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11/03/2004 Archived Entry: "My Girlfriend's Back!"

“What’s happened to the Wine Chick?” has now superceded “Do you talk to Joan?” as the number one question I hear these days.

(Thank heaven, no longer part of my life is the question: “Where do I go in the Theater District for under $25 with my 87-year-old mother in a wheel chair who eats only steamed fish and ginger snaps?”)

The answer to the second question is: Of course I talk to Joan, a couple times a week, and since I am under much less stress, I find her so much more delightful.

The answer to the first question is: The Wine Chick, whose mother named her Carol Berman, is doing very well, thank you. She’s still arranging and conducting wine tastings and parties through “Class in a Glass” (973-324-0989, or write to bellawinegal@aol.com). She is still teaching about wine at schools in the metro area. And – big news -- she is about to debut on WLIE 540AM. She’ll be doing a Wine Buy every Friday morning at 7:10, like she used to do on Wednesdays on my program. Her WLIE spots will also be carried by Business Talk Radio affiliate stations. When I get the full list of stations in the metro area, I will share it with you. Meanwhile, despite its call letters, you can hear WLIE in New York City and into north and central New Jersey. You may also be able to get it in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

We are very fortunate that Carol has agreed to share her Wine Buys with The Food Maven website. Here’s her note to you:

“I have to say that it is really a great feeling and a pleasure to be working with my friend Arthur Schwartz again. The five year run of my “Wine Buy of the Week” segment on Food Talk went by all too quickly, and I would have gladly welcomed another five. The positive response from our listeners cemented my belief that there was a genuine interest in wine. So, here in the written word, I will continue sharing my Wine Buys with you every week – we’re aiming for Wednesday, like in radio days. You’ll just have to imagine Arthur’s laughter and our banter together.” --Carol Berman

This week’s Wine Buy is a red wine from Argentina, produced by Valentin Bianchi. It is called ELSA, Malbec, and I’m referring to the 2003 vintage, from San Rafael, Mendoza.

Malbec is a grape which is primarily grown in two countries: Argentina and France. In France, it is one of the five Bordeaux varietals, and in the southwest of France it is the grape used to make Cahors. The name malbec translates from French as “bad nose,” because it really has a strange and funky aroma when grown anywhere but in South America, where it seems to do its best work.

Valentin Bianchi’s ELSA Malbec is a really smooth and lush bottling. It has a youthful purple color and a lot of life on the palate. It captures the earthiness and charm which malbec displays when produced well.

I’d like to drink this with a hearty beef stew. I’d even use this wine in the recipe. ELSA Malbec is a lot of wine, for a little money. The average retail price is $8.99. It is imported by Quintessential Wine Import and Marketing Company.”