Domaine de la Reuilly Pinot Gris Rose 2009 with Poached Salmon Salad with Lettuce and Asparagus
January 10, 2011
The Mrs.and I have been on a little bit of a healthy-eating kick since the start of the year. We didn’t make a formal resolution, we stopped doing that a while ago.
Everyone seems to more-or-less make the same promises to themselves each year, and normally end up breaking them after just a few weeks. All that I’m personally looking to achieve is to lose a few pounds through healthy eating and exercise, whilst at the same time not letting my “lifestyle” suffer too much.
With that in mind, for my first food pairing (healthy edition) of 2011 I chose Poached Salmon Salad with Lettuce and Asparagus. If you have caught any of my previous food and wine pairings, you will know that when it comes to the food I like to keep things simple: simple recipes and basic-fresh flavors. This meal took about 20 minutes start to finish, the prep couldn’t have been easier and involved minimal cleanup! A perfect Sunday recipe!
Posted in Pairings | Leave a comment //Sulfites – The Source Behind the Red Wine Headache?
January 8, 2011
Sulfites are the salts of sulfurous acid, which are naturally occurring in grapes which nature uses to prevent microbial growth. They are found in onions, garlic, and many other plants. Sulfites have been known to cause severe allergic reactions in certain individuals, (please note the word “severe”).
Through my wine studies, I once read that “If sulfites want to bother you, they will, possibly by triggering your untimely death!”
Sulfites are actually the only additives now in use that are known to kill people. Having said this, only 6 people have died in the U.S. since 1982 (6 too many I agree, but how many people have die from an allergic reaction to peanuts?)
Sulfites certainly do not cause headaches. There is however something in wine that does cause a headache, but research on it is very minimal. Some sources think it may be the cogeners which are an impurity normally found in a lower quality wine, or in dark alcohols. It also backs up, to some degree, the theory that cheap wines may give people headaches when expensive wines don’t.
Posted in Facts, News | Tagged Health, Sulfites | 7 Comments //Foley Wine Dinner: Monday, January 17th at ‘Town
January 8, 2011
Foley Wine Dinner: Monday, January 17th, featuring the wines of Foley
1st Course
Paprika Roasted Shrimp, Spanish olives, baby artichoke, fingerling potato
Sauvignon Blanc, Chalk Hill Russian River Valley 2008
2nd Course
Pan Roasted Local Snapper, grilled tropical fruits, cress, lime nage
Chardonnay, Foley ‘Steel’ Santa Rita Hills 2009
Plumpjack Wine Dinner at Matthew’s
January 6, 2011
Dr. ZenZen Dornfelder Ice Wine
January 6, 2011
Grape
Dornfelder (you’re forgiven if you’ve never heard of it before).
Facts
Dornfelder is a hybrid red grape of Germany that has been achieved by crossing the obscure grapes of Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe.
The grape does well in conditions that are usually more suited for white varieties i.e. the cold climate of Germany. Dornfelder is the second most grown red wine grape variety in Germany behind Pinot Noir (known as Spatburgunder).
Ice wines, when properly created (which the Dr. ZenZen is), must be made from grapes that are frozen on the vine – no artificial freezing is allowed. In other words, you can’t get a bunch of grapes, throw them in a freezer and try to make wine!
Posted in Reviews | 1 Comment //The No Sediment Bottle?
January 5, 2011
According to The Guardian online, a celebrated Spanish chef claims to have invented a wine bottle that captures sediment. Martín Berasategui, (three Michelin star chef), has added a chamber to the bottle to the bottom of the bottle ensuring that no sediment reaches your glass when poured. Berasategui also claims the shape of the bottle could do away with decanting.
"The bottle itself acts as a decanter thanks to its special shape," Berasategui wrote in a recent blog posting.
Posted in Facts, News | Leave a comment //← Older posts Newer posts →
