tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88348846322744175862024-02-08T03:51:01.479-06:00Chicago Pinot (and Other Favorites)Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-42365905215910078092010-03-26T21:41:00.007-05:002010-03-26T22:00:59.443-05:00Moving Day!Just a quick note to inform you that I am moving my host site from Blogger to WordPress. Still not quite sure what that means, but I am told that WordPress allows more flexibility and features to the blog. I hope you follow me to my new home! Here's a quick reminder of <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">everywhere</span> you can find me online.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-weight: bold;">Chicago Pinot 2.0: </span> Available at <a href="http://chicagopinot.wordpress.com/">chicagopinot.wordpress.com</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-weight: bold;">Facebook</span>: Search for "<a href="http://www.facebook.com/dtrapasso">Douglas Trapasso</a>"<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-weight: bold;">Twitter:</span> Search for "<a href="http://twitter.com/demilove">demilove</a>"<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-weight: bold;">YouTube: </span> Search for my new wine videos at "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/chicagopinot">chicagopinot</a>"<br /><br />and you can still email me at <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">chicagopinot@gmail.com</span><br /><br />I hope we meet soon, either online, or in person at one of Chicago fine wine stores or wine events!Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-27537366954565601142010-02-27T13:46:00.003-06:002010-02-27T14:34:14.974-06:00It's Time for Open That Bottle Night!What's the most romantic holiday occurring every February? As opposed to that Valentine thing, I would make a case for Open That Bottle Night, which restaurants and couples throughout the world celebrate on the last Saturday in February. Created by former Wall Street Journal wine columnists John Brecher and Dorothy J. Gaiter, OTBN is their invitation to create a bond between a memorable wine bottle, and the special people in your life.<br /><br />John and Dorothy generously agreed to an email interview describing the evolution of OTBN.<br /><br />How did you come up with the idea for Open That Bottle Night?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">We listened to readers. When we began writing our “Tastings” column in 1998, we received the same question over and over again: “I have a cherished bottle of xxx that I received for my wedding (or was left by the father, etc.). When do I open it?” We always said the same thing: Open it this weekend and celebrate the memories that splash out! But finally we realized, wow, we should just all bite the bullet and open those bottles together. We set a date for September 1999 and the response was incredible. It turns out that everybody has a bottle like that!</span><br /><br /><br />What are some tips you have for making your OTBN extra special?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Open a bottle that really is special to you in some way, that brings back very special memories, that you might not otherwise ever open. This doesn’t necessarily mean the “best” bottle in your collection or the one that was most highly rated by someone else, but the one that will bring back the warmest, happiest memories.</span><br /><br /><br />Have you heard from wine stores and restaurants, regarding if<br />OTBN has provided any bump in business on that day?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Many restaurants over the years have had special events for OTBN and some – even the great Windows on the World -- waived corkage on that night. We certainly hope it helped business, but we know it made people happy and that’s always good for business.</span><br /><br /><br />Can you share some memorable stories from readers about their OTBN (or your own?)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">We have always had a soft spot for John Watson. He wrote us the very first year about his special wine and added: “Had we found an occasion last year to open this great ‘gift of the grape,’ my bride of over 50 years could have been present to enjoy this event in person rather than in spirit only.” We kept in touch with Mr. Watson after that and, because of wine, he ended up meeting a woman, Mary, and they ultimately married. They sent us pictures of their wedding, which really touched us.</span><br /><br /><br />Have you found that certain regions or specific wines make frequent appearances at OTBN? What are some of the more unexpected wines you have heard have been served?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">It depends on the year. During the fat years, there were a lot of cult Cabernets from California and first-growth Bordeaux. Jordan Cabernet has always been big. The biggest surprises to us are the ancient Blue Nuns and similar wines. We mean, gosh, it’s great that people are finally opening these wines, but what were they waiting for? It just goes to show that some wines, whatever they may be, are always too special to open.</span><br /><br /><br />Do you think there is something intrinsic about wine that makes it such a catalyst for memories, storytelling, laughter, that I have read in your book are often the best part of an OTBN?<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Absolutely. Smells and tastes spark memories in a way few things do. Far too much discussion of wine focuses on vintages, reviews and hints of leather, but what people really love about wine is how very, very personal every bottle is and how it connects us with people, places and good times in a very special way. OTBN is one way to reconnect with those good times.</span><br /><br /><br />Michael Bottigliero, who writes an excellent blog called <a href="http://www.windycitywineguy.com/">Windy City Wine Guy</a>, described his special wine he will be tasting with his special recipe for Farfalle al Salmone e Piselli (please email me for the recipe!)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">"For this I will be opening a bottle of '01 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo "Cicala". Barolo wines come from Piedmont in the Cuneo province, just southwest of Alba. They are made from the Nebbiolo varietal and produce wines which are lighter in color, but higher in acidity and tannin, and full bodied. They typically have essences of earth, roses and tar, along with ripe red fruit flavors. They react well with heavy sauces and both fat and proteins and the acidity matches well with tomato sauce. They were traditionally cellar aged for many years, to mellow the tannins and acidity, but new style producers have been making them a bit more ready to drink upon release, though it still is better that they age. Since the Cicala is an '01 vintage, I feel tonight is a great time to open it! I will be sharing it with my wife and a few candles, while we eat and watch our baby. Sounds like a great Saturday night to me!"</span><br /><br />Another blogger you should read is author/poetress Jacquee T, who writes <a href="http://www.aromanticsperspective.com/">A Romantic's Perspective.</a> Her thoughts should definitely inspire your Open That Bottle Night:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">"This is a fabulous celebration because we all have “that bottle” we’d purchased and earmarked for a special occasion. That we’d stashed in a place distinguished from other wines, to be opened “when ....”</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">We have visions of “when” that precious bottle is to be uncorked. A step up in the career, a new home, a homemade dinner by candlelight. Or we might rely on knowing when “when” arrives when we see it.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Either way we envision the occasion as grand, and quaint. And the wine set aside for it to be delicious, better with age, better with prolonged anticipation.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Yet the genesis behind “that bottle” is the initial purchase.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">One of my “that bottle’s” is from a trip to Spain. I love it because I’d purchased it during a magical trip. It could only be uncorked for a special occasion. Without that occasion, the bottle remained in its special place.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">“Open That Bottle Night” asserts permission I haven’t given myself to make the wine the occasion.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Given that, I realize the biggest anticipation behind “that bottle” is the people with whom I want to share it. When I do, I will tell them, with a toast, why I invited them."</span><br /><br />Please share with me your Open That Bottle Night stories, and I will include them in an upcoming post. And check out the <a href="http://www.openthatbottlenight.com/">Open That Bottle Night</a> website!Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-61065369484777488632010-02-12T16:41:00.007-06:002010-02-12T20:07:04.320-06:00Talking Valentines and Pinot with Anthony Terlato<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/S3XZ4_j36SI/AAAAAAAAAT4/jSz1XhVA6Rg/s1600-h/TFV_Pinot+Noir_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/S3XZ4_j36SI/AAAAAAAAAT4/jSz1XhVA6Rg/s320/TFV_Pinot+Noir_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437491698277542178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Anthony Terlato, the Chairman of Lake Bluff based <a href="http://http://www.terlatowines.com/">Terlato Wines International</a> has earned a reputation for quality wines sourced from vineyards throughout the world. Some of the brands he markets include Domaine Chanson from France, Santa Margherita from Italy, Angelo Gaja's wines from Italy, the classic Champagne house Bollanger and the Rhone based Michel Chapoutier. He produces wine at his family owned wineries Rutherford Hill in Napa and Chimney Rock in Stags Leap and Sanford in Santa Barbara. He also bottles under his own family name Terlato Family Vineyards, with grapes grown in Sonoma, Santa Barbara and Napa Valley.<br /><br />In his book, <a href="http://http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Life-Wine-Anthony-Terlato/dp/1572841060/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266026704&sr=8-1">Taste: A Life in Wine</a>, Mr. Terlato engagingly wrote about his fifty year career. Like the late Robert Mondavi, Mr. Terlato is one of a handful of American winemakers and executives who have promoted wine as a lifestyle; a desirable, almost necessary addition to the American diner's table.<br /><br />With Valentine's Day approaching and the release of Terlato Family Vineyard's first Pinot Noir, Mr. Terlato graciously agreed to a phone interview to discuss romance, Pinot, his career, and of course, more PInot!<br /><br />He first mentioned his preferences about Pinot Noir, and how he decided where to grow the grapes for this project. "I am a Francophile; I admire the California style of Pinot Noir, but prefer Burgundy. I represented some excellent Burgundy houses early in my career such as Louis Latour and Domaine Chanson. Several of my winemakers spent time in Burgundy houses, studying rootstocks and clones. We want to make the most French style possible and believe that the regions of Santa Barbara and the Russian River Valley are the most similar."<br /><br />This follows a pattern that he has applied to his other Terlato Family wines; finding the best region to cultivate a specific grape whether it's Stag's Leap for his Cabernet, Rutherford Valley in Napa for his Chardonnay and Dry Creek Valley for his Syrah.<br /><br />He described Pinot Noir as typically having a strawberry or raspberry aroma; using adjectives such as delicate, elegant and voluptuous; especially praising the wine of Domaine Trapet for its soft elegance. The best have a potential for aging that may not seem obvious at first because of their light color. "I still have some 1955's in my cellar that are softer now but more flavors become apparent over time."<br /><br />Mr. Terlato didn't specific recommend a Pinot Noir for a Valentine's Day dinner, but did mention that it might be a more appropriate choice than some more "vigorous" wines. He didn't give specifics, but (listen up, guys!) I suspect a Cabernet or a higher alcohol Zinfandel might work better on another occasion.<br /><br />After tasting his Russian River Valley Pinot, he recommended both some Old World producers (Domaine Dujac, Domaine Chanson in the Cote - d"Or) as well as the New World (<a href="http://http://www.rochioliwinery.com/">Rochioli Vineyards</a> from the Russian River Valley).Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-79378255420246851382009-08-14T08:21:00.000-05:002009-08-14T11:05:42.524-05:00Bottlenotes Tasting at MCAMy favorite tasting event this summer took place June 26 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The event called "Around the World in 80 Sips" was sponsored by <a href="http://bottlenotes.com/">Bottlenotes</a>, an online wine store/community whose president, Alyssa Rapp I profiled last November for this blog.<br /><br />Leaving aside the wine selection for a moment, I can compliment Bottlenotes and the event organizers for providing an excellent setting and atmosphere. The MCA provided plenty of space to move around, and seating in one of the back galleries where one could relax with some of the various breads and cheeses provided.<br /><br />Bottlenotes also provided a booklet with details about many of the wineries featured. Many wines were poured by the actual winemakers or other staff, and they were pleased to answer all my questions (even the dumb ones; I am sure I asked some of those too!)<br /><br />I took the opportunity to expand my palate by trying wines from countries such as Greece and Thailand, which are not always easily available. My favorite wine of the evening was a Pinot Noir (lucky guess!) from the Santa Lucia Highlands called Notoriety. Normally I am partial to the Burgundian (rocks, mushrooms, earch, etc.) style of Pinot over the more opulent California ones, but this had a little mixture of both, subtle cherry and blackberry fruit, and plenty of that sandy, stony French texture.<br /><br />Hopefully, Bottlenotes will return to the MCA for another worldwide tasting next year!Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-52059329331426283672009-08-12T08:22:00.000-05:002009-08-12T15:22:00.228-05:00BOKA Blind Tasting - Can you Name That Wine?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SnrykdNXifI/AAAAAAAAASk/plpLtj6pyCY/s1600-h/boka.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366868614095276530" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 102px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SnrykdNXifI/AAAAAAAAASk/plpLtj6pyCY/s320/boka.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SnryUL7UZmI/AAAAAAAAASc/AGzLGwt8Io8/s1600-h/untitled3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366868334578263650" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SnryUL7UZmI/AAAAAAAAASc/AGzLGwt8Io8/s320/untitled3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"><em>Can you name that wine?</em></span></strong><br /><br />A popular parlor game among wine nerds is "blind tasting"; the identifying of a wine simply by observing and tasting it. And by "identifying", I mean not only the grape variety, but also the country and vintage of the wine.<br /><br />As a sommelier in training (assuming I survived my first <a href="http://www.wset.co.uk/">WSET</a> test on August 2), I figured I should start practicing this, and Boka Restaurant on 1729 North Halsted is helping my untrained taste buds by hosting a free "Taste Your Palate" contest the first Tuesday of each month. The most accurate taster each month receives a $100 gift certificate to Boka; all players receive $10 off a $25 or more check if used the night of the contest.<br /><br />Just before the August 4 tasting, I spoke with Matt Schneider, General Manager and Wine Director of Boka, to explain the game to me, and hopefully pick up some pointers.<br /><br />There are four wines featured each month, and each player needs to identify the grape each wine is made from, and whether it comes from an Old World or New World country. Old World refers to countries such as France, Germany and Italy, i.e., they have made wine for hundreds, of years. Schneider identified some Old World wine characteristics which could include a rustic,<br />"barnyard" aroma, and more of a mineral feel on the palate. Wine made in New World countries (such as Austrailia and the United States) generally play up the fruit and structure.<br /><br />Schneider advises wine consumers to take notes, take the opportunity to try new wines, and if a wine particularly impresses you, to research it online.Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-22293258238619888252009-08-12T07:23:00.001-05:002009-08-12T14:28:07.764-05:00Join the Chicago Crushpad Team!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/Snrzsc7SPvI/AAAAAAAAASs/4H64_eCdw9s/s1600-h/Two+Pisces.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366869850970013426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/Snrzsc7SPvI/AAAAAAAAASs/4H64_eCdw9s/s320/Two+Pisces.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000099;"><em>The grapes for our wine will come from this vineyard, called Two Pisces!</em></span></strong></div><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><p align="left">If you ever wanted to create a wine from scratch, without the expenses of land and labor, then you need to seek out <a href="http://crushnet.com/">Crushpad</a>. Located in San Francisco, this is a "custom crush" facility in which makes wine for clients all over the country. You can delegate the winemaking as an individual or part of a team, and the Crushpad staff will customize your order based on your requests.<br /><br />A Chicago team is currently forming, and I had the pleasure of interviewing via email, the team's coordinator, Carol Ludwick. <br /></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000099;">How did you first come aware of Crushpad?</span></strong></p><br /><p>I read about the company several years ago and was intrigued from the start, but I joined a winemaking group for the first time last year when my husbandand I made Pinot Noir with a group out in San Francisco.</p><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Take me through the process of how the Chicago team will make our wine.</span></strong></p><br /><p>We've been assigned an awesome winemaker, Chris Nelson, who is a master with Pinot Noir. (He did ours last year as well.) He'll be leading us through the process from grape to glass. We'll start with a kick off party on <strong>September 9</strong> at <a href="http://tastefoodandwine.com/"><strong>Taste Food and Wine</strong> </a>where we'll taste barrel samples from a 2008 vintage produced from the same vineyard, Two Pisces (Sonoma), as our wine this year. He'll be sending either a video or notes for me to present and we'll learn how Pinot Noir is made, what makes it different/more finicky than other wines, etc.</p><br /><p>As the grapes mature, we'll be sent samples from our vineyard so we can taste them, and we'll be able to attend a virtual Crush Camp where members of the team can watch the sorting process live and ask questions. Members will have access to the abundant information on the Crushnet sitewhere they'll find what's called Winemaker's Minutes, segments that explain each step of the winemaking process. We will all become familiar with terms like de-stemming, cold soak, punch downs, brix and more. </p><br /><p>We'll be having a label design contest with the winner receiving 6 bottlesof our wine! This is a great opportunity for local artists to enjoy a bounty of premium wine while earning recognition for their work. </p><br /><p>The group will receive on-line updates about the progress of the wine as it makes its way from vineyard to bottle. </p><br /><p>We'll be able to watch the bottling live via Crush Cams. </p><br /><p>All group members will receive a tee shirt with the Community Crush Chicago design. We'll celebrate next year with a big release party when our wine arrives.</p><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000099;">What variety of grape will you work with, and have you tastedother wines made from that region/grape?</span></strong></p><br /><p>Crushpad has allocated a barrel of Pinot Noir from the Two Pisces Vineyard in Sonoma. This 10-acre biodynamically farmed vineyard sits on the southwestern edge of Petaluma. In this section of Sonoma, very chilly ocean breezes and fog are funneled through the Petaluma Gap, keeping temperatures up to 15 degrees cooler than the rest of the county. The moderate rainfall totals and cooler weather conditions are idyllic for growing high-quality Pinot Noir. This rolling hillside property features a variety of Dijon clones planted on 101-14 and SO4 rootstocks. I am a big fan of Pinot Noir and have enjoyed many from the Sonoma region.Our group will get to taste barrel samples from that same vineyard at our opening party.</p><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>What can participants learn about wine through their involvementwith a Crushpad team?</strong></span></p><br /><p>The beauty of it is, as much as they want to! I'm a wine geek, so I read every one of the Winemaker's Minutes so I could become familiar with the more technical side, but participants can dip in to the website and read blogs, connect with other wine lovers and learn as much as their interest allows.</p><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000099;">What is the cost to participate on your team? How can one register?</span></strong></p><br /><p>There is no cost to join the group, but we ask that participants agree to purchase at least one bottle of the wine, which is $26. You can register at Crushnet via this link:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.crushnet.com/groups/14405/community-crush-chicago" target="_blank">http://www.crushnet.com/groups/14405/community-crush-chicago</a></p><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#000099;">When you are done bottling your project, do you think you will drink your share right away, or will you cellar some of your bottles?</span></strong></p><br /><p>I've signed up for a 1/2 a case, so I will for sure be cellaring some of them to enjoy down the road.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-54529467178797998042009-07-21T06:49:00.007-05:002009-07-21T08:33:12.245-05:00Pours for Justice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SmWre3tUYHI/AAAAAAAAASU/cIUMHn8LKAo/s1600-h/Poursforjusticeinvite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360879478292897906" style="WIDTH: 415px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 284px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SmWre3tUYHI/AAAAAAAAASU/cIUMHn8LKAo/s320/Poursforjusticeinvite.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you are a wine lover, a supporter of free and fair trade and/or a<br />self-described “good government” advocate, Chicago Pinot invites you<br />to attend Chicago’s most unique wine event of 2009.<br /><br />Come join me on <strong>August 6</strong> from <strong>5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.</strong> at the <strong>Chicago<br />Cultural Center</strong>, for "<strong>Pours for Justice"</strong>, a benefit for the Illinois<br />Wine Consumer Coalition.<br /><br />The event will include a variety of unique wines available for<br />sampling, an auction, talks by VIPs on the necessity of changing the<br />thinking and laws concerning consumer access to wine and information<br />on how concerned Illinoisans can become involved in changing the law<br />in Illinois to assure consumers have real access to wine in Illinois.<br /><br />HB-429 was signed by then Governor Blagojevich one year ago, ending the<br />privilege Illinois wine consumers embraced for over a decade, allowing<br />them to purchase wine from out of state retailers.<br /><br />A 2005 Supreme Court <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granholm_v._Heald">decision</a> should have opened the fifty state<br />borders for more interstate wine shipping. Some states have<br />liberalized their shipping rules, but others, like Illinois, have used<br />this decision to make certain wine shipments more difficult or even<br />illegal.<br /><br />Come learn more about the cause, and learn how to regain access to<br />your favorite specialty wines!<br /><br />Tickets are $100.00 and are available at <a href="http://www.specialtywineretailers.org/donate.html">http://www.specialtywineretailers.org/donate.html</a> or call (707) 935-4424.<br /><br />For more information on the Specialty Wine Retailers Association, please visit <a href="http://www.specialtywineretailers.org/">http://www.specialtywineretailers.org/</a>.Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-25118443022549924902009-04-09T07:29:00.000-05:002009-04-09T08:32:28.776-05:00Poetry Night at The Book Cellar<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/Sd34W2GaVBI/AAAAAAAAARg/wwR4LiV4d1w/s1600-h/Poetry+Night.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322683405985010706" style="WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/Sd34W2GaVBI/AAAAAAAAARg/wwR4LiV4d1w/s320/Poetry+Night.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here’s a heads-up to a cool bookstore and wine bar in Lincoln Square (4736-38 North Lncoln Avenue). <a href="http://bookcellarinc.com/">The Book Cellar </a>has cool wine and sandwiches, and an eclectic book collection. They also frequently feature local authors reading from their work.<br /><br />This is short notice, but this <strong>Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.</strong> is Poetry Night, featuring Jenene Ravesloot, Barry Siegel, Laura Van Prooyen and Jacquee Thomas. I saw Jacquee at a tasting last night, after losing touch with her for several months. She has a sparkling wit and intelligence which definitely comes through in her writing and on her <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.jacquee-t.com">web site</a>.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I have to work at The Night Thing this Thursday, but I invite you to catch Jacquee and the other poets, and have a glass of wine on me! </div>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-61137971628407937482009-03-26T06:30:00.003-05:002009-03-26T06:38:22.268-05:00Guest Blogger Megan Presnall on Illinois Wine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/Scto8cpGkwI/AAAAAAAAARY/9Khu0pvS-lQ/s1600-h/IGGVA.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 70px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/Scto8cpGkwI/AAAAAAAAARY/9Khu0pvS-lQ/s320/IGGVA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317459172731032322" border="0" /></a><br /><p><span style=";font-size:100%;color:#000000;" >Let's welcome Megan Presnall, Director, External Relations for the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association! If you're like me, you probably don't think about or drink American wines other than California, Washington, Oregon, and maybe New York. But every state in the U.S. now has a legally recognized winery, so take some time to learn about and taste what our home state has to offer. Here's Megan!<br /></span></p><p><span style=";font-size:100%;color:#000000;" >The Illinois wine industry has exploded in recent years, growing from just 12 wineries in 1997 to more than 72 today. During this time, the acreage devoted to grape production has grown at a tremendous rate, and today Illinois is consistently among the top 12 wine-producing states. But while the industry’s recent growth has been phenomenal, Illinois also enjoys a rich winemaking tradition that dates back to the 1700s when French settlers in La Ville de Maillet (what is now Peoria) began bringing the winemaking expertise of their homeland to Illinois. The village now features a wine press and an underground wine vault.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-size:100%;color:#000000;" >Today the Illinois wine industry creates a direct economic impact of more than $253 million annually. The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association predict continued growth in the coming years as more visitors discover the genuine culture of Illinois Wine Country. Locally crafted wines are growing in popularity at both the state and national level. IGGVA is tapping into this passion by pairing wines with the homegrown sights and sounds of Illinois. The focus in the upcoming season is to invite a new social viewpoint into these efforts.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-size:100%;color:#000000;" >Illinois Wines have won acclaim in state, national and international competitions. From friendly vintners and affordable prices to unique varietals and award-winning wines, the more than 72 wineries and 450 vineyards across Illinois offer an enjoyable, close-to-home getaway. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a let-down-your-hair road trip with the girls, a genuine Illinois Wine experience is never more than a few hours away. The experiences to visitors at individual sites and along the Illinois Wine trails offered are diverse; ranging from the quaint bed and breakfast vineyard in the rolling hills of Southern Illinois to larger wineries offering classes, tours, tastings and even on-site chefs. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-size:100%;color:#000000;" >Illinois winemakers use different grape varieties to produce a diversity of high-quality wines. The top six grape varietals grown in the state cover more than 75 percent of the state’s total grape acreage. Five of these grapes—Chambourcin, Seyval, Vignoles, Chardonel and Vidal Blanc—are “French Hybrids,” developed by crossing French grapes, such as the Chardonnay often grown in France and California, with native American vines. This cross-pollination results in grapes that produce excellent wine, but that are less susceptible to the effects of extreme cold—making them ideal for the Midwest’s unpredictable weather. The other grape in the top six, Norton, originates from native American vines.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-size:11;color:#000000;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the viticulture and enology interests of Illinois through information exchange and cooperation among Illinois grape producers and vintners. For more information on Illinois Wine, please visit <a href="http://www.illinoiswine.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000000;">www.illinoiswine.com</span></a>. If you are on Twitter, you can also keep up-to-date by following <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ILLoveWine" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000000;">www.twitter.com/ILLoveWine</span></a></span><br /></span></p>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-46380916998512472822009-02-14T12:31:00.005-06:002009-02-14T13:04:55.179-06:00Wine 101 at Lush Wine and Spirits<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SVPgIUkroII/AAAAAAAAAPA/eQvQalc-uAI/s1600-h/Jane+and+Kristin+at+Lush+II.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283813221401862274" style="width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SVPgIUkroII/AAAAAAAAAPA/eQvQalc-uAI/s320/Jane+and+Kristin+at+Lush+II.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><strong><em><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" ></span></em></strong></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Jane on the left and Kristin on your right, hosted Wine 101 at Lush Wine and Spirits in Roscoe Village (cute hat, Kristin!)</span><br /><br />Once or twice a year, I like returning to the basics of wine. I enjoy hearing stories about its history or how its made, and how to differentiate varietals; it helps me better educate customers at The Night Thing, along with reinforcing my own wine knowledge.<br /><br /><a href="http://lushwineandspirits.com">Lush Wine and Spirits</a> offers unique wine classes throughout the year; their Roscoe Village team of Jane and Kristin gave seven of us a thorough overview of six common varietals along with tips on best experience the whole tasting ritual (sniffing, swirling, sipping and spitting).<br /><br />Our hostesses were friendly and casual; reminding us that the wine appreciation can seem complex and overbearing but really comes down to a few basics that anyone can master. Their mantra is keep experimenting, learn what your palate likes/dislikes, and try as best you can to put wine's flavors and textures into words you can understand.<br /><br />My favorite of the white varietals was our Riesling, a 2007 Richter Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett, from Mosel, Germany. That's a long name! But the most important word in that name is Kabinett, the semi-sweet ranking in the German classification. One misconception many wine drinkers have is that all Riesling wines are sweet. Au contraire! (OK, that's French, but I don't know the similar phrase in German!) Some Rieslings <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">are</span> sweet, and some have the pleasant aroma of the unleaded you feed your gas tank (BTW, are <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">all</span> filling stations self-serve now?)<br /><br />This Riesling had more of the spiky, tart "7-Up" texture I enjoy in Riesling. It really cried out for some Chinese or Thai food.<br /><br />From the Chardonnay grape, we tasted an unoaked from <a href="http://www.westcapehowewines.com.au/">West Cape Howe</a> of Western Austrailia, and an oaked version (much more common) from South Africa, the 2007 Vins d"Orracne. Unoaked Chardonnays provide a different completely different approach to nurturing this grape, and you really need to treat yourself to both styles. Most wineries, will note on their bottle label if their Chardonnay has not been treated in oak (they will age the juice in stainless steel, instead).<br /><br />I have a particular preference in Chardonnay; namely, the more rocks the better! I love the feeling of minerality on my palate; neither of the wines came near that taste profile, but I enjoyed exploring these different styles.<br /><br />From the red wine group, I fell in love with a Merlot costing just $9.50 from the Languedoc (2006 Delas); it featured a unique combination of rasberry with strong tannins. I also enjoyed (sigh) the most expensive wine of the tasting; a Paso Robles from <a href="http://tablascreek.com">Tablas Creek</a> (the 2005 Esprit de Beaucastel); strongly based on the Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah combination found often in the Rhone region of France (it also included some Counoise - that's pronounced Coon-wa). This just felt like an electric shock of sensations in my mouth; spice, smoke and a lingering finish.<br /><br />Please check out the <a href="http://lushwineandspirits.com">Lush web site</a> for their frequently updated blog and information on their future classes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><strong><em><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" ><br /></span></em></strong></span></div>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-65321212258295014232009-02-14T09:44:00.005-06:002009-02-14T09:49:08.444-06:00Pairing Food and Jazz with WineOne special by-product of the blog is that it's enabled me to reconnect with friends from my past. One family friend, Jeffrey Siegel, has his own blog, not about wine, but on the subject of jazz. You can read Straight No Chaser <a href="http://straightnochaserjazz.blogspot.com/">here</a>. Jeffrey is much more of an expert on jazz than I am on wine!<br /><br />He invited me to contribute to his latest blog post, with a Valentine's Day theme. If you experiment with our food/wine/music suggestions, please let <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">both</span> of us know how the combinations worked for you. Thanks!Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-30443569007923801012009-02-14T09:41:00.000-06:002009-02-14T09:43:51.319-06:00Be My Valentine (and Bring the Wine!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SZbmIReY3gI/AAAAAAAAAQw/uJMb1keAAP4/s1600-h/valentines-day-thumb8080873.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 199px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SZbmIReY3gI/AAAAAAAAAQw/uJMb1keAAP4/s320/valentines-day-thumb8080873.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302678641079541250" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />With Valentine's Day today, I thought it would be fun to query some Chicago wine experts, the following question:</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >"What's the most romantic bottle of wine you have ever drank?"<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kyle McHugh of <a href="http://www.drinksoverdearborn.com/">Drinks Over Dearborn:</a><br /><br /></span></span></span>"On my first visit to <a href="http://bernssteakhouse.com/">Bern’s Steak House</a> in Tampa, Florida, I shared a bottle of 2002 <a href="http://www.vanduzer.com/">Van Duzer</a> Dijon Blocks Pinot Noir with my girlfriend Kelli. If you’re a fan of great food and wine, Bern’s is like Willy Wonka’s factory – I spent an hour just reading the menu and perusing the encyclopedia-esque wine list. Over this great bottle of Pinot from my homeland (I grew up about 30 minutes north of the Willamette Valley), I asked Kelli to live with me. We are now engaged and getting married in October of ’09. I don’t know if it was me or the wine that sealed the deal, but I’ll let the Van Duzer take a lot of the credit!"<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ></span></span> </div><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>From Rachel Driver, of <a href="http://www.lushwineandspirits.com/">Lush Wine and Spirits</a>:</div><div> </div><br /><div>2004 <a href="http://saxumvineyards.com/">SAXUM</a> 'Heart Stone Vineyard', Paso Robles, California. This wine is all out sexy. Although I gravitate toward fairly eclectic, dry, dusty and austere Italian reds by default, I didn't want to think about my wine this particular evening. I wanted something lovely, delicious, and very accessible. Hence, the Saxum. Purchased from Lush in 2007, our very first 3 bottle allocation of Saxum, I drank the 'Heart Stone' by candlelight paired with a homemade, handcrafted Valentine's Day meal. Saxum is the 'estate' project of Justin Smith, meant to showcase the terroir of the James Berry Vineyard and the Templeton Gap...rocky calcareous soils, steep hillsides, and cooling ocean breezes speak through these wines. Yields are kept extremely low, fruit is handpicked at the peak of ripeness, and a minimalist approach is utilized in the cellar. Justin produces beautiful, structured, textured 'big' wines.<br /><br />Tasting Notes:<br />This Central Coast blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre pours a deep, plush purple. Immediately, the nose is an intense array of black pepper and black fruit, a touch of toasty vanilla oak, and just a hint of dusty dark chocolate. The palate mirrors the aromas and builds with white pepper, weathered leather, blackberry and silky dark chocolate. This wine definitely tastes of West Side Paso...deep, rich, and full of spicy tannins. Definitely a sensuous, racy number...not shy, but flashy and rather elegant all at once. Yum!<br /></div><br /><div><br />From Anne Markovich-Girard of <a href="http://robertkacherselections.com/">Robert Kacher Selections</a>:</div><br /><div>A bottle of Mas de Guiot Rose, on the deck, with grilled salmon, with my husband on a perfect July evening.<br /></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>From Brian Wiig of <a href="http://www.flowwinegroup.com/">Flow Wine Group</a>:</div><div><br />Definitely when Meg and I enjoyed Ceretto Barolo 1997 with pizza in the moonlight on the Amulfi coast. It was a "life" experience!<br /><br /><br />From Michael Bottigliero of <a href="http://enowinerooms.com/">Eno</a> and <a href="http://windycitywineguy.com/">Windy City Wine Guy</a>:<br /><br />The most romantic bottle of wine I have ever drunk? I would normally like to say it was a red, but due to the story behind it, I would have to say Principessa Gavia Gavi. A young Italian Princess named Gavia ran away with a handsome soldier, against the wishes of her father. When news of their romance spread though the countryside, the father forgave them and threw a huge wedding. He gave them the town they were hiding in and named it Gavi along with the wine which the town produced.<br /></div><br /><div>Gavi is made from the Cortese varietal in Piedmonte. This particular wine is light and floral, with crisp acidity, lime and baked lemon flavor. It also has a hint of sparkle and white wine spice. A great value under $15 as well.<br /></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-65804387115275728892009-02-08T21:51:00.007-06:002009-02-14T13:24:30.791-06:00Burgundy 101 with Martin Sinkoff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SZcZ9KuavXI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/i7Mslgc2CVE/s1600-h/1small.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SZcZ9KuavXI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/i7Mslgc2CVE/s320/1small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302735624893807986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">The Chablis of Domaine Christian Moreau Pere & Fils were among the Chardonnays featured at Frederick Wildman & Sons recent Chicago tasting (father Christian and son Fabien are pictured here).</span><br /><br />Last week, I received an invitation to a special wine tasting here in Chicago. On February 5, New York City based importer Frederick Wildman and Sons, conducted a private tasting of 2007 Burgundy. This was my favorite kind of tasting because it focused on just a couple of varietals (in Burgundy that means Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), and it wasn't too crowded. Often, when an importer or distributor hosts a tasting, you get an opportunity to talk with the actual winemakers. This kind of event really brings out the wine brainiacs; I overheard many conversations about climate and oak and harvest challenges.<br /><br />While taking in all of the delicious wine and food, I knew I needed a basic primer about this particular region, whose wines are usually priced outside my budget. Martin Sinkoff, Director of Marketing for Frederick Wildman and Sons, emailed me answers to several questions I had about Burgundy and the 2007 vintage.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><br /><br />1.) For those drinkers familiar (maybe overly familiar) with American Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, what style and taste differences will they notice when they first taste Burgundy?</span><br /><br />Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as grown and made in Burgundy are to California versions as ready-to-wear clothes are to haute couture. You can wear both but they don't feel the same. The first is serviceable; the second, ethereal. Burgundy in its white and red expressions is at once refined, elegant, powerful, deep in flavor and utterly memorable. It is an experience not just a drink. As young wine lovers grow in their taste, the will come to discover Burgundy just the way young music lovers who grow up on rock music come to appreciate jazz, classical music or opera.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">2.) Do you have some suggestions on how to assemble a mixed case of Burgundy that will reflect all the different nuances of the region?</span><br /><br />I suggest<br /><br />1 bottle each of:<br /><br />Jean Jacques Vincent Pouilly Fuisse "Marie Antoinette" 2007<br /><br />Potel-Aviron Fleurie 2006 or 2007<br /><br />Chateau de Chamirey White 2006 or 2007 (Mercurey)<br /><br />Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc "Les Setilles" 2007<br /><br />Olivier Leflaive Puligny Montrachet 2006<br /><br />Domaine Darviot-Perrin Chassagne Montrachet RED 2006<br /><br />Domaine Jacques Prieur Meursault "Mazery" 2006<br /><br />Nicolas Potel Savigny-les-Beaune 2006<br /><br />Nicolas Potel Volnay "Vieilles Vignes" 2006<br /><br />Domaine Humbert Bourgogne Rouge 2006<br /><br />Domaine Damoy Gevrey Chambertin 2006<br /><br />Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis "Vaillons" 2007<br /><br />This mixed case will take the wine lover from south to north, from red to white, from Beaujolais to the Cotes de Nuits and on to Chablis and will allow the first experience of Burgundy in its depth and breadth.<br /><br /><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">3.) At today's tasting, two phrases I heard a great deal were "single vineyard" and "old vines". Can you explain why these terms are important and what they contribute to great Burgundy?</span><br /><br />"Single Vineyard" is important because it means that the wine is expressing itself very specifically from one vineyard. Burgundy is all about the expression of place and time and the more specific that is, the more valuable. It is like listening to a single violin rather than the orchestra.<br /><br />"Old Vines" is important because the older the vines, the greater the expression. Old vines draw their "voice" from a deep root system that can express the full minerality of its vineyard.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">4.) What were some of the climate (and other) challenges to growing and harvesting in Burgundy in 2007?</span><br /><br />2007 was a "backward" vintage: hot spring and cool summer. Finding optimum ripeness for maximum expression was the challenge in this and in all vintages. Ultimately the wines of 2007 are very precise, very fine, small boned, elegant and delicious. It is a lovely vintage in white and in red.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">5.) The winemakers present also discussed which oak (and how long) they used for aging their wines. Some winemakers didn't use oak at all. What are the flavors different types of oak can impart?</span><br /><br />Oak is used to age wines and is like adding salt or pepper to a sauce. When done well you can't taste those ingredients but you know the dish is delicious. Different wines take to oak differently. Very unruly tannic wines need oak ageing more than delicate reds or whites. Some wines cannot tolerate oak or new oak at all (such as Chablis). Excessive oak makes wines taste simple; like vanilla ice cream.<br /><br /><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">6.) When will we start receiving these wines in the Chicago market, and what are some of the stores and restaurants you have supplied in the past?</span><br /><br />The 2007 wines will start arriving now and continue to arrive through the year. The Moreau Chablis are already here. All good stores and restaurants in Chicago-land can find these through our distributor, Signature Wine Merchants (Southern Wine and Spirits).<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">7.) Would you say there is any kind of "sibling rivalry" between Burgundy and the other major wine regions of France?</span><br /><br />No. Burgundy shares with the other great wine producing regions of France a secure sense of deep identity and pride in its extraordinary qualities. If there is a rivalry it would be between Burgundy growers and growers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the new world who pretend to equal Burgundy in quality or style.Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-64859566159782721352009-02-03T22:18:00.012-06:002009-02-04T11:56:21.726-06:00Interview with Jessica Bell of the Midwest Wine School<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SYkholNyCDI/AAAAAAAAAQo/BKSvkKtSMEQ/s1600-h/Jessica+CdP.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298803417646499890" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SYkholNyCDI/AAAAAAAAAQo/BKSvkKtSMEQ/s320/Jessica+CdP.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,153); FONT-STYLE: italic">Your teacher, Jessica Bell, and her husband, among the vineyards of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chateauneuf</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">du</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pape</span>.</span><br /><br />If you're starting to read Chicago <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pinot</span>, and other wine blogs, or deciding you want to finally learn how to dissect that wine list, maybe taking a wine class should go on your to-do list. Chicago wine stores often feature one night classes that provide a basic overview. But if you are looking for a more thorough treatment, or researching a career in food and wine service, consider the <a href="http://midwestwineschool.com/">Midwest Wine School</a> and the classes taught by Jessica Bell.<br /><br />Jessica began her wine school in Milwaukee, in 2006, and will visit Chicago on Sundays to teach her intermediate and advanced classes. Her curriculum is based on the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, which was created in Great Britain, and is taught in over forty countries and has been translated into thirteen languages.<br /><br />Jessica is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WSET</span> certified, and has passed all the diploma exams. She has also passed challenging examinations sponsored by the American <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sommelier</span> Association and the Spanish Union of Winetasters based in Madrid. After leaving the fast-paced world of investment banking in the early 1990's, she worked at a Spanish winery, as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sommelier</span> for The Modern, an acclaimed New York City restaurant, ("many eighteen hour days!") and has contributed wine and lifestyle features for the Milwaukee ABC station <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">WISN</span>.<br /><br />She described to me the differences between her Intermediate and Advanced classes: "The intermediate class (nine weeks) is more grape oriented, I focus on about ten of the most common grape varietals and their main characteristics. It's designed for students who already have a strong interest in wine, OR those already working in the retail or service industries. This class concludes with a fifty question multiple choice test which is very manageable if you read and study the book and class materials."<br /><br />The advanced class (sixteen weeks) requires much more self discipline: "It's recommended that you study four hours for every two spent in class. We focus more on individual regions instead of grapes. Also, we spend time focusing on current market trends, because the wine world is always changing. The final exam combines multiple choice, short answers to analytical questions (example: If your restaurant is out of a customer's first choice for a bottle, what would you recommend and why?) and a fifteen minute blind tasting."<br /><br />Jessica's graduates have come from a variety of industries. "I have seen a number of career switchers; one is a former professor who is now the Online Marketing Manager for <a href="http://terlatovineyards.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Terlato</span> Vineyards</a>. A nurse who took my course is now working for a distributor. Several others have opened wine stores, and I have heard from several servers who express more confidence in handling difficult customers."<br /><br />The Midwest Wine School begins February 8 at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute at 361 West Chestnut. Please email Jessica at <a href="mailto:jessica@midwestwineschool.com">jessica@midwestwineschool.com</a> or call 414-326-7736 for more information.<a href="http://terlatovineyards.com/"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></a>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-33485951734849375292009-01-24T13:00:00.008-06:002009-01-24T13:36:55.600-06:00Illinois Wine Consumers Unite!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SXtlphLulXI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Of-IQKCxeHM/s1600-h/6a00d8341c64d253ef010536dac649970b-800wi.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 219px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SXtlphLulXI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Of-IQKCxeHM/s320/6a00d8341c64d253ef010536dac649970b-800wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294937550860752242" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SXtlphLulXI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Of-IQKCxeHM/s1600-h/6a00d8341c64d253ef010536dac649970b-800wi.jpg"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >If you love wine and are committed to the principle of free trade, you should join this group!</span></span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span lang="RU" style="font-size:11;"> </span></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:11;color:black;" lang="RU" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“The Illinois Wine Consumer Coalition and its members provide a voice for Illinois wine consumers. Our foundational principle is that Illinois consumers should have full access to the wines of their choice from both Illinois and out-of-state wineries and retailers. A well-regulated and efficient wine market demands full access to all wines for adult Illinois consumers. ”</span><br /><br />That quote come from the organizers of the <a href="http://www.illinoiswineconsumers.org/">Illinois Wine Consumer Coalition</a>, a grassroots project that officially opened its website this week. You should join this organization, in order to increase Illinois consumers' access to the entire wine universe.<br /><br />A brief history lesson now, which you may not have received from our Illinois newspapers and television stations: Last summer, HB-429 was signed into law by Governor Blagojevich. This law allowed one positive for Illinois wine lovcrs (allowing for the shipment of wines directly by the winery, provided they pay for an access permit), but took away one important right which consumers valued for fifteen years (the ability to order from out of state retailers or over the Internet).<br /><br />It's easy to take wine availability and access here in Illinois, especially in Chicago. There are plenty of local retailers, both large and small, with exciting selections (just see some of my favorites on the left side of this blog). We can even buy wines in supermarkets (try that in New York City, or my parents' home state of Connecticut). The amount of competitors help keep prices lower than in other regions.<br /><br />But sooner or later, you will read about or hear about a wine that you just can't get here in Illinois. Maybe you read a review in a Wine Porn magazine that intrigues you. Or maybe Gary V. on that <a href="http://tv.winelibrary.com/">Wine Library</a> video blog raved about something that is unavailable with every store you checked. If this wine isn't available in the portfolio of a local middleman (distributor), you have to order direct (kind of hard if it's a foreign wine), or go without.<br /><br />The Illinois Wine Consumer Coalition seeks to make consumers aware of this issue with the ultimate goal to repeal 429 and return free consumer wine choice to Illinois consumers. Should this happen, I doubt that any local stores will go out of business (most of my wino friends spread their purchases across several stores), and won't lead to more underage drinking (how much wine do <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">you</span> remember drinking in your high school and college days)? Please join me in this group and keep reading my blog for updates about their progress.<br /><br />P.S.: Listen for an interview from Gretchen Neuman and MaryAnne Spinner of the Illiniois Wine Consumer Coalition this <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, January 25</span>, at <span style="font-weight: bold;">1:00 p.m.</span> on <a href="http://chicagoprogressivetalk.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WCPT-AM</span></a>.<br /></span></span><span style=";font-size:11;color:black;" lang="RU" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><br /></span><span style=";font-size:11;color:black;" ><br /><br /></span></div></div></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);"></span>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-74148010539643575892009-01-13T22:23:00.005-06:002009-01-13T22:59:02.343-06:00New Year's Wine ResolutionsWith the arrivial of 2009, it’s time to look at old habits, see what’s working in one’s life, and which aspects need fresh thinking. When the subject turns to wine, several bloggers have already weighed in with their own resolutions for 2009. Hopefully I can keep all of these fairly simple promises to myself, and if not, you readers will not feel the need to remind me!<br /><br />First is to continue to try new varietals, especially ones from countries not considered the "Usual Suspects" when it comes to fine wine. If you go to the website of the <a href="http://winecentury.com/">Wine Century Club</a>, you can download their application form, which lists more winemaking grapes then even many sommeliers know about.<br /><br />The next resolution is to truly understand my palate, and its likes and dislikes both for wine and for different food and wine combinations. Don't feel you have to like everything a wine server or friend suggests you try (even if I am your friend!)<br /><br />In order to clarify my wine tastes, I need to take more notes when I drink. This is a hard one for me. I have a wine log on <a href="http://cellartracker.com/">CellarTracker</a>, and most of my wine purchases are entered there, but my notes are limited. Even a few words will provide a permanent record of a particular experience (and if I can remember to write what I ate with the wine, that provides more of a context).<br /><br />Fourth is to comment frequently on other blogs and wine bulletin boards. The best learning experience for wine, of course, is regular tasting with friends: laughing, flirting, telling jokes, talking politics, and oh yes, discussing the wines in question. But online forums are aplenty; most of the Wine Porn mags have one, along with CellarTracker, <a href="http://erobertparker.com/">Robert Parker</a> and <a href="http://tv.winelibrary.com/forum">Wine Library</a>. And there are hundreds of blogs, much more professional than this one, where I can share my notes, and get suggestions for future bottles to try.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><br />The last resolution can help my career, my cultural awareness, and my wine knowledge, and that is to learn a foreign language. Especially when tasting wines from outside the states, with those intimidating labels, a familiarity with the language can help me understand and appreciate what's in my glass more intimately.<br /><br />Have <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> made any resolutions relating to wine in 2009? Please share in the comments or send me an email!Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-36393892895306630012009-01-13T22:00:00.013-06:002009-01-13T22:21:02.181-06:00Looking Back on a Year of Tasting<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">It’s time to look back on some favorite moments from this past year, most of them involving wine. Of course, one of my high points is starting this blog and sharing my limited (but expanding) wine knowledge with all of you!<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Around the time I began Chicago Pinot, I received a wonderful opportunity to work in a wine department (which I refer to on this blog as The Night Thing), very near my South Side home. I want to personally thank Tracy Liang for giving me this chance, and I hope that every customer and potential customer I met in 2009 felt they received positive customer service from our wine team. We are planning a major expansion of our store this winter; so hopefully you’ll have a much broader wine inventory to choose from very soon!<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">In late October, I spent a weekend in Sonoma County with almost two hundred fellow bloggers for the first Wine Bloggers Conference organized by the online group </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://openwineconsortium.org/">Open Wine Consortium</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">. In addition to meeting several of the writers who inspired me to start blogging, I learned strategies for promoting the blog, aesthetic and technical improvements I can make to it (working on that!) and how to maintain personal ethics when writing about such a glamorous subject.<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Our two keynote speakers both provided inspiration, but in very different styles. Friday night, <a href="http://tv.winelibrary.com/">Wine Library TV</a> ringmaster Gary Vaynerchuk gave us his usual YOU CAN DO IT! pep rally. Sat</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">urday night, along with a delicious dinner served at Sebastiani Winery (</span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://wineindustryinsight.com/?p=89">under new management now, sigh</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">), author and blogger </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://alicefeiring.com/">Alice Feiring</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> gently reminded us not to sell out our values or convictions, and to never forget the history and majesty of wine. If Gary V. is the wine media’s Oprah, then Alice qualifies as its Dr. Laura; insisting (maybe a little stridently) on maintaining personal and professional integrity at all times.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We also took a tour of our choice of six different appellations within Sonoma valley (my choice, Russian River Valley, where Pinot Noir reigns). Oh and we drank wine. Lots of wine. All weekend. (Sorry I don’t have any pictures of that!)<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SW1hZsDu61I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/5Fo9YuUdab0/s1600-h/RRV+%235.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 224px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SW1hZsDu61I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/5Fo9YuUdab0/s320/RRV+%235.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290992231181642578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I do have some pictures</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">of our hike, though!</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SW1eezcjYfI/AAAAAAAAAPw/P9ZMALY-eFg/s1600-h/More+Grapes+%232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 193px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SW1eezcjYfI/AAAAAAAAAPw/P9ZMALY-eFg/s320/More+Grapes+%232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290989020529254898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SW1dJAV1MNI/AAAAAAAAAPg/qACOrd8a1BI/s1600-h/RRV+%231.jpg"> </a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">When not working at The Day or The Night Thing, you probably saw me at one of the numerous tastings and classes taking place throughout Chicago. Some of the larger events I’ve attended, such as this one in </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://windycitywinefestival.com/">Millennium Park</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">, are starting to lose interest for me. Between the crowds, the lines, and the difficulty of truly concentrating on each individual tasting, these “wineapaloozas” are fun if you go with friends and just want to acquire a lingering buzz to start your weekend, but they don’t add too much to your wine vocabulary.<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Much better were the single grape classes that </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://justgrapes.net/">Just Grapes</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"> conducted this past summer. I only attended one meeting (about Pinot Grigio), but I hope they repeat the series in 2009. This series focused on one varietal each night; and served six different examples of it. A group of no more than thirty of us swished, tasted, and discussed (and argued a little too), all in the name of getting a real clue to what flavors and textures a wine-producing grape or region can offer.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SW1futWVrjI/AAAAAAAAAP4/5iN1pIxhWFA/s1600-h/Rhone+Map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SW1futWVrjI/AAAAAAAAAP4/5iN1pIxhWFA/s320/Rhone+Map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290990393282113074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Rhone if you want to!</span><br /></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">One of my favorite regions for vino is the Rhone Valley in France. In September, at one of those “mega-tastings” out in Rosemont, Megan Wiig, conducted a free-with-admission seminar about the Rhone, where power, juicy acidity and (potential) affordibility all combine.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">I also have fond memories of the wine meetups I have attended. The greater Chicago area must have at least a dozen wine groups you can join through </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://meetup.com/">Meetup</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">. Throughout the summer, Hertha Meyer's group met at Millennium Park for its series of free concerts. Everyone brought some food or wine, and many new friends were made. And one-woman dynamo </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/">Joelen Agram</a> held monthly gatherings at her home where different varietals were studied throughout the year.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">In 2009, I hope to expand my wine knowledge by attending more tastings, making new contacts in the industry and hopefully, conversing with many new readers of this blog (hopefully keeping this all within a realistic budget). I'll see you wherever a bottle is about to get poured!</span>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-83535110699009541962008-12-25T13:02:00.003-06:002008-12-25T13:10:03.876-06:00Two Torrontes - Tetra and Glass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SUemreb1e4I/AAAAAAAAAOg/CAQc_soqVQ4/s1600-h/Two+Torrontes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SUemreb1e4I/AAAAAAAAAOg/CAQc_soqVQ4/s320/Two+Torrontes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280372353949596546" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><br /><br /><br /><br />On the left, the Tetra-Pak protected Yellow + Blue, on the right, something in a (deep breath), glass bottle (ooh!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Today I look back on a week of tasting two different Torrontes, a varietal native to Argentina. The two contenders are a 2008 from Yellow + Blue, packaged in an environmentally-friendly Tetra Pak, and the 2007 Familia Zuccardi Santa Julia, made from organic grapes, and packaged in that old-school, enviromentally-evil container known as . . . glass.<br /><br /><br />The Santa Julia was purchased at Sam's, for about $9.00; this was purchased to give a comparison to the Yellow + Blue which came as a gift from K.C. Geen of <a href="http://golinharris.com/">GolinHarris</a>.<br /><br /><br />Before reporting on the wines, a quick glimpse at the Torrontes grape and an overview into Tetra Pak packaging.<br /><br /><br />On the <a href="http://torrontes.com/">Torrontes.com</a> website, Susan Balbo of the Dominio del Plata Winery, wrote a mouth-watering description of the grape:<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">“Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, with hints of peach pit, flowers, and orange citrus fruit. On the </span></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-style: italic;">palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with enticing fruit flavors that keep you coming back for another </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-style: italic;">sip, and plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavors. Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry, this wine </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-style: italic;">has to be tasted to be believed. Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-style: italic;">meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, and seafood. Great partner for spicy food and Thai as well."</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><br />You can read about Tetrapak at (where else?) <a href="http://tetrapak.com/">Tetrapak.com</a>. The packaging consists of a combination of plastic and aluminum coated paperboard, and is frequently used for milk and juices. It can easily preserve such liquids for several months. The wine industry has been slow to adopt Tetra Pak, but it's light weight and lower cost than glass may make it more common in the future.<br /><br /><br />So, what about the wines? The Yellow + Blue's nose reminded me of peach, tangerine and pineapple, while the Santa Julia evoked grass and pineapple, but much more faintly. On the mouthfeel, the Yellow + Blue produced a sharper acidity than the Santa Julia, and more of an orange component versus the grapefruit of the Santa Julia.<br /><br /><br />Surprisingly, the freshness and lively fruit of the Yellow + Blue didn't fade until the fourth and final day of tasting, while the Santa Julia, even on the second day, started to lose some of that energy.<br /><br /><br />It's really a personal preference which wine you would enjoy more; if you are more into the orange and tangerine flavor, and a really sharp tangy flavor, go with the Yellow + Blue; if you prefer a little more body in your white wines, go with the Santa Julia.<br /><br /><br />Hopefully, other wineries will experiment with Tetrapak packaging; I tell many customers at The Night Thing that it's not the packaging that matters, it's what's inside the packaging!<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><br /></span><div></div>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-68308469334885973862008-12-24T14:49:00.008-06:002008-12-24T17:12:48.271-06:00Where is the Wine? At LocalWineEvents.com<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SVKg-rfRqUI/AAAAAAAAAO4/aDcYACdh5Yw/s1600-h/localwine.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283462311545252162" style="WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 80px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SVKg-rfRqUI/AAAAAAAAAO4/aDcYACdh5Yw/s320/localwine.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>I've been asked at a few recent tastings how to keep informed on all the wine events taking place in greater Chicago. The most thorough website listing events is <a href="http://localwineevents.com/">LocalWineEvents.com</a>, a national clearinghouse for tastings, dinners and wine classes. </p><p><br /></p><p>Founder and developer Eric V. Orange created this site in 2000, and has listed close to 200,000 events since then. </p><p><br /></p><p>When I look at the Chicago listings for any random month, I feel that, compared to other cities, Chicago is quite fortunate to have such an active and thirsty market for wine education and socializing. </p><p><br /></p><p>Eric also has a place on his site for wine blogs; readers can vote their favorites higher up his list. Chicago Pinot ranks a distant #419 right now. I could sure use some votes from my fans!</p>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-88370183245430698222008-12-24T13:38:00.002-06:002008-12-24T14:48:17.918-06:00It's Not a Wonderful Ad Campaign<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SVKf8RKgpuI/AAAAAAAAAOw/pz6B5gnip-Q/s1600-h/Not_so_Wonderful.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283461170607466210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SVKf8RKgpuI/AAAAAAAAAOw/pz6B5gnip-Q/s320/Not_so_Wonderful.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">It's a fuzzy photo from my cell phone, but hopefully you can make it out. Here is a banner advertisement seen this past week on the #6 CTA bus. You may recognize the typeface as well Donna Reed and James Stewart listening in on their phone (don't you miss those old school phones?)</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">No, Donna and James are not promoting another airing of It's a Wonderful Life, their images are promoting a vital Illinois institution which, to my knowledge, is completely corruption-free!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">I'm not an anti-gambling crusader, and am not advising readers to boycott the Illinois lottery. When the jackpot passes one hundred million, I will wait in line for a ticket or two and fantasize about all the Bordeaux and Burgundy I will fill my cellar (aka 6 x 6 x 9 feet storage locker) with should I win.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">But there must be some more creative method to promote the lottery than to exploit images from a classic movie that promoted, let's see, thrift, loyalty, humility; not exactly character traits in abundance in Illinois right now!</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">To use a famous wine descriptor; this banner ad is icky. Lottery tickets are not a Wonderful Gift, and holiday ad campaigns for the lottery are not a Wonderful Idea.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">P.S.: And I am not even a big fan of the movie!</span></div><br /><div></div>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-89437192953521927112008-12-20T15:39:00.005-06:002008-12-24T14:34:26.417-06:00Advice for President-Elect ObamaYes, we all know President Elect is busy with many important issues; choosing his cabinet, deciding who (or what) to bail out, trying to decide how many Illinois governors he remembers meeting. But eventually, he must address the major issues of our time, namely, the ones involving wine.<br /><br />Here are some suggestions from some of my favorite bloggers and Chicago based personalities about the one question that really matters:<br /><br />What can President-elect Obama do for the wine industry?<br /><br /><br />From Amy Gardner at <a href="http://winetalent.blogspot.com/"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,51,153)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WineTalent</span></span></a>:<br /><br /><br />"The best thing for the wine industry that President Obama could do would be to allow the free sale and shipping of wine across state borders. I think this would allow fair trade and also provide some opportunities for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">underserved</span> wine regions."<br /><br /><br />From John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Terlato</span> of <a href="http://www.twg.com/"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,51,153)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Terlato</span> Wine Group</span></a>:<br /><br /><br />"The President of the United States is a high profile opinion leader whose influence is global in scope. It appears as if the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Obama's</span> genuinely enjoy fine dining and wine as a lifestyle choice. As they continue to enjoy wine and fine dining and express a visible appreciation for a diverse range of U.S. wine brands and varietals, this might serve as an acknowledgement of their interest in wine as a lifestyle choice and could also positively impact the U.S. wine and food sectors.”<br /><br /><br />From Maggie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tosch</span> of <a href="http://otlconsulting.com/"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,51,153)">Outside the Lines, Inc.</span></a> and <a href="http://wineandhospitalityjobs.com/"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,51,153)">Wine and Hospitality Jobs.com</span></a>:<br /><br /><br />"I am sure you are going to get a huge response saying 'Get rid of the three tier system!' It creates undue burden on the winery, with most of the profit going to the middle man with both the producer and end consumer paying the price."<br /><br /><br />From Alyssa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rapp</span> at <span style="COLOR: rgb(153,51,153)"><a href="http://bottlenotes.com/"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,51,153)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bottlenotes</span></span></a>:</span><br /><br /><br />"The United States’ wine industry is governed by the 21st Amendment that grew out of Prohibition. The 21st Amendment established a “Three-Tier system” for the distribution of alcoholic beverages in the U.S.; wine therefore must move from a winery/importer, to a wholesaler, to a retailer, before arriving at an end consumer. As the e-commerce world continues to evolve and grow, regulators at every level would greatly benefit by putting consumers’ needs first by making it as easy as possible for them to purchase wine from any location (winery, retailer, etc), and receive it in any state in which they live. There is no reason that wine should be any more difficult to purchase online than shoes."<br /><br /><br />From Amy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Garman</span> at <a href="http://southloopwinecellar.com/"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,51,153)">South Loop Wine Cellar</span></a>:<br /><br /><br />"I think it would be wonderful if the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Obamas</span> could somehow promote the wine industry or wine drinking, but I don't see that being the first thing on the list and it could lead to an image problem. The President Elect does, however, have great enthusiasm for both innovating and making American industry more environmentally friendly. Wine making is an agricultural business and I think that we will see great gains in efficiency and green practices in both farming and agriculture throughout the Obama administration. This will not only reduce production costs, but help save the planet - which is good for everyone!"<br /><br /><br />From Don <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sritong</span> at <a href="http://justgrapes.net/"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,51,153)">Just Grapes</span></a>:<br /><p>"I would like President Elect Obama to push for amending or repealing the 21st amendment and place federal controls on wine shipping laws. I would like him to allow consumers to buy wine from which ever state they choose. Free trade is the basis of our beautiful capitalistic society yet our liquor laws go against every grain of this. We need to progress from our Puritanical past and open up the state borders to the freedom of choice of wine!" </p><p><br /> </p><p>From <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Alpana</span> Singh of <a href="http://whatwouldalpanadrink.blogspot.com/">What Would <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Alpana</span> Drink?</a><br /><br /></p><p>"The White House serves only US wines and there is a great tradition of serving them at state dinners, etc. I know many people would be inspired to take up wine if President Elect Obama were to publicly announced his appreciation for it. He is so well respected and admired by many so his just merely saying how he likes to relax with a glass of wine would do wonders for the industry. Just look what happened when he announced they would be getting a dog!"</p><p><br /><br /><br /></p>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-25075903465530061502008-11-27T08:32:00.005-06:002008-11-27T08:53:51.444-06:00Around the World with Alyssa Rapp<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SRL_Txxgh6I/AAAAAAAAANE/JGbCxlUEqZU/s1600-h/HPIM1264.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265551629593118626" style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SRL_Txxgh6I/AAAAAAAAANE/JGbCxlUEqZU/s320/HPIM1264.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SRIRZJ4tIJI/AAAAAAAAAM8/MpZgV1r3sds/s1600-h/bottlenotes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265290038197690514" style="WIDTH: 225px; HEIGHT: 47px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SRIRZJ4tIJI/AAAAAAAAAM8/MpZgV1r3sds/s320/bottlenotes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)"><em><strong>Alyssa Rapp (right) joins Chicago Pinot for a quick picture before signing more copies of her new book Bottlenotes Guide to Wine.</strong></em></span><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,102,204)">"<a href="http://bottlenotes.com/">Bottlenotes</a> </span>is a personal sommelier service; a platform to match wine to a buyer's personal taste." That's Alyssa Rapp, founder and CEO of Bottlenotes, an online company that's part online wine retail and part MySpace. There are 60,000 registered users of Bottlenotes.com, over half of which have completed their <em>Personal Taste Profile<span style="font-size:78%;">tm</span>.</em> Bottlenotes founded in 2005 and Ms. Rapp, like any budding entrepreneur, has used many different strategies to raise its profile. From personal appearances, podcasts, interviews, even filling goodie bags at the Oscars with her gift certificates. Her latest move is her first book <a style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)" href="http://www.amazon.com/Bottlenotes-Guide-Wine-Around-World/dp/1598697870/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226320216&sr=8-1">Bottlenotes Guide to Wine: Around the World in 80 Sips</a>, which she promoted at a launch party November 5 at the W Hotel on Lake Shore Drive. For two hours, she tirelessly signed books, answered audience questions and invited us to taste six wines currently available on her website.<br /><br />"The book evolved from the Bottlenotes' <a style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)" href="http://hidden.bottlenotes.com/wine-clubs/winecyclopedia.aspx">Winecyclopaedia</a>, a reference guide for wine enthusiasts replete with wine tasting terms, region guides, varietal guides, and more." The Winecyclopaedia features contributions from Ms. Rapp and many from her Yale and Stanford college interns over the past few summers. It starts with a history of wine, both as a beverage drunk for survival as well as the catalyst for a global industry. She discusses how wine is made (red, white and sparkling wines each have a different "recipe") and how to develop your personal "taste profile" (there is much more about this on Ms. Rapp's web site; fortunately, the book doesn't feel like a 300 page advertisement for it.)<br /><br />Like most introductory wine books, Ms. Rapp also outlines the expected flavors you can expect to find from most of the major red and white varietals preferred by American consumers. I have probably read about a dozen of these books and it's always fun to see which grapes make the "major" group and those relegated to the "other varieties" section (Malbec is an "other"?)<br /><br />The second part of the book takes us from Napa to New Zealand, to sixteen major wine regions; describing their history, what grapes have produced the best wine, and predicts their future market potential. If Ms. Rapp's guidebook is updated, I would like for her to include maps in the next edition; it would make this section a little easier to follow.<br /><br />Overall, a very fun event. <a href="http://bottlenotes.com/">Bottlenotes</a>, her web site, has just been updated, making it easier to find new wines to try and possibly new friends to share them with.Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-4202890086140121152008-11-26T15:29:00.001-06:002008-11-26T16:21:33.993-06:00Holiday Wine Buying - with Stephen Wroblewski of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar<span style="color:#006600;">Maybe you're not like me. You don't think about the next bottle of wine you want to try. Your eyes don't light up with anticipation when you read in the Tribune or on a blog that a new wine shop has opened in Chicagoland.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">But maybe you've been drafted to pick up "a bottle", especially around the holidays. Maybe your co-workers or your little sister have this picture of you as a wine expert.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Stephen Wroblewski, Manager of Chicago restaurant</span> <a href="http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/">Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar</a>, <span style="color:#006600;">feels your pain. Chicago Pinot spoke with him last week to get some ideas, not necessarily about specific bottles, but about regions and grape varietals that would please different palates during the holidays.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">I started by asking him for suggestions for what to bring to the most important CEO's in our lives, our parents. "At our resturant, we have received good guest feedback from South American wines particularly Malbecs. We have one from</span> <a href="http://www.southernwines.com/vineyard.cfm?preview=548">Pasucal Toso </a><span style="color:#006600;">that is very popular and should be available in most stores from between eighteen and twenty-two dollars. It has the body of a Cabernet, fantastic aromatics, but not too overpowering. If you are buying for family, you might want to find something new for them to try without seeming to scary." He also preferred</span> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempranillo">Tempranillo</a> <span style="color:#006600;">blends from Spain; "they are Renaissance wines, with a long flavor profile and very female friendly."</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Then I asked him about Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners; with their almost potluck assembly of foods, what would blend in best. Mr. Wroblewski recommended light bodied Pinot Noirs ("they won't get beat up by Grandma's stuffing, but you might want to avoid California Pinots, they are a little hotter and higher in tannin"). He also thought highly of bringing sparkling wine (especially for appetizers and vegetables) and Beaujolais ("put a slight chill on it first, it can have a throwback appeal for your more experienced drinkers").</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Finally, I asked him what to buy for the Wine Nerd. We probably all know one or two. What can you surprise him or her with and really make it look like you have done your homework?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Mr. Wroblewski suggested a few regions that have wine stardom in their future. He mentioned the Diamond Mountain region of Napa Valley ("these are big, robust wines you are still enjoying a minute after tasting them, they can last ten years") and Chilean wines, which he described as really "pretty" and offer just a little different taste experience for an American palate.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">He also suggested that two half bottles might make a more attractive gift for the so-called wine expert in your life than one whole bottle. I am no expert, but since I am the type who wants to have a little taste of every varietal at least once, I can understand this approach!</span>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-84227169919507463482008-11-09T11:19:00.013-06:002008-11-09T11:40:27.823-06:00Interview with Steven Rigisich of Pinot Days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SRceSmzSqyI/AAAAAAAAANc/BtLqrzFkI6Y/s1600-h/pinot.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SRceSmzSqyI/AAAAAAAAANc/BtLqrzFkI6Y/s320/pinot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266711594235243298" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="margin: 1ex; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:georgia;"> <div> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Steven <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rigisich</span>, along with his wife Lisa, are bringing back to Chicago last autumn's hit wine festival <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pinot</span> Days. Next Saturday November 15, join Chicago <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pinot</span> and other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pinot</span> lovers at the Navy Pier to experience the world's best examples of wine made from the "Heartbreak Grape."</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">While waiting for that tasting, here are some thoughts about the current <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Noir</span> scene from Steven himself:</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">"Chicago is a vibrant city with a creative food & wine market. In our opinion, the restaurant scene is the most innovative and exciting of all the major cities in America. With that comes people who are willing to explore and searching for the best, whether that is a wine to pair with food or drink alone. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Noir</span> is experiencing a surge in interest because those folks who are searching for perfection and innovation and discovering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Noir</span>.</span>"</p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">"I don't believe 2008 is a banner year for California <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Noir</span>. A dry spring, the worst frost in Northern California in 25 years which devastated many vineyards, a cool summer and early ripening all led to less flavors than in year's past. But that is pure conjecture right now because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Noir</span>, the fickle moody variety that it is, seems to transform itself through the course of maturation. So, who knows what we have right now, we will really know more in March or April. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">"With that said, 2007 was, in my opinion, the finest year California <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Noir</span> has ever seen. The wines are as near-perfect as you can get. Whether you like your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Pinot</span> austere and feminine, intense and bold, lush and ripe, funky and earthy, this vintage performed at its best. It is really a unique vintage in that sense. Over the past few years, we have seen vintages that have fallen into the wheelhouse of one particular style or another. The 2004 and 2005 vintage are perfect examples of this. 2004 saw the "modern" producer excel due to a warm summer and ripe grapes where 2005 was the perfect vintage for the "traditional" producer who crafts structured and elegant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Pinots</span>. In 2007, both of these styles have excelled. </span> <span style="font-size:100%;">"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"> "We have sixty producers attending <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Pinot</span> Days from every appellation in California, Oregon, Michigan, Ontario, Germany, New Zealand and Australia. Some of the names folks know such as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Siduri</span>, Gray Farrell, Arcadian, Fess Parker, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Calera</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Roessler</span> and Freeman will be presenting their wines as well as smaller wineries like August West, Raye's Hill, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Dain</span> Wines, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Bjornstad</span> Cellars, Talisman and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Zepaltas</span> who are making small amounts of some of the finest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">pinots</span> in the market. The other fifty producers are also worthy of mention because they too are making incredible wines of character and soul. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">"We also will have some local flavor with wineries from the Michigan and Ontario area. Great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Pinot</span> is being grown and produced in more areas than people believe and folks should seek <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">the wineries</span> out because I think they will be surprised how good some of the wines from these areas are. It is the beauty of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Pinot</span>, it may be a bear to grow but when it is done right, no other variety can reach its<br />heights. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Pinot</span> has always had the status as the noble grape but it had that claim in Burgundy exclusively. In California, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">pinot</span> struggled mostly because people were planting it in the wrong places. Then in the late 1980’s, growers began to realize that the grape belonged in cool climates like Anderson Valley and Santa Lucia rather than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Napa</span>, it began to flourish. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Pinot</span> legacy is due to mavericks like Joseph Swan of J. Swan Winery, Josh Jensen of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Calera</span>, Burt Williams of Williams-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Selyem</span>, Richard Sanford of Alma Rosa and Francis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Mahoney</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Mahoney</span> Vineyards who paved the way by taking the risks and discovering the best sites, clones and practices necessary to grow the best grapes.</span><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">"If you build on that with these very passionate and innovative "Young Turks" like Adam Lee of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Siduri</span>, Ed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Kurtzman</span> of August West and Ryan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Zepaltas</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Zepaltas</span> Wines who have emerged as the new guard, you have truly great wines and the genesis of a cult. However, that is not enough. For that, you need the passion of the producers and consumers and the personalities like Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Pisoni</span>, Peter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Cargasacchi</span> and Michael Browne, who bring a perspective that is electric and, to be candid, a little crazy. If you add this all together, you create a community and with the community comes a cult. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">"If you use sales as a barometer, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Pinot</span>’s share of the market is still below Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and many other varieties. French <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Colombard</span> has twice as many acres planted in California as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Noir</span>! But that is more a factor of where varieties can be planted than of the popularity of the heartbreak grape. The interest in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">pinot</span> continues to rise exponentially as others are becoming flatter and that is due to the unequivocal fact that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Noir</span> is the ultimate food wine and you can never tire of their diverse renditions; there are simply too many styles, too much flavor and too many unique sites where it is grown. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">"So, in terms of quantity, you don’t find as many followers as in other varieties. However, in terms of quality, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Pinot</span> stands at the top. There is no doubt there is no more passionate follower than the one who considers themselves a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Pinot</span>-geek. That fact is proven at every <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Noir</span> focused festival because you will not find a more wine-educated crowd, a more passionate crowd and a better crowd to have fun. Personally, I think quality trumps quantity."</span></p> </div> </div>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834884632274417586.post-1109020311725726562008-11-07T06:35:00.001-06:002008-11-07T06:35:00.646-06:00Freebie - "Riesling Rules"<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SRNi4hThfKI/AAAAAAAAANM/obPvi9Jyk5c/s1600-h/logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265661112478694562" style="width: 341px; height: 50px;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HsZeiLPSm3I/SRNi4hThfKI/AAAAAAAAANM/obPvi9Jyk5c/s320/logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Check out the <a href="http://rieslingrules.com">Pacific Rim Winemakers</a> website for a unique forty page guide to Riesling, one of the most noble but confusing white grape varietals. This forty page guide offers a history of the grape, and describes its many rises and falls in popularity over the centuries. It's available online and you can request a free hard copy.<br /><br />There's a concise but thorough guide to reading a German wine label and understanding the various classifications of their Rieslings. Other wine regions with strong reputations for making quality Rieslings are also profiled.<br /><br />The booklet provides just the right combination of fun trivia, valuable information you can take with you to your favorite wine store, and a little wine nerd science if you are interested topics such as brix and must weight.<br /><br />Pacific Rim makes some excellent Rieslings too, but fortunately, this guide doesn't hard sell you; it recommends Rieslings from wineries all over the world.<br /><div></div></div>Douglas Trapassohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18348522207945522495noreply@blogger.com0