August 2006

Wine and Food Events March 2007 January 2007 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006

Friday, August 4, 2006, Continental Cruise with World Wines. Capriccio Grill, at the Peabody Orlando; Guest Speaker Brian Horvath of Paterno Wines International; Chef Jared Gross.

Another great Wine Dinner at Capriccio Grill! My parents came down to visit and joined me at the Wine Dinner along with several friends. The reception began at 6:30 PM in the bar area of Capriccio Grill at the Peabody Orlando. At the reception we enjoyed Hanna Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (Russian River). This Sauvignon Blanc is Estate Grown, meaning the vineyards are 100% owned by Hanna, and is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The aromas are of grapefruit and melon and the wine is fresh and grassy with distinctive Sauvignon Blanc character. Hanna's Slusser Road vineyard in the cool Russian River Valley is the source for this wine. The vineyard is a divided canopy planted on deep Rocky Clay Loam. This is a low to no irrigation vineyard. This wine retails between $14-19.

Our First Course was Crispy Soft Shell Crab, Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad in Grapefruit Ginger Vinaigrette. Dusted lightly in cayenne pepper flour and pan sautéed this appetizer had quite a kick. This was paired with the biggest surprise of the evening... a Greek wine that was actually great: Moschofilero Boutari 2004 (mo-sko-feel-ero). This wine is brilliant, crystal clear, white yellow color with intense floral and fruity aromas dominated by white rose, melon and citrus. The taste is well-balanced fresh wine with intense flavor and a long aromatic finish of orange blossom and grapefruit. Boutari Moschofilero is a premium white wine made from 100% Moschofilero grapes grown in high elevation vineyards in the AOC region of Mantinia in the Peloponnese. Moschofilero grape is a deep pink-skinned grape that is used to make a strongly perfumed white wine. The Moschofilero grape is grown primarily on the plateau of Mantinia in the Peloponnese and is the only grape allowed in the Mantinia appellation wine. This grape can also be used to make fruity and spicy rose wines, as well. For years Boutari Moschofilero has been an important selling white wine in Greece and, until recently, a virtual unknown in the United States. That was until Tony Terlato discovered it in a blind tasting at Paterno Wines International’s corporate headquarters. From his first sip, he believed this little gem, so rich in flavor, was a secret just waiting to be discovered in the United States. This wine retails between $11-19.

Second course was Grilled Linguica Sausage, Braised Chicken, Bulgur Wheat Cake, Red Brick Mole and Shaved Smoked Cheese. Linguica Sausage is a Portuguese-type sausage made from coarsely ground pork butts. It is typically seasoned with garlic, cinnamon, pepper, salt, and cumin seeds and then cured in a vinegar pickling liquid before being stuffed into a casing. This sausage is not as spicy as others, but adds a great flavor to the braised chicken. The Bulgur adds a nutty flavor and the Mole (onions, garlic, chili peppers, ground nuts, toasted bread or crackers, spices, sunflower or soybean oils, sugar, and a small amount of sweet chocolate) with its delicate spice and finished off with the smoke from the cheese finished this course perfectly. This course was paired with Alder Brook Zinfandel 2001. This Sonoma Zinfandel is Old Vine and Old Clone, 90% Zinfandel and 10% Carignane. "Upper Dry Creek is the grape source of this high-powered Zin that was made from old craggily vines picked at the peak of ripeness. Aged in 100% French oak for 16 months, the structure is broad, elegant and refined. Enjoy this classic expression of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel." ~ George Christie, General Manager. The color is rich, dark rose and the nose is bursting with brambly blackberry fruit. Anise, blueberry and black cherry notes flow through on the palate. This wine retails for between $18-25.

Our third course was Roasted Lamb Loin, Chantrelle and Truffle Gnocchi served with Ca'marcanda Promis 2004. The lamb was so tender and prepared to a perfect temperature. A Chanterelle mushroom has a mild somewhat fruity flavor with a subtle scent of apricots, an excellent flavored mushroom cherished by many who use in as an ingredient in various foods. Promis is 55% Merlot, 35% Syrah and 10% Sangiovese with a light garnet color. Bright and fruity with a jammy nose, Promise 2004 is a delightful wine, which combines the elegance and suppleness of Merlot and Syrah with the austerity of Sangiovese. Balanced, almost musical, it’s a pleasure to drink. Due to its sunny character, Promis is a great success in wine bars, restaurants and elegant trattorias, often served as "Gaja wine by the glass." This wine retails for between $40-48.

Our last course was a Summer Berry Trio Assortment, Fresh Fruit Tart, Chocolate Gratin with Macerated Raspberries and a Berry Inspired Kabob served with Bollinger Special Cuvée. A great finish to the meal and Champagne that is a favorite of James Bond and Ab Fab!!! 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier, pale gold in color and aromas are rich and toasty complex aromas of green apples and pears. The Bollinger style is very round and mature with a luxurious finish. Some bubbly, great company and great conversation on top of a great meal!!! This wine retails for between $42-65.

Thank you once again Chef Jared for a great meal! Brian Horvath from Paterno Wines International was an entertaining speaker with a lot of great information about the wines and wineries he represents. We all left with much more knowledge and fuller stomachs than what we came in.

~Nicholas Olivieri, Co-Director Tasters Guild Orlando

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meet the Winemaker August 13, 2006... Wines for Everyone, Michael's Fine Wine & Spirits and Tasters Guild Orlando are proud to announce the special appearance of Craig Watts from his family's vineyard, Watts Winery located in the Lodi region of California winemaking country. We will be tasting the highly rated, award winning wines which he and his family produce. Craig will be educating consumers about the winemaking process and answering any questions you may have.

This is an informal flow event beginning at 11AM and running through 4PM. We want everyone to come and enjoy. The menu consists of an array of light fare appetizers to compliment the wines being served. The cost is $10.00 per person. Upon purchasing your tickets, you will be entered in a raffle to win Watts Wines! Please RSVP as this event will fill up quickly. To RSVA call Michael's at 407-380-7122, email MichaelsFineWine@bellsouth.net or stop by in person.

Click here for directions to Michael's Fine Wine & Spirits 3588 Avalon Park Blvd E, Suite B 202, Orlando, FL 32828.

Wines Featured:

Watts Family Cabernet Rosado Los Robles 2003

Watts Family Chardonnay Dijon Reserve 2003

Watts Family Cabernet Sauvignon Los Robles Vineyard 2002

Watts Family Syrah Los Robles 2002

Watts Family Zinfandel Iris Vineyard 2002

Watts Family Reserve Zinfandel Old Vine Iris Vineyard 2001

Watts Family Dos Amores Lodi 2002