Grapes of Roth

Harvest has a few meanings in Hampton's farm country, but to Winemaker and Friend Roman Roth it means Halleluja! Time to toast! Picking has come to an end - for this year anyway. So what's happening at Grapes of Roth? I'm thinking, one more reason to give thanks and toast with Roth's 2004 Merlot and 2008 Riesling.

 The Grapes of Roth, Long Island, New York

Roth Merlot: The wine shows how wonderfully balanced yet intense the best Merlots from Long Island can be. It received the highest rating in New York with 92 points from Parker (David Schildknecht, Issue 188) and is a wine that can stand up to the best.

Riesling: This wine is very classic in style. Perfectly ripe fruit balanced by just the right acidity and minerality. The alcohol level is low at 10.8% and residual sugar is only 6 grams per liter making it very food friendly.

Wine with Perfect Pitch

Terrific Tom Seaver won three hundred eleven games, struck out more than two hundred batters over nine consecutive seasons and won three Cy Young Awards. Then in the National Baseball Hall of Fame voting, Tom Seaver received 425 votes out of a possible 430 — the highest percentage ever received by any baseball player.

 

Today Tom Seaver is pitching another kind of perfect game at Seaver Family Vineyards, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley. Few take as much pleasure as Mr. Seaver in the hands-on labor of raising grapes -something that was very familiar to Seaver growing up with his family in the raisin business.

Seaver Family Vineyard's cabernet vines were all planted by 2002. "Nancy's Fancy" and "GTS" has received positive reviews. His goal was to grow the best grapes he could on soil that is just right for Cabernet. Will he out-produce the mega-vintners? Probably not. But, from all accounts his vintages are to be highly noted for achieving excellence in every bottle, that is if you are lucky enough to get your hands on a case, with the vineyard's limited 700 case production. 

With hands on dedication to his vines, Tom Seaver has matched his perfect pitched games on another kind of field. 

BTW - Seaver's #41 was retired by the Mets in '88.

Pierre Ferrand: Plantation Rum

It' a perfect marriage between well-aged Cognac Ferrand oak casks, artisanal rum and France. And it makes perfect sense. Ferrand has supplied Caribbean rum producers with their coveted cognac casks for years. So why not combine the art, resources and passion to create a collection of the best rum and present it to market. Keep in mind this is the same house whose Collection Privee 1914 demands $1500. The Plantation Rum Collection consists of a range of ten of the finest English style, Spanish-style and Rhum agricole rums, from $40. Did I mention double aged? After the rum has aged in the ideal climactic setting of the caribbean the rum casks are shipped to France to age some more, 18th century style at Cognac Ferrand's Chateau de Bonbonet for an exceptional finish. Santé.

Turkey Countdown: Thanksgiving Dinner Wine Suggestions

24 hours from now you'll be plating-up Apple Brined Turkey, Herb Gravy, Stuffing, and Pumpkin Pie. 

So, tonight let's whip up a quick-n-easy light pasta with a zesty red sauce. I’ve prepared my Eggplant and Rigatoni on my TV show and for many of you at my cooking classes and book signings. Simply the best quick pasta sauce, period. So tonight let's keep it easy. 

While nibbling on some Brie Calzone and Savory Crab Cakes, you may want to consider these wines. First I always say- any wine you enjoy is a great wine; but if pairing with turkey and need a suggestion; Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are two good vino choices. 
image, © Douglas Allen | istock.com
We’ll be posting Daily FOOD posts very early on Thanksgiving and Friday. If you happen to wake up early on Thanksgiving to watch the parade, I’ll have some great breakfast and brunch recipes waiting for you. And, on Friday, when you’ll be busy shopping, I will have you covered with some easy leftover ideas and recipes.