Taking the world one wine at a time.
Grape 100% Merlot Facts Merlot is believed to have received its name from an old French word meaning “young blackbird”. (Merle is the French word for several kinds of birds). Two components link the Merlot grape with blackbirds, the first being the grape’s dark blue color, and the second being the bird’s liking for the grape. The earliest recorded mention of the Merlot grape was in 1784, but the French were obviously growing it…
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Grape 100% Zinfandel Facts You might have seen the Cardinal Zin before with a different label. Cardinal Zin used to be a Bonny Doon project, but was acquired by Underdog Wine Merchants back in 2006. In their own words; “Underdog Wine Merchants is the champion of the more interesting, albeit sometimes misunderstood or under-appreciated wines and wine styles. In a word…the “underdogs” of the wine world.” Underdog isn’t just a wine importer, they…
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Lobsters and cupcakes, I think I can die now… Lobster’s on Christmas Eve is kind a of tradition, and it’s a tradition that I have no problem maintaining! Every Christmas Eve is the same, we have a small family get together where fresh lobsters play a starring role. With me being the Sommelier in the family I’m obviously in charge or bringing the wine. Now, when it comes to any kind of wine pairing, you…
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Wine: Landmark Vineyards Damaris Reserve Chardonnay 2008 Place: Sonoma, California Price: $40
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I can’t remember the last time I had duck. I know it must have been at a restaurant, but it’s been a while. Anyways duck is my favorite bird, to eat at least… This was a very cool recipe that I found for Braised Duck with Pinot Noir, Cherry Tomatoes and Grapes. It actually requires a whole bottle of Pinot Noir poured over the duck into a casserole dish ,and then braised in the oven….
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Grape 100% Pinot Noir. It’s thought that the word Pinot comes from the French word for pine or pinecone, this referring to the shape the grape bunch takes on the vine, and Noir coming from the French word for black. Pinot is a notoriously tough grape to grow due to its thin skin, which is why you often pay more for Pinot Noir than most other red wines. Facts Before we get started, I…
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I’m a big fan of meals that are easy, inexpensive and tasty; but who isn’t? This week I am featuring the Michael David Winery, and what better wine to pair with their Seven Deadly Zins than a burger? Recommended retail on the Seven Deadly Zins Zinfandel is around $14, making it VERY recession friendly. I selected a recipe for Beef-and-Lamb Burgers with Cheddar and Caper Remoulade, a fairly simple but extremely tasty recipe. I was…
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Grapes A blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot (hence the name, obviously). Facts The Petite Petit is a blend of the 2 grapes Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot. It isn’t considered “the norm” to blend these two grapes in this way, but the result it quite impressive! Petite Sirah originally comes from France’s Rhône region where it is referred to by the synonyms of Durif or Petite Syrah, however in California…
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On Saturday October 2nd I drove down to Orlando to attend the Conundrum wine blending seminar with winemaker Jon Bolta, the Epcot Food and Wine Fest and the Party for the Senses, ALL IN ONE DAY! Needless to say, I was exhausted by the end of it all, but I did manage to catch 5 minutes with Conundrum winemaker Jon Bolta… Kris Chislett: How long have you been with Conundrum? Jon Bolta: About 30 years….
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Grapes 100% Chardonnay Facts The Layer Cake Virgin Chardonnay is named for the fact the wine never comes in contact with any oak, all fermentation / aging is done in stainless steel tanks. In winemaker Jayson Woodbridge’s own words: “… I think a lot of wine drinkers are tired of the over-oaked Chardonnays that hide the floral and citrus characteristics and subtle varietal aromatics that a true Chardonnay should have.” The name Layer Cake supposedly…
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On Thursday October 15th, 2009, Sandra Bell with Bell Winery, Yountville, California, arrived in Jacksonville. Interview conducted at The Grape at St. Johns Town Center The Bell Winemaking Team: Sandra Bell 2nd from left, winemaker Anthony Bell far left. Kris Chislett Name? SHB: Sandra Hewitt Bell KC: Occupation? SHB: Wearer of many hats for Bell Winery! [Laughs] I actually take care of 6 markets for Bell and also hospitality and marketing at the winery. KC:…
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