We are back with more coverage of Murcia, Spain with our – The Wines of Murcia – Part 2 (The GrapeRadio Cut)

Sponsor: Millesima, Fine Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com

We are back with more coverage of Murcia, Spain with our – The Wines of Murcia – Part 1 (The GrapeRadio Cut)

Sponsor: Millesima, Fine Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com

The Murcia region of Spain attracts millions of tourists every year, mostly for its pristine beaches bathed by the warm Mediterranean climate. But, Murcia is also rightly known for its cuisine – and soon, its wine.

Located in Southeastern Spain, the history of the region alone could account for its gastronomy. The original Iberian tribes formed commercial relationships with the Phoenicians and Greeks, then the region became a Carthaginian colony taken over by the Moors. All of these various influences created a culinary perfusion of stews, salads, and baked meat and rice dishes. Finally, there was the obvious connection to the Mediterranean – which spawned a host of seafood delicacies. However, what would be a Spanish meal without a good wine to accompany it.

Thus far, the wines from Murcia have not been very well-known to the public, yet they are well worth discovering. Murcia is the home of the Monastrell grape variety, also known as Mourvèdre in France and Mataro in Australia. Believed to have been introduced to the Iberian peninsula by the Phoenicians, Monastrell does quite well in the hot arid region, producing a rich and powerful wine. Bodegas dot the wine routes between Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla, and offer plenty of opportunity to the visitor to experience the best the region has to offer.

GrapeRadio is proud to present a brief look at the cuisine, the people, and the wines of Murcia, Spain. Join us for a close-up of this beautiful region, rich in history, respectful of the past, and looking to the future.

Sponsor: Millesima, Fine Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com

With a resume that reads like road map to success, it is absolutely no wonder that award winning chef Michael Chiarello has accomplished so much in the world of food and wine in such a relatively short period of time.

Born and raised in California, Michael has known what he wanted to do since early childhood, and has pursued it with both drive and passion. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York in 1982, Michael then attended hotel school in Florida and immediately began his professional career by opening Toby’s restaurant in Miami to much acclaim.

Michael was named Chef of the Year by Food & Wine magazine in 1985. The following year he was lured back to California to open Tra Vigne restaurant in Napa Valley, where he focused on Italian-influenced wine country cooking and entertaining. He stayed as Executive Chef/partner until 2000, when he left to create NapaStyle and Chiarello Family Vineyards, as well as host several food shows on television. In 2008, Michael donned his chef jacket once more to open his Bottega Napa Valley restaurant in Yountville – again to much acclaim.

Join us as we talk with noted chef, TV host, author, and vintner Michael Chiarello about his passion for food and wine, and his unending desire to create the perfect food and wine marriage.

For More Info:

Michael Chiarello : www.michaelchiarello.com
Napa Style : www.napastyle.com

Sponsor: California Wine Club: www.cawineclub.com

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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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