On the latest episode of The Wine Atelier Podcast, I’m excited to introduce you to one of my favorite women in the world of wine, Spanish Wine Specialist and Winemaker, April Cullom.
April was (and continues to be) an inspiration to me as I was first making the transition into the wine industry over ten years ago. She’s been involved in virtually every aspect of Spanish wine from serving as Brand Ambassador for some of the country’s most beloved wine regions, to leading food and wine focused consumer tours to, most recently, making her own Spanish wines! So in today’s episode she shares her fascinating journey into wine which includes some unexpected twists and turns and a LOT of serendipity and how it led her to where she is today. As an expert and wine educator, I have to say, we could ALL learn a thing or two from April!
Thanks so much for listening today and for any resources mentioned in this episode and/or to check out April’s wines, please see the links below.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
1.) John Radford + Miguel Torres, “The New Spain”
3.) “Wines from Spain” website: www.WinesfromSpainUSA.com
4.) Here in South Florida you can find April’s Casa Abril and Alma de Vino wines in Ft. Lauderdale at Wine Watch Wine Boutique as well as at Modern Wine Lounge.
5.) Outside of South Florida, please check out April’s amazing Spanish wines here: Casa Abril Vino AND Alma de Vino
The post The Wine Atelier Podcast Episode #9: A Passion for Spanish Wine with April Cullom appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
As I mentioned in my last Facebook LIVE “Wines of the Week” show, I’m craaazy about sparkling wines for Spring! They’re bright, crisp and refreshing – pretty much the vinous equivalent of the season itself. So what better wine to feature in this month’s Glamorous Springtime Giveaway than something sparkling?
So this month I’m happy to feature a sparkler from one of my favorite producers, the 2013 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Brut, North Coast, California (a $45 value)! If you’re a bubbly fan you really NEED to know about these wines. Acquired by Jack and Jamie Davies in 1965, Schramsberg produced the first ever California sparkling wines to match the quality and style of French Champagne. They also pioneered the Blanc de Noirs style in the United States, releasing the first such wine in 1967.
The Schramsberg Cuvées are aged in Hand-dug Caves on the Historic Property
“Blanc de Noirs” means “white from black” and refers to a white sparkling wine made from red grapes. Schramsberg winemaker Keith Hock keeps the wine’s translucent, golden color by immediately separating the juice from the pigment-rich skins. So this delightful wine is predominantly Pinot Noir (85%) with a dollop of Chardonnay (15%) added for length on the palate.
I love how the wine’s clear glass bottle allows the gloriously golden liquid inside to show through, while the gold foil and elegantly embossed script on the label give it added allure. On the palate, the Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs displays heavenly notes of citrus, peach, caramel and lemongrass along with the hallmark bread dough and brioche deliciousness we love in Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines. You just can’t help but be smitten by this wine’s richness and charm!
Harvesting Chardonnay Grapes during Camp Schramsberg
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of attending Camp Schramsberg, an experience which immerses participants in the cycle of sparkling wine production. From harvesting grapes in the vineyard to intensive seminars on pairing sparkling wine with food, to honing your sabrage skills – it is a MUST for anyone who loves sparkling wine. My participation really enhanced my appreciation of what goes into making these very special wines (to read more, please click here).
To enter The Glamorous Springtime Giveaway for the 2013 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, simply leave a comment at the end of this post sharing your favorite Spring dish or ingredient – OR – your favorite Spring cocktail or wine. Whatever lights YOUR culinary fire! Entering is as simple as that AND for additional chances to win, please go ahead and leave comments on other blog posts. Each additional comment left on a post here on my website will count as one additional chance to win.
Honing my Sabrage Skills with Instructor Holly Peterson
This Glamorous Springtime Giveaway is open to anyone 21 years of age or older who lives in the continental United States. It starts TODAY, Wednesday March 14th and ends next Wednesday, March 21st, 2018 at 9:00pm EST when a winner will be randomly drawn. The lucky winner will be contacted immediately to arrange shipment/delivery – the cost of which is included as part of the contest!
Thank you in advance for your participation, best of luck and remember, you have to play to win so please leave your comments now. I’m looking forward to drawing a winner next #WineWednesday and I can’t wait to see your Spring-inspired Comments!
Cheers,
The post A Glamorous Springtime Giveaway: 2013 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
With the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having here in South Florida, I really wanted to share a healthy, delicious Spring-inspired food and wine pairing with you. And when perusing this recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aioli, Fennel, Olive + Spinach Salad from Chef Jennifer Carroll, Top Chef alum and protégé of the legendary Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin, she had me at rosé!
Nothing says Spring like rosé and we adore this incredibly refreshing, food-friendly wine here at Chez Miskew. Thankfully my husband is NOT afraid to “drink pink” (or wear pink for that matter!) and with our preternatural Summer-like weather we can drink it almost year round.
Over the years we’ve even made a vinous mecca to Provence to visit some of our favorite rosé producers and also had the opportunity to sip rosé with Martha Stewart in South Beach. It’s funny how what began as a humble, everyday wine from the South of France has evolved into a vinous juggernaut synonymous with glamour that’s lauded in such hashtags as #roseallday, #drinkpink and #yeswayrose.
But back to our recipe which turns a little bit of kitchen time and some impeccably fresh ingredients into a completely delicious sensory experience. I was lucky to score some fresh-off-the-boat Pumpkin Swordfish from my local fishmonger (thanks, Captain Clay!). The “pumpkin” actually refers to the color of the fish (not the flavor!) which takes on an orange hue after the fish eats lots of Royal Red Shrimp found in very deep Atlantic waters. As far as flavor goes, pumpkin swordfish is slightly sweeter than white swordfish but either one will work perfectly in this recipe.
Simply put on some fabulous French music (see my recommendation below) and assemble the marinade for the swordfish which is simply extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, juice and Kosher salt and pepper. Chill the fish in the fridge for an hour while you prepare the rosé aioli and fennel and olive relish.
The relish combines the delightful Mediterranean flavors of Kalamata olives, fennel and radishes brightened by a dash of lemon juice and rice wine vinegar (just FYI, rice vinegar is the SAME thing!). The intoxicating rosé aioli is what pulls everything together though. Made from reduced rosé wine whisked together with shallots, lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, grated garlic and mayonnaise you could just spoon this right out of the bowl and into your mouth. And I did. Many times. The aioli can conveniently be made a day or two in advance.
After an hour of marinating, simply cook the swordfish on a screaming hot grill pan (NO need to head outside) for about 3-4 minutes a side, garnish with a generous sprinkle of Maldon sea salt and chopped fennel fronds you’re good to go. The texture of the fish combined with the delicious flavors of the salad are truly dreamy and perfect for Spring (or a few weeks before!).
RECOMMENDED WINE PAIRING: As the title of this post suggests, a Provençal rosé like the Chateau D’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé ($24) or Rock Angel Rosé ($35) is the perfect pairing for this recipe. If you can’t find either of these wines, any lighter colored dry (NOT sweet) rosé wine will do.
WHY THE PAIRING WORKS: There’s something about the way rosé synergizes with the Mediterranean flavors of olives and fennel as well as the garlicky aioli that makes this pairing utterly amazing. The weight of the wine also matches the weight of the fish and complements its oily texture as well. For an “a-ha” moment, simply take a bite of the grilled swordfish dipped in the rosé aioli on your fork with a little bit of salad and then take a sip of wine!
MUSIC TO LISTEN TO: The French-inspired “Something’s Gotta Give” Soundtrack (remember the movie with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson?) pairs perfectly with this dish.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aioli, Fennel, Olive and Spinach Salad paired with a Provencal Rosé as much as we did. I’d love to hear what you think in the Comments section below.
Bon Appétit,
The post Perfect Pairings: Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aioli, Fennel & Olive Salad + a Provençal Rosé appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
People say we don't have seasons here in Florida, but as a native Floridian I must disagree. In fact, we have two: "season" and "off-season." And there's only one word that adequately describes South Florida during “season” and that’s…PARADISE! These precious months spoil us with gloriously sun-kissed days, balmy nights and just enough chilly weather to break out our boots and sweaters a few times.
One of my favorite places to experience during our season that really captures the natural beauty and relaxed glamour of South Florida is the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa. Located in tony Manalapan, just a skosh south of Palm Beach proper, this former Ritz-Carlton is known for its posh ambiance and luxurious service standards. The property's enduring Forbes Five-Star status serves as reliable testament to this.
While I've raved about the hotel's truly amazing Spa before (a MUST for you spa-lovers!), I recently had the opportunity to experience one of the resort's newly renovated Jonathan Adler suites. This special property provides the perfect canvas for the part-time Palm Beach resident's signature style which incorporates vibrant, sun-drenched colors, bold, patterns and whimsical details in a chic, yet playful way.
Set against the vibrant azure of the stunning ocean view visible from each room, Adler's concept truly pops. The ambiance transforms the luxe design elements into an approachable, comfortable seaside refuge. I was equally comfortable whether I was ensconced in one of the cozy, royal blue sofas, relaxing out on the balcony or soaking in the generously sized, free standing bath tub. Hey, I take my research VERY seriously!
Personally, I also appreciate Adler's nod to South Florida's enduring history and local character. Thoughtful decor details include a vintage Slim Aarons photo of socialite Lady Daphne Cameron astride a tiger skin rug taken in a historic Palm Beach home; beachy, cabana-inspired canopies and window-treatments; as well as a radiant, sunburst chandelier. A sassy, colorful, crewel-work pillow emblazoned with "Palm Beach" provided the cherry on top of the design experience.
And after a delicious al fresco dinner at the hotel's casually chic, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Temple Orange, I couldn't think of a better place to retire to than our luxurious, yet cozy room. The sumptuous beds lulled us into a sound sleep only to be awoken by the rising sun and the sound of the waves softly lapping at the shore.
Bravo to designer Jonathan Adler for imbuing the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa with a true "sense of place" and capturing Florida's unique "merroir" in his brilliant design. For more information on the resort, please see below and to check out even more destinations featured in Glamorous Getaways, please click here.
Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa | 100 South Ocean Boulevard | Manalapan, Florida 33462 | 561.533.6000 | www.eaupalmbeach.com
People say we don’t have seasons here in Florida, but as a native Floridian I must disagree. In fact, we have two: “season” and “off-season.” And there’s only one word that adequately describes South Florida during season…PARADISE! These precious months spoil us with gloriously sun-kissed days, balmy nights and just enough chilly weather to break out our boots and sweaters a few times.
One of my favorite places to experience our season that really captures the natural beauty and relaxed glamour of South Florida is the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa. Located in tony Manalapan, just a skosh south of Palm Beach proper, this former Ritz-Carlton is known for its unwavering attention to luxury and rigorous service standards. The property’s enduring Forbes Five-Star status serves as reliable testament to this.
While I’ve raved about the hotel’s truly amazing Spa before (a MUST for you spa-lovers!), I recently had the opportunity to experience one of the resort’s newly renovated Jonathan Adler suites. This special property provides the perfect canvas for the part-time Palm Beach resident’s signature style which incorporates vibrant, sun-drenched colors, bold, patterns and whimsical details in a chic, yet playful way.
Set against the vibrant azure of the stunning ocean view visible from each room, Adler’s concept truly pops. The ambiance transforms the luxe design elements into an approachable, comfortable seaside refuge. I was equally comfortable whether I was ensconced in one of the cozy, royal blue sofas, relaxing out on the balcony or soaking in the generously sized, free standing bath tub. Hey, I take my research VERY seriously!
Personally, I also appreciate Adler’s nod to South Florida’s enduring history and local character. Thoughtful decor details include a vintage Slim Aaron’s photo of socialite Lady Daphne Cameron astride a tiger skin rug taken in a historic Palm Beach home; beachy, cabana-inspired canopies and window-treatments; as well as a radiant, sunburst chandelier. A sassy, colorful, crewel-work pillow emblazoned with “Palm Beach” provided the cherry on top of the design experience.
And after a delicious al fresco dinner at the hotel’s casually chic, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Temple Orange, I couldn’t think of a better place to retire to than our luxurious, yet cozy room. The sumptuous beds lulled us into a sound sleep only to be awoken by the rising sun and the sound of the waves softly lapping at the shore.
Bravo to designer Jonathan Adler for imbuing the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa with a true “sense of place” and capturing Florida’s unique “merroir” in his brilliant design. For more information on the resort, please see below and to check out even more Glamorous Getaways, please click here.
Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa
100 South Ocean Boulevard
Manalapan, Florida 33462
561.533.6000
www.eaupalmbeach.com
Safe travels,
The post Glamorous Getaways: Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Hello, Wine Lovers! My Facebook LIVE “Wines of the Week” series continues with today’s show on Debunking Wine Myths. But these aren’t just any wine myths. These are especially persistent ones that, despite the plethora of wine information out there, continue to circulate. In fact, I’ve heard ALL of today’s featured myths in just the past few months. So I’m very happy to put them to bed once and for all BUT I really need YOUR help to do this.
One of my goals with this show as well as my blog, wine tasting events, podcast and upcoming wine course (more on that later) is to help you empower your palate and become a more confident wine lover. This includes helping to debunk vinous falsehoods by simply sharing what you know in a non-wine snobbish way. So for that reason, I hope you enjoy today’s show and feel empowered to help defeat these myths once and for all next time you hear them.
TODAY’S FEATURED WINES:
1.) Bera Brachetto Piemonte, Piedmont, Italy ($16) OR Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto, Piedmont, Italy ($19)
2.) Sartori di Verona Ferdi Bianco, Veneto, Italy ($18)
3.) Domaine Barons de Rothschild Legende Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ($18)
4.) L’Ecole 41 Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington ($24)
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:
– Wines of the Week: Wine Collecting 101
– Episodes that mention delicious Dessert Wines: Valentine’s Day Aphrodisiac Wines, Valentine’s Day Wine + Chocolate Pairings, + Wine Collecting 101.
– Recommended Glassware (1) Riedel Wine Glasses, (2) The One Wine Glasses by Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson, & (3) Zalto Denk’Art Wine Glasses
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode of Wines of the Week featuring the systematic debunking of some Common Wine Myths! If there’s any wine myths YOU would like to see debunked please feel free to share them in the comments section below and to view previous episodes of Wines of the Week, please click here.
Cheers,
The post Wines of the Week: 4 Wine Myths DEBUNKED! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Hello, Wine Lovers! My Facebook LIVE “Wines of the Week” series continues with a timely episode featuring Aphrodisiac Wines just in time for Valentine’s Day. As lovers of wine (and each other) why not incorporate both during this most romantic holiday to heighten the mood for l’amour?
Research has shown that red wines rule as far as increasing arousal so today’s selections feature various incarnations of red wine including sparkling, still and fortified. And while 1-2 glasses has found to optimally enhance desire, too much more than that can have the adverse effect, leaving your romantic encounter, um, LESS than satisfying.
TODAY’S FEATURED WINES ( to purchase any of these selections through Wine.com, simply click the name of the wine):
1.) Moët & Chandon Moet Rosé Imperial, Champagne, France ($60)
2.) Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende Médoc, Bordeaux, France ($28)
3.) Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende Pauillac, Bordeaux, France ($50)
4.) Ramos Pinto Quinta do Bom Retiro 20 year Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal ($75)
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
– Don’t miss my Glamorous Valentine’s Giveaway featuring a beautiful bottle of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne – a $100 value! Entering is SUPER easy and I’ll be drawing a winner Sunday 2/11 at 6pm EST and announcing it on my Facebook Page.
– I’ve got TWO delicious Valentine’s Day menus here on the GG (1) Steak a Poivre a Deux with Roasted Rosemary Garlic Potatoes and (2) Mustard Roasted Fish with Roasted Vegetables + Coeur à la Crème with Raspberries for Dessert!
– For more information on Fortified Wine like the Port mentioned in today’s show, please click here.
I hope you enjoy the Aphrodisiac Wines mentioned in today’s episode of “Wines of the Week” and I’d like to wish you all a very Happy and Delicious Valentine’s Day,
The post Wines of the Week: Aphrodisiac Wines for Valentine’s Day appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
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