June, 2012

Pairings June 7, 2012

Orange-Glazed Chicken Wings Paired with Batasiolo Gavi, Piedmont, Italy.

Gavi and chicken wings….a match made in….ermmmmmm…..some alternate universe….where people do those kinds of pairings… Always one to defy convention, these fancy-schmancy chicken wings are perfect as a quick and easy meal, or for a party. The orange may sound kind of unusual….but trust me on this one! They’re pretty awesome! If you’re attempting this recipe (because you should, as it’s one of the easiest recipes I’ve ever posted), don’t be tempted to just buy…

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News June 6, 2012

When is a Wine Not a Wine? When European Regulations Say So!

The New York Times has reported that the Chapel Down Winery (England), recently crushed more than two tons of refrigerated Malbec grapes that had been air-freighted over from Mendoza, Argentina, in hopes of producing an English take on the popular South American wine. The problem came when it was time to bottle. Frazer Thompson, chief executive of Chapel Down, was told that he had breached regulations that prohibit the use of grapes from outside the…

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Reviews June 5, 2012

Quinta de Roriz “Prazo de Roriz” Douro, Portugal.

Grapes 35% Touriga Nacional, 35% Tinta Roriz, 28% Touriga Franca and 2% Tinta Francisca   Facts I don’t think there’s any argument as to how Portugal made its name in the wine world, but I’d like to go on record and say that I honestly believe the future of Portugal lies not in its Port, but in-fact in its red table wines. It will be interesting to see over the coming years how Portugal copes…

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News June 1, 2012

Is it Time for Wineries to Go Mobile?

  An interesting thing happened this year. Marketing and advertising research company Nielsen, reported that smartphone usage surpassed conventional cell phone use. However, based on a recent article in the Washington Wine Report, wineries aren’t yet ready to go mobile, stating: ”A recent wine marketing conference in Woodinville served as a case in point. Winery owners were asked how many of them had a website for their businesses. Everyone’s hand went up. Next, when asked…

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News June 1, 2012

Sex Therapist Dr. Ruth Releases a Wine That’s Sure to Arouse.

New wine brand  innovations seem to be coming from the strangest places these days! The Drinks Business has reported that TV sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer has totally out of left-field and launched her own line of wines, to help “relax” and “arouse” couples. Vin d’Amour Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon contain just 6% alcohol, compared to the usual 12-14%, along with Westheimer’s smiling face on the label. “My idea is that just the right…

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