Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com Slashfood http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.slashfood.com/media/feedlogo.gif Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Want it Fresh? Try a Coffee CSAhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/11/want-it-fresh-try-a-coffee-csa/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/11/want-it-fresh-try-a-coffee-csa/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/11/want-it-fresh-try-a-coffee-csa/#commentsFiled under: ,

coffee csa from EthiopiaPhoto: YouTube


Sustainable-minded eaters already know where to score the best and freshest produce: from a farm's Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Subscribers receive a weekly or twice-monthly "share" of just-picked greens, squash, berries -- you name it. Recently, similar models have sprung up for seafood, honey, dairy and flowers.

Coffee, however, is the antithesis of this feel-good model. Several middlemen work the long, arduous route between the coffee farm to your personal coffee brewer, which is several thousand miles and usually across continents. Typically, buyers import beans in their non-roasted form from a cooperative of coffee farmers, and then sell them to you -- roasted -- via a cafe or a grocer. By the time those beans are roasted and retailed, a lot of time has passed. And it's rare you know anything about the farm on which they were harvested.

Today, a new coffee CSA (it's actually called Coffee CSA) debuts as a project from Pachamama, a global cooperative of coffee farms. Though there are some small coffee CSAs around the U.S., the scale of this project is much larger. Each month, Coffee CSA subscribers receive a delivery of just-roasted coffee beans sourced from independent family-owned farms around the world. Not only do you know the farm's name, you have access to photos, videos and stories from the farmers, putting serious street cred into your morning cup of joe.

You can also request to receive email updates from the farm family, allowing you to get to know more about their lifestyle and livelihood. About 140,000 small-scale farmers in Peru, Nicaragua, Mexico, Ethiopia and Guatemala are linked with the project, and they work on farms ranging from one to 10 acres. All are certified-organic and Fair Trade certified too.

And since the beans arrive on your doorstep, you'll always have an early morning cup of joe at your fingertips.

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]]>coffeecoffee csaCoffeeCsaKristine HansenMon, 11 Apr 2011 12:00:00 ESTItalian Whites - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/08/italian-whites-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/08/italian-whites-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/08/italian-whites-wine-of-the-week/#comments

Italian white winesPhoto: Alamy


Italian wines are so diverse -- incorporating many grapes not grown elsewhere in the world -- that you can have a serious Wine 101 lesson simply by uncorking a few. Invite a couple of friends over, order some Chinese food (What? You've never paired Italian wines with Chinese noodles and seafood dishes? You are missing out!) and start sampling.

In anticipation of spring, and warmer temperatures, I recently sipped an array of Italian whites. Here were my four favorites, perfect for drinking on the patio or pairing with fresh salads of mixed greens -- or that Chinese takeout.

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]]>Kristine HansenFri, 08 Apr 2011 15:00:00 ESTChef Tattoos: Who's Sporting Ink In the Kitchen?http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/07/chef-tattoos-whos-sporting-ink-in-the-kichen/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/07/chef-tattoos-whos-sporting-ink-in-the-kichen/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/07/chef-tattoos-whos-sporting-ink-in-the-kichen/#commentsFiled under: ,

food tattoosPhotos: SaRita*LaMermaid, Flickr; SusieFoodie, Flickr


If you're a savvy diner who likes to cozy up to chefs, then you probably already know one of their after-hour secrets: When the last plate is fired, many of them head to the tattoo shop.

Check any restaurant kitchen -- underneath those white coats lies a rainbow of culinary-themed tattoos, everything from knives to pot-bellied pigs. Don't feel like asking a stranger to show off their tats? Now you can just fire up your computer to see what chefs are sporting. Members of the National Restaurant Association have put together Kitchen Ink!, an online photo gallery to of the best chef body art.

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]]>chef tattoosnational restaurant associationKristine HansenThu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:00 ESTForget Bottles: This Wine Comes in a Canhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/05/forget-bottles-this-wine-comes-in-a-can/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/05/forget-bottles-this-wine-comes-in-a-can/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/05/forget-bottles-this-wine-comes-in-a-can/#commentsFiled under: ,

FLASQ wine in cansPhoto: FLASQ Wines

When wineries first began to ditch cork as an enclosure, people got nervous. Turns out this panic over the usage of screw caps was a false alarm. In a blind tasting, it's impossible to determine which enclosure was used.

Perhaps fueled by this brilliant concept, in 2004, Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, California -- founded and owned by the film director of the same name -- debuted the first U.S. wine brand in a can. The hot-pink cans of 187ml can of "Sofia" Blanc de Blancs "Mini" are sold in four pack, and they've been a huge hit with consumers.

And now another U.S. winery joins the trend. Flasq wines -- from St. Helena, California-based JT Wines -- are packaged in 375ml aluminum flask-shaped bottles. Currently available as 2009 Chardonnay (Monterey County) and 2009 Merlot (Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County; and San Antonio Valley in Monterey County) they launched in January and cost $6 each. There is enough vino in each can to equal about two (6-ounce) glasses of wine.

These canned wines are a godsend for the summer season. Much lighter than glass, they are unlikely to be banned from places like public parks or swimming pools. (If you've ever toted wine in a backpack or shoulder bag you can vouch for how back-breaking this can be.) Also, with a wide mouth opening, you can sip straight from the bottle. It may not be classy, but who said drinking wine has to be a five-star experience anyway?

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]]>canned wineflasqKristine HansenTue, 05 Apr 2011 15:00:00 ESTAffordable 2009 Bordeaux -- Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/01/affordable-2009-bordeaux-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/01/affordable-2009-bordeaux-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/01/affordable-2009-bordeaux-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under:

Bordeaux wines from Whole FoodsPhoto: Whole Foods Market


Normally I'm not a big fan of supporting big-box stores for wine purchases, but Whole Foods Market is an exception. Their selection is well-edited and personally sourced, with some of the wines purchased from boutique wineries that lack the marketing budgets to reach major American importers.

Did you know that the Austin, Texas-based chain employs two wine buyers -- Doug Bell and Geof Ryan -- who are out in the vineyards more than they are at their desks? Their entire job is to source wines that are a.) inexpensive and b.) high quality. What's not to like?

I recently had a chance to sip a selection of wines from Bordeaux, France, that this duo sourced. All cost under $20 a bottle, which is a steal given that many people find Bordeaux wines to be priced out of their range.

Here are my five bargain favorites -- available only at Whole Foods Market -- from this storied wine region.

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]]>bordeaux winewhole foodsKristine HansenFri, 01 Apr 2011 17:00:00 ESTPlaying Dress-Up With Mrs. Butterworth'shttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/31/playing-dress-up-with-mrs-butterworths/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/31/playing-dress-up-with-mrs-butterworths/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/31/playing-dress-up-with-mrs-butterworths/#commentsFiled under:

Mrs. Butterworth's syrup bottlesPhoto: Mrs. Butterworth's

Did you really think that only fashion designers roll out a spring line?

The latest is this: Mrs. Butterworth's 24-ounce bottles of syrup. Yes, the famously coy talking syrup bottle has gotten into fashion. The bottles, which have carried the iconic shape since their 1961 debut, now come in three different springtime designs decked out with bunnies, flowers, and butterflies.

But Mrs. Butterworth's manufacturer, Pinnacle Foods Group, has taken things a step further: With the help of 20 accessories, available for download through Facebook, a game of "paper dolls" is born. You simply print the images, cut them out and place 'em on top of the pear-shaped gal. You can sit around the table at breakfast with your spouse, kids or friends and dress up the lady on the bottle. Will she go to the beach (thanks to a snorkeling mask)? Or exchange her winter boots for a pair of rollerblades? (No, we're not kidding.)

But don't try to outsmart Mrs. B -- you can't put these accessories onto a Mrs. Butterworth's syrup bottle already in your pantry. The secret codes to obtain the snorkel gear et al. are printed on the spring-themed bottles. Maybe the gimmick will entice you to to pick up two or three bottles -- you wouldn't want to have the worse-dressed syrup at the table, would you?

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]]>mrs. butterworthssyrupKristine HansenThu, 31 Mar 2011 12:00:00 ESTThe Obamas' Beehive Has People Buzzinghttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/28/the-obamas-beehive-has-people-buzzing/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/28/the-obamas-beehive-has-people-buzzing/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/28/the-obamas-beehive-has-people-buzzing/#commentsFiled under:

White House BeekeeperPhoto: Paul J. Richards / Getty Images

Michelle Obama is back on her local-foods soapbox -- only this time it's the presidential bees that have people buzzing about her Healthy Food Initiatives campaign.

Most people know about the first First Lady's garden. The kitchen garden on the White House's south lawn has is a media darling (and netted Mrs. Obama a book deal). But did you know there is a beehive within this 1,100-square-foot garden? Strategically located so as not to sting President Obama, Michelle, and their two girls (Malia and Sasha) as they are entering and exiting their home, the beehive's boxy structure is also bolted firmly to the ground, so as not to send a swarm of bees into the air each time Marine One (the presidential helicopter) lands nearby.

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]]>Obama beehiveobama gardenKristine HansenMon, 28 Mar 2011 11:00:00 ESTCabs Not From Napa - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/25/cabs-not-from-napa-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/25/cabs-not-from-napa-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/25/cabs-not-from-napa-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under:

Root: 1 Wine CabernetPhoto: Root: 1 Wine

More often than not, Cabernet Sauvignon is associated with Napa, just as the Switzerland is linked with chocolate, and Vermont or Wisconsin with artisan cheese.

But I thought it might be fun to look at other wine-growing regions around the world where Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown. One advantage to looking outside of Napa is that the Cabs cost much, much less. (It's difficult to find a quality Napa Cab under $30.) This is true from the state of Washington to Mendoza, Argentina.

Here are six juicy Cabs that I recently sipped and fell in love with -- and none are from Napa.

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]]>cabernetcabernet sauvignonNapa ValleyKristine HansenFri, 25 Mar 2011 17:00:00 ESTDoes Peeps Art Belong in a Museum?http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/22/does-peeps-art-belong-in-a-museum/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/22/does-peeps-art-belong-in-a-museum/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/22/does-peeps-art-belong-in-a-museum/#commentsFiled under: ,

Peeps diorama at Daytona BeachPhoto: Brian&Pam, Flickr


Either you adore Peeps or you find the puffy marshmallow forms disgusting. Before you shun these pastel-colored treats, look at what two Wisconsin museums have done to elevate their, er, art form.

In Racine, Wisconsin, Racine Art Museum is hosting the Second Annual International Peeps Competition. Entries will be exhibited at the museum during the month of April, with a submission deadline of March 27. Check out the link above for a super-cute video starring Peeps. Below that is a photo of the highly hysterical Peep-a-Roni pizza created by a past entrant.

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]]>featuredpeepspeeps competitionracine art musuemKristine HansenTue, 22 Mar 2011 13:00:00 ESTWine in a Pouch?http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/21/wine-in-a-pouch/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/21/wine-in-a-pouch/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/21/wine-in-a-pouch/#commentsFiled under: ,

Indulge Wines, eco-friendly pouches of winePhoto: Indulge Wines


If you're nostalgic for those fun Capri Sun pouches you sipped as a kid, you might be interested in the new package wine package vintners are trying out in an effort to be eco-friendly.

Indulge Wines, headquartered in Buellton (Santa Barbara County), California, recently rolled out two 1.5L wines packaged in an "Astrapouch": a 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast; and a 2009 Pinot Noir, Central Coast. Although right now they're only available in California, by summertime, wine-drinkers nationwide will be able to purchase the portable pouches. (Each pouch is the equivalent of two 750mL wine bottles.)

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]]>Indulge winesIndulgeWinespouch winePouchWineKristine HansenMon, 21 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTWhy Organic Milk is Better For Youhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/18/why-organic-milk-is-better-for-you/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/18/why-organic-milk-is-better-for-you/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/18/why-organic-milk-is-better-for-you/#commentsFiled under: ,

Organic milkPhoto: sassyradish, Flickr


Fans of organic milk now have a compelling argument for their choice: New evidence says it's better for you.

There are more unsaturated fats in organic milk than in conventional milk, according to a research team at Newcastle University in Northern England. In addition to containing omega-3 acids, organic milk's conjugated linoleic acid (also called CLA) has anti-cancer properties and is believed to have many health benefits for the heart. The results of this study were published in the January 2011 issue of The Journal of Dairy Science.

The lead author on the study, Gillian Butler, urges Americans to stand up and pay attention because our most of us don't get nearly enough essential fatty acids. Switching over to organic milk -- which is now available at most supermarkets around the country, whether it's from a local creamery or a larger dairy like Horizon Organic or Organic Valley -- could increase your average CLA intake by as much as 40 percent.

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]]>milkorganic milkorganic milk studyKristine HansenFri, 18 Mar 2011 13:00:00 ESTWine of the Week - California Syrahhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/17/wine-of-the-week-california-syrah/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/17/wine-of-the-week-california-syrah/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/17/wine-of-the-week-california-syrah/#commentsFiled under:

California Syrah winesPhoto: Alan Decker, Orfila Vineyards & Winery


California Syrah is pretty darn complex -- but it's also approachable.

An offshoot of two French grapes, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanc, Syrah is grown from near San Diego on the southern end on up to Mendocino's foggy coastline, and each of those locations and their climate differences plays a huge role in how the wine tastes. In Australia, South Africa and Canada, Syrah is referred to as Shiraz, but it's the exact same grape. While it remains the Rhone's most popular grape, California Syrah should not be ignored. The Golden State may be better known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet, but that's precisely why uncorking a bottle of Syrah is a refreshing change.

Very approachable for a variety of palates, this is an ideal wine to pull out at a dinner party. Splurge a little by springing for one of these four Syrahs and serving them with peppered meats, pizza or lamb.

Here are four of my favorite Syrahs from California producers.

Beckmen Vineyards 2008 Syrah Purisma Mountain Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, California ($48)
Syrah grapes from the winery's biodynamic-certified vineyard are used to make this wine, which is packed with concentrated blackberry notes and hints of violet.

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]]>California SyrahshirazsyrahKristine HansenThu, 17 Mar 2011 17:00:00 ESTDinner and Drinks to Help Japanhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/15/dinner-and-drinks-to-help-japan/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/15/dinner-and-drinks-to-help-japan/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/15/dinner-and-drinks-to-help-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dinner and drinks for Japan reliefPhotos: Oddfellows Cafe & Bar; Blue C Sushi


If you're looking for ways to help relief efforts in Japan after the devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake (and looming nuclear threat), grab a fork or raise a glass: Local bars and restaurants across the U.S. have created a host of promotions designed to help those in need.

Check out what's happening in your area, or use our list as a guide:

- Seattle, which is home to a large Japanese population, has many participating restaurants and bars. Ten percent of today's sales at Blue C Sushi's six locations and Boom Noodle will go to American Red Cross. And if you buy miso soup at Issian, which is a Japanese restaurant, all of that money will go to disaster-relief efforts in Japan. Oddfellows Cafe & Bar pledged to donate 100 percent of today's profits to International Medical Corps, as has King's Hardware, Linda's and Smith. And finally, Fresh Bistro in West Seattle vowed to put five percent of this week's sales toward the cause.

- At Larkburger, a Colorado chain of natural/gourmet hamburger restaurants (in Boulder, Edwards, Fort Collins and Greenwood Village), today from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 10 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

- From today through March 19, Ototo Food and Wine, Izakaya Den and Sushi Den -- all on South Pearl Street in Denver -- will send a portion of dinner proceeds to relief efforts sponsored by the Japanese Red Cross. These restaurants all specialize in Japanese cuisine.

- Chicago's Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, which is inside the swank and historic Palmer House Hilton, developed a signature cocktail for relief efforts. Fifty percent from every purchase of Sunrise Saketini ($12) will go to the American Red Cross.



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]]>earthquake reliefjapan earthquakered crossKristine HansenTue, 15 Mar 2011 16:30:00 ESTCelebrate National Pi(e) Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/14/celebrate-national-pi-e-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/14/celebrate-national-pi-e-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/14/celebrate-national-pi-e-day/#commentsFiled under: ,

Key Lime PiePhoto: Jupiterimages


March 14 is National Pi Day, a holiday officially recognized by the U.S. government since 2009. The Greek letter "pi" is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter (You might remember it as the never-ending series of numbers you learned in school that start with 3.14....). To celebrate, many restaurants and stores are rolling out specials on pie.

Here are the ones we've rounded up:

Whole Foods Markets' Midwestern stores are participating in a promotion by selling an entire fresh-baked apple, blueberry and cherry pie for $3.14. Each store is offering its own take on the promotion, in addition to the $3.14 pies. At the Milwaukee store, for example, Whole Foods Market will also retail two slices of pizza pie for the sum of $3.14.

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]]>mortonsnational pie daypi daywhole foodsKristine HansenMon, 14 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST2008 Zinfandel - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/11/2008-zinfandel-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/11/2008-zinfandel-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/11/2008-zinfandel-wine-of-the-week/#comments

wines from Folie à DeuxPhoto: Folie à Deux

As we enter into the homestretch of winter, what better wine to uncork than a Zinfandel? Produced only in California, and in just 10 percent of the state's vineyards, this is a robust, fruit-forward red wine. Yet the flavor profile of Zinfandel is very expansive, ranging from bright red fruit to concentrated blackberries. There may or may not be hints of spice and pepper, and the tannins are usually soft and silky.

Zinfandel pairs perfectly with cold-weather foods like red meats (even better if those meats are barbecued), chili and pizza. Its Italian cousin -- proven to be genetically identical -- is Primitivo (Layer Cake is one of my favorites).

Here are five Zinfandels from the Golden State that I recently tried and liked.

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]]>Kristine HansenFri, 11 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTTorrontes - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/03/torrontes-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/03/torrontes-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/03/torrontes-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under:

Torrontes white wine grapes in ArgentinaPhoto: Alamy


Torrontés is Argentina's most well-known white-wine grape. But its status among most Americans is still relatively obscure. Which is too bad because not only is it affordable but the wine offers fresh and aromatic notes, and an approchable body with ripe citrus flavors.

The majority of Torrontés wines come from six provinces in Argentina (including Mendoza) but you may also find a Chilean bottle, as the grapes are also grown in Chile, although in smaller quantities and mostly for producing Pisco. As the wine is youthful and fresh, ideal food pairings include seafood or chicken dishes, and cheeses that are categorized as mild or medium (hold the sharp Cheddar or blue cheese). Spicy foods with Thai roots would be a smart match too.

We recently sipped through a flight of Torrontés. We've got our four favorites after the jump.

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]]>featuredTorrontesWine of the WeekKristine HansenThu, 03 Mar 2011 17:00:00 ESTNew 'Scorpion' Chile Is World's Hottesthttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/03/new-scorpion-chile-is-worlds-hottest/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/03/new-scorpion-chile-is-worlds-hottest/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/03/new-scorpion-chile-is-worlds-hottest/#commentsFiled under:

El Pinto's Hottest Scorpion SalsaPhoto: El Pinto Restaurant and Salsa Co.


Move over habenero and Bhut Jolokia -- there's a new chile in town, and it's vying for the title of "world's hottest." The New Mexico Scorpion chile -- a U.S.-grown version of the scorchingly hot Trinidad Scorpion -- claims to have the highest Scoville score on record, and the owners of El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina restaurant in Albuquerque have scooped up the entire crop to produce a limited quantity of El Pinto Scorpion Salsa. They're debuting the firey stuff Friday at the annual Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show in Albuquerque.

The Scorpion is no joke -- its producers are petitioning Guinness World Records to name it the "world's hottest chile pepper." (The current title holder is the Naga Viper.) Some perspective: The searingly hot Bhut Jolokia -- Guinness says it's the third-hottest chile -- has between 600,000 and 700,000 Scoville Heat Units. Chavez says Scorpion can top that with a whopping 1,191,595 Scoville Heat Units. (A Scoville unit is calculated based on how many drops of water it takes to remove a chile's heat.)

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]]>featuredScorpion chileWorlds Hottest ChileKristine HansenThu, 03 Mar 2011 14:00:00 ESTTarget's Surprising Commitment to High-End Coffeehttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/02/targets-surprising-commitment-to-high-end-coffee/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/02/targets-surprising-commitment-to-high-end-coffee/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/02/targets-surprising-commitment-to-high-end-coffee/#commentsFiled under:

coffee beansPhoto: Getty Images

Everyone knows that Target is ground zero for everyday sundries like laundry soap, cat food, and hairspray. But did you know that the mammoth Minneapolis-based retailer stocks some of the best coffee in the world?

In 2006, Target -- which has 1,752 locations in 49 states (Vermont is the only state without a Target store) -- began buying up coffee from micro-batches with Cup of Excellence designation.

What's "Cup of Excellence?" It's the top award given to coffee beans -- the equivalent of a Grammy or an Oscar for the coffee industry. A panel of judges conduct cuppings (coffee-speak for tasting) a total of five times during the competition, which is hosted in the country of origin.

Coffee farms in nine different countries participate: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Rwanda. The winner's coffee is then sold to the highest bidder during an online auction -- and ultimately brought to coffee drinkers in the United States.

Last year Target bought beans from five Cup of Excellence winners, including the winner from Colombia. Currently Target is selling coffee from the Cup of Excellence 2009 winner (Flor de Mayo) in Bolivia, with farmer Pedro Castro Conurana at the helm. But you might never notice, because it's packaged under the store's in-house label, Archer Farms. To find it, search for the 10-ounce bags (or tins) of Archer Farm coffee beans marked "Cup of Excellence." The best part? The price: Only $15 for a 10-ounce tin of whole beans. You'll have to shop in person, though -- the coffee isn't available online.

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]]>Archer FarmscoffeeCup of ExcellenceTargetKristine HansenWed, 02 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTCan a Jug Wine Be Any Good?http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/02/can-a-jug-wine-be-any-good/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/02/can-a-jug-wine-be-any-good/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/02/can-a-jug-wine-be-any-good/#commentsFiled under:

Photo: K&L Wines

Many of us first encountered jug wine in college -- the cheap, headache-inducing stuff was to quality wine what PBR is to beer. But things have changed.

A new jug wine has surfaced, and it's legit. Sherman and Hooker's Shebang! red-wine blend is the brainchild of Morgan Twain-Peterson (founder/owner of Bedrock Wine Co. and son of Joel Peterson, who is the founder of Ravenswood Winery in Sonoma, which makes killer Zins). Now in its third release, the grape varietals used, and the composition of each, changes with each vintage.

At $16 for a 1-liter bottle -- the relatively high price tag speaks for its quality -- the screw-top wine is a blend of red-wine grapes (Syrah, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel) as well as small splashes of white-wine grapes (Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc), sourced from esteemed Sonoma regions like Rockpile and Bradford Mountain. So go ahead and drink it with your old college buddies. They won't laugh -- we promise.

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]]>featuredjug winewineKristine HansenWed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 ESTRed Wines for Winter - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/02/25/red-wines-for-winter-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/02/25/red-wines-for-winter-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/02/25/red-wines-for-winter-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under:

red wine choices for winterPhoto: Mike Johnson, TheBusyBrain.com


It's been said time and time again that red wines are appropriate for the cooler months. I agree with this statement, so I'll take it one step further and point out that fruit-forward, oaky and full-bodied reds are also the perfect match for winter stews and soups; braised meats; curries and winter's comfort foods (hello, mac and cheese and sweet-potato casserole!).

Here are six red wines to look for the next time conditions drop below freezing.

Clautiere Vineyard 2004 "Mon Beau Rouge," Paso Robles, California ($29)
There's an incredible amount of richness and complexity in this wine, containing soft notes of blackberries and raspberries, with some cherries thrown in too. The jammy and fruit-forward wine is a blend of 50% Syrah, 20% Counoise, 20% Mourvedre and 10% Grenache. Traces of coffee and cocoa introduce a bit of sweetness; if you have a slice of cheesecake lying around, or are itching to bake one, this would be the wine to drink it with.

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]]>cold-weather wineswinter winesKristine HansenFri, 25 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST