Wine With Wanda

Sip the World: Wines from Croatia

image by Renco Kosinožić courtesy Croatian National Tourist Board

Sometimes a sip of wine can open up a whole new world to you. I've never been to Croatia but after attending the Vina Croatia tasting in NYC, I may have to follow my taste buds. It was my first experience with Croatian wine and I was very impressed by the diversity of varietals and appealing flavors. Located where the hot Mediterranean meets the cold Alpine climate, winemaking in Croatia pre-dates the Romans by several hundred years. Croatia is divided into four wine regions, sixteen sub-regions, and 66 appellations that produce everything from complex reds to simply sublime whites. Here are two delicious wines to get you started on your Croatian journey.

BIBICh R6 Riserva 2009
$18.95
A blend of 3 native Croatian grapes (Babic, Lasina, and Plavina), this racy red is earthy with notes of berries, pepper, and herbs. The BIBICh family has been making wine for 5 centuries and even Anthony Bourdain paid a visit to their tasting room in the Croatian Coast episode of No Reservations. Perhaps Bourdain said it best - “Why, oh why, is there so much amazing wine in this country?”



Kozlović Malvazija 2011
$17.99
Wow - the seductive tropical aromas of this white wine really amazed me. Notes of pineapple, sunshine and crisp citrus flavors will make this wine appealing to many. Not too sweet but the fruit flavors shine through. KOZLOVIĆ winery also welcomes visitors.

To learn more, visit the Wines of Croatia website.

The Fruits of Freedom: House of Mandela Wines

A beautiful expression of an enduring family legacy and expert South African winemaking, House of Mandela wines are a regal, yet accessible, addition to your wine rack. Truly a family venture, former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela's daughter Dr. Makaziwe Mandela serves as the company's Chairman and his granddaughter Tukwini Mandela is the Marketing Director.

  Tukwini and Makaziwe Mandela

"There are many synergies between the story of the House of Mandela and the process in which grapes grow and produce fine fruit. Wine improves with age and is a powerful symbol of transformation. Wine represents the coming together of all elements that we celebrate in nature. Wine has to be nurtured and cared for. It is used in many celebrations; it acquires status, and prestige." - House of Mandela

House of Mandela offers two tiers of wine: the Thembu Collection ($12-$14) and the Royal Reserve ($40-$60). Their portfolio includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and a sparkling white. I had a chance to sample several of House of Mandela's offerings and found that they really live up to South Africa's reputation for quality wines and the expectation of excellence that comes with the Mandela name. The Mandelas source their grapes from the country's finest growers and work closely with them to ensure that fair trade and labor rules are followed.

Currently available in 26 states and online, it is easy to get your hands on a bottle of House of Mandela wine. From the less expensive Thembu Collection, I recommend starting with the Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (fresh and crisp, not too grassy, with beautiful notes of citrus and melon). And, I'm still thinking about the Royal Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - a voluptuous wine with an enticing aroma and beautiful flavors of dark berries and licorice.

Makaziwe Mandela said that House of Mandela wines are meant to be shared and admonished us not to drink them alone! Well, I hope she doesn't mind when I pour myself a glass, not to drink away my sorrows, but to toast their achievements!

To learn more about House of Mandela wines, visit Heritage Link Brands.

Dine and Do Good!: Scotch & Beer Dinners to Benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

One of the highlights of my recent experience as a judge at the Albany Chef's Food & Wine Festival was meeting the dynamic event producer Michelle Hines Abram. Founder of the public relations and hospitality management company MHA Innovations, Michelle is hosting two culinary dinners in the Albany, New York area to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year Campaign. Each year, in communities across the country, candidates engage in a spirited competition to earn The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man & Woman of the Year" titles, by raising funds for blood cancer research. Every dollar counts as one vote, and the titles are awarded to the man and woman with the most votes at the end of ten weeks.

Michelle is a contender for Woman of the Year and I'm really impressed at how she is using her culinary talents (she is also a chef and studied at the French Culinary Institute) and connections for such a worthy cause. More details on both events are listed below. As Michelle says, "eat, drink, be merry, and do good!"

Craft Beer Dinner
Thursday, March 14th, 6PM
$75, includes 5-course dinner with beer pairings
A beer-centric event with craft beer by Brewery Ommegang and food pairings by a team of renowned chefs, the event will be hosted at Angelo’s Prime Bar + Grill in Clifton Park.  Click here for more details and to order tickets.

Scotch Dinner
Tuesday, March 26th, 6PM
$125, includes a 5-course dinner with Scotch pairings
A scotch-centric event with the theme of Macallan & Glenlivet “nothing under 18”, the food pairings will be prepared by a team of ACFAWF Rising Star & Signature Chefs. The event will be hosted at MezzaNotte Ristorante in Guilderland. There will be a special bottle of 60 +year Macallan opened for the event. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.

Wolfgang Puck's Mouthwatering Oscars Menu

I know Hollywood stars tend to practice dietary restraint but I hope they tossed caution (and Spanx) aside and indulged in the amazing menu created by Wolfgang Puck for the 85th Academy Awards Governors Ball. Puck assembled a culinary brigade of 300 kitchen staff and 650 waiters to pamper the tastebuds of the glitteratti. And, 100 bottles of Dom Pérignon bubbly were delivered to the winners' tables. Feast your eyes on a few of the menu items. More images can be viewed at Wolfgang Puck's website. How I would have loved to have been there in a glittery little black dress!

Female Chefs Prove They Can Stand the Heat at the Women in Whites Conference

Did you know that women represent 50% of culinary school enrollments but only 15% of all chefs and head cooks in America? The first annual Women in Whites conference on Thursday, March 7th (10:30 AM - 3:30 PM) at the International Culinary Center in New York City will address the dynamic role of women in the food industry, the challenges they face, and how to create more opportunities.

Ruth Reichl

Participating moderators and panelists include Ruth Reichl (author & former restaurant critic The New York Times), Christina Tosi (Chef/Owner of Momofuku Milk Bar), and Missy Robbins (Executive Chef of the A Voce restaurants). In fact, the International Culinary Center's Founder & CEO is the visionary Dorothy Cann Hamilton and she will moderate a panel on Business & Entrepreneurship.

The registration fee for Women in Whites is $100 and includes lunch. Following the conference, there will be a celebration dinner at 7PM at L'Ecole featuring a three-course dinner designed by a team of women chefs. Tickets for the dinner are $75.

Click here for more information about the Women in Whites Conference and the Celebration Dinner.

Stylish Sip: National Margarita Day

Is National Margarita Day a real holiday? Who cares! You won't catch me complaining about today's celebration of this delicious and refreshing cocktail. For a refreshing twist on this classic drink, mix up this Cantaloupe Margarita recipe courtesy of Maestro Dobel Tequila. A great margarita starts with a fantastic tequila and Maestro Dobel has a pretty impressive pedigree. Sourced from single estates and distilled from 100% blue agave, Maestro Dobel Tequila is bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. Each bottle is double-distilled, matured in Hungarian White Oak barrels, and filtered for exceptional smoothness and clarity. Happy National Margarita Day!

Cantaloupe Margaritas

For the homemade margarita mix:

• 4 oz lime juice
• 4 oz water
• 1/4 cup sugar

For the margarita:

• 1 lb cantaloupe wedges (1/2 a 3lb cantaloupe, seeds and skin removed)
• 4 oz orange liqueur
• 6 oz silver tequila
• Salt, for rimming (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the lime juice to a pitcher.
2. Over medium heat in a small sauce pan, heat sugar and water, stirring until clear.
3. Remove from heat and add to the lime juice.
4. In a food processor or blender, process the cantaloupe for ~60 seconds until completely obliterated into a fine pulp (you might need to add a few pieces at a time if using a blender).
5. Pour pulp into a fine mesh strainer set over a large measuring cup or small bowl and strain, lightly pressing the solids until you get 1 cup of liquid.
6. Add cantaloupe juice to the pitcher, along with tequila and orange liqueur.
7. Serve in salt-rimmed glasses, over crushed ice.

Yields: 4 servings

Chic & Tasty: Antidote Chocolate

If you're craving a cure for run-of-the mill chocolate, grab a bar of Antidote. Flavored with fruits, nuts, spices, and fine salts; Antidote is bean-to-bar chocolate sourced from Ecuador's highly acclaimed Arriba Nacional cacao beans. I recently had the chance to sample Antidote and was very impressed. The blend of half-raw and half-roasted chocolate really adds a lushness to the chocolate and the flavor combinations are clever and tasty. Pairings like Lavender & Red Sea Salt, Rose Salt & Lemon, Almond & Fennel, and Ginger & Goldenberry satisfy and excite your tastebuds.

Organic, vegan, and gluten free, Antidote uses very little refined cane sugar - making it a much healthier option than other chocolate bars on the market. Antidote beautifully delivers the health and antioxidant benefits of dark chocolate in a delicious fashion.

To shop online or the find Antidote near you, visit their website.

Raise a Glass at the New York Wine Expo

Ahh, the air at the Javits Center will be more aromatic than usual thanks to the abundance of wine being poured at the 6th Annual New York Wine Expo. More than 200 exhibitors serving over 600 wines will be in attendance, so don't miss this vino extravaganza if you are a passionate imbiber or just want to learn more.

The New York Wine Expo is open to the public on March 1st and 2nd. Tickets for the Grand Tastings are $85 and include a souvenir wine glass. The New York Wine Expo also features great seminars that are available for purchase a la carte, including Wine 101: Taste Like a Pro with Wine Spectator’s Director of Education, Gloria Maroti Frazee ($30) and Italian Cheeses Wine with Lou DiPalo, the Cheese Guru of DiPalo’s Fine Foods in Little Italy ($35). You do not have to purchase a ticket to the Grand Tasting in order to purchase a ticket to any of the seminars but you will not be granted admission to the Grand Tasting if you only purchase a seminar.

For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit the New York Wine Expo website.

Join Me for Savor Spain: Tapas Happy Hour at Andanada 141

 SAVOR SPAIN is sold out. Please click here to be added to the waitlist. Gracias!

The Black Dress Traveler and Andanada 141 cordially invite you to

Savor Spain

Tuesday, March 12^th
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
RSVP REQUIRED. CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE

www.andanada141.com

141 West 69^th Street.
(bet. Broadway and Columbus)
New York City

Complimentary Tapas


$7 glasses of wine & sangria
$10 for the Andanada 141 Signature Cocktail
(Absolut Apple and Ginger vodka, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, Guava Juice, and Rosé Cava)

Experience the magic of España in the heart of Manhattan! Andanada 141 restaurant captures the culinary creativity, energy, and passion of Spain. Join us for a fantástico happy hour featuring complimentary tapas created by Chef Manu Berganza.


Chef Manu Berganza

A master of Modern Spanish cuisine, Chef Berganza was the first chef in Spain to earn a first-time, two-star Michelin rating as the head chef of the acclaimed Restaurant Sergi Arola Gastro in Madrid. He has also trained the chefs and staff at the Royal House of Spain. Lucky for us, Chef Berganza is now in New York City and dazzling diners with his innovative approach to classic Spanish cuisine.



Attendees will also receive a special gift (while supplies last) from NATURA BISSÉ skincare. Founded in Barcelona in 1979, NATURA BISSÉ is a globally recognized leader in the innovation and development of facial and body cosmetics. Luxurious and effective, NATURA BISSÉ was recognized as "The Best Luxury Spa Brand" in the third annual US NewBeauty Choice Awards.


Savor Spain is sold out. Click here to be added to the waitlist.

What a Wine! Colutta from Italy's Colli Orientali del Friuli Region

It's happened again - another Italian winemaker has won me over with their wonderful vino! My tastebuds were recently wowed by the wines of Colutta - a winery located in northeastern Italy in the region of Colli Orientali del Friuli.

I had the pleasure of meeting third generation winemaker Giorgio Colutta at a tasting in New York City. The event was hosted in Little Italy at Enoteca Di Palo & Di Palo's Fine Foods - a fourth generation family-owned business that is one of the very best places in town to find the highest quality foods & wines from Italy, including Colutta.


Colutta produces several varietals including: Friulano, Cabernet, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio. All of their grapes are picked by hand and their cellars are naturally preserved. One of my favorite Colutta wines was their Sauvignon (about $18.99) - it is lush and fruity but not overly sweet with beautiful notes of melon. Suggested pairings include fish and ham. The subtle sweetness is a delicious match with the saltiness of thinly sliced prosciutto.


If you are planning a visit to the Friuli region, Colutta offers accommodations in their Villa Padronale for those seeking an authentic agriturismo experience.

Wanderlust Wishlist: The Exumas (Bahamas)

Staniel Cay, The Exumas

Blue skies, bluer water, and white sand beaches have earned The Exumas a spot on the Wanderlust Wishlist. An archipelago of 365 cays and islands beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau, The Exumas are considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Bahamas.

A favorite hideaway of celebrities like Johnny Depp and David Copperfield, The Exumas were recently featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit  2013 Issue. The Sports Illustrated crew spent a week on location at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa on Great Exuma. A unique villa resort property, Grand Isle was recently named in TripAdvisor’s 2013 Travelers’ Choice Award as the third top hotel in the Caribbean.


Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Great Exuma

Do you need more of an incentive to pack your bathing suits and head to The Exumas? Well, if you stay three or more nights in a one-bedroom or two-bedroom villa at Grand Isle through September 15, 2013, you will get a free upgrade to an ocean front view, spa credits and dinner for up to four people.

To learn more about The Exumas and to plan your trip, visit The Islands of The Bahamas website.

Dress du Jour: Kamali Kulture Asymmetrical Tee Dress

Sexy, sleek and stylish, this fabulous dress from famed designer Norma Kamali's less expensive Kamali Kulture collection is only $94! The cleverly placed color-blocking accentuates the waist and creates a great silhouette for every body type. And, this fantastic dress is actually washable in cold water - making it very travel friendly!

Take Me Away: Park Hyatt Busan in South Korea

The shiny and new Park Hyatt Busan is causing quite a beautiful buzz in South Korea. Designed by world-renowned and award-winning architect Daniel Libeskind, this new luxury hotel is scheduled to open March 1st. The building features a curvilinear geometry and glass facade inspired by the wind filling the sails of a ship, the waves of the Haeundae Ocean, and the camellia – Busan’s flower. Located in South Korea’s second largest city in the iconic l’Park development in Marine City, the Park Hyatt Busan is adjacent to Haeundae Beach and will offer the largest rooms and suites in Busan.



Each of the Park Hyatt Busan's 269 rooms and suites feature natural elements including French oak flooring, granite stone bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for spectacular views of the ocean, Gwangan Bridge and the Yacht Marina.The interiors were designed by the award-winning Japan-based firm Super Potato. I'm intrigued by the balance between the ultra-modern exterior and the soft and natural feel of the interior decor.

  And, the Lumi Spa & Fitness center spans three full floors and features a 65-foot, indoor, glass-enclosed swimming pool and whirlpool with full ocean views. There are seven treatment rooms, men’s and women’s saunas, Korean scrub services, 24-hour gymnasium with private fitness studios and a golf simulation driving range. Dining options at the Park Hyatt Busan include three residential themed restaurants -  the Dining Room, the Living Room and the residential-style Lounge. There is also a patisserie, specializing in homemade French pastries and sweets.

For more information, visit the Park Hyatt Busan website.

Black Dress, Big City: Carmen Marc Valvo Rocks the Runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

It would take more than a little snow to keep this dressaholic away from  the presentation of designer Carmen Marc Valvo's Fall 2013 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Adored by red-carpet royalty like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vanessa Williams, Queen Latifah, and Kate Winslet; Valvo is a master at creating dresses that work with a woman's curves. Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe with a hint of rock & roll, Valvo's new collection was a stunning display of dramatic and edgy elegance. Although there were bold splashes of color in rich shades of merlot and port, I was delighted by CMV's gorgeous interpretations of the classic black dress. Which is your favorite? I want them all!
Click here to learn more about Carmen Marc Valvo and to view additional images from his Fall 2013 collection.

Jet Set Scents: Nomaterra Fragrances are Perfect for Life On-the-Go

Nomaterra fragrances aren't just inspired by places, the clever packaging is truly travel friendly. Their high quality scents are available in two forms - space saving wipes ($30 for a set of $12) and refillable glass bottles within a reusable aluminum casing ($96 for 1 ounce). No need to worry about spills or breakage - Nomaterra's packaging is designed to withstand being tossed around in your purse or luggage.

The Nomaterra spring collection features three unique scents that capture the essence of Miami (fruity & floral), East Hampton (woody & floral) and Washington, DC (spice, citrus & musk). I just sampled the Miami scent and those luscious notes of orange blossom, jasmine, melon, and pink grapefruit are a welcome bit of delicious sunshine in the middle of winter.

The company was founded by world traveler Agnieszka (in partnership with her biochemist husband Benjamin) who recounts fleeing communist Poland at the age of one in 1986 with her parents as her most influential journey. No stranger to the beauty industry, Agnieszka worked at Glamour Magazine's beauty department. Made in small batches in Brooklyn, Nomaterra fragrances are well-balanced, distinctive, and a welcome departure from mass-market scents.

A Sparkle in the Dark: Sky and Livi Creates Personal Diamonds for Women with Cancer

Finding a bright side to cancer seems next to impossible but luxury jewelry executive Anjanette Dienne Sinesio has channeled her pain of losing loved ones to cancer into a business that brings beauty, strength, and hope to women being treated for the disease. Her new company, Sky and Livi, actually creates lab-grown diamonds from a lock of hair and transforms the trauma of hair loss from chemo or radiation therapy into a stunning piece of jewelry.


When I first heard about Sky and Livi, I immediately thought of my Grandma Bertha who passed away several years ago from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She loved big diamonds and would have been absolutely thrilled to have a diamond that was truly a part of her. And, I thought of my father, Chef Glenn Mann, who passed away from prostate cancer - he liked a bit of bling and would have proudly worn a bracelet or ring made with a diamond of his very own.

Sky and Livi clients can select the color, shape, and size of their personal diamond and an 18k gold pendant style. (You also have the option of just ordering the diamond without the pendant.) And, yes, a Sky and Livi personal lab-grown diamond is a certified REAL diamond - it uses the unique carbon signature from hair to create a diamond that is optically, chemically and physically identical to a mined diamond. Sky and Livi can even combine multiple hair samples to create a diamond that is a blend of friends and loved ones. Like all diamonds, the price of your stone is determined by cut, color and carat weight. It takes about 90-110 days for the diamond to grow.

Anjanette Dienne Sinesio, Founder & CEO of Sky and Livi. The company is named after her nieces Skyler and Olivia.

$100 from every Sky and Livi diamond is donated to the cancer charity Look Good Feel Better - an organization dedicated to improving the self-esteem and quality of life of people undergoing treatment for cancer. The charity will also receive $10 from the sale of Sky and Livi Cancer Awareness Bracelets featuring the Sky and Livi logo signature on a solid silver round disc accented with a micro diamond and hand woven lavender macramé bracelet. The modified "V" logo shows the transformation that takes place from hair to diamond. The bracelets are $150 and can be worn to show your support for a loved one with cancer.

To learn more, visit the Sky and Livi website.
P.S. Within a few minutes of posting this article, I received a message asking me if Sky and Livi would create a diamond from the hair of a loved one who has passed away from cancer. The company founder said yes and the FAQ section of their website will be updated soon with more details on that topic.

Woo Them With Wine (and Cocktails too!) for Valentine's Day

Raise a glass to Cupid and excite your sweetheart's tastebuds on Valentine's Day (and any day!) with a beautiful wine and a cleverly composed cocktail. Check out these picks from Spain via NYC, Oregon, and Italy.

Andanada 141 restaurant in NYC is celebrating Valentine's Day with His & Hers cocktails. El Matador (for him) is a fiery combination of Tequila Sauza Hornitos, Cointreau, homemade tamarind puree, lime juice, and a glass rimmed with spicy paprika and salt. For her, Andanada 141 is serving up La Passionata - a tartly-sweet, slightly frothy pink mixture of Absolut Vodka, St. Germaine, ginger liquor, guava & lime juices, garnished with a sprinkle of beet powder. (I'll forgive the gender stereotyping because both drinks sound delicious! Based on the descriptions I'm leaning towards El Matador but I look forward to giving them both a try.)

The cocktails will be available Feb. 14th-28th and patrons that have tried the drink are invited to visit the Andanada 141 Facebook page and vote for their favorite - the winning drink will become one of  the restaurant's signature cocktails. Since opening in November, Andanada 141 has been wowing New Yorkers with Chef Manu Berganza's modern Spanish cuisine. A real rising star, Chef Berganza was twice awarded two Michelin stars in Spain.

Lange Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2010 ($24) was rated 91 points by Wine Spectator and designated a top value. Described as delivering "a creamy cascade of polished plum, currant, and cranberry."


Find the perfect bottle of wine for your beloved with a little help from Wine Spectator. On newsstands now, their 2013 Wine Lovers Guide includes great articles on wines from Oregon and the Finger Lakes, Valentine's Day chocolates, and editors' picks for their favorite wines and restaurants.


Valentine's Day came early for me at this vertical tasting of Nino Negri '5 Stelle' Sfursat di Valtellina DOCG.

If your beloved is a serious wine geek, you will earn major points with a bottle of Nino Negri "5 Stelle" Sfursat di Valtellina DOCG from the Lombardy region of Italy.  Like Barolo, it is made from Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) grapes but Sfursat means strained or forced and, like Amarone, the grapes are dried before pressing. Because the grapes are dried it takes twice as many to make a bottle of Sfursat and the flavors are very complex - dark berries, earth, and licorice. You can find the widely praised 2006 vintage online at Tribeca Wine Merchants for $79.99.