Posted by Greg Schroeder on April 6, 2012 at 6:54 pm
Have you been wondering what the Amazing Grapes staff will be drinking for Easter? Well you don’t have to wait any longer. Here are the wine selections from some of our Amazing Grapes team.
Mitch: Burgundy, Morey Saint Denis 1er Crus 2008, Olivier Jouan ($56. 98). It’s not just about beer and computers for Mitch. See, Mitch has luxury taste too.
Steve: Rosé from Provence, Lixir de Coulerette ($16.98). Because sometimes white Zinfandel just won’t do.
Joe: California Syrah, Stolpman Estate Syrah 2009 ($26.98), Because it’s the best Syrah that he’s ever tasted.
Dan: Bordeaux, St Emilion, Chateau BelleVue Grand Cru classé 2004 ($32. 98). For him, a good meal without Bordeaux is like a day without sunshine.
Jeff: Australian wine, D’Aremberg , The Love Grass Shiraz 2008 ($17.98). To put a little love in your meal.
Stan: California Pinot Noir, Miura, Pisoni Vineyard 2008 (54.98). Yummy Yummy Yummy…
Cindy: Châteauneuf du Pape, Domaine des Sénéchaux 2007 (S51.98). I’m so excited!!!
What is your wine selection for this day?
And this is a recipe from our Chef Gerri:
Lamb with peas and mint
Preparation Time: 10 mins/ Cooking time: 1Hr
- 2lbs leg of lamb cut into pieces
- 1 ¼ lbs of frozen peas or 2lbs of fresh garden peas in the pod
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh mint
- 3 tablespoons of turmeric, salt and ground pepper.
-Peel the Garlic, remove the shoots and cut the cloves into strips
-Wash, dry and strip the mint. Put a few large leaves to one side and coarsely chop the rest.
-Fry the pieces of lamb in olive oil until golden brown while sprinkling with the turmeric. Add salt and pepper and the chopped mint and garlic. Cover and allow to simmer for 30
minutes
-Then cover the lamb with peas and continue to cook with the lid on for 20 minutes. 10 minutes before the end mix delicately.
- Serve with the fresh leaves of mint you set aside.
The perfect match: Red Crozes Hermitage 2007 Papillon $24.98
Happy Easter Everyone
Joyeuse Pâques á tout le monde
Cindy Mouranchon
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on March 21, 2012 at 11:26 pm
We were fortunate to have Cindy Mouranchan walk through our doors a few months ago telling us she needed to work at a retail wine store in order to complete her degree. “So what?” you ask.
Well, Cindy happens to be from Cote du Rhone, France and has a very extensive knowledge of French wines – that’s why we’re fortunate! So we’ve been busy putting Cindy through the retail paces and here is her first Amazing Grapes Blog post. I decided not to edit it, but to leave it just as she wrote it so that you can enjoy the charm of Cindy’s accent in this article. Lucky for us, we get to enjoy her accent every day! We hope you like her article.
Greg Schroeder – Owner
The Rhone Valley
Of course, all French people are chauvinistic. That’s why, Im gonna talk to you about the most beautiful area in the world: “The Rhone Valley”.
What makes this area magic is the mass of different Terroirs that you can find there. Those give to our high colour wines, complexity, harmony and elegance.
The cote du Rhone vineyards run along the banks of the Rhone River between Lyon and Avignon and it is divided into 2 areas: Northern Rhône, and Southern Rhône.
About the Northern Rhone, the great majority of wine made here is made from the Syrah grape, and the region’s most famous wines are the deep-flavoured, long-lived red Hermitage and the delicate Côte Rôtie. You can find in this area the most complex wines from Rhône Valley.
In the Southern Rhone you will taste a lot of character wines: sometimes temperamental, gentle and pleasant, big and bold or prim and proper. Châteauneuf du Pape appellation is a perfect demonstration with these 13 grapes varieties and 4 different type of soil. However, when the Papacy was established in Avignon in the 14th Century, Châteauneuf-du-Pape was selected to be the Pope’s summer residence. The seven successive Popes encouraged the wine production and the expanding of the vineyards. The strict way in which wine has been produced has remained a constant factor throughout the history of these vineyards, and acted as the basis for certain provisions when the A.O.C legislation was being drawn up. Châteauneuf-du-Pape was consecrated a Local A.O.C. in 1936.
Like my former boss told me: “even a dimwit would do a good wine there!”
That’s why it’s a big holy deal
Now, enjoy yourselves! The wide range of Côtes du Rhône wines is big enough to satisfy your palate in all circumstances:
If you need more information, I will be please to meet you at the shop. Just ask for Cindy.
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Posted by Jeffrey Hall on March 9, 2012 at 10:08 pm
A few years back I was given a bottle of 2001 Mount Langi Ghiran Shiraz. I had not heard of it this winery before, though I knew the area it came from (the Grampians region of Victoria) and was excited to taste it. Wow, was it a revelation! A fantastic Shiraz from Australia that was not over the top, had not suffered from too much of….well, just about everything. I mean this was serious stuff. This wine had the stuffing to carry it for quite a long time. The Shiraz has great dark fruit flavors, nice balance, good silky tannins that give you just enough to chew on but don’t become the whole story. It was amazing; I had to find out more about the winery and winemaker.
About Mount Langri Ghiran: Their vineyards were first planted to Shiraz in 1870, and were later replanted by the Frantin brothers in 1963. Their fruit was of such great quality that they soon had a very strong following. In 1978 the great Trevor Mast was appointed consulting winemaker. Trevor was so inspired by the potential of the vineyards he purchased the property in 1987. By 2001 Trevor was experiencing health problems and turned to the Rathbone family for help. They bought the property in 2002 keeping Trevor as Head winemaker. Dan Buckle was brought on to learn from Trevor and in 2003 took the reins as Head Winemaker. From what I have seen the past few years, Dan has not only carried out Trevor’s vision but is committed to going even further.
In a sad turn of events, Trevor Mast passed on just yesterday March 8th. It is because of all his great work that Mount Langi Ghiran can now get to the top of the Mountain. He will be remembered as a visionary and a really decent human being.
We now have Mount Langi Ghirans Cliff Edge Shiraz 2006 in stock and it is really good stuff. It has plenty of fruit, nice controlled use of oak, good balance and plenty of stuffing. Didn’t hurt that it also got 94 points from James Halliday (more on him at another time).
This is just one of many stories about wine, the people who make it, and the people who drink it. Come on in and hear many more stories.
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on February 7, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Yes, it’s that sappy time of the year again – Valentine’s Day. If this is your first year at it, just know that it can go really well or it can be a total disaster. Somewhere in between works, but who wants to achieve mediocre?
My own personal advice is this: Do some level of planning before the big day because your significant other will know if you didn’t and that is the key to avoiding a disaster.
For the clueless guys, and some ladies too, who don’t know where to start planning for this day, I’m going to give you some suggestions in order to avoid a disaster:
First, think of your significant other’s expectations. Is she the easy-to-please type who expects nothing more than flowers? Or, is she the kind of girl who wants a thoroughly-planned, thrilling Valentine’s Day to remember forever? Keep in mind – whatever you do this year has to get progressively better next year! Or, does she want nothing more than one full night of your undivided attention, which brings to mind that TV commercial with the guy checking his phone for sports updates while out to dinner with his girl – uh, don’t do that! What’s most important with any of these scenarios is to consider his or her ‘maintenance level,’ determine what you can afford, and then start planning. Of course, plan sooner rather than later.
Wine & Dine
Pick the right restaurant! Do you have a Wendy’s date or a Morton’s date? I’m sure that 100 percent of Orange County’s restaurants are offering a special for the night, so here are a few selections I’ve found to get your wheels turning:
Amazing Grapes – Come on, this is our blog! Of course we’ll be pitching our place . . . and for good reason! Not only do we have you covered with a large selection of Rose’ Champagnes, we have just about any still wine you could think of. If you’re planning on cooking a special dinner at home, swing by for lots of pairing suggestions to compliment whatever it is your making.
The Grape - Amazing Grapes Wine Bar also has a special evening planned. Click here to sign up for a special notification.
Hanna’s Steak House – South Orange County’s and Rancho Santa Margarita’s nicest restaurant has a special A La Carte menu planned for the evening with three seating’s available at 5, 7 and 9 pm. I strongly suggest calling early for reservations.
Piccolino Ristorante – For pure romance, Italian dining is where it’s at. Sal, the owner, is a marvelous host who will make the evening special for you both. Picoolino has a great Italian wine list or drop by our store and pick up a bottle to enjoy there. A modest corking fee of $18 will apply. Click here to see their special Valentine’s Day menu.
Pina’s Bistro – My favorite Italian restaurant is having a Valentines Special meal. You can read my review of this restaurant in Greg’s Food and Wine Reviews or go to the restaurant website here. Strongly urge you to make reservations at this gem!
Get Away. Way Away!
Here’s a great idea – Escape the home to get the romance and privacy you crave, especially if you have children. There are a number of options just a quick drive away where you and your Valentine can cozy up. And you don’t have to go far either; bet you didn’t know we have a cozy new hotel with a great spa right in our back yard! Check in to Ayre’s Suites in Mission Viejo, just off the 241 Toll Road.
Flowers That Will Blow Her Mind
My wife will kill me for sharing my florist with you, but hey . . . that’s what blogging is all about. If you absolutely want to blow your wife’s mind, you have to get an arrangement for her from White Lilac. Guaranty you’ll make her day!
Outside the Box . . . of Chocolates . . . Duh
If dinner is too boring for you, or you can’t afford a weekend getaway, try something a little different to impress your Valentine. Try writing your loved one a love letter. I have never met one woman who wouldn’t prefer a love letter over dinner, a trip or flowers. And for heaven’s sake – skip the box of chocolates from the grocery store. Nothing will kill the mood faster than a box of Russel Stovers – ugh. If she has to have chocolate, find a See’s Candy store or order something online from the plethora of chocolatiers who make gourmet treats.
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Posted by Mitch Schroeder on January 25, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Recently, my friend Nick and I were discussing the ridiculousness of the Beer Advocate’s Top 100 List. As you go through the list, you’ll notice that the majority of all the beers listed are Double/Imperial Stouts and Double/Imperial IPA’s. At the time, Russian River’s Supplication (ranked #13) caught our eye because of the words “American Wild Ale”. Curiosity got the best of us and we decided to try a bottle. If you haven’t tried an American Wild Ale, or a Sour as it’s so diminutively called, you’ll probably be caught off guard like we did. Imagine popping a Warhead into your mouth without realizing what it was. The face I made was probably similar to that of a child biting into a lemon.
After the initial surprise had subsided, and don’t get me wrong, it was a lengthy inquiry of “what the $#!@ did I just put into my mouth?” I started analyzing what I was experiencing. The smell was that of lemons, tart cherry, earthy aroma of yeast, and a little apple cider. Flavors of tart, sour cherries, bready/malty yeast, sour lemon, and that distinct smell of brettanomyces (Brett for short) pretty much dominate the palate. A light bit of hops were apparent in the middle and a tad bit of woodiness sum up the finish. Did I mention it was sour? So. Very. Sour.
The puckering mouthfeel is like no other beer type I had ever tried in my life. The beer attacks the salivary glands in a way that is both alarming and pleasurable, and lingers for quite some time. It has a minimum carbonation and should be enjoyed on it’s own, no food necessary.
I was extremely pleased with this beer and have since purchased 3 more bottles to enjoy at a later date. Maybe next time though, I’ll read the label before drinking.
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Posted by Jeffrey Hall on January 25, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Or maybe it’s better asked this way: Is wine elitist?
I have heard this a lot from blogs and wine writers as of late. I am very confused!?! I work in the Wine Industry and have for over 12 years now, Elitist? Hmm, not how I would describe it. The great majority of us are middle class working folks, hardly elitists. Yes, I have some friends who work as Sommeliers for some very exclusive establishments, but none of them are elitist. The group of people that own this store are certainly not elitists.
So, where does this “elitist” stigma come from? Is it the wine itself?
And it’s not from the customers I have had in the store as they range from some of the worlds wealthiest to everyday people that just want a nice $10 wine for dinner. To further debunk the elitist tag, I can tell you with authority that the more money people have does not make them a wine elitist. In fact they tend to like to find the same good value wines that the rest of us do.
So, why the disconnect? Why do some want to see wine as elitist? Does anyone who listened to President Obama’s state of the union address last night remember hearing anything about wine being a culprit?
To my knowledge, wine is an agricultural product picked by people in fields off of plants. This would seem to put wine in the same category as apples or cabbage; at least up to this point. It is after the grapes are picked that the transformation into wine takes place. Have you ever visited a winery’s cellar room when they are making wine? That’s hardly an elitist hangout. How about the bottling line . . . , nope, none there either. I got it, it must be in the Tasting Rooms right? Well occasionally, but for the most part they are a really fun bunch of people too.
So, is wine elitist? Absolutely not! If it is at all intimidating to you, please stop by and ask me all the questions you want. I often marvel at the people I see in the grocery stores staring at labels and guessing which wine will be good as there is NO help for you in these stores at all. That’s why you should shop for wine in a wine store that specializes in helping you make a good decision. That . . . is what I am here for!
There are no “stupid” questions – I have probably asked all of them at one time or another myself – so, never feel that you are being dumb or showing that you don’t know much. Trust me, some of the best information I get comes not from industry people, but our customers who have learned about wine in their travels, asking questions. You would be amazed what I have learned.
So go ahead, ask away. You’ll be happy you did!
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Posted by Jeffrey Hall on January 16, 2012 at 10:02 pm
Bet you didn’t know January 26th is “Australia Day. ” Yes, it is just a day in the middle of winter to most of us. But on that day in 1788, the First Fleet under the Command of Captain Arthur Phillip sailed into Sydney Cove, which is named after the Home Secretary, Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney. Since the 13 colonies had recently gained their independence, the British needed someplace to send their prisoners, so it seems from the start that our paths were crossing.
Why should any of us care about Australia, I mean besides the wine, Crocodile Dundee and of course Nicole Kidman.
[Pause for a minute to ponder Nicole and that gorgeous dress she had on at the Golden Globe Awards last night.]
The Aussie’s are probably more like us Americans than any other country in the world. Aside from the fact that they have had our back in every conflict since World War One, they are the only nation that has always had our back. Besides, they appreciate us as much as we appreciate them.
With Australia Day coming up, I thought we should have an Australia Day Wine Tasting featuring a few wines from the different regions of Australia. Perhaps a Shiraz, a Cabernet, maybe a blend too and something bubbly to celebrate? We will also have some fun loving people in to help celebrate and it promises to be a very good time. I am told we cannot get any Kangaroo fillets for the occasion, but I am pretty sure Chef Mike can whip up a fine shrimp dish or something appropriate.
If you’re thinking “I’m over Australian wines,” well you wouldn’t be alone. Like the ants that populate Orange County, Australian wine was a commercial juggernaut that seemingly came out of nowhere boasting mind boggling scores from Parker and others. Problem was that these wines were exhausting to drink and they wore us out – quickly. Hmm, sounds familiar, right Napa Valley?
Then, a few years ago, the Australian invasion ground to a halt. It seemed that all of a sudden nobody wanted Australian wines anymore. Fast forward to today’s efforts from Australia – they’ve radically reformed themselves after this wake-up call. You have to try Australian wines now as you won’t be disappointed. Gone are the high alcohol, throat burning, fruit-bombs. Their wines have never been purer, finer or more profound. I swear!
So, please stop by Amazing Grapes on January 26th and help us celebrate Australia Day by tasting some great examples of what I’m talking about!
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on January 9, 2012 at 4:37 pm
It’s morning and my mind is on breakfast so I thought I’d take a moment to share with you a new suggestion to start your day! I’m talking beer with breakfast, but more specifically, BananWeisse for breakfast!
This has got to be my favorite “mixed drink” now. You take Looza Banana Juice, which you can find at any Albertson’s Grocery Store in the natural foods aisle and mix it with a good, German Hefe Weisse (wheat beer), like the Schneider Hopfen Weisse we carry at Amazing Grapes Wine Store.
Proportions: Fill a glass like the one in the photo about a 1/3 of the way full and top it off with the beer.
I know this isn’t original, but I’ve never had it before and I shared it with my serious beer drinking son and his friends, who had never had it before, so I’m sure this will be new to most of you.
The Heffe Weissen beer has a hint of banana in it already so the combination just works. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to enjoy this – too easy in fact.
FYI – This is a common breakfast drink in Germany. Did you know that beer is considered, and licensed, as a food in Munich? This allows children to purchase and drink beer. Not condoning childhood drinking by any means.
Enjoy!
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on January 5, 2012 at 5:46 am
Tajarin
Seems like the only articles I write are about Seattle eateries. Well, it just so happens that I really like Seattle eateries!
Our most recent trip was to Seattle to celebrate New Years eve. The fact that I even made it to midnight is a feat all on its own, but I did – and had a blast doing it!
Spinasse
1531 14th Ave., Seattle, WA; 206-251-7673
We ate at Spinasse on the night before New Years. This was our second trip to this Capital Hill restaurant. Their website sums it up – they’ve been labeled as producing Pasta Porn! All of their pastas are handmade at the restaurant and the quality comes screaming through on all of their dishes.
My wife and I shared the Tajarin. A signature of the restaurant since it opened, this egg-y Piemontese pasta comes simply dressed with butter and sage, or (as in the photograph) topped with ragu. We’ve had both, but prefer the ragu version. I know this will invoke fights at the restaurant, but . . .
The other dish was the Pansoti con noce, their winter green “potbelly” ravioli with walnuts. We also shared the Cavoletti di Bruxelles - Brussel sprouts with pine nuts and Carote al forno – Red Scarlet Nantes carrots roasted with sage. Our starter was a plate of oven roasted leeks swimming in a Bechemel sauce. Seriously, if you were a vegetarian, you would call this place “Veggie Porn” – they were all that!
Since this is technically an Italian restaurant, their entire wine list is comprised of Italian wines. Trust your server to find something that will compliment all of the foods at the table. You won’t be disappointed. We weren’t!
Lark
926 12th Ave., Seattle, WA; 206-323-5275
New Years eve had us dining at Lark. It’s a quaint, house-type structure that is very cute inside – warm and comfortable. They had a prix fixe meal this evening so I won’t go over the entrees as I’m not sure they’re offered on their regular menu. Needless to say, each of the four courses were magnificent. They also have a decent wine selection with $$ selections that won’t break the bank.
Cannon: Whiskey and Bitters Emporium
928 12th Ave., Seattle, WA
After our dinner, the icing on the cake this evening was a stop next door at Cannon: Whiskey and Bitters Emporium. This is one for the Bucket List! If you want a really, really well made cocktail, by people who give a damn about what you are going to drink - it doesn’t get any better than this. Check out this photo show to see what I mean. Best Whiskey Sour I’ve ever had – period! A special thank you to our hostess who found me at the door pouting and let the four of us in. (We found a sign on the door that said it was closed to reservations that evening). She happen to have 3 seats at the bar.
NOTE: This bar is serious fun for serious drinkers. If you are a Bud Light guy – fugettaboutit!
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on December 30, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Just one day to New Years Eve, and that means Champagne, so why not look at 2012 through Rosé colored glasses and try an amazing French Rosé Champagne, Robert Parker’s favorite, at a spectacular price!
One of the most gifted Champagnes during the holidays, for many Champagne lovers, Champagne Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Rosé is the house for rosé! Beautifully balanced in its layers of perfumed red fruit, berries and flowers. Clean mineral notes frame a silky, sensual finish. Billecart-Salmon’s NV Brut Rose is one of the most consistently delicious roses readers are likely to find.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Rosé@ Amazing Grapes $74.98 (three or more for $64.98) – WS 92/RP 94 points
“Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose’s captivating style.” RP – 94 points
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