GrapeRadio – Wine Talk Show » 2009

Archive for September, 2009

For the Love of Food and Wine

3 CommentsSeptember 28th, 2009 in Discussion andPodcast

What distinguishes a fine restaurant? Most certainly, it takes an equal amount of desire and talent. But, it also takes an enormous passion for both food and wine – one that translates to the creation of inspired dishes as well as food and wine pairings that marvel the senses and keep customers returning for more.

Motivated by their interest for market-inspired ingredients (Marché Moderne translates as “modern market”) and classic French cooking techniques, Florent and Amelia Marneau have created a charming French bistro in the heart of Orange County, California. The Marneaus seem to relish integrating the urban and the rustic, the simple and the sophisticated, while creating dishes that are at once both modern and traditional. For decades, the couple has worked separately in some of the best kitchens in France and Orange County. Now, with Marché Moderne, they have followed their natural evolution by combining their culinary careers as independent restaurateurs.

Join us as we visit with Chef-owners Florent and Amelia Marneau of Marché Moderne restaurant. We’ll discuss their early influences, some of their kitchen techniques, and the important aspects of running a classic French bistro in Southern California.

To find out more information: Mache Moderne: www.marchemoderne.net

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Show #248
(57:54 min 37MB)

Whole Foods and Wine

11 CommentsSeptember 21st, 2009 in Discussion andPodcast

More and more frequently, consumers are seeking out natural food products. The reasons are numerous – these products may be healthier, or safer, or more nutritious, or a combination thereof. This in turn has spawned a movement in the grocery industry to focus on carrying such items. With retail stores in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., Whole Foods Market has made a niche for itself with its wide array of natural and organic foods and products. So, does a chain who specializes in natural or organic meats, cheeses, and other things, also buy and merchandise a different kind of wine? Well, we know there are more and more vineyards being farmed sustainably or certified as organic. Does this mean there are organic wines as well?

Join us as we talk with Doug Bell a wine buyer for Whole Foods Market. We’ll learn more about the buying process of a global grocer, and find that there’s more to organic products than you might have imagined.

To find out more information: Whole Foods: www.wholefoods.com

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Show #247
(37:54 min 29MB)

Norton Grape – Chrysalis Vineyards

15 CommentsSeptember 14th, 2009 in Discussion andPodcast

Welcome to our video podcast: Norton Grape – (Chrysalis Vineyards) – Video Show #76.

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Many people think of Zinfandel as “America’s Grape”, largely due to the venerable age of its many vineyards. However, it is the Norton grape that arguably should be considered the true native American grape. A non-vinifera variety, Norton has thrived in the mid-Atlantic and Midwestern regions of the country for more than a century and a half, and produces a robust red wine with big fruit flavors that seems to age quite well for many years. In fact, 125 years ago, Norton wines were deemed the “best red wine of all nations” at a worldwide competition in Vienna. Today excellent versions of Norton are being produced in many states east of the Rockies, most notably in Missouri and Virginia.

On our recent trip to visit several Mid-Atlantic wineries, we were fortunate to spend some time with Jenny McCloud, proprietor of Chrysalis Vineyards in Middleburg, Virginia. Join us as we talk with Jenny about the Norton grape’s unique place in American winemaking, and take a little vineyard tour in the process.

Sponsor-Comark, the 24/7 wireless monitor for your wine cellar: http://www.comarkusa.com

In the Lab – Chrysalis Vineyards

4 CommentsSeptember 7th, 2009 in Discussion andPodcast

Welcome to our video podcast: In the Lab -Chrysalis Vineyards – Video Show #75.

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Winemaking – is it art or science? Well, winemakers themselves will be the first to tell you it’s a bit of both. Obviously, artistic decisions come into play throughout the entire process. However, each and every decision has a basis in science.

So, in order to learn a little more about the science part of the equation, we thought we’d get a behind the scenes tour of a winery’s laboratory. Fortunately, during our trip to the Mid-Atlantic States, we had the opportunity to visit Chrysalis Vineyards. Located in Middleburg, Virginia, Chrysalis is rightly known for its efforts with the Norton grape, a non-vinifera native American variety that produces some rather large extracted wines.

Join us as we visit the laboratory at Chrysalis Vineyards with winemaker Mark Bunter, and get a sense of how all the electronics and test tubes combine with artistic decisions to create something special.

Sponsor-Comark, the 24/7 wireless monitor for your wine cellar: http://www.comarkusa.com