Food, Wine, Culture TV: Episode10: Part2- Mike vs. Greg “The Showdown”
September 5, 2008 by michael · 2 Comments
Food, Wine, Culture TV: In Episode 10-Part 1 Michael invited beer expert and close friend Greg Bissonette to come by for a beer vs. wine with mussels tasting. Well in this episode, the mussels are ready, the beers and wines are poured, and the boys are ready to duel- Beer vs. Wine. Greg vs. Mike- The SHOWDOWN! Who’s pairing is the best match? You’re going to have to watch to find out!
Food, Wine, Culture TV: Episode 10: Beer (Greg) vs. Wine (Mike)- Mussels Part I
Beer vs. Wine. Mussels vs. Mussels. Michael vs. Greg. Good vs. Evil..well you get the picture. Today Michael has friend and beer expert Greg Bissonette over for a friendly dual of mussels paired with beer and wine. Don’t forget to check back for Part II- “The Battle Continues”!
(Main image credits: wikipeida.org commons: Photograph taken by Mark A. Wilson (Department of Geology, The College of Wooster). [1]) Read more
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)
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
MD Cru June Offline: Rieslings, Malbecs, Chorizo, Shrimp, Scallops and Flank Steaks- “Life is good.”
June 24, 2008 by michael · 4 Comments
“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
Wine Blogging Wednesday: Old World Riesling (FYI: I love German Riesling!)
May 7, 2008 by michael · Leave a Comment
Wine Blogging Wednesday is in it’s 45th edition. For those of you unfamiliar with this event, Lenn Thompson (LennDevours) started it a few years back hoping to have a “community wide” wine tasting. Anyone (not only bloggers can participate. For more info, ehck out winebloggingwednesday.org.
This month’s host is Tim at Winecast.net (a blog/podcast that is well organized, written and very highly recommended). The mission: Old World Riesling, which generally would mean:
- French (Alscace)
- Germany
- Austria
I am very appreciative of this theme, as I absolutely love German Riesling but don’t drink nearly enough of it. This in mind, I had a big task ahead of me: choose one Riesling that I knew I’d enjoy and would like to share with you all!
My wine of choice for this outstanding theme was a 2005 Zilliken (Forstmeister Geltz) Saarburger Rausch
Riesling Kabinett. This wine is produced a little over an hour away from my family’s house in Herborn and is one I have had (previous vintage) while in Germany. Overall, it’s a great, Old-World style Riesling. It’s got a nice touch of sweetness that isn’t overpowering. Highly recommended, especially if you can find it (around $20).
2005 Zilliken (Forstmeister Geltz) Saarburger Rausch Riesling Kabinett: Light straw color with a nose of apple, minerals, a light tangerine/citrusy component that is really nice. On the palate I wouldn’t have guessed a Kabinett, although it’s not overly sweet, there is a nice, honey undertone with flavors of pear, apple, citrus and crushed minerals. Very crisp acidity and a long, refreshing finish really bring this wine together. My rating: 90 pts, Very Good Value (VGV)
