wine

Le Cirque Features Special Menu Created by Chef from Italy's Hotel Byron

Filed under: Dining, Wine

Everyone knows that dining at the Maccioni family's Le Cirque, the legendary restaurant on Manhattan's Upper East Side, is an experience to savor. Not only is its atmosphere striking and spacious, but everything, from the impeccable service offered by its staff to its beautifully presented food is beyond compare.

For the next two days, however, customers can enjoy all the greatness that Le Cirque has to offer while also experiencing the impressive talents of Executive Chef Andrea Mattei. The 31-year-old Mattei leads the Magnolia Restaurant at the Hotel Byron in Forte Dei Marmi on the Tuscan seacoast of Italy. Mattei has created a prix fixe menu for the restaurant and will serve as its guest chef through Saturday, February 5. Mattei is seen in the photo above with Le Cirque's founder Sirio Maccioni.

Mattei was discovered by one of Sirio's sons who visited Hotel Byron last summer. "My brother, Marco, had dinner with his wife at the Magnolia Restaurant at the Hotel Byron just before they left on their honeymoon," Mauro Maccioni told Luxist. "Hotel Byron is very polished and caters to an affluent crowd. Marco liked it so much he asked my father and me if we would like to bring the chef to New York."

Gallery: Le Cirque Features Guest Chef from Italy's Hotel Byron

Tags: Andrea Mattei, andrea+mattei+le+cirque, andrea+mattei+le+cirque+new+york, andreamatteilecirque, andreamatteilecirquenewyork, Brooks Pinot Noir, Chateau Miraval, cirque+menu+valentines+day+2011, cirquemenuvalentinesday2011, Hotel Byron, Le Cirque, Mauro Maccioni, restaurant week, Restaurant Week 2011, Rully, Sirio Maccioni, wine, wine pairings

Continue reading “Le Cirque Features Special Menu Created by Chef from Italy's Hotel Byron”

Burgundy House Cottin Freres Sells Outside The Family

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Burgundy is all in the family-until now.

Under French inheritance law, in the Napoleonic Code originally established in 1804, property is inherited by bloodline. That makes it virtually impossible to disinherit an offspring and that is the main reason behind the array of vineyards the size of large postage stamps that make up the Burgundy region, as the sons and daughters of sons and daughters each wind up with a piece of land here and there.

Imagine our surprise, then, to learn that the Burgundy House Cottin Freres, which brings us the well-known Laboure-Roi brand, sold seven hectares (nearly 17 acres) of Meursault vineyards, to a group of investors headed by New York sommelier Robert Bohr.

Tags: Burgundy wine, Clos de la Baronne label, Clos des Boucheres, Cottin Freres, french wine, wine

Continue reading “Burgundy House Cottin Freres Sells Outside The Family”

First Bordeaux Producers Certified Organic

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

The year 1855 turns out to have been a very green year for wine. Two Bordeaux estates that gained classification status that year are the first of the "Growth Estates" to gain 21st century organic certification.

First growth Chateaux Guiraud (Sauterne) and Fifth Growth Chateau Pontet-Canet (Pauillac) were each recognized by France's Agence Bio (AB) as certifiably organic producers, the former beginning with its 2011 vintage and the latter beginning with its 2010 wines.

Depending on the vintage, Guiraud's wines are priced from two to four digits per bottle, with an average across vintages of $45 to $121. With one exception, Pontet-Canet bottle prices have generally been in the triple digits with an average across vintages of $62 to $172.

The two venerable Bordeaux wine producers of the Gironde River area were inducted into the original 1855 Bordeaux classification under different names. In 1766, a merchant named Pierre Guiraud bought La Maison Noble du Bayle, which was the estate's name when it achieved First Growth status for white wine. Originally named Canet, Pontet-Canet was established in the early 18th century by Jean-François de Pontet, royal governor of the Médoc. Canet gained Fifth Growth status for red wine.

Gallery: First Bordeaux Estates To Certify "Organic."

Tags: bordeaux, Chateau Guiraud, Chateau Pontet-Canet, organic, wine

Continue reading “First Bordeaux Producers Certified Organic”

FedEx Proposes New Temperature-Controlled Shipping For Wineries

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

For year wineries have fretted about shipping wine during the warmer months and the potential for having it be damaged on the way. That situation may be changing as FedEx is creating an overnight temperature-controlled wine shipping solution for wineries in Northern California. Trucks that maintain a steady 55 degrees will be used to ship to FedEx hubs. The FedEx Express and Ground shipments of wine can be sent to one of about 1,700 locations for the recipient to pick up. Using the hold-at-location option will help to avoid potential security and temperature-damage issues with wine shipments left at someone's home or business.Testing for the service was done last summer using sensors in shipping boxes to monitor temperature.

Wine Business says that the new service will serve five hubs covering 70 percent of the country with delivery by 10:30 the next morning. The new service will launch on April 1 with a northern route and May 1 with a southern route. Pricing has not been revealed yet but this is big news for some wineries who have opted not to ship in the warmer months to avoid potential damage to their prized vintages.

Tags: fedex, wine, wine shipping

Who's Drinking Wine? A Look at the Wine Market Council's Latest Survey

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

The news is good for winemakers according to the recent presentation by the Wine Market Council. The council's sixth annual U.S. Wine Consumer Trends presentation on Friday confirmed that this new year marks 17 years of consecutive growth of wine consumption in the U.S.

John Gillespie, president of the Wine Market Council revealed that wine consumption continued to grow through two recessions, albeit at reduced rates. In 2010, U.S. consumers downed 276 million cases of table wine. But it is the core wine drinkers that really keep the numbers high. This group, defined as those who drink wine daily, several times a week or about once a week, is about 20 percent of the population (approximately 46 million U.S. adults). This dedicated group accounts for 91 percent of all wine consumption. Marginal drinkers defined as those who drink wine less often than weekly represent 31 million U.S. adults.

Tags: wine

Continue reading “Who's Drinking Wine? A Look at the Wine Market Council's Latest Survey”

Harry and David's California Wine & Dine Getaway

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Wine

Harry & David is celebrating Valentine's Day with a series of giveaways including a grand prize that will send one lucky couple on a romantic getaway to California wine country. The Grand Prize includes two nights at Hotel Healdsburg in Sonoma County, cooking class for two at Relish Culinary Adventures, dinner for two complete with a 6 course Chef Tasting menu and wine pairings, airfare for two, and a two-day rental car for a truly all-inclusive experience. The only downside is that winners won't be announced until after Valentine's Day, but on the bright side even if you don't win the trip they're also giving away more than 100 instant prizes in the form of truffle assortments, cheesecake samplers, and other awesome goodies. Enter now through Feb 14th.

Source

Tags: giveaway, giveaways, valentines day, wine

Alsace Wine Festival Brings European Taste To Northern California

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine, Events

Northern California's Mendocino County offers a different wine profile than you can get in other places in the state. In many ways it is similar to Oregon with cooler weather that is favorable to pinot noir and to riesling and other aromatic whites. The Anderson Valley growing region will celebrate Alsace-style white wines next month in an decoration: underline;">Alsace Wine Festival weekend event February 12 and 13 that brings together a variety of different white wines including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat. The event includes a technical conference where participants can interact with winemakers and wine experts from around the globe and discuss the trends. This year's topic is Old World/New World and includes a discussion of Alsace wine and the wines of Germany as well as a look at Anderson Valley wines and the white wines of New York's Finger Lakes region.

The grand tasting brings together a variety of different wineries including Alderbrook Winery, Breggo Cellars, Domaine Weinbach, Foursight, Hagafen Cellars, Handley Cellars, Husch Vineyards, Lazy Creek Vineyards, Londer Vineyards, NY Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, Toulouse Vineyards and many more. A winemakers dinner is scheduled for the evening of February 12 in the private dining room at Scharffenberger Cellars. A sit-down dinner will be prepared by a renowned local chef and each course will be perfectly paired with wines featured at the festival or locally produced. The dinner is $125 and is nearly sold out.

The next day is given over to winery open houses. Local wineries are participating and hosting special programs. Events include live music, food pairings, cheese tastings and more. All together a lovely way to wile away Valentine's Day weekend in beautiful Northern California.

Tags: alsace, alsace-style wine, white wine, wine, wine event, wine events, wine festival

Chateau Carmes Haut-Brion Sold In Bordeaux

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

A small Bordeaux chateau has sold for a record high price. Decanter reports that Château Carmes Haut-Brion in Bordeaux sold for 18 million euros. The vines cover 4.7 hectares with three hectares of parkland and the property has a 19th century chateau. Local paper Sud Ouest says this is the highest amount ever paid per hectare for a vineyard in Bordeaux. The vineyard is located close to Château Haut Brion. The 2009 vintage sells for around $50 a bottle.

The new owner is Patrice Pichet, head of Bordeaux real estate company Groupe Pichet. This is the first vineyard purchase for Pichet leading some to question whether Pichet is interested in the land or the vines. For his part, Pichet appears to be interested in wine, he released a statement saying that Groupe Pichet is "planning a series of investments, starting with the building of new vinification facilities, and the restoration of the park to encourage biodiversity."

Tags: bordeaux, chateau carmes haut brion, wine

Pricey Grapeseed Oil On The Rise

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Get ready to start seeing pricey grapeseed oil in fancy food stores in 2011.

Wineries, who have been dumping valuable grapeseeds into compost piles, are high on buying presses that turn the seeds into liquid gold.

Food and Vine, Inc., of Napa Valley, a grapeseed oil (and other products) company, says it is now offering two new presses for wineries to profit from their grape seeds: a hand press that small wineries can have for a mere $5,000 and a larger mechanical press that medium-sized wineries can have for only $17,000.

One ton of grapes yields about 150 gallons of wine and enough grape seeds to produce 3 liters of oil. Food and Vine, Inc. imports European grapeseed oil under the label Salute Sante that sells at retail for about $30 for 200ml. That's not bad for seeds that might have been scheduled to be dumped on the compost heap.

According to nutritionists, grapeseed oil is high in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. The oil can be used for salads and for cooking (it's smoke point is 485 degrees F).

More important, grapeseed oil can fortify other food products that lack essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Cold-pressed grapeseed oil is beautifully golden/green with the aroma of a grape crush and a buttery taste. It's a natural product for wineries to sell. So, why do wineries discard grape seeds along with skins and stems? Because wineries have been lacking the press necessary to extract oil from grape seeds-but not any more.

Food and Vine, Inc. not only wants to sell the presses to wineries, it offers to consult with and help them to market their grapeseed oils. Although the company plans to release its brand of cold-pressed grape seed oil at the January 16 San Francisco Winter Fancy Food Show to retail at $9.95 for a 200ml bottle it believes that wineries can sell their cold-pressed oil at a much higher premium at the winery tasting room.

Tags: grapeseed oil, wine

Michael Mondavi Launches Private Cellars Wine Club

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Wine scion Michael Mondavi has announced his newest creation, the Private Cellars wine club. The club features luxury wines from around the world. As Mondavi puts it in the video above, his career in the wine business creating the Robert Mondavi wines led to relationships most renowned wine-making families in the world.

The club will feature a selections from a variety of wineries including some of the legendary "Supertuscans." The club launches with the Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello, a four time Wine Spectator 'Top 100' wine. Marchesi de' Frescobaldi is one of the most prestigious houses in the world of wine. The wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes has a deep ruby red color and a rich bouquet, with ripe fruit on the nose, followed by spicier notes of coffee on the finish. It is sold through the wine club for $55.

Members who joined Mondavi's Private Cellars club by the end of the 2010 received a bottle of Castelgiocondo as a unique gift of entry but its not too late to join the club. You need not be a club member to purchase these wines, however club members receive special pricing and access to Member Only wines.Club Members receive 10% off most wines. Other benefits include personalized visits, VIP access and introductions to top wineries and winemakers around the world and invitations to special wine and culinary events with Michael Mondavi. Mondavi will also host Blend Your Own Wine Experiences in Napa Valley. All shipments are a maximum of $600 and shipping is included. You may choose to receive your wines monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly.

Tags: michael mondavi, mondavi, supertuscans, wine, wine club

World's Oldest Wine Press Discovered

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

The human love of wine may stretch back over 6,000 years judging by what has been unearthed in Armenia. The Areni-1 cave complex in Armenia has yield evidence of a 6,100-year-old wine-making operation. The wine vat, pots and drinking bowl were discovered in the cave near the Iranian border. Older evidence of wine drinking has been found but this is the oldest evidence of the wine-making process. Findings from a team led by UCLA archaeologist Hans Barnard will appear in the upcoming Journal of Archaeological Science. This area was also where the world's oldest leather shoe, dating back to 5,500 years ago, was discovered last summer.

The archaeologists found grape seeds, remains of pressed grapes and dozens of dried vines in an area surrounded by graves suggesting that the beverage had ritual significance. AOL News reports that the earliest comparable remains were found in the tomb of the Egyptian king Scorpion I, dating to around 5,100 years ago. The Egyptians are famous for their love of beer but also used wine for festivals and other events.

Tags: archaeology, armenia, wine, worlds oldest wine

Bathe in Milk Chocolate for Valentine's Day at Auberge du Soleil

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley offers milk chocolate bath for Valentine's Day

Auberge du Soleil, California wine country's most luxurious country inn, has created the ultimate indulgence for its guests who also happen to be chocolate lovers.

During the month of February, its 7,000 square foot spa, which was built for the exclusive use of the inn's guests, is offering a milk chocolate bath for two in a private outdoor garden---of course while eating sumptuous desserts and sipping on a specially paired wine.

This antioxidant rich body treatment is supposed to stimulate the senses, soothe the mind, and rejuvenate the soul, according to Auberge du Soleil. The treatment begins with a delectable cacao and grape seed exfoliation. Guests then slip into a milk chocolate bath for two in a private outdoor garden while indulging in dessert and specially paired wine. Finally, the couple is given a full body massage using a decadent massage oil of chocolate and spice.

The cost of the treatment varies depending on the length of the massage. The treatment with a 90 minute massage costs $570 per couple, while a 90 minute long massage costs $760 per couple. The treatment is available throughout the entire month of February.

Gallery: Auberge du Soleil Offers Valentine's Day Package

A Spa Treatment Room at Auberge du Soleil

The Courtyard at Auberge du Soleil's Spa

Tags: Auberge du Soleil, awards-main, chocolate, luxist-awards, Napa Valley, spa, Valentines Day, wine

Continue reading “Bathe in Milk Chocolate for Valentine's Day at Auberge du Soleil”

Cocoa di Vine chocolate wine

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Planning on spending Valentines' Day with a chocoholic? Be sure to serve a chilled bottle of chocolate wine, which just hit the shelves and is the ultimate indulgence. Cocoa di Vine is a blend of velvety-smooth chocolate and luscious grape wine. The wine's chocolatey taste has undertones of vanilla and caramel and a silky finish.

The wine is an all-American indulgence. The wine's grapes and cocoa beans are from South America while the making of the chocolate is done at one of the top creameries in the United States. The wine is a blend of Torrontes, Pedro Ximenez, and Moscato. When poured, it resembles creamy chocolate milk with a kick, and is best served chilled. Its alcohol content is 14%.

Cocoa di Vine works well as a dessert wine and can be paired with cakes, cookies, and ice cream. It is also served as a cocktail and is growing in popularity among cocktail lounges across the country. It shouldn't be confused with Adult Chocolate Milk, which is made with actual chocolate milk that is combined with 40-proof vodka (covered by Luxist earlier this week).

Cocoa di Vine should be served within nine to twelve months if kept refrigerated, or within six months of stored at room temperature. It is produced by Opici Wines and distributed nationally with a suggested retail price of $11.99.

Gallery: Cocoa di Vine chocolate wine

Tags: Adult Chocolate Milk, awards-main, chocolate, chocolate wine, Cocoa di Vine, luxist-awards, Moscato, Opici Wines, Pedro Ximenez, Torrontes, Valentines Day, valentines day gifts, wine

Fairfax Hotel Hosts Second Annual Capital Wine Festival

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

With the swearing in of the 112th Congress this week, there's either plenty to celebrate or a crucial need to dull the pain. Whichever mood your political leanings have put you in, the good news is that the Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row (part of the Starwood luxury group) will be hosting the second annual Capital Wine Festival, starting on the 20th of January. Located in Dupont Circle, the festival is the creation of Chef Daniel Bruce, who helms the kitchen at the Boston Harbor Hotel and founded its sister event, the Boston Wine Festival. Since organizing Boston over twenty years ago, he's expanded the event to include New Orleans (2007), Berkeley (2010) and DC (2010). Two disparate, yet equally popular and significant, wine regions are covered by this year's festival: the US West Coast (California and Oregon) and Italy. Over the course of eight dinners, festival participants will experience the wines of vineyards such as Poggio al Tesoro, Continuum Estate and Ponzi Vineyards, all presented by representatives from the wineries. A food and 45-label wine gala reception kicks it all off, but unlike most festivals, there's no need to run between events to cram everything in. The Capital Wine Festival is spread out over a leisurely two months, meaning that the party/pity-party will continue long into the 2011 session.

Tags: california, dupont circle, fairfax hotel, italy, oregon, StarwoodHotels, washington dc, wine, wine festival

Penfolds Becomes First Wine Brand To Join (PRODUCT)RED

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine, Charity

Australian winery Penfolds has become the first Australian partner and first wine company to create (PRODUCT) RED items. Penfolds has launched (PENFOLDS)RED to help fund fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. The winery will contribute a portion of proceeds on its Thomas Hyland and Koonunga Hill wines to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. The official launch of the partnership will take place at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Penfolds is the Official Wine Sponsor of the festival which runs January 6-17, 2011. The film festival provided (RED) the opportunity to showcase their recently released documentary titled The Lazarus Effect. This 30-minute film, directed by Lance Bangs and executive produced by Spike Jonze, follows the story of HIV positive people in Zambia who undergo remarkable transformations thanks to access to antiretroviral medications. The festival will screen The Lazarus Effect free of charge throughout the day on January 7th, 2011.

With every purchase consumers make of Penfolds (PRODUCT)RED designated products - Koonunga Hill tier wines and Thomas Hyland tier wines – during promotional periods throughout the year, Penfolds will contribute 15 percent of the proceeds to the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS programs in Africa. The Koonunga Hill wines include Shiraz Cabernet, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the suggested retail is $11.99. The Thomas Hyland wines are made up of Adelaide Shiraz, South Australia Cabernet Sauvignon, Adelaide Chardonnay and Adelaide Riesling and the suggested retail for these wines is $15.

Although the project has not been met with universal approval, since 2006 $160 million has been generated through (RED) partnerships and events impacting 5 million people with testing, counseling and education. Other (RED) partners have included Apple, Armani and American Express.

[via NY Times]

Tags: penfolds, product red, wine

← Previous Page|Next Page →

wine

Featured Galleries

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular

Also on AOL