Can a wine taste fluorescent?

fluorescent

Can a wine taste fluorescent? Mark thinks so, and visits soggy Seattle to discuss Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand’s uniquely pleasurable “glow.”  Watch the video here.

Featured wine:
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (New Zealand, $19)
Other prime “Savvies”:
Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($11)
Matua Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($12)
Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($10)
Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc “Vicar’s Choice” ($16)
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2009 ($16)

Precious Wine Bottles? Build a "Lifeson Ledge" (featuring Rush’s Alex Lifeson)

Precious Wine Bottles?  Build a “Lifeson Ledge” (featuring Rush’s Alex Lifeson)

Mark takes off to the Great White North to visit with Rush’s Alex Lifeson, the legendary rock guitarist and one of the wine-passionate “Bravehearts” featured in Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine. We learn how Alex’s wife accidentally swipes one of his cherished bottles and how the musician devises a solution to prevent future incursions — an ingenious idea Mark dubs a “Lifeson Ledge”. This is cautionary tale for all drinkers interested in discouraging the unauthorized removal of their favorite vino.  Click here to watch the video.

precious wine

Vote for Cotes du Rhone (and Dropping Ice in Wine) on Election Day

Vote for Cotes du Rhone (and Dropping Ice in Wine) on Election Day

vote cotes du rhone

In time for the elections, Mark broadcasts from the U.S. Capitol in our nation’s capital to discuss why adding ice isn’t necessarily a capital offense. He features Côtes du Rhône, a dependably delicious and affordable red that is perfect for robust, cooler-weather fare.  Click here to view.

Featured wine: Château de l’Estagnol Côtes du Rhone 2007 (France, $11)

Other Bravely Pleasurable Côtes du Rhône:

–Cuvée du Vatican Côtes du Rhône 2009 ($15)

–Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes du Rhône 2009 ($18)

–Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côtes du Rhône “Parallèle 45” 2007 ($13, also comes in magnum size – great for the holidays!)

–Jean-Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône “Les Abeilles” 2007 ($12)

–Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône Reserve 2009 ($11)

–St.-Cosme Côtes du Rhône 2009 ($13)

“Outside of my husband’s wine [Destino Wines in Napa], I tend to prefer something from the Côtes du Rhône.  In general, I’d say that delicious to me means dry, full, and elegant.” – actress Bebe Neuwirth, as quoted in Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine


vote ice in wine


Bam Margera of Jackass 3D Drinks Bravely

Bam Margera of Jackass 3D drinks bravely – Read on about his favorite wine experiences

Bam Margera

If there was ever any doubt that wine is no longer just for pinkie-extenders, Bam Margera, one of the stars of the deliciously depraved Jackass 3D and a Braveheart in Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine, sets things straight.  Here he tells me his favorite wine experience:
.
“Fellow [Jackass star] Ryan Dunn and I had an eight-hour layover to Romania at London’s Heathrow Airport.  It was my birthday and so we kept drinking wine until the flight.  We wound up on the ground pouring condiments all over each other.   Police with machine-guns walked us to the flight to make sure we left the country”
.
Viva La Bam!

Dom Perignon Rose and Salt Lick Ribs: “That Won’t Work”

Despite being told “this won’t work” by an Austin liquor store, Mark Oldman pairs the mythical DP Rosé with ribs at the equally mythical Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, Texas.  That’s right: DP rosé with Salt Lick ribs. “Going big” in honor of an old college buddy, Mark also tangles with an envious butterfly and reflects on the difference between folks from Texas and those from his native New Jersey.  Watch it here, if you dare.

salt lick ribs

Other Regal and Rib-Ready Rosé Champagnes ($70 to $110/bottle)
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé NV
Bollinger Brut Rosé NV
Delamotte Brut Rosé NV
Louis Roederer Brut Rosé 2005
Tarlant Brut Rosé Nature Champagne Zero NV
Other Terrific Pink Bubbles
Argyle Brut Rosé Dundee Hills NV (Oregon, $42)
Bortolomiol Rosé Prosecco NV (Italy, $25)
Domaine Chandon Brut Rosé NV (California, $21)
Freixenet Brut Rosé Cave NV (Spain, $10)
Gruet Brut Rosé (New Mexico, $12)
J Brut Rosé NV (California, $35)
Mionetto Sergio Rosé NV (Italy, $17)
Mumm Napa Brut Rosé NV (California, $25)
Scharffenberger Brut Rosé NV (California, $24)
Schramsberg Brut Rosé “Mirabelle” NV (California, $25)
Roederer Estate Brut Rosé Anderson Valley NV  (California, $25)
Wölffer Estate Noblesse Oblige Rosé Sparkling Wine 2006 (New York, $40)