Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/343109
THE MESSAGE 20 / the tasting panel / july 2014 THE VOICE OF FIVE GENERATIONS Fire Up the Barby with The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards S ummer is in full swing, and that could only mean one thing: barbecue. Whether you're a Carolina or Memphis fan, or adhere more to West Coast versions, there is something ingrained in the American psyche that cries out for grilled meat. We're no exception at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards. I'm of the opinion that the true art of grilling and barbecue stems from how you prepare the meat. One of my favorite ways to dress up whatever I'm grilling is with our house Chorizo Spice Rub*. You can use it on steak, chicken, fish or tofu, and it imparts a nice smoky/sweet character. If you decide on steak, it pairs nicely with the Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon; with the other dishes, it's a perfect pairing for the Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay. Fire up the grill and enjoy your favorite dishes with a glass of Wente Vineyards wine this summer. —Matt Greco, Executive Chef, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards *The recipe can be found at: www.wentevineyards. com/recipes/chorizo-spice-rub. WSWA Report T he results are in for this year's WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America) wine and spirits competition, held at Caesars palace this past April. Check out the listings and photos of our prestigious judges starting on page 112. THE TASTING PANEL's Publisher/Editorial Director Meridith May and BevMo! Spirits Buyer Ted Carmon teamed up to meet and greet exhibitors at the convention. Here are some of the folks they encountered. BevMo! Spirits Buyer Ted Carmon with vodka entre- preneur Giancarlo Tallarico (Tallarico Vodka). One of our favorite new brands is Blue Nectar Tequila. Pictured here is brand owner Nikhil Bahadur. Chai Rum's Tom McIntyre, VP Marketing (left) and Kiran Akal, founder/CEO (middle) with Ted Carmon, Spirits Buyer for BevMo! TASTING PANEL Publisher/ Editorial Director Meridith May with Steve Noorlun, VP/GM, Southern Wine & Spirits of Colorado. PHOTO: MONA SHIELD PAYNE PHOTO: MONA SHIELD PAYNE PHOTO: MONA SHIELD PAYNE PHOTO: MONA SHIELD PAYNE