This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Pairing Wine And Food Made Simple

Posted on January 6, 2013 by WineGuyMike

Check out the radio show on The Trail 103.3FM and U 104.5FM. The live stream feed is online at www.trail1033.com where you can click on “Listen Live”. The WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© airs on both radio stations Sunday mornings at 11:00AM MST.

Social Media links;

Todays podcast on pairing wine and food; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2013/01/06/wine-guy-mike-for-january-6/

This weeks WineGuyMike YouTube preview on pairing wine and food; http://youtu.be/DAcXPbZr0TI

Last Weeks podcast on Champagne and Sparkling Wines; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/12/30/wine-guy-mike-for-december-30/

Recent podcast with wine visionary David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/12/23/wine-guy-mike-for-december-23rd/

Recent podcast featuring Christophe Hedges of Hedges Family Estate; http://www.trail1033.com/Podcasts/Podcast-Wine-Guy-Mike-for-December-9-554603

YouTube preview for this week’s show featuring David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard; http://youtu.be/i8cwHoT0Dpk

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link: http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhum

Facebook; http://on.fb.me/hvHsil please “like”

Twitter; https://twitter.com/WineGuyMike

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Liquid Planet www.LiquidPlanet.com

Its 2013, welcome back to the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show©. I decided on today’s show topic as it occurred to meet late in 2012 how important relationships are, something I have always known of course. But I took a moment to reflect on just how important it is in this chaotic world to take a moment, no matter how busy I am, for friends and family.

One of the ways that I do this in my life is to share wine and food with you, my friends on air and also through wine tastings and intimate dinners with friends and family. Interestingly enough today’s show is all about pairing wines and food so we will be talking about balance which is also the point of today’s commentary for the New Year, finding a balanced and more harmonious lifestyle.

In approaching the topic of pairing wine and food let’s remember the number one rule on the WineGuyMike show, we have no rules. All kidding aside this is a great guideline to be bound by no rules, but I will say when a wine is well paired with a meal it is a bite of nirvana.

There is much mystique and some draconian like attitude surrounding wine and food pairing, this can be unfortunate. The hard-line approach is sometimes common amongst want to be wine experts and myopically focused sommeliers. Pairing wine and food should be fun, exciting, and a little challenging as you are thinking about a preparation for a special social gathering albeit large or small and intimate. I am not suggesting that considering a few very common sense guidelines will not enhance your enjoyment of wine and food because it will. My encouragement is to not over think this process, consider your guest(s), and to enjoy the moment.

When one considers wine and food thinking about balance is helpful. The balance of both weight and texture of wine and food is a good place to start when determining what wine works best with what food. Here are a few other things to think about when choosing a wine too:

What wine do you like to drink? Perhaps more important what type of wine does your guest like to drink? Finding the right wine amongst two friends in itself is an act of pairing, is it not?
Consider the texture of the food, is it heavy or light? Is it a rich or light dish?
How is the food prepared, has it been Grilled, Baked, or Sautéed?
What about sauce? Sauce has a significant impact on food, is there a gravy, crème or tomato sauce in addition to the food itself?

In considering balance, and in this case I’m referring to weight and texture of the main food entrée and the weight and texture of the wine, I will be choosing the appropriate wine to serve with my dinner. What is my method of food preparation? Am I dining in a restaurant? This too can be a double edged sword as my guest more than likely will be ordering something very different than I will. So now I have to find a wine that is suitable for both meals, or if the establishment serves wines by the glass and I know their wines have been handled correctly that will be an option for choosing the right wine with the entrée.

Here are a couple more things to consider while contemplating the most appropriate wine to serve with dinner. Just as foods have texture and firmness wines also have a quality of texture and weight. Remember we are looking for balance and synergy between wine and the foods they are paired with. A big robust full bodied wine bold on texture should not be paired with delicate dishes, nor should they be paired with a food dish that is big on flavor. Big wine and big flavor just don’t work well together, we are looking for that simple harmony between food and wine, not a power struggle. Mild food dishes do well when they are paired with a wine that is medium to light in body.

What then are some of the basic parameters to consider when pairing wine and food? When choosing wine the preference is medium to lighter bodied wines that have a balance of fruit and acid, have soft supple tannin qualities, and have moderate alcohol levels. The best white wine to use in pairing wine and food are Pinot Gris or, as it is known in Italy Pinot Grigio, and Chenin Blanc. Both of these white wines have a great fruit profile and the acid is a little higher than other grapes and the acid is what brings out the flavor so wonderfully in food.

When it comes to red wines there are a couple of things to consider. Just like your white wines medium to light bodied wines are best when pairing with food along with the other attributes I just mentioned. The red varietals that will always work great with food are; Barbera, Gamay, and Pinot Noir. There is a new wine on the block too that works very well with food, Frappato. This grape is a native Sicilian grape that is in favor with cult wine drinkers who enjoy pairing wine and food. Another good rule of thumb to remember with red wines is that if they are light enough to see through in a glass they will work with food fairly well.

In closing I would like you to remember to consider what is really important, the relationship with your dinner partner or guests and please don’t over think the wine and food pairing. It’s just not that complicated or important, you should enjoy what you and your guest(s) like. I want to wish all of my listeners an a New Year filled with thoughtful relationships, and good health. With this thought in mind I toast to you.

Be sure to check out the blog at WineGuyMike.com for my wine suggestions and if you live in Missoula be sure to visit Liquid Planet for your ultimate wine shopping experience. I’ll see you on the radio friends.

For a great selection of wines to pair you food with be sure to visit Liquid Planet, Missoula’s “Best of Beverage”, located in the Heart of Downtown Missoula.

The wines suggested today receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™ www.wineguymike.com is your wine resource.

From my table to yours,

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Champagne and Sparkling Wines, “All You Need To Know”

Posted on December 30, 2012 by WineGuyMike

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Social Media links;

Recent podcast with wine visionary David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/12/23/wine-guy-mike-for-december-23rd/

Recent podcast featuring Christophe Hedges of Hedges Family Estate; http://www.trail1033.com/Podcasts/Podcast-Wine-Guy-Mike-for-December-9-554603

YouTube preview for this week’s show featuring David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard; http://youtu.be/i8cwHoT0Dpk

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link: http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhum

Facebook; http://on.fb.me/hvHsil please “like”

Twitter; https://twitter.com/WineGuyMike

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Liquid Planet www.LiquidPlanet.com

This week WineGuyMike™ writes all about all things bubbly for your New Year Celebration and understanding the differences between Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Cava, Prosecco, and Spumante. In this post I am also suggesting sparkling wines in a variety of price ranges that offer the consumer value.

This weeks WineGuyMike™ Radio Show podcast; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/12/30/wine-guy-mike-for-december-30/

What is the difference between Champagne and Sparkling wine? Sparkling wines and champagne are still wines that have been infused with carbonation. True Champagne is made in France will be noted by the capital letter “C”on the label. Other sparkling wines called Champagne will by designated as “champagne”, notice no capitalization. Three grapes are used in Champagne, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. It’s white because only the juice of the grapes is used.

The four methods of Sparkling wine production:

1. Carbon Dioxide Injection – soft drinks and inexpensive sparkling wines are produced using this method. It produces large bubbles that dissipate quickly.

2. Charmat Process – wine undergoes a second fermentation in large bulk tanks and is bottled under pressure. Prosecco and Asti are produced utilizing this method, smaller longer lasting bubbles result from this method. Many Sparkling wines are made using this method.

3. Méthode Champenoise – this process takes place in the bottle and requires hands on attention. During the second fermentation the carbon dioxide stays in the bottle and this is where the bubbles come from.

4. Transfer Method – the cuvee is bottled for the second fermentation which adds complexity. But the wine is then removed and stored in large tanks after it has spent the appropriate amount of time on yeast.

Champagne:

The Champagne region of France not only produces some of the finest sparkling wines in the world, but some of the finest wines in the world too. Typically there are three grapes used in the blend for sparkling wines; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Different vintages are used to create the blend or better known as the “Cuvee”.

Champagne is expensive due to the traditional method of how it is made, Methode Champenoise and techniques known as second fermentation. This process takes place in the bottle and requires hands on attention.

Pink Champagne or sparkling Rose is strained through the Pinot Noir grape skins, truly a delight. Methode Champenoise is the true French fermentation process. The wine is fermented twice, once in an oak barrel, and the second time the wine developes carbonation in the bottle while aging a minimum of one year.

Blanc de Blancs is true French Champagne, it is produced entirely from the Chardonnay grape. Blanc de Blancs fermented using the Methode Champenoise process, producing white Champagne.

Designations of quality:

Prestige cuvee

This Champagne is the highest priced and is available only in small quantities. It is designated “Prestige” because the grapes come from the best grapes from the highest rated villages, it is made from the first pressing of the grapes, produced only as a vintage, and will have been aged longer than vintage and non-vintage Champagnes.

Vintage Champagne

Some select years produce an outstanding grape harvest. The Vintage Champagnes are aged for at least three years. Here are an example of a few companies who produce these Vintage Champagnes; Veuve Clicquot, Perrier-Jouet, Moet & Chandon, and Taittinger.

Remember a Vintage Champagne will be identified by an actual year marked on the label, but expect to pay a premium for this.

Non-Vintage Champagne

The majority of Sparkling wine on the shelf of a store is non-vintage. These are a blend of wines aged for two years.

How to Select your Champagne:

■Brut is Dry

■Extra Dry is Semidry

■Sec is Semisweet

■Demi-sec is Sweet

Quality Champagne Cellars:

Ayala, Billecart-Salmon, J. Bollinger, Canard-Duchene, Deutz, Charles Heidsieck, Heid sieck Monopole, Henriot, Krug, Lanson, Lauret Perrier, Mercier, Moet & Chandon, Mumm Perrier-Jouet, Joseph Perrier, Piper Heidsieck, Pol Roger, Pommery, Louis Roederer, Ruinart, Salmon, Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot

All things are not at equal when it comes to sparkling wines and Champagne. So what makes all of these types of sparkling wines different? The answer is how they are made, the type of grapes, and the yeasts that are used in fermentation and left behind in the bottle to age with the sparkling wines.

There are 2-3 elements of wine that create aroma and flavor. The first element is the fruit, and the second is the yeast used to ferment the wine. Fruit and yeast combine during fermentation to produce aroma and flavor or sense of taste. The third influence upon the wine in your glass may be from an oak influence during the wines aging process.

Other sparkling Wine Regions:

Loire Valley of France produces Crémant, while the Asti region of Italy produces Asti Spumanti, and Prosecco comes from the Veneto region. The Catalonia region of Spain produces the world’s most popular sparkling wine, Cava. Quality sparkling wines made in Italy are made by the Metodo Classico process or what the French refer to as Methode Champenoise.

Prosecco is an Italian wine, generally a dry sparkling wine, usually made from grape variety Glera, which is also known as Prosecco. The Veneto region of Italy is where Glera/ Prosecco is grown and produced.

Prosecco is mainly produced as a sparkling wine in either the fully sparkling (spumante) or lightly sparkling (frizzante, gentile) styles. Prosecco spumante, which has undergone a full secondary fermentation, is the more expensive style. The various sparkling wines may contain some Pinot Bianco or Pinot Grigio wine. Depending on their sweetness, Proseccos are labeled “brut”, “extra dry”, or “dry”, with the brut being the driest.

Unlike Champagne, Prosecco does not ferment in the bottle consequently the wine goes off or gets old quickly and should be drunk as young as possible, preferably within one year.

Prosecco is Italy’s answer to refreshing, well-made, sparkling wine that is low in alcohol, about 11 to 12 percent by volume. Created from predominately Prosecco grapes in the northern Veneto region of Italy in the foothills of the Alps. Prosecco is light, affordable, and fun. This Sparkling wine is aromatic and crisp, with nuances of yellow apple, citrus, pear, white peach, and apricot. Today’s Proseccos tend to be dry and very bubbly and typically will present itself as light, fresh, with an initial intense bouquet/aroma, but simple and straight forward compared to Champagne.

Prosecco is made using the Charmat method rather than the Champagne method, the French method of making sparkling wine. The Charmat method is a second fermentation in pressurized tanks rather than in individual bottles. The shorter, tank fermentation is preferable for Prosecco because it preserves the freshness and the flavor of the grapes.

Asti Spumante is a sweet sparkling wine. It is produced in the province of Asti and made from the Moscato grape. Spumante is a fruit forward sparkling wine that is grapy, and has a low alcohol content usually around 8%. Moscato d’Asti is a sparkling wine that is frizzante in style and for my palette I find these wines to be more refined than the Asti Spumante.

Cava originated in the Catalonia region at the in the late 19th century. Originally the wine was known as Champaña until Spanish producers officially adopted the term “Cava” (cellar) in 1970. Cava wines are fermented and aged in the bottle in underground cellars. Today 95% of Spain’s total Cava production is from Catalonia.

Cava is produced in different styles ranging from dry to sweet; Brut Nature, Brut (extra dry), Seco (dry), Semiseco (medium) and Dulce (sweet). Under Spanish Denominación de Origen laws, Cava can be produced in six wine regions and must be made according to the Traditional Method with second fermentation in the bottle. The grapes used to produce Cava are Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and Malvasia. The Chardonnay grape is a late comer to the scene despite being a traditional grape used to produce Champagne. It was not introduced in the production of Cava until the 1980s.

In order for the wines to be called ‘Cava’, they must be made in the traditional Méthode Champenoise. Wines made via the low-cost Charmat process may only be called ‘Spanish sparkling wine’. A rosé style of Cava is also produced by adding in small amounts of red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha or Monastrell to the wine.

Cava made by the Champagne method, is a very acceptable alternative to French champagne. Cava is usually made by the Coupage method, whereby must, a.k.a.(grape juice) from different grape varieties is subjected to the first fermentation which is blended until it is consistent with the wine that the winemaker wants to produce . After the Coupage, the wine is put into bottles and yeast and sugar added. It is then cellared for the second fermentation and aging.

Crémant is produced in the Loire Valley of France and is the largest producer of sparkling wines outside of the Champagne region. Crémant has to be aged for at least one year and it is handpicked. The producers are also limited as to how much can be harvested, this all according to the French A.O.C.

There are seven French appellations that carry the Crémant designation in their name:

1.Crémant d’Alsace

2.Crémant de Bordeaux

3.Crémant de Bourgogne

4.Crémant de Die

5.Crémant du Jura

6.Crémant de Limoux

7.Crémant de Loire

Crémant de Loire’s are a blend of the Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. In Burgundy, Crémant de Bourgogne, must be composed of at least thirty percent Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Gris while Aligoté is often used to complement the blend. The Languedoc region in the south of France produces Crémant de Limoux. This Sparkling wine is produced from the indigenous grape Mauzac, with Chenin blanc, and Chardonnay rounding out the wine in small amounts.

The Crémant Sparkling Wines are pressurized less than Champagne and therefore have a larger looser bubble as a result.

California Sparkling Wines:

Sparkling wines from California use a few grape varietals such as Berger and Chenin Blanc to blend with the traditional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

Producers to look for in California; Hacienda, Domain Lauier, Roederer Estate, Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Codorniu-Napa, Iron Horse, Jordan, Mumm-Cuvee Napa, and Schramsberg.

Remember the name “Champagne” can only be used in Europe on bottles that actually are produced in the Champagne region of France.

As a consumer you now are empowered by the information WineGuyMike™ has shared with you in this week’s blog post. I would like to wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

For a great selection of Champagne and sparkling wine visit Liquid Planet, Missoula’s “Best of Beverage”, located in the Heart of Downtown Missoula.

The Champagne and sparkling wines suggested today receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™ www.wineguymike.com is your wine resource.

From my table to yours,

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard

Posted on December 23, 2012 by WineGuyMike

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Social Media links;

Current weeks podcast with wine visionary David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/12/23/wine-guy-mike-for-december-23rd/

Last Weeks Podcast featuring Christophe Hedges of Hedges Family Estate; http://www.trail1033.com/Podcasts/Podcast-Wine-Guy-Mike-for-December-9-554603

YouTube preview for this week’s show featuring David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard; http://youtu.be/i8cwHoT0Dpk

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link: http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhum

Facebook; http://on.fb.me/hvHsil please “like”

Twitter; https://twitter.com/WineGuyMike

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Today’s full conversation podcast between David Adelsheim and WineGuyMike; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/12/23/wine-guy-mike-for-december-23rd/

Liquid Planet “Best of Beverage” and a great place to find your holiday wine located in the heart of downtown Missoula.

For a great selection on wine visit Liquid Planet, Missoula’s “Best of Beverage”, located in the Heart of Downtown Missoula.

The Hedges Family Estate wines reviewed today receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™

You can listen to the show live on the Trail 103.3FM or U 104.5FM. These shows are podcast for your convenience and available on my blog at; www.WineGuyMike.wordpress.com or visit the new website at www.wineguymike.com

From my table to yours,

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Christophe Hedges of Hedges Family Estate

Posted on December 9, 2012 by WineGuyMike

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Social Media links;

This Weeks Podcast featuring Christophe Hedges of Hedges Family Estate; http://www.trail1033.com/Podcasts/Podcast-Wine-Guy-Mike-for-December-9-554603

YouTube preview for this week’s show featuring Christophe Hedges of Hedges Family Estate;

Recent podcast with Courtney Kingston of Kingston Family Vineyards; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/09/15/wine-guy-mike-for-september-16/

Recent Podcast with head winemaker of Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Mr. Anthony Beckman; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/07/29/wine-guy-mike-for-july-29/

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link: http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhum

Facebook; http://on.fb.me/hvHsil please “like”

Twitter; https://twitter.com/WineGuyMike

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Today’s written story will be available later this afternoon, but here is what you really need to know. The wine notes…everyone a great wine and a great value. Listen to the full length conversation between featured guest Christophe Hedges and WineGuyMike right here; http://www.trail1033.com/Podcasts/Podcast-Wine-Guy-Mike-for-December-9-554603

Liquid Planet “Best of Beverage” and a great place to find your holiday wine located in the heart of downtown Missoula.

For a great selection on wine visit Liquid Planet, Missoula’s “Best of Beverage”, located in the Heart of Downtown Missoula.

The Hedges Family Estate wines reviewed today receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™

From my table to yours,

This Week On The WineGuyMike™ Radio Show Chef Richard Bishop

Posted on December 2, 2012 by WineGuyMike

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Social Media links;

Today’s Podcast Chef Richard Bishop of Classy Catering Creations; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/12/02/wine-guy-mike-for-december-2nd/

This week’s YouTube preview with Chef Richard Bishop of Classy Catering Creations;

Recent podcast with Courtney Kingston of Kingston Family Vineyards; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/09/15/wine-guy-mike-for-september-16/

Recent Podcast with head winemaker of Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Mr. Anthony Beckman; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/07/29/wine-guy-mike-for-july-29/

Recent week’s podcast; What You Need To Know About Wine http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/07/15/wine-guy-mike-for-july-15/

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhum

Facebook; WineGuyMike please “like”

Twitter; @WineGuyMike please follow me

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Liquid Planet “Best of Beverage” and a great place to find your holiday wine located in the heart of downtown Missoula.

Georges Distributing in Helena, Montana

This week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Chef Richard Bishop of Classy Catering Creations joined me as my featured guest, we’re talking turkey. Yes Thanksgiving is over but I want to know what to do with that carcass that I save every year.

Bishop hails from Mountain Home, Idaho which is located about 45 minutes outside of Boise. Originally from the east coast Bishop moved his company, Classy Catering Creations, to Idaho in 2010. Bishop’s catering company provides services ranging from small private dinners to large events. CCC is focused on quality services, seasonal and local food sources. Led by Chef Bishop this Rocky Mountain catering company delivers.

Classy Catering Creations

Classy Catering Creations is composed of a highly organized team of event planners, concept designers, managers and chefs. Their desire is to create unique memorable events of unmatched structure and individual character. The real strength of CCC is their long standing client relationships which are the foundation upon which their firm is built.

Chef Bishop and the team at CCC are available for consulting and it is worth a call to visit with a catering firm who really knows what they are doing. In fact Chef Bishop has an extremely informative white paper he has written on “all things catering”. Bishop will even share this with you if you give him a call.

Be sure to take a look at Classy Catering Creations website, http://classycateringcreations.com, and you can give Chef Bishop a call at 208-696-1114. The following recipes were provided by Chef Richard Bishop and WineGuyMike™ has recommended three inexpensive yet exceptional wines. These pairings a match made in heaven and I know you’ll enjoy these as much as I have.

Thanks to Chef Bishop for joining me on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© this week, I finally know how to utilize my Thanksgiving turkey carcass and make a great soup to share with family and friends. Cheers to Chef Bishop and his team at Classy Catering Creations. I’ll see you on the radio.

Turkey Stock

Prep time 15 mins

Cook time 3 hours 20 mins

Total time 3 hours 35 mins

Author: Richard Bishop

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons – Vegetable Oil
2 Tablespoons – Butter
1 – Onion (quartered)
1 – Carrot (thickly sliced)
2 – Stalks of Celery (roughly chopped)
1 – Head of Garlic (halved crosswise)
1 Tablespoon – Kosher Salt
3 – Sprigs Thyme
1 – Bay Leaf
1 Tablespoon – Black Peppercorns
Turkey carcass and wings
2 Gallons – Water

Instructions

If you have Boquet of Garni bags add the garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and peppercorns to the bag and place the bag into the stock pot. This makes is a little easier to remove the herbs when ready.
In a large stock pot add the butter and the vegetable oil and bring it to a medium heat. Then add the vegetables and allow them to sweat. You dont want color you just want the onions translucent.
Add the remaining ingredients in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Skim any impurities that rise to the surface as they occur. Simmer for 3 hours. Remove the garni bag if applicable then strain through a fine mesh strainer and discard solids.

Turkey Soup

Prep time 15 mins

Cook time 60 mins

Total time 1 hour 15 mins

Author: Chef Richard Bishop

Ingredients

8-10 pound – Turkey (removed from bones)
1½ gallons – Turkey Stock (made from Turkey)
2 tablespoon – Unsalted Butter
1 – Large Onion (diced)
2 – Large Carrots (diced)
1 – Bunch Celery (diced)
2 – Cloves Garlic (minced)
1 cup – Tarragon (chopped)
Roasted Turkey Meat pulled and roughly chopped

Instructions

Heat butter over medium in a large stockpot. Add the vegetables with a large pinch of salt, and sweat the vegetables until translucent.
Add the pulled turkey and stock, cover and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 45 minutes.

Classic Dumpling Prep time 10 mins Cook time 3 mins Total time 13 mins Author: Chef Richard Bishop Ingredients

1 cup – Flour
2 – Eggs
¼ cup – Milk
¼ cup – Parsley
¼ cup – Chopped Shallots

Instructions

Make a well in the flour in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
Add the eggs and milk mixture to the well, then add the parsley and shallots and whisk all together until smooth.
Usting a cutting board and knife cut bite sized pieces into the desired broth or stock which they will be accompanying. (Keep in mind the will expand some when cutting them into the liquid.)

WineGuyMike™ recommendations, pair these excellent wines with Chef Richard’s recipe for turkey soup and dumplings.

Liquid Planet offers an excellent selection of fine wine to compliment your dinners, Missoula’s “Best of Beverage”, located in the Heart of Downtown Missoula.

The wines reviewed today receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™

From my table to yours,

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Jamie Stewart Brand Ambassador for Ferrari Sparkling Wines Part 2

Posted on November 25, 2012 by WineGuyMike

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Social Media links;

Last Weeks Podcast featuring Ferrari Sparkling Wines Part 1; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/11/18/wine-guy-mike-november-18-2012/

YouTube preview for this week’s show featuring Ferrari Sparkling Wines from Trento, Italy;

Recent podcast with Courtney Kingston of Kingston Family Vineyards; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/09/15/wine-guy-mike-for-september-16/

Recent Podcast with head winemaker of Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Mr. Anthony Beckman; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/07/29/wine-guy-mike-for-july-29/

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link: http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhum

Facebook; http://on.fb.me/hvHsil please “like”

Twitter; https://twitter.com/WineGuyMike

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Liquid Planet “Best of Beverage” and a great place to find your holiday wine located in the heart of downtown Missoula.

Thank you for joining me this Sunday morning on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© for Part 2 with Jamie Stewart Brand Ambassador for Ferrari Sparkling Wines.

La Lunelli Famiglia

Established in northern Italy’s Trentino region over a century ago, Ferrari has earned a worldwide reputation as the premier source of luxury metodo classico sparkling wines from Italy.

The legend of Ferrari began with a man, Giulio Ferrari, and with his dream of creating a wine in Italy inspired by the very finest French Champagne. A skilled and painstaking enologist Ferrari studied at the prestigious School of Viticulture in Montpellier, France.

Ferrari was founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari. After studying in France, Giulio returned to Trentino convinced that his native region’s terroir was ideal for growing Chardonnay grapes suitable for the production of world-class sparkling wines. A pioneer in Italian viticulture, Ferrari was the first Italian winemaker and viticulturalist to dedicate his vineyards almost entirely to Chardonnay – and by 1906 Ferrari was producing award winning sparkling wines. Ferrari was well on its way to producing what would soon become the most famous sparkling wine in all of Italy.

Trentino – Alto Adige is a region located in the northeastern portion of Italy featuring two distinct areas. Trento is located in the southern portion of the region and is steeped in Italian culture. The Alto Adige area is located in the northern territory at a higher altitude near the Adige River and is predominantly a Germanic culture.

Cantine Ferrari’s vineyards are located in the Trento area, situated on south facing high altitude slopes. The Adige River runs parallel to the vineyards and is governed by the Trento D.O.C. During the day warm Mediterranean influences from the Veneto wine region flow into the vineyards surrounding Trento. Late afternoon glacial breezes from the Dolomite Mountains in the Italian Alps funnel cool air into the vineyards. The cool night air slows the ripening process, concentrating the fruit and sugar of the grapes. Glacial water rich in mineral content is another important component of Trento’s terroir, aiding in producing spectacular grapes.

The bouquet and flavor of Ferrari sparkling wines is second to none due in part to exceptional winemaking led by chief winemaker Marcello Lunelli. Proprietary yeast cultures developed by Giulio Ferrari, glacial water rich in minerals, and ideal growing conditions are also important components of Ferrari sparkling wine.

Ferrari is a 22-time winner of the Tre Bicchieri award, Italy’s highest wine accolade.

The Ferrari Sparkling Brut is available at Liquid Planet, Missoula’s “Best of Beverage”, located in the Heart of Downtown Missoula.

The Ferrari sparkling wines reviewed today receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™ Guilio Ferrari Saprkling Wine is the only sparkling wine served at the Vatican. If it is good enough for the Pope…

From my table to yours,

Thanksgiving Dinner & Leftover Wine Recommendations From WineGuyMike™

Posted on November 22, 2012 by WineGuyMike

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Social Media links;

Today’s Podcast featuring Ferrari Sparkling Wines; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/11/18/wine-guy-mike-november-18-2012/

YouTube preview for this week’s show featuring Ferrari Sparkling Wines from Trento, Italy;

Recent podcast with Courtney Kingston of Kingston Family Vineyards; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/09/15/wine-guy-mike-for-september-16/

Recent Podcast with head winemaker of Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Mr. Anthony Beckman; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/07/29/wine-guy-mike-for-july-29/

Recent week’s podcast; What You Need To Know About Wine http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/07/15/wine-guy-mike-for-july-15/

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhum

Facebook; WineGuyMike please “like”

Twitter; @WineGuyMike please follow me

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Liquid Planet “Best of Beverage” and a great place to find your holiday wine located in the heart of downtown Missoula.

Georges Distributing in Helena, Montana

Here are a few of WineGuyMike’s favorite wines to go with your Thanksgiving Day dinner and even better yet the leftovers. Remember if you like red wine you will want to choose a wine that is light to medium bodied, has a good balance of fruit and acid. A white wine that pairs well with Thanksgiving Day dinner should be rich, lush, and slightly tart.

Thanksgiving Day wines on Montana Today; http://www.nbcmontana.com/video/29832819/index.html

The Ferrari sparkling wines are exceptionally well made featuring bright fruit and perfect acidity. A perfect companion for you Thanksgiving dinner or yummy leftovers.

These white wine selections are generally inexpensive, bright with fruit, and acidity that will bring out the best in your meal.

The red wines that I’m recommending are inexpensive, well rounded, nice acidity and fruit, the right amount of body, and will stay in the background and beautifully enhance today’s Thanksgiving dinner. Try these selections with leftovers, they be better yet.

Liquid Planet offers an excellent selection of fine wine to compliment your Tahnsgiving dinner, Missoula’s “Best of Beverage”, located in the Heart of Downtown Missoula.

The wines reviewed today receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™

From my table to yours,

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Jamie Stewart Brand Ambassador for Ferrari Sparkling Wines

Posted on November 18, 2012 by WineGuyMike

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Social Media links;

Today’s Podcast featuring Ferrari Sparkling Wines; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/11/18/wine-guy-mike-november-18-2012/

YouTube preview for this week’s show featuring Ferrari Sparkling Wines from Trento, Italy;

Recent podcast with Courtney Kingston of Kingston Family Vineyards; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/09/15/wine-guy-mike-for-september-16/

Recent Podcast with head winemaker of Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Mr. Anthony Beckman; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/07/29/wine-guy-mike-for-july-29/

Recent week’s podcast; What You Need To Know About Wine http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/07/15/wine-guy-mike-for-july-15/

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhum

Facebook; WineGuyMike please “like”

Twitter; @WineGuyMike please follow me

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Liquid Planet “Best of Beverage” and a great place to find your holiday wine located in the heart of downtown Missoula.

Georges Distributing in Helena, Montana

La Lunelli Famiglia

Established in northern Italy’s Trentino region over a century ago, Ferrari has earned a worldwide reputation as the premier source of luxury metodo classico sparkling wines from Italy.

Ferrari is a 22-time winner of the Tre Bicchieri award, Italy’s highest wine accolade.

Watch for 3 more Ferrari Wine reviews later today!

The Ferrari Sparkling Brut is available especially priced at Liquid Planet, Missoula’s “Best of Beverage”, located in the Heart of Downtown Missoula.

The Ferrari sparkling wines reviewed today receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™

From my table to yours,

This Week On The WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Learn About Champagne And Sparkling Wine

Posted on November 11, 2012 by WineGuyMike

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Social Media links;

This week’s podcast on Champagne and Sparkling Wines; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/11/11/wine-guy-mike-for-november-11/

Youtube preview from this week’s show;

Last week’s podcast on Merlot and The Connoisseurs’ Classic & Auction; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/11/04/wine-guy-mike-for-november-4th/

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link; http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhee

Facebook; WineGuyMike please “like”

Twitter; @WineGuyMike please follow me

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Liquid Planet “Best of Beverage” and a great place to WineGuyMike show wines for the lowest price. Located in the heart of downtown Missoula.

www.WineChateau.com

Georges Distributing in Helena, Montana.

This week WineGuyMike™ is going to be talking about the differences between Champagne and Sparkling Wine as a prelude to next week’s show. Next week I will be joined by my special featured guest, Jamie Stewart, who is the Brand Ambassador for Ferrari Sparkling wines. Ferrari began with a man, Giulio Ferrari, and with his dream of creating a wine in Italy inspired by the very finest French Champagne and Jamie will be sharing that story with us on next week’s show.

What is the difference between Champagne and Sparkling wine? Well let’s take a look and find out. Sparkling wines and champagne are still wines that have been infused with carbonation. True Champagne is made in France will be noted by the capital letter “C”on the label. Other sparkling wines called Champagne will by designated as “champagne”, notice no capitalization. Three grapes are used in Champagne, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. It’s white because only the juice of the grapes is used.

There are four methods of Sparkling wine production:

1. Carbon Dioxide Injection – soft drinks and inexpensive sparkling wines are produced using this method. It produces large bubbles that dissipate quickly.

Champagne: The Champagne region of France not only produces some of the finest sparkling wines in the world, but some of the finest wines in the world too. Typically there is three grapes used in the blend for sparkling wines; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Different vintages are used to create the blend or better known as the “Cuvee”.

Champagne is expensive due to the traditional method of how it is made, Méthode Champenoise and techniques known as second fermentation. This process takes place in the bottle and requires hands on attention.

Pink Champagne is strained through the Pinot Noir grape skins, truly a delight. Méthode Champenoise is the true French fermentation process, this wine is fermented twice, once in an oak barrel, and it is during the second fermentation that the wine develops carbonation in the bottle and is aged for a minimum of one year.

Blanc de Blancs is true French Champagne produced entirely from the Chardonnay grape using the Méthode Champenoise process, producing white Champagne.

Designations of quality:

Prestige cuvee; This Champagne is the highest priced and is available only in small quantities. It is designated “Prestige” because the grapes come from the best grapes from the highest rated villages, it is made from the first pressing of the grapes, produced only as a vintage, and will have been aged longer than vintage and non-vintage Champagnes.

Vintage Champagne; Some select years produce an outstanding grape harvest. The Vintage Champagnes are aged for at least three years.

Remember a Vintage Champagne will be identified by an actual year marked on the label, but expect to pay a premium for this.

Non-Vintage Champagne; The majority of Sparkling wine on the shelf of a store is non-vintage. These are a blend of wines aged for two years.

How to Select your Champagne

Brut is Dry, Extra Dry is Semidry, Sec is Semisweet, and Demi-sec is Sweet.

Other sparkling wine Regions:

Loire Valley of France produces Crémant, while the Asti region of Italy produces Asti Spumanti, and Prosecco comes from the Veneto region. The Catalonia region of Spain produces the world’s most popular sparkling wine, Cava.

Prosecco is an Italian wine, generally a dry sparkling wine, usually made from grape variety Glera, which is also known as Prosecco. The Veneto region of Italy is where Glera/ Prosecco is grown and produced.

Prosecco is mainly produced as a sparkling wine in either the fully sparkling (spumante) or lightly sparkling (frizzante, gentile) styles. Prosecco spumante, which has undergone a full secondary fermentation, is the more expensive style. The various sparkling wines may contain some Pinot Bianco or Pinot Grigio wine. Depending on their sweetness, Proseccos are labeled “brut”, “extra dry”, or “dry”, with the brut being the driest.

Unlike Champagne, Prosecco does not ferment in the bottle consequently the wine goes off or gets old quickly and should be drunk as young as possible, preferably within one year.

Prosecco is made using the Charmat method rather than the Champagne method, the French method of making sparkling wine. The Charmat method is a second fermentation in pressurized tanks rather than in individual bottles. The shorter, tank fermentation is preferable for Prosecco because it preserves the freshness and the flavor of the grapes.

Asti Spumante is a sweet sparkling wine with a mellow effervescence. It is produced in the province of Asti and made from the Moscato grape. Spumante is a fruit forward sparkling wine that is grapy, and has low alcohol content usually around 8%. Moscato d’Asti is a sparkling wine that is frizzante in style and for my palette I find these wines to be more refined than the Asti Spumante.

Cava originated in the Catalonia region at the in the late 19th century. Originally the wine was known as Champaña until Spanish producers officially adopted the term “Cava” (cellar) in 1970. Cava wines are fermented and aged in the bottle in underground cellars. Today 95% of Spain’s total Cava production is from Catalonia.

Cava is produced in different styles ranging from dry to sweet; Brut Nature, Brut (extra dry), Seco (dry), Semiseco (medium) and Dulce (sweet). Under Spanish Denominación de Origen laws, Cava can be produced in six wine regions and must be made according to the Traditional Method with second fermentation in the bottle. The grapes used to produce Cava are Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and Malvasia. The Chardonnay grape is a late comer to the scene despite being a traditional grape used to produce Champagne. It was not introduced in the production of Cava until the 1980s.

Cava made by the Champagne method, is a very acceptable alternative to French champagne. Cava is usually made by the Coupage method, whereby must, a.k.a(grape juice) from different grape varieties is subjected to the first fermentation which is blended until it is consistent with the wine that the winemaker wants to produce . After the Coupage, the wine is put into bottles and yeast and sugar added. It is then cellared for the second fermentation and aging.

The Crémant Sparkling Wines are pressurized less than Champagne and therefore have a larger looser bubble but are still terrific to drink.

Thank you for joining me once again and be sure not to miss next week’s show as Jamie Stewart the Brand Ambassador for Ferrari Sparkiling Wines joins me live on the Trail 1033 & u 104.5 FM, you can also live stream; http://bit.ly/pVLaBr

In the meantime please try these nice wines that I recommend, affordable wines for value minded wine lovers. Cheers!

Be sure to visit Liquid Planet, “The Best of Beverage”, in the heart of downtown Missoula, a great selection of wines and wonderful wine shopping experience.

The wines reviewed today all receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™

From my table to yours,

Posted on November 4, 2012 by WineGuyMike

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Social Media links;

This week’s podcast on Merlot and The Connoisseurs’ Classic & Auction; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/11/04/wine-guy-mike-for-november-4th/

Youtube preview from this week’s show;

Last week’s podcast Wines From the Veneto Wine Region Of Italy; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/10/28/wine-guy-mike-for-october-28/

Recent week’s podcast The Big Red Wines of Piedmont; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/10/21/wine-guy-mike-for-october-21/

Recent week’s podcast The Great Wines of Tuscany, Part 2 Italian Wine Series; http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/10/14/wine-guy-mike-for-october-14/

Recent podcast; Understanding the Italian Wine Label Part 1 http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/09/09/wine-guy-mike-for-september-9/

Recent podcast; What You Need To Know About Wine http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/07/15/wine-guy-mike-for-july-15/

Recent podcast; (full length conversation) with Maximilian Riedel, CEO Riedel Crystal of America http://trail1033.podbean.com/2012/06/24/wine-guy-mike-for-june-24/

NBC Montana Today TV Segment; Perfect Patio Wines and food pairing; http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Mike-Tornatore-8-7-12/-/14594602/15999458/-/67a5ri/-/index.html

YouTube; My YouTube channel of course is WineGuyMike™ or the actual URL link; http://www.youtube.com/user/WineGuyMike?feature=mhee

Facebook; WineGuyMike please “like”

Twitter; @WineGuyMike please follow me

Sleep City Missoula www.SleepCity.com

Liquid Planet “Best of Beverage” and a great place to WineGuyMike show wines for the lowest price. Located in the heart of downtown Missoula.

www.WineChateau.com

Georges Distributing in Helena, Montana.

Good Sunday morning and welcome to the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show©. This week I’m talking a little bit about this and a little bit about that, just mixing things up. Each year there is a very important benefit event that occurs in Missoula, Montana, the Connoisseurs’ Classic & Auction. This year’s benefit marks the sixth annual star-studded event, and when I say star-studded I’m talking about the beverage lineup. Attendees travel from around the United States to attend this event and when you see the beverage tasting list below you’ll understand why.

I also have a short commentary on one of my favorite grape varietals, Merlot. Yes the much maligned varietal is making a comeback and I will be sharing my thoughts about this classic underdog that is beginning to trend in the hands of very good winemakers. In the spirit of the upcoming Presidential election, I’m WineGuyMike and I approve this message.

This year’s Connoisseurs’ Classic & Auction will be held November 9, 2012 at the Sister Rita Mudd Activity Center in Missoula, MT. Ticket prices are $175 for those of us who will be imbibing but for designated drivers or attendees not consuming alcohol, ticket prices will be $40. Purchase tickets by calling Child Care Resources at 406.728.6446 or online at; http://www.childcareresources.org/cca

This annual benefit for Child Care Resources, a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids, fosters their growth into successful adults by enriching the learning environment of their crucial early developmental years. Proceeds from this event fund CCR’s Hand Up Scholarship, which helps families with otherwise unmet child care needs. This is a great organization and benefit event that I support each year.

The Connoisseurs’ Classic & Auction is hosted by my friends Kevin Head and Charlie Brown, both experts and connoisseurs’ of wine and Scotch. Both of these men work diligently throughout the year assembling the star-studded line up of beverages and with the assistance of the staff at Child Care Resources present an amazing array of treasures for the live and silent auction.

This year’s Connoisseurs’ Classic wine tasting list:

•Paul Hobbs, Nico Cobos, 2006, Blend

•Chris Ringland, Premier Three River, 2002, Shiraz

•Chris Ringland, F.U., 2004, Shiraz

•Tenuta De Biserno Bolgheria, Coronato, 2005, Blend

•1996 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto Di Serra Lunga, Nebbiolo, 1996, Nebbiolo

•Hill Family Estate, Double Barrell, 2005, Cab Sav.

•Penefold Grange, 2004, Shiraz

•Molly Dooker, Velvet Glove, 2009, Shiraz

•Schramsberg, Blanc de Noirs, 1998, sparkling

•Spottswoode, Cabernet, 2008

•Aldelsheim, Bryans Creek, 2008, Pinot Noir

•Lokoya, Howell Mountain vineyard, 2007, Cab Sav.

•Colgin, Proprietary Red Estate, 2005, red blend

•Sassicaia Proprietary Red Estate, Tenuta San Guido, 2005, Red Blend

•Harlan Estates, Bond De Vecina, 2006, Red Blend

•Achaval Ferrer, Finca Altamira la Consulta, 2009, Malbec

•Turley, Petite Syrah, 2005

•Trespass Vineyards, Cabernet Franc, 2009

•Drew Family Cellars, Weir Vineyard, 2009, Pinot Noir

•Guidalberto, 2006 Blend

•Salanquez 2003, Priorat

•Y Rousseau, Milady, 2009 Chardonnay

This year’s Connoisseurs’ Classic Scotch tasting list:

•Aberfeldy, Single Cask, Cask# 3698, 14 year

•Ardbeg 1990, Cask# 86, 16 year

•Arran 1997 Single Cask, Cask# 719

•BenRiach, 30 year

•Bowmore Oloroso, Black 1964, 42 year

•Bunnahabhain, Douglas Laing, 34 year

•Brora, 32 year

•Glenallachie 1972 Directors’ Cut 40-year-old

•Glendronach Grandeur 31-year-old

•Glenfarclas, 40 year

•GlenGloyne, Cask # 354, 24 year

•Glen Moray 1991, 16 Year

•Highland Park Thor, 16 year

•Nikki Single Cask, Coffee, 12 year

•Of Probably Speyside, Douglas Laing, 40 year

•Spirit of Unity 2011, Numerous, Blend

•Springbank 1970, Signatory, 37 year

•Strathisla, Gordon and MacPhail, 30 year

•Wemyss Malt 1990, Mocha Spice, Blend

In August of this year I hosted two of the most charming guests that I have had on one of my WineGuyMike radio shows, Julia McIlvaine and John Colella http://wp.me/p2JY6W-Ny . Both of these actors starred in the lead roles of “Sideways The Play”. Yes that Sideways, the movie that literally sent merlot wine sales spiraling downward globally, -2%, and lifted the global sales of pinot noir to the heavens with an increase in sales of 16%.

For the savvy wine consumer this smacks of opportunity, great merlot winemakers didn’t quit making merlot throughout the world just because a movie had tremendous physiological impact on the wine industry worldwide. What this did mean is that poorly made merlot that would no longer sell was purged from the market place.

Merlot is a classic wine varietal that is medium-bodied, very expressive of its terroir that it is exposed to and grown in. The merlot grape is very fruit forward and truly express’s nuances of red or dark fruits depending on where it is grown, and how it is made. The merlot varietal is used as a primary blending grape in Bordeaux wine where it has gained its notoriety worldwide.

Merlot is a very fruit forward grape that is very soft with supple mouth-feel texture. As a Bordeaux blend this exquisite wine is excellent to drink alone or as an amazing companion to a wide variety of foods. California winemakers are also learning to blend this classic grape too, and I emphasize the word learning. While they have long produced merlot as a single varietal wine they are now blending with other varietals such as syrah, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon. There are some very good wines being produced but they are centuries behind the winemakers of Bordeaux and the special touch they have in producing classic Bordeaux wines of incredible quality.

Merlot is making a comeback and you will see more on the shelves of your favorite wine store. This morning I leave you with two very nice wines that are of exceptional quality, one a blend from Napa Valley and a single vineyard 100% organic merlot from the Columbia Valley of Washington State. Please enjoy both of these luscious wines from Whitehall Lane and Hedges Estates.

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Be sure to visit Liquid Planet, “The Best of Beverage”, in the heart of downtown Missoula, a great selection of wines and wonderful wine shopping experience.

The wines reviewed today all receive the WineGuyMike™ Seal of Approval™

From my table to yours,

Wineguymike's Blog

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Tag Archives: Chardonnay

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Pairing Wine And Food Made Simple

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Champagne and Sparkling Wines, “All You Need To Know”

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Christophe Hedges of Hedges Family Estate

This Week On The WineGuyMike™ Radio Show Chef Richard Bishop

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Jamie Stewart Brand Ambassador for Ferrari Sparkling Wines Part 2

Thanksgiving Dinner & Leftover Wine Recommendations From WineGuyMike™

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Jamie Stewart Brand Ambassador for Ferrari Sparkling Wines

This Week On The WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Learn About Champagne And Sparkling Wine

This Week on the WineGuyMike™ Radio Show© Merlot and The Connoisseurs’ Classic & Auction