Wine of the Week: 2011 Louis Jadot Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais, France

Winter is prime time for red wine and one wine I get oodles of questions about is Beaujolais. With the release of Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Thursday in November, like clockwork, it's easy for consumers to be seduced by all the advertising fanfare. Especially for a wine that's under $10 a bottle! But, you know what they say, if something seems too good to be true...it usually is.Unfortunately, Beaujolais Nouveau is essentially mass produced, poorly made wine that has marred the reputation of the region over the years. The upside to this situation however is, despite the jammy, insipid Nouveau wines, there are actually MANY fabulous Beaujolais wines worth exploring!Located in the southernmost part of Burgundy, Beaujolais also produces charming, easy-drinking red wines from the Gamay grape. This thin-skinned grape variety produces wines with minimal tannins capable of displaying a variety of aromas and flavors including cherry, raspberry,blackberry, violet and peony, which are usually accentuated by black pepper, herbs or spice. So how can you find these special wines and avoid the plonk? Please scroll down, my wine loving friends, for all the deets!The key to exploring and ultimately enjoying Beaujolais is actually quite simple: look for the name of one of the region's 10 crus on a wine label. A "cru" is a specific vineyard site within the Beaujolais appellation known for producing wines which express characteristics unique to their region, a quality known as terroir. In Beaujolais, the crus include Morgon, Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie, Regnie, Brouilly, Cote de Brouilly, Chiroubles, Juliénas, Chénas and Saint-Amour. Seeing one of these names on a label usually ensures you're getting a quality wine.Which leads me to this week's featured wine, the 2011 Louis Jadot Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent ($20). This wonderful wine demonstrates much of what's to love about Beaujolais. After opening it the other night, almost five years after bottling, we were pleased to find an utterly delicious, casually elegant and enjoyable wine. A true gem at the price point to be sure and I hope you take the time during red wine season to enjoy all Beaujolais has to offer as well! Who it's from: Maison Louis Jadot was founded in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot whose family settled in Beaune near the turn of the century. Maison Louis Jadot focuses on the purest expression of terroir through the medium of the vine. The historic Château des Jacques estate, located in the Moulin-à-Vent appellation, was widely considered one of the most prestigious estates in Beaujolais and was purchased by Louis Jadot in 1996. As a result, Jadot became the first Burgundy house to own a major Beaujolais vineyard. In 2001, Louis Jadot bought another vineyard in Morgon. In 2008, both vineyards were regrouped as the Château des Jacques Estates.Where it's From: This wine hails from the the village of Moulin-à-Vent (which translates as 'windmill' in English), between Fleurie and Chenas. The Moulin-à-Vent wines are referred to as the “King ofBeaujolais,” and widely considered to be the most Burgundian“Cru” of Beaujolais. Unlike other crus, Moulin-à-Vent wines are often fuller-bodied and more complex with ample tannin and structure which allows them to age longer. The pink granite and manganese-rich soils of Moulin-à-Vent also promote the growth of concentrated grapes on the region's Gamay vines, which produce more intensely flavored wines.This Wine by the (Geeky) Numbers:Grape Variety: 100% GamayAppellation: Moulin-à-VentABV: 13%Ageing: 10 months in French oak (30% new), 6 months in bottle.The Glamorous Gourmet's Tasting Note: This wine beckons from the glass with its beautiful bright ruby red color and enticing aromas of dark fruit, spice cake and lavender. On the palate, fleshy dark fruit predominates with flavors of ripe black cherry, blackberry and cassis balanced by supple tannins and a bright acidity. Even after five years in the bottle this dynamic wine could have definitely lasted another five!Pair it with: This versatile wine would make a perfect match with a variety of dishes ranging from our recently posted Lamb, Harissa and White Bean Soup with Turmeric Yogurt as well as our super popular Quick Coq au Vin and Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onion!Suggested Retail Price:$20 - and while this vintage is no longer on the market, find the most recent year you can and enjoy either now...or in a few years!Bon appétit,

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Fabulous Holiday Wine Picks at EVERY Price Point

The travel plans are made, the gifts are bought and, if you're hosting your family's holiday dinner, your menu is probably all set. But what about...the wine? If you haven't given your holiday wines a thought yet, never fear! Whether money is no object or you're hosting on a budget, The Glamorous Gourmet's got you covered with fabulous holiday wine selections at EVERY price point.Sparkling WineBenvolio Prosecco DOC, Friuli, Italy, NV ($15): We were dazzled by this fabulous bubbly made from 100% estate grown Glera. Since the wine's secondary fermentation takes place in steel tanks via the Charmat method (for more deets, please click here), this delightful sparkler has an extremely reasonable price tag! This wine is vibrant, fruity and fresh with notes of citrus, apple, peach and white flowers with enough backbone to stand up to hors d'oeuvres AND the holiday meal itself!Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé, North Coast, CA, NV ($25): This wine hails from the Davies family, California’s first family of sparkling wine! Their Mirabelle sparkler is a multi-vintage, brut sparkling wine made in the same method as Champagne, aka methode champenoise or methode traditionelle. A blend of 61% Pinot Noir and 39%Chardonnay, we love this wine for its sheer value as well as its crisp, food-friendly acidity and depth of flavor, featuring enticing notes of toasted brioche slathered with strawberry butter - yes, it's THAT good!Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve, Reims, France, NV ($65): This classic Champagne is truly the wine insider's favorite! A blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier this delightful sparkler contains 40% reserve wine, a much higher proportion than most Champagne houses, which imparts a sexy voluptuousness to the wine. The result is a Champagne with a deep, golden hue and enticing aromas of freshly baked brioche, citrus and peach. On the palate, flavors of pastry, citrus, red cherries, vanilla and a hint of praline delight all the way through its long, lingering finish.White WinesCharles Smith's Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2014 ($12): While this delightful Riesling from rock-band-manager-cum-winemaker Charles Smith is inspired by his love of the 2003 film, Kill Bill, it is still perfect for your holiday feast! Crafted from 100% Riesling, the grapes for this wine hail from the Evergreen vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA in Washington’s Columbia Valley. The wine has lovely aromas of crushed minerals, white peach, lime leaves and Linden tree that echo on the palate as well as through the long, fresh finish.Patient Cottat Sancerre Anciennes Vignes, Loire, France, 2015 ($20): The Fournier family has been making wine in the Loire Valley'sSancerre region for many generations. This classic incarnation of Sancerre, which is always 100%Sauvignon Blanc, is crafted from 35 year old vines planted on the region's legendary limestone soils. It's fermented entirely in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation or oak, resulting in a wine with delightful aromas and flavors of citrus, white flowers, minerals, passion fruit and a vibrant acidity and that is sure to keep your palate refreshed during any marathon holiday meal!Cuvaison Kite Tail Chardonnay, Carneros, CA, 2014 ($45): Established in 1969, Cuvaison winery is dedicated to the production of vineyard-driven wines that showcase their cool-climate estate in California's Napa Valley. Crafted by winemaker Steve Rogstad, this special, single-vineyard Chardonnay is both graceful and powerful exhibiting aromas of orange blossom, citrus and spice followed by an opulent mouthfeel and flavors of honeyed citrus, spiced pear, vanilla and juicy persimmon. If you enjoy a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay with some oak treatment - this is the white wine for you!Red WinesKing Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2014 ($18): Founded in 1991, KingEstate remains a family owned and operated winery with a focus on organic winemaking. Grown responsibly in the hills and valleys of Western Oregon, the winery focuses on versatile Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs that pair wonderfully with a variety of foods. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines on the planet with its fruity, cherry perfume, medium body and supple tannins that make it imminently likeable. This wine exhibits aromas of bright red cherries and Oregon earth while on the palate, a food friendly acidity and balanced tannins accompany lush red fruit.Cerulli Spinozzi Torre Migliori Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Abruzzo, Italy, 2014 ($22): The Cerulli Spinozzi family in Italy’s Abruzzi region, specializes in working with the region's native red grape, Montepulciano. Cultivated predominantly in central and southern Italy, this grape is known for producing deeply colored, food-friendly red wines with ripe tannins. This delightful selection is 100% Montepulciano with a beautifully intense, ruby red color with violet hues. Fragrant aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, and violet accompany flavors of juicy black fruit and spice with supple tannins and a delicious acidity.Round Pond Estate Kith & Kin Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, 2013 ($35): Established by Boband Jan MacDonnell in the 1980’s, this family-owned and run winery consists of over 400 acres in Napa’s acclaimed Rutherford region. While the family are farmers first and sell off most of their grapes to well-known Napa wineries, in 2002 they decided to make their own wines, starting with their “Kith and Kin” line, named after the Old English expression for “Friends and Family." The 2014 Kith & Kin Cabernet is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Petit Verdot (13%), Petite Sirah (3%) and Malbec (2%) with delicious notes of candied cherries, cassis, strawberries, toasted nuts and tobacco followed by a harmonious mingling of smooth tannins and a lingering finish.Cheers,

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The Wine Lover's Glamorous Holiday Gift Guide!

There's only one thing more fun then receiving gifts during the Holiday Season. And that's giving the perfect gift to that special someone and watching their eyes light up with glee! If you're shopping for a wine lover who has a penchant for the finer things, our Wine Lover's Glamorous Holiday Gift Guide is chock full of ideas that are sure to delight!1.) For the Red Wine Lover...Round Pond Estate Cab Lovers Gift Set ($180): Hailing from one of our favorite properties in the NapaValley, this gorgeous set of acclaimed wines features 2 styles of Round Pond'sCabernet Sauvignon, the Reserve and Rutherford, to show just how deliciously diverse one grape variety from the same vineyard can be. Specifically for the lover of big, bold Napa Valley Cabs, this gift set is sure to be a favorite as it brings together Round Pond's2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (94 points Antonio Galloni) and the 2014 Rutherford CabernetSauvignon in a beautiful, artisan gift box.2.) For the Art Lover...Cuvaison Andy Warhol Series One Collection ($250 - 2 bottle set): In the early 1980s, Alexander Schmidheiny, owner of Cuvaison Winery and friend of Andy Warhol, commissioned the iconic artist to create screenprints for his Cuvaison wine labels. Done in his signature Pop Art style, the prints have rarely been seen until now! Cuvaison and TheAndy Warhol Foundation celebrate this historic collaboration with this limited edition Andy Warhol by Cuvaison Collection. This first release in a series of three includes exclusive wines from Cuvaison's two Napa Valley estates: a Chardonnay from Carneros and a red Bordeaux blend from Brandlin Vineyard on Mount Veeder. Both the beautifully-crafted wines and collector's box feature original artwork created by Andy Warhol.3.) For the Book Lover...Mark Oldman's How to Drink Like a Billionaire: Mastering Wine with Joie de Vivre ($23): Want to know the mysteries of how the 1% drink? Mark Oldman, one of America’s most popular wine experts, demystifies the secrets of the wine world. Oldman distills his vast knowledge of wines into this easy-to-read, humorous guide, complete with in-depth how-tos on everything from tasting, swirling, and buying wine the same way billionaires do—without the price tag! From detailing little-known ways to hone in on the best value bottles to the secret maneuvers you can do to master wine in restaurants, shops, and at home, How to Drink Like a Billionaire will have you approaching wine with the shrewdness, style, and unapologetic joy of the 1%.4.) For the Holiday Host & Hostess...Magnum of of Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne ($140): This delightful Champagne from Taittinger is definitely one of our favorites with it's lively, festive bubbles and brisk acidity. This special bubbly is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier aged on the lees for almost 4 years more than the legal minimum of 15 months! This extra time in the cellars allows the wine to reach the peak of aromatic maturity, and the result is a delicately balanced Champagne, known for its consistently excellent quality. There's nothing more festive then bubbly around the holidays and you're guaranteed to be invited back year after year if you present your gracious Host and/or Hostess with a magnum of fabulous Champagne - the equivalent of two regular 750mL bottles.5.) For the Collector & Gadget Lover...Coravin Model Two System ($299): This revolutionary gadget needs to be in every wine lover's home since it completely changes the way you drink wine! Coravin's Model Two is the company's most intuitive wine system that gives wine lovers the freedom to pour and enjoy a glass of wine from any bottle, at any time, without pulling the cork! Using Coravin’s proprietary technology, the new Model Two is the best-in-class tool that lets you taste, share, compare and explore wine like never before. Want to sample a glass of your 1982Bordeaux without committing to an entire bottle? Get out your Coravin! It’s the revolution that’s opening up an enriching world of possibilities.Cheers,

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Wine Country Travel: Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer

During our recent trip to California wine country, we had the pleasure of staying at a very special place in the heart of the Napa Valley, The Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer. The charming, eight-acre property is conveniently located minutes from downtown St. Helena, yet is tucked away in a secluded haven surrounded by lush greenery, towering redwood trees and, of course, beautiful vineyards.

Originally established in 1975, the beloved 78-room hotel had become a bit time worn over the years and, in 2014, it underwent an extensive renovation under the guidance of James Beard Award-winning Chef and hotelier, Charlie Palmer. Palmer's goal was to transform this modest, wine country inn into a luxurious St. Helena resort, with all the modern amenities and cache that's de rigeur in the tony surrounding areas today. While Palmer recognized the need for tasteful updates, he and his team were careful to retain the property's inherent charm, including the intricate brick and woodwork throughout that make the property so unique.

Having stayed at the inn a few years prior to the renovations, the improvements were immediately evident upon our arrival. The dated hotel lobby has been transformed into a sleek, modern reception area featuring fabulous ambient lighting, chic indoor and outdoor seating areas and a welcoming, festive U-shaped bar. While much has changed, the grand lobby staircase remains constant, serving as an architectural reminder of the property's history. The structure is also home to the hotel's new restaurant, Harvest Table, where we were fortunate to dine during our stay - more on that later!

The thoughtful renovations also included extensive refurbishing of many of the hotel's rooms which are grouped into "neighborhoods" featuring a variety of different views and amenities.

One newly renovated block is situated along the vineyards adjacent to the property, specifically Whitehall-Lane's Leonardini Family Vineyards. Appropriately dubbed the Vineyard View Collection, these charming, spacious rooms are perfect for those craving the full vineyard experience. Each room features a king sized bed; an oversized brick, wood-burning fireplace; cozy club chairs and couch and your own private terrace with a jacuzzi hot tub. Other amenities include daily, complimentary wine country breakfast, mini bar water and juice, in-room wine (yessss!!!), wireless internet, parking as well as the use of an evening house car, two spacious swimming pools and a fitness center.

We were fortunate enough to stay in one of these delightful rooms and let me assure you, there's nothing like an al fresco soak with a glass of Schramsberg bubbly in hand for your weary, wine drenched body after a long day of wine tasting - #pureheaven!

In addition to the fabulous rooms, one of the most wonderful features of the Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer is its verdant, lush greenery which imbues the property with a natural beauty and inherent sense of privacy.

Gorgeous rose beds, stands of magnificent redwood trees, exquisite hydrangeas and perfumed wisteria all abound on the property and, since it was mid-Fall, the trees were also resplendent with gorgeous, reddish gold leaves. Beautiful stone fountains, a rotating sculpture installation and a serene koi pond also punctuate the landscape, offering even more visually pleasing vignettes.

In addition to its beauty, the plentiful vegetation is also quite functional. There are five culinary gardens located on property, tended by expert Culinary Horticulturist Laura McNiff, whose bounty is featured nightly on the Harvest Table menu. The bar also utilizes an assortment of garden gems, including unique citrus (loved those Buddha hand lemons!), as well as an assortment of herbs and flowers.

Tomatoes, kale, lettuce and bright orange "cheddar cheese"cauliflower were also in abundance. Hop vines also proliferate among the property as well as various espaliered fruit trees (persimmon, Meyer lemon, apple), lavender and wild strawberries. Guests are encouraged to help themselves to anything they know is edible - just forget those peanut M&M's in the mini bar!

In addition to the greenery, the property is also home to three active beehives, as well as a variety of wildlife which is unofficially documented by the small landscaping team. Denizens include bald eagles, red foxes, squirrels and raccoons. As you can imagine, with all its natural beauty the property is the perfect venue for special ceremonies and gatherings. During our visit, a lovely vow renewal took place on the splendid lawn. As the wine country sun set in the West, it created an ethereal ambiance for the lucky couple.

The Harvest Inn also offers spa treatment rooms for guests to indulge in their favorite massage, facial or treatment du jour. Care to enjoy your hot lava stone massage al fresco? The property also features private tents in case you'd like to receive your spa service (or couple's service) outdoors - très romantique!

We had the great pleasure of enjoying a fabulous, al fresco dinner at the Inn's restaurant, Harvest Table, during our stay. And I must say, it was definitely a highlight of our trip! Executive Chef Levi Mezick delighted us with his culinary skills and creativity, honed during stints with world renowned Chefs Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller. Harvest Table's farm-to-fork menu showcases ingredients from the property's culinary gardens as well as many local purveyors.

The California-focused wine list also features a nice variety of selections from around the world. Sommelier Sasha Hagenlock expertly guided us towards wines which complemented our meal and suited our price range as well.We opted for many of Mezick's inspired seafood dishes ranging from succulent Oysters with Horseradish Sorbet & Tarragon ($12), to classic Southern Pan Roasted Shrimp & Grits with Andouille Sausage, Cheddar Cheese & Smoked Bacon ($16).

Chef's dishes were also as beautiful as they were delicious, especially the Dungeness Crab Salad with Granny Smith Apple Gelee, Persimmon & Garden Herbs ($15) with gorgeous pops of bright green, orange and red, and the Bread Crusted Red Snapper with Coconut Rice, Sesame Bok Choy and Tamarind Essence featuring a golden, Panko crusted pavé of snapper set neatly atop creamy rice and delicately flavored tamarind foam.

Mezick also infused some added deliciousness into some seemingly ‘everyday’ ingredients, including mouthwatering Roasted Carrots with Buttermilk, Vadouvan & Granola ($6) which had fabulous flavor, color and texture, as well as his highly addictive Rock Shrimp Hush Puppies with Old Bay & Spicy Gribiche ($8). Chef also made delicious use of the one part of the pig nobody EVER seems to know what to do with! His Crispy Pig Ear Salad with Cilantro & Yuzu Vinaigrette ($6) featured delicious thinly sliced, crispy strips of meat which added texture and dimension to the flavorful salad.

Another apparent highlight of the Harvest Table menu is the Truffle Chicken for Two ($65). A word to the wise, however, it takes an hour of preparation time and while our schedule didn't allow for us to indulge this time, we definitely look forward to it on our next trip!

While we contemplated forgoing dessert - we were SO incredibly glad we didn't! Dessert was equally as enjoyable as our savory courses and included Roasted Sweet Corn Mousse with Blackberries and Lime Sherbet ($9), Chocolate + Peanut Butter Bar with Dark Chocolate Marquis, Peanut Butter Mousse & Chocolate Sorbet ($9) and my husband's favorite, the Tasting of House Made Ice Cream and Sorbet ($9). The flavors and textures of each dish demonstrated wonderful attention to detail and a mastery of flavor that was greatly appreciated.

The idyllic Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer celebrates the vineyard way of life and offers its guests the chance to experience it firsthand in relaxed, rustic elegance. While conveniently situated in the historic hub of St. Helena with a plethora of well-known wineries nearby, the property's landscape provides a stylishly serene retreat for its guests. Chef Palmer has done a wonderful job integrating past and present in this special project, creating a harmony between the architecture and landscape while underpinning it all with a keen, experienced eye towards hospitality at every level.

Thanks to the Harvest Inn and its amazing staff for such a wonderful stay! For more information on the Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer or its restaurant, Harvest Table, please see the information below or visit www.harvestinn.com.

Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer | 1 Main Street | St. Helena, CA 94574 | 707.963.9463

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Wine of the Week: 2014 Failla Syrah Estate Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview, California

I must say, California wine country is simply stunning in the Fall! During our recent visit to the legendary North Coast, which encompasses Napa and Sonoma counties among others, we encountered towering trees cloaked in their seasonal reddish, gold splendor, refreshingly chillsome evenings (we ARE from Florida after all!), as well as many amazing wines. While I look forward to sharing them with you over the coming weeks, I was especially inspired to feature one wine in particular as our latest Wine of the Week, the 2014 Failla Syrah Estate Vineyard.While Failla primarily focuses on cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, owner and winemaker EhrenJordan's eclectic winemaking experiences and sheer vinous talent allow him to work adeptly with many different grape varieties extremely well. As a fan of Syrah from the Northern Rhone, I was very impressed with his ability to craft a California wine that so closely approximates its French counterpart while allowing its terroir, and the character of the new Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, to shine through. Please read on to discover more about this very special wine that's just perfect for enjoying during the chilly Winter months.Who it's from: Winemaker Ehren Jordan and his wife Anne-Marie founded Failla in 1998 and together they specialize in sourcing cool climate fruit from the extreme coastal areas of Sonoma County. Jordan draws inspiration from his time spent in France, namely a 2-year apprenticeship in Cornas in the NorthernRhone where he specialized in Syrah, which continues to inform his winemaking style. He also held positions in California, first at Neyers Vineyards and then at Turley Wine Cellars, where he spent almost 20 years crafting world class Zinfandel. Jordan is perhaps most passionate about producing balanced, elegant, food-friendly wines that are expressive of their terroir.Where it's from: This wine hails from Failla's 14-acre Estate Vineyard located in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA, a sub-region of the vast Sonoma CoastAVA, which was officially approved in 2011. Vineyards here are situated in the steep coastal ridges above the fog line where most of the surrounding terrain is too steep to farm. Out of over 27,000 acres in the AVA, only 550 are actually usable! Only Failla and a few other esteemed vintners were willing to brave the uniquely challenging conditions including Flowers, Marcassin, Hirsch, Pahlmeyer, Martinelli, Del Dotto and Peter Michael to name a few. The region's unusually rugged terrain, high elevations, cool maritime climate and marine soils create the perfect environment for growing exceptional cool climate grape varieties.

"To me 'terroir' is distilling a place down to its essence using grapes as the medium." - Ehren Jordan

Originally planted in 1998, Failla's Estate Vineyard is located only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean and has been organically and dry farmed since the beginning. Jordan harvested the first grapes from the vineyard in 2001 and has increased production ever since. The special Estate Vineyard, located at approximately 1,400 ft. elevation, is currently planted to cool climate grape varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.This Wine by the (geeky) Numbers:Primary Fermentation: Native YeastMalolactic Fermentation: NativeElevage: 11 months, aged Sur-Lie in French oak barrique, 25% newFiltration: Unfined & UnfilteredGrape variety: 100% Syrah, 20 yr. old vinesABV: 13.9%Production: 382 casesProduction notes: "Our 100% whole cluster “Estate Vineyard” Syrah was gently foot-tread, fermented with native yeasts, and basket pressed to barrel, where it competed a native ML conversion and rested on its lees until being bottled unfined and unfiltered."The Glamorous Gourmet's Tasting Note: "From its lush, purplish-red hue to enticing aromas of spiced black fruit, savory herbs and a hint of lavender, this delightful expression of California Syrah simultaneously evokes the elegance of the Northern Rhone. On the palate, this stunner reveals savory layers of blackberry, plum, licorice and black pepper while demonstrating impressive complexity and richness without seeming heavy. All components harmoniously converge on the imminently satisfying, lengthy finish."Pair it with: Rosemary & Salt crusted Prime Rib, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Pasta with Wild Boar RaguRetail Price: $58 (for purchasing information, please e-mail stephanie [at] theglamorousgourmet [dot] com or simply call 561.317.6663)Bon appétit,

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Thanksgiving-Inspired Pairings from the South of France

"As long as we have wine, Thanksgiving will be fine." - Steve Miskew

The Miskews are fresh off a trip to California wine country, and while very travel weary, we're blissfully content from indulging in some of the amazing food and wine the Napa Valley has to offer. More on that in the coming weeks but here we are with Thanksgiving a week away (how did THAT happen?) as well as the impending question of which dishes to prepare and, perhaps more importantly, which wines to pair with them.If you're a Francophile you may be thinking of breaking out the Burgundy or Bordeaux to pair with your holiday feast but I urge you to consider a French region you might not readily think of, the Languedoc. This diverse region spans the sunny Mediterranean coast and is the largest wine making region in the country. But what makes the region's wines so perfect for Thanksgiving is a little term known as, garrigue. Garrigue refers to the aromas and flavors of the wild, plentiful vegetation that grows throughout the region, consisting largely of herbs such as sage, rosemary and thyme as well as the regional staple, lavender. These delightful aromas and flavors are also expressed in the region's wines, so what better selections to pair with your Thanksgiving feast?I recently received a delightful package containing a "Garrigue Kit" which consisted of jars of dried herbs, a few bottles of Languedoc wine and Thanksgiving-inspired recipes to do a little experimenting just in time for the holidays. I'm happy to report the wines highlighted the flavors of the Thanksgiving dishes beautifully and, for these prices, they are incredibly hard to beat and perfect for entertaining a crowd! Below are the pairings we enjoyed most - please click on the name of the wine or dish for purchasing or recipe information:1.) Oven Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter: This traditional incarnation of the holiday bird by Chef TylerFlorence is simply slathered with sage butter (over AND under the skin to keep the breast meat from drying out) and then roasted to a delightful golden hue. The resulting savory flavors and sage-scented meat and crispy skin harmonized beautifully with the 2014 Chateau de Landure Minervois ($10). This medium-bodied red is a blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre exhibiting enticing aromas of red and black fruit and spice. On the palate, flavors of cherry, blackberry, leather, black pepper and garrigue accompany supple tannins and a lovely, pleasing acidity.2.) Farmhouse Herbed Stuffing: If you love a simple, meatless, old-school stuffing that highlights Thanksgiving's glorious, traditional herbs then THIS stuffing recipe is for you! While we enjoyed this recipe, I recommend making your own bread cubes by simply toasting day old bread in the oven and then stuffing as much of the mixture into the bird to cook as possible. We really enjoyed the flavors of this stuffing paired with the 2014 Chateau de Lancyre Coteaux de Languedoc Pic St. Loup Vielles Vignes ($24). This red blend of 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache, has savory notes of blackberry, plum, cassis and earth with supple tannins and a garrigue-tinged finish. The wine's food friendly acidity also makes it a very versatile pairing at the holiday table.3.) Lavender Roasted Potatoes (scroll down for recipe): I must admit, I've never incorporated the flavor of lavender in my Thanksgiving meal but I'm really looking forward to it this year! For this recipe I used both yellow and purple potatoes to complement the color and flavor of the lavender. While these roasted potatoes also pair nicely with a lavender-imbued rosé, we especially liked them with the 2014 Luc Pirlet Corbières ($10), a medium-bodied blend of 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 20% Syrah. This wine exudes fragrant aromatics of blue and black fruit and earth while notes of plum, blackberry, cassis and black pepper delight on the palate while beautifully accentuating the lavender in the dish.To learn more about the wines of France's dynamic Languedoc region, please click here. I hope you have the chance to enjoy these remarkably food friendly wines over the holidays and if you do, please be sure to let me know in the Comments section below! For more delicious Thanksgiving recipes or wine recommendations from The Glamorous Gourmet, please click here. If you're preparing the holiday meal this year you also won't want to miss our Thanksgiving Day Cheat Sheet with oodles of helpful information.Bon appétit,

"Lavender-Roasted Potatoes"

Recipe Type

:

Side Dish

Author:

Stephanie Miskew | The Glamorous Gourmet

Serves:

4-6

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs. small yellow new potatoes

• 1.5 lbs. small purple splendor or other purple potatoes

• 2 1/2 Tablespoons good olive oil

• 2 Tablespoons dried culinary lavender

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. ) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. ) Wipe off unpeeled potatoes with a damp cloth or paper towel and place on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.

3. ) Add olive oil, salt and pepper and 2 Tablespoons of the lavender to the potatoes and toss well to coat. Bake in the pre-heated oven for approximately 40 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Potatoes are done when a knife inserts easily into potatoes.

4. ) Serve immediately garnished with remaining dried lavender!

3.5.3208

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Celebrating Merlot Month on WPTV Channel 5

October is officially Merlot Month (aka #MerlotMe on Twitter) which celebrates the long awaited comeback of this most maligned grape variety. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to talk about this happy occasion recently with John Favole and the team at WPTV Channel 5.

While everyone likes to blame the 2004 movie Sideways for Merlot's vinous demise, Miles' rant was just the final nail in the grape's coffin at the time. The truth is, its popularity had been declining for awhile. At the height of Merlot's fame, demand was so great some growers were pulling up other, less-profitable vines in order to make room for more of it. This meant planting Merlot vines in less than optimal sites, resulting in the mass production of poor quality wine.

Unfortunately, it became more about quantity than quality.

Now, after almost a decade of vinous obscurity, it's the quality vineyards tended by the true Merlot experts that mostly remain. But what's so great about Merlot anyway and WHY are we celebrating it with Merlot Month? For those who are newbies or just need a reminder, on the likeability scale, Merlot rates pretty high!

Known for its plush, lush notes of cherry, plum and chocolate and soft, supple tannins...frankly, what's NOT to like? It's inherent characteristics also make it approachable at a young age, unlike its vinous counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for aggressive tannins and bold flavors that often need time in the bottle to soften. While both grapes make delicious varietal wines, the two also complement each other beautifully which is why they are often blended together.

While Merlot was officially "born" in France and is still the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, wonderful examples of the wine can be found in many countries across the globe including Italy, Australia, Chile and the US. Each country imparts its own unique stamp on this grape which can be somewhat of a chameleon depending on where it's grown. In cooler climates, Merlot is known for exhibiting notes of black and blue fruit, minerals, licorice and herbs. Warmer climates accentuate the grape's fruitiness, highlighting cherry, candied berry, mocha, spice and soft, sweet tannins.

When it comes to food, due to its supple, fruity nature, Merlot pairs wonderfully with a variety of different dishes. Its hearty texture makes it perfect for serving with hard cheeses, cheeseburgers, stews, roasted chicken and steak. Those with a sweet tooth can also enjoy it with chocolate-based desserts that complement its lush, fruity tendencies.

I hope you enjoy #MerlotMonth and continue to enjoy this delicious grape all season long! Please check out my list of Merlot recommendations at a variety of different price points. If you'd like to watch the entire WPTV segment, or for more details on the featured wines, please scroll down for all the deets. Also, if there's a particular brand of Merlot you enjoy I'd love to hear about it in the Comments section below. Be sure to share your vinous exploits on Twitter using the hashtag #MerlotMe and check out what other wine lovers are drinking as well.

6 MERLOTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1.) Falesco Merlot Tellus, Umbria, Italy ($14): This stylish Italian gem is crafted from 100% Merlot and exhibits floral-infused aromas of lush dark fruit + spice. On the palate, mouth-filling flavors of wild strawberry, plum and spice are accompanied by delightfully grippy tannins and a lengthy finish.

2.) Mollydooker Merlot The Scooter, McLaren Vale, Australia ($25): This whimsical producer always delivers on flavor and this delightful, full-bodied Merlot is no exception! This wine is rife with aromas of black cherry and violet while on the palate, opulent notes of raspberry, strawberry and plum are accentuated by soft, supple tannins and hints of mocha and dried herbs.

3.) Peju Province Merlot, Napa Valley, CA ($45): As a longtime fan of Peju’s Cabernet Franc I was delightful to discover winemaker Sara Fowler’s Merlot years ago! This exceptional wine exhibits fragrant aromas of red fruit, spice + toasty oak while on the palate it delivers lush notes of pomegranate, cherry and blackberry are accentuated by hints of vanilla and spice.

4.) Duckhorn Merlot, Napa Valley, CA ($56): Merlot is truly the spirit grape of this world-renowned winery founded by Margaret and Dan Duckhorn in 1976. Their exceptional Napa Valley Merlot still WOWS today with alluring aromas of lush red fruit and spice followed on the palate by mouth-filling flavors of cherry, raspberry and cocoa that are accentuated by fine-grained tannins and hints of plum, blueberry and spice.

5.) Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, CA ($80): Winemaker Chris Carpenter is truly the mountain-grown Merlot whisperer, who treats each of his wines like a symphony of flavors. Happily, this stunner is no exception! Crafted from 80% Merlot and 20% Malbec grown on Mt. Veeder, this full-bodied wine displays fragrant aromas of spiced dark fruit, violets and mocha while on the palate, lush, plush flavors of ripe plum, blackberry and dark chocolate are accentuated by savory hints of black olive, earth and licorice.

6.) La Jota Merlot Howell Mountain, Napa, CA ($85): Chris Carpenter displays his talent for mountain fruit again in this truly elegant expression of Merlot from Napa’s Howell Mountain. This stunner seduces with complex aromas of dark fruit, cassis + espresso followed on the palate by opulent, layered notes of roast plum, blackberry compote and dried cherry complemented by ripe, round tannins and hints of star anise, black pepper and earth that carry through the long, lingering finish.

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