Hip Hip Rose....at $25 a bottle, The Gander (18 West 25th) takes Manhattan by Storm...by Philip S. Kampe and Maria Reveley

                                               The Bar Room at The Gander

                                                Scallops from Chef Jesse Scheneker

YES, you read it right.

There are still bargains in wine at restaurants in Manhattan.
The Gander (15 West 18th NYC) is a hip, upscale hangout, that is even Hip Hip Hipper this summer by focusing on summers wine success story, Rose.

Aptly titled for their summer Rose campaign, 'Hip Hip Rose!', bottles of Rose from around the world are featured daily, beginning at 2:30pm, in the Bar Room.

My most recent Rose article (June 24th) gained the attention of a staffer at The Gander, who sent an e-mail to me explaining their love for Rose and their summer consumer special of charging a reasonable $25 per bottle for a group of selected  Roses.

The list includes roses from France, Italy, America, Greece and the Republic of Georgia.

I decided to visit The Gander and and see for myself what the hoopla was about. A Bar Room staff member met me, opened several Rose bottles and began to explain, in depth, about each wine.

 I was then given  a sample of a Greek (are they in economic problems?) Rose, a 2014 Ameztoi Rubentis Txakolina (that's a mouthful). The wine was amazing, candied red fruits, lime, medium-bodied and a bit fizzy. It is a vibrant wine with a mix of indigenous white and red grapes.

The following wines that had my interest were: 2014 Billsboro Pinot Noir, Finger Lakes (NY); 2013 Pheasent's Tears, Tavkeri from the Republic of Georgia; 2014 Chateau de Roquefort, Cotes de Provence 'Corail' (France) and La Kiuva de Vallee d'Aosta NV (Italy)..

Fortunately, food is essential, so, Chef Jesse Scheneker, sent over a large plate filled with small bites of Gnocchi with sofrito, peas, ramps and Pecorino cheese, Frito Misto with calamari, clams and snap peas covered with a pickled egg dressing and a Beluga lentil risotto with mushrooms, snap peas and parmesan cheese.

My overall experience was excellent. The price was right, for both the wines and the food. Remember, this is only a summer special, so, to take advantage of this great experience.
The time is NOW!!!


                 To learn more, visit Th Gander online at www.thegandernyc.com 

Philip S. Kampe
Maria Reveley
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

The Summer of 2015 in Wine Photos....color it ROSE by Philip S. Kampe

There are many articles that focus on summer wines--many lead you to a variety of choices.
My choice for this and every summer is to enjoy the 'seasonal appeal of Rose'.
I am not alone.

Rose sales have skyrocketed during the past several years.  Quality, fair prices, a large variety of grapes and infinite bubbles steal the show.

Rather than focus on a bottle a day for a month, I have limited my selections to a bottle every other day.
This is what I like for the Summer of 2015.

                                                      2014 Rieure Tavel (France)

                                                       Valdo Rose Brut NV (Italy)

                              2014 Chateau Notre Dame du Quatourze (France)

                                    2014 Chateau Ribaute Senhal d' Aric (France)



                                                         

                                                    2014 LeVal Grenache (France)


                                                               

                                                    Lucien Albrecht Brut NV (France)


                                                               

                                             2014  Beso deVino Garnacha  (Spain)


                                                   

                                          Bodvar of Sweden No.7 Rose (France)

                  
                                                 

                                               Paul Cheneau Brut Rose NV (Spain)



                                                 

                                             2014 Honoro Vera Jumilla (Spain)

                                              
                                           

                                             2014 Chateau de Jonquieres (France)


                                                         

                                                 2014 La Petite Perriere (France)


                                                               

                             2014 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon (South Africa)


Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

My white wine for the Summer of 2015 is Santorini's Superstar, "Assyrtiko" by Philip S. Kampe

                                                       Wines from Santorini

Maybe its the summer breezes…maybe it’s the sun…maybe its the beauty of nature…but, whatever it is, the crisp, salty, acidic white wines of Santorini lure me in, hook, bait and sinker.

Maybe I have a love affair with Santorini, where I spent ten glorious weeks during summer recess  from college. Maybe it was the donkey that I rode up the hill upon arrival to Santorini. Maybe it was the daily Mediterranean food…or maybe it was the just the local wine I consumed day and night.

Granted, Greek wines have an identity problem regarding varietals. Hard names to say and so many indigenous varieties. Santorini wines are less phobic for the amateur. There are only a handful of different grapes grown on the volcanic island.

A quick grape lesson for wines from  Santorini:

All varietals are influenced by the volcanic soil, strong winds and sun-drenched vineyards. The favored white varietal is Assyrtiko. Seventy per cent of Santorini’s white wines are made with this grape. The reason why Assyrtiko is the ‘chosen grape’ is because this grape has aging potential and can handle both acidity and high alcohol levels at the same time. The wines are easily recognizable, dry, mineral laden,briny and  full-bodied on the palate. The aromas are tropical, specifically lemon and lime with a hint of kiwi. Does the word, 'summer wine' ring a bell?

There are two other widely used white grapes in the production of wines from Santorini. Like Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani are grapes that can stand on their own or can be used in blending, specially the sweet wine of Santorini, Vinsanto.

The red varieties are mainly used to make sweet wines, as mentioned earlier.  The two red grapes of the island are Mavrotragano, a dark red grape with infinite tannins and Mandelari, a true blending grape.

                                               Estate Argyros wines

                                                              

               Assyrtiko pairs beautifully with Mediterranean food, especially seafood

As you can see, the grapes are easily memorized. Once you learn about the grape, Assyrtiko, the rest is easy.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sample 42 wines from Santorini and found that the whites showed an island minerality that was pure, crisp and refreshing, much like Chablis.  On the other spectrum, the dessert wines of Santorini,Vinsanto, were all well made with just enough residual sugar to make them interesting. My favorite Vinsanto  was from Estate Argyros, a 1990, made with a blend of Assyrtiko, Athiti and Aidani.  Othr Vinsantos that were commendable were from Gaia, Gavalas winery, Hatzidakas, Artemis Karamolegos, Koutsoyannopoulos Winery, Canava Roussos, Santo Wines and Domaine Sigalas.

The whites, all made with Assyrtiko, were all pleasant and a reminder that there are other choices for summer wine favorites. Maybe its time to forget New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs this summer and move the Assyrtiko grape of Santorini. These wines are affordable ($13-$20) and convincing.

My favorites include Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko, Athiri 2014, Gaia Assyrtiko Wild Ferment 2014, Estate Argyros Assyrtiko 2014 and Santo Wines Sparkling 2014.

The tag line for the tasting was “Volcanic Terroiristas UNITE!

And we did….

To learn more about the Wines from Santorini, visit: www.winesfromsantorini.com

Philip S. Kampe

Philip.kampe@thewinehub.com 

                               

Martha Stewart loves "The Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz" by Philip S. Kampe and Maria Reveley

It sure seemed like Martha Stewart loves the Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz". She took time out of her busy schedule, (meaning a flight later in the day to France) to visit Mohonk Mountain House and the festival. She was kind enough to be interviewed to a packed-house by Kevin Zraly, author of the 'Windows On The World' wine book (3 million sold) fame.

Afterwards, Martha mingled with the audience and strolled the lovely Victorian grounds of the estate, before doing an impromptu book signing. Ms. Stewart has authored 84 books during the span of her 32 year food related career. 

Festival founders Dushka and Sam Ramic were publicly happy for the large crowd that attended the three day event, highlighted by hundreds of wines, star chefs including Sara Moulton of PBS fame, Marcus Guiliano of the Hudson Valley and Rose Beranbaum, author of the 'Cake Bible'.

Wine and food products from New York state were represented.

Culinary Institute of America (CIA) wine professor, Steven Kolpan, presented an interesting lecture highlighting the vast array of Wines from New York state. Professor Michael Weiss, also a wine professor at the CIA, spoke about several wine subjects, highlighting 'Wine and Food of the Global Village'. Specific wines were paired with various foods.

The Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz is more than just a festival. It is an event that unites the consumer, the winemaker, the importer, the distributor, the chef, the professor, the fashion gurus, the vendors and the organizers into one family. We ate together, drank together, were educated together, danced together and laughed together, all in a mere 72 hours.
The Festival was magical, unlike any other wine and food festival in the world.

Thank you to the International Wine Masters and Dushka and Sam Ramic for changing my life...

Images of 'The Wine & Food Festival 2015 of New Paltz"
Photos by Maria Reveley

                              Chef Sara Moulton with the authors, Maria (l), Philip (r)

                                            Martha Stewart with Kevin Zraly

                                             Cheese seminar led by Lou DiPaolo

                              Wine and food pairing seminar with Professor Michael Weiss

              "A Journey Through Italy's Prized Vineyards' was given by author Kevin Zraly

                                       The arbor at Mohonk Mountain House

                                        The Taste New York wine and food parlor

                                            An image of the lake at Mohonk

                                                              A wine tasting

                                                         New York state wines

                                          The fan club of festival founder, Sam Ramic

                       Pastry chef and cookbook author Rose Beranbaum cooking class

                                        The Grand Tasting at the open-air Pavillion

                                                       Wines from around the world

                       Culinary Institute of America, wine Professor Steven Kolpan

                                     Italian Cheese experts, Margaret and Maria

Philip S. Kampe
Maria Reveley
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com
maria.kampe@thewinehub.com

Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz (May 29-31) features 700 Wine & Food Selections plus Martha Stewart & Sara Moulton by Philip S. Kampe and Maria Reveley

   

                                        Martha Stewart (Saturday May 30th)

Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz 2015

Martha Stewart and Sarah Moulton headline the Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz at the historic Mohonk Mountain House.

Sponsored by the International Wine Masters, the three day long event kicks off on Friday afternoon, May 29^th.and continues through Sunday, May 31^st.

If you haven’t visited Mohonk Mountain House in the past, the spectacular retreat will, literally knock your socks off. The Victorian castle was built in 1869 on cliffs high above Lake Mohonk. The result is a European style hotel lodged in the scenic Hudson Valley of New York.

Mohonk is located only 90 minutes from Manhattan, off Exit 18 of the the NYS Thruway, It is a short drive to paradise.

                                    

                  Sample over 700 wine and food selection from around the world

Last year’s festival featured PBS’s Lidia Bastianich. This year, Martha Stewart will mingle with the crowd on Saturday, May30th. Celebrity PBS Chef and ‘Good Morning  America’ food editor, Sara Moulton will entertain you during the weekend.

The events kick-off on Friday, May 29^th.
5:30pm Welcome Cocktail Reception (by Invitation only)
6:00pm Silent Auction to benefit Cystic Fibrosis

7:30pm Wine & Food Gala ($135)

Saturday, May 30^th
11am-12pm Trade & Press Grand Tasting ($75)

12-5pm   Grand Tasting (general admission)
12-5:30pm 
Culinary Chef Demonstration
VIP & Celebrity Appearances
Wine & Food Seminars ($30 per seminar with purchase of admission)
Mixology Demonstration
Organic & Slow Food Cuisine

1--5:30pm Red Carpet Cru Tasting  ($120)
7:30pm  Dinner & Entertainment (Let’s Mingle)

Sunday, May 31^st  
10am-4pm

Wine Seminars ($30 per seminar with purchase of admission)

Cooking Demonstrations

Medal & Award Announcements

12-4pm

Grand Tasting (general admission) $75

This years event will include:
Chefs and Culinary Experts:
Rose Levy Berenbaum

Marcus Guiliano

Lou DiPalo
Rosanna di Michele
Sara Moulton (Saturday & Sunday)

Martha Stewart (Saturday)

Wine Gurus:
Kevin Zraly

Michael Weiss

Steven Koplan
Mile Rupcic

Fashion:
Max Soly

The event will have over 700 wines and specialty foods from around the world.
Tickets can be purchased at: www.newpaltzwineandfoodfestival.com

Overnight reservations and complete weekend ticket packages are available at Mohonk Mountain House by calling 888-976-0785

Escape the city and come to the country, wine and food country, that is, at the ‘Wine & Food Festival of New Paltz, held on May 29-31^st  at Mohonk Mountain House.

Philip S. Kampe

philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

Maria Reveley
winerabbit@yahoo.com

Isn't it time to think about $10 and under summer wines? by Philip S. Kampe

Spring has sprung, as they say. Flowers are growing. The cherry trees are in full bloom.

For many, the outdoor season has begun.

This is the time of year that I look for the summer wines I will serve to our endless crop of summer guests. The wines I look for are like the ‘wines by the glass’ at restaurants and wine bars.

We live year round in two locations, the mountainous and cultural Berkshires of western Massachusetts and on the 26^th floor of an apartment overlooking the Hudson River, directly opposite the 79^th street boat basin in Manhattan.

In Massachusetts, we entertain in our backyard or in the back porch.
In New Jersey, our 20 foot balcony serves the purpose.

As you know, I am originally from New Orleans and love to cook. My wife’s family is from the Isle of Capri, where they love to eat and drink.
Food and wine is often our focus.

In my search for the perfect summer wine that retails at $10 or under,.I generally look for wines from countries that have international grapes, few tannins, fresh, crisp and fruit forward.
Wines, as I mentioned earlier that can be served by the glass.

Ironically, this year, I didn’t look too far.
I found my sacred summer wine in record time. The name of the wine that I found is ‘Decopas’, when translated into Argentine slang, ‘Decopas’ means ‘by the glass’.

The tradition in Argentina, as in many countries, is that after the conclusion of a work day, Happy Hour begins. Argentinians have their own expression for Happy Hour, which is, ‘De copes’ or by the glass.

At roughly $10 a bottle plus a 20% case discount, Decopas could cost as little as $8  a bottle.
That translates into a summer of enjoyment with a small investment.

The two wines I chose are from Decopas and harvested in Mendoza, Argentina.

Decopas 2014 Sauvignon Blanc: This wonderful white wine is made solely from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It is fermented in stainless steel. The grapes are hand harvested. Alcohol content is 13.1%.

The color of the wine is clear with a golden hue. The aromas of grapefruit and melon are followed by floral overtones. My mouth lit up due its crisp, fresh minerality that lingered on my palate. Add a faint earthy quality to this wine and dollar for dollar this is a true value wine.
You may ask why I chose a Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina? Think about the alluvial soils, high altitude at the base of the Andes and its geographic location. Those are a couple of reason why I chose this wine.

The red wine I chose is the 2014 Decopas Malbec. Fresh, fruity and straight forward is how I would characterize this velvety wine. Its medium body and smooth mouth feel makes this acidic wine a perfect food wine. The grapes are hand harvested and aged for four months in stainless steel. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
This is a great value wine and a wine that can be served day after day. Maybe that’s called a ‘go to wine’?

Hopefully, these recommendations will work for you, as they did for me. It’s time to get a jump on summer before all of the good summer wines are gone.

Philip S. Kampe

philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

Have you ever attended a Wine Auction? by Philip S. Kampe

         CEO and Auctioneer John Kapon heads the Acker Merrall and Condit auction team

It was early Saturday morning.
I was wide awake and invigorated well before 6am.

Maybe it was the excitement of attending an Acker Merrall & Condit “Wine Auction” that got the better of me.  I was anticipating where I would be in four hours.

The plan was simple, I would meet Ron Kapon, a relative of the venerable Acker Merrall CEO and chief auctioneer, John Kapon., at the auction site, Michelin starred Marea restaurant on Central Park South in Manhattan. We would sit together, as both friends and journalists, and survey the situation. This was new for me and commonplace for Ron. He was a veteran of wine auctions, as most Kapon family members are.

I arrived early and was presented with Paddle 55, after a brief check that my credit card information was valid. I am a veteran of country auctions, where price tags rarely go into the thousands.

This auction was different.
Each wine is sold in a lot, either singly or by multiples of bottles. The estimated price range was always posted for each lot. If an opening bid was too low or did not exist, the lot would be passed over.

Ron Kapon arrived and joined me at the table. The waiters poured water as we chatted. I only had two hours to devote to the auction, as I had previous plans that could not be broken. If there is a next time, I will stay for lunch ($95) and bring a bottle of wine for the table (that is customary, according to Ron).

The lots were selling at a fast pace, as we talked. Ron explained his relatives philosophy regarding wine. John believes that you should buy the best and invest in top brands. The producers name is the key to success in long term investing. Some of the famous producers include Petrus, Latour, Lafite, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Giacosa and Screaming Eagle. Ron went on to say that the general rule is to buy bottles to drink and cases to put away. Known as OWC’s, original wood cases add value for long-term investors. Magnums of great wines are great investments.

According to Ron, CEO John Kapon stresses that temperature control is essential for storing wines. The less the movement of the bottles, the better.

                                                             My paddle, # 55

In a nutshell, Ron gave me a Wine Auction 101 briefing.

In observing the auctioneers, I noticed that each auctioneer was responsible for a certain number of lots to sell. The first auctioneer was Samantha Compono, a quick witted, intelligent and obviously caring auctioneer, who made the crowd comfortable with each of the first 140 lots that she sold. Samantha was followed by Truly Hardy, who was the set-up man for the final auctioneer, John Kapon.

The auction barely started and it was time for me to go and dream about the next Acker Merrall & Condit auction in New York.

Maybe paddle 55 will be active in the future?

To learn more about the wine auction at Acker Merrall and Condit, visit www.ackerwines.com

Philip S. Kampe

philip.kampe@thewinehub.com