Wine Blog from The International Wine of the Month Club

Great Wines for Weddings and Other Big Events

June 13, 2014 by Don Lahey

Most of us look forward to weddings and parties, even though the reality is that the wines served at most such functions aren’t always the greatest… and that would be putting it mildly. So what can we do? As I see it, we have several options. We can do nothing and continue to allow banquet halls and event planners trying to maximize profits or minimize costs to choose the cheapest overpriced plunk they think they can get away with. But for anyone who enjoys wine, this is not a viable option.

The best option is to ask to bring in your own wine. Providing the corkage fee is not insane, you can often buy and provide better wine yourself for the same cost the caterer would charge for lesser plunk. Even if you pay a few dollars more, at least you know what you’re getting and how it tastes. To determine how much wine you will need, it helps to know the crowd, how many guests will likely drink wine and how many teetotalers there are. Once you get a bead on the number of guests, figure at least three glasses or a half bottle of wine per wine drinker. You can always adjust that number with the circumstances (availability of designated drivers and other alcoholic beverages, length and type of affair, etc.).

Now for the million dollar question? What should I serve? The answer to that question is simple: a variety of as many good white and red wines as you can afford, without confusing the crowd. If I had to pick a reasonable number of wines to offer, I would stick with five or six at most. For starters, a well made Italian Pinot Grigio or similar light white wine is a must. And for that, the 2012 or 2013 Lungarotti Pinot Grigio gets my nod. It’s not the cheapest, but it won’t break the bank either. And of course a decent Chardonnay is obligatory. Casarena from Argentina offers an excellent reasonably priced Chardonnay that will please both Old and New World Chardonnay drinkers. Among reds, Cabernet Sauvignon is the number one favorite, with Pinot Noir coming on strong and gaining favor over Merlot, though Syrah is increasingly a crowd pleaser these days, too. Again Casarena offers a reasonably priced wine in their Cabernet, and it’s better than good for a crowd. For Pinot Noir, why not consider Pietra Santa’s Estate Pinot Noir from Cienega Valley California or Sherwood’s Marlborough Pinot from New Zealand; both present themselves well at a fair price. Given the growing appeal of Syrah, I would choose Syrah over Merlot, unless you know the crowd is definitely into Merlot. Black Pearl from South Africa makes a reasonably priced Syrah that is second to none at the price, so have a party and enjoy!

Salud!
Don

Scott Ure’s Clams And Garlic

June 9, 2014 by Kristina Manning

This recipe is not only simple but is absolutely delicious! These clams are steamed open with wine and braise in their own juices making them perfect on their own with some crusty Italian bread or pour over pasta like linguine.

Serves 4

Ingredients

50 small clams in shell, scrubbed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Wash clams to remove any dirt or sand.

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; saute for 1 minute, or until tender. Pour in the white wine. Boil until wine has reduced to half its original volume.

Add clams, cover, and steam till clams start to open. Add butter, cover, and cook till most or all of the clams open. Discard any that do not open. Transfer clams and juice to 2 large bowls. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve.

Photo and recipe from www.AllRecipes.com

What the California Drought Means for Wine

June 6, 2014 by Don Lahey

Drought once again has become the subject of news releases, Twitter feeds and Wall Street speculation. Specifically, what does this year’s drought in California mean for American agricultural production, domestic and international food prices, and of course wine? Plenty, at least potentially. . . but not everyone gets it. Given that spring has barely sprung in many parts of the country, it may seem odd to those in other parts of the country that there is so much concern about drought in California so early in the year. And why all these dire predictions, you say? The simple answer is there just hasn’t been enough rain or snow this winter to supply enough water to sustain California’s formidable agricultural production – the largest in the nation. Little water means fewer crops. And guess what? It doesn’t rain much in California all summer. Consequently, water restrictions (rationing to put it more plainly) will be the order of the day, and for the next year, or more.

Water restrictions mean less crops will be planted and harvested, which translates into a decreased supply of all agricultural products in the face of increased demand. And we’re not just talking about strawberries and cauliflower. Wine will undoubtedly be affected as well, though perhaps not as much as some thirstier crops. Yet, less water during the growing season generally means smaller grapes and lower yields, and higher prices. It’s about supply and demand. Some vineyards will get by with drip irrigation and produce a decent crop, resulting in satisfactory wines. Dry farmed vineyards will almost certainly have smaller yields, though the quality emanating from those vineyards could range from mediocre at best to outstanding, depending upon how hot it gets and how severe the drought becomes. So what can we expect? Uncertain quality and higher prices for sure, unless a miracle happens. Pray for rain!

Salute!
Don

photo credit: dirkoneill via photopin cc

The Best Wine Travel Destinations – Part II

May 30, 2014 by Don Lahey

As a true lover of wine, any wine travel destination gets me excited. Yet, I have to admit, if asked to choose just a few such destinations, several come out on top. They are the destinations that have it all: great wine, fabulous food, extraordinary scenery, an interesting culture, and plenty to do and see between winery stops. In no special order, Italy – especially Tuscany and Piedmont – are must travel destinations for those who love wine. Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile, Chianti Classico, and powerful, complex, Super Tuscan reds are just a few enticing reasons to spend time in Tuscany. Let’s not forget Tuscany’s beautiful cities, (think Florence, Siena, Cortona, etc.), incomparable art, picture postcard scenery, and more good food than any of us can eat. The same can be said for Italy’s Piedmont, home to Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera Arneis, Moscato, and the finest Northern Italian cuisine.

Piedmont, too, has it all, but then so does France’s Provence, particularly the Vaucluse, which features Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the venerable medieval wine villages of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes de Venise to name just a few. In Provence, the air is fresh, the light scintillating, the people warm and friendly, and the food is nothing short of scrumptious. And we haven’t even mentioned the rolling fields of lavender and more to do and see in Provence than any ten trips could satisfy.

Last but certainly not least, the Western Cape of South Africa comes in second to none. By far the most beautiful scenery of any wine destination awaits the wine lover on Africa’s Western Cape. The Western Cape’s preeminent wine districts of Stellenbosch, Franschoek, Paarl, and Robertson also fashion an exciting array of wines made by a growing legion of young, talented winemakers. South Africa’s multicultural flavor adds to the experience as does nearby Cape Town, which offers everything a traveler could possibly want in a wine destination.

Yes, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, the United States, and several other countries, too, offer great wine travel destinations, but for the sheer amount of fine wine, relative ease of travel and the ability to satisfy almost every whim, the three choices above earn my picks as the best overall wine travel destinations.

Salute!
Don

Don’s May Collector Series Top Pick

May 28, 2014 by Don Lahey

I like Malbec, but I don’t love it – at least not most of the time. Why? I don’t have anything against the grape, only the way so many Malbecs are handled today. With the recent popularity of the grape, far too many Malbecs come to us in one of two forms: either as pleasant but otherwise innocuous quaffs or tannic monsters ready to rip our throats out and drag us into the next room. Do I really want to wait and see what happens next? Happily, the 2010 Casarena Jamilla’s Vineyard Perdriel Malbec falls into neither category and restores my faith in the noble Malbec varietal. Casarena’s single vineyard Malbec is truly the real deal, and for this reason it earns this month’s Collector Series Top pick. It offers deep, rich polished flavors that gain complexity with each passing sip. Casarena’s 2010 Jamilla’s Vineyard Malbec deserves the lofty 94 point score Decanter Magazine awarded it and that magazine’s choice as “Best Argentinean Malbec of the Year.” If all Malbecs were created equal, or least as good as the Jamilla’s Vineyard, who would ask for anything else? Not me!

Enjoy!
Don

Don’s May Premier Series Top Pick

May 27, 2014 by Don Lahey

May features four outstanding Premier Series selections from three countries on three continents: California, France and South Africa all make a formidable bid for this month’s Top Pick. In the absence of one clear standout, I am going with the home grown wine. Why? This is the first release of Signal Ridge, a delicious Champagne Method or to be more politically correct Traditional Method sparkling wine. Signal Ridge Bubbles Brut makes its debut with The International Wine of the Month Club. This frothy, friendly bubbly comes to us from the folks at Trinchero, who are proven leaders in fashioning outstanding quality and value using sustainable and organic viticulture. If you like being the first on the block to try something and a top notch sparkling wine that offers beautiful clean flavors and exceptional value is at all appealing; you’ll know why this wine garnered this month’s Top Pick.

Enjoy!
Don

Red Wine Burgers

May 19, 2014 by Kristina Manning

Grilling season is finally here and with Memorial Day just around the corner, these Red Wine Burgers will be a hit!

Ingredients:

1 cup pinot noir or good dark red wine
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 large sprig fresh rosemary
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese plus additional for serving
2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon (about 2-3 strips)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
Few cracks of fresh black pepper
4 ciabatta rolls

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan bring wine, brown sugar and rosemary to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until liquid reduces to 1/2 cup, about 7-8 minutes. Remove rosemary and set aside to cool, reserving 2 tablespoons for serving.

2. In a large bowl add ground beef, onion, gorgonzola, bacon, garlic, worcestershire, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of red wine reduction. Mix until combined. Form into 4 equal size patties.

3. Preheat grill or a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add burgers and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Flip and brush with some of the remaining red wine reduction and cook for 5-7 minutes longer. Flip again and brush with red wine reduction and cook until desired doneness.

4. Place burgers on rolls, drizzle with reserved reduction, top with additional cheese and serve.

If desired, slice a small red onion and cook with burgers in skillet. Serve on top of burgers with cheese.Quick bacon tip: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil and place desired amount of bacon strips on baking sheet. Cook for 18-20 minutes until crispy.

Recipe and photo are from: www.MotherThyme.com

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