Wine of the Month
Gruet Winery recently released two new sparkling wines, which is always cause for celebration in New Mexico. I'm awarding this WOM to both because they are well-crafted and individually unique. These wines are currently available at the Gruet tasting room at 8400 Pan American Freeway N.E., Albuquerque, which is where I sampled them. Regina Wilson, the tasting room manager, provided good background information on each sparkler. She believes the Gruet NV Sauvage, a Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine, will appeal more to the connoisseur than the novice.
I agree, its bone dry finish and refined mousse is more reminiscent of expensive champagne. In fact I had it with caviar, which made for a perfect pairing. Try this out yourself. Get 2 or 3 Belgium endives and separate the leaves. On each leaf put slightly softened cream cheese or Neufchatel (less fat) and sprinkle caviar on each. The red and black lumpfish roe are tasty and inexpensive caviar substitutes. However, if you try this with Beluga caviar make sure you invite me.
The Gruet NV Blanc de Blanc Extra Dry Sparkling wine will appeal to just about everyone. The nose is big for a sparkler and entices with peach puree, marzipan and margarita lime. I really get the lime on this one, and with the frothy mousse I originally thought of lemon meringue pie, but now realize it was lime meringue pie or key lime pie. I have not actually paired this with any of the pies above, but I'll bet it would be intense. One or both of these wines may be available at Frontier Mart (898-0311) in Corrales by the time you read this, but call ahead to be sure. |
 A New Time Each Tuesday at 5:30
Bold Food, Bold Wines:
Audio Blog
Bold Foods and Bold Wines. Jane Butel discusses food and dinner menus while I pair wines with each course she covers. Jane includes food tips on preparation and economical ideas for keeping costs down, while I cover wine care and handling tips, wine bargains and wines that deliver without busting anyone's budget. We encourage you to call-in and ask questions on food and wine. Look for new episodes each Tuesday at 5:30 mountain time.
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The Southwestern Wine Blog
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June is a great time to visit local wineries. Be sure and check out my blog and my website for more ways for you to enjoy wine more fully.
Sincerely
Your Southwestern Wine Guy
Jim Hammond
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Around New Mexico with the
Southwestern Wine Guy
Jim has expanded his venues and is now the Wine Expert for Albuquerque Examiner.com  . Jim is writing articles two to three times a week. Click Here for the latest wine news.
Jim once again participated in the wine judging for the State Fair Wine competition. The wine judging is sponsored by the New Mexico Vine & Wine Society, vineandwine.org. The judging was held at the Sandia Courtyard Conference Center on Saturday, June 19. This is a blind wine tasting, with flights of up to 6 wines brought to each table for approximately 5 judges. Only the type of grape, if applicable, is known to the judges. After all the wines have been judged, "best of category" and "best of show" wines are chosen. The results appear on the V & E website, and medaled wine bottles are displayed at the fairgrounds during the fair. Last week Jim gave a presentation and wine tasting of New Mexico wines for Exploritas (previously, Elderhostel) in Santa Fe. See him August 7-8 at the Corrals Quilt and Wine Fair. For more information see www.quiltwinecorrales.com. Jim is often in demand as a professional speaker and wine expert due to his knowledge and his style. His wine selections ensure a memorable event and he delights his listeners when he describes his experiences and insights on a wide range of topics and wine regions. If your organization is interested in learning more about wine and how to talk about wine like an expert, please contact us at 505-899-8578 or email. |
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Jim Hammond has been exploring wines in North America, Europe and Australia for more than 20 years. A published author, he includes information about wine
in every book. |
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"Wines of Enchantment" | |
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Wines of Enchantment
ISBN # 0-9709878-0-3
$7.95
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A Unique Party Idea
Spend an entire evening with Jim, the Wine Maestro, and learn fun facts, such as the difference between a Bordeaux and a Burgundy, or what the riutal of tilting, swirling and sniffing a wine befoe taking the first sip is all about.
You and your guests will delight in Jim's light humorous and information-packed style when you include a Wine Maestro presentation in your
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