Dec 14 – This Week’s Show

Posted on December 9, 2024 by Guy

My guest is Jens Honoré co-author of ROSÉ Revolution, the ultimate coffee table book for wine lovers celebrating the rise of this splendid pink wine.

Written by wine enthusiasts Rasmus Emborg and Jens Honoré, it explores the stories of 13 top producers from around the world, taking readers behind the scenes of this wine phenomenon.

Rosé is no longer just a summer favorite; it’s now a staple for any occasion, with one in three bottles of wine sold in France being rosé! It’s a bridge between red and white, inclusive, and perfect for wine newbies and aficionados alike. Rosé Revolution dives into the passion, quality, and craftsmanship behind this booming category, showcasing the winemakers who made it happen.

With stunning photos and firsthand stories from producers who sparked the rosé revolution, this beautifully illustrated book is a must-have for any wine lover.

Rosé is the wine that has experienced the most progress in recent years. It is inclusive, unsnobbish, and is a marker of the good life. Like rosé wine, Rosé Revolution is easy to embrace.

Rosé wine is authenticating itself as the third wine category, which acts as a versatile bridge-builder between red and white and is suitable for most occasions and meals. The wine has a broad reach–from the novice to the general wine consumer to the wine nerd–and is riding a wave of popularity, market availability, and expanding recognition that looks set to continue for years to come.

With most celebrated and well-known wine critics/writers not paying much attention to rosé and motivated by a gap in the market for a book about rosé told through the winemakers themselves–their motivations, ambitions, and foremost urge for quality–the authors traveled around the world to visit some of the most significant rosé producers. Both those who established the foundation for the rosé revolution and those who caused its eruption. Each producer has an exciting tale to tell. Each, in its way, contributes to the fascinating story of the Rosé Revolution.

As one of the participants, Sacha Lichine, creator of the world’s best-selling rosé, Whispering Angel, so precisely phrases it: “From the beginning, the idea was to make rosé into real wine. Everyone looked at us like we were completely crazy. I guess, we were.”

With 13 chapters filled with stunning photos and illustrations Rosé Revolution is a must-have for every wine lover. As lifelong wine enthusiasts Rasmus and Jens have both embraced rosé wine–its history, taste, appeal, color, and allure that come together in delightful harmony.

Jens Honoré is a photographer who has worked in the advertising industry for 30 years. In 2018, he published A Place to Dream for SOS Children’s Villages, and in partnership with Jens Vilstrup, he published the book, Farewell to a Black/White World about the UN’s 2015 Sustainable Development Goals. He has also contributed to Building a Dream about LEGO owner Kjeld Kirks Kristiansen’s realization of LEGO House. In 2021, he published The Right to Food about homeless people’s relationship with food. Jens lives in New York, and as a wine enthusiast, has followed the trend of increasing enthusiasm for rosé wine, with great interest. Follow him on Instagram (@jenshonore).  www.jenshonore.com

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Maison Saint AIX Rose Provence France – AIX Rosé is the gold awarded premium Provence rosé made with dedication and passion. The perfect wine to drink with friends and family all day long! Made in the Provence region of France, just an hour North-East from the historical city of Aix-en-Provence.  This pale pink wine has lively aromas of white peach, wet stones, blood orange and spring flowers. Fresh flavors of green apple, peach and tangerine combine with great minerality and a pleasant white pepper finish. Grenache (60%), Syrah (20%), Cinsault (20%)  ABV13%

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Dec 7 – Red Wines by the Fire

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Guy

This Week I’ll be chatting with Matthew Cocks, DipWSET, and Advanced Sommelier. He is a vinicultural expert with “VinoVoss” — an AI Sommelier smartphone app and  web-based semantic wine search and recommendation system. The topic: Wines for in front of the fireplace 🙂

Winter Warmers: The Best Red Wines For Cozying Up By The Fire

How do you define the seasons? All of us have our own way. Some use ecology, and are guided by the activity of plants. Others use the calendar, where the seasons change along with the pages of the twelve months. Temperature, too, can offer a guide. The onset of winter is revealed when the shrinking mercury’s refusal to rise signifies a shift from ‘Winter is coming’ to ‘Winter is here’. Of all these methods, temperature may be the one felt the most.

The Allure of the Fireplace in Winter

The Secret to a Great Fireside Wine
The magical thing about being fireside is that it stimulates so many of our senses simultaneously. Perched by the hearth, one can see the flickering light of the flames, feel the glow of the radiant heat, hear the crackle of burning fuel, and smell the gentle, but unmistakable, wafting aroma of woodsmoke. A good fireside wine emulates these signals, underscoring and intensifying them.

“Winter reds should generally complement the warming spirit of the fire and the relaxation, Whether enjoying it by itself, with a piece of chocolate, or a delicious piece of meat from the grill, you have to make the final decision which of those will suit you best.”

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your corkscrew, and a few logs, and get the fire crackling.

Matthew Cocks, DipWSET, is a vinicultural expert with “VinoVoss” — an AI Sommelier smartphone app and  web-based semantic wine search and recommendation system, developed by BetterAI. VinoVoss picks the perfect wine for any occasion, courtesy of a highly advanced artificial intelligence architecture. Matthew, as an educator, international judge, and consultant, uses a data-informed approach to help HORECA companies hone their operations and procurement processes, and private clients optimize their wine cellar for enjoyment and investment. Matthew also holds the Advanced Sommelier Certificate from The Court of Master Sommeliers. Reach him and more at www.vinovoss.com. Or visit https://www.matthewcocks.com/

Then it’s all about Ancient Peaks the Ancient Peaks family owned winery and the amazing Santa Margarita Ranch vineyard in Paso Robles, California. https://ancientpeaks.com/ 

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2020 Ancient Peaks Merlot -Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles
This primo Merlot opens with enticing red fruit aromas joined by hints of dried herbs and toasted oak. A round, supple texture delivers mouth-filling flavors of raspberry, plum, black cherry, cocoa dust and baking spice. Lingering complexities of cedar and mushroom elevate the senses on a silky, polished finish. The complex flavors of the pair well with rack of lamb, herbed roast beef, mushroom risotto, and Merlot-braised pork chops.  Blend: 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Zinfandel ABV14.3  Learn more here!

2022 Ancient Peaks Santa – Santa Margarita Ranch Zinfandel, Paso Robles
Zinfandel offers a nose of mixed berry fruits with hints of caramel and black pepper spices. The mouthfeel is supple, jammy and expansive with flavors of raspberry, cherry, plum and vanilla, with trailing notes of toasted oak and leather adding depth to the wine’s luscious fruit-forward character. Juicy acidity lingers on the finish with an appealing dash of spice.  The juicy, delicious style of the 2022 Zinfandel is a perfect match for spicy Italian flatbread, red sauce pastas, Santa Maria-style barbecue and pork ribs. 100% Zinfandel  ABV14.3%  Learn more here!

Grab these wines at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road
Light the fire place, pour a glass and enjoy the holidays! 🙂

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Nov 30 – Let’s Bake

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Guy

Let’s Bake: Over 100 Dessert Recipes for Gifting & Giving

Over 100 recipes of cookies, cakes, pies, and other delicious treats to gift, share, and enjoy!

Let’s Bake is a celebration of generosity, kindness and love. This vibrant collection showcases a gorgeous assortment of cakes, cookies, pastries, and pies—each recipe a gift to share, whether for friends, fundraisers or special occasions.

From exquisitely textured shortbread layered with chocolate to a tasty raspberry-topped lemon tart, these delectables will delight. With over 100 recipes easy to prepare and share for any occasion, whether for a birthday or a bake sale, Let’s Bake includes favorites like:

• Date Night Chocolate Praline Tart


•Light as Air Angel Food Cake
• Espresso Brown Butter Blondies
• Burnt Basque Cheesecake
• Butterscotch Crunch Cookies
• Vintage Baked Alaska
• Pear Tarte Tatin
• Tipsy Tiramisu

Featuring beautiful photography and tips and tricks to help you save time in the kitchen, Let’s Bake is your guide to a world of sweet gift giving. Let every treat you bake be a testament to the power of sharing a moment with those who matter most.

Gail Sweeney has been an home baker for 25 years distributing her baked goods to specialty markets, boutique stores, catering clients, restaurants, and, of course, her family and friends. Professionally, she works as a Child Psychologist, supporting children, adolescents and their families through stressful life events. She has written and directed the award-winning short documentary A Mind of Your Own about kids with learning disabilities, their struggles as well as their triumps. This is why Gail’s love for baking stems from the happiness it brings to others. Also an aspiring food photographer, her recipes have been featured in local newspapers and television.

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
Something sweet to go with dessert!

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Nov 23 – You Can Cook Anything

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Guy

My 1st guest this week is Jorj Morgan with her relatively new “You Can Cook Anything – A Guide for Newly Inspired Cooks.”

Renowned chef Jorj Morgan is demystifying the art of making home-cooked meals with her interactive You Can Cook Any THING cookbook series. Created specifically for novice chefs with tight budgets, big appetites, and zero clue in the kitchen, each book in this five-part series features QR codes that take readers straight to instructional how-tos — it’s like having Jorj right there in the kitchen to help!


Tired of fast food, microwaved meals, and sad sandwiches? Is eating out all the time breaking the bank? Renowned chef Jorj Morgan is coming to the rescue in kitchens across the country with her You Can Cook Any THING cookbook series, published by Warren Publishing. This comprehensive five-book series breaks down everyTHING you’ve ever imagined or craved to eat. The books feature AI-generated artwork to depict each of the dishes alongside QR codes that link to instructional videos. Morgan’s multi-media approach helps readers build confidence in what they cook with no pressure from unattainable presentations. The AI-generated artwork is a little rougher around the edges, and it’s fun—just like real food—so readers won’t be intimidated if their final results don’t look Instagram-ready. Get a copy of any of the series books here!


Jorj Morgan has appeared on nationally syndicated television programs and participated in regional media tours. She has been the featured guest on numerous radio, food, and entertaining programs and her quotes have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, New York Times, Women’s World, First for Women, and Reader’s Digest, among others. Her comprehensive website www.jorj.com; YouTube channel, In the Kitchen with Jorj; Facebook and Instagram @jorjmorgancooking; X (formerly Twitter) @jorjmorgan; and Pinterest @jorjmorgancooking; are committed to creating content to demystify the kitchen and make meals prepared at home accessible to everyone. Learn more about Jorj here!


Later in the show I’ll be talking to Sean Minor (a Kansas native) about the wine of the week and more importantly the AIWF Holiday dinner at the Wichita Marriott December 5th.  Sean and his daughter Elle (also a winemaker) will be here in Wichita for the dinner and we will feature an array of his premium wines paired with a very special dinner prepared by Chef Peter Moretti. Learn more at AIWFWichita.org  and make reservations today! 

Sean Minor Wines was founded in 2005 by Sean and Nicole Minor, husband and wife team, and is still family-owned and operated to this day. Originally named Four Bears Winery, after their four children. Just as children grow, so did we, but our commitment to crafting delicious, affordable wines remains as strong as ever.

As of 2023, Elle Minor, Sean and Nicole’s daughter, has joined the team as Production Manager and Assistant Winemaker. With fresh ideas and youthful energy, she’s eager to add her own spin on the family wines.

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
One of the primo wines being poured at the AIWF dinner!
2022 Sean Minor Signature Series, Nicole Marie Red Blend

This full bodied, zesty blend has flavors of warm blueberry pie and dark cherry compote with hints of vanilla and cassis, making it perfect for your weekly pasta night. 50% Merlot – 25% Zinfandel – 25% Petite Sirah

This wine is concentrated with aromas of boysenberry, huckleberry, cinnamon, clove and violet. The palate offers blackberry jam, orange zest and cardamom that glide into tobacco leaf and a dry finish. Pair with prime rib.

Badge 94 Points

The Tasting Panel
Badge 92 Points
Wine Enthusiast

 

 

 

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Nov 16 – Hope Family Wines

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Guy

This week it’s all about one of my favorite wine producers in California!  My guest is Austin Hope, proprietor of Hope Family Wines.

The Hope family has been farming in Paso Robles for more than 30 years. When they arrived in this barely-discovered region, they planted apples and grapes. Little did they know that the rolling, oak-studded terrain of Paso Robles would one day become a vinicultural terroir of significance and one of the top winegrowing regions for quality red wine within the Central Coast.  www.hopefamilywines.com

Gone are the apple orchards. Today, the Hopes cultivate mature vineyards of the varieties best suited to their area including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Mourvedre and Grenache. Vine density has increased and each vine is asked to produce very little fruit. The terroir of this domain expresses itself in its unique regional character. Regardless of the varieties planted, the expression of Paso Robles is displayed in the glass with spice, licorice and berry in the nose, soft textures and silky tannins on the palate.  Hope Family Wines on Facebook & X

Austin Hope arrived in Paso Robles in 1978, when his family moved to the small farming town in search of new opportunity. His parents bought land and planted both vineyards and apple orchards. He was just eight years old when the grapes came on line in the 1980s and began learning in the vineyards alongside his father, Chuck Hope.

In 1995 he graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in fruit science. Beginning in the 1980s, the Hope family sold Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to Caymus for its Liberty School label, and Austin followed his father’s advice to seek out an opportunity to work with Caymus founder Chuck Wagner.

Austin worked with Wagner in Napa, both inside the winery and the administrative offices, learning the nuts and bolts of the wine business from one of California’s most respected producers. “That was probably my a-ha moment,” says Austin. “I realized that I not only wanted to grow grapes, but to manage our own label to bring our fruit directly to the market,” he says.

The Hope family began producing Liberty School wines and founded Treana in 1996. After beginning as the assistant winemaker, Austin became winemaker for the Hope portfolio in 1998.  Hope Family Wines now makes Treana, Liberty School, Candor, Troublemaker and Austin Hope wines. In 2009, Austin Hope was named “Winemaker of the Year” at the California Mid-State Fair.

When he’s not in the lab tasting or on the road promoting his wines, Austin enjoys duck hunting with Spartacus, his Labrador retriever, and staying ahead of the curve on the indie music scene by attending as many rock-n-roll concerts as possible. He’s also a dedicated dad who enjoys spending time with his two young daughters

Good Life Guy’s Wine(s) of the week:
A Few of Austin’s primo wines!  🙂

Grab some at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road or your local wine merchant and join us!

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