Food, Wine, Culture TV - Episode 8: Two easy seafood dishes and Italian White Wines

Food, Wine, Culture TV- The Real Episode 8: Today we’re making fried calamari and lobster which I pair with a couple white wines from Soave (Veneto, Italy) that I tasted in Episode 7 (here). Join me for a 12 minute journey into some great seafood and good wines!

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Homemade Catawba Wine, part 2.

A good wine has a nice balance of flavor, color and aroma, though many factors contribute to the ‘flavor’.  The mouth-feel of the wine, the bitterness, sweetness, how sour it tastes or how these flavors work together (Is there umami flavor in wine?).  In order to contribute to the sour or sharp aspect of a wine, the proper acidity must be maintained and in order to do so, some simple chemistry must be done, with ease from an acid titration kit

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Food, Wine, Culture TV - Episode 7: Blind Prosciutto Tasting and Italian White Wines

No news show this week! It was lost in the taping some how…so here’s an early Episode 7!  (main page image: wikipedia.com wiki commons)

Episode 7: In what Michael refers to as episode 8, is really episode 7 (an episode was lost to the MiniDV Tape Gods!). Today we’re blind tasting three prosciuttos, and then tasting three Italian white wines. Join Michael to find out your best value Prosciutto and what wines to pair with it! Tune in to the next episode when we bring the wines back and pair it with two perfect seafood dishes!

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First-time visitors guide to Montalcino

This past November Kim and I spent nine days dining and wine tasting in one of the most highly acclaimed wine regions in the world. On our trip to Montalcino, we abandoned the guide books that helped us in Florence, Siena and Bologna and decided that we would just find places that looked good and take our chances. The result was quite surprising: two of the more highly recommended establishments were let downs while many of the smaller, lesser known restaurants gave us great food, outstanding service and overall incredible dining experiences. This short guide will hopefully give you an idea on where to eat, drink and stay if you don’t have time to try every place out for yourself. For those of you who aren’t traveling to this beautiful hilltop town, you’re missing out on some of the best food and wine the world has to offer.

Related links:

• Alone in Montalcino
• Banfi’s Empire
• What is Brunello?

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Homemade Catawba Wine

By Greg B: Well, it happened earlier than I had planned.  I got the chance to produce my own wine.  I amazingly, Jessica’s backyard had enough nutrients to allow my vines to grow and produce enough grapes to make 1 gallon of wine!  Below, I’ll take you on a step by step method by which I made what will surely be an interesting wine.  I notice that Mike doesn’t have a section on Catawba wines… the wine that started people thinking “hey, yeah, we CAN actually grow grape vines in America and produce wine over there!”.  So, hopefully I won’t mess this wine up!

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Food, Wine, Culture TV- Episode 6: Cooking show- Mike’s Mama’s Schnitzel & Rieslings!

Wow…already at episode 6! If you missed the first five, click on the FWB-TV link above (or here!). Today we’re back in our “still being renovated” kitchen where I prepare my Mama’s schnitzel with pommes frites and a few Rieslings. Carlos L. is back this time with his electric guitar to provide music and expert food tasting skills. The schnitzel turned out great, the wines are good and Carlos keeps the music rocking. (Main image credit: wikipedia.com)

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Food, Wine, Culture TV: Episode 5: German (and one Austrian) wines under $12 with Carlos L!

Food, wine, culture - TV: Episode 5: German Riesling! Michael Mohammadi of Foodandwineblog.com gives an overview of German wines and tastes a few Rieslings. An Austrian red wine is slipped into the mix to please the palate of guitarist and friend of foodandwineblog.com Carlos L. In this 5th episode, 2 of the Rieslings are good values, one is an OK value and the Zweigelt is a big pass. This show sets the stage for Episode 6 which features Michael’s mamas recipe for Schnitzel mit Pommes Frites and a pairing with German bier and wine!

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Food, Wine, Culture TV: Episode 3- Scallops, Pork, Wine and Beer- Cooking and wine pairing!

Foodandwineblog.com’s Food, wine, culture TV Show! In this third episode, I make two simple yet delicious dishes (one is noblepig.com inspired!) and try a few different beverage pairings in our recently (and ongoing) renovated kitchen. Carlos L is back on guitar, the dogs are wandering around and dinner turned out great. So grab a glass of wine and join me for a night of cooking and wine!
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Food, Wine, Culture TV- Episode 2: WineBloggingWednesday 48 - Back to my wine “roots” in Detroit!

Today is WineBloggingWednesday (which I talk about in the video) and the theme is taking it back to you roots. My wine “roots” began in Detroit with some cheap “wine” and slowly progressed to high end California Cabernet. Join me (and special guest Carlos L) for a tasting, beginning where I began and ending where I was 5 years ago- Drinking big Cali Cabernet and Bordeaux Blends. (Links pertaining to this episode and truncated tasting notes are below the video)
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Food, Wine, Culture TV! - Episode 1: A cheap Malbec on the beaches of Block Island, RI

Well here it is, my journey into the world of video blogging. This first episode is a basic introduction into where I’d like to take the show and features a Malbec that’s perfect for the beach. My plan is to put out 2-3 shows per week as time permits. I’m going to do some cooking, food and wine pairings, use my science/research background to address issues pertaining to wine and health, and of course, I’ll be tasting a good amount of wine.  Another aspect of the show I’m excited for involves shooting “on location” at restaurants, wine bars and shops around Baltimore and around the world !
The resolution and sound in this episode aren’t great, yet, but I’m learning how to use the new software and hope to have the bugs worked out in a few weeks. Without further ado: Read more

Good wine tastes even better when made by great people: An interview with Paul Romero of Stefania Wine

One of life’s simplest pleasures is a well made glass of wine. A single glass of wine exemplifies the hard work put into the vineyard and winery, as well as the personality and passion of its winemaker. When it comes to making good wines that express love and appreciation of both the vineyard and the wine, not many folks do it as good as Paul (and Stefani) Romero of Stefania Wine. Read more

Tasting Report: 7 Wines of the Loire Valley paired with Sushi

What wines go well with $360 worth of sushi? Well, for the 9 of us in attendance on Sunday at the Wine Club gathering (at Yamato Sushi- review to come), I think we’d agree that something from the Loire Valley (France)would work quite nicely.

Overall we had a great time working through the 7 wines (tough work but someone has to do it!). The only sparkling wine in the group came from Louis de Grenelle, a large estate in Saumur (home of some great red wines). We worked through 4 Vouvray’s and two other Loire whites, ending with my favorite wine from the Loire Valley, a red wine from Chinon (100% Cabernet Franc). There wasn’t a bad wine in the bunch, with two being great (89 pts!) and all being wines I’d gladly drink again. Read more

Tasting Report: Good Values From Sicily- The Wines of Sicilian Producer Tasca d’ Almerita

Sicily is well known for its sweet Marsala wines, which make up a majority of the wine produced in the DOC wine region. But in recent years, there has been a surge towards producing quality red and white table wines as the global demand for quality wines increases. Read more

Brief News: Monday July 7, 2008: Greg’s Pig Roast with TJ’s beer, Brunello allowed into the US, Baltimore events!

Our resident beer guy roasts a pig and makes Thomas Jefferson’s beer: This past Friday, July 4th, Greg B spent half of his day cleaning, dressing, salting, garlicking and roasting a pig. His “Jefferson Beer”, having spent months in the making, was ready for consumption and was a great pairing with the salty pork. What Greg didn’t mention in his great recap is that he and I tried roasted pig brain for the first time. Lucky for us, there were over 200 bottles of his various homemade beers on hand to wash it down! Don’t foget to keep an eye on “Greg’s Corner” to follow his journey through beer and wine making, whole-animal roasting, and internet blogging!

Brunello gets it’s groove back: After months of controversy surrounding Brunello di Montalcino (more here), Decanter.com reports that Italian Authorites have “guaranteed” that all Brunello being exported to the US meets the standards set by Italian wine law and Brunello di Montalcino DOCG regulations. Though 2002/03 weren’t good vintages in Montalcino, this is good news for Brunello lovers as it’s nearing time for the highly praised 2004’s to go on pre-sale!

Things of note in Baltimore this week (find out more on Localwineevents.com):

Jul 07, 2008 (Mon) - Jul 10, 2008 (Thu)Aperitivo Hour and $10 Pasta at Sotto Sopra

Jul 07, 2008 (Mon)Monday Nights 1/2 off bottled wines at Sotto Sorpa Restaurant

Jul 07, 2008 (Mon)Monday is Neighborhood Night at AIDA Bistro: All Pastas Specially Priced

Jul 08, 2008 (Tue)Dinner with Daniela - 4 Course Italian Home Cooked Dinner

Jul 13, 2008 (Sunday): Baltimore Chefs and Wine Experience: A must if you are available on Sunday!

A trip to Virginia’s Wineries: A weekend of wine drinking in Virginia tastes best with good friends!

The majority of wine production in the United States takes place in 5 of the 50 states: California, Oregon, Washington, and to a lesser extent Michigan and New York. The last two may not be making wines the caliber of their west coast counterparts, but there are many good Rieslings and Ice Wines coming from Michigan and New York that are gaining national and international attention.

But what about the other 45 states?

For starters, wine (of some sort!) is being made in almost every state in the US. Idaho, Montana, Texas, Virginia and even Maryland have been producing wine for many years now. But you have to wonder: who’s drinking these wines and are they any good? I’ve been in Maryland for 4 years now and I know very little about the wines of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania- all of which have wineries less than 2 hours from my home. I have had a few bottles here and there that had me impressed (an Elk Run Gewurztraminer comes to mind), as well as one outstanding bottle of 1980 Byrd Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon that Kim and I had at Della Notte a few years back. Yes, a 1980 Maryland Cabernet, drank in 2005, that was very good. Sad to say I can’t find out any information on Byrd Vineyards and they are not around today (if you know anything e-mail me: michael@foodandwineblog.com). Read more

Tasting Report: Good wines and great QPRs from Chilean producer Vina Ventisquero (Chile)

Chilean wines are quickly becoming some of the best QPR (quality-to-price) wines in the market today. From Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet, to the more rare Carmemere, the Chilean wine industry is setting the bar high when it comes to wines that bring big bang for their buck. (click here for more on Chilean wines)

I was recently invited to lunch with Felipe Tosso, head winemaker at up and coming producer Vina Ventisquero. In our two hour lunch I developed an understanding of his style and a respect for his experience and passion, as well as for his commitment to maintain eco-friendly wines. (image from www.intlwine.com/southamerica.htm) Read more

MD Cru June Offline: Rieslings, Malbecs, Chorizo, Shrimp, Scallops and Flank Steaks- “Life is good.”

“Life is good.” That statement, which was made about halfway through dinner Saturday night by history guru “GF”, would be sufficient to sum up the evening. This was, of course, the monthly meet-up of the MD Cru- a group of food and wine enthusiasts who organize through the Wine Spectator forums to share great food and stories. And of course we open a few bottles of wine as well.

This month we were in D.C., at the beautiful historic home of one of the groups long-time members (there is no official group, or membership, for that matter, but it’s an easy way to refer to what has become a gathering of friends). The wine theme was two fold: German Rieslings and Argentine Malbecs. Other wines made it into the rotation, of course; a couple whites to start, a Champange, dessert wines, and a “pair” of ringers from Chile. Read more

Friday Wine Roundup: Best QPR (Quality to Price) Wines This Week- June 20, 2008

QPR is a measure of a wines Quality to Price Ratio. QPR is used to determine whether or not a wine is worth its price. Each Friday I put up a list of wines that I have recently tasted, that I feel offer great “bang for their buck.” With gas at $4.00 a gallon or more, it’s good to know that you can continue to enjoy great wines even when the budget tightens up. The wines listed here are wines that I feel offer you, the consumer, a great wine that is both well priced, and succeeds at providing a great wine experience. I try to introduce new grape varieties or wine regions to keep things interesting and recommend keeping an eye out for these good QPR’s next time you’re out wine shopping. Most, if not all are available throughout Baltimore. Read more

Meats on the grill and Pinot vs. Pinot: Argentina vs. New Zealand With My Good Friend Carlos

The Pinot Noir grape has a reputation for being difficult to grow and even more difficult to produce into a great wine. Since I’ve never had the chance to grow or make a Pinot, I can only go by the variability in the quality of Pinot Noir at certain price points. Across the board Pinot Noir’s are the most unpredictable wines when it comes to quality and value. Generally speaking, you have to spend two to three times more than you would for any other wine to get a good Pinot Noir.

With this in mind, Kim and I invited our friend Carlos (pictured above with Kimmy, and his leg is pictured next to the food below!) to come over, sit outside on the gravel that is our patio under renovations, and drink a few Pinots in the blind format. We wanted to evaluate the wines on their own, as well as with a variety of foods. I fired up the grill and threw on some lamb rib chops, a porterhouse steak, and a spicy marinated duck breast, as well as sides of pancetta-wrapped asparagus and spicy marinated eggplant. Overall the food went well with all three wines. Read more

Wine Region Overview: A brief look at Chile

One of the most up and coming wine regions (countries) in the world is Chile. This South American country has a very unique shape; it’s 4300 kilometers from it’s northern most tip all the way south past the Strait of Magellan, yet less than 200 kilometers wide (with the Pacific ocean to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east). The geography is also quite unique with the south providing vast glaciers and mountain ranges, yet the north and central parts filled with dry deserts, fertile plains, and a variety of micro-climates. It is only expected that somewhere in the middle of all this there would be a large area that is suitable to grow a few grapes. In fact, not only is there sufficient land and climate to make good wines, but in some areas the terroir is exceptional, allowing for the production of many great to outstanding wines.

Chilean viticulture is thought to be at least 400 year old, stemming from initial plantings by Spanish conquistador’s (seen above in image from Wikipedia Commons) in the 1600’s. Still, it wasn’t until the 1990’s that Chilean wine began to become recognized as having world-class wine potential. According to wikipedia, in 1995 Chile was home to only 12 wineries, whereas in 2005 that number has gone over 70. This increase in production makes Chile the firth largest exporter of wines to the US. So it’s no surprise when you walk into your neighborhood wine shop that a larger and larger section is being dedicated to this up and coming wines.

The most common varietals you’ll see from Chile are Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, for whites, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Caermenere for reds. There is also a big push for Pinot Noir, especially in the Casablanca wine region where the cooler, longer growing season provides a good environment for this finicky grape to thrive.

THe majority of Chilean winemaking takes place int he middle of the country. Chilean wine law recognizes the following regions: Atacama, Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Valle Central, and Southern Chile. Of notable intersst are Acongua and Valle Central.

I’ve had dozens of wines from Aconcagua, ranging from the wines in Casablanca which produce ripe, balanced Chardonnay’s, citrusy and crisp Sauvignon Blanc and cherry-filled, slightly acidity Pinot’s that offer great value. In the north, Acongau is known for Carmemere and Cabernet Sauvingon. Valle Central is home to the most famous of the wine regions which includes the Maipo Valley (well-known for Cabernet-based wines), as well as the Rapel Valley, Curico Valley and the Maule Valley. These are the regions that brought Chilean winemaking to the international stage and continue to make some of the more interesting Cabernet-based wines year in and year out.

Overall Chile is a wine region to keep your eye on. Many Chilean wineries are brinigng in expert winemakers from around the world to help craft outstanding wines from the great fruit that is coming from the vineyards. I would expect to only see improvemnets in the quality of wine in this region in the next 10 yeras. With the pricing in today’s market, many of tehse wines are incredible values. Be sure to keep an eye out for Chilean Pinot Noir which in my opinion will become one of the next “hot” wines (similar to what happened with Argentinian Malbec). Lastly, do not pass up on a chance to try a Chilean Carmenere, especially with BBQ meats or lamb. The depth of flavors and acidity make this a go-to food and wine pairing.

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