Languedoc Wines bring flavor and French history to NYC, led by Advanced Sommelier Erik Segelbaum, with the goal of more restaurant exposure and happy diners.
Langeudoc is a postcard perfect area of sloped hills, lush ocean views and deep horizons in Southern France nestled along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the famous Rhone river and Provence in the east.
Curious wine drinkers eyes just perked up. Why? Those who understand, know the area has a lot of magic.
While the land is not as known as illustrious neighbors Bordeaux and Rhone, its quality is competitive and its price tag is far more attractive.
The Languedoc region produces conversation bottles.
It’s the bottle someone reaches across the table for – because it’s different, it’s more of a mystery – and that person’s palate is in the mood to investigate a playful pairing.
All these curious reasons led me to NYC’s The Winery for a masterclass of learning and tasting.
Advanced Sommelier Erik Segelbaum
Luckily we were led by Advanced Sommelier Erik Segelbaum, who has more than 30 years of experience, was named Food & Wine Magazine’s 2019 Sommelier of the Year and 2020 Wine Enthusiast 40 and 40 Tastemaker.
Beyond the credentials, what makes Erik great for today’s class is his unique approach.
See, Langeudoc hopes to get their wines in more restaurants: in today’s class more than half the people in the room work in NYC restaurants and wine bars and Erik understands that territory very well. He has been Beverage Director, Head Somm, Wine Director at restaurants around the country – so he knows how to explain to the restaurants how to get these bottles onto their wine lists and how to sell them – smart move by Languedoc!
The History of Languedoc Wines
Languedoc has a robust and varied history with winemaking proving their villages keep innovating and the world follows.
The story starts back in the 1200s (when they were discovering wine fortification) and fast-forwards to the 1700s when a twist of fate forced the vineyards to move up the hillside – which became an unexpected blessing as the grapes flourished even better in their new, windier climate.
We keep going and in 1903, the area was a pioneer launching the world’s first organic expo. Something that even today, over a 100 years later, many competitors around the world are still behind on.
Some wines with bold, chewy tannins? Yes. Others with refreshing acidity? Yes.
We’ll get to tasting shortly.
But let’s spend a brief moment understanding the area that’s creating such vibrant flavors.
Languedoc Land
Five large areas with over 20 AOPs and those twenty are grouped in three very different climates: Mediterranean Coast, Atlantic Coast, Hills and Mountains.
Mediterranean, as you might imagine, offers long, warm summers with heavy sunshine and mild winters harvesting grapes Piquepoul, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Muscat.
Atlantic is quite different with consistent chills and cross-winds that deliver Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay grapes.
Pacific, as you’d expect from the pattern emerging, is even more different. It’s intense. Dry and hot in the summer, cold in the winter. Warm days, cool nights. And this vigorous energy delivers rich, tannic reds like Mouvedre and Syrah.
Languedoc Wines Future
Much like the wines themselves, Langedoc’s future continues to open up more and more showing a sense of depth, complexity – while, yes, also being ready to go today.
Nine of their wineries are less than 20 years old. They are a leader in the “Old World” turning toward organic and eco-friendly treatments. They’re excited to reach a new generation of younger wine drinkers with their message and their culture.
So, let’s have a taste.
There were over 20 wines being poured, showcasing varieties from sparkling to light white to big, bold reds. Everything from pairing with fresh oysters to gamey pheasant.
Here are my tasting highlights:
Domaine Saint-martin D’agel Le Pèlerin 2020
On the nose: juniper and fresh spices rise from the glass.
Mouth: soft, supple mouth feel, with relaxed tannins
The finish had an invigorating acidity.
Delicious to pair with grilled herbs.
Gerard Bertrand AN 825 Cremant de Limoux Brut Rose 2019
On the nose: effervescent, gushing with red fruit
Mouth: gush of strawberry;
Finish is crisp and refreshing.
Pair with citrus-dressed salads or even spicy BBQ,
Villa Noria La Serr Picpoul de Pinet
Nose: zesty, floral and refreshing
Mouth: lemony and citrus aromas with a lovely texture
Finish: bright, uplifting finish.
Pair with mussels and fresh oysters
Domaine de brau Cuvee Etymologie 2020
Nose: Aromas of red and black fruits
Mouth: A delicate mix of vegetation and spices
Finish: A clean, crisp finish
Pair with tri tip and roasted pheasant
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NYC’s Newest Margarita: Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording artist, and producer Hailee Steinfeld, in partnership with Premium Beers Group, a leader within the alcohol industry in Mexico, proudly announces the launch of Angel Margarita.
Hailee Steinfeld falls in love with flavor
Hailee Steinfeld has openly expressed her love for margaritas, often sharing glimpses of her favorite citrusy cocktail on social media. Whether enjoying a classic lime margarita or experimenting with fun flavors like spicy or strawberry, she appreciates the drink’s refreshing and vibrant appeal. Her enthusiasm for margaritas perfectly complements her fun-loving personality, making it a go-to choice for celebrations and casual outings alike.
This premium ready-to-drink margarita cocktail is made with 100% Agave Tequila from the rich soil of Jalisco, Mexico.
Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail
To ensure that each can offers an authentic and refreshing taste experience, Angel Margarita is then fully crafted just moments from the Agave fields.
Blending Hailee’s West Coast style with the deep Mexican roots of her co-founders Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, Angel Margarita will lead the category with its commitment to quality. Angel Margarita will launch with four vibrant and refreshing flavors: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry.
“Margaritas have always been my go-to cocktail,
so making a ready-to-drink version with high-quality ingredients that didn’t compromise on taste was important to me,”
Hailee Steinfeld
co-founder
“After visiting the Blue Agave fields in Jalisco with my partners Jordi and Rodrigo, I was inspired by the region. I am so proud of what we have created together and cannot wait for the world to try Angel Margarita.”
In 2023, premixed cocktails were the fastest-growing spirits category in the US, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, marking a 26.8% increase year over year. Tequila was the second fastest-growing category, valued at $6.5 billion, up 7.9% yearly.
To underscore the excitement and potential of this fast-growing category, Angel Margarita has partnered with Philip Button, Founder and CEO of Seven XV Ventures and Geloso Beverage Group, one of the leading alcohol beverage manufacturers and distributors in North America. With their support, Angel Margarita will begin its launch in Southern California.
“Hailee is the perfect partner to help us share an authentic piece of our culture and redefine the ready-to-drink market through Angel Margarita with a more global audience,” said Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, co-founders at Angel Margarita. “We invite consumers to taste our 100% Agave Tequila premium cocktails and to experience an authentic piece of Mexico in every sip.
Stay up to date on Angel Margarita: www.angelmargarita.com / @angelmargarita
100% Tequila, 100% Angel Margarita.
Angel Margarita stands out with its high standards of craftsmanship and tradition:
- Protected Denomination of Origin sourced and manufactured in Jalisco, Mexico
- Expertly crafted high-quality ingredient list featuring 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, a blend of sparkling water, agave syrup, and natural flavors
- Each 12 oz can is 6% ABV and is gluten-free
- Available in four flavors to start: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry
- Retail = $14.99 / 4-pack, $28.99 / 8-pack variety
About Hailee Steinfeld:
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording musician, and producer Hailee Steinfeld remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her leading performance in the 2016 critically acclaimed film THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN garnered her two Critics’ Choice Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. Her big-screen debut was in 2010 with the Coen Brothers’ film TRUE GRIT, for which she earned an Oscar nomination at only 14 years old. Up next, she will star alongside Michael B. Jordan in Warner Brothers and Ryan Coogler’s latest film, SINNERS. The supernatural action horror-thriller is set to release globally on April 18, 2025.
About Premium Beers Group:
With over 3 decades of experience, Premium Beers Group has innovated and revolutionized the alcohol category in Mexico. PBG was the first company in Mexico to import 100% malt beers from Europe and introduce craft beer and non-alcoholic beer. Premium Beers Group is the benchmark for excellence and a leader within the premium alcohol category.
About Geloso Group:
A leader in the innovation and development of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Geloso Group manufactures and distributes premium malt beverages, wines, ciders, beers, and spirits. Geloso Group is a valued supplier and trusted partner recognized for its professionalism and commitment to quality, service, and marketing.
Thanksgiving in NYC: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Recipe here]
This Thanksgiving in NYC, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
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Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
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Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee: A New Era in Health-Conscious Brewing
In today’s health-focused culture, where wellness transcends mere goals to become a lifestyle, mushroom coffee is emerging as a leading trend. This innovative beverage combines the classic energizing effects of coffee with components often linked to the reputed benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Such a blend makes mushroom coffee a more mindful, health-oriented option for daily consumption, resonating especially with those who weave wellness into their daily routines.
Image courtesy of Freepik
The uniqueness of mushroom coffee lies in its ability to enhance the usual coffee experience by potentially offering additional benefits. For those who find regular coffee too acidic, mushroom coffee presents a more stomach-friendly option. Additionally, it incorporates adaptogenic mushrooms, which are believed to help the body better manage stress. This attribute makes mushroom coffee especially enticing to wellness enthusiasts and those seeking a natural way to support their body’s stress response.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of Freepik
Finding a coffee that delivers on both taste and health promises can be a daunting task. Leading the initiative is More.Longevity & Wellbeing with its Coffee Superfood Blends. These products are meticulously developed, selecting each ingredient for its quality and scientific backing, ensuring they contribute effectively to the blend. Flavors such as Salted Caramel Vanilla and Mocha are designed to mask the natural earthiness of mushroom, making the beverage more enjoyable while enhancing its appeal. The addition of adaptogens and essential vitamins in the blends aims to support overall health by boosting immunity, enhancing energy, and improving mental clarity.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of More.Longevity & Wellbeing
The company’s commitment to radical transparency ensures that consumers receive a product free from unnecessary fillers and additives, affirming a respect for consumer health and environmental sustainability. This level of honesty and ecological consideration is becoming increasingly important to consumers who prefer products that are both healthy and environmentally conscious.
As the trend continues to carve a niche within the beverage market, consumers are presented with expanding choices. It’s no longer just about picking a brand; it involves selecting a philosophy and a level of quality that resonates with personal health values and taste preferences. The coffee not only invites coffee lovers to rethink their daily mug but also serves as a gateway to a more mindful and intentional morning routine.
Image Courtesy of Freepik
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Yo Mama Sensitive Marinara : All-natural, Best-selling Handcrafted pasta sauce Launches Sensitive Marinara
All-natural, Best-selling Handcrafted pasta sauce: Yo Mama Sensitive Marinara
Yo Mama’s Foods, the all-natural, best-selling handcrafted pasta sauce company, is adding Sensitive Marinara to their collection of fresh tomato sauces.
This Mama-approved recipe is specially designed for those following low-FODMAP diets or sensitive to alliums and is low-sodium, preservative-free, Paleo-friendly, low-glycemic, and without added sugar.
Yo Mama’s Foods Launches Sensitive Marinara
Pure Tomato Sauce Perfect for Sensitive Systems
Amazon’s Favorite Sauce Brand Delivers
a low-FODMAP Marinara packed with Fresh FlavorCrafted without onions, garlic, and oil yet with all of the fresh flavor Yo Mama’s Marinara is known for, the Sensitive Marinara is a delicious and considerate choice for individuals with dietary sensitivities.
“So many of our customers have requested an onion and garlic-free marinara that we knew he had to develop a fantastic one…”
David Habib
Yo Mama’s Founder.
“…Crafted from fresh tomatoes, fresh carrots, white wine and fresh spices, this allium-free sauce is bright in flavor and a great swap in your favorite recipes,” said David Habib, Yo Mama’s Founder.
Yo Mama’s Foods crafts sauces that recreate the homemade, authentic tastes that would typically take hours over a stove to prepare, making it easy for home cooks to enjoy healthy, quick-to-prepare dishes for their loved ones every night of the week.
In 26-ounce jars with a suggested retail price of $9, Yo Mama’s Sensitive Marinara is available at H-E-B and Amazon, with additional retailers to be announced soon.
Yo Mama’s Foods is on a mission
Yo Mama’s Foods is on a mission to bring the world back to the table through healthy and delicious foods. Yo Mama’s Foods proudly crafts all pasta sauces, salad dressings, and condiments using only ingredients that Mom has in her kitchen. Since our launch on Mother’s Day 2017, Yo Mama’s distribution has grown to more than 24,000 retail stores nationwide.You can find more information at www.yomamafoods.com and follow them on Instagram @yomamasfoods.
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Colin Quinn Returns Off Broadway with ‘Small Talk’ Previews Jan 6
Colin Quinn has announced a new stage show – his seventh – and an opening night.
Colin Quinn: Small Talk will play the Lucille Lortel Theatre Off Broadway beginning January 6 with an official opening scheduled for January 23.
The limited engagement runs through February 11. Written by and starring Quinn, Colin Quinn: Small Talk will be produced by Mike Lavoie & Carlee Briglia and Brian Stern. Directing will be James Fauvell, reteaming with Quinn after the comic’s Red State Blue State
The synopsis: In Small Talk, Quinn “breaks down the one area he’s actually gifted in: Personality. Mr. Quinn has been chatting it up with friends, family, municipal employees and counter people for his whole life and now he can teach you how to stop sucking the energy out of the room.”
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Spain’s Penin Guide Wine Best! Taste of the Podium XIII offers Penin Guide 2023 Tasting at City Winery NYC
Taste of the Podium XIII offers Penin Guide 2023 Tasting at City Winery NYC
It was a proud day for Spain’s Penin Guide as they’re showcasing hundreds of their best wines for NYC’s wine and food elite: sommeliers, wine shop retail and wine critics.
What makes it extra special is their afternoon ‘Taste of the Podium XIII’ tasting where a select group will receive the privilege of a hosted tasting through the Penin Guide 2023 highest rated wines moderated by.
Spanish Wine Expert A.J. Ojeda – Pons
For those who haven’t experienced an A.J. Ojeda – Pons led tasting, it’s incredible and highly-recommended. Try your best to attend his future event.
What is the Penin Guide?
First published in 1990 under the name of Vinos y Bodegas de España, and edited by José Peñín, the current honorary president of the company.
The Peñín Guide to Spanish wines is the most comprehensive Spanish wine guide in the world.
With editions in Spanish, English, German and Chinese, it is the most widely used tool for amateurs and professionals to make purchasing decisions on Spanish wine.
It’s a must-have resource for restaurants, wine shops and critics.
What is Penin Guide’s Taste of the Podium
To make it even clearer, at City Winery NYC we’re tasting through wines that achieved Penin Guide’s highest marks of 2023.
What we’re about to taste with the Taste of the Podium event, is the best of the best. Wines rated 95 points or more in the new edition of the guide, known as “Podium” wines of the Penin Guide.
If your restaurant serves Spanish wines, your shop sells Spanish wines, or you write about Spanish wines, you want to be at this overall event and squeeze in to this afternoon’s Podium tasting.
A.J. Ojeda – Pons Doesn’t Disappoint
From the moment AJ walks in the room, the energy changes. He’s excited. He knows what we’re tasting today and he’s eager to share and get reactions.
Pere Ventura Grand Vintage Paraje Calificada Can Bas 2015 BE GR BR Cava
Pere Ventura Grand Vintage Paraje Calificada Can Bas 2015 BE GR BR Cava
Creamy smooth palate with lemon and ripe melon flavors balanced by toasty character. Elegant and persistent.
Lalomba Finca Valhonta 2018 Rioja Tempranillo
Lalomba Finca Valhonta 2018 Rioja Tempranillo
Deep purple in the glass. On the nose, blueberry, black berry, black currant. A seductive ripe round mouthful, complex and persistent. It fills your heart with young romance. Good structure, good body, medium finish.
Por los Cien 2018 T Bodegas Fos Rioja Tempranillo
Bright medium ruby in the glass with gentle hints of garnet around the rim. An orchestra of blackberry, plums, violet that ”sings” with aroma if you’re listening. Gorgeous. Evolving into spice, cedar, black pepper, balsamic. Complicated and expressive, with body, medium tannin and a lingering finish. Food pairings back for stews, spicy dishes, blue cheese gamey meats.
San Vicente 2018 T BA Senorio de San Vicente Rioja Tempranillo
San Vicente 2018 T BA Senorio de San Vicente Rioja Tempranillo
Inky deep purple in the glass. A powerful gush of blackberry, blueberry, black plum. It fills your mouth with a then velvet layer of liquorice, oak, cherry cola, tobacco, chocolate. Full body with a long, confident finish. Pairs well with manchego, a hefty burger, well-seasoned roasted lamb.
Baron de Chirel 2017 T Bodegas de los Herederos del Marques de Riscol; Rioja Tempranillo
Baron de Chirel 2017 T Bodegas de los Herederos del Marques de Riscol; Rioja Tempranillo
Medium ruby in the glass. Pronounced aromas of black currant, black plum almost reach out and kiss you. In your mouth it’s deep, dense and full. Graphite, minerality, mushroom, earth. Full body. Medium tannin that seems to keep growing. A finish that keeps lingering. Pair with ribeye, bbq.
Grans Muralles 2018 T R Familia Torres Conca De Barbera Garnacha carinena querol monastree garro
Grans Muralles 2018 T R Familia Torres Conca De Barbera Garnacha carinena querol monastree garro
Medium ruby in the glass. Black berry, black currant, raspberry on the nose. Black plum, chocolate, tobacco, building to a complex, medium tannin, slight oak, full body.
Victorino 2019 T Teso la Monja Toro Tino de Toro
Deep, inky purple in the glass. Pronounced nose of black currant, black plum, rip fruit, black pepper. The mouth is velvety and full-bodied, medium tannin, raspberry, cloves, chocolate The finish was smooth and lingering.
Abadia Retuerta Pago Negralada 2016 T BA Abadia Retuerta Pago Abadia Retuerta Tempranillo
Deep ruby in the glass. Pronounced red currant, fresh berry on the nose. Medium body, medium tannin with a balanced ensemble of vanilla, clove, cedar with a slight pastry hint.
Jorge Ordonez & Co No 2 Victoria Dulce (sin fortificar) 2021nB D Jorge Ordonez Malaga Y Sierra de Malaga Moscate
The nose is gorgeous with white peaches, pineapple, gooseberries and green apples, orange peel, honey. A decadent, sensual mouth keeps building with honey, caramel, candied apple, and cantaloupe. Plush, full–bodied, medium acid, hint of bitter altogether brinds balance.
Doc Cortados 20 Anos BF PC S Bodegas Williams & Humbert Jerez Palominno
Medium amber in the glass. Nose of fig, dried fruit. Medium body with churned butter, caramel, toasted almonds, butter, vanilla, baking spice with a medium finish that lingered just long enough.
An excellent showing by Spain’s Penin Guide and truly a showcase of their Taste of the Podium
Speaking of well-balanced, our leader A.J. Ojeda – Pons did an excellent job of sharing knowledge, balancing but never overpowering some formidable flavors, keeping the conversation light, but intriguing and pacing our short time quite well. Not too hurried, but never lagging.
Kudos and cheers to Mr. Ojeda – Pons and the entire Penin team. Thank you Morgan Perry and Sicily Cronin.
