Cork Program Adds Green to Texas Reds and Whites
Texas wine lovers who have trouble deciding between a red or a white now have a third option: they can choose green.
No, it's not a late St. Patrick's Day entry - it's CorkReHarvest - a recycling program designed to preserve ancient, Mediterranean cork-oak forests.
"We often forget that cork is a renewable, recyclable material that does not belong in our landfills," Erez Klein, wine and beer buyer for Whole Foods Market's Pacific Northwest Region, said. "Whole Foods Market is excited to make cork recycling more accessible to our shoppers, and Cork ReHarvest allows us to help sustain cork forests, a critically important resource for our planet, and to do so with near effortless local community action."
Whole Foods is the first national retailer to offer natural-cork recycling at all of its 292 locations. Working with Cork ReHarvest, the program helps sustain Europe's long-used cork sources and offers an ecologically sound disposal alternative for natural cork.
According to Cork ReHarvest, natural cork is a historically green industry. Trees are not cut down to produce the 13 billion wine stoppers shipped each year; instead, the cork-bark is stripped about once a decade, then allowed to re-grow. And, unlike synthetic alternatives, Cork ReHarvest says, natural cork is 100 percent biodegradable. Organizers say the program preserves not only forests, but thousands of green jobs in the cork-making industry.
Spec's Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods, another Texas retailer, also participates in cork recycling. Spec's accepts not only natural corks, but also synthetic wine closures. The company donates two cents to Young Texans Against Cancer (YTEC) for each recycled item. The materials are used in the manufacture of playground equipment, trivets, corkboards and other products.
Frequent flyers may also be interested to know that Texas-based American Airlines recycles corks popped in its Admiral's Club locations.
The list of cork-recycling locations is growing, and consumers can deliver their old corks to any participating retailer. While the Texas wine industry is growing, so is the green side of this rising star. |
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|  | May 2010 Cool Wine Choices for the Hot Texas Summer
As the weather gets warmer, the wines get chillier. At least that's true in Texas where skyrocketing summer temperatures create a thirst for cooler, lighter varietals to pair with cookouts and seasonal favorites.
And while white may be the traditional color until Labor Day, that doesn't mean the only red you'll be seeing is when you forget to put on sunscreen.
Here are a few tips for chosing warm-weather wine.
The Rules:
There are none. Like sweaters and flannel, the rules get packed away during a Texas summer. Just because your favorite red might be best served at cellar temperature doesn't mean it won't be a lot more refreshing if you chill it a while. Go ahead; we won't tell.
The Suggestions:
You can't go wrong with cool, crisp and citrusy. Popular summer varietals in Texas include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Muscat, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Viognier. And if you're looking for reds, lighter-bodied choices include Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo and Sangiovese.
Keep in mind that sauces, dressings, dips and side dishes can be the dominant flavor sources on summer menus, so consider pairing to those flavors instead of to the actual entrée.
The Pairings:
Appetites change in the summer. Texans scale back the spicy dishes and soups, and fire up the backyard grill. You'll also find a lot more salads, seafood and sandwiches. Whether you're planning a cookout, a picnic or a light dinner on the patio, consider these popular Texas wine pairings.
Salads and Seafood: Chardonnay
Cold Ham or Turkey Sandwich: Sauvignon Blanc
Classic BLT: Riesling
Barbecued Chicken: Crisp, fruity Rose
Barbecued Ribs: Syrah
Grilled Chicken: Pinot Grigio
Hamburger: Sangiovese
Grilled Steak: Tempranillo or Pinot Noir
Pecan Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Muscat Canelli
For more pairing suggestions, visit www.gotexanwine.org . |
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