Just in case you missed it, I’m the subject of Tom Wark’s latest Bloggerview over at Fermentation. Take a look and find out a little bit about me that you probably don’t already know. And, for those of you that have arrived at LENNDEVOURS for the first time because of the interview, welcome. Take a look around and I hope you enjoy yourself.
Posts Written OnOctober 2007
Long Island Bounty: October 20 Edition
This past Saturday morning I got up early and headed out to the North Fork to pick up some local veggies for the coming week. The beets, carrots, Japanese eggplant and heirloom tomatoes are from Sang Lee Farms. The cheese pumpkin (I actually bought two) are from Harbes Family Farm. The acorn squash, butternut squash, round summer squash and purple cauliflower are from Northville Farm Stand. And, the three different varieties of organic garlic are from Garden of Eve. So far, I’ve roasted both pumpkins…one for Jackson and one for his parents, and we’ve eaten most of the tomatoes.
Old Apple Trees, Family Traditions and Apple Wine
By Jason Feulner, Finger Lakes Correspondent "How old is that apple tree?" I asked Uncle Sam, pointing at the gnarled, sprawling specimen that towered over his small orchard. "Well, it’s been there a long time. My father probably planted it before I was born," replied the 82-year-old. I was helping Uncle Sam pick apples at his farm, aided by one of my wife’s older cousins and his three-year-old son. I climbed up the trees to reach the highest branches upon which no ladder could lean and shook vigorously, dropping the ripe gems to the ground. The little guy giggled and…
Cornell University Workbook Helps New York and Northeastern Growers Go Green
We all know, green/sustainable/biodynamic/organic vineyard management is one of the hottest topics in the wine world these days. But how can the uninitiated get on the road to greenness? Cornell University and the Cornell Cooperative Extension have just released a new workbook to help grape growers in New York and the Northeast. The 125-page self-teaching workbook, "New York Guide to Sustainable Viticulture Practices," offers guidance in evaluating and adopting the best management practices for minimizing environmental impacts, reducing economic risks and protecting worker health and safety. Topics include: soil management to reduce erosion, runoff and leaching; use of integrated pest…
WTN: Palmer Vineyards 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (North Fork of Long Island)
A little over a year ago, Miguel Martin joined Palmer Vineyards as its new winemaker bringing nearly 20 years of experience at wineries like Gonzalez Byass, Robert Mondavi, Yalumba and Catera. Obviously his coming to Long Island just in time for harvest means we won’t truly taste his impact until the 2007 vintage is released. Those will be the first wines that he nurtured in the fields as well as crafted in the cellar. Still the 2006 was his first crush on Long Island and wines from that vintage are technically his first here as well. This Palmer Vineyards 2006…
WTNs: Pellegrini Vineyards’ New and Upcoming Releases (North Fork of Long Island)
I tell anyone who will listen that they should try new wines whenever possible. That’s how we learn about new regions, grapes and winemakers. It’s how we expand our wine knowledge and grow as wine drinkers. But, that doesn’t mean that we can’t — and shouldn’t — come back to long-time favorites as well. Pellegrini Vineyards — and its Vinter’s Pride Encore — are just the kind of favorites worth coming back to. It was one of the first red blends I tasted on Long Island and remains one that I enjoy every time I taste it, regardless of vintage.…
Heard in a Tasting Room: Macari Vineyards
A reader who works at Macari Vineyards passed this funny story along: "At the beginning of harvest, when we were bringing in the chardonnay, of course the fruit flies followed. When doing tastings they hovered as unfortunately is the norm. I apologized to some guests, stating the extra protein was gratis….and one really nice young man replied "It’s okay with me, but how do the vegetarians feel?"
Vineyard Visuals: Pinot Noir Grapes at Castello di Borghese
The title says it all…I just really liked this one.
Am I a Professional Wine Writer?
"Where did you go to journalism school? And what are your credentials as a ‘wine critic’?" That interesting little excerpt comes from and email I received a couple weeks week from the well-respected and well-regarded president of a New York wine organization. Someone who has done a great many great thing for New York wine over the years. This was in an email telling me, more or less, that he didn’t want to answer the questions I asked him. It is his right, of course, to refuse my interview questions. He doesn’t have to speak to or email with me.…
WBW #38 Roundup and WBW #39 Announcement
I’m a little behind with this, but the roundup for Wine Blogging Wednesday #38, Portuguese Table Wines has been posted over at Catavino. As you can see, we had a nice turnout and the wine lovers behind Catavino did something a little different with the roundup. Certainly as participation grows, it becomes more and more tedious to read the roundup posts (let alone write them). Let us know what you think about the format they tried. I’m also happy to announce that one of my favorite semi-local bloggers, Brookynguy is taking over the hosting reins for November’s WBW #39 with…