Monday, July 25, 2016

WINE OF THE WEEK-LUNELLI ZIGGURAT MONTEFALCO ROSSO D.O.C.-$19.00



Lunelli Ziggurat Montefalco Rosso 2010-$19

BY DWIGHT CASIMERE

The summer grilling season is in full swing, with the coals burning almost non-stop from now through Labor Day Weekend. Italy's beautiful Umbria region, known for its lush hillsides and ancient history, is also home to one of the most versatile summer time wines, newly released just in time for the summer barbeque season;  Ziggurat Montefalco Rosso D.O.C. 2010 ($19), from the Lunelli family of Treviso.  The wine literally speaks of sun-kissed beaches, pool parties and sumptuous barbecues. A luscious red blend of native Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, the wine is strikingly elegant with aromas of ripe dark cherries and cloves. The wine is just packed with fruit and heady herbal flavors. Besides the almost jam-like plum flavors, there's a healthy sprinkling of rosemary, thyme, fennel and a hint of licorice on the palate. This is a great wine with meat and veggies hot off the grill. For a versatile twist, serve the wine lightly chilled. It makes for a refreshing pairing.  Skirt steak marinated in a bit of the wine overnight along with crushed garlic, fresh thyme or oregano from the garden and a generous coating of olive oil and grilled 2-3 minutes on each side over the hot coals then set on the side of the grill to smoke to preferred doneness is the way to go with this lean, flavorful cut. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing on the diagonal against the grain. Serve with grilled summer squash, fennel, corn on the husk and potatoes seared over the coals and swathed in garlic butter or aioli (garlic and olive oil) for the ultimate summer time feast. 




 The hills surrounding Umbria 


The ancient city of Perugia

 

WINE OF THE WEEK-MARQUES DE RISCAL RIOJA ROSADO 2015-$9.99

Marques De Riscal Rioja Rosado 2015-$9.99

The dramatic Frank Gehry designed entry to Marques de Riscal


BRIGHT RED RASPBERRY AND STRAWBERRY FRUIT ARE PERFECT FOR SUMMER

by Dwight Casimere

This rose defies everything you might think about rose's. Marques De Riscal Rioja Rosado 2015 is an incredibly delicate and smooth wine, bursting with fruit flavors of intense raspberries and ripe strawberries and hints of lilac flowers, yet it only costs about ten dollars. Marques de Riscal has been making rose wines since the '60s.  The wine is made from grapes picked from young local tempranillo and garnacha vines that are less than 15 years old. The result is a bright, bracing rose wine that is fresh and well balanced with a nice mouth-feel that produces a pleasant fruit filled sensation at the finish. The rose is produced from a method known as 'bleeding; which is part of a classically refined concept that extrudes the wine's beautiful, bright pink color while also retaining the lively fruit flavor of the wine. I personally love a piece of grilled salmon with this wine. Besides the matching coral color, the flavors of the wine and the fish go perfectly together, especially if the salmon is drizzled with a bit of lemon or lime juice, brushed with some fresh sage or fennel and a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking to the grill. Grill quickly over the hot coals, so that the flesh springs back just a bit to the touch of your finger, be4ing careful not to overcook it. Serve with a side of grilled asparagus drizzled with olive oil and garlic powder and you have an instant al fresco lunch. 

Marques de Riscal is an historical family producer that has revolutionized the art of Spanish winemaking. Their Rioja Rosado is a shining example of their ability to raise the act of winemaking to the level of art. Their also able to do it for under $10, which is also commendable.  One of Spain's oldest Rioja wineries, Marques de Riscal was created in 1858. Within five years, the accolades came roaring in. In 1862, the first wines were bottled. In 1895, it became the first non-french winery to win the Diploma of Honour at the Bordeaux Exhibition. 

Great strides were made in the following century. In 1972, the first white wines were produced in Rueda. In 1980, the winery became a force behind creation of the Denominacion de Origen (DO) Rueda. In 1986, Baron de Chirel, the winery's first "signature wine" was launched and in 1995, Marques de Riscal introduced the first grape sorting table to the Rioja appellation.

 The winery in its founding days and (below) the historic wine caves



Friday, July 15, 2016

CHRISTMAS IN JULY-CHAMPAGNE TAITTINGER PRESENTS THE ART OF CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

VITALIE TAITTINGER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF CHAMPAGNE TAITTINGER FLIES DIRECTLY FROM REIMS, FRANCE TO HOST EXCLUSIVE EVENT IN TAITTINGER STYLE

by Dwight Casimere

 The Empire State Building looms over the Eventi Suite and South Veranda,  the setting for the release of Taittinger's Nocturne Rose and the house's new line of large format bottles
 Vitalie Taittinger, Artistic Director of Champagne Taittinger with Dwight Casimere
 Taittinger's new line of large format bottles is poured at the specially designed decanting station.
The Magnum is poured here
 The famous Taittinger Champagne Tower adorns the Eventi Suite
 Chef Jacques Torres of Jacques Torres Chocolates presides over his signature Dessert Bar (below) and the festive Croquembouche Macaron Wedding Tower-a Holiday favorite (in the shape of a Taittinger Champagne bottle, of course!)

Below:An authentic Parisian Raw Bar, perfect for Holiday entertaining

 The Manhattan skyline is the backdrop for Champagne Taittinger's exquisite portfolio


 Two views of "Manhattanhenge" when the sunset aligns with the city street grid, a rare event


NEW YORK--Vitalie Taittiinger, Artistic Director of Champagne Taittinger arrived in a stunning designer summer party dress to preside over the grand marquee Champagne houses' "The Art of Celebrating The Holidays" for the 2016 season. The event was held at the Eventi Suite and South Veranda, a Kimpton Hotel in midtown Manhattan, in the shadow of the Empire State Building.

An harmonic convergence of celestial events formed the backdrop to this stellar event. A bright half moon hung in the sky over the Eventi Veranda, which was framed by a dramatic midtown Manhattan skyline as the rare "Manhattanhenge" sunset, seen only a few times each year, descended outside.

An authentic Parisian Raw Bar, with oysters, clams, giant shrimp and steamed lobsters greeted guests, along with the famed chocolatier Chef Jacques Torres and his exquisite Dessert Bar featuring his signature chocolates, macarons and the famous Croquembouche Macaron Wedding Tower, a traditional French Holiday favorite, presented in the shape of a Champagne Taittinger bottle.

A side conference room also featured a Caviar and Champagne Seminar led by Chantelle Pabros, top NYC Sommelier and John Knierim, of Calvisius Caviar.

The Holidays can be overwhelming with so many personal tastes, palettes and preferences to cater to among family and friends. Champagne Taittinger offers a myriad of unique concepts to introduce creative and beautiful concepts to make for a memorable occasion.

For example, Caviar and Champagne make an elegant pairing for the Holiday Season. Served alone or as an element to add an elegant tone to holiday dishes, caviar is a simple, but effective grace note that elevates even the simplest fare.

The High-Low Snack Bar, which pairs Champagne with a dazzling array of guilty pleasures; Fried Chicken with Rosemary Honey and Sea Salt, Potato Crisps with Mascarpone Creme Fraiche, Brie and Pomegranate Crostini with Balsamic Crema, are all unexpected Champagne pairings that will leave your guests clamoring for more.

Top off the night with an elegant display of mouth-watering desserts, including the Champagne Taittinger Macaron, and you've added a layer of sparkle to your celebration.

Champagne Taittinger is one of the last family-owned and operated grand marquee Champagne houses in the world. For more holiday entertaining suggestions visit www.taittinger.com.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY-CHAMPAGNE TAITTINGER PRESENTS THE ART OF CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

VITALIE TAITTINGER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF CHAMPAGNE TAITTINGER FLIES DIRECTLY FROM REIMS, FRANCE TO HOST EXCLUSIVE EVENT IN TAITTINGER STYLE

by Dwight Casimere

 The Empire State Building looms over the Eventi Suite and South Veranda,  the setting for the release of Taittinger's Nocturne Rose and the house's new line of large format bottles

 Vitalie Taittinger, Artistic Director of Champagne Taittinger with Dwight Casimere











 Taittinger's new line of large format bottles is poured at the specially designed decanting station.
The Magnum is poured here
 The famous Taittinger Champagne Tower adorns the Eventi Suite
 Chef Jacques Torres of Jacques Torres Chocolates presides over his signature Dessert Bar (below) and the festive Croquembouche Macaron Wedding Tower-a Holiday favorite (in the shape of a Taittinger Champagne bottle, of course!)

Below:An authentic Parisian Raw Bar, perfect for Holiday entertaining

 The Manhattan skyline is the backdrop for Champagne Taittinger's exquisite portfolio


 Two views of "Manhattanhenge" when the sunset aligns with the city street grid, a rare event


NEW YORK--Vitalie Taittiinger, Artistic Director of Champagne Taittinger arrived in a stunning designer summer party dress to preside over the grand marquee Champagne houses' "The Art of Celebrating The Holidays" for the 2016 season. The event was held at the Eventi Suite and South Veranda, a Kimpton Hotel in midtown Manhattan, in the shadow of the Empire State Building.

An harmonic convergence of celestial events formed the backdrop to this stellar event. A bright half moon hung in the sky over the Eventi Veranda, which was framed by a dramatic midtown Manhattan skyline as the rare "Manhattanhenge" sunset, seen only a few times each year, descended outside.

An authentic Parisian Raw Bar, with oysters, clams, giant shrimp and steamed lobsters greeted guests, along with the famed chocolatier Chef Jacques Torres and his exquisite Dessert Bar featuring his signature chocolates, macarons and the famous Croquembouche Macaron Wedding Tower, a traditional French Holiday favorite, presented in the shape of a Champagne Taittinger bottle.

A side conference room also featured a Caviar and Champagne Seminar led by Chantelle Pabros, top NYC Sommelier and John Knierim, of Calvisius Caviar.

The Holidays can be overwhelming with so many personal tastes, palettes and preferences to cater to among family and friends. Champagne Taittinger offers a myriad of unique concepts to introduce creative and beautiful concepts to make for a memorable occasion.

For example, Caviar and Champagne make an elegant pairing for the Holiday Season. Served alone or as an element to add an elegant tone to holiday dishes, caviar is a simple, but effective grace note that elevates even the simplest fare.

The High-Low Snack Bar, which pairs Champagne with a dazzling array of guilty pleasures; Fried Chicken with Rosemary Honey and Sea Salt, Potato Crisps with Mascarpone Creme Fraiche, Brie and Pomegranate Crostini with Balsamic Crema, are all unexpected Champagne pairings that will leave your guests clamoring for more.

Top off the night with an elegant display of mouth-watering desserts, including the Champagne Taittinger Macaron, and you've added a layer of sparkle to your celebration.

Champagne Taittinger is one of the last family-owned and operated grand marquee Champagne houses in the world. For more holiday entertaining suggestions visit www.taittinger.com.