eggs and the place into cold water immediately. Drain and chill in the refrigerator. Remove the shells, then cut each egg in half long-ways. emove the yolk from the white with a spoon. Mash the yolks until smooth and add the mayonnaise and mustard. The mixture should be thick. Add slt, pepper and onion powder, to taste. Carefully spoon into the whites and dust the tops with paprika. Cover with plastic wrap and keep chilled until you are serving.

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Just in case you start to pine as there will be no notes from
Sunday 11th May until Sunday 18th May..don’t worry…
I’ll still be drinking..but in the Black Forest….
no..not in the actual forest…but in our little hideaway..
Rebstock..Kappelrodeck-Waldulm
Don’t drink any bad wines while I’m away!!!

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