Rôti de Cochon Tout Simplement et Hermitage #Winophiles
#Winophiles Tour the Rhone Our October meeting of the French #Winophiles sends us to the Rhone. The wine region is entirely defined by the Rhone river, as it is the center and the main geographic influence in both soil and weather. We’ll be chatting about the Rhone on Saturday October 17 at 10am CDT. Join … Continue reading
Surprising Oyster Pairings
“He was a bold man who first ate oysters” Or a very hungry man… Your Next Oyster Pairing We love oysters on the half shell at our house, and we usually stick with the tried and true when it comes to wine: Champagne or lean unoaked chardonnay. Have you ever considered trying something new? Elaine … Continue reading
Northern Rhone Shootout
Pinch Me, a Flight of Classic Northern Rhone Reds Do you have a shop in your town that runs serious tastings? We’re lucky to have several venues in Minneapolis, one of which is Sunfish Cellars. In addition to basic classes, Sunfish regularly offers deep explorations into serious wines. Tonight we sampled wines from a number … Continue reading
Quick Visit & Lunch in Tain L’Hermitage
If you’re a Northern Rhone fan, a visit to Tain L’Hermitage is well worth your time. Seeing the land for yourself will show you things you will never learn from a book or an article. After our morning visit at Jean-Louis Chave, we had a little time to explore before we caught the train back … Continue reading
Minnesota Visits Domaine Jean-Louis Chave – St. Joseph & Cellars
On a visit with Erin Cannon Chave, we crossed the Rhone from Tain L’Hermitage to Mauves, in the St. Joseph appellation. The difficulty of farming on the hillside (cliffside?) of St. Joseph is clear as as soon as you see the steep slopes and terraces. Cultivated for centuries, many of these hillsides were abandoned after … Continue reading
Minnesota Visits Domaine Jean-Louis Chave – Hermitage
A question came up at our Chave tasting in Minnesota: “If we’re in France, can we visit?” Erin answered that they aren’t really set up for visitors, but if we would be in France to send her an email. If she would be available, she would be happy to have us visit. Lucky us, we … Continue reading
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Visit to Minnesota
When I attended the Domaine Jean-Louis Chave visit & tasting at Sunfish Cellars in August, I had no idea it would lead to something more. The lucky folks who attended enjoyed an evening with Erin Cannon Chave. Erin is married to Jean-Louis, the current head of this historic family of winegrowers from the Northern Rhone … Continue reading
Eat Local – CSA Veggies, Lamb & a Summer Syrah
Bossy Acres CSAWe received our first Bossy Acres CSA box this week! It’s a little like opening the mystery box in those cooking shows on TV, but that’s part of the fun. Radishes – Summer Salad Stars 1st challenge: We would be getting radishes in this delivery. Radishes aren’t one of our everyday vegetable choices, … Continue reading
Unti Vineyards: Italy in Sonoma
If you visit Sonoma add Unti Vineyards to your list. If you like food friendly wines (less oak, lower alcohol, more acidity) don’t wait to visit, just place an order. Even if you’re not ready to order, sign up for their mailing list; their newsletter offers a glimpse of their personality with plenty of tongue-in-cheek … Continue reading
An Exceptional Pairing: Cool Climate Syrah & Lamb Chops
One of my favorite pairings is a cool climate Syrah with grilled lamb chops, and this one was exceptional: Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Syrah and Star Thrower Farm lamb chops. Wow! I had planned a vegetarian dinner for Meatless Monday, but I realized Julie had an evening commitment. It was my chance for lamb chops … Continue reading
foodwineclick 