it is just grapejuice

Kevin-I hope this works.

” My family spent part of the day in Gypsum thinning out beds, planting nasturtiums, and pulling various vegetables (Henry was not very productive as he played with his trucks in the dirt, but the girls’ were great helpers).  It has been a weird first part of the summer with all the late snow, recent late frost, and heavy winds: this has taken a toll on the garden.  But thanks to the greenhouse the tomato plants already have fruit in them, and many of the other vegetables have a great start.  This week represents the last of the spring greens (baby romaine, baby bibb, & red oak).  There will be a bit of a lull then we will see baby heirloom beets of three colors, wild rocket greens, celery, pea tendrils, chives & chive blossoms and lots of other stuff.  The garden is starting to look great and there is plenty of water running through the property for proper irrigation.  There is only one nasturtium blossom so far, but it will not be long before they may show up on a dessert or a savory manner in a compound butter.  Who knows?”

 Talk to you later

mike r

Thanks, Josh. 

What two varities of grapes were crossed to make Scheurebe?

Answer:  Riesling and Sylvaner.  Scheurebe is a light, lively, high acid white that is grown predominantly in Germany.

What is the grape in a Cahors?

 Answer:  Malbec

In this week’s issue of the Vail Trail you’ll find a nice little write up on the Vignalta Pinot Bianco by Jarrett Osborne of Riverwalk (see link below).  For those of you at the recent Vignalta dinner at Ludwig’s you’ll recall how delightful this white wine is and it is wonderful to see it getting much-deserved praise in the valley. http://www.vailtrail.com/article/20080618/VALLEYLIFE12/736435572T

Which grand cru’s of Champagne lay within the Vallee de la Marne?

Answer:  Ay Champagne, and Tours-sur-Marne

What are the wines of Velletri DOC?

The white wines are made from Malvasia and Trebbiano and may be dry, amabile, and dolce and still or spumante.  The red wines are made from Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Cesanese and may be dry or amabile.  Bottles that are labeled riserva are higher in alcohol and have been aged for two years.  The DOC is located northeast of Rome in the Latium region.

“I can certainly see that you know your wine.   Most of the guests who stay here wouldn’t know the difference between Bordeaux and Claret.”John Cleese (Basil Fawlty)Fawlty Towers

“Hi Kevin! How have you been? I thought I would email you with a “heads up”, as I am hosting a family reunion in Vail this July 2-6, with a “gala” dinner for 50+ planned at Larkspur for July 4. Will you be there? If so, we should communicate about the wine! If not, we’ll miss you and look forward to seeing you later in the year. By the way, I just completed a 5 day tour of the northern and southern Rhone Valley (I discussed this trip with you on my last visit), sampling wonderful cuisine, wine and cheese! WOW! I look forward to hearing from you.”

“Thanks for thinking about us and having your event at (L).  It will be great.  I will be there on the 4th.  Let me know what you are looking for as far as wine goes; and also anything else for that matter.

I am a bit jealous of your Rhone trip.  At the very last moment Cathy and I pulled the plug and went to NYC instead. It was fun but not France fun. Look forward to hearing about your trip. If your not too nuts with family

and what not- let’s try and grab a cup of coffee.

Have a good night-

Kf.

Ps- Was up in Aspen for Food and Wine last weekend.  It was pretty crazy-wine of the weekend was an 04 Comtes Lafon Clos de la Barre.  What have you been drinking lately?”

“I’m so glad you will be in town for our visit, and hopefully there will be a few not so crazy minutes to have that cup of coffee! Regarding wines of late, I enjoyed my week’s immersion in the Rhone, and very much enjoyed the youthful Condrieu whites, as well as, upon returning home, the 20 year old Guigal “La La’s”. Overall, however, my preference still lies firmly with Bordeaux, especially Pauillac. I’ve recently had an ‘82 Grand Puy Lacoste and an ‘82 Duhart Milon that were spectacular, as well as a ‘78 Leoville las Cases, a ‘90 Figeac, and an ‘89 Pichon Baron. In any case, we need to discuss the wines for the 4th. My extended family has few wine drinkers, but they can learn! How about a few inexpensive “summer” whites (sauvignon blanc, white burgundy, Piemonte chardonnays, burgundian style Napa (eg., Montelena)? As for reds, let’s try to keep it economical, with prices under $100 per bottle.” 

What is Malagousia?

A Greek white grape variety that is thought to be related to Malvasia, with similar full-bodied, perfumey characteristics.