Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com/media/feedlogo.gif Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com en-us Copyright 2009 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Black Friday Wine Pickshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/27/black-friday-wine-picks/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/27/black-friday-wine-picks/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/27/black-friday-wine-picks/#commentsFiled under:

black friday line

Devotion like this deserves a glass of wine. Photo: Croixboy, Flickr.

That whole shop-til-you-drop mania is best concluded, we feel, with a glass of wine. After fighting mall crowds and boutique divas, you'll need to wind down properly -- and pulling through a fast-food restaurant's drive-thru is not exactly what we have in mind.

Uncork or uncap one of these three wines once you're back home without busting your budget.

Banfi Rosa Regale: This is a fabulous red bubbly for around $12 (375 milliliters). Didn't score a deal on Italian leather shoes? Don't worry. You can sip this Strevi, Italy-produced sweetie -- raspberry notes and a rose-petals nose -- all night. This wine's got legs. (Tip: Call your man from the mall's parking garage and tell him to put this in the fridge next to all the Thanksgiving Day leftovers.)

Continue reading Black Friday Wine Picks

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]]>black fridayblack friday 2009wine pairingKristine Hansen2009-11-27T16:00:00+00:00Favorite Holiday Foods - Marcus Samuelssonhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/25/favorite-holiday-foods-marcus-samuelsson/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/25/favorite-holiday-foods-marcus-samuelsson/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/25/favorite-holiday-foods-marcus-samuelsson/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Celebrity chefs -- they're just like us. Only with mega book deals, product lines, TV shows, a slew of sous chefs and a staff to clean up after them. Still, when it comes to food, most of 'em have a down home and humble favorite that defines the holiday. Over the next few weeks, we'll share must-have festive fare from Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, John Besh, Michael Symon and many more.

In this Slashfood exclusive, Chef Marcus Samuelsson explains why bad red wine is essential to his holiday happiness.

Buy Marcus Samuelsson's "New American Table" and read more about Glüewhein and Glogg.
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]]>christmas foodgloggHolidashholiday foodmarcus samuelssonKat Kinsman2009-11-25T15:30:00+00:00Thanksgiving Wine Pairingshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/23/thanksgiving-wine-pairings/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/23/thanksgiving-wine-pairings/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/23/thanksgiving-wine-pairings/#commentsFiled under: ,

wine on the thanksgiving dinner table

Photo: Mr. T in DC, Flickr

From stuffing to pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving's traditional dishes are rich and heavy. To complement these big flavors, the wines you choose should be full-bodied and tinged with acidic and fruit-forward notes.

As far as whites go, you'll want heavy wines with legs and complexity that can dance with Thanksgiving sides such as sweet potatoes. Reds are fair game too as long as you choose pairings that partner up with each dish.

Here are some of our $10-and-under favorites with their Thanksgiving dish match-ups.

Continue reading Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

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]]>thanksgiving dinnerthanksgiving menuthanksgiving wine pairingsthanksgiving wineswine pairingswine with turkeyKristine Hansen2009-11-23T16:00:00+00:00A Bottle of White - Feast Your Eyeshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/16/a-bottle-of-white-feast-your-eyes/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/16/a-bottle-of-white-feast-your-eyes/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/16/a-bottle-of-white-feast-your-eyes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Clos du Bois white wine bottle

Sauvignon Blanc. Photo: stevesteve8383, Flickr.

Thanksgiving is about turkey, stuffing and sweet potatoes (or yams, depending on who you ask). But it's also about finding an affordable wine to go along with such a feast -- especially if the host is calculating a pound of turkey and a bottle of wine per person (as any good Turkey Day host or hostess should).

This beautiful bottle of 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, captured by Flickr user stevesteve8383, would certainly do the trick ... though we might have to do a little taste test just to make sure.
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]]>feast your eyesFeastYourEyessauvignon blancSauvignonBlancthanksgivingthanksgiving dinnerThanksgivingDinnerEmily Farris2009-11-16T10:00:00+00:00Thanksgiving Recipes - Prosecco Cocktail Ideashttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/11/thanksgiving-recipes-prosecco-cocktail-ideas/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/11/thanksgiving-recipes-prosecco-cocktail-ideas/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/11/thanksgiving-recipes-prosecco-cocktail-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Prosecco is a celebratory and affordable sparkling white wine sure to jump-start the Thanksgiving festivities. In this sweet sparkling recipe from "Mix Shake Stir," prosecco tops peach liqueur for an elegant sip.

Get the recipe to this cocktail along with many others after the jump.

Continue reading Thanksgiving Recipes - Prosecco Cocktail Ideas

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]]>danny meyerproseccothanksgiving drinksthanksgiving recipesSlashfood Editor2009-11-11T12:45:00+00:00You Want Wine With That? Southern Blogger Seeks Perfect Popeye's Pairinghttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/11/you-want-wine-with-that-southern-blogger-seeks-perfect-popeyes/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/11/you-want-wine-with-that-southern-blogger-seeks-perfect-popeyes/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/11/you-want-wine-with-that-southern-blogger-seeks-perfect-popeyes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


popeyes chicken

Photo: boo_licious, flickr

Acknowledging that even the most fastidious foodies can't say no to Popeye's spicy fried chicken, Dirty South Wine's Hardy Wallace has made the dish the centerpiece of what he claims is the world's first-ever online food-and-wine pairing competition.

"There are a lot of online wine tastings, but no one ever does pairings," Wallace explains. "As much as I love wine, it's useless without food."

Wallace has recruited five respected wine experts to submit their picks for the best vino to sip with Popeye's celebrated chicken, Cajun-battered fries and red beans and rice. He and 50 friends will sample the selections at a party next Wednesday; While the festivities will be live-streamed from Wallace's house, he's also urging wine-and-chicken lovers to play along at home and report their findings via Twitter.

At stake is the title of Dirty Bird King (or Queen) -- and a lifetime of potentially enhanced Popeye's enjoyment.

Continue reading You Want Wine With That? Southern Blogger Seeks Perfect Popeye's Pairing

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]]>fast food wine pairingFastFoodWinePairingPopeyespopeyes chickenPopeyesChickenwine pairingWinePairingHanna Raskin2009-11-11T11:00:00+00:00Beaujolais - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/10/beaujolais-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/10/beaujolais-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/10/beaujolais-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

beaujolais nouveau

Photo: Francois Mori/AP.

Fall means shorter days and cooler nights. But you don't have to dig out the bold, heavy reds. Beaujolais is a wonderful transition wine. From the Beaujolais region just south of Burgundy, France, only Gamay grapes can be used. Drinking Beaujolais is like slipping into a light linen jacket, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandels are like wrapping yourself in a wool trenchcoat (in other words, they're better to save for when the temperature drops).

Beaujolais' lighter body, few tannins, high acidity and intense fruit notes make this a great stand-alone wine or one to pair with a hard cheese (such as Raclette) or a soft fromage (feta is a great choice). And with most bottles priced under $15, this is a great excuse to host a wine-tasting party where you and your friends sip through a flight.

Beaujolais Nouveau Day (the third Thursday of November) is when the first bottles are released. Meant to be consumed while young, this wine's grapes are harvested between late August and early September, fermented for only a few days, then whisked into bottles in time for the release. Back in the 19th century, bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau would sail down the Saone River to Lyon not long after harvest. But it was only 24 years ago that the Institut National de l'Origine created the uniform release date.

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]]>2009 beaujolais nouveau2009BeaujolaisNouveauBeaujolaisBeaujolais NouveauBeaujolaisNouveaugeorges duboeufGeorgesDuboeufred wineRedWinewineKristine Hansen2009-11-10T14:00:00+00:00La Tache Romaneehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/10/la-tache-romanee/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/10/la-tache-romanee/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/10/la-tache-romanee/#commentsFiled under:

La Tache Romanee
La Tache Romanee Photo: Claude-Olivier Marti, Flickr
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche is a true collectors' choice, and pretty difficult to find even if you've got the cash, although Nello's in Manhattan features this French Pinot Noir on its wine list for a whopping $15,000, and Spencer's Restaurant in Palm Springs, Calif., has the 2006 vintage for a more affordable $2,450. Very few wine retailers even stock this wine, although W Wine Boutique in Miami Beach has newer vintages.

This highly expressive red wine from the Burgundy region of France is beloved for its rich and concentrated taste -- and yet it doesn't swing into the heavy-wines category - as well as a nice interplay of spices and mineralities. Aubert de Villaine has owned the winery since the '50s but the estate was founded by Priory of St. Vincent monks in 1232. Grand Cru grapes from Vosne- Romanée and Flagey-Echezeaux communes of the Cotes de Nuits used for La Tâche are farmed biodynamically and organically, and at a low yield. Most bottles are going for between $1,500 and $4,500, depending on the vintage.
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]]>La Tache RomaneewineKristine Hansen2009-11-10T13:45:00+00:00Château Pétrushttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/09/chateau-petrus/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/09/chateau-petrus/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/09/chateau-petrus/#commentsFiled under:

Château Pétrus
Château Pétrus Photo: Garrulus, Flickr.com
by Kristine Hansen

Château Pétrus, a red Bordeaux wine made almost entirely from Merlot grapes in the Pomerol appellation of France, is one of the world's priciest collectible wines.

In early October, assorted vintages of Château Pétrus went up for auction in Hong Kong through Sotheby's. To give you a sense of how coveted this wine is, the final bid came in at $93,077 USD for one six-liter bottle of the 1982 vintage. Another batch of Château Pétrus will be auctioned off this Wednesday in London. The earliest vintage is 1970 and the latest 2004.

But don't despair. Not all Château Pétrus will cost you $94,000. The 2008 vintage at some retailers is as low as $68. (Hint: this might be a good wine to cellar for more than you normally might, and perhaps pay for your kid's college tuition?)

Continue reading Château Pétrus

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]]>Bordeauxchateau petruswineSlashfood Editor2009-11-09T17:45:00+00:007-Eleven Wines Coming to a Convenience Store Near Youhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/04/7-eleven-wines-coming-to-a-convenience-store-near-you/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/04/7-eleven-wines-coming-to-a-convenience-store-near-you/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/04/7-eleven-wines-coming-to-a-convenience-store-near-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,

7-eleven wines

Photo: loop_oh/flickr

Look out Two-Buck Chuck. The home of the Slurpee and the Big Gulp is launching a line of value-priced wines targeting consumers looking for a boozy bargain during these tough economic times.

7-Eleven plans to sell a $3.99 Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay under the proprietary "Yosemite Road" label at its stores in the United States and Japan.

"The consumer is really pinched as far as discretionary income," Kevin Elliott, senior vice president of merchandising and logistics of Dallas-based 7-Eleven, Inc., told the Associated Press. "We're seeing a lot of success in products that really resonate on a value basis."

Continue reading 7-Eleven Wines Coming to a Convenience Store Near You

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]]>7-117-Eleven7-eleven wine7-elevenWineConvenience StoresConvenienceStoresWineyosemite roadYosemiteRoadJennifer Lawinski2009-11-04T17:00:00+00:00The Sardinian Diet: Wine, Bread and Cheesehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/21/the-sardinian-diet-wine-bread-and-cheese/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/21/the-sardinian-diet-wine-bread-and-cheese/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/21/the-sardinian-diet-wine-bread-and-cheese/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sardinia
Photo: pinkcanoe, Flickr
Modern Ponce de Leons, take note. The diet of the Sardinian people is the latest to be linked to a longer life.

The island of Sardinia lies 120 miles west of the Italian mainland. It is the second largest island in the western Mediterranean with Sicily only being larger.

According to Dan Buettner, the author of "The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest," various features of the Sardinian diet can result in an average of six years added to the average life expectancy.

The Sardinian diet emphasizes bread, cheese and red wine. Sardinian Cannonau, a very darkly-colored red wine, has the highest level of antioxidants of any known red wine in the world.

"This is so dark that the Italians call it vino nero, which means 'black wine,'" Buettner told "Good Morning America".

No surprise here, Sardinians also eat lots of fruits and vegetables and meat is a once-a-week celebration. Contrary to other Meditteranean diets, not a lot of fish is eaten.

Instead, cheese is used as protein source -- specifically, grass-fed cheeses.

Buettner also reveals one common denominator of healthiest people alive are the consumption of nuts. Buettner recommends the 2-by-4-by-2 rule -- people who eat 2 ounces of nuts four times a week live an average of two years longer.
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]]>cannonaudan buettnerDanBuettnersardiniasardinian dietsardinian winesardiniandietSardinianWineSlashfood Editor2009-10-21T16:15:00+00:00Twitter Sells Wine to Benefit Charityhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/15/twitter-sells-wine-to-benefit-charity/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/15/twitter-sells-wine-to-benefit-charity/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/15/twitter-sells-wine-to-benefit-charity/#commentsFiled under: ,

pinot noir grapes

Pinot Noir grapes. Photo: mollyali, Flickr.

The folks behind social media site Twitter are expanding their empire to the wine business.

Beginning Thursday, Twitter is selling its own "Fledgling" wine, with the proceeds benefiting the nonprofit literacy group Room to Read, according to Jenna Sampson, a spokeswoman for Twitter.

San Francisco wine company Crushpad is helping Twitter make the vino. The company, which enables wine enthusiasts to make, sell and design their own wine, is providing everything from the grapes and equipment to expertise and advice for the social networking site.

"We gradually started meeting people [from Twitter]," and the idea of a outreach collaboration simply "kept growing and growing and growing," said Noah Dorrance, marketing director for Crushpad.

Continue reading Twitter Sells Wine to Benefit Charity

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]]>crushpadfledgling wineFledglingWinehomemade wineHomemadeWineroom to readRoomToReadtwitterwineAlexa Weibel2009-10-15T15:30:00+00:00What to Drink With ... Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/05/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/05/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/05/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

World's Biggest Burger
World's biggest burger. Photo: Bill Mealbach.
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

There are so many culinary wonders (and occasionally questionable indulgences) in the Slashfood archives, just waiting to be washed down with equally delicious wines. Here are six pairings from our September archive that will make you thirsty...or make you sick. You decide.

With fall officially in full swing, it's time to break out sweaters, hot cider and even our oven mitts after a summer avoiding the stove. Jennifer Iserloh's Ropa Vieja, a Cuban dish of shredded beef in a tomato sauce, would pair nicely with a light, fruity Italian Dolcetto or a sweet and spicy California Zinfandel.

For Southerners who haven't been blessed with a dose of crisp fall weather yet, Gena Knox's Shrimp and Mango Summer Rolls are a lovely way to wind down a warm day, preferably with an off-dry Riesling.

Continue reading What to Drink With ... Wine of the Week

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]]>half-wit winesHalf-witWinesHardeesropa viejaRopaViejasummer rolssustainable caviarSustainableCaviarTwoBuckChuckwinewine of the weekwine pairingGretchen Roberts2009-10-05T15:00:00+00:00Vegan Wine Guidehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/01/vegan-wine-guide/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/01/vegan-wine-guide/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/01/vegan-wine-guide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Vegetarian vineyards?
Vegetarian vineyards? Photo: Tambako the Jaguar.
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

A couple of weeks ago, I gushed about the Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour, a sparkling rosé made with organic grapes and animal-free products. Other well-known examples of vegan wineries include Frey Vineyards and Girasole Vineyards.

What makes a wine vegan? After all, wine is made from grapes, not beef. Where animal products do come into play is during the fining process. After fermentation, most wine is filtered and fined, which is basically removing all the sediment and leftover dead yeast cells and such from the fermentation process. Most winemakers use animal products like egg white or isinglass, but vegan wines are made with non-animal products such as clay.

Want to find out if your favorite brand is vegan? It's not always easy. Winemakers aren't required to disclose ingredients like the information on Oreo cookie labels, so you have to do some nosing around. One great source is the Barnivore Vegan Wine & Beer Guide, a community project listing of vegan and non-vegan wines. Cheers!
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]]>barnivoredomaine carneros brut roseDomaineCarnerosBrutRosefrey vineyardsFreyVineyardsgirasolegirasole vineyardsGirasoleVineyardssommelierveganvegan wineVeganWinevegetarianwineGretchen Roberts2009-10-01T14:00:00+00:00Drink for the Curehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/29/drink-for-the-cure/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/29/drink-for-the-cure/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/29/drink-for-the-cure/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Riedel CrescendO glasses
Photo: Riedel.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and now you can support the cause in style with Riedel's limited-edition pink glasses.

Crescendo ($70, pictured) is a set of four glasses, each in a different delicate shade of pink. Since they're stemless, the glasses are great for non-alcoholic drinks as well as white wines, and they're dishwasher-safe.

Pink Vinum Rosé ($59) is a set of two pink-stemmed glasses specifically designed for rosé wine. They're also dishwasher-safe, and the color of the wine isn't distorted, since the pink tint is limited to the stem.

Riedel is donating 15 percent of their pink sales to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life -- now that's something we can all raise our glasses to. Order online or find them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

For Slashfood readers who don't want to drink pink, the Pink Ribbon Shop is offering "Around My Mother's Table: Stories and Recipes Celebrating Lives Lost to Breast Cancer" ($16.95), the Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon Cookie Cutter, and more.
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]]>breast cancercookbookcookie cuttercrescendoglassespink ribbonpink vinum rosePinkRibbonPinkVinumRoseriedelwineGretchen Roberts2009-09-29T14:00:00+00:00Red and White Rioja - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/28/red-and-white-rioja-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/28/red-and-white-rioja-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/28/red-and-white-rioja-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: ,


Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva
Photo: Campo Viejo.
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Spanish wine sales are up even during the recession, which comes as no surprise, since Spain offers outstanding value for the price.

One of the premier wine regions in the country, Rioja is at the top of its game, delivering excellent-quality wine for a fraction of prices elsewhere -- especially since so much of the wine is held back and aged, which costs money, rather than getting rushed to market.

More Rioja after the jump.

Continue reading Red and White Rioja - Wine of the Week

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]]>campo viejoCampoViejoel coto de riojaElCotoDeRiojariojarioja reservaRiojaReservatempranillowinewine of the weekGretchen Roberts2009-09-28T15:00:00+00:00Five Splurgeworthy Sparkling Wines - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/five-splurgeworthy-sparkling-wines-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/five-splurgeworthy-sparkling-wines-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/five-splurgeworthy-sparkling-wines-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Schramsberg J. Schram
Photo: Schramsberg.
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

As a penny-pinching German, I don't drink expensive Champagne or domestic sparkling wine like it's water, but a couple of times a year (New Year's, wedding anniversary), I overcome my thrifty tendencies and blow big bucks on a great bottle. When I'm spending serious money on wine, I want to know my $30 or $60 or $100 is going to be worth it and not a major disappointment.

Normally our Wine Steals column focuses on $15-and-under everyday wines that are amazing for the price, but in honor of special occasions, here are five sparkling wines that I personally love and am willing to shell out for because, as Charles Dickens said, "Champagne is one of the elegant extras in life."

After the jump, five splurgeworthy sparklers plus a poll: How much are you willing to spend on special-occasion wine?

Continue reading Five Splurgeworthy Sparkling Wines - Wine of the Week

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]]>champagnedomaine carneros brut roseDomaineCarnerosBrutRosenorthshore brasserieNorthshoreBrasseriepol roger brut reserve nv champagnePolRogerBrutReserveNvChampagneschramsberg blanc de blancsschramsberg blanc de noirsschramsberg j. schramSchramsbergBlancDeBlancsSchramsbergBlancDeNoirsSchramsbergJ.Schramsegura viudas reserva heredadSeguraViudasReservaHeredadsparkling winewinewine stealsGretchen Roberts2009-09-21T15:00:00+00:00Fall Sauvignon Blanc - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/14/fall-sauvignon-blanc-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/14/fall-sauvignon-blanc-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/14/fall-sauvignon-blanc-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Photo: Constellation Brands
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Autumn officially arrives next week. Labor Day has come and gone, and we've traded our barbecue tongs for pots of soup and our shorts for sweaters on chilly nights. But before you put away all your summer wines, consider this: Many of them, including Sauvignon Blanc, won't taste oh-so-fresh by the time you're in the mood for them again. Some of the best Sauv Blancs from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux can age for several years, but most inexpensive bottles are meant to be drunk ASAP.

What happens when you brave an old bottle? I tried a 2005 recently and the first word that came to mind was dank. It was like tossing a salad, forgetting about it for a week and then trying to eat around the decaying pieces. Blech. So here's my PSA for this week: drink all your unquestionably delicious Sauvignon Blancs now, before they become questionable -- the 2007s from the northern hemisphere and the 2008s from the southern hemisphere. Soon, the 2009s from New Zealand, Chile and South Africa will be on shelves, and in the spring, the 2009s from California, France and Italy will arrive.

After the jump, Sauvignon Blancs I loved, and a question for you: Which Sauv Blanc region steals your heart?

Continue reading Fall Sauvignon Blanc - Wine of the Week

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]]>ancient peaks sauvignon blancAncientPeaksSauvignonBlanccharles krug sauvignon blancCharlesKrugSauvignonBlancfallgretchenrobertsmontes sauvignon blancMontesSauvignonBlancNobilonobilo iconNobiloIconroot 1 sauvignon blancRoot1SauvignonBlancsauvignon blancsommelierwineGretchen Roberts2009-09-14T15:00:00+00:00What to Drink With ... Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/08/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/08/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/08/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

double down sandwich
What wine goes with the KFC Double Down? Photo: KFC
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Being a wine geek, I read through Slashfood posts thinking, "Hmmm, what wine would I pair with that?" Not everyone is as wine-centric as I am, but surely you've whipped up one or more of our delicious recipes (or read about a crazy new food trend with mouth agape) and wondered how best to wash it down.

This month I'm trying a fun little feature, "What to Drink With...," in which I comb through the Slashfood archives and find, er, interesting foods to pair up with wines. I'll start this one off with something easy, Sarah LeTrent's Roasted Broccoli with Shrimp. What do you say to a light, mineral-y Albarino or a California Sauvignon Blanc?

Here's a challenge: Cool and Creamy Broccoli Soup from Brent Ridge. Soup and wine are a tough match -- how do you pair liquid with liquid? Considering the fact that this soup is also a) cold and b) vegetarian, and we've got a real stumper. I'm going to go with Pinot Grigio or possibly a Grüner Veltliner.

More pairings, including Deep Fried Butter, after the jump.

Continue reading What to Drink With ... Wine of the Week

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]]>deep fried butterDeepFriedButtertexas state fairTexasStateFairwinewine of the weekwine pairingGretchen Roberts2009-09-08T15:00:00+00:00Best Boxed Wineshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/01/best-boxed-wines/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/01/best-boxed-wines/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/01/best-boxed-wines/#commentsFiled under: ,

More people are drinking wine in a box than ever before. Read about the best boxed wines on Slashfood.
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Think Outside the (Wine) Box
by Kat Kinsman
Myths, Truths & Shopping Suggestions

Boxed wines of the past had a deservedly bad rap, but new packaging techniques have enticed makers of excellent vino to get juiced about wine boxes. We sipped and swirled over a dozen of 'em, so keep clicking to get our top picks (and a list of ones to skip) and one heck of a lot of reasons why we think great boxed wine is the wave of the future.
Nicole Goksel
Getty Images North America

Think Outside the (Wine) Box

    by Kat Kinsman
    Myths, Truths & Shopping Suggestions

    Boxed wines of the past had a deservedly bad rap, but new packaging techniques have enticed makers of excellent vino to get juiced about wine boxes. We sipped and swirled over a dozen of 'em, so keep clicking to get our top picks (and a list of ones to skip) and one heck of a lot of reasons why we think great boxed wine is the wave of the future.

    Nicole Goksel

    Delicato Bota Box Chardonnay - 2005 (California)

    Verdict: We liked it.
    Tasting notes: Great floral smell, easy-drinking, a little bit dry
    Tip: Once bottled wine has been opened, it's got a 4 day shelf life before it starts to really oxidize and turn. Because the majority of boxed wines are built with a bag-in-box system that doesn't allow air in, it'll stay fresh for at least 4 weeks.

    Nicole Goksel

    Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio - 2004 (California)

    Verdict: Our favorite of the white wines
    Tasting notes: Light, herbal, kiwi
    Tip: Because boxed wine stays fresh for a significant amount of time, it's easy to keep a box on hand in the cupboard or fridge so you can pour a single glass whenever you'd like -- without having to go to the fuss of opening a new bottle or worrying about waste. It's perfect for those drinking a glass a day for a healthy heart.

    Nicole Goksel

    Washington Hills Columbia Valley Chardonnay - 2004 (Washington State)

    Verdict: We loved it.
    Tasting notes: Citrusy, grassy, fresh, slightly chalky
    Tip:While a few wines come in 1 or 5 liter boxes, the box you'll usually find on the shelves is the "3 liter cask," which holds the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine.

    Nicole Goksel

    Banrock Station Chardonnay - 2006 (South Eastern Austrailia)

    Verdict: We loved it.
    Tasting notes: Peachy, vanilla, not too oaky
    Tip: The 3-liter boxes we sampled cost between $11.99 and $29.99, with the average being around $16.99. While the high end of that range might be a bit more than you might wish to spend on an everyday bottle, remember -- you're actually getting 4 bottles worth. Even at $7.50 a bottle, that's still a steal.

    Nicole Goksel

    Three Thieves Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon - 2002 (California)

    Verdict: Our favorite of the red wines (tie)
    Tasting notes: Buttery, blackberries, also comes in a 4-pack of single-serving boxes
    Tip: Even if you're short a home wine rack, there's no need to worry, 'cause the flat box packaging makes it as easy to store as cereal.

    Nicole Goksel

    Cintra Venezie Pinot Noir - Non-Vintage (Italy)

    Verdict: We liked it
    Tasting notes: A bit astringent, complex
    Tip: Not so crafty with a corkscrew? No worries, 'cause the tab or cap is built right in-- eliminating the risk of crumbled cork and the resulting air exposure which taints the taste. Taps and screwcaps might have seemed tacky once upon a time, but more and more great winemakers are sealing the deal.

    Nicole Goksel

    Chateau de Pena Cuvee de Pena Vin de Pays - 2004 (France)

    Verdict: Our favorite of the red wines (tie)
    Tasting notes: Spicy, hint of blackberries, complex
    Tip: If your friends seem resistant to the idea of boxed wine, try pouring in another room, and bringing in the glasses on a tray. Only after they've ooh-ed and ahh-ed, let 'em in on what it is they've been drinking. Great wines can come in square packages.

    Nicole Goksel

    French Rabbit Merlot - 2004 (France)

    Verdict: We liked it
    Tasting notes: Cherries, spicy chocolate
    Tip: Because boxed wine has been kept under such tight wraps, aerobically speaking, make sure to give it a big ol' swirl in the glass, let it sit for a minute to fully open up and aerate, or dig out that decanter from the back of the cabinet.

    Nicole Goksel

    Thirsty Lizard Shiraz - 2005 (South Eastern Australia)

    Verdict: We liked it very much
    Tasting Notes: Plummy, jammy, easy-drinking
    Tip: While this might all seem like a packaging revolution, folks in Europe and Australia have known and enjoyed the benefits of boxed booze for a long time. It's the perfect no-fuss way to enjoy the sorts of wines that are best enjoyed while they're still young and fresh -- no wine cellar required.

    Nicole Goksel

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