Jones Is Thirsty: Toad Hollow, Erik's The Red, CA 2009

It may be hot outside, but that doesn't mean you have to give all red wines the Heisman.  The key is to find a red with plenty of fruit (without being sweet) and refreshing acidity.

And let's be honest, there's definitely a time and place for heartier wines that match up to stuff like grilled flank steak, juicy burgers, or lasagna (yes, I like good ol' Italian even in the summer).

Today's featured wine is Toad Hollow, Erik's The Red - it retails for about $13.  This super middleweight wine (think Sugar Ray Leonard or Roy Jones Jr.) is loaded with red fruit flavors—raspberry, cherry—and a hint of vanilla.  Just the right amount of soft tannins to stand up to that grilled flank steak or robust cheese.  Bottom line: this wine is just flat-out fun.




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Romans 6:23

© Copyright 2011 Jones Is Hungry LLC   All Rights Reserved

Jones Is Thirsty: Lícia, Albariño, Spain 2010

Heading into the 4th of July weekend, I can't help but think about all the good stuff that'll be coming off the grill.  With all the heat, humidity, and multi-rounds of bocce ball, I like to stay match-fit with a crisp, refreshing white like Albariño.

Don't let the Sauvignon Blanc-style bottle fool you.  These food-loving wines from the northwest corner of Spain are bursting with tropical fruit aromas and girded with surprising heft—plenty of body to stand up to, say, grilled shrimp burgers with a zesty tartar sauce or spicy glazed shrimp.  (In case you can't tell, I have a thing for shrimp.)

Today's featured wine is Lícia, Albariño from Rías Baixas (in Galicia) - it retails for about $16.






Don't forget to subscribe to the Jones Is Hungry You Tube channel.  You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Romans 6:23

© Copyright 2011 Jones Is Hungry LLC   All Rights Reserved

Ultimate Southern Cooking Twitter Party

Join me and Christy Jordan, from SouthernPlate.com, for the Ultimate Southern Cooking Twitter Party on Monday, October 11, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (CST).

We'll discuss the beloved food traditions of the South and our all-time favorite recipes.  Join the conversation with hashtag #SouthCooks to contribute, ask questions, and win cookbooks!

We will give away a copy of Southern Living Classic Southern Desserts and Christy's new cookbook, Southern Plate, every 15 minutes during the party.

We recommend joining the Twitter party on TweetChat, http://tweetchat.com/room/southcooks. Simply follow the link and log in with your Twitter name and password. This site will constantly refresh new tweets and automatically add the hashtag #SouthCooks to tweets you write. The site does not count your characters, so you might want to use another tool to do so. 

*Facebook Users: If you are not on Twitter, you can still participate and win cookbooks! To enter to win, post a link to this web page on your Facebook wall, and leave a comment on our blogs with a link to your facebook profile in place of your twitter name. Then, watch the Twitter conversation at http://ow.ly/2QEBZ starting at 11 a.m. Central on October 11.

Barbecue Sundae: Comfort in a Cup

Despite an uncertain season for this year's Ole Miss football team, I still look forward to each and every trip to Oxford and tailgating in Grove (the iconic spot on campus where tailgating is elevated to an art form).  However, as much as I love the Grove, there's one pre-game tradition I miss from my days as a student: A barbecue sundae from the Rebel Barn.

Scott's Pick Of The Week: 75 Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc

Sometimes things just fall into your lap.  That was definitely the case for me yesterday while attending a wine tasting—a glass of 75 Wine Co.'s super-tasty Sauvignon Blanc graced the table like an angel sent straight from Heaven. (And its sister wine, Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, is pretty darn special too.)

Pressure without the stress...

I prefer to eat my crow warm, so here goes.  For the last few years I've been a big ol' pressure cooker naysayer—I just couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.  Plus, they're just so dangerous.  All that bad mojo changed Monday night when I test-drove the new Fagor Duo pressure cooker.  I was 100% wrong about all my preconceived, negative pressure cooker notions.  I've now seen the light.  I've seen the value.  I'm hooked. (That chewing sound is me taking another bite of my crow sandwich.)

Pimiento Cheese: One of Life's Simple Pleasures

Barbecue, catfish, and grits are true Southern culinary icons, to be sure.  Yet despite their humble beginnings, these Dixie-born gems have gone on to become quite popular across the country.  As a result, it’s not particularly difficult to find foods such as Memphis-style barbecue or garlic-cheese grits in New York or LA (and I don’t mean Lower Alabama).

Enter pimiento cheese.

Wednesday's Pairing: Shrimp Burgers & Rosé

When it comes to grilling, it doesn't get much more Southern than shrimp burgers—and one of my favorite recipes is Shrimp Burgers with Sweet 'n' Spicy Tartar Sauce. This is also the time of year I gravitate toward rosés, which are, generally speaking, super-refreshing and perfectly suited for the kind of grilled seafood recipes I love.

I didn't think boxed wine could get any better. But it has.

The forward-thinking folks at Underdog Wine Merchants have introduced a line of high-quality wines (that are, frankly, a real bargain!) in their Octavin Home Wine Bar collection -- all packaged in stylish 3-liter octagonal boxes.

Beach, Wine, Fun—what could be better?

One of my favorite events each year is the Sandestin Wine Festival in late April.  The weather's always great (read not too hot) and the location is second to none.  This year's event is April 23 to 25.  If you're looking for that perfect Spring get-away, I can't recommend it enough.

Best of all, you don't have to be a wine expert to enjoy the festival.  This year's surprise?  Organizers have added a Culinary Pavilion, where folks can sample everything from cheese to savory nibbles.  The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming—perfect for the novice and the aficionado.  Advanced tickets are $80/day or $120/weekend (includes Culinary Pavilion).  Check it out.

Texas BBQ - Sweet, Smoky Memories

Barbecue is serious business.  I've always felt it was akin to the martial arts -- whether it's a shack in the Carolina's or a city affair in Memphis or Kansas City, everyone's convinced they're practicing the purest form.  And Texans are no exception.  A fact which comes through loud and clear on every page of TEXAS BBQ by photographer Wyatt McSpadden.

Book Pick: The Wine Trials

I'm always on the lookout for smart, unbiased wine recommendations, and the folks at Fearless Critic Media have assembled a super little guide called THE WINE TRIALS.

The authors, Robin Goldstein and Alexis Herschkowitsch, have done a terrific job of examining some of the most popular, value-based (under $15) wines in an easy-to-read format that's sure to be a hit with the novice and enthusiast alike.

I've had a blast flipping though the pages.  What really has me excited is that I recommend many of the wines found in the book -- so whether I'm right or wrong, at least there are others out there who share my same sense of taste and value.

Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

Scott's Pick Of The Week: Riviera Rosé

I'm not exactly sure why it's taken me so long to write about Château Potelle's (outstanding, well-crafted, easy-drinking, food-friendly...I can go on and on) Riviera Rosé.  I reckon it's because this rosé is such an integral part of my on-hand wine arsenal, I just assume everyone else knows about it.  (All my friends sure do.)

Once springtime hits, then all the way through Thanksgiving, I serve Riviera every chance I get.  I find it especially refreshing when hanging out around the grill.  And since we're talking about often maligned rosé, it makes for a great conversation starter-cum-diversionary tactic for my buddies.  The newbies are never sure what to think about this "pink" wine.  But that all changes with the first sip, which gets them asking all sorts of questions about Riviera and wanting to know more about Château Potelle.  The "diversionary" part comes in because all the engagement over the wine keeps them from fooling with the grill (i.e. flipping their steaks every 30 seconds, which is such a nasty man-at-grill habit).

Anyway, while attending the ZAP Fitness running camp in Blowing Rock, NC, this past weekend, the subject of wine came up one night over supper -- surprise, surprise.  (Side note: ZAP Fitness is home to some of the country's top distance runners, who are subsidized by ZAP Fitness, live on-site, and spend their days training to be their very best.  Pretty cool opportunity, I'd say.  But here's the fun part.  A few times a year, ZAP opens its doors to us mortals by hosting a series of adult running camps.  For all you runners out there--at all fitness levels--it's amazing.  The ability to rub shoulders with elite runners, get expert training advice, and clear your head is unparalleled.) 
Back to supper.

ZAP's Elite Athlete Coach/Coordinator, Pete Rae, asked if I'd ever heard of this great winery up on Mt. Veeder in Napa called Château Potelle.  I practically dropped my fork.  Of all the wineries in all the world, right?  Pete starts in about how he and his wife, Zika, are real fans of Château Potelle's Cabernet Sauvignon VGS (the VGS stands for Very Good, ahem, Stuff), which is an awesome wine, to be sure.  After sharing my sob story about how I'd tried to visit the winery's tasting room last year only to arrive five minutes too late, I shot back asking him if he'd ever had the Riviera.  Pete shook his head no, and I insisted he give it a try.  All the good conversation reminded me just how much I enjoy Château Potelle's wines AND how I needed to seize the moment and post something on the blog.
So here goes:  Run, don't walk, to your nearest wine store and pick up a bottle of Riviera.  You won't be disappointed.  The wine is packed with loads of red berry aromas, while still delivering nice, palate-cleansing acidity, and suprising body and richness for a rosé.  And at about $15 a bottle, it's a super value.

Scott's Pick Of The Week: The Climber

If you regularly follow my blog, you know that two of my passions are running and wine--and depending on the time of year and my training schedule, one is ever-so-slightly more important than the other.

Right now, I'm in the middle of training for the Chicago Marathon this October (check out my Team World Vision page), so I've had to temporarily cut back on my enological field study in lieu of more electrolyte-rich beverages, but I still like to relax with a glass or two of wine on the weekend.

That said, I never imagined -- from a product standpoint, that is -- the two passions would ever intersect.  So you can imagine my surprise when I found out the same folks who make my favorite energy bars and gels (Clif Bar), also produce terrific wines at Clif Bar Family Winery.  Who knew?

Now I have to be honest and say I was a tad skeptical at first -- thinking it all sounded a little too good and a bit gimmicky.  I was wrong.  (I prefer to eat my crow warm.)

It all started a few weeks back when I got three bottles of their wine (Climber Red, Climber White, and Kit's Killer Cab), which sat unopened on the kitchen counter waiting for the weekend.  Before I could break 'em open, my wife and I were invited to a party.  Instead of grabbing the Clif wines, I reached for a couple of reds from Washington and a New Zealand white.

Here's where it gets weird.  When the hostess showed me to the wine bar, there sat a bottle of Climber Red (along with several empty Climber Red and White bottles).  At that point, I felt like the ghost of Allen Funt and his Candid Camera film crew were going to appear at any moment.

My wife, Deanna, is a true red wine lover, so I immediately poured her a glass of the red without telling her anything about it.  I didn't want to stare and raise a flag, but I was dying to see her reaction after the first sip -- I did my best to nonchalantly look across the room, but I caught her every move out of the corner of my eye.  Guess what?  The first thing she did was turn to me and say, "Honey, what wine is this?  I love it."  There was nothing I could do, I had to jump in.  She was right, the red was tasty.  In fact, as we began to mingle, I quickly realized that everyone at the party was talking about the Clif wines.

So here's a little more info:
- The Climber Red: Zinfandel dominates this blend, but there's also a good punch of Syrah.  May turn out to be my new favorite barbecue wine -- especially with pulled pork (a mix of inside and outside meat, thank you) and sweet and spicy baby back ribs.  Retails for around $17.
- The Climber White: I can sip this all day long -- especially on a hot afternoon.  It's perfect for hanging out by the grill; pairs really well with grilled oysters and shrimp.  I also love it with spicy Tex-Mex (grilled chicken topped with a little diced avocado, jicama, jalapeno mixed with grilled corn with a squirt of fresh lime juice..oh my!).  This blend is around 80% Sauvignon Blanc, so it has this refreshing acidity with an underlying richness from a touch of Pinot Blanc and Muscat.  Retails for around $14.
- Kit's Killer Cab: This guy is just right for a grilled rib-eye with a little compound butter and garlic mashed potatoes -- it's that kind of wine.  Good balance. Dark berry aromas with a touch of smokiness.  Great finish.  It'll be even better when the weather cools down.  Worth the splurge at around $35.

California Wine Country: A Trip to Remember

Summer's probably my favorite time to visit Napa and Sonoma -- the nights are cool, everything's lush and green, the roads and wineries are not nearly as crowded as they are in the fall, and, compared to the South, there's almost no perceptible humidity (which I'll take all day long).

Join me as I look back on a recent trip (which was out of this world!) where I visited Flora Spring Winery, Bennett Lane Winery, Frank Family Vineyards, and J Vineyards. 
In addition to sampling outstanding wines, along the way, I also cooled my heels in a sweet hotel and was able to kick back in one of my favorite restaurants in the country.


DAY 1
Rolling into Napa proper, I was greeted by the Grape Crusher, a giant bronze statue positioned at the crossroads of Highway 29 and Highway 221.  This ol' boy is to Napa what "The Crossroads" sign in Clarkesdale, Mississippi is to the Blues Highway -- an unmistakable icon letting you know you've arrived.

First stop: Lunch at Flora Springs Winery (1978 W. Zinfandel Lane, St. Helena, Napa; 707-963-5711)
FLORA SPRINGS SLIDE SHOW
Scott's Picks: Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Soliloquy, Holy Smoke Cabernet Sauvignon
I highly recommend lunch at the winery.  The food and wine pairing is sensational, plus the view of the vineyards and surrounding valley from the outdoor table will knock your socks off.  The lunch series runs through October.  Reservations are required.

Public tastings are not available at the winery; however, next month (August 8th), Flora Springs opens their new public tasting room just south of downtown St. Helena (about a mile from the winery) at 677 South St. Helena Highway.  This new facility offers wine tastings as well as educational wine and food pairing seminars.  Private tours and tasting at the winery are available, but call at least 48 hours ahead, if interested.  For more information or to make reservations for the lunch series, contact Margaret Meraz at 707-967-6723 or mmeraz@florasprings.com.

One more thing about Flora Springs, make sure you say hello to Sean Garvey, who, in addition to being the Communications Director and grandson the matriarch Flora (and an all-around cool dude), is one heck of a musician.  In fact, Sean's latest alt-country inspired disc, California Parable, was recorded in Nashville.

Next stop: A "wine blending experience" at Bennett Lane Winery (3340 Highway 128, Calistoga, Napa; 707-942-6684)
BENNETT LANE SLIDE SHOW
Scott's Picks: Maximus, White Maximus, Los Carneros Reserve Chardonnay

The staff-lead Custom Wine Blending Experience is a splurge (at $175 a person for a party of 6 to 8), but it's definitely worth it...at least once...and with a few good friends.  (Call to check on pricing for parties of 1 to 4, or more than 8.)  The Experience also includes a wine and cheese pairing, and a limo ride to and from your hotel (within the Calistoga or St. Helena areas) -- I reckon when you add it all up it's actually a pretty solid value.  If you're interested, be sure to call ahead to schedule a time.

The winery is open to the public daily from 10am to 5:30pm.  Guests are also welcome to use the winery's picnic area.  Don't miss the dark chocolate and Maximus pairings every Saturday -- call to check on times.  For more information, call 707-942-6684.

Bennett Lane owner Randy Lynch is a man on a mission to introduce wine to beer-loving NASCAR fans.  Like his long-time pal, Richard Childress (who produces outstanding wines at his winery in North Carolina), Randy is heavily involved in racing as well as his growing winery.  In fact, Randy and his wife, Lisa, are the first California winery to own a NASCAR team.  The couple's also partnering with Infineon Raceway in Sonoma to serve Maximus -- their rich, full-bodied red -- by the glass in the track's new entertainment zone.

Last stop: Supper at Bouchon (6534 Washington Street, Yountville, Napa; 707-944-8037)

BOUCHON SLIDE SHOW

My first trip to Bouchon (another Thomas Keller -- of French Laundry fame -- creation) was back in 2000 during the Napa Valley Wine Auction.  No exaggeration, I was there every night -- either for a formal meal or late-night snack.  You just can't beat the restaurant's super-convivial atmosphere.

In fact, one of my most gluttonous food stories ever involves an early-evening meal at The French Laundry with a (worthy partner in crime), followed shortly by a trip down the street to Bouchon (for, you guessed it, a late-night snack).


DAY 2
First stop: Lunch at J Vineyards (11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, Sonoma; 707-431-3646)

J VINEYARDS SLIDE SHOW

Scott's Picks: Brut Rosé, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir

Nestled in Sonoma's Russian River Valley (one of the coolest growing regions in the state), J Vineyards is a recommended stop for those who love sparkling wine (and the varietals, such as Chardonnay and Pinto Noir, that traditionally make up sparklers).  What's more, Healdsburg is a cool little town to explore before or after your visit.  Every time I'm in Sonoma, I seem to always gravitate to Healdsburg's downtown square to pick up gifts for family and friends.

There are several tasting options in the Visitor Center depending on your time and budget.  The J Signature Bar, open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm, allows folks to sample the winery's award-winning Russian River Valley wines -- it's a good deal at $10/person.  If you're looking for a nibble, try J Terrace.  Open May through October, J Terrace offers a wine and cheese pairing for $30/person, or a oyster and sparkling wine pairing for $25/person.  J Terrace is open (weather permitting) Friday through Monday from 11am to 4pm.  No reservations are taken.

For a more grand experience consider the Bubble Room or J Essence Tasting.  The Bubble Room is a "tasting salon" where Executive Chef Mark Caldwell pairs his seasonal, 4-course menus with a variety of small production and vintage wines only available at The Bubble Room.  The pairings, which are $55/person, come in 3 styles: Pinot Noir, White (Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier), and Indulgence (all sparkling wine).  The Bubble Room is open Thursday through Monday from 11am to 4pm.  Reservations are strongly recommended.  If you want to go straight over the top, check out the J Essence Tasting where a group of 8 is pampered (at $200/person) with a 7-course wine and food pairing, along with a vineyard tour and wine education seminar.  Reservations are definitely required -- call the winery for more information.

Next stop: Tasting at Frank Family Vineyards (1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, Napa; 800-574-9463)

FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS SLIDE SHOW

Scott's Picks: Napa Valley Chardonnay, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Rutherford Sangiovese, Zinfandel Port
I've been recommending Frank Family Vineyards (especially their Chardonnay and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon) for several years, so it was a real treat to finally visit the winery (which is on site of the historic Larkmead Winery) and meet a few of the folks who make it all happen.

The down-scale tasting room is a far cry from the fancier affairs found in Napa (so know that going in), but a beautiful new tasting room (under construction during my visit) is almost complete.  That said, don't let that keep you from visiting.  Tasting Room Manager Dennis Zablosky has never met a stranger and sets the tone for pleasant experience -- even if you're a novice.  Here's the best part -- the tastings are free (a rarity in Napa).  If you're lucky, you might even catch owner Richard Frank holding court around one of his pristine vintage cars.


Last stop: A good night's rest at Auberge du Soleil (180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, Napa; 800-348-5406)

AUBERGE DU SOLEIL SLIDE SHOW

When you stay at Auberge du Soleil you're definitely doing Napa in style.  I only wish my wife could have been with me to enjoy the romantic surroundings.  The pool and accompanying outdoor living room creates quite a relaxing setting.  Not to be missed for at least one sunset/dusk glass of Champagne.

If you stay elsewhere in town, consider supper on the restaurant's terrace or at least a glass of wine in the bar.  I'm telling you, the views are spectacular (especially when you're with that someone special).

Milbrandt Vineyards: A Tasty Surprise

It's no secret that I love wines from Washington -- I recommend them often in the pages of Southern Living.  Generally speaking, I think it's tough to match the state's consistent quality and value.
A few days ago, I had the opportunity to try Milbrandt Vineyard's 05 Legacy Syrah and 05 Legacy Merlot -- both are terrific wines.

I've sampled a some outstanding wines from Washington over the years, but Milbrandt was new to me.  What a wonderful surprise.  First, the Merlot.  From the get-go I was taken by the wine's balance.  Food pairings -- everything from a hearty grilled steak to smoked baby back ribs -- rocketed through my brain. Hints of ripe fruits such as blackberries and cherries coupled with a pleasant smokiness are capped off by a lengthy finish, so you can truly savor every sip.

Syrah is one of my favorite grapes, so I was really looking forward to this one...and this powerhouse didn't disappoint.  This is a rich, full-bodied red to be sure, but the wine's structure and elegance are unmistakable.  Before I even had my first sip, robust aromas of tobacco, espresso beans, and dark berries had me thinking about braised short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes.  (I suddenly got very nostalgic for a fireplace and cool, fall weather).  As with the Merlot, the Syrah has the kind of lingering finish that signals high quality and keeps you smiling.

Both wines retail for about $25 and are worth every dollar.

Have a new discovery you'd like to share?  I'd love to hear about it, so shoot me an email.

Cooking with my buddy Timmy

I've been blessed with many extraordinary food opportunities and adventures in my life, but few compare to a meal I recently shared with shrimper (and all-round super dude) Timmy Cheramie.

Hog Heaven

I’ve often said that barbecue is a lot like the martial arts – there’s enormous camaraderie around the subject in general, but everyone feels like they’re practicing the perfect form.  Honestly, the next time you get into a heated discussion about ‘cue think back to the great kung fu movies of the 70s where the typical set-up was two shaolin masters squaring off, one usually insisting the other’s monkey style was no match for his crane style.  Insert “ribs” and “pulled pork” or “wet” and “dry” in place of the kung fu styles and have a good laugh rather than coming to blows.

The New Napa?

Last week, iVillage’s “Supermarket Guru,” Phil Lempert, said on national TV (the Today Show, to be exact, as well as his website), that North Carolina is the new Napa.  That’s one bold statement.  To be fair, I think what Mr. Lempert was trying to say is that some areas of the state, the Yadkin Valley in particular, have the necessary attributes (i.e. climate and soil) to produce notable wines (perhaps, someday, even those considered to be world-class) and he feels like wines from the Tar Hill State “will be hot this year.”  I think that’s a more down-to-Earth assessment. 

Otis, my man!

So I was in Durham, NC the other day scouting locations for an upcoming story on Amy Tonrquist, the super-talented chef/owner of Watts Grocery (a hip new restaurant near Duke's east campus).  I left Birmingham on a 6am flight (which meant rollin’ outta the rack shortly after 4am) with little more than a granola bar and flavored water in my tummy.  By lunchtime I was ready to chow down.

My tour guides, Zavi and Babs, whisked me away to Parker and Otis, a gourmet grocery store, restaurant, wine store, and all round cool place to hang and be seen.  I don’t know who Parker is, but Otis is a regal looking pug who shows up in photos throughout the store.  Located in a jazzed up downtown warehouse, Parker and Otis has only been open a few months, but appears to already have quite a following.  I reckon if I lived in Durham, I’d spend a lot of time here too.