Wine Life - Houston

Steve Matthiasson talks terroir at Texas Wine School. Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson Wines was the speaker at the Houston Sommelier Association  on Wednesday at Art of Cellaring . He brought five single vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrel samples from the 2021 vintage to taste and discuss with Houston wine professionals. "There's a lot of mystery in terroir," stated Matthiasson, "but it's not random, it's the differences in the land." Napa Valley's proximity to the cold Pacific Ocean allows for many vineyard areas to enjoy the moderating affects of cool breezes and fog coming through which lower temperatures, some areas are heavily influenced by this terroir aspect, Steve explained, while others are not.  The majority of the year, water temperatures stay in the lower 50s (degree Fahrenheit) cooling the surrounding air which pushes into the Napa Valley through the Carneros AVA in the south. This is caused by the Great Pacific Upwelling

Starting with the house vermouth in The Lounge March, Goodnight Hospitality's tasting menu restaurant, is marching into the new season with Greece as  their latest culinary inspiration. March is one of my favorite restaurants in Houston for a fine dining experience. Though we do not have Michelin starred restaurants in Texas, this is certainly an establishment that would deserve their top ranking.  The latest rendition of the March Martini. I went on opening night to taste the 9 course Exploration menu with the 9 course Classic drink pairings. The Classic drinks menu features mostly wines from Greece while the pricier Premier menu features wines from around the world. I was more interested in trying the Greek wine selections with this new menu. The Lounge Snacks served on a Portuguese Surrealejos tile. A friend and I arrived at 5:30 to enjoy some time at The Lounge before beginning our gastronomical adventure. All guests to The Lounge receive a pour of the house Vermouth (which cha

The Nice Winery Rodeo Champions Wine Dinner last month was nicer than nice!  Nice Winery was awarded 4 new Champion Belt Buckles, a record three Double Gold awards, 5 Gold Medals and 18 Silver Medals at the 2023 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition. Wine lovers filled the events room at the winery to taste some of the winning wines from the Rodeo Uncorked wine competition which were beautifully paired with a mouthwatering meal. The Menu: 1ST COURSE 2022 NICE ROSÉ OF MALBEC (Reserve Class Champion, Double Gold Medal) ROASTED CAULIFLOWER, ALDERWOOD SMOKED YOGURT, POMEGRANATE SEEDS, GOLDEN RAISINS, DILL & MINT 2ND COURSE 2019 GRACE CHARDONNAY (Double Gold Medal) TEXAS GULF SHRIMP, CRISPY GOAT CHEESE POLENTA, CAJUN BUTTER SAUCE, GREEN ONION OIL, & GREEN ONION 3RD COURSE 2018 NICE WINERY DOMAINE CECCHIN BONARDA (Reserve Class Champion, Double Gold Medal) PORK BELLY, BABY BOK CHOY, SMOKED PINEAPPLE PICO, SZECHUAN GLAZE 4TH COURSE 2018 NICE SIERRA FOOTHIL

 As seen in the February 2023 issue of Galveston Monthly magazine, wine suggestions and Champagne cocktails were the focus of this month's article.