Snob Mosquitos
September 13, 2011
A Tour of the Languedoc
September 12, 2011
Pick up any wine book, and flip to the page on the Southern Languedoc region of France. More often than not, the term “wine lake” or “ocean of vines” will be used, usually within the first set of paragraphs.
No-doubt, the Languedoc certainly has some marketing challenges on its hands!
With wine history in the region dating back to Roman times, the Languedoc has had plenty of time to practice the art of winemaking. However, with juice being pumped out from over 700,000 acres (over 1090 sq. miles) and therefore making it the world’s largest wine region, quality undoubtedly can sometimes go by the wayside.
Growers in a combination of laziness and greed, all too frequently have a tendency to squeeze as many vines into an acre as possible; milking all the nutrients out of the earth, and resulting in wines which are thin and watery. Thankfully a new generation with a focus on quality has started taking over the reins of Languedoc vineyards, but of course the image of the “wine lake” will be hard to overcome. Nonetheless, the one ace card the “Sud” still has up its sleeve is the autonomy to plant what it wants, where it wants; a claim that regions such as Bordeaux, Rhone and Burgundy cannot make.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Tasting at The Grape Jacksonville
September 12, 2011
Tortoise Creek Pinot Noir Paired with Hanger Steaks with Wilted Spinach and Gorgonzola Sauce
September 9, 2011
The Mrs. wanted burgers, I wanted steak. Since it was my day off, and therefore my turn to cook: STEAK IT IS (WAS)!
Hanger Steak is one of my favorite cuts of meat, however, I think my brief stay in England a few weeks ago might have impaired my ability to grill red meat to a cooking temperature of rare. I’m serious! It’s a major problem over there, with most beef being served to the texture of shoe leather. I almost considered Photoshopping the above photo to make it appear more pink than it actually is, but I decided against it.
Because Hanger Steak has such a coarse grain, it should be cooked to a temperature of absolutely no more than medium-rare (my preference is rare), and sliced on a thin bias.
I don’t want to beat myself up too much about it, because this recipe for Hanger Steaks with Wilted Spinach and Gorgonzola Sauce is one of my favorite (and simplest) meals that I’ve put together this year. The only modification made was to season the steak heavily before throwing it on the grill, using a Hickory Smoked Salt that I picked up from my new favorite culinary store here in Jacksonville, Green Man Gourmet. Check them out!
Posted in Pairings | Tagged France, Languedoc, Pinot Noir, Tortoise Creek | Leave a comment //Sawgrass Wine Festival
September 9, 2011
Where
Thursday ~ Agua Grill, JJ’s Bistro, Sawgrass Marriott’s Augustine Grille & TPC Sawgrass
Friday ~ Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Saturday & Sunday ~ Under tents on the grounds of the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa and Sawgrass Village
When
Thursday, September 15 ~ Sunday, September 18, 2011
Schedule of Events
Thursday, Friday, 7:30 pm ~ Separate Beer, Liquor & Wine Dinners at Area Restaurants including the Aqua Grill, JJ’s Bistro, Sawgrass Marriott’s Augustine Grille & TPC Sawgrass ~ All proceeds benefits BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry)
Friday, 6 pm ~ Spanish Wine Seminar, Sake – The Premium Beverage of Japan, Jameson Whiskey Experience & Scotch Discovery
Saturday: 11am ~ Majestic Wines Master Sommelier Tasting; 12 noon ~ Irish Whiskey Experience
Saturday & Sunday, Noon to 4 pm ~ Wine Tasting
Saturday & Sunday, 12 noon to 6 pm ~ Retail Wine Sales Tent Open
For full event details visit: www.sawgrasswinefestival.com
Posted in Events | Tagged Jacksonville, Sawgrass, Wine Festival | Leave a comment //Hope Estate Merlot, Hunter Valley–Australia 2009
September 8, 2011
Grape
100% Merlot
Place
Hunter Valley, Australia
Price
$13.99
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