- Wine 101
- Wine Trivia Challenge
- Health & Fitness
- Recipe of the Month

March 2007

2 -- Read Across America Day
3 -- National Anthem Day
3 -- Full Moon Day
11 -- Daylight Savings Time Begins
15 -- Ides of March
17 -- St. Patrick's Day
21 -- Spring Equinox
26 -- Birthday of Robert Frost
30 -- Birthday of Vincent Van Gogh
Visit Website

Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures.
-- Michael Broadbent

Tannins Have Vital Role in Winemaking

One of the most talked about and important components of wine is tannins -- especially if a wine is intended to be aged. Tannins are a natural preservative and come from many sources, including seeds, pips, skins and stalks; other tannins can be extracted from the oak or other wood the wine is aged in.

Modern winemakers take great care to minimize undesirable tannins from stalks by separating them from the grapes after harvest and from seeds by crushing grapes gently to extract their juice. Pressing the grapes more strongly results in press wine which is more tannic. Tannins play an important role in preventing oxidation in aging wine and appear to make up most of the sediment in wine.

Because aging is more important for red wines than white, tannins have a larger role in the production of reds. Over time, they soften up and add to the complexity of a well-aged red wine. Tannins are also important for young reds not intended to age because they give the wine grip or structure. The winemaker's goal is to maintain a level of tannins that is sufficient to provide body, but not dominate the flavor. People often refer to a fine red wine with these characteristics as "big."

Some people confuse tannin with acidity. To tell the difference, simply swish the wine between your gums and teeth. Tannin tends to dry your mouth out (a puckering feeling) and put a furry coating on your teeth, while acid makes your mouth water. Terms often used to describe tannins include harsh, soft, round or chalky, among others.

TOP

I cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to the food.
-- W.C. Fields

Wine Trivia Challenge

Question #1: Swirling the wine in your glass will?
a.) Taint the wine
b.) Enhance the color
c.) Create carbonation
d.) Intensify aromas

Question #2: Which term refers to the year in which the grapes were grown?
a.) Terroir
b.) Appellation
c.) Vintage
d.) Vintner

Question #3: The dry, puckering feeling you may experience when tasting a red wine is the result of?
a.) Tannins
b.) Minerals
c.) Fermentation
d.) Sugars

Question #4: When evaluating a young, white wine, which characteristic may cause you alarm?
a.) Rich, honey hues
b.) Cloudiness
c.) Extremely light color
d.) Great legs

Question #5: Which region produces "jug wine" and is responsible for producing about 70 percent of California's wine?
a.) Southern California
b.) The Northeast Valley
c.) The Central Coast
d.) The Central Valley

TOP | ANSWERS

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.
-- Lucille Ball

Take It Easy on the Eyes

If you sit in front of a computer for several hours a day be sure to take frequent breaks. Some studies suggest more than 50 percent of computer users experience eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and other visual symptoms related to sustained use of the computer.

Many of these symptoms can be reduced through a combination of correcting workstation conditions, posture, stress-relieving lenses prescribed specifically for computer operation, anti-glare screens, eye exercises, and appropriate lighting.

For soothing relief, you can use eye drops, close your eyes for a few minutes to allow them to rest, and look away to something off in the distance. Experts recommend you take a 10-to-15 minute break every two hours to relax your eyes and prevent serious problems.

TOP

When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste.
-- Laiko Bahrs

Three-Cheese Baked Pasta

  • Serves 6
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 thinly sliced bell peppers (all red or mixed colors)
  • 1 thinly sliced large onion
  • 6 garlic cloves, 4 halved, 2 minced (all minced OK)
  • Salt and ground pepper
  • 1 Tbs. melted butter
  • 1 Tsp. chipotle powder
  • One 28-ounce can plum tomatoes
  • 3 cups ricotta cheese
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • [Needless to say, get every ingredient you can from organic sources!]
  1. Slice up the peppers and onion. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Add the peppers, onion, halved garlic and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften (about 15 minutes). Add the chipotle powder and cook uncovered, stirring, until the vegetables are lightly browned (about 5 minutes). Add the tomatoes and their juices, cover and simmer over low heat (20 minutes). Put the mixture in a food processor and puree. Strain the sauce back into a saucepan and keep warm.
  2. Start boiling the water for your pasta. Preheat the oven to 375°. Butter a 10-by-14-inch glass baking dish. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the minced garlic, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan and the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the rigatoni almost al dente. Drain and return it to the pot, then add the 2 cups of the sauce (puree). Spread the pasta in the baking dish, then spread the ricotta mixture on top. Drizzle with the melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan on top. Cover the pasta with foil and bake (about 25 minutes).
  4. Preheat the broiler (or switch your oven to broil). Uncover the pasta and broil 4 inches from the heat (about 2 to 5 minutes or until the topping is evenly browned). Let stand for 5 minutes, add the remaining (un-pureed) sauce, and serve.
  • Wine Pairing
  • One of our Italian reds, such as a 2004 Chianti Casina di Cornia or their lighter Rosso Toscano will certainly keep you singing of enjoyment!

TOP

Veronique's Wine Club

We'll deliver 3 bottles of fine wine made from organic grapes to you each month! Talk about convenience and fun! We'll expand your wine repertoire by selecting three bottles of wine and shipping them directly to your home. Only $47/mo.

Each month, you'll try some of the best wines we carry. And, as a welcome gift with your subscription, you will receive an extra bottle of wine, FREE!

Click here for more information.

TOP

 

Wine Trivia Answers
#1. d. Intensify aromas
#2. c. Vintage
#3. a. Tannins
#4. b. Cloudiness
#5. d. The Central Valley

This eNewsletter contains information, facts and opinions from various individuals and organizations. This eNewsletter is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I/We are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Consult with your doctor, fitness consultant, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor when necessary.