Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/46939
EVENT WRAP-UP MIAMI: Where the Heat is On Charles and Nancy Radlauer, of the greater Miami chapter of La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world's oldest and largest gastronomic society, stopped by not only to taste, but also to meet the new and upcoming names and faces in the wine business. Every year, the association holds a national competi- tion seeking young chefs and somms (under 35); next year's competition will be held in Orlando in February, and the application deadline is in early December, so sign up now! Email Charles directly at: MiamiChaine@aol.com. At W Wine Boutique and Spirits, Wine Consultant and Sommelier Wellington Calderon uses THE TASTING PANEL as a frequent sales tool, and was thrilled to join us in Miami. "Your stories and scores allow buyers on the retail side to keep track of trends," explains Calderon. His favorite wine of the day was Best Tempranillo winner Heart Ranch Winery 2009 Tempranillo Chileano, about which he says, "I like that they're taking a normally dry-finish grape and giving it such a luscious, creamy finish." DFV Wines's South Florida Area Manager Melani Henkle was proud to have the Bota Box 2009 Riesling included in the Double Gold lineup, and says, "Boxed wine is making huge inroads, and a large part of that is in the process of getting in front of the trade. With our clientele primarily in the retail arena, we have had a great response. We can't keep it on the shelves, especially this wonderful Riesling!" The All-Star Arena: On South Beach's vibrant Lincoln Road, visitors from all over the world enjoy some of the best dining and shopping experiences in Miami, and our host restaurant, Meat Market, is the hottest of the hot. There, Sommelier Sarah Almand and General Manager Sebastien Tribout enjoyed a celebratory taste of non-vintage Perrier-Jouët Champagne Blason Rosé before the festivities began. "I'm a tequila girl, but I love P-J!" says Almand, who describes her wine list at Meat Market as "tailored to fuller-bodied wines, especially big, bold reds." Distributor Opici Wine Company of Florida recently picked up Kai Vodka, whose Coconut Pandan and Lemongrass Ginger expressions were on display. Wine and Spirits Consultant Nidia Mallen is already a fan, and has welcomed the brand into the portfolio happily. "I love them!" she enthuses. Mallen spent time mingling with her trade peers at the event, and calls the Tour a "great opportunity to meet the faces of the industry." 106 / the tasting panel / november 201 1 PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS