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Movie Review: Jon Favreau's "Chef" is the Foodie Film of the Year!

If films such as Big Night, Julie & Julia, and Jiro Dreams of Sushi whet your appetite, get ready for the latest addition to the Foodie Movie Hall of Fame, namely Jon Favreau's recently released Chef. In addition to featuring some of the best food porn of all time (including a grilled cheese scene that will have you drooling in your popcorn!) this delightful film boasts an all-star cast worthy of a Summer blockbuster. Well-known names such as Sofia Vergara, Robert Downey Jr., Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt and John Leguizamo add tremendous depth to this charming indie film.Chef deserves recognition for many reasons not the least of which is Favreau's ability to play the part of a Chef so convincingly. You'd think he's been secretly working in a kitchen all these years while simultaneously writing, directing and starring in an assortment of our favorite films including Iron Man (1, 2 and 3), Elf, The Avengers, Rudy and of course the 90's classic Swingers which originally launched his career. From the way he wields a Chef's knife to the tattoos that span the length of his meaty arms, Favreau is spot on. In order to achieve such proficiency he trained in the kitchens of Chef Roy Choi, Chef and Owner of Kogi Gourmet Korean Taco Truck, as well as an intensive, week-long stint at culinary school. His immersion in his character is reflective of the passion he has widely admitted to having for this film which he also wrote, produced and directed.Chef-jon-favreau-food-truck-kid-2The story is about Chef Carl Casper who, having emerged as a rising star a few years prior, is mired in a creatively stifling job in Los Angeles cooking for a controlling, sweetbread-averse restaurant owner (Dustin Hoffman) whose only concern is keeping the menu the way it's always been. Casper also happens to be going through a divorce from his wife Inez (Sofia Vergara) while trying to maintain a relationship with his son Percy (the adorable Emjay Anthony). When faced with a dismal review from a very influential food blogger, Casper knows he has to prove the offending meal was not reflective of his ability and talent. What he doesn't anticipate is the impact social media will have on his life and career. While 2009's Julie & Julia brought food blogging to the fore, this film cleverly addresses the array of current social media platforms such as Twitter, Vine, and YouTube and how they intersect with the global foodie community. The resulting cyber-shenanigans lead Casper on a cross-country, culinary Odyssey which will leave him and those who love and believe in him forever changed.Chef-jon-favreau-sofia-vergara-kid-miami-photo-3In addition to Los Angeles, the film is also shot on location in some famous foodie meccas across the country including New Orleans' Cafe Du Monde and Austin's Franklin Barbeque. Scenes were also shot on location here in Miami, featuring landmarks such as Hoy Como Ayer, Versailles in Little Havana and the Fontainebleau using only locals as extras.Chef offers up a delicious buffet of comedy, drama, inspiration and, at the very least, some serious culinary eye candy that will definitely have you lining up for seconds. Before I give anymore away, please make a date to see this delightful film and just a word of advice...don't go on an empty stomach!Cheers,

Continue Reading >

Movie Review: Jon Favreau’s “Chef” is the Foodie Film of the Year!

If films such as Big Night, Julie & Julia, and Jiro Dreams of Sushi whet your appetite, get ready for the latest addition to the Foodie Movie Hall of Fame, namely Jon Favreau’s recently released Chef. In addition to featuring some of the best food porn of all time (including a grilled cheese scene that will have you drooling in your popcorn!) this delightful film boasts an all-star cast worthy of a Summer blockbuster. Well-known names such as Sofia Vergara, Robert Downey Jr., Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt and John Leguizamo add tremendous depth to this charming indie film.

Chef deserves recognition for many reasons not the least of which is Favreau’s ability to play the part of a Chef so convincingly. You’d think he’s been secretly working in a kitchen all these years while simultaneously writing, directing and starring in an assortment of our favorite films including Iron Man (1, 2 and 3), Elf, The Avengers, Rudy and of course the 90′s classic Swingers which originally launched his career. From the way he wields a Chef’s knife to the tattoos that span the length of his meaty arms, Favreau is spot on. In order to achieve such proficiency he trained in the kitchens of Chef Roy Choi, Chef and Owner of Kogi Gourmet Korean Taco Truck, as well as an intensive, week-long stint at culinary school. His immersion in his character is reflective of the passion he has widely admitted to having for this film which he also wrote, produced and directed.

The story is about Chef Carl Casper who, having emerged as a rising star a few years prior, is mired in a creatively stifling job in Los Angeles cooking for a controlling, sweetbread-averse restaurant owner (Dustin Hoffman) whose only concern is keeping the menu the way it’s always been. Casper also happens to be going through a divorce from his wife Inez (Sofia Vergara) while trying to maintain a relationship with his son Percy (the adorable Emjay Anthony). When faced with a dismal review from a very influential food blogger, Casper knows he has to prove the offending meal was not reflective of his ability and talent. What he doesn’t anticipate is the impact social media will have on his life and career. While 2009′s Julie & Julia brought food blogging to the fore, this film cleverly addresses the array of current social media platforms such as Twitter, Vine, and YouTube and how they intersect with the global foodie community. The resulting cyber-shenanigans lead Casper on a cross-country, culinary Odyssey which will leave him and those who love and believe in him forever changed.

In addition to Los Angeles, the film is also shot on location in some famous foodie meccas across the country including New Orleans’ Cafe Du Monde and Austin’s Franklin Barbeque. Scenes were also shot on location here in Miami, featuring landmarks such as Hoy Como Ayer, Versailles in Little Havana and the Fontainebleau using only locals as extras.

Chef offers up a delicious buffet of comedy, drama, inspiration and, at the very least, some serious culinary eye candy that will definitely have you lining up for seconds. Before I give anymore away, please make a date to see this delightful film and just a word of advice…don’t go on an empty stomach!

Cheers,

Winemaker of the Week: Chris Phelps of Swanson Vineyards!

In the world of wine, it is not uncommon for winemakers to spend the duration their careers in their country of origin. In the Old World especially, centuries of tradition and familial ties often hold sway over the need for worldly exploration. Occasionally, however, the opportunity to explore both worlds presents itself as was the case for winemaker Chris Phelps of Swanson Vineyards (pictured above) in California's Napa Valley.Born in Livermore, California, Phelps took an interest in two things early in life: wine and all things French. In pursuit of his passions, this bona fide Francophile studied both enology and French at UC Davis and upon graduating, made the move to France to continue his vinous studies at the University of Bordeaux. As part of his practical experience he landed a position as winemaker during the 1982 harvest, one of the most storied vintages in Bordeaux history. During this time, Phelps was mentored by two of the most well-known names in this world-renowned wine region, Christian Moueix and Jean-Claude Berrouet and his relationship with these men resulted in a winter spent living and working at Château Pétrus. After six months at the legendary estate, Moueix hired Phelps as winemaker at his new project in the Napa Valley, Dominus Estate. This position signaled Phelps' return to California where he would incorporate his skills acquired in France with his existing knowledge to create Bordeaux-style, Meritage wines. Phelps remained at Dominus for over ten years, followed by a stint at Caymus where he crafted their renowned Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. It wasn't until 2003 that he joined Swanson Vineyards which, "felt like coming home," due to the winery's historic focus on Merlot with which he became intimately acquainted during his time on Bordeaux's Right Bank.swanson-vineyards-wine-lineupRecently I had the pleasure of having lunch with Phelps at Joseph's Wine Bar & Cafe in downtown Delray Beach, Florida while he was in town promoting the latest releases of the Swanson wines. The bespectacled Phelps was very engaging and when asked how he would describe his winemaking style, he responded, "it's more about what I don't do...like use too much oak, add tannin, add acid or color, or sweetness enhancers." He also added, "I'm not an interventionist winemaker, I channel the vineyard into the bottle and express what the vineyard is trying to do. I try to make honest wines."We began the tasting with the 2011 Swanson Napa Valley Pinot Grigio ($18) which was under screwcap, "perfect for a wine meant to be consumed young and fresh," added Phelps. And it was exactly that, young, bright and fresh with aromas of Meyer lemon and peach which continued on the palate along with hints of tropical fruit and a refreshing acidity. In addition to Pinot Grigio, this wine is 9% Chardonnay giving it nice weight and roundness which thankfully sets it apart from your standard issue, vapid Pinot Grigio. Completely stainless steel fermented, this wine is a delightful Summer selection, perfect for pairing with warm weather fare such as peel-and-eat Gulf pink shrimp or raw oysters on the half shell.Our second white wine was the 2012 Swanson Napa Valley Chardonnay ($36), which displayed aromas of green apple, citrus and an enticing minerality very reminiscent of Chablis. On the palate, flavors of lemon, apple and peach accompanied a food-friendly acidity and delightful, mouth-coating viscosity. In addition to stainless steel, this wine also spent some time in French oak (95% neutral, 5% new) which, in Phelps capable hands translates to an excellent balance between oak and fruit in the finished wine. While delightful on its own, this Chardonnay is a fabulous food wine and I found myself instantly envying a woman at the next table who had ordered the baked Brie.swanson-vineyards-painting-beware-man-who-doesnt-drink-wineOur first red wine of the tasting was making its vinous debut, the 2011 Swanson Cygnet Napa Valley Merlot ($22), a blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon which had spent 16 months in oak barrel (70% American, 30% French). The resulting wine had fragrant aromas of juicy black fruit and spice as well as mouth-filling flavors of blackberry jam, ripe black cherry, cassis and spice cake. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds just the right amount of structure and tannin to pull this wine back from the brink of hedonism and it will definitely appeal to fans of juicy, fruit-forward Napa Valley Merlot. Phelps certainly accomplished his goal of making, "a wine that is easily enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to a variety of foods."Next up was the 2010 Oakville Merlot ($32), a Swanson classic which is stylistically different from the Cygnet Merlot. In addition to the Merlot, this wine is also 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, which was aged for 18 months in 50% French and American oak barrels (33% new). The result is a wine with a core of black fruit including blackberry and plum accompanied by notes of espresso, baking spices and firm tannins. The Oakville Merlot was well-balanced with great structure and as Phelps explained, "it was balanced when it came off the vine!" This wine will definitely benefit from a few more years of bottle age, although it was pretty delicious the day we tasted it.We finished with the 2010 Alexis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($69), a wine which debuted with the 1994 vintage and is named for the Swanson's eldest daughter. While this wine was initially a Cabernet/Syrah blend, it has been reimagined as a Cabernet Sauvignon since 2005. The Bordeaux purist in Phelps thought the Syrah took away from the varietal purity of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 Alexis is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot aged for 21 months in 100% French oak barrels (60% new). This well-made wine serves up a complex array of black fruit, spice, cassis and espresso which envelops your palate, coating it with a lovely balance of fruit and tannin which delightfully lingers after each sip. While delicious now, this wine will also age with grace for the next 10-15 year and is perfect for pairing with roasted or grilled meats such as lamb chops with rosemary or filet mignon.swanson-vineyards-parlor-shotAll the Swanson wines in this post are available at The Wine Atelier (click here for more information) and in addition to tasting their delightful wines, I've also had the pleasure of visiting Swanson Vineyards in the Napa Valley. The beautiful Swanson tasting salon, decorated in the style of an 18th century French parlor, definitely warrants a visit next time you're in town. Who knows, you might even see the elegant Elizabeth Swanson in the courtyard tending to her garden while the ever-dapper Clarke is looking after the winery. If you feel like indulging in a real treat, book a private, curated tasting which pairs the Swanson wines with caviar, cheese and chocolates from around the world!Cheers,

Continue Reading >

Winemaker of the Week: Chris Phelps of Swanson Vineyards!

In the world of wine, it is not uncommon for winemakers to spend the duration their careers in their country of origin. In the Old World especially, centuries of tradition and familial ties often hold sway over the need for worldly exploration. Occasionally, however, the opportunity to explore both worlds presents itself as was the case for winemaker Chris Phelps of Swanson Vineyards (pictured above) in California’s Napa Valley.

Born in Livermore, California, Phelps took an interest in two things early in life: wine and all things French. In pursuit of his passions, this bona fide Francophile studied both enology and French at UC Davis and upon graduating, made the move to France to continue his vinous studies at the University of Bordeaux. As part of his practical experience he landed a position as winemaker during the 1982 harvest, one of the most storied vintages in Bordeaux history. During this time, Phelps was mentored by two of the most well-known names in this world-renowned wine region, Christian Moueix and Jean-Claude Berrouet and his relationship with these men resulted in a winter spent living and working at Château Pétrus. After six months at the legendary estate, Moueix hired Phelps as winemaker at his new project in the Napa Valley, Dominus Estate. This position signaled Phelps’ return to California where he would incorporate his skills acquired in France with his existing knowledge to create Bordeaux-style, Meritage wines. Phelps remained at Dominus for over ten years, followed by a stint at Caymus where he crafted their renowned Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. It wasn’t until 2003 that he joined Swanson Vineyards which, “felt like coming home,” due to the winery’s historic focus on Merlot which he became intimately acquainted with during his time on Bordeaux’s Right Bank.

Recently I had the pleasure of having lunch with Phelps at Joseph’s Wine Bar & Cafe in downtown Delray Beach, Florida while he was in town promoting the latest releases of the Swanson wines. The bespectacled Phelps was very engaging and when asked how he would describe his winemaking style, he responded, “it’s more about what I don’t do…like use too much oak, add tannin, add acid or color, or sweetness enhancers.” He also added, “I’m not an interventionist winemaker, I channel the vineyard into the bottle and express what the vineyard is trying to do. I try to make honest wines.”

We began the tasting with the 2011 Swanson Napa Valley Pinot Grigio ($18) which was under screwcap, “perfect for a wine meant to be consumed young and fresh,” added Phelps. And it was exactly that, young, bright and fresh with aromas of Meyer lemon and peach which continued on the palate along with hints of tropical fruit and a refreshing acidity. In addition to Pinot Grigio, this wine is 9% Chardonnay giving it nice weight and roundness which thankfully sets it apart from your standard issue, vapid Pinot Grigio. Completely stainless steel fermented, this wine is a delightful Summer selection, perfect for pairing with warm weather fare such as peel-and-eat Gulf pink shrimp or raw oysters on the half shell.

Our second white wine was the 2012 Swanson Napa Valley Chardonnay ($36), which displayed aromas of green apple, citrus and an enticing minerality very reminiscent of Chablis. On the palate, flavors of lemon, apple and peach accompanied a food-friendly acidity and delightful, mouth-coating viscosity. In addition to stainless steel, this wine also spent some time in French oak (95% neutral, 5% new) which, in Phelps capable hands translates to an excellent balance between oak and fruit in the finished wine. While delightful on its own, this Chardonnay is a fabulous food wine and I found myself instantly envying a woman at the next table who had ordered the baked Brie.

Artwork in the Swanson Vineyards Salon

Our first red wine of the tasting was making its vinous debut, the 2011 Swanson Cygnet Napa Valley Merlot ($22), a blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon which had spent 16 months in oak barrel (70% American, 30% French). The resulting wine had fragrant aromas of juicy black fruit and spice as well as mouth-filling flavors of blackberry jam, ripe black cherry, cassis and spice cake. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds just the right amount of structure and tannin to pull this wine back from the brink of hedonism and it will definitely appeal to fans of juicy, fruit-forward Napa Valley Merlot. Phelps certainly accomplished his goal of making, “a wine that is easily enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to a variety of foods.”

Next up was the 2010 Oakville Merlot ($32), a Swanson classic which is stylistically different from the Cygnet Merlot. In addition to the Merlot, this wine is also 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, which was aged for 18 months in 50% French and American oak barrels (33% new). The result is a wine with a core of black fruit including blackberry and plum accompanied by notes of espresso, baking spices and firm tannins. The Oakville Merlot was well-balanced with great structure and as Phelps explained, “it was balanced when it came off the vine!” This wine will definitely benefit from a few more years of bottle age, although it was pretty delicious the day we tasted it.

We finished with the 2010 Alexis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($69), a wine which debuted with the 1994 vintage and is named for the Swanson’s eldest daughter. While this wine was initially a Cabernet/Syrah blend, it has been reimagined as a Cabernet Sauvignon since 2005. The Bordeaux purist in Phelps thought the Syrah took away from the varietal purity of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 Alexis is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot aged for 21 months in 100% French oak barrels (60% new). This well-made wine serves up a complex array of black fruit, spice, cassis and espresso which envelops your palate, coating it with a lovely balance of fruit and tannin which delightfully lingers after each sip. While delicious now, this wine will also age with grace for the next 10-15 year and is perfect for pairing with roasted or grilled meats such as lamb chops with rosemary or filet mignon.

The Swanson Vineyards Salon

All the Swanson wines in this post are available at The Wine Atelier (click here for more information) and in addition to tasting their delightful wines, I’ve also had the pleasure of visiting Swanson Vineyards in the Napa Valley. The beautiful Swanson tasting salon, decorated in the style of an 18th century French parlor, definitely warrants a visit next time you’re in town. Who knows, you might even see the elegant Elizabeth Swanson in the courtyard tending to her garden while the ever-dapper Clarke is looking after the winery. If you feel like indulging in a real treat, book a private, curated tasting which pairs the Swanson wines with caviar, cheese and chocolates from around the world!

Cheers,

 

Fast & Fabulous: Grilled Sirloin Steak with Watercress, Parsley & Parmesan Salad!

Looking for a light, yet satisfying Summer-inspired meal with oodles of flavor that can be prepared in a flash? The latest installment of our "Fast & Fabulous" recipe series definitely fits the bill: Grilled Sirloin Steak with Watercress, Parsley & Parmesan Salad.The heat of Summer is already in full swing here in South Florida and lately I've been craving salads with crisp, chilled greens and my latest obsession is watercress. With it's delightful texture and spicy, peppery flavor it's definitely not your average green! Native to Europe and Asia, watercress belongs to the same family as mustard greens and radishes (aka Brassicaceae) and is one of the oldest known leafy greens consumed by humans. It is semi-aquatic in nature and well-suited to hydroponic cultivation. Watercress is also high in Vitamin C, iron, calcium, folic acid and has even been touted as having cancer-preventing properties. In addition to its health benefits, watercress makes a delicious salad on its own or mixed with other greens such as Italian flat leaf parsley.When it comes to steak, sirloin is one of the most affordable, yet flavorful cuts of beef around. It is very versatile and perfect for simply seasoning and throwing on the grill for a delicious dinner that can be ready in minutes. At your butcher or grocery store, look for a steak marked "Top Sirloin" in order to get the best cut. For this recipe, season the steak liberally on both sides with kosher salt and pepper and you will be amazed at the flavor this simple preparation provides.As for a wine to pair with this recipe, I would recommend a juicy Shiraz from Australia like the Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz ($17); or, if you're in the mood for a white wine that will highlight the green element of the dish, the Forefather's Sauvignon Blanc ($18) from New Zealand would also be an excellent option. I really hope you enjoy our latest "Fast & Fabulous" recipe! What's your favorite Summer salad ingredient? Do tell in the comment section below!Cheers,  "Grilled Sirloin Steak with Watercress, Parsley & Parmesan Salad"Serves 41 1/2 lb. sirloin steak3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided plus additional2 cups fresh watercress, large stems removed1 cup fresh, flat-leaf Italian parsley leavesKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste2 oz. shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (aka Parmesan) plus extra for garnish**1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juiceRemove steak from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat steak dry with paper towels, then rub with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and season generously on both sides with kosher salt and pepper.Prepare a grill (or grill pan if cooking indoors) and heat to medium-high. Brush grates with olive oil. Grill steak to desired doneness, 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.In the meantime, toss watercress, parsley, Pamigiano-Reggiano, lemon juice and remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt, pepper and more lemon juice to taste. Plate salad and top with slices of steak and more shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.**to shave the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, use a potato peeler and "peel" thin slices of the cheese from the thin sides of the wedge!

Continue Reading >

Fast & Fabulous: Grilled Sirloin Steak with Watercress, Parsley & Parmesan Salad!

Looking for a light, yet satisfying Summer-inspired meal with oodles of flavor that can be prepared in a flash? The latest installment of our “Fast & Fabulous” recipe series definitely fits the bill: Grilled Sirloin Steak with Watercress, Parsley & Parmesan Salad.

The heat of Summer is already in full swing here in South Florida and lately I’ve been craving salads with crisp, chilled greens and my latest obsession is watercress. With it’s delightful texture and spicy, peppery flavor it’s definitely not your average green! Native to Europe and Asia, watercress belongs to the same family as mustard greens and radishes (aka Brassicaceae) and is one of the oldest known leafy greens consumed by humans. It is semi-aquatic in nature and well-suited to hydroponic cultivation. Watercress is also high in Vitamin C, iron, calcium, folic acid and has even been touted as having cancer-preventing properties. In addition to its health benefits, watercress makes a delicious salad on its own or mixed with other greens such as Italian flat leaf parsley.

When it comes to steak, sirloin is one of the most affordable, yet flavorful cuts of beef around. It is very versatile and perfect for simply seasoning and throwing on the grill for a delicious dinner that can be ready in minutes. At your butcher or grocery store, look for a steak marked “Top Sirloin” in order to get the best cut. For this recipe, season the steak liberally on both sides with kosher salt and pepper and you will be amazed at the flavor this simple preparation provides.

As for a wine to pair with this recipe, I would recommend a juicy Shiraz from Australia like the Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz ($17); or, if you’re in the mood for a white wine that will highlight the green element of the dish, the Forefather’s Sauvignon Blanc ($18) from New Zealand would also be an excellent option. I really hope you enjoy our latest “Fast & Fabulous” recipe! What’s your favorite Summer salad ingredient? Do tell in the comment section below!

Cheers,

 

 

“Grilled Sirloin Steak with Watercress, Parsley & Parmesan Salad
Serves 4

1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak
3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided plus additional
2 cups fresh watercress, large stems removed
1 cup fresh, flat-leaf Italian parsley leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 oz. shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (aka Parmesan) plus extra for garnish**
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Remove steak from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat steak dry with paper towels, then rub with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and season generously on both sides with kosher salt and pepper.

Prepare a grill (or grill pan if cooking indoors) and heat to medium-high. Brush grates with olive oil. Grill steak to desired doneness, 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

In the meantime, toss watercress, parsley, Pamigiano-Reggiano, lemon juice and remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt, pepper and more lemon juice to taste. Plate salad and top with slices of steak and more shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.

**to shave the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, use a potato peeler and “peel” thin slices of the cheese from the thin sides of the wedge!

Wine Word of the Week: “Terroir”!

This week’s Wine Word of the Week is Terroir and was suggested by Leah Yablong of West Palm Beach, FL. Thanks for the suggestion, Leah!

“Terroir” is a French term which, loosely translated, means “a sense of place.” It is used to refer to products such as cheese, meat, coffee and wine that reflect or represent qualities unique to a specific geographic location. With respect to wine, terroir refers to the intersection of grape variety, soil type, climate and winemaking technique which come together to create a wine that, theoretically, cannot be produced anywhere else in the world. The art of blind tasting is based on the concept that wines look, taste and smell a certain way depending on where they are produced. So, if a wine is said to express terroir, the wine is believed to represent where it comes from and is considered a “wine of place.”

It is important to note the concept of terroir has special significance in Old World wine regions (i.e. France, Italy, Germany) where wine has been produced since approximately the fourth century. Winemakers in these storied regions have been tasked with upholding and preserving the vinous traditions of their ancestors by relying on their wisdom, keen observations and tried and true techniques which have been passed down from generation to generation. New World wine regions (i.e. the United States, South America, Australia), on the other hand, have only been making wine since approximately the sixteenth century, often using vine cuttings and winemaking techniques from the Old World. By simple virtue of time, New World wine regions don’t yet have the experience with their geography that Old World regions do. Today, the evolution of terroir in the New World continues to be an exciting and dynamic process.

Thanks again for your suggestion, Leah, and I hope that helps! If you (yes, YOU) would like to suggest a word for our Wine Word of the Week segment, please leave it in the comment section below or on our Facebook Fan Page which you can access by clicking here. If we use your word, your name will be entered into our monthly drawing to win one month of The Wine Atelier’s “Explorateur” Wine Club but remember – you have to play to win so make your suggestion now!

Cheers,

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