by admin on February 22, 2012
We happened across a story that had three elements of interest to us. We like wine, we’re fascinated by meteorites, and of course, we’re all about gold.
Tremonte Vineyard in Chile has launched a Cabernet Sauvignon called Meteorito. The grapes are fermented for twelve months in a barrel which contains a meteorite. “When you drink this wine, you are drinking elements from the birth of the solar system” says owner Ian Hutcheon.
So far, so good, right? A small detail caught our attention. This vineyard is located on the site of an abandoned gold mine. Gold mines are frequently contaminated by cyanide or mercury, which are used to leach gold from rock
Enter Dr. Chris Anderson, of New Zealand, who is experimenting with a procedure called phyto-reclamation. This is a process which employs plants to soak up contaminants from soil at gold-mining sites. Some plants can accumulate abnormally high concentrations of metal, including gold and mercury.
We don’t know, but can’t help wondering, whether grape vines have this ability. If so, is the mercury making its way into the wine? Intrigued as we are by this wine, it won’t be making its way into our cellar any time soon.
by admin on November 23, 2011
Specialty cocktails are a popular way to kick off the wedding celebration and vodka works great with fruity, savory or spicy concoctions. If you are creating an eco-friendly event, consider serving an organic vodka that will not only taste yummy but signal guests to have a great time and minimize impact to the planet. We discovered these three organic vodka companies and a signature wedding cocktail recipe from each:
Kanon Organic
Swedish born, organic, sustainable and totally hip, Kanon vodka brand is primarily available in New York City. Buy online at Astor Wines.
Earth Day
2 parts Kanon
½ part fresh organic lime juice
½ part Agave
3 organic Strawberries
Muddle strawberries in the bottom of a shaker, add all other ingredients, shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Rain Organics
Made from 100% organic white corn, Rain offers flavors like lavender lemonade and honey mango melon. Yum! Find Rain Vodka in your area.
Rain Plantation Tour
2 oz. Rain Organics Red Grape Hibiscus Vodka
1 oz. Red Zinfandel
3 oz. Lemonade
1 oz. White Peach Puree
2 oz. Ginger Ale
Ice
In a shaker, add Rain Organics Red Grape Hibiscus Vodka, Red Zinfandel, lemonade and white peach puree. Shake and pour into pint glass filled with ice. Top with ginger ale.
Ocean Organic
Certified 100% USDA organic, Ocean is the only vodka in the world distilled from organic sugar cane, making it naturally gluten free. Store locator
Citrus Guava Martini
1-1/2 oz OCEAN vodka
1/2 oz fresh lemonade
splash guava nectar
Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice and bruise.
Pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon.
