Barbera d’Asti - La Vigna Vecchia - Red Wine
Origin:
The Cossetti family have been active in this wine region since 1891. Respecting tradition, but utilising new technology in considered doses, they have been producing distinctive wines here for many generations. In this part of Piemonte the soil is a mixture of clay and lime, perfect for sweet wines, white or ... red.
Preparation:
The grapes are harvested in the historic vineyard of this domain near Castelnuovo Belbo. The vines are more than 40 years old and provide a modest yield with a high fruit quality. Fermentation takes place in temperature controlled vats. By keeping the temperature low, the the characteristic properties of the Barbera grape are maintained. Maturation takes a minimum of 1 year and takes place in large oak casks with a capacity of 5000 liters. A part of the wine matures in barriques (barrels of 225 liters) that are used for one year. The wood influence remains controlled and gives the wine just that little extra complexity. After maturing the wines are assembled. In this way the beautiful characteristics in the wine come to the fore where the fruit plays a predominant role supported by the wood flavours. Large drums are used to aerate the wines very lightly and the wood has hardly any role to play.
Taste impression:
Red colour with purple impressions, a long intense aroma of red and black cherries with a gentle spiciness. The rich full flavour remains elegant with the characteristic Barbera freshness. Serve at 18 ° C.
Culinary advice:
Goes well with traditional appetizers, various white and red meat and medium-ripened semi-hard cheeses.
Buy or taste this wine? For more information visit Wijnkoperij De Gouden Ton
Restaurant Het Bosch
It's a tough job eating so many delicious courses one after the other but, somebody's got to do it!
Restaurant Het Bosch is perched on the banks of ‘De Nieuwe Meer’ in Amsterdam. The gorgeous location is the perfect setting for this modern, glass-encased restaurant. The light interior overlooks the water through large windows and if you manage to tear yourself away from the view, the immaculate, modern open kitchen is also exciting to watch as the chefs orchestrate a symphony of food.
Het Bosch was opened over 30 years ago by Ferry van Houten and remains in the family to this day. Ferry’s son, Danny, is now Maitre Sommelier, and it’s quite clear that he spent much of his youth working in the restaurant. His warm welcome, knowledge of wine and service were impeccable.
The extensive wine list is an exciting read in itself. What stood out is the number of wines available by the glass. More places should take note of this, in our opinion. We also liked the exclusive Château Mouton Rothschild wine list. The restaurant has invested in a range of their wines in limited quantity. If you have the budget, why not splash out.
We were treated to a 6-course menu, which has to be said, was a gastronomic journey from beginning to end. Our highlights from the menu were the tartar of Limousin beef, which was part of a trio of starters. It was served with an inspired sorbet made from cornichon pickling vinegar. When Bernadette scrapes her plate clean, you know you’re on to a winner!
The melt-in-the-mouth cod with Israeli couscous paella, octopus and olive jus danced on the palate with an array of sweet and salty flavours and textures. The veal sirloin as main was perfectly pink and tender as can be.
Dessert was an amarena cherry chocolate brownie, almond ice cream, refreshing red fruit soup and yoghurt sorbet.
Danny matched each course to perfection with an accompanying wine. That’s not an easy task. What we witnessed was a harmonious balance between kitchen and front of house, working together to complement each other and creating a perfect experience.
This is the place to bring someone you love or the most discerning diner – it’s that good! Our only tip; make sure you wear loose clothing because you won’t be leaving anything on your plates.
For more information please visit Het Bosch.
Gelato Festival
A short impression of the Amsterdam Gelato Festival on the Museum Plein 8 to 10th of August 2014
Pepper mango
Pepper Mango covers all seasons. Whether it's a boiling hot day (or any other day for that matter) and you're looking for some relief and indulgence with a scoop of their superb homemade ice cream or whether it's cooler and you spoil yourself with delicious coffee from Amsterdam coffee brand Bocca.
And if that wasn't enough, you have to try the chocolate truffles and pralines made with single estate cocoa and available in a variety of flavours such as yuzu, fragola and caramel. If this isn't enough to tempt you in to visiting......... You'll find them on the Rozengracht in the centre of Amsterdam.
For more information please visit Peppermango
Bilder & de Clercq's new recipes week 29
As you may know by now, we are the chefs behind Amsterdam hotspot, Bilder & de Clercq. Every week we develop 3 new recipes for the stores and we'll be keeping you updated with the week's newest recipes. This weeks new recipes are:
