Wine Wednesday, Tariquet

This is the time of year where I can't take time off from work physically. But mentally, I took a road trip this week to a nearby place called France; you may've heard of it?

Ithier Bouchard from Domaine du Tariquet arrived in Florida at 1am, by 2pm I was sampling his crisp whites and unique Bas-Armagnac, with my friends at The Twisted Vine Bistro in Downtown Fort Myers.

Tariquet is a family owned vineyard in Gascony, in south-west France. For Wine Wednesday I've picked their entry level, flagship wine: 2012 Domaine du Tariquet Classic.

This wine consistently wins awards for it's unique blend and great value; in the $10 range for retail. The 2012 is mostly Ugni Blanc and Colombard,  mixed with a bit of Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng. The result is a fresh, grassy wine with crisp citrus and juicy tropical fruits. Another great summer find.

A number of restaurants are pouring Tariquets other wines, but Bistro 41 at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers and the Wine Merchant in Naples currently have this blend. You wont be disappointed. Bouchard talks more about the wine here:

Wine Wednesday, New from New Zealand

I thought Wine Wednesday would never get here! Last week, I got a call from Heather, one of my favorite wine reps, who began the conversation like this, "I know it's not Wednesday, but  you HAVE to meet this guy I'm driving around today and you HAVE to taste his wine."

Me, "Twist my arm, OK."

Jason Yank, Managing Director of Astrolabe Wines, had just arrived from New Zealand. Because of a tight travel schedule, I could not get him into the studio but gladly connected at Cru in Fort Myers for a tasting and a quick interview.

This wine is not only new to the Southwest Florida Market, but new to the entire state. It was hard to pick which of three I tasted to feature for Wine Wednesday. But I finally decided on Astrolabe's flagship, Sauvignon Blanc. It smelled grassy and fresh. One of the first things I tasted was jalapenos! Then some peach and passion fruit, YUM! The fruit and acidity were nicely balanced. It's a great warm weather wine that I envision drinking with a fish dish, containing some combination of cilantro and onions.

Yank also brought along a phenomenal Pinot Gris and a Pinot Noir; both now available in Florida. Some of the places they are being poured include Sweet Melissa's, Sunshine Cafe, Cibo, Twisted Vine Bistro, Bistro 41, Decanted and the Island Store. Yank talks about all three here:

Wine Wednesday, Achaval Ferrer

Malbec World Day is FINALLY here! A celebration of Argentina's most famous grape and one that has been taking the world by storm. I have been featuring Malbec's all month for Wine Wednesday and I can tell you it hasn't sucked one bit!

I was in Mendoza in December, drinking Malbec until my teeth and tongue were permanently stained. I was looking forward to visiting every winery on my itinerary, especially Achaval Ferrer. Wine Spectator Magazine had just named the 2010 Finca Bella Vista, one of the Top Ten Wines of the World! We drank it from the bottle, from the barrel and it was fantastic. However, for Wine Wednesday I've chosen their signature Malbec Mendoza. It's easier to get your hands on and more affordable; in the $20 range.

This is a big wine for the price tag with layers of spice, raspberry and dark fruit; a little earthy with a perfume finish. Here's a little more from the studio with the crappy lighting! Happy Wine Wednesday and Happy Malbec World Day! Whats in YOUR glass??? CHEERS!!

Wine Wednesday, Trivento

It's Wine Wednesday and I'm continuing the Malbec Madness theme. April 17th has been declared Malbec World Day. However, since I don't like to wait for things like this, I started celebrating LAST Wednesday.

Today's selection is the 2011 Trivento, Amado Sur Malbec. I smelled the fruit as soon as I poured this one. It's got a little Bonarda and Syrah to make this a nice full glass of goodness. I think I'll call my friends at Ford's Garage and see if they can deliver my namesake burger to have with this one! I can taste it now. I was in Mendoza in December but did not visit this property. Here's a little more on this food friendly bottle, from the studio with crappy lighting...haha:

Wine Wednesday, Concha y Toro

It's Wine Wednesday! April 17th is Malbec World Day. Why wait? I decided to make the entire month of April a celebration of Malbec.

Instead of starting out with an obvious selection from Argentina, the Malbec making capital of the world, I'm going to neighboring Chile. Check out the 2011 Reserva Casillero del Diablo from Concha y Toro. I love the story behind the name of this wine, which translates to the Cellar of the Devil. Back in the day, the owner sent word that there was a Devil in his cellar, to keep people from stealing the wine that was stored there. It's a well made and affordable collection, under $15 for this bottle. It tasted great with the fajitas I had for lunch! Here's a short video with more info (better quality next week...promise!)

Wine Wednesday, King Estate

It's Spring and although it might be a little chilly in Southwest Florida today, the heat is lurking in the wings, ready to pounce. So stock up on today's Wine Wednesday selection!

It's a fresh, delicious Pinot Gris from King Estate in Oregon. I was fortunate enough to visit this winery last summer and fell in love with the property, the people and of course the WINE! I'll be featuring King Estate and their wines in one of my upcoming column in TOTI Media.

This is a signature wine for King Estate and it sets the bar pretty high for a Pinot Gris. The 2011 vintage smells of citrus, is slightly effervescent in the mouth and is full of crisp green apple and juicy pineapple flavors. It's a beautifully balanced and affordable wine at under $20 retail.

New Music: Ginny Blackmore

Love a Monday that starts out with a visit from an up and coming artist! Ginny Blackmore stopped by the 96-9 WINK-FM studio today to play her new single "Bones". She wrote this song when she was feeling down and out at her small apartment in LA. She said over a bottle of red wine, the song flowed and she recorded it right there in her living room.  Within eight hours of playing it for LA Reid, she had a contract. She's got a beautiful, clear voice and I can't wait to hear more from her. Thanks Ginny!

Wine Wednesday, Castoro Cellars

It's Wine Wednesday!!! Since it's a little chilly in Southwest Florida today I picked a juicy, spicy, comforting Zinfandel from Castoro Cellars. I'm thinking about a pot of red sauce, or a pizza delivery tonight with this one. It's a great find for under $15 retail. You can also find it on the menu at Yano's in downtown Fort Myers. Thanks Heather from Opici and Chris Riley, from Castoro! Chris talks about the winery, it's organic practices and the yummy wine here:

She's So Mean: But He's Not

Matchbox Twenty's new single "She's So Mean" may bring back bad memories of bad girlfriends (or boyfriends) but lead singer Rob Thomas says that was not the band's original intention. I talked to him yesterday, the release day of the new album "North". Smart guy, nice guy, a pleasure to interview.

Click here or listen below:

Singin' and Dancin' With Gavin

I've had the pleasure of meeting singer Gavin DeGraw and hearing him live on several occasions. Not only is he great live, he is always gracious with his fans both on and off stage. When he was added to the cast of "Dancing With The Stars" this season, I committed to not only watching the show but actually voting (for him of course). Each week I watched him navigate his way around Tango's and Jive's, bless his heart. He wasn't the best dancer technically but he always gave a good, entertaining performance. I talk to him about the show and his new music here. Listen to the interview, then watch the hot video he talks about.

New Music: Katrina

I was randomly checking 96-9 WINK-FM's twitter this week when I saw a message from someone named Katrina, talking about how she was on the road to Fort Myers, FL to hangout and play a few songs for the station. I immediately did a Google search to see what we were in for. Seems more people know Katrina's music in the UK than the US. After meeting her, I think that will be changing soon.

Katrina arrived with her record rep, her mom and guitarist Sean, who used to play with Smashmouth. She enthusiastically greeted us in her rock star skinny black pants, blingy belt and full head of cool, curly locks. Then she sang. What a voice; clear with great resonance. You can't fake it when you are acoustic, standing five feet from the people you are singing too. The way she worked the room was impressive; making eye contact with each person, singing to us not only collectively but as individuals.

Katrina was a Junior Vocal Champion on "Star Search" when she was eleven. But she turned down record contracts to be a kid, then go to law school. No longer able to deny her musical passion, she hung up her suits, put away the brief case and picked up the microphone again. Thank God!

I was kinda disappointed Katrina had to leave so fast, to share her talent with other stations up and down the Eastern Seaboard. I think she would've been great fun to go shopping with, have a bottle of bubbly at an outdoor cafe and solve the world's problems. Maybe next time.

New Music: Jon McLaughlin

Jon McLaughlin likes to write songs about heartbreak which is funny since he is happily married. He stopped by 96-9 WINK FM yesterday to play some new music for us.

Coming from Indiana, he loved our warm Southwest Florida February and said the humidity made his hair look better. I immediately liked him, and as soon as his hands hit the keyboard so did everyone else in the room. He mesmerized us with his smooth voice and his skilled playing. I didn't want him to stop. I love it when music transforms a room, takes you away. Sadly, not all artists can do that.

McLaughlin's new album is out in May. He duets with another super song writer and musician, Sara Bareilles, for the first single,"Summer Is Over". Listen to it below and watch a great video of another song I like, "Beautiful Disaster".






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New Music: Mat Kearney

One of my go-to CD's when I want to chill is "City of Black and White" by Mat Kearney. So I was really excited when Kearney stopped by 96-9 WINK FM yesterday with his guitar and some new music. His last CD was released in 2009 and fans have been eager to hear more.

A couple of years ago Kearney performed an acoustic set for 96-9 listeners at my favorite coffee shop, Bennett's Fresh Roast. He is a great song writer, his voice has nice resonance and Bennett's was a perfect venue for us to get up close and personal.

Kearney has a new label and is coming out with a new album in August. His first single called "Hey Mamma" is more upbeat than much of his previous music. He told us it was a "fun summer song" and I agree. He is currently performing on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever out of Tampa and will be in Orlando in June. If you have not checked out his music (www.matkearney.com) it will be worth your effort! One of my favorite songs is "Closer To Love"  

Check This Guy Out! Andrew Allen

I know I typically write about food, wine and travel, however, I have to turn you on to Andrew Allen if you haven't heard about him yet. As an unsigned artist he made it big in Canada, booking his own shows knocking on doors of radio stations, doing concerts in living rooms, whatever it took.

With over a million hits on YouTube and a spot in the Top 100 on  iTunes, he finally got the attention of the folks at Epic and they signed him. Andrew stopped by 96-9 WINK FM today and played a few acoustic songs for us. He's the real deal! Talented, nice, gracious, I can't wait to see what happens with his career! "Loving You Tonight" is the first release in the U.S.