I love my job! As part of my new charge to build a Food and Beverage business at Marina Maher Communications, we sponsored the Aspen Food and Wine Classic. It was a picture perfect June weekend of great food, wine, and friends. My goal was to get up to speed on the latest food and wine trends and research the exhibitors' PR efforts. Although I've been to the Aspen Classic several times, I've never been able to attend all the classes and just learn. What a treat!
My tasting notes:
Favorite class was Jose Andres' "Paella Party." The internationally recognized high-energy chef, known for spectacular twists on traditional Spanish cuisine, made four paella's in 45 minutes and left us wanting more! Who knew the term paella refers to the actual dish it's cooked in.
Danny Meyer's "Everything's Coming Up Rose" was as fun as a summer day. Loved the 05 L'Aire du Rossignol Cote de Provence, $15. Why is Rose so hot now? More tapas style dining, goes with popular spices and Mediterranean foods, low alcohol content (11% range), easy for winemakers who can use many varietals and requires no oak aging.
Grand Wines from Greece. Talk about old world. Although Rose is the biggest selling varietal from Greece, the ancient varietals are very exciting! Greece is the third most mountainous country in Europe, which provides a delicious maritime climate on hillside vineyards. My favorite is 06 Kir-Yianni Akakies (Xinomavro).
An added bonus for the Aspen weekend was getting to spend some quality time with my dear friend Dave Lane, his wife Emily and his new colleagues. Now I remember why I love working with the fabulous folks in the wine industry. Cheers!
