Monday, April 18, 2011

Maremma, Tuscany

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit again the Maremma region in Tuscany. But this trip was different: It was more than just a “regular wine tour”... I was trying to find a place to recommend for someone travelling with the family and who wants to go out of the beaten path. I think I found the place...
Tenuta Uccellina Tuscany Farmhouse.

My host was Alioscia Lombardini. The president for the MTV Tuscany, who can make you feel at home anywhere in the world and this is what he had to tell me:

“There’s nothing better than a Tuscany farmhouse for those who love countryside life, plus there are plenty of outdoor activities: from farming to tasting local organic products, from horse riding to sailing and much more. It’s all here, surrounded by charming scenery, picturesque hills and overlooking an unspoiled sea! Also, for nature lovers and those who love to switch off and desire an utterly relaxing holiday, La Tenuta Uccellina Tuscany farmhouse resort is the perfect place.

If you are looking for a Tuscany farmhouse suitable for kids, then a Tenuta Uccellina farmhouse is  ideal. In fact, for the “younger” guests, the farmhouse offers a wide range of natural and green spaces where kids can play freely and to their heart’s content.

The resort also includes an Educational park that has been specifically designed with children in mind. Here it is possible for them to play outdoors in an educational setting where they can get close to the farm animals and be part of country life. It’s ideal for the little ones and their families. The Educational Farm is one of the most interesting attractions that La Tenuta Uccellina farmhouse has to offer for children, with thousands of activities for them to do, including special activities with horses to capture their imagination in fun and interesting ways.

La Tenuta Agricola Uccellina Tuscany farmhouse is set in 400 hectors of picturesque countryside, of which, 300 are wooded forest, all situated within the Tuscany Maremma Wild Reserve, (also known as Uccellina’s park). Inside the park, you can make the most of various activities such as trekking, horse riding, bike rentals, coastal excursion and walks in the countryside to take in the breathtaking views on offer. How active you wish to be on your holiday is completely up to you.

La Tenuta Uccellina Tuscany farm house is unique in the sense that it couples beauty in a natural setting whilst incorporating countless activities to take part in. The farmhouse is completely surrounded by countryside  and inside the park itself, you may come across wild animals grazing whilst you’re having a walk or when you’re on one of our guided excursions.

All food served at the La Tenuta Uccellina farmhouse is organic and prepared on-site. We can assure you the quality of our food is paramount and furthermore when you taste it we hope you will feel the same. Many of our visitors choose to buy the food and bring it home with them. Food is available to purchase at the resort or online.

Each farmhouse is divided into warm and welcoming self-catering apartments, with a range of  sizes to choose from. All are situated inside the park and furnished in true typical Tuscan style. To enhance your stay further, you can count on the kindness of our staff, highly qualified and always proactively responding to all your holiday needs.

The mix of beautiful landscape, beaches, quality food and range of activities for all ages make “La Tenuta Uccelina” a special and unique stay and satisfies those who wish to experience a real “Made in Italy” holiday.“

Here are the pictures that I took during my 2 day visit.

Cheers,
LA


www.thewinehub.com
 One of the  pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy having discoveries... TheWineHub exists to  help you with that.



Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Zev Robinson interviewed by Luiz Alberto and Roy Hersh (Part 2)

On the last day of Roy Hersh’s FTLOP trip to the Douro Valley, I had the opportunity to put Zev Robinson* in front of the camera. Yes!!!
If that was a first (Zev being interviewed), I’m not really sure… But it certainly felt that way… Zev, who was filming and interviewing people during the entire week for his new documentary “Life on the Douro”, was a little “edgy” with the idea of changing places with me (by the way, I loved the idea of being behind the camera!). But after a couple of minutes and a few sips of a great vintage Port, the words started to flow and he ended up saying some very interesting things about his feeling/thoughts about wine.
To make things even better, Roy joined us for the conversation. Here is the second part of it.
I hope you enjoy it.
Cheers,
LA




www.thewinehub.com
One of the  pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy    having discoveries... TheWineHub exists to  help you with that.

Monday, April 11, 2011

VINITALY 2011 by Philip S. Kampe


VINITALY, the Worlds LARGEST Trade wine show is in full swing in Verona, Italy.

Over 160,000 people will attend this years event.

Over 35,000 wines will be sampled. Attending this event, for me, has been like a DREAM!

Top wines from Italys 20 provinces, all for the asking. I have run into some of Americas TOP importers and distributors, including Scott Gerber of Martin Scott and represenatives from TEdward Wines and Winebow.

I was fortunate to have joined Anthony Dias Blue at a dinner hosted by Andreas Sartori, owner of SARTORI Vineyards of Verona. I, also, spent the better part of a day with Marco Scapagnini of DOMODIMONTI wines, Le Marches "NATURAL Wines".

After the show ends, I plan to visit the vineyard, with The Wine Hubs own, Luiz Alberto and his lovely wife, Nanci.

PHILIP S. KAMPE philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

Friday, April 8, 2011

WINE SURVEY'S "SHOCKING RESULTS" by Philip S. Kampe

FACTS are FACTS!
In a newly release survey of 800 members of the WINE OPINIONS consumer panel (48 states excluding Montana and North Dakota) results were listed regarding consumers wine and food habits.
One would expect an overwhelming statistic regarding the consumption of food, while drinking wine. Harmony in balance would have been my guess.
WRONG!!
The survey results came from consumers (85%) who drink wine several times a week.
41% enjoyed wine with a meal.
19% enjoyed wine with a snack.
14% enjoyed wine while preparing a meal.
and 26% enjoy wine without food.
50% of seniors, 65 or older, enjoy wine with a meal.
31% of millennials enjoy wine without food.
WHERE DO YOU FIT IN?
PHILIP S. KAMPE

Monday, April 4, 2011

Zev Robinson interviewed by Luiz Alberto and Roy Hersh (Part 1)

On the last day of Roy Hersh’s FTLOP trip to the Douro Valley, I had the opportunity to put Zev Robinson* in front of the camera. Yes!!!
If that was a first (Zev being interviewed), I’m not really sure… But it certainly felt that way… Zev, who was filming and interviewing people during the entire week for his new documentary “Life on the Douro”, was a little “edgy” with the idea of changing places with me (by the way, I loved the idea of being behind the camera!). But after a couple of minutes and a few sips of a great vintage Port, the words started to flow and he ended up saying some very interesting things about his feeling/thoughts about wine.
To make things even better, Roy joined us for the conversation. Here is the first part of it.
I hope you enjoy it.
Cheers,
LA


* Zev Robinson is a Canadian-British artist and filmmaker living in Spain. To know more about about him: http://zevrobinson.com


www.thewinehub.com
One of the  pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy    having discoveries... TheWineHub exists to  help you with that.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

"UNCOOK!" with Chef BOB Premiers on PBS with Wines from the W.J. DEUTSCH Portfolio by Philip S. Kampe

THANKS to MELANIE YOUNG of THE CONNECTED TABLE, I was INVITED to the PREMIER of a television first. INTERNATIONALLY known Chef BOB WAGGONER and W.J. DEUTSCH and SONS teamed together to launch "UNCOOK! with CHEF BOB", a new PBS television show dedicated to both cooking and wine. SEVEN international wine brands,within W.J. DEUTSCH'S Portfolio, are Featured on the show's first season. The featured wines include: ANDRE LURTON BARONE FINI THE CROSSINGS GEORGE DUBOEUF RSMON BILBAO VOLTEO {yellow tail}

According to CHEF BOB, a classically trained chef, who is well known in the industry, at age 26, to have been the First American Chef to open a restaurant in France (LE MONTE in Burgundy). CHEF BOB WAGGONER is a legend in the industry. CHEF BOB, while in France, cooked with the world's best French Chefs, including: CHARLES BARRIER, PIERRE GAGNAIRE, GERARD BOYER, MARK MENEAU and JACQUES LAMELOISE. CHEF BOB moved to Charleston, South Carolina 13 years ago and is known for his "French Lowcountry" cooking.

CHEF BOB says the idea for UNCOOK with Chef Bob is simple, "With a little knowledge, anyone can cook a fine dining meal at home and pair it with great wines. Preparing the food doesn't have to be difficult and great wine doesn't have to be expensive." The evening began with the PREMIER of "UNCOOK! with CHEF BOB" at the Tribeca Film Center, located above the legendary Tribeca Grill, in New York's swanky Soho district.. The restaurant and film center is owned by Robert De Niro (a no show) and Drew Nieporent. Drew attended and was in-charge of the food, which was easily the Best Food and Wine pairing event that I have attended in my journalistic career. Melanie Young was very clever in arranging this event at this 'Unique Event Space'.

As I mentioned earlier, the Food and Wine Pairings were Brilliant. The Menu: SPANISH SECTION RED WINE BRAISED OCTOPUS with Paprika Potatoes, Celery and Lemon. SLICED SERANO HAM with Manchego Cheese. SEAFOOD PAELLA with Chorizo and Chicken. WINES RAMON BILBAO RESERVA 2005 RAMON BILBAO MIRTO 2005 RAMON BILBAO LIMITED EDITION 2006 VOLTEO TEMPRANILLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 VOLTEO VIURA + VIOGNIER + SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 VOLTEO GARNACHA 2009 FRENCH SECTION VEAL & MUSHROOM TERRINE with BLACK TRUFFLE VIN COUNTRY PATE with Grain Mustards and Rustic Bread CHICKEN COQ AU VIN with Pearl Onions and Mushrooms LYONNAISE POTATOES with Thyme WINES ANDRE LURTON CHATEAU BONNET Blanc 2010 ANDRE LURTON CHATEAU BONNET Red 2008 ANDRE LURTON CHATEAU BONNET Rose 2010 GEORGE DUBOEUF POUILLY FUISSE 2009 GEORGE DUBOEUF MORGON 2009 GEORGE DUBOEUF-JULIENAS des Capitans 2009 ITALIAN SECTION BRAISED BERKSHIRE PORK SHANK with Brussels Sprouts, Almonds and Pancetta RICOTTA CAVATELLI with Wild Mushroom Bolognese BUFFALO MOZZARELLA & BRAISED ARTICHOKE SALAD with Confit Tomatoe and Arugula WINES BARONE FINI PINOT GRIGIO 2010 BARONE FINI PINOT GRIGIO Alto Adige 2009 BARONE FINI MERLOT 2009 AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND SECTION NEW ZEALAND LAMB SAUSAGE with Sweet and Spicy Mango Chutney GRILLED PRAWNS with Kumara, Kiwi and Avacado Salad WINES THE CROSSING SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 THE CROSSINGS PINOT NOIR 2009 {yellow tail} THE RESERVE SHIRAZ 2009 {yellow tail} BUBBLES Rose {yellow tail} BUBBLES White W.J.

DEUTSCH and SONS goal is to make consumers understand the pleasure of drinking wine and the range of options for pairing wines with different kinds of food. Combining DEUTSCH's extensive portfolio of fine wines from throughout the world, with CHEF BOB's entertaining style is the ideal showcase for DEUTSCH and SONS. UNCOOK! with CHEF BOB airs on PBS. The show is both entertaining and educational.

To learn more about the wines from W.J. Deutsch (their 30th year), visit: www.wjdeutsch.com

PHILIP S. KAMPE philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

Brought to you by...


 
Chateau des Moriers - Miss Vicky Wine Fleurie 2007 
This Fleurie is fresh, elegant, fun and sexy. You will love its feminine features and gourmand flavors of ripe cherry and red currant.  Soft and crispy in the mouth, it is also a bouquet of flowers to give you a breath of spring.  It would be a perfect accompaniment with summer dishes or on its own.  This wine goes very well with poultry, soups, lightly spiced dishes, goat cheese or Camembert.




www.thewinehub.com
One of the  pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy    having discoveries... TheWineHub exists to  help you with that. 

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....