Grilled Adobo Pork Loin Chop with Blueberry Barbecue Sauce Paired with Catena Malbec 2008, Argentina The secret to juicy pork chops is to grill on medium low heat. The chops are first marinated in an adobo sauce, a fragrant paste of cumin, garlic, oregano and lime juice which is used extensively in Latin cuisine. The standout here is the sauce. Ginger and red chili flakes make the blueberry flavours pop. You’ll want to eat the sauce by the spoonful-though it goes equally well with grilled chicken, duck or homemade meatloaf. Try the chops and sauce with a Malbec which boasts […]
Month: September 2011
First Media Review of Unquenchable from The Library Journal of America
Along with Publisher’s Weekly and The Kirkus Reviews, The Library Journal is one of the top three publications that give early reviews to upcoming books. The magazines guide purchasing decisions for the book trade: bookstores, gift shops and libraries. So I was thrilled when the Journal published the first review of Unquenchable below today, especially the Highly Recommended verdict. (Librarians are a tough lot to please … remember your high school librarian or English teacher?) Here’s the review: MacLean, Natalie. Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines. Perigee: Berkley. Nov. 2011. c.368p. index. ISBN 9780399537073. $24. BEVERAGES […]
The Magician Shiraz, Pinot Noir Paired with Mushroom Strudel by John Pekka Woods
Mushroom Strudel The Magician, an unusual blend of Shiraz and Pinot Noir, is Reif Estate’s first appassimento style red wine. In 2009 the winery purchased two tobacco kilns and refurbished them for a number of research projects including the drying of grapes prior to fermentation. The grapes were hand harvested and slowly dried in the kilns over a three week period until the fruit was concentrated by 20-25%. Intensity and complexity are the main ingredients here. Named ‘The Magician’ and magic it is! All the nuances of these two great grape varietals unfold on your palate. The 2009 vintage is […]
Cellar Wine Treasures from Rioja, Rhone Valley, MacLaren Vale, Bordeaux and Barossa Valley
By Gaby Israel 2005 Baron de Ley Reserva – $19.95 I had this wine from its 1998 vintage. Never failed. Very consistent. Typical Rioja Reserva. From the successful 2005 vintage expect one of the best $20 you’ll spend this release. Goes very well with lamb. 2008 D’arenberg Grenache The Custodian, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia – $19.95 Yet another consistent producer, this time from Australia. I find D’Arenberg “The Custodian” always rewarding. It’s the kind of wine that you take a big sip, sit back, relax and feel at home. This wine is the “2005 Baron de Ley Reserva” competition […]
Wine and Wine Books: A pairing of the senses and intellect
If you have an unquenchable thirst to learn, and an unquenchable thirst as I do, you might enjoy this wine book. I am incredibly grateful to my readers who have made the book #1 on Amazon 6 weeks before it’s even published! Doubleday Canada • Indigo/Chapters • Amazon.ca Penguin USA • Amazon.com • Barnes & Noble Traffic to the web site has been crazy since the announcement… I love connecting with so many passionate readers and drinkers. I’ll share insider details about the book over the next six weeks as we wait for its official launch. There are some […]
2008 Bordeaux wines, silky New Zealand Pinot Noir, rich California Chardonnay lead September 17 Vintages Release wines
Here we are, already mid-month with 58 of the best wines and value wines from the September 17 Vintages Release. As usual, I’m just spotlighting my top picks here, but you can get the complete list of wine reviews. Drop any of the Top Wine Picks into your virtual shopping basket to create your own list. You’ll find that out wine picks search engine has been improved dramatically, so finding those wine gems is easy. [table id=17 /] You get all of my wine tasting notes and scores when you subscribe to my wine reviews for $2.10 a month, less […]
Savouring Early Fall Flavours With Easy Wine and Tapas Entertaining
By Tracey Black Tapas-style hors d’oeuvres and casual platters are hands down, my favourite way to entertain and spend time with friends. My experience as a caterer also tells me this style of entertaining almost guarantees a relaxed and lively vibe at a party and is perfect for casual early fall soirées. I like to serve an array of tasty bites as part of a lengthier cocktail hour before a BBQ or as a tapas style dinner. The pressure is off, the food is make ahead, eye appealing and more time is spent enjoying your guests, and of course your […]
Truffle Hunt in Provence Getaway with Truffle Recipes and Wine Pairings Guided by Sherry Page
With autumn swiftly approaching, it’s time to finalize plans for one of our very favorite wintertime events – our Truffle Getaway in Provence. It is coming up on January 29th-February 4th, 2012. This event focuses on the king of truffles – the fragrant black melanosporum truffles that are found in the Provence region of France between mid-November and mid-February. I love the flavor of these incredible melanosporum truffles, but one of the best parts of the week is the truffle hunt with a local farmer and his dogs. It is really fun to tag along and watch the hunt take place. […]
