Winesday with Gary Vee: 2009 Cazin Cour-Cheverny Cuvée Renaissance

This Winesday, Gary has chosen an interesting white to share with The Glamorous Gourmet readers. The 2009 Cazin Cour-Cheverny Cuvée Renaissance hails from the somewhat obscure Cour-Cheverny appellation in France's Loire Valley. This young appellation, established in 1993, produces only white wine made from the Romorantin grape that has grown in the Loire Valley since the sixteenth century. Here's what he has to say about this wine and why it is this week's selection:

"Anyone who has watched my wine shows over the last 5+ years know that I'm constantly pushing people to try new and different wines. This wine may transcend that mission better than any other. Romorantin is an ancient varietal dating back to the 15th century, and François Cazin is "the man" in Cour-Cheverny. I'd tasted the 2008 Cazin Cour-Cheverny on episode 19 from Tangled Vine Wine Bar & Kitchen and fell in love (http://dailygrape.com/videos/15-french-whites-from-a-hot-new-york-city-wine-bar). Following that tasting just a couple months back, this 2009 Cuvee Renaissance reaffirms what makes Cazin so darn special. Off-dry with just a touch of sweetness and great minerality, this is nerdy wine to say the least. You won't find it at just any local wine shop, but I'd strongly urge you to add this to your wish list, hunt it down, and enjoy with any lighter summertime fare like oysters and delicate fish dishes."

Gary's tasting note: Heavy minerality on the nose. Little hints of mustard, pine cone, and forest floor. Nice hint of residual sugar, but not too much. Very vibrant and clean. The kind of wine I like to drink with summer time food on the porch by the pool in the Hamptons. A nice summer time into fall white wine.

2009 Cazin Cour-Cheverny Cuvée Renaissance 

100% Romorantin

90- Points

$16 MSRP

Still Savoring: "Frozen Lemon Mousse" - the Perfect Summer Dessert!

With the weather heating up I can't help but think of one of my all time favorite recipes from "Savor the Moment," Frozen Lemon Mousse. This creamy, citrusy dessert is so light and refreshing it just screams Summer. Much to my surprise, I realized that I've never posted the recipe for this gem before, so voilà, my gift to you!

The recipe is a little labor intensive but, it you are a lemon fan, I think you will find it entirely worth it! Garnished with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint, this dish is so delicious your guests will be lining up for more. It also serves twelve and can keep in the freezer for up to two weeks but, I have to say, it has never lasted that long in my house.

Please let me know what you think and I hope you truly enjoy this recipe as much I as have. What are your favorite Summer desserts?

Bon Appétit,

Frozen Lemon Mousse (pg. 246)
 4 egg yolks
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
4 egg whites
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups whipping cream

Garnish
fresh raspberries or blueberries
sprigs of fresh mint

Combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl and mix well.
Beat the egg whites in a medium mixing bowl until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and salt and beat until soft peaks form. Add 3/4 cup sugar gradually and beat until stiff and glossy. Whip the cream in a bowl until stiff. Fold the egg whites and whipped cream gently into the egg yolk mixture. Spoon into a bowl. Freeze, covered with foil, for 8 hours or longer.
Let the mousse stand in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before serving. Spoon into 12 dessert dishes and garnish with fresh raspberries or blueberries and a spring of mint.
Serves twelve

Winesday with Gary Vee: an Italian Red Perfect for Summer Grilling!

This Winesday, Gary recommends a fabulous Italian gem to pair with your favorite grilled fare this Summer, the 2007 Il Colle Rosso di Montalcino. Gary explains, "In my most recent Daily Grape May Newsletter, I tasted a boat load of Tuscan red wines from the highly acclaimed 2006 and 2007 vintages. When people think Tuscan reds, and Italian red wine in general, they usually think of two food pairing situations - cheap Chianti with Pizza, or super expensive Brunello and Barolo with refined truffle and beef dishes. What they don't realize is that there's lots of room in between! This Rosso di Montalcino is the epitome of a "Baby Brunello," with impressive structure and depth, and a smoky component that works well with grilled foods. What it also has is an attractive price point, which makes it affordable enough to drink with burgers or flank steaks off the grill on a Tuesday."

Gary's Tasting Note: Sour cranberry and raspberry notes, with some smokiness and burnt wood character. Good tannins with dark chocolate that is super rich with nice elegance and power. Reminds me of hockey player Eric Lindros in his prime! Beautiful structure that combines strength with grace. Score: 92+, $23 msrp. 

Gotta love a guy who can work in a hockey reference in a tasting note! Be sure to check out Gary's Daily Grape Newsletter this month and get the low down on the much-hyped 2006 and 2007 vintages from Tuscany. What dishes do you look forward to grilling this Summer? Also, speaking of hockey, who are you rooting for to win the Stanley Cup - the Bruins or the Canucks?


Cheers,