The $125,000 ‘Shroom, 52 Key Wines, Drink like Millionaire, Sauced in City, More!
Posted on by Mark Oldman

The $125,000 ‘Shroom

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Not just any old ‘shroom, but two ‘shroom in one! At the recent World White Truffle Auction in Alba, Italy, I witnessed a massive, “twin truffle” auctioned off for 100,000 euro, then about $125,000 in US dollars, for what is essentially a big, divinely-scented mushroom. The tartufo bianco weighed a total of 1 kilogram and was purchased by a Hong Kong buyer via satellite. I later got a close up look at this sublime ‘shroom specimen and interviewed its keeper, Mauro Carbone, director of the National Center for the Study of Truffles. The charity auction coincided with the heart of truffle season in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy and the annual Alba Truffle Fair. Business Insider featured my video of it here. ‘Shroom on!

52 Wine Picks Over Four Festivals

Those who have attended my wine seminars know that I make my selections more carefully than a vegan at a churrascaria. Depending on the seminar theme, the wines will vary by price, country of origin, and style, but they all have one commonality: the tendency to induce goose bumps of pleasure. With midwinter wine rescue an urgency and Valentine’s Day fast approaching, several readers have inquired about my recent wine picks.  So for your shopping lists, below are 52 outstanding wines, all of which I painstakingly chose and recently presented at four major food and wine festivals:

Food Network South Beach Wine & Food: Birds and Bubbles

Those who have attended my wine seminars know that I make my selections more carefully than a vegan at a churrascaria. Depending on the seminar theme, the wines will vary by price, country of origin, and style, but they all have one commonality: the tendency to induce goose bumps of pleasure. With midwinter wine rescue an urgency and Valentine’s Day fast approaching, several readers have inquired about my recent wine picks.  So for your shopping lists, below are 52 outstanding wines, all of which I painstakingly chose and recently presented at four major food and wine festivals:

Seminar 1: “Fried and True: A Fried Chicken Seminar” (with festival founder/author Lee Brian Schrager and author Adeena Sussman)

1) Bründlmayer Grüner Veltliner Kamptaler Terrassen 2012
(Austria, with Asha Gomez’s Herb & Chili Fried Chicken with Spiced Maple Syrup)
2) Champagne Henriot Brut Rosé NV
(France, with Dale Talde’s Kung Pao Chicken Wings)
3) LVP Imported Red Sangria
(Spain, with Yotam Ottolenghi’s Seeded Chicken Schnitzel with Parsley & Caper Mayonnaise)
4) B.R. Cohn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2010
(California, with Vanessa Williams’ Fried Chicken)

This mouthwatering menu is based on recipes from Lee and Adeena’s new book, Fried and True: More than 50 Recipes for America’s Best Fried Chicken and Sides.

Seminar 2: “Sparkling Sweets: An Ice Cream and Champagne Pairing Seminar” (with Jeni Britton, owner, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams)

1) Chateau Ste. Michelle Extra Dry Columbia Valley NV
(Washington State, with Passion Fruit Sorbet/Lychee Sorbet)
2) Prunotto Moscato d’Asti 2012
(Italy, with Apricot Sorbet/Chamomile Ice Cream)
3) Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec NV
(France, with Whole Milk Yogurt/Estate Vanilla Bean/Cloverton with Buttery Graham Gravel)
4) Marenco Brachetto d’Acqui 2012
(Italy, with Salty Caramel/Salty Goat’s Milk Chocolate/Hazelnut)
5) Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé NV
(France, with Bitter Askinosie/Chocolate and Dark Chocolate)

Austin Food & Wine: Outsmarting the Wine List

Seminar 1: “Outsmart the Wine List”

1) Cristalino Brut NV (Spain)
2) Boutari Assyrtiko Santorini 2013 (Greece)
3) Chapoutier Pays d’Oc Rosé Les Vignes de Bila-Haut 2013 (France)
4) Louis Jadot Morgon Chateau des Jacques 2011 (France)
5) Spring Val Vyd K. Corkrum Cabernet Franc 2010 (Washington State)
6) Chapoutier Pinteivera Douro 2011 (Portugal)

Seminar 2: “Bubbly Worth Savoring”

1) Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs NV (California)
2) Argyle Brut NV (Oregon)
3) Ferrari Brut NV (Italy)
4) Gosset Grand Reserve Brut NV (France)
5) Taittinger Brut Rosé Champagne Prestige NV (France)
6) Michele Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti Nivole 2011 (Italy)

Seminar 3: “Hunt for the Next Malbec”

1) Austin Hope Grenache 2011 (California)
2) Santa Ema Carmenere 2012 (Chile)
3) Tormaresca Primitivo Salento Torcicoda 2011 (Italy)
4) Planeta Sicilia La Segreta Red 2012 (Italy, Nero d’Avola grape)
5) Castano Monastrell 2012 (Spain)
6) Leonetti Merlot Walla Walla 2011 (Washington State)

The Austin Chronicle ran this kind review of my Austin seminars. Join me at this year’s Austin Food and Wine Festival, April 24-26.

Aspen FOOD & WINE Classic: Drinking Like an IPO Millionaire

At last year’s Aspen FOOD & WINE Classic, I assumed the persona of an IPO millionaire to present an astonishing array of special occasion wines. A tech hoodie was of course obligatory, but instead of donning the drab Zuckerbergian variety, I found one with Rick James gilded swagger. Speaking of the Facebook cofounder, I actually had Zuck in mind when I hatched the “Wine for IPO Millionaires” concept and launched this video a few years ago.

I explain my getup and the seminar to the always-dazzling Sissy Biggers in this genConnect interview. Make no mistake: the outfit was lighthearted, but the six wines, selected by my Aspen tasting panel of discerning nonprofessionals) were serious, as in seriously iconic:

Seminar 1: “Wine for IPO Millionaires: Special Occasion Wine”

1) Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne 2004 (France)
2) Louis Jadot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2011 (France)
3) Domaine Faiveley Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2011 (France)
4) Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2010 (California)
5) Yao Ming Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2009 (California)
6) Chateau Rieussec Sauternes Grand Cru 2006 (France)
Bonus: a few drops of Leacock’s Verdelho Madeira Solera 1872

     

Long before the festival commenced, Curbed named the seminar one of “Ten Don’t Miss Events at Aspen Food & Wine” and the New York Post named it one of two “hot picks” at the Classic. The Post also ran this preview.

The Aspen Daily News later ran this review and reported that the sold-out seminar was over-capacity by 70 thirsty souls. 5280 featured these fun quotes.

surprise guest at my seminar: the soignée
Margrit Mondavi, widow of Robert Mondavi

Seminar 2: “Top Sonoma Pinot Noir”

Pinot Envy Square

1) Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Estate 2011
2) DuMOL Russian River Valley 2011
3) Williams Selyem Westside Road Neighbors 2012
4) Patz & Hall Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast 2012
5) Radio-Coteau La Neblina Sonoma Coast 2012
6) Lynmar Russian River Valley Quail Hill Vineyard Summit 2012

 natural flag of Aspen: blue, white, and green

Tickets are on sale now for the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, this June 19th to 21st, which marks my 10th anniversary at the Classic.  Batten down the hatches: one of my topics will be “Wine for IPO Billionaires”.

Food Network New York Wine & Food: Sauced in the City 

Seminar 1: “Sauced In the City” (with Hugh Mangum, owner/chef, A Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, NYC) 

1) Codorníu “Anna de Codorniu” Cava Brut NV (Spain, aperitif)
2) Dopff & Irion, Gewürztraminer 2012 (France, with Smoked Pork Sausage)
3) J. Moreau & Fils, Chablis 2008 (France, with Smoked Smoked Scallop Sausage served with Pickled Sea Beans, Watercress and a Fall Mostarda)
4) Laurent-Perrier Champagne Rose NV (France with Smoked Tofu “Lardon” Frisée Salad with Miso-Bacon Fat Dressing
5) A to Z Pinot Noir 2012 (Oregon, with Smoked Lambs Neck with Quick Pickled Cucumbers, Pickled Chiles and Preserved Lemon Sauce)
6) Antinori Tignanello 2010 (Italy, with Smoked Short Rib with Butternut Squash and Rosemary Gremolata)
7) Inniskillin Vidal Icewine Oak Aged 2011 (Canada, with Sticky Toffee Pudding with Smoked Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Sea Salt Caramel)

Seminar 2: “Dirt Candy Delights: A Vegetarian Seminar”(with Amanda Cohen, owner/chef, Dirty Candy, NYC)

with Dirt Candy’s Amanda Cohen

1) Argyle Brut 2010 (Oregon, aperitif)
2) Planeta La Segreta Bianco Sicily 2013 (Italy, with Portobello Mousse with Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Peach and Fennel Compote
3) Matarromera Melior Verdejo 2013 (Spain, with Tomato Tart with Smoked Feta)
4) Weingut Weixelbaum Grüner Veltliner Alte Reben 2012 (Austria, with Celery Salad with Celery Pesto and Grilled Grapes)
5) Remy Pannier Chinon 2011 (France, with Mini Broccoli Hot Dogs with Broccoli Sauerkraut)
6) Prunotto Moscato d’Asti 2012 (Italy, with Popcorn Pudding)

Last Drop: Gustatory Delta Force

with Special Op Commanders Jacques Pépin,
Drew Nieporent, Danny Meyer, and Marc Murphy

Last Drop: On Real Men…

 


real men wear aprons and make fresh pasta

now has anyone seen that massive twin ‘shroom?

Secrets (and Key Wines) For a Smash Hit Oscars Party
Posted on by Mark Oldman

Austin FOOD & WINE Festival Q&A with Mark

Are you just as excited as we are to see which films take home Oscar gold during tomororw’s Academy Awards? Maybe you’ve planned a party with friends to celebrate the cinematic evening? No matter your viewing preference, we’ve recruited wine expert Mark Oldman to share his 2013 Academy Awards Wine Guide. What does that mean? He compares each of his top picks for Best Picture to a certain wine and points you in the direction of a specific bottle.

So, whether you’re rooting for a certain film or just looking to set the stage for your get-together, sit back and enjoy Mark Oldman’s drinkable guide to the Oscars. And because who doesn’t enjoy a delicious appetizer alongside their red, white or bubbly — he shares an hors d’oeuvre secret that’s sure to impress any guest.

AFWF: You have an admitted interest in how wines have played a role in notable movies throughout history. With that in mind – and given the fact that it’s Oscar Week – how would you compare your favorite films nominated for Best Picture to certain wines?

 

Argo: Champagne

This Affleckian flick deserves association with Champagne for its depiction of international intrigue leavened with displays of over-the-top, Hollywood-style glamour— a combination that Champagne and its attendant lifestyle have long manifested. Note that it is only when the characters have departed Iranian airspace – and the flight attendants then announce that alcohol consumption is no longer illegal – that they are truly safe andproceed to pop a celebratory bottle of Moët.

Recommended: Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial NV ($38)

 

Django Unchained: Shiraz from Australia

Like Quentin Tarantino’s latest, Australian Shiraz arrives on the scene with guns-a-blaze, exciting and extravagant in its richness and range of plum-and-mocha-inflected flavors.

Recommended: Paringa Shiraz 2010 ($10)

 

Lincoln: Cabernet Sauvignon from California

Like the 16th U.S. President himself, classic versions of this wine show depth (typically black currants, smoky oak, and moderate tannins), history (being California’s longstanding showpiece red), dignity, and complexity.

Recommended: Beringer Knights Valley 2009 ($30)

 

Silver Linings Playbook: Dolcetto d’Alba from Italy

Like this edgy-but-charming Bradley Cooper tour de force, good versions of Dolcetto (a tangy, medium-bodied red) can be a bit bitter upfront but ultimately finish with lip-smacking exuberance.  

Recommended: Ceretto Dolcetto d’Alba Rossana 2010 ($28)

 

 

Beasts of the Southern Wild: Wine from Red Hook Winery

With this movie depiction’s of a tiny hero desperate to save her ill father and sinking home, we find parallels in the brave plight of Brooklyn’s Red Hook Winery, which was pummeled by Hurricane Sandy and has been fighting to recover ever since. 

Recommended: Any bottle listed here.

  

Amour: That Special Bottle You Haven’t Opened Yet

As the film reminds us how love can be tested and how beauty can fade before our eyes, we must apply these lessons to our own lives and open that special bottle now. You and I have already waited too long.

Recommended: Any special occasional bottle you have on hand.

 

AFWF: Given your “unpretentious over-delivery of pleasure” approach to at-home entertaining, what would be your key ingredient to an at-home Oscars soiree?

My English friends Sarah and Marcus Oliver have mastered the art of the Oscar party, and one secret of their success is that they ask people to dress up. Having everyone gathered in red carpet garb creates ebullience in the room and adds to the vicarious pleasure of the evening.

To keep things from getting too formal, however, they offset all of the fancy dress with the most humble, toothsome treats that you’ve ever laid your lips to: crispy, glazed English mini-sausages. These links are so coveted by guests that the party’s invitation now carries the assurance: “Yes, there will be mini-sausages.” In a recent email exchange, I persuaded Sarah to reveal more about how she and Marcus prepare these luscious logs of love:

secrets

  1. If possible, use the fresh sausage called chipolata; it can be sourced from the British grocery store Myers of Keswick
  2. Roll the meat so that each sausage is just about an inch in length
  3. Glaze each link with a mixture of honey and mustard
  4. Broil the sausages they are “really brown and sticky”
  5. Serve with a good Prosecco

AFWF: Are you especially rooting for any contender (in any category) in particular?

For me, Zero Dark Thirty was unforgettably arresting, sending me into the night with surging adrenaline and in desperate need of a Blackhawk to board. I found Jessica Chastain’s portrayal of the relentlessly driven Maya particularly memorable. The moment Maya tells the CIA Director, “ I’m the motherf—– that found this place, sir,” Chastain won my vote for Best Actress.

AFWF: Lastly, what can Festival-goers expect to learn from your “Cinema Vino: Wines from the Movies” demo at the 2013 AFWF?

Like with all of my appearances, I aim to make this demo uncommonly illuminating and humorous – and, as an editor at Food & Wine magazine once described of my seminars,“like one big party.”

Hugging, Chugging, and Banging It Out at the Emmys
Posted on by Mark Oldman
If you’re an Entourage fan, you’ve seen Jeremy’s Piven’s character “hug it out” many times during the HBO show’s run.  At the Emmy Awards this past Sunday, some friends and I witnessed a supremely celebratory Piven chug it out with Möet & Chandon rosé, which was the official bubbly of the annual HBO post-Emmys bash, held at Los Angeles’ massive, tented Pacific Design Center.
emmys
Celebrating his much-deserved Emmy as Best Supporting Actor, the stubbly, sweaty, ascoted Piven held court at a table in front of the venue – pink bubbly flowing like faucet – as industry honcos and starlets buzzed around him like electrons around an atom.  With the volcanic energy we expect from his HBO alter-ego Ari Gold, Piven later jumped up on a platform near the dance floor to join the live percussionists who were playing along to Madonna and Michael Jackson, banging it out on a set of steel drums with the possessed look of a man set aflame by Möet and victory.

Grape nuts should know that post-telecast the Governors Ball — traditionally the first-stop on the Emmys party circuit — saw three wines being poured.  The bubbly was Laurent-Perrier L-P Brut NV, a rich swig with faint apple aromas and lemony lift, while the white was 2004 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Chardonnay, a classic New World smoothie with pineapple and apple scents and a kiss of cedar wood.  Most compelling was the red: the 2002 Beaulieu George de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet – a ballsy blackberry bomb infused with licorice, earth, and muscular tannins, the kind of hug-it-out bruiser that Ari would pop celebrating the close of Aquaman III.