Sunday, March 30, 2014

ORNELLAIA L'Infinito 2011, a "Remarkable Vintage", according to Winemaker Axel Heinz by Philip S. Kampe





                                                    Ornellaia 2011 L'Infinito
This is not my first encounter with Ornellaia—the wine that was introduced to me by brand manager Allesandro Lunardi, at a Press event several years ago, which featured a near vertical tasting of several vintages of Ornellaia.


Guests included Gino Colangelo of Colangelo PR and Ed McCarthy of Wine Review Online

                                          

                             Allesandro Lunardi, brand manager of Ornellaia

The event I attended this past week at the Armani Restaurant at 717 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, featured the release of the 2011 L’Infinitio, a wine according to winemaker Axel Heinz, as an “exceptional wine from one of the greatest vintages ever made”.

Located near the Tuscan coast, the unspoiled property of the Ornellaia estate was established in 1981, quite recent in wine history. The hills that surround the estate shelter the vineyard from the winter winds and extreme cold that could damage the vines. Instead, the gentle sea breezes and summer heat plus perfect soils help create a microclimate that is unmatched by others who have vineyards near the quaint village of Bolgheri, home of Ornellaia.

Allesandro Lunardi explained that the unspoiled home of Ornellaia is also close to the route of migratory birds and other protected species. The growing conditions in 2011 saw warm weather which resulted in a concentration of the grapes and an early bud break which was both rapid and consistent, a sign of a promising vintage.. Sea breezes helped lessen the extreme summer heat, while the ripening process was in full swing. An early harvest in September, when the weather was sunny and dry, helped maintain the rich tannins and fresh acidity of the 2011 crop.

As appetizers were passed around, I sampled my first glass of the 2011 vintage. What engulfed me immediately were the complex aromas that gave way to an expressive, velvety wine that balanced the concentrated fruit in such a way that the tannins were hidden to let the acidity shine.

The 2011 Ornellaia  L’Infinito will be a wine to cherish for many years to come.

Maybe Ornellaia winemaker Axel Heinz and brand ambassador Allesandro Lunardi will be join me at my house for a dinner that will feature the 2011 with a food pairing of my choice? The wine's complexity paired with concentrated fruit will certainly pair with a wide range of international foods.

                                                    Ornellaia L'Infinito 2011

Philip S. Kampe
Philip.Kampe@TheWineHub.com
Wine Media Guide member
                                                               Philip S. Kampe

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Damilano Barolo Cannubi 2008 DOCG is a Winner! by Philip S. Kampe





I am true sucker for wines that bring everything to the table—those special wines that once you take your first sip, you realize that there are few wines like this in the universe.
One of those wines, the 2008 Damilano Barolo Cannubi DOCG, fits into that category.
It is a bold red wine from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Langhe section of the Piedmont region in northern Italy..
Last night I opened a bottle ($79) to acknowlege a recent achievement in my life. I was voted into membership of the esteemed Wine Media Guild, a group of approximately 50 wine writers that live in the metro NYC area.
It was drizzly night and a good time to celebrate.
The sparkling was on hold, even though I toyed with the idea of opening a bottle of Berlucchi Franciacorta Brut.
The thought of celebrating with one of the the premier Barolo Cannubi’s in the world sent chills up my spine.
Yes, its 15% alcohol and yes, it should be decanted before using.
I had that under control.
Add Piedmont’s gastronomic treasure, the white truffle to the scenario and the regions high quality and standards are hard to match.
To me, the match of white truffles and Barolo Cannubi sounds like a match made in heaven.
I was not so lucky as to have a white truffle hidden away for that special moment. What I had was my back-up, black truffles in many forms, whole and in a truffle paste. I chose the paste. What I did was quite simple. I made a truffle pizza to pair with this hearty wine.
The Cannubi was decanting. I could smell the Cannubi’s aromatics of fresh flowers and peaches.
It was now time to develop a special pizza for this special wine.  I topped a pizza shell with mascarpone. Then I added freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano to the mascarpone and on top of that I added a layer of black truffle paste.
The magic begins.
As the pizza was baking, I started to think about the winemaker, Paolo Damilano, and his recent visit to America. Damilano, who farms 25 acres of Cannubi, the largest Cannubi vineyard in Piedmont, talked about his wines and was candid about his wine life at the vineyard.
                                                    Paolo Damilano

How do you maintain Damilano’s high standards from year to year?
“Before the harvest, you know, we have to control the vineyards, cut the foliage, pruning and so on. Everything is important. We know we are ,making wines that, first of all, have to live for 30, 40 and maybe 50 years. Everything is important—the bottles, the corks, the vineyard, everything.”
What are the ages of the vines?
“At the Cannubi vineyard the vines are 40-50 years old. But, I don’t know if you know, that in 2008, we had the possibility to renovate part of the Cannubi because many of the vines are very old. After too many years, you have to replant the vines.”
Please comment on the alcohol level of Cannubi.
“ Before the grapes are harvested, we make the selection of the grapes. We leave on the vines only the best bunches of grapes to decrease the yield to make those bunches of better quality. The more concentration and best quality mean a higher percentage of alcohol. Customers have to look for the elegance of the wine, not the power of the wine. So, many times when you taste my Cannubi, you don’t taste the 14% or 15% of alcohol.”
Has your process of making wines changed through the years?
“As you know, the world of wine changes very quickly. And so in the last year we changed a little bit of our style. For example, for the Cannubi, we use the barrique from the vintage 97’, but, now, we made the decision to use big barrels for the 2008 and 2009. We understand that in the big barrel you can taste the typical concentration of the Cannubi much more than in the barrique”.
How long do your customers traditionally hold onto bottles before opening?
“I think there is a great level of maturation after ten years. It is very important for us to show the customer that we are making wines that can last twenty, thirty and even forty years.”
Many believe that Damilano Barolo Cannubi is the pride of Piedmont. The area produces two ‘over the top’ wines, Barolo and Barbaresco. Both are made from the Nebbiolo grape, which I mentioned earlier. Both wines are a bit tannic when young, but, develop with great elegance and complexity as they age.
The pizza was ready and so was my palate.
I poured a glass of the Cannubi from the decanter, closed my eyes and went into another world—the world of my palate--sweet red raspberries, light tannins, rose water and dark chocolate, all held together by a hint of oak. The complex flavors flowed like a silky river that flowed for miles and miles.
After little thought, who really wants pizza when you can savor each drop of the 2008 Damilano Barolo Cannubi on its own?

Philip S. Kampe
Philip/Kampe@TheWineHub.com







Thursday, March 27, 2014

Roses Forever, starting with Spring--A list of Suggestions for making the Warmer Weather Enjoyable by Philip S. Kampe






At a recent Rose tasting I studied the tasting booklet before sampling and found a short article that answers those common questions about Rose wines, aptly titled,“What Makes a Rose?”.
According to the author, the grapes are pressed as soon as they arrive in the cellar, which allows for a quick diffusion of color in the must. The juice is then left for a very short time on contact with the skin—no more than a few hours—and then pressed right away. By following this method, the essential salmon or pale peach color is achieved. Winemakers  also refer to the color as ‘gray’.
If the winemaker wants a more vibrant salmon color, the wines have a slightly longer maceration period, during which skins and juice get to mingle. As the alcohol level rises during fermentation, more phenolics (colors, tannins and flavors) get extracted. When the final color is achieved, the winemaker presses and bottles the final wine.
To obtain and even more intense color, which many Europeans seem to prefer, the winemaker collects the juice that bleeds off when the grapes are pressed. The winemaker continues to collect this bleeding (Saignee) juice hourly and uses this juice to create the desired color. Once that color is achieved, the wine making process goes on as it would for a white wine.
Making a rose sparkling is a bit different, as still red and white wines are blended to achieve the desired color.
Rose is a French term. Spain, Portugal and Spanish speaking countries refer to rose as rosado. The Italians know rose as rosato.
Call it any name that you choose—there are thousands of roses in the world. The sampling I had was a true map of the world.
Some of my more exotic favorites include still roses from:
Croatia: Bruno Trapan Rubi Rose ($10)
Greece: Mercouri Lambadias Rose ($17)
Lebanon: Massaya Rose ($16)
Macedonia: Stobi Rose ($8)

Sparkling rose favorites:
Tasmania: Jansz Sparkling Rose ($14)
Austria: Szigeti Pinot Noir Brut ($25)
Spain: Juve y Camps Rose Brut Pinot Noir ($17)
Italy: Falesco Brut Rose  ($17)
France: Drappier Rose Brut  ($58)

Sam Kass, one of my friends, always with a smile, is a top Rose salesman for Winebow imports

Rose favorites:
USA: Archery Summit Vireton Rose ($29)
Adelsheim Rose  ($24)
Italy:Mastroberardino Lacrimarosa  ($22)
Valle Reale Cerasuolo Rosato  ($16)
France: Gros Nore Bandol Rose ($32)
Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre Rose ($26)
Chateau Trinquevedel Tavel  ($21)

Spring has arrived and so have roses.
Generally, I drink roses year round, as they are lovely wines for so many types of food.
If you are just beginning to develop a taste for roses, please use my list of recommendations to understand the immense varieties of roses that exist.
In fact, I sampled an outstanding sake rose made with purple rice. It is called Dewatsuru Sakura Emaki and retails for $23 (pictured below).
Enjoy Spring and your 'Rose Journey'.
                                      Dewatsuru Sakura Emaki (Sake rose)



Philip S. Kampe
Philip.Kampe@TheWineHub.com












Wednesday, March 26, 2014

ROME in Spring. LOVE is in the Air! by Maria Reveley



                                                       View of Rome


The first time I visited Rome, I was 19 years old.  I went to study for a month, hoping to begin to learn the language, as well as take in the beauty of this famous city. Both my parents were born in Italy: my mother on the island of Capri, off Naples, and my dad in the outskirts of Genoa.  But neither had returned to their country, and I was very interested in learning something more about my background.

That month in Rome, and the two weeks afterward when my parents picked me up and took me to their birthplaces, changed me. (My decision to visit Italy prompted my parents to go back as well.)  First, the excitement of being 19 in Rome with American friends, studying and free to discover this complex city was really a step in moving away from the protection of living at home. I grew up in Queens and went to college in NYC, but back then I had lived a pretty sheltered life.
Going to Rome was the most exciting thing I had ever done, beating out Spring Break in Ft. Lauderdale by a long shot!

And, of course, I fell in love with Rome.  How could I not? The history, the art, the fountains, the hills, the ruins, the food, the beach, the Italian men!  It was mind boggling that people lived in houses that were ancient.  That beauty was everywhere, on such a grand scale, and in so many different ways.  And, to top it all off, this was MY heritage. 

My heart would beat faster when sitting in the Piazza Navona, thinking it was the most beautiful square in the world with the most beautiful fountains in the world.  I had never fallen in love with a place before, but I fell hard for Rome.  It made my heart beat faster.  A place, a city, had never quite done that. 
I loved Manhattan, but it was a place I knew and chose and understood. 

Rome was an adventure because it shook me up - it said look at me, know me, I am part of your history and I welcome you. 
I had been seduced.

How wonderful was that month seeing everything we could in Rome, falling in love with Bernini, with the Sistene Chapel, the Coliseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Villa Borgese, the Capitoline.  The Trevi fountain thrilled, the Churches inspired, the streets charmed.  And, the food was so wonderful, so familiar, like mom's home cooking.  And the gelato was exceptional, a new experience and a delight.

I will never forget that first trip to Rome - the beginning of a love affair with the city and with Italy.  I will never forget the shock of being there, the emotions it aroused and the world it opened up to me. I have returned to Italy many times and I am always thrilled to be there.

Recently, I returned on a short trip to Rome on a tour put together by PromaRoma, a division of the Chamber of Commerce of Rome. It was to be an educational tour to remind us of what Rome has to offer.  And, as tour guides, PromaRoma chose Antonio Rinaldini and Paolo Meschini of Roam Around Rome (www.roamaroundrome.com), who develop customized tours for very small groups who are discerning tourists and want to discover Rome and her secrets.

From the very first moments, I realized this would be a special tour. Because Antonio and Paola were passionate about Rome, choosing to live there from other areas of Italy.  And because they were so knowledgeable about Rome, its architecture, its history and its art. Their desire is to share their passion for Rome and they were very successful.  We saw many things in Rome in four days and many of them I had seen before.  But not with their eyes, their perspective, their passion.

So, here are some ideas for you to consider for a Spring visit to Rome. Spring is an ideal time to go, before the tourists invade en masse, and before the temperatures rise too much. Spring is for lovers, too, and it’s a perfect time for long walks, taking in the art of the city and allowing yourself to start a love affair with Roma.
  
In a city over 2700 years old, with magnificent art everywhere, I always like to find a hidden place to view the city and grab a delicious bite. One of our favorite places in Rome is the Capitoline Museums, which were traced to 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a group of bronze statues to the People of Rome. The steps leading up to the museum are very wide and dramatic, and getting to the top lets you see Rome from a beautiful perch. In Piazzale Caffarelli,4, with external access from the steps of the Capitol, on the top floor of the building in which the Capitoline Museums are contained, is Terrazza Caffarelli, From this Terrace, there are spectacular views of Rome, and you can enjoy a pleasant lunch and some wine. Relais le Jardin manages this space and does a wonderful job. Having a glass of Prosecco and taking in this view of Rome, is a wonderful way to start your Roman adventure!


                                                 View from Terrazza Caffarelli

                                Philip and Maria Toasting Rome, Terrazza Caffarelli

Another wonderful place to visit is Palazzo Valentini, originally commissioned to be built in 1585 by Cardinal Michele Bonelli, a nephew of Pope Pius V. Over many years, this building underwent renovations, demolitions and additions.  It once housed an Imperial Library with about 24,000 volumes. It was also a private theatre and housed famous musicians from 1705-1713.  The whole building was purchased in 1827 by a Prussian banker Vincenzo Valentini, who lived in it as his home and thereby gave it his name.
What’s amazing about visiting this Palazzo is that there are archaeological remains of ancient Roman houses beneath it. A team of art historians, archaeologists and architects, working for the Provincial Administration, has created a most outstanding reconstruction of ancient Rome.  It is lit from below, has a terrific sound track explaining all that is below, and even has visual suggestions as to what was built so many years ago. Walking on clear resin floors, in dim light, makes this experience a very dramatic one, highlighting how the Romans lived. If you go, you will never forget the experience.

Of course, visiting Rome always includes a walk on the Via Veneto, the city’s most famous street, made famous by Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” and his other movies. From the Piazza Barberini to Porta Pinciana, this road is charming and full of cafes, stores and history.  An ideal place to stop for a glass of wine, or for a cappuccino! If you are interested in stopping, try Harry’s Bar, an establishment famous for its welcome to all. It is at Via Vittorio Veneto, 150 (www.harrysbar.it) and was also made famous in “La Dolce Vita.” Try its signature drink, the Bellini, a fusion of fresh peach juice and champagne (about $25US).  A truly Roman experience!


                                             Harry's Bar on Via Veneto

 No visit to Rome can leave out the Piazza Navona, my favorite square in Rome. This piazza dates back to 90 A.D. and was originally Emperor Domitian’s stadium, with a capacity of over 30,000 spectators. Centuries later, it hosted carousels, competitions,and parades. Its concave pavement was flooded with water to turn it into a large pool! Buildings and churches frame the piazza, and surround three magnificent fountains.

                                        Fontana dei Fiumi, by Bernini
                                    


My favorite is Fontana dei Fiumi by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, It represents the major rivers in the world and is an unforgettable piece of art. Bernini’s art is all over Rome, and you will become very familiar with him as you walk the city.  He was a very famous and revered Baroque architect of the 17th century.

The other famous fountain that is most visited in Rome is the Fontana di Trevi, made famous by Anita Ekberg wading in its waters at night in “La Dolce Vita”.  It took Nicola Salvi 30 years to mold this complex structure and it was completed in 1762.  It has statues, Corinthian columns and  sea-inspired sculptures that glorifies the Baroque shapes of those times.  The tradition calls for visitors to throw a coin in the fountain to ensure a return visit!




                                                Fontana di Trevi

 As the weather warms, a visit to the Villa Borghese gardens and its museum is a must! While many say the best museum in Rome is the city itself, the Villa Borghese is worth a visit. You must reserve tickets to see its 20 rooms of art and sculpture, and it will be worth planning ahead.  Here you will see many antiquities of the Renaissance and the beginnings of the Baroque era, and many Bernini works.  Reservations keep the crowds down, allowing you to really take in this magnificent art. The park include 226 acres of gardens, paths filled with statues, fountains, theatres and lakes. Plan to rent a bike and spend a few hours enjoying this tranquil art-filled park.  And look for the Cinema Dei Piccoli, the smallest movie theatre for bambinos you have ever seen!




                                        A Walk in Villa Borghese Gardens

                                         Paolo and Philip in Villa Borghese Gardens


                                         A Fountain in Villa Borghese Gardens

                                          Villa Borgese Museum

                                    Philip and Maria at Cinema Dei Piccoli




If you want to leave the urban center of Rome, you can visit a vineyard – the only one within city limits, and taste their delicious wines, and even stay at their guesthouse.  Visit Gelso Della Valchetta (www.gelsodellavalchetts.com). This is a new vineyard, planted in 1997 by the Caldani family.  It is situated in a valley in the Veio Park.  Their wines, Il Gelso and Lilium, are high quality and amazing. As you drive up to the vineyard, you can spy the family dogs, some big and white, others small, but all well-loved. They welcome you into the farmhouse, where you can sample the wines and taste some Roman dishes, homemade by Flaminia Caldoni herself! They are located at Via Formeliese 173/c,00123 Roma. Call ahead to set up a tasting. (+39 3497605946).





                                        Welcome to Gelso Della Valchetta

                                           The Farmhouse

                                           The Vineyard
                              A Wonderful Tasting at Gelso Della Valchetta


Back in the heart of Rome, you cannot leave without seeing the Coliseum. This is a place to visit by day AND by night. It was build by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and opened by his son Titus in 80 AD. It was called “Amphitheatrum Flavlum.” It is the largest amphitheatre in the world and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman engineering  and architecture. The Coliseum could hold up to 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles, like animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, etc.  It was later used for housing, workshops, as a quarry, housing for a religious order. Though much of it has been destroyed by earthquakes and stone robbers, it remains an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is deemed World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the most visited sites in the world.


                                         One View of the Coliseum
                                         Philip at the Coliseum

These are some ideas for you as you plan your Spring trip to Roma. Happy Travels!!

Maria Reveley
Maria.Kampe@TheWineHub.com



















Thursday, March 13, 2014

Support the 'No Kid Hungry' Campaign in New York City on March 26th with a Jack Daniels Single Barrel Dinner








BOUNTY & BARREL: A JACK DANIEL’S SINGLE BARREL DINNER SERIES LAUNCHES IN NEW YORK CITY ON MARCH 26 WITH MARK FIORENTINO, AMANDA FREITAG, SAM MASON, NICK MAUTONE, ED MCFARLAND, AARÓN SÁNCHEZ, AND BRADFORD THOMPSON
Tickets on Sale Now - Benefitting Share our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign ®

WHAT:                     Over the next couple of months, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel is hosting gatherings at five distinct locations around the country, in places as unique as Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel itself. Given that domestic whiskey sales have soared 40% in the past five years, according to Euromonitor, and that the appreciation of craft in all things culinary are at a fever pitch, partnering with some of the most respected and innovative chefs around the world to unite these ingredients is a natural evolution for Single Barrel.  Renowned chefs including Jimmy Bannos, Jr., Jimmy Bannos Sr., Maneet Chauhan, Deb Paquette, Paul Qui, Daniel Rose, and Mindy Segal, among others throughout the U.S. will prepare meals their own way, using their signature methods and local ingredients to bring something entirely different to the table. Their unique courses will be paired with Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel cocktails while Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett and Assistant Master Distiller Chris Fletcher will be at select locations to conduct tastings and educate attendees. Proceeds from each of the events will support the charities of the participating chefs’ choice.  For more information on the dinner series, visit http://singlebarrel.jackdaniels.com/bounty-and-barrel/.

WHO:                       Mark Fiorentino, Amanda Freitag, Sam Mason, Nick Mautone, Ed McFarland, Aarón Sánchez and Bradford Thompson will kick off the five market program in New York City on March 26 with an intimate dinner benefitting Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign ®.  Jack Daniel’s Assistant Master Distiller Chris Fletcher will also be on hand to conduct tastings and educate guests.

WHEN:                     Wednesday, March 26, 2014 - 6:30PM-9:30PM

WHERE:                   Openhouse, 168 Bowery - Pre-ticketing required and must be 21 years or older to attend

TICKETS:                   A limited number of tickets are available for this exclusive event. Tickets are $250 per person and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kids Hungry Campaign ®. Visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/bounty-barrel-jack-daniels-single-barrel-dinner-supports-no-kid-hungry-tickets-10858170079.


SOCIAL CONTACTS:         Follow Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JDSingleBarrel, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JD_SingleBarrel, and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jd_singlebarrel. For the Bounty & Barrel events, use hashtag #JackBounty&Barrel.


ABOUT JACK DANIEL’S SINGLE BARREL TENNESSEE WHISKEY:
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey is a 94-proof single barrel Tennessee Whiskey with a robust, full-bodied flavor complemented by Jack Daniel’s smooth charcoal-mellowed character.  Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey was introduced to select U.S. markets February 1997 and to Germany later that year.  In 1998, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey became available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey is the world’s only charcoal-mellowed single barrel Tennessee whiskey. After the spirit is charcoal mellowed, each barrel of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel is matured in selected areas of the warehouses where the whiskey’s color and taste deepen and mature an extra measure during the changing Tennessee seasons. Our Master Tasters then sample the whiskey from those areas and sets aside the barrels whose contents they feel have matured to create a particularly flavorful and aromatic whiskey. The bold, full-bodied taste of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey -- toasted oak flavor and intense vanilla and caramel essences -- is the work of craftsmen with a singular devotion to old-time whiskey-making.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, 47% alcohol by volume (94 proof).  Distilled and bottled by the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, Proprietor, Lynchburg ,Tennessee, U.S.A.

ABOUT SHARE OUR STRENGTH’S NO KID HUNGRY CAMPAIGN®:
No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals through Cooking Matters.  This work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofits, business leaders and others providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. Please visit, NoKidHungry.org for additional information.

# # #


Make your singular experience a responsible one.

Come visit us at www.jdsinglebarrel.com.
JACK DANIEL'S is a registered trademark.© 2014 Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey Alcohol 47% by Volume (94 proof).  Distilled and Bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Celebrate Malbec World Day(s) April 16th & 17th with "One Night in Argentina"--Passion, Warmth and the Soul of Argentina







Wines of Argentina
In Celebration of Malbec World Day We Present
CAMBALACHE

One Night in Argentina:
Bringing the Passion, Warmth, and Soul of Argentina
To New York April 16-17

Get ready New York: A celebration of the passion, complexity and contradiction that defines Argentine culture is coming. After a wildly successful debut in London in 2013, Cambalache*--One Night in Argentina will transform the Brooklyn Night Bazaar into a sizzling mix of music, wine, food, live street art and culture on April 16 &17 from 6pm to 11pm. Not your stereotypical swirling and sipping event, Cambalache will invoke all of the senses and offers:

·    Over 120 of Argentina’s finest wines from 26 of the top Argentine wineries all in celebration of Malbec World Day **
·      The unconventional art of pairing wines with music, hosted by renowned multisensory experts and flavor consultants, Oxford and London professors Charles Spence and Barry Smith
·      True Buenos Aires street food from Sur Empanada, historical Argentine cocktails, circa 1940, from Malbec House and the famed Dulce de Leche ice cream from Cones
·      Three of Argentina’s most prolific street artists Cabaio Stencil, Roma and Tec will create a live mural during the event
·      A lesson in Buenos Aires street slang (to stir up trouble) with James Bracken, author of the cult book Che Boludo
·      Music from DJ Uproot Andy, whose label Que Bajo spotlights bass-filled South American music
·      Plus a host of other uniquely Argentine experiences including exposure to the spirit of Argentine literature, dancing Nuevo Tango with Strictly Tango and rubbing elbows with Gauchos

*Cambalache, which means ‘bazaar’ in Spanish, was immortalized in the 1934 Argentine Tango song of the same name. Used at the time as a provocative commentary on society, in modern Argentine vernacular it describes something that is chaotic, haphazard, full of contrast and contradiction and above all exciting—epitomizing the heart and soul of the country.

**On April 17, Wines of Argentina proudly present the fourth annual edition of Malbec World Day, an international celebration dedicated entirely to the country’s most emblematic grape. For 2014 they are linking Malbec with all things music related under the title of ‘Malbec Making Noise’. They will be hosting a range of events, promotions and online activity around this theme both in the US and abroad. For more info visit www.malbecworldday.com.
Brooklyn Night Bazaar/165 Banker St. Brooklyn, NY 11222
April 16 &17, 2014/6-11PM
Tickets are $80, Including all Food and Drink and are Available a:
www.winesof argentina.com/Cambalacheny/


40 Years of Winemaking at Russian River Valleys Sonoma-Cutrer by Philip S. Kampe

 Innovation in Winemaking at Sonoma-Cutrer began forty years ago. The focus has always been innovation for this Russian River Valley winery....