Black Peppercorn

Most of us are familiar with black pepper. We use ground black pepper in our homes and when we are out to eat. We may even have a pepper grinder to grind the peppercorns. I personally use the grinder. With the grinder I can adjust the coarseness of the grind. I like the chunky coarse grind on my salads. Then, I like a fine grind on my eggs, when they are over easy. Scrambled eggs I prefer a medium-fine grind. Black pepper will have a citrusy overtone and a hardwood note. I think the coarse grind helps to deliver that stronger citrus bite. Think of the times you have bitten into a small chunk of a peppercorn and you get that strong black pepper taste. Then, think of the times you use a fine ground black pepper and there is a slight floral note along with the other qualities. That pungent smell of black pepper is just wonderful.

Tomorrow White Peppercorn Posting

Understanding Pepper as a Tasting Note

When reading tasting notes on wine, beer or cigars you will eventually see the note of pepper. It may have a peppery aroma, slight peppery taste or a spicy peppery flavor. When I read the word pepper, I usually think of black pepper. And, there have been times when I taste a peppery note and I have started to think, ‘what kind of pepper is this,’ because it does not taste like black pepper it seemed softer. The peppery like taste can come from several things; the alcohol content, the ingredients used that make a bitter taste, and citrus notes.

So, thinking about pepper as a profile flavor got me to the Spice Merchant Store and I bought four different peppercorns: black peppercorn, white peppercorn, green peppercorn, and pink peppercorn. In this series of postings we will review the four different peppercorns so we can use them in our description of wine, beer, and cigars.

I bought a half an ounce of each peppercorn and I poured each into a small glass so I could spend some time smelling the peppercorns and then I took a bite of each one to experience its particular flavor.

Jackson Triggs Vidal Ice Wine 2007: Review

I love Ice Wine! And, oh do I remember my first experience (we are talking Ice Wine). I was visiting Niagara On-The Lake, Ontario, Canada back in the late 90’s. I had stopped by a winery called Stony Ridge. They offered me a sample of ‘Ice Wine’. Being the Red Wine Snob I said, ‘I only drink reds thank you.’ He said, ‘does not matter what you drink this is an excellent dessert wine.’ Oh, then it is sweet. Sorry, I don’t do sweet wines. He returned, ‘do you like deserts?’ YES! Then, it was in my hand. I had one little sip; then another, and I said, ‘wow this is great!’

I ended up buying six bottles. And, the good stuff is not cheap.

Back then I had made it to the Niagara region to visit the different wineries several times. I am looking forward to getting back there one day. If you love wine it is a must plan trip.

I have been able to find the Jackson Triggs Ice Wine in a local wine store. This is a very good ice wine. It comes in a 187ml bottle for $20. This is a perfect size for me and my wife. It does come in a larger 375ml bottle. Remember, you are only going to drink about 50ml per person in a day.

When you drink this wine you should use an Ice Wine glass which holds about 50ml. And, that is all you should drink of this lovely sweet wine. The sugar content is really high.

The Jackson Triggs Vidal Ice Wine has a fantastic summertime fresh fruit and tropical fruity flavor. The papaya and mango covers the tropical and the nectarine covers the summertime fruit. That sweet, syrupy, ripe nectarine in a glass.

Now, this is a sipping wine. Take your time and enjoy the flavors. It is best to chill this before serving. If you do not have Ice Wine glasses then use a cordial glass. This does go well with fresh fruit. Some people have told me that they have had it with ice cream. I love it with dark chocolate (70%). Or, the best why to have it --- by itself, after dinner.

This is a MUST HAVE.

A Wine Review: Clos Du Bois Briarcrest 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

I got this bottle at a fundraiser for Waggin Tails Dog Rescue. They had a wine tasting, auction, and the opportunity to buy some wine from Pilgrim Party Store located in Plymouth, Michigan. During the wine tasting I enjoyed this one and of course a few others so, I bought a bottle of each. Now, it is time to do a review on this tasty Cabernet.

Here is the bottle description: “This powerful wine showcases Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in its pure form: Blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, anise, sweet tobacco, vanilla and spice.”

I really like this wine. The dark berry profile is flavorful. There is a nice earthiness to the body and I like the delicate spice. This is winner in my book. I think I’ll buy another bottle. This would be wonderful with a tasty filet.

Meritage? What red wine is that?

About the name ‘Meritage’

Meritage is pronounced like heritage. Meritage is a licensed name which started back in the late 1980’s. A Meritage wine can be made with these Bordeaux type grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and according to meritagewine.org/red-meritage, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot and Carmenère. I did not know about these last three grapes.

If there is any other type of grape in the blend then it is only a ‘blend’ , it would not qualify as a Meritage Wine. Also, one grape cannot be more than 90% of the wine, according to meritagewine.org.

Copeland Creek 2002 Meritage

This Meritage has three of the classic Bordeaux grapes: 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot. And, for me I like it when there is more Cab Franc and less Merlot. It has a 13.9% abv. It is from the Sonoma Coast and bottled by: Copeland Creek Vineyards.

This Meritage puts the big berry flavors on the sidelines and has a strong starting lineup of cherry flavors. It is like they squeezed some black cherries and red cherries to make this wonderful taste profile. The Franc grapes and Merlot grapes seem to be in control with a nice supple texture and earthy structure to keep things together. There is a soft and delicate herbal like spice in the background.

If you can find a bottle of this 2002 buy it – it is still very good and the big cherry notes are a singing.

A Wine Review: Ventisquero Queulat Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Gran Reserva

The chit chat on the bottle leads you to think you have an ‘elegant and delicate’ wine in your position. The first glass I poured it was meaty, earthy and full of a eucalyptus taste that was overpowering. This bottle needs to sit and breathe for a while.

After an hour has passed, I decide to cork the bottle and wait till tomorrow.

One day later: Now, this wine tastes good. I like the earthy notes now. I like the strength of the berries. Why did it take a day to settle down? I don’t know.  This bottle was not 'elegant and delicate.'

Overall: not a bad wine from Chile. I am not going to be heading out to test another bottle though.  That is wine dripping down the label.