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"A Moveable Feast" with Napa's Truchard Family!

Cheers!

We're back from California and a journey packed with many memorable vinous experiences!

While there's many new discoveries and things I look forward to sharing with you, I'd first like to tell you about an amazing evening spent among the vineyards in Carneros with one of Napa's pioneering wine families. Our friends Monty & Sara Preiser kindly invited us to "A Moveable Feast" at Truchard Vineyards. The evening was part of an auction package they'd purchased at the 2012 Boca Bacchanal, an event Steve and I chaired. We were honored and delighted that they included us.

While looking forward to the evening, we really had no idea of the adventure in store for us! This actually turned out to be the first time the Truchards had done this particular format of dinner, which made it that much more special.

Upon arriving at Truchard Vineyards we were greeted with a lovely reception featuring sparkling wine from Domaine Carneros and delicious passed hors d'oeuvres. Our resident hosts were Dr. Tony and Jo Ann Truchard, patriarch and matriarch of this wonderful family which has played a significant part of Carneros history since the 1970's. Also representing the Truchard family was son Anthony and his lovely wife Suzanne. The Preiser's son Justin and daughter-in-law Stacy were also in attendance and celebrating Stacy's birthday which further contributed to the festive feel of the evening. It was a cool, clear beautiful night and the setting was charming, enhanced not only by the Truchard family pet cats but also their adorable pet goat Rocky. Soon after making everyone's acquaintance and sipping and savoring the welcoming offerings, Anthony Truchard revealed the master plan for the evening. Before long we were being whisked up winding vineyard roads in a convoy of SUV's to our first "course" - it was a "Moveable Feast" after all!

Dr. Tony & Jo Ann Truchard

Steve and I were very fortunate to ride with Jo Ann Truchard behind the wheel, and with the golden, wine country sun making its descent on the horizon, we got to hear firsthand how the Truchards, Texans prior to moving to California, happened into the wine business. "I slipped on a grape at the grocery store and broke my leg when I was nine months pregnant with my second child!" Jo Anne said. "Tony [an Army physician] was supposed to ship out to Korea but he couldn't leave after that. I gave birth a few days later with a full cast on my leg." Instead of going to Korea, they ended up stationed in Herlong, California and eventually purchased their first 21-acre plot of land in Carneros. Soon after they realized growing grapes was going to be much more than just a weekend project! Since then, Truchard Vineyards has grown to 400 contiguous acres and is one of Napa's most diverse estates growing 10 different grape varieties. The family keeps only 20% of their fruit to make their estate wines, and sells the other 80% to 20 of Napa's most well-respected producers. Listening to Jo Ann talk about her family's history in this very special part of the world was certainly a treat for us as her passion was clearly evident.

Scallop & Spot Prawn Salad with Vanilla Essence

Soon the convoy was parking and we were delighted to hear our first stop was among the Roussanne vines. Roussanne is a white grape variety primarily grown in France's Rhone Valley yet does remarkably well on the Truchard land as well. As we disembarked we could see a clearing in the vineyard set with lovely high top tables. The view of the rolling hills in the distance, the Roussanne grapes hanging on the vine, and the sun in the distance was truly breathtaking. The "Roussanne Vineyard Course" featured a delicious Scallop and Spot Prawn Salad with Vanilla Citrus Essence which paired beautifully with the 2010 Truchard Vineyards Roussanne. It was a magnificent start to our feast!

Anthony Truchard

Our next stop took us through even more scenic, winding roads to a clearing in the vines overlooking more beautiful vineyards and Boot Lake, so named for its shape. As we emerged from the trucks, we were guided to a beautiful table decorated with assorted squash and gourds from the Truchard's garden. While enjoying the fabulous company and a picture-perfect Carneros sunset we enjoyed two more delicious courses. "Pork and Pinot" featured Pork Three Ways served with Rancho Gordo White Beans and Salsa Verde that paired beautifully with the 2009 Truchard Vineyards Pinot Noir in addition to some other special bottles the Truchards had brought. This dish was also accompanied by freshly baked bread served with the Truchard Vineyards Extra Virgin Olive Oil made from olives grown on their property as well (Martha Stewart has nothing on the Truchards!). Next was the "Lamb and Cabernet Sauvignon" course featuring perfectly charred, juicy Dixon Spring Lamb Chops with Caramelized Garden Beets, Black Olive Sauce and Blood Orange Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This dish made my husband Steve particularly happy and the lamb paired famously with the 2008 Truchard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. I have to mention the amazing food for the evening was prepared in sight by the fabulous folks at Smoke Open Fire -  truly extraordinary!

Once the sun had set and the crescent moon made its appearance in the sky it was time to head back to the estate. Our evening wasn't over yet though - far from it in fact! Back at the estate we were guided into the impressive Truchard wine caves where another beautiful table awaited with our dessert course. A selection of delicious Northern California Cheeses, fabulous handmade cookies, and decadent chocolate strawberries were served with the 2007 Truchard Vineyards Roussanne Botrytis and French Press Coffee. Needless to say all in attendance were sufficiently satiated and awed not only by the wonderful and unique experience but also by the charm and graciousness of the Truchard family. I also have to give a special mention to Linda Carr who has been with the Truchards since 1998. Linda played an intrinsic role in the planning and execution of our evening and I just had to sincerely applaud her efforts.

Monty & Sara Preiser

Following dessert the Truchards fired up the traditional Texas fire pit and invited the Preisers to make some selections from the family's wine library. As we enjoyed the warmth of the fire and lovely aromatics of the burning Eucalyptus wood we enjoyed some more very special wines that had, like this amazing family, thrived with the passing of time.

A big thank you to Monty and Sara Preiser for including us in such a special evening and to the Truchard family for their gracious hospitality!

Cheers,

Fast & Fabulous: Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry!

In the constant quest for healthy, weeknight meals that require a minimal amount of time and effort, here's another Fast & Fabulous recipe I'd like to share with you! 

This Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry was inspired by some of my favorite Asian flavors including spicy red curry; rich, creamy coconut milk; and freshly grated ginger. The shiitake mushrooms, chopped peanuts and dark meat chicken also add delicious texture to the dish that really keeps you coming back for more (Steve will happily vouch for that).

If you're in the mood for wine (c'mon, you know you are), a white wine with a hint of sweetness like Pinot Gris or Riesling will work nicely to complement the flavors as well as keep the heat in check. If you're in the mood for red, however, give a light, fruity Beaujolais a try. 

I hope you enjoy this dish and for other recipes in the Fast & Fabulous series, please go to the top, left-hand side of this page and enter "Fast and Fabulous" in the search box. Then simply select from the delicious results and enjoy!

Cheers,

Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry

Serves 2-4

3 Tbs. peanut oil

1 carrot peeled and thinly sliced

8 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into bite size pieces

2 Tbs. plus 1/4 cup chicken stock

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbs. peeled and grated fresh ginger

2 Fresno chiles, sliced

2 Tbs. prepared red curry paste

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1/2 cup coconut milk

8-10 shiitake mushrooms sliced

2 scallions sliced, green and white parts separated

1 Tbsp. fish sauce
Salt and pepper

1/4 cup cilantro, for garnish

1/2 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish 

Directions:

Heat 1 Tbsp. peanut oil in skillet over high heat. When oil starts to smoke, add green beans and carrots and stir fry for 1 minute. Add 2 Tbsp. chicken stock to facilitate cooking and stir fry for another minute. Transfer to plate and set aside.

Wipe out the pan and return to heat. Add the remaining 2 Tbs. peanut oil and heat over med-hi heat. Add the garlic, ginger and half the chiles and stir fry for about a minute. Add the red curry paste and stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken and stir fry until chicken is browned, 3-4 minutes. Add the coconut milk and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup chicken stock, shiitake mushrooms, light parts of the scallion, and fish sauce and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 1-2 minutes more. Add the green beans and carrots back to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with the chopped cilantro, green parts of the scallion, remaining chiles and chopped peanuts. Serve over white or brown rice.

From Bordeaux to Christie's: an Interview with Wine Industry Pro Robin Kelley O'Connor - Part 1!

Robin Kelley O'Connor & Me

“How do you get into the wine industry?”

Many people including myself have asked this question at some point and I think it's fair to say, there's definitely more than one way to skin a cat. During a recent trip to New York City, I reached out to some noteworthy individuals in the wine industry who agreed to share their experiences and shed some light on the subject.

At the top of my list was Robin Kelley O’Connor, a man who has left few facets of the wine world unexplored. Not many individuals have gotten their start in the wine industry working for Steven Spurrier at Caves de la Madeleine in Paris, learning winemaking under the tutelage of Christian Moueix in Bordeaux, and collaborating on wine education programs around the globe with Kevin Zraly - and that’s just scratching the surface! With professional incarnations including twenty years with the Bordeaux Wine Bureau, two years at Sherry-Lehmann, and a recent appointment as Head of Wine, Americas at Christie’s Auction House, I thought O’Connor would definitely be able to provide some insight into the fascinating world of wine.

On a rainy December evening in Manhattan we had the chance to sit down at Oceana Restaurant at Rockefeller Center:

How did you first become interested in wine?

I didn’t come from a wine family but when I was at University [of Maryland] I took a wine appreciation course and, at that time, we were drinking Grand Cru Burgundy, First, Second, Third Growth Bordeaux de rigueur, that was just normal, what that professor would serve. He grew up partially in France and his family brought back hordes of wine and he shared it with us in this wine class. This is when these wines were all affordable and I was nineteen years old and I thought ‘Oh my God, this is an elixir! I have no idea what I’m drinking, but I love it,’ and a light bulb went off.

What was your first job in the wine industry and how did that come about?

I was studying Political Science and History and when I left University I went to Europe on a two-month Eurail pass with a two-month [plane ticket]. Well, my Eurail pass terminated, I ran out of money and my flight expired…and I was stuck in Paris and ended up working at Caves de la Madeleine for one of the great wine writers in the world named Steven Spurrier. He gave me a stockist job at Caves de la Madeleine…and he had a wine school, I didn’t get paid but I took wine courses at night. I eventually ended up in London taking classes at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and I happened to work for John Armit, the managing director of Corney & Barrow, one of London’s oldest wine merchants. I told John I’d love to work a harvest and he sent me to Bordeaux to work for the Moueix family. I ended up spending two years at [Chateau] Pétrus. After the first year at Pétrus I went to Champagne and spent a year at the House of Krug working and studying the art of Champagne making with the brothers Henri and Rémi Krug. The following year I returned to Bordeaux at Pétrus for another harvest. Following the Bordeaux/Champagne winemaking experience, I spent a year in Navarra in Northern Spain and Roussillon area in Southern France and I actually did a harvest in Switzerland in Vevey on Lake Geneva.

How did you find your way back to the States? 

I came back here because I got involved in a crazy sport called ‘Running of the Bulls’ in Spain. I got badly gored and almost lost my life and spent two months in the hospital in Pamplona in Northern Spain. At the same time my father was very sick, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer which I didn’t know and I came back to the States because I got word that my father was literally on his death bed. I was recovering from a life-threatening injury so I went back to Baltimore, where I grew up, and got medical attention. When I came back I decided I’d go to New York and find my way into the import/export business but I decided not to be a winemaker. I knew after five years of studying winemaking I didn’t want to be a winemaker; I wanted to deal with the finished product.

How did you make the transition to becoming a wine educator?

It came very naturally I think, I was very lucky. I believe I was the second American to pass the Diploma course at the WSET and I did that in London….after that there was this long spell before the diploma and all the ancillary WSET classes came to the US so when I got into New York and involved in the wine business, I joined the Society of Wine Educators (SWE). Simultaneously, that year I’d started working for Bordeaux [Bordeaux Wine Bureau] and I was the trade liaison/spokesperson for the Bordeaux region in the Americas for twenty years. My very first year a gentleman named Peter Sichel who owned Château Fourcas-Hosten in Bordeaux that’s now owned by the family that owns Hermès, said, “you must come to Portland, Oregon and do a Bordeaux seminar with me,” so I did! That was in 1990 so I’ve been a member ever since and I was on the board for many, many years and President of the SWE for four years.

How important are credentials in the wine industry? Is it more important now than in the past?

Credentialing I think is exceedingly important. Curiously enough I had the diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) for at least 10-12 years and it meant nothing in the US at all and now it’s very prestigious. I think it all gives validity; I think it’s very, very important. There really aren’t that many of us in this business so I really believe in credentials, I think it’s important. If someone’s serious they should have some sort of credential, I’m not one to say what they should have because there are many different opportunities but it really is important for an individual to grow professionally in the wine world, so to speak.

Who would you say had the biggest influence on your career as a mentor and how did they help you develop in your career?

There’s no question that Christian Moueix from Bordeaux has had the greatest single influence on preparing my life in the world of wine. I certainly would like to start with John Armit of Corney & Barrow because he gave me the opportunity and arranged for me to work for Christian Moueix. I would certainly like to thank Steven Spurrier for that wonderful August in Paris when my finances on a student budget wouldn’t allow me to purchase a new plane ticket and fly back home to the United States. But guess what, it was the best summer of my life! If you’re going to be stuck somewhere, Paris is not a bad place to be stuck at twenty-three or twenty-four years old.

Another mentor was the gentleman who was Christian Moueix’ winemaker at Pétrus and all his ancillary properties including Dominus in Napa Valley, his name is Jean-Claude Berrouet. He was the head enologist for the Moueix family and at the time I was there, they either owned outright or had the winemaking rights for fifteen Chateaux in Pomerol, St. Emilion, and Fronsac. Jean-Claude was the one I worked with every single day – he’s my hero as Christian Moueix is my hero.

What did Christian Moueix’s influence mean to you?

Christian took me under his wing, I am so indebted to the man as a mentor and in numerical terms I can never repay him but what I think I’ve been able to do in a way of a gesture is to pass it on and pass on the knowledge. This is why I’m so happily involved in volunteering my time for mentorship and endlessly giving time in lecturing around the world…and in organizations like the Society of Wine Educators and Sommelier groups. I also have had the privilege to teach at Cornell University School of Hospitality Management. I’ve been a guest lecturer at Cornell for 20-some years and the Culinary Institute of America, lovingly known in the world of food and wine as the real CIA in Hyde Park, NY and Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Hospitality Management…so every time I do something like that I think, Christian, this is for you, because how can I ever repay you but this is my way of giving back and he knows that. He’s delighted that he knows that his mentorship means something because again, the way I’ve been able to live my adult life to this point is to pass on that knowledge and do it happily…it’s been very, very gratifying.

What types of people have you mentored?

I’ve mentored a lot of different people, those students right out of college and culinary schools. I’ve mentored those that have literally given up Law, Wall Street and other professions to get them involved in their passion, so whenever I can do that it’s certainly a great, great pleasure.

Stay tuned for 'Part 2' of my three-part interview with Robin Kelley O'Connor wherein he discusses his most meaningful career accomplishments; his collaborations with Kevin Zraly and Clive Coates, MW; and gives valuable advice to aspiring wine educators.

Cheers,

New Year, New You - Healthy Ingredient #3: Kale!

How I used to think of green vegetables!

I have to be honest...

If you had told me a few weeks ago it was possible for me to like kale, I would have laughed at you. Chortled might actually be a more accurate word, because due to a serious aversion to green foods that dates back to childhood, I have never gone near the stuff. In the spirit of exploring more healthy ingredients however, I was feeling up to the challenge. I also recently came across a basic recipe for Kale Chips that sounded easy to make and potentially tasty so I decided to give it a try. I mean, this time of year, who isn't looking for an easily accessible, healthy snack to stave off those dastardly post-holiday cravings?

Curly Kale

Why kale you might ask? This member of the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea) has been getting some attention lately in culinary circles and for good reason. In addition to having a very distinct flavor, kale is chock full of nutrients including beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein and calcium. Like broccoli, it also contains the chemical sulforaphane which has very potent anti-cancer properties. In order to preserve these desirable nutrients, it's best to prepare kale by steaming, stir-frying or baking; boiling can cause a decrease in the concentration of these chemicals.

Kale has a variety of culinary applications in many countries around the world. In Ireland, it is mixed with potatoes to make the traditional dish colcannon. Kale is also popular in China, Taiwan and Vietnam where it is often combined with beef in a stir-fry and in Portugal, it is often combined with pureed potatoes, broth and spicy sausage to make the traditional soup, caldo verde. Other countries that also have a traditional dish that utilizes kale are the Netherlands, Brazil, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Africa. This green which dates back to the 4th century BC, has certainly made an international impression!

I hope you enjoy this quick, easy and delicious recipe for kale chips. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to suit your taste. If you have leftovers, the chips can easily be stored for a few days in a Ziploc baggie or airtight container. Following my previous recommendations of quinoa and lentils, this post concludes the series of three healthy ingredient suggestions for the New Year here on the Glamorous Gourmet. I hope you've enjoyed learning about these healthy options!

Coming up next are my interviews with two esteemed figures in the wine world, Christie's Head of Wine for the Americas, Robin Kelley O'Connor and Executive Editor of Wine Spectator magazine, Thomas Matthews. They were kind enough to sit down with me during a recent trip to New York and share details about their respective journeys and successes in the wine industry. Please stay tuned for their interesting stories, I look forward to sharing them with you.  

Cheers,

Baked Tuscan Kale Chips 
Ingredients:
2 heads of kale leaves, stems removed
Olive Oil
Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Tear kale leaves into "chip"-size pieces and place on baking sheet. Drizzle the leaves with olive oil and season with Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Toss kale with seasonings and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Bake kale chips for 15 minutes and remove from oven. Sprinkle chips with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to taste and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and chips are sufficiently crispy.

"Just for the Grill of It: Wines that Pair with your Favorite Grilled Fare!"

I am happy to report, last night we kicked off the first event of our Second Annual "Art of Wine & Food" Summer Series at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale! Entitled "Just for the Grill of It," the evening featured wines that are perfect for pairing with Summer's mouth-watering grilled fare. The wines were complemented by delicious dishes created by the talented Chef Chris Golas of Hugh's Culinary.

When selecting the wines and envisioning my backyard full of friends and family for a day of poolside grilling, three criteria came to mind: (1) the wines had to be approachable and appeal to a variety of palates; (2) they had to be food-friendly and capable of standing up to the variety of fabulous flavors and (3) affordability - why pop the cork on that $50+ bottle of California Cab in blazing 95 degree heat and risk Uncle Bobby pouring half the bottle into his bright yellow Solo cup that still has a half inch of beer in it? Sometimes it's wise to not only pair the wine with the food but also the occasion - just sayin'!

The pairings for the evening included:
Wild Rock Elevation Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2009

This blend of 93% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Riesling and 3% Viognier is pale, lemon yellow in color with a tinge of green. Aromas of fresh lime, grapefruit and white flowers are followed by flavors of lime, nectarine, grapefruit, and green apple. This wine has a bright, citrus acidity and finishes crisp, clean and dry. It is perfect for pairing with grilled fish, seafood and lighter meat dishes. Price: $16/bottle

Food Pairing: Grilled Mahi with Lemon Shallot Beurre Blanc

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel, California 2009

This Zin has a lovely smoky purple color and aromas of ripe blackberry, plum and chocolate. On the palate, mouth-filling flavors of black cherry, blackberry and spice are accompanied by appreciable tannins and a noticeable “heat” from the alcohol which clocks in at 15%. Enjoy this wine paired with grilled meats, pork, blue cheese burgers and barbecued meats.

linkPrice: $18/bottle

Food Pairing: Grilled Peaches with Honey Balsamic Glaze over Pork Medallions topped with Crumbled Blue Cheese

Robert Oatley Shiraz, Mudgee, Australia 2007  
This 100% Shiraz has an opaque ruby color with just a tinge of brick/orange around the rim denoting it age. This wine had aromas of blackberry, leather and spice followed by flavors of blackberry jam, plum and spicy black pepper. This is a juicy, full-bodied red with well-integrated tannins and weighs in at 13.5% alcohol. Enjoy this wine paired with grilled pepper steak, burgers and barbequed dishes.
Price: $20/bottle

Food Pairing: Open Faced Tenderloin Slider with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce   

Please join us next month at the Museum for "The Rosé Lifestyle of St. Tropez with Château D'Esclans" which will be held Thursday, July 28th. We are very excited to have guest speaker Paul Chevalier, National Fine Wine Director for Shaw-Ross International Importers joining us to take us on a sensory tour of these delightful rosés. I look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers,

Wines for the Top 10 Tough-To-Buy-For People on Your Holiday List!

Planning on giving the gift of wine this Holiday Season? Then check out this helpful list from Natalie MacLean, wine expert and e-sommelier of the eponymous wine website www.nataliemaclean.com and author of the informative and extremely entertaining "Red, White and Drunk all Over: A Wine Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass," one of my favorite wine reads of all time! 

 Natalie’s Top Ten Gift Wines for Your ...
1. Hairdresser: For the person who combines humor and optimism every time she styles your mop. Go for a light, gulpable wine like a dry rosé. It’s versatile and fuss-free—a great quaff for your coif.
2. Psychiatrist: Of course, he’ll analyze whatever you give him so choose a wine that’s all about balance. Easy-drinking pinot noir is medium-bodied yet packed with flavor. Surprise him with a large-format bottle, like a magnum. Big thinking means big progress for you. This wine also works for psychologists, marriage counselors and bartenders.
3. The Boss: Pick too pricey a wine and your boss will think your last raise was too much; go cheap, and she’ll think you lack judgement. Focus on a label with a lot of white space since that makes the bottle look more expensive. A castle in the distance also works, but avoid fluffy animals.
4. Personal Trainer: Think a muscular, robust red would work? Hold that position. Instead, try riesling: this light white wine pairs well with a health-nut diet of salad and seafood, plus it’s low in alcohol. You can also give it to Pilates instructors, yoga masters and Tai Chi coaches.
5. Financial Planner: You and he both know it’s going to take decades before your portfolio recovers after the crash of 2008. With that long-term view, vintage port makes the perfect gift. This fortified wine from northern Portugal, with its long aging potential, will be around for both of you into your retirements.
6. Travel Agent: She’s been everywhere and seen everything, so go local with your choice of wine. Even better, if you live close to the winery, get the bottle signed by the winemaker.
7. Teacher: If you can’t find a suitably obscure wine with a Latin name, there’s always cream sherry. It’s the tipple of Oxford dons, not to mention the centerpiece of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story The Case of the Amontillado.
 8. Mail Deliverer: Go for a winery that’s consistent year after year in producing a wine that can be enjoyed in snow, rain, sleet or hail. Try an Australian shiraz or Argentine malbec.
9. Mechanic: Yes, there’s a wine called Red Truck, but try to be more imaginative. Why not give a wine made by Mario Andretti in California or Ferrari in Italy?
10. Online Date: So you’re on your second or third rendezvous with the person you met on eHarmony or Dating.com. If you’re not sure yet whether marriage is a possibility, try something middle-of-the-road, like merlot. Yes, it’s the soft jazz of wine, but until you know, play it safe.

And after all that shopping, don’t forget yourself: even Santa’s little helpers need more than milk and cookies. Try something with high-alcohol like Italian Amarone or Rhone syrah: these big reds easily drown out tone-deaf caroling and pair beautifully with tired feet.

Great advice, Natalie, thanks so much for sharing - Cheers!