If you've ever been in sales, you know how crazy the last day of the month can be, especially when combined with starting a consulting business! That being said, I simply offer up a wine recommendation for this beautiful weather:
Try the 2006 Barco Negro blend from Portugal. This is a really cool wine that blends the grapes normally used to make Port. However, they have been fermented through to dryness- it's earthy, leathery, with a good dose of black and blue fruits to it and a touch of raspberry. It will cost you around $10 retail, and they pour it by the glass at Atomic Cowboy.
More tomorrow, I promise!
Cheers!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Late breaking info about Sip of Knowledge
Alright wine fans, here's the skinny on the new venture:
Sip of Knowledge
314-422-9244
Logo looks like this:
email me at kyle@sipofknowledge.com
feedback?
Sip of Knowledge
314-422-9244
Logo looks like this:
email me at kyle@sipofknowledge.com
feedback?
A Syrah By Any Other Name...
This one is for Eliot and Bill.
Some of the most powerful, manly, forceful wines in the world today are made from the Syrah grape. "But wait...I thought some of them were made of Shiraz.." you might ask. They are. Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, just with different names. There is a story that the grape was originally grown in the Middle East, near the town of Shiraz. It then moved to the Greeks and Romans, who eventually planted it in Southern France. Nice story, but if it were true, it's more likely that the grapes in Frace would be called Shiraz. However, in this area they are called Syrah. The truth is, we don't really know why the grapes have two different names. We do know that they taste good, though! I once had an interesting conversation with a Spanish winemaker on whether to market his wine as Shiraz or Syrah. Several of us agreed that, if he wanted to sell more bottles, call it Shiraz. If he wanted it to be seen as higher quality, call it Syrah. That's honestly how the American public views the two names right now.
In France, especially in the Northern part of the Rhone region, syrah produces wines that are gutsy, earthy, with tobacco and tar notes. I especially adore the ones from Cote Rotie (where it is often blended with viognier), and Hermitage. In the Southern Rhone, it is often blended into Chateauneuf-du-Pape (a whole other blog post for another day). There are dozens of producers to look for- if you want to play it safe, ask for Guigal. If you are feeling crazy, just go to the store, and ask for anything from the 2007 Rhones, you will likely be impressed. These wines can cost anywhere from $10 to $1000.
In Australia, a bulk of the Syrah is known as Shiraz. Although I despise the brand, Yellow Tail has done wonders for bringing this varietal to the forefront of America's attention. The wines from Australia tend to be a bit jammier, much more fruit forward, and can have flavors that range from bubble-gum to dark, rich, cassis and plum. Again, wines from here can range from $4 to $1000. I suggest staying away from anything with a cute little critter on the front. Try the Shirazes from Yalumba, Ben Glaetzer, Jim Barry, and Killikanoon.
South Africa has come onto the scene with a few Shirazes. Some of them are pretty good (if you can find it, try the wines from Graham Beck), but some of them have a very strong tar note to them that people often find off-putting.
Now we come to America. Although there are some wonderful Syrahs coming from Washington, focus on the ones from California. There have been a number of "Rhone Rangers" whom have made wines from typically Rhone varietals (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, etc) but grow them in California. These wines are mysterious, brooding, paint your teeth dark, eat with steak, John Wayne types of wines. Less expensive options are Morgan, HdV, and Neyers. The higher end stuff with the 99 point ratings you will either have to have a friend on their website, or get lucky at an online auction. However, try a bottle of Sine Que Non, and it will be worth it.
Finally, there is starting to be some quality juice coming out of South America. I think I have suggested it before, but try the Luca Laborde Double Select- it's delicious!
One quick note about Petite Syrah- Although it produces similar wines, this is actually a different varietal than Syrah. It is most likely the same as Durif (a cross of Peloursin and Syrah from France). These wines can be big, but not quite as expressive as regular syrah. For less than $15, Bogle actually makes a decent one.
That should give you enough to try for the next day or so. Until tomorrow, Cheers!
Some of the most powerful, manly, forceful wines in the world today are made from the Syrah grape. "But wait...I thought some of them were made of Shiraz.." you might ask. They are. Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, just with different names. There is a story that the grape was originally grown in the Middle East, near the town of Shiraz. It then moved to the Greeks and Romans, who eventually planted it in Southern France. Nice story, but if it were true, it's more likely that the grapes in Frace would be called Shiraz. However, in this area they are called Syrah. The truth is, we don't really know why the grapes have two different names. We do know that they taste good, though! I once had an interesting conversation with a Spanish winemaker on whether to market his wine as Shiraz or Syrah. Several of us agreed that, if he wanted to sell more bottles, call it Shiraz. If he wanted it to be seen as higher quality, call it Syrah. That's honestly how the American public views the two names right now.
In France, especially in the Northern part of the Rhone region, syrah produces wines that are gutsy, earthy, with tobacco and tar notes. I especially adore the ones from Cote Rotie (where it is often blended with viognier), and Hermitage. In the Southern Rhone, it is often blended into Chateauneuf-du-Pape (a whole other blog post for another day). There are dozens of producers to look for- if you want to play it safe, ask for Guigal. If you are feeling crazy, just go to the store, and ask for anything from the 2007 Rhones, you will likely be impressed. These wines can cost anywhere from $10 to $1000.
In Australia, a bulk of the Syrah is known as Shiraz. Although I despise the brand, Yellow Tail has done wonders for bringing this varietal to the forefront of America's attention. The wines from Australia tend to be a bit jammier, much more fruit forward, and can have flavors that range from bubble-gum to dark, rich, cassis and plum. Again, wines from here can range from $4 to $1000. I suggest staying away from anything with a cute little critter on the front. Try the Shirazes from Yalumba, Ben Glaetzer, Jim Barry, and Killikanoon.
South Africa has come onto the scene with a few Shirazes. Some of them are pretty good (if you can find it, try the wines from Graham Beck), but some of them have a very strong tar note to them that people often find off-putting.
Now we come to America. Although there are some wonderful Syrahs coming from Washington, focus on the ones from California. There have been a number of "Rhone Rangers" whom have made wines from typically Rhone varietals (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, etc) but grow them in California. These wines are mysterious, brooding, paint your teeth dark, eat with steak, John Wayne types of wines. Less expensive options are Morgan, HdV, and Neyers. The higher end stuff with the 99 point ratings you will either have to have a friend on their website, or get lucky at an online auction. However, try a bottle of Sine Que Non, and it will be worth it.
Finally, there is starting to be some quality juice coming out of South America. I think I have suggested it before, but try the Luca Laborde Double Select- it's delicious!
One quick note about Petite Syrah- Although it produces similar wines, this is actually a different varietal than Syrah. It is most likely the same as Durif (a cross of Peloursin and Syrah from France). These wines can be big, but not quite as expressive as regular syrah. For less than $15, Bogle actually makes a decent one.
That should give you enough to try for the next day or so. Until tomorrow, Cheers!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Russians Dress Like That?
When I was a child, and even to some extent now, I had a very active imagination. I used to get in trouble all the time in class for finishing my work early so I could stare out the window and daydream. I would fantasize about all sorts of stuff- being the first kid in 4th grade to be allowed to have a driver's license and a Delorean (big Miami Vice fan, I was), catching the winning touchdown in a Superbowl from a pass thrown by Jim McMahon, building my own separate house out back so my parents couldn't bug me anymore...you know, boy stuff. One particular day, when I was in 2nd grade, I decided to announce to my friends that we had a Russian stowaway living in our house and I was going to bring him to school. How a man from Russia made it all the way to Littleton, CO fresh off of a boat didn't concern me. Now I had a problem- I didn't actually have a Russian living in my basement, so I would have to improvise. I would be the Russian, and talk to my class. Surely nobody would notice.
The next morning, I gathered up my necessary disguise. I took an old pair of jeans, and cut the bottoms into ribbons of denim (surely a Russian's clothes would be tattered after months in the cargo hold of a ship I thought). I also took a red and black flannel shirt, and did the same things with the sleeves. I figured a Russian would have a 5:00 shadow after such a long journey, so I took some dark make-up from my mom's drawer, and added that to my supplies. I would just fill in the beard at the opportune moment. I put this stuff in my backpack, and went to school. As the kids were going out to recess, I slipped into the bathroom, and put my disguise on. This was working perfectly- they would never know! I ran out to recess, as surely a Russian would enjoy some fresh air before his big speech. I was about 3 steps out the door when the big ol' black lady that was the recess moniter looked at me, and said "Kyle- did your mom let you go out the door dressed like that?" Damn, they caught me. I lowered my head, said "no", and sulked back inside- changing my clothes. Looking back, it's amazing to think that I had formed some notion of what a Russian would look like, even as a child in Colorado- 12,000 miles from the Cold War. Incorrect as it may have been, it still makes me smile that I did that- at least I tried!
If my wife and I are ever blessed with children, I don't know how I will react when they do stuff like this. I will likely think that it's hilarious, and laugh.
Friday fun facts:
I am horrible about keeping our bedroom straight, but almost fanatical about having a clean kitchen.
I once placed 7th in a poker tournament that started with 120 people.
Once, at the Model UN in middle school, I got a resolution passed by telling everyone that if they just pushed it through, we could go to lunch.
I keep watching "Step Brothers", and laughing harder each time I watch it.
I proposed to my wife next to a moss-covered well at a picnic on a 45 degree, rainy day in Arkansas- it still worked as she said yes.
In high school, for a brief time, I had a cross shaved into one side of my head, and a smiley face shaved in the other.
I love french fries- good, bad, ugly, who cares- I could live off of those little pieces of goodness.
Today's wine reco comes from a bottle that I took around yesterday. If you can, try the 2006 Morgan Cotes-du-Crows. It's a blend of 55% syrah, and 45% grenache from Monterey in California. Think smoked meat notes, mixed with blackberry and raspberry. It's delicious, and should cost less than $20 retail.
Until Monday, Cheers! Come see me pouring wine at the Wine Chateau on Saturday from 12-4.
The next morning, I gathered up my necessary disguise. I took an old pair of jeans, and cut the bottoms into ribbons of denim (surely a Russian's clothes would be tattered after months in the cargo hold of a ship I thought). I also took a red and black flannel shirt, and did the same things with the sleeves. I figured a Russian would have a 5:00 shadow after such a long journey, so I took some dark make-up from my mom's drawer, and added that to my supplies. I would just fill in the beard at the opportune moment. I put this stuff in my backpack, and went to school. As the kids were going out to recess, I slipped into the bathroom, and put my disguise on. This was working perfectly- they would never know! I ran out to recess, as surely a Russian would enjoy some fresh air before his big speech. I was about 3 steps out the door when the big ol' black lady that was the recess moniter looked at me, and said "Kyle- did your mom let you go out the door dressed like that?" Damn, they caught me. I lowered my head, said "no", and sulked back inside- changing my clothes. Looking back, it's amazing to think that I had formed some notion of what a Russian would look like, even as a child in Colorado- 12,000 miles from the Cold War. Incorrect as it may have been, it still makes me smile that I did that- at least I tried!
If my wife and I are ever blessed with children, I don't know how I will react when they do stuff like this. I will likely think that it's hilarious, and laugh.
Friday fun facts:
I am horrible about keeping our bedroom straight, but almost fanatical about having a clean kitchen.
I once placed 7th in a poker tournament that started with 120 people.
Once, at the Model UN in middle school, I got a resolution passed by telling everyone that if they just pushed it through, we could go to lunch.
I keep watching "Step Brothers", and laughing harder each time I watch it.
I proposed to my wife next to a moss-covered well at a picnic on a 45 degree, rainy day in Arkansas- it still worked as she said yes.
In high school, for a brief time, I had a cross shaved into one side of my head, and a smiley face shaved in the other.
I love french fries- good, bad, ugly, who cares- I could live off of those little pieces of goodness.
Today's wine reco comes from a bottle that I took around yesterday. If you can, try the 2006 Morgan Cotes-du-Crows. It's a blend of 55% syrah, and 45% grenache from Monterey in California. Think smoked meat notes, mixed with blackberry and raspberry. It's delicious, and should cost less than $20 retail.
Until Monday, Cheers! Come see me pouring wine at the Wine Chateau on Saturday from 12-4.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Italian Wine Primer: Abruzzi
As we move through central Italy, we are bound to hit a couple of small areas that aren't known for a variety of different things. Such is the case with the focus of today's writing- Abruzzi (or Abruzzo.) Located at the "back of the knee" on the Italian boot, Abruzzi would seem to be the perfect place to grow grapes. It is right on the Adriatic sea, it has a variety of different soils and topographies that call for grapes, it gets a ton of sunshine, and it has many little microclimates. However, we are getting into an area of Italy that is more rural, and has much less money than the Northern areas. As a result, the bulk of the wine that is grown in Abruzzi is the normal, everyday, uninspired table wine that you buy in plastic jugs at local markets. There is however one standout grape, and it happens to be a personal favorite. This would be Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. It is made from the Montepulciano grape (remember- don't confuse this with the Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, which is made in Tuscany out of sangiovese). The Montepulciano from (d') Abruzzi is a wonderful value, and probably one of the best "bang for the buck" wines from Italy. It is a medium weight red, with great dusty cherry, briar, blackberry, and mushroom notes to it. Another great thing about this wine is that it is relatively cheap. You can easily find examples for $10-15 retail.
That's about it for Abruzzi- short, I know. Next week, we will likely take a look at Puglia.
Since Montepulciano is about the only wine of note from Abruzzi, that's what I'm going to recommend. Check out the Cantina Tollo "Valle d'Oro" Montepulciano. You can buy it retail at Friar Tuck and Kayas, and they pour it buy the glass at Newstead Tower Public House (at the corner of Newstead and Manchester- killer place for burgers, too!)
Cheers!
That's about it for Abruzzi- short, I know. Next week, we will likely take a look at Puglia.
Since Montepulciano is about the only wine of note from Abruzzi, that's what I'm going to recommend. Check out the Cantina Tollo "Valle d'Oro" Montepulciano. You can buy it retail at Friar Tuck and Kayas, and they pour it buy the glass at Newstead Tower Public House (at the corner of Newstead and Manchester- killer place for burgers, too!)
Cheers!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A New Venture
This post will be short today, as I am running around like a crazy man. However, I did want to let the followers of my blog know about a new venture that I am going to attempt. Basically, I want to start a beverage consulting company. Next week, the papers for incorporation of our LLC will be filed with the state of Missouri, and a subsidiary of my familiy's consulting company will be called Sip of Knowledge. Through my new company (I will keep my job with my current distributor), I will be able to do things like in-home tastings, corporate training on fine dining etiquette, sommelier services at private functions, cellar organization and valuation, restaurant wine program consulting, etc, etc, etc. I am incredibly excited about this side project, and will post more details to come. I have already been versed in such things as web design, domain names, logos, and the such- pretty crazy!
As soon as I have a website, phone number, etc set up, I will let you all know.
For today's suggestion, celebrate with me by buying a 2005 Ramey Napa Cab. I opened one yesterday, and the wine is rockin'! It should cost roughly $50 retail, but it's worth it.
Cheers, and more info to come!
As soon as I have a website, phone number, etc set up, I will let you all know.
For today's suggestion, celebrate with me by buying a 2005 Ramey Napa Cab. I opened one yesterday, and the wine is rockin'! It should cost roughly $50 retail, but it's worth it.
Cheers, and more info to come!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Picking Wines for a Party
Last night, I did a bit of consulting for a couple that is having a wedding in October. I showed them a number of different wines at a couple of different price points. As I was doing this, it occured to me that many people can get overwhelmed when planning a party, especially when it comes to the quantity and types of wines to pour. Let me offer just a few tips.
First of all, it's important to figure out how much wine you need to buy. A typical 750 ml bottle of wine has 25.4 oz of liquid. This means that there are about 4 glasses of wine per bottle. If you are thinking in terms of 12-bottle cases, then there are roughly 50 glasses of wine per case. I would suggest buying case-loads, since many retailers will give you a price break if you buy a case or more. Now you have to consider your audience. Are they light or heavy drinkers? Do they mostly drink wine? Will you also be offering beer or liquor? For a "normal" crowd, you can plan on about 2-3 glasses of wine per person. Some groups will drink a lot more, others will drink a lot less, you will have to make the call.
Next, think about the selection. My suggestion for a big party is to have a breakdown of about 10% bubbly wine (especially if you are going to do a toast, there are about 6-8 servings of bubbly in a glass for toasting purposes), 40% white wine, and 50% red wine. When it comes to the types of white wine, don't go too crazy- I would do mainly "crowd pleasers", with a couple of other bottles thrown in for picky people. If you do about half chardonnay, and half pinot grigio, with a couple bottles of riesling thrown in, you will cover most everybody's likes. This also is the same for the reds- go with easy to drink varietals (cab, shiraz, malbec, pinot noir), with a couple bottles of something off the path (spain, bordeaux) for the wine geeks. Trust me, unless you have a crowd of all sommeliers or wine reps, it doesn't matter what you throw out there- people will drink it. I almost always have inexpensive bubbly, and a case of cheap (like around $10) white and red at the house, just for people to drink. If you get something from Italy or Spain, people have no idea what you paid for it, and automatically think it's good.
This leads to my last points- don't spend more than you have to. Most people don't care if it's a $40 syrah that scored 94 points from Parker. They see it as red wine, and it tastes good. That's okay. A large party isn't necessarily the time to teach people everything you know about wine. Instead, just pour them something inexpensive that they will quaff, and have a good time. I usually open something good for myself, and people "in the know", and hide it. Oh, one other thing...don't let people just start pulling stuff out of your rack and opening it. That's a great way to have someone crack open a bottle you were saving for later. I literally keep all of my "trophy" bottles at my office. This way, I have to consciously think about bringing it home to drink, since I'm not going to leave my house and make an hour round trip to grab a bottle while I'm throwing a party. It also keeps us from opening something special at the end of the night, when nobody will be able to taste it anyway.
Today's wine suggestion is a perfect example of a good party wine- try the Bodegas Olivares "Altos de la Hoya". This is a 100% monastrell from Jumilla, Spain. It has a good balance of plum and blackberry fruit, along with old-world rusticity and charm. It should cost you roughly $11 retail.
Cheers!
First of all, it's important to figure out how much wine you need to buy. A typical 750 ml bottle of wine has 25.4 oz of liquid. This means that there are about 4 glasses of wine per bottle. If you are thinking in terms of 12-bottle cases, then there are roughly 50 glasses of wine per case. I would suggest buying case-loads, since many retailers will give you a price break if you buy a case or more. Now you have to consider your audience. Are they light or heavy drinkers? Do they mostly drink wine? Will you also be offering beer or liquor? For a "normal" crowd, you can plan on about 2-3 glasses of wine per person. Some groups will drink a lot more, others will drink a lot less, you will have to make the call.
Next, think about the selection. My suggestion for a big party is to have a breakdown of about 10% bubbly wine (especially if you are going to do a toast, there are about 6-8 servings of bubbly in a glass for toasting purposes), 40% white wine, and 50% red wine. When it comes to the types of white wine, don't go too crazy- I would do mainly "crowd pleasers", with a couple of other bottles thrown in for picky people. If you do about half chardonnay, and half pinot grigio, with a couple bottles of riesling thrown in, you will cover most everybody's likes. This also is the same for the reds- go with easy to drink varietals (cab, shiraz, malbec, pinot noir), with a couple bottles of something off the path (spain, bordeaux) for the wine geeks. Trust me, unless you have a crowd of all sommeliers or wine reps, it doesn't matter what you throw out there- people will drink it. I almost always have inexpensive bubbly, and a case of cheap (like around $10) white and red at the house, just for people to drink. If you get something from Italy or Spain, people have no idea what you paid for it, and automatically think it's good.
This leads to my last points- don't spend more than you have to. Most people don't care if it's a $40 syrah that scored 94 points from Parker. They see it as red wine, and it tastes good. That's okay. A large party isn't necessarily the time to teach people everything you know about wine. Instead, just pour them something inexpensive that they will quaff, and have a good time. I usually open something good for myself, and people "in the know", and hide it. Oh, one other thing...don't let people just start pulling stuff out of your rack and opening it. That's a great way to have someone crack open a bottle you were saving for later. I literally keep all of my "trophy" bottles at my office. This way, I have to consciously think about bringing it home to drink, since I'm not going to leave my house and make an hour round trip to grab a bottle while I'm throwing a party. It also keeps us from opening something special at the end of the night, when nobody will be able to taste it anyway.
Today's wine suggestion is a perfect example of a good party wine- try the Bodegas Olivares "Altos de la Hoya". This is a 100% monastrell from Jumilla, Spain. It has a good balance of plum and blackberry fruit, along with old-world rusticity and charm. It should cost you roughly $11 retail.
Cheers!
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