Page 16 - Boca Club News - February '22

Page 16, Boca Club News
Grape Expectations:

The Answers to the Fun Wine Quiz

By Ed Wolfarth, who moved to that many of the restaurants we frequent remember me and 11. A trick question! They’re all wine regions. Chianti
South Florida after retiring with his often “take care of us.” is the region, Sangiovese is the grape. Chablis is a region
wife, Vicki, as Professor of Sports 7. There’s always confusion as to what is a grape in France, Chardonnay is its grape. Rioja is in Spain,
Sciences & Physical Education at varietal, or region. For the novice wino, I recommend you Tempranillo is its grape.
both Queens College and Hofstra become familiar with the characteristics of both. In wine 12. Another trick question! While Champagne is made
University. He is a nationally ranked lingo there is “typicity.” This means that a grape or region only in France, traditional makers of sparkling wine in the
senior tennis player and long-time offers a certain taste or smell that is typical of the region. U.S. may use the label Champagne since it existed before
USPTA Elite Teaching Professional. Typicity exists more in regions than in grapes because the European law was enacted. Of course, Cava comes from
Ed has written many educational of the fact that soil, climate and elevation (referred to as Spain and Prosecco from Italy and, believe it or not, you
and tennis articles in the past. Over the past few years, terroir by the French) affect your taste buds, along with can make white and sparkling wines from red grapes since
Ed has turned his hobby of wine collecting into a way of wine-making processes, much more so than the raw product. the juice is always white! So the answer is E. all are true.
continuing his passion for writing, and has written on the Chardonnay is made in many different styles. Chablis 13. I’m getting so tricky! The answer here is the 2nd
subject for publications. As a self-proclaimed “wine snob,” doesn’t taste anything like a Napa Chardonnay, and yet both cheapest! This wine also has the biggest markup. We in the
he has collaborated on many wine lists for private clubs and are Chardonnay. Also think Kim Crawford Sav Blanc from industry are smarter than you, the diner.
a few restaurants. Ed can be reached at wolfarthe@msn.com. New Zealand–the recognizable fact that even novices can 14. The reason wine coolers are preset to 55 degrees is
If you recall, last month we presented 15 basic wine detect that grapefruity taste and aroma makes it one of the because it’s the midpoint for reds and whites. Serve reds at
trivia questions. And, by the way, that Italian Wine & Food most popular wines on the market today. It’s typical and 65 and whites at 45 as a general rule. Most people drink
event that was scheduled for this past January 11th had to recognizable. I digress, however. All the answers offered the reds too warm and their whites too cold. Very cold white
be cancelled. With the current climate, eating indoors with a were grape varietals except Chianti which, of course, is a wine tends to mute the flavors from coming through. And
sizable group is not recommended. So here are the answers: region in Tuscany. with reds, a bit of cool makes the wine more vibrant.
1. In the movie Silence of the Lambs, Dr. Lecter was 8. Almost every bottle of wine on the label will have 15. And finally, a mistake on my part. My bad! The
having a nice bottle of Chianti with “someone’s” liver “contains sulfites.” While there is a small amount of natural answer to the question about which three States, in proper
and fava beans! Actually, Chianti goes great with almost sulfites in wine, it is necessary and recommended to add order, produce the most wine is California, Washington
all Italian food because of its favorable acidity. Chianti and sulfites to retain freshness and for ease of travel. and then Oregon—an option I hadn’t offered in the quiz—
pizza, Chianti and pasta, or with meat and cheese plates are 9. The answer is Italy, France, Spain and then the although Oregon and Washington produce almost the exact
all highly recommended. USA. That order has flip-flopped a few times, but in 2021 same amount, according to latest statistics.
2. There are 25 ½ ounces in a standard bottle of wine. that was the order. Okay, so how did you do? Remember, if you got 10 right
The industry used to serve about 8 ozs. of wine when you 10. Fermenting wine in oak barrels gives wine a you are well on your way to becoming a bona fide wino–13
ordered a glass of wine. Nowadays you get only 6 ozs. per vanilla taste. Without getting into chemistry, you can correct and you’re already there!
glass. So, if you do the math you may be better off ordering often detect a creamy aroma and smooth mouth feel that is
a full bottle for two diners, assuming two glasses each. attributed to vanillin.
3. LVMH, a large French conglomerate that owns many
Perignon, among others, simply raised the price of a bottle Travel: Postcards from Jessica
high-end labels—i.e., Gucci, TAG Heuer, Dior and Dom
of their famous Champagne, when sales were down, and
sold out the following year. Go figure! Actually, this is a short ride to the Parque das Nacoes (Park of Nations)
not uncommon since most of these brands are considered area alongside the Tagus River, which once was the home
Veblen Goods. A Veblen good is simply a luxury or status of Expo 98. Situated there is the main attraction, the
item where the demand rises as the price increases. Oceanarium, the largest indoor aquarium in Europe.
4. Bordeaux wines are a blend of five grapes. Cabernet Your Days in Lisbon: Much of my day was spent
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petite walking around the main ancient sites and streets. I must
Verdot. Left Bank wines, those produced on the west side have worn through my tennis shoes exploring the small hilly
of the Gironde River, are Cabernet based. While the Right streets. Whether you walk or take the city trams, you can
Bank wines, as they are commonly called, are Merlot based, visit the Sao Jorge Castle overlooking center city, go up and
Pinot Noir is grown in Burgundy, not Bordeaux. down the famous Elevador de Santa Justa built in 1902, visit
5. In the infamous movie Sideways, which came out way the Palace of Ajuda, explore the Lisbon Cathedral or take a
back in 2004, Paul Giamatti proclaimed, “I ain’t drinking short excursion to the Belem Tower, a World Heritage Site
that f…..n Merlot!” Of course, that line singlehandedly put built in the 1500s to defend the city.
back the sale of Merlot for decades. Real wine snobs drink Your Nights in Lisbon: In Lisbon you have many
red Burgundy, which is 100% Pinot Noir. IMHO, Pinots To: Those Looking for a Taste of the Port options, from quaint hillside bistros to party clubs that go
are often overpriced and inconsistent vintage to vintage. At From: A Bistro on the Baixa on to the early morning hours. There are basically three
most State dinners, here and in France, when serving wine nightlife regions in Lisbon, each distinctly different from
to special guests, Bordeaux reds and Burgundy whites like By Jessica Flores. Jessica has worked one another. Bairro Alto offers smaller local underground
Montrachet are often served. If you must drink a good Pinot, in the travel and tourism industry for bars and street drinking; Praque das Nacoes caters to more
try those from Oregon. They are more reasonably priced well over a decade. She holds both theme bars and, finally, there is the Santo Amaro Docks,
and a lot more consistent vintage to vintage–except 2017, Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in which is trendier.
but that’s another story! Hospitality & Tourism Management. But for you “Foodies,” eating out in this Portuguese
6. BYOB is simply bring your own bottle. Most As owner of AWAY Travel in Boca capital is an exhilarating experience. The food scene here
restaurants have a corkage fee. Fees range from no problem Raton, Jessica and staff bring 25 is constantly evolving, and you can find everything from a
to don’t bring! However, average is around $15 to $20 per years of personal travel experience Michelin-rated restaurant to a more casual, old-world taste
bottle. If you do the math, you may find that you not only to an exclusive clientele looking for in street-lined cafes and bistros.
save a few bucks but you drink the wine that you like or luxury travel planning. Ready for your own journey to One thing you do not want to miss is experiencing the
want to try. I do it all the time! I always offer some to our begin? Visit: www.travelwithaway.com Email Me: jessica@ food and music at a Fado restaurant. I was happy to join
server or maitre’d, and always tip accordingly. I’ve found travelwithaway.com or Call: (877) 493-AWAY my friends for a dinner at the very popular Casa de Fado.
Pack Your Bags: It seems everyone I talk to has longed Here we were able to sample local dried salted cod fish, sea
Southern Exposure Technologies to visit Spain, and I don’t blame them. Madrid and Barcelona bass, roasted leg of lamb and local baked desserts.
But the real winners were the amazing musicians and
Computer Install/Setup/Repair have to be two of my favorite cities. But for many, Portugal singers who serenaded us with nostalgic and melancholic
is often overlooked or just a stopover from a cruise sailing.
(561) 315-0144 From Lisbon to the foothills of the Duro Valley, you have Fado songs possibly originating from Portuguese medieval
getsetgo.annie@gmail.com a country rich in wine, food and history. troubadours in days long ago.
* DSL, Broadband,Wireless Install When I first got to Lisbon a few years ago, I was Wheels Down: Lisbon is a charming, vibrant and
* Networking, Troubleshooting fortunate to have friends living there to help pave the way colorful city filled with historical and unique architecture,
* Instruction for a true Portuguese adventure. They helped explain the interesting cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, famous Fado
* Hardware/Software Installation transportation system in Lisbon, and directed me to the restaurants, and spectacular views from the numerous hills
* Virus/Spyware/Adware Fix most important and interesting sites. Since they were still
* Cleanup/Maintenance/Backup within the city.
* Business Consult/Startup/Move very busy in their jobs, I was left to trek my own trail in This is a perfect place to spend several days before
* Website Design/Maintenance my exploration of this amazing city. venturing out to the countryside of Portugal. Take a short
Call S.E.T. to install your “new computer, printer Your Road Map: If you arrive in Lisbon, I do have trip to Sintra with its forested terrain, astonishing palaces,
and wireless network”! a few great hotel recommendations. One of my favorites medieval castles and wonderful eating spots. You might also
GET S.E.T. GO! is the Hotel Avenida Palace. This hotel is called a palace want to visit the town of Carcais and the beautiful beaches
REASONABLE HOURLY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY RATES for a reason. It’s striking stone façade and royal old-world of Praia do Guincho and Steubal.
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES FOR AS LOW AS $50.00 AN HOUR, décor will make anyone feel like a King or Queen. But But one place that you’ll definitely want to visit is the
WITH A MINIMUM OF 6 HOURS A MONTH, the best feature is its location on the bustling Avenida da
OR 2 HOURS A WEEK, OR ON AN AS-NEEDED Duro Valley for some of the most excellent Portugal ports
BASIS RATE OF $75.00 P/HOUR. Liberdade in central Lisbon. Close walking distance to and wines. The best way to see this region is via a river
START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH SECURE BACKUPS, historical sites and the fact it’s in the heart of the Rossio cruise. However, I will have to leave that adventure for
QUALITY MAINTENANCE, ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND neighborhood mean you won’t be disappointed finding another Post Card…
PERSONABLE ON-SITE SUPPORT! amazing restaurants.
(561) 315-0144 Wishing You Safe Travels,
CALL S.E.T. TODAY FOR YOUR COMPUTER NEEDS! If you plan to stay outside of central Lisbon, you’ll find Jessica
the metro system easy to navigate into the city. It’s even