Latest news with #Tignanello
Calgary Herald
17-05-2025
- General
- Calgary Herald
Last: Who's putting the 'super' in Tuscan wines these days
You don't hear the term 'super Tuscan' bandied about as much in the wine world as you once did, largely because there are now officially recognized denominations for the category of wines that were once outlaws of sorts. It all began with one wine, the legendary Sassicaia, created at Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri by its owner, Marchesi Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, in 1968. He planted his first cabernet sauvignon grapes in 1948, after tasting some Bordeaux wines that left more than a long finish on his palate. He enlisted Antinori's famed oenologist, Giacomo Tachis, to create a cabernet-based wine that could rival the first-growth wines of Bordeaux, and he was not alone. Around the same time, his nephews, Piero and Lodivico Antinori, were working on a blend of their own, a mix of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon that they named Tignanello. Then, in 1985, Lodivico Antinori left to start his own project, a sangiovese/cabernet blend called Ornellaia, followed by a merlot, Masseto. These wines are now icons in the wine world and opened the door for change in a region that, like many old-world wine regions, did not embrace that concept easily. Article content Article content Article content As these wines rose to fame, producers in Chianti lobbied for change to allow the inclusion of Bordeaux grapes in their traditional blends. At the time, if you wanted to produce a wine based entirely on sangiovese, as many are now, you couldn't call it Chianti, but they made them anyway, creating yet another version of a super Tuscan. Merlot became the dominant choice to blend with sangiovese, usurping canaiolo and colorino as blending partners, mainly because it's easier to grow and with better yields. As a blending grape, merlot contributes a lush fruit profile that can take the edge off tannins and acidity, components of many of the world's great red wines. Article content Article content The term Super Tuscan is largely credited to American wine critic Robert Parker, he of the 100-point rating system, and as much as I detest scoring wines in this manner, it was an apt name for a group of wines and winemakers that dared to defy long-held conventions. Somewhat ironically, the wines of Montalcino (Brunello and rosso), considered by many to be the flagship for Tuscan sangiovese, have steadfastly held to the rule that no other varietals are permitted. Scandal erupted in 2008 when several producers were accused of blending in outside grapes to beef up the poor vintage (dubbed Brunellogate or Brunellopoli). Charges were laid, although, in the end, not much came of it, not unlike current-day political scandals. Article content Article content Article content Now there are official categories for virtually all the wines made in Tuscany, starting with DOCG, DOC, IGP and IGT, and if that's not confusing enough, consider that there are seven sub-zones within Chianti that include Chianti Rufina, Chianti Colli Aretini, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Colli Senesi, Chianti Colline Pisane, Chianti Montalbano, and Chianti Montespertoli. In the regional zones for Chianti, it starts with the broad Chianti appellation, followed by Chianti Classico (the sub-zones are listed above). Confused yet? Wait, there's more. Chianti Classico also carries a riserva designation along with the recently added Gran Selezione. Riserva wines require a minimum aging of 24 months, with a minimum of three months in bottle. Gran Selezione wines require 30 months of cask aging, also with a minimum of three months in bottle. In addition, they must be produced from estate-grown grapes, whereas riserva wines can be made from grapes sourced from outside the producer's own estate. Many producers argued against the addition of the Gran Selezione category, as the feeling was that the existing laws and zones were confusing enough for consumers, and I think they might have had a point.
Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Meghan Markle shares 'food baby' woes in refreshingly relatable interview
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is a well-known culinary queen who enjoys eating for health and wellness - but there's one type of food that always leaves her with "a food baby" Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is trying to turn her passion for food into a billion-dollar empire, starting with a range of luxury products. The As Ever founder released an accompanying Netflix series titled, With Love, Meghan, where she shared her hints and tips for healthy living with fans. From her controversial pasta to her bake-at-home cookies and edible flowers, the heavily-stylised show saw Prince Harry's wife share her perfectly-curated expertise on hosting and spoiling houseguests. But before marrying into the Royal Family, Meghan regularly uploaded relatable content on her Tig blog, telling followers about the one food she can't refuse - despite the fact it bloats her. The former Suits star said that while eating foods containing gluten leads to worse skin and energy levels, but she can't resist the temptation of fresh pasta - despite the ramifications. "I won't miss an opportunity to try great pasta. I come back from vacation every year with a food baby", she said. What's more, she revealed her 'food baby' even has an unsual name. "I've named her Comida,' she said. "I get to the set and I'm like, 'hey, Comida's here, and she's kicking.'" Meghan - who has been married to Prince Harry for nearly seven years now - has previously gone into detail about her eating habits, confessing that she's a massive fan of chips. "French fries and vino are my vices," she told Delish, with Tignanello and Argentinian Malbecs wines amongst her favourites. Unless it's hot and she's out with friends. In which case, she's 'rose all day.' Continuing the chip theme, the former Suits star said that when she's not filming, 'all bets are off'. Breakfast is a cheese omelette with toast, lunch is seafood and fries, and then something light like soup for dinner. "I'm always hoping I'm having lunch with people, so we can share fries. It's its own food group for me,' Meghan says. While living in Canada to film Suits, she mastered the art of the country's signature dish, Poutine - aka chips, cheese and gravy. "It's got to squeak when you bite into it," she said. "Really. The cheese curds should make a squeaking noise when you bite into them or squeeze them. That's how you know you've got the right kind.' She also makes a Nigella-esque 'filthy, sexy' mush of a pasta sauce by slow cooking courgettes for five hours, and mixing it with water and bouillon. It's not all carbs and good times though. The actress was always much stricter during filming, making do with a hot water with lemon before getting picked up 4.15am. For breakfast it's steel-cut oats with bananas and agave syrup, lunch is a salad and some kind of meat or fish, and apples with almond butter and sea salt serve as an afternoon snack. The green-juice devotee hailed it as being "food-as-medicine', and glugs a serving down in the late afternoon, before scoffing pasta, zucchini, 'lots of parmesan" and a glass of wine.
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Meghan Markle has unveiled the first products for lifestyle brand As Ever
Nearly a year after Meghan Markle soft-launched her lifestyle brand, the Duchess of Sussex has revealed the first products to be sold under the As Ever brand. Just hours after her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, dropped on the streaming platform, jam, crepe mix, tea and more were listed on her website. Last month, Markle took to Instagram in a video, where she revealed the brand's new name. A nod to her former blog The Tig, she explains: 'As ever means 'as it's always been' or some even say 'in the same way as always'. 'If you've followed along since my days of creating The Tig, you'll know this couldn't be truer for me. This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language, beautifully weaving together everything I cherish – food, gardening, entertaining, thoughtful living, and finding joy in the everyday.' Markle explained her brand's former name, American Riviera Orchard, limited the products the brand could manufacturer to that specific area (Santa Barbara, California). The Duchess clarified the brand's core products won't change, especially its jam – 'Jam's my jam,' she said. The brand's new website features a link to sign up with your email to 'save your seat at the table'. Now, it's also got eight products listed on the website, with confirmation you'll be able to shop from the brand in spring 2025. Markle has revealed that Netflix has come on board as a partner in her As Ever venture. Neither party has revealed whether Netflix has a financial stake in the company but As Ever products do feature in the Netflix show. Showcasing her love of cooking and gardening, the lifestyle show features conversations with friends, practical tips in the kitchen, advice on hosting and more. Here's everything you need to know, including details on the brand's jam and tea, plus other products set to be sold by As Ever. When will As Ever be available to shop? Eight years on from Markle closing her lifestyle blog The Tig (short for her favourite wine Tignanello), people have long-believed the Duchess has been working on a similar project. The initial trademark application for the Duchess's original brand, American Riviera Orchard, was filed on 2 February 2024, so, it's been more than a year in the making. The brand's launch has been tied in with Markle's Netflix show With Love, Meghan but numerous trademark issues have delayed the launch. Markle struggled to get trademark approved for the name American Riviera Orchard, while As Ever has now come under fire by a New York-based clothing brand of the same name. Upon the brand's announcement, Markle was also accused of copying the small Mallorcan town Porreres's coat of arms in the logo. The village's symbol also includes a palm tree, with two swallows on each side but representatives for Markle say the logo is a nod to The Duke and Duchess's home in California. You can join the As Ever waitlist now, with the website stating products will be available in spring 2025. What products will As Ever sell? In a world of celebrity beauty brands, Markle appears to be breaking the mould, with the trademark application revealing a focus on home, garden, food, and general lifestyle content. The first products listed on the website include a raspberry spread and wildflower honey with honeycomb, all packaged in keepsake jars. There are also teas, including herbal peppermint, herbal lemon and ginger and herbal hibiscus, as well as flower sprinkles, crepe mix and shortbread cookies with flower sprinkles. No prices are listed yet. As well as fruit preserves, the brand will also sell dog biscuits. Nacho Figueras, a close friend of Markle's, shared on Instagram his delivery of both raspberry jam and his dog sitting next to a glass jar of dog biscuits. According to the documents, the goods and services listed within the trademark application include a variety of home goods, such as tableware, cookbooks, food, pet food and kitchenware, with the trademark application seeking approval for a retail store that stocks everything from textiles, tableware and cookbooks to jellies, jams, marmalades, spreads, butter and edible oils. A new trademark application was filed last month, revealing that customers will also be able to purchase cookie and pancake mixes, including various baked goods, biscuits, and crepes. When will 'With Love, Meghan' be released? Markle announced her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, on 2 January this year. Originally due to land on the streaming platform on 15 January, the series was pushed back in light of the Los Angeles wildfires. 'At the request of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and with the full support of Netflix, the release of the show – a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Southern California – has been moved from its previously announced January premiere date to March 4, due to the ongoing devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires,' the streamer said in a statement. Consisting of eight episodes, the series premiered on Tuesday 4 March. The show features conversations with friends (including actress Mindy Kaling and chef Alice Waters), tips and tricks for gardening and hosting, recipes for cooking and her life with Prince Harry in Montecito, California (the Royal makes an appearance in the final episode of the series).
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meghan Markle's Netflix show, 'With Love, Meghan,' debuts with help from her friends. A who's who guide to the star's inner circle.
Meghan Markle is hoping to be America's next domestic doyenne. With Love, Meghan is now streaming on Netflix after a postponement, and the series showcases the Suits alum's entertaining skills. Her lifestyle business, As Ever, will follow, launching this spring, but she gave a new sneak peek at the products on the website. The show is very pretty, with perfectly garnished food, pretty flowers and lots of color. There's also good music, alcoholic beverages aplenty and polite conversation, including some fanning out over Markle (see: guest Mindy Kaling). It's all a bit precious — like sprinkling flower flakes on a child's peanut butter and jelly sandwich — but lifestyle shows tend to be aspirational, and the host of this one is a duchess, right? Markle flew to New York City on March 3, the eve of the premiere, to surprise a group of fans of her former blog, The Tig, who were screening the eight-episode series. She shared on Instagram that they had 'supported me for nearly a decade.' Some of them showed extreme loyalty with 'As Ever' tattoos, and they had Tignanello wine, which inspired the name of her defunct blog, for the occasion. On the same platform, Markle shared a card made by Prince Harry and their children, Archie and Lili, wishing 'Mumma' good luck on her show. Friends who appear on With Love, Meghan, including Kaling and Abigail Spencer, have flooded Instagram with public messages of support as the show premiered. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. We know there are many Markle critics, but she has many supporters too. Here are the people in her orbit as she embarks on her new career path. Mindy Kaling: The mom of three appears in an episode about party planning for a child's birthday. They drank mimosas and made a rainbow fruit platter (with a dollop of yogurt as clouds), star-shaped sandwiches and a balloon arch. Kaling asked Markle if she 'was Tinkerbell' as she put flower sprinkles on Kaling's frittata. Markle loves a flower sprinkle. She was less excited that Kaling kept referring to her by her maiden name, however, correcting her that she goes by 'Sussex,' not Markle, like Harry and their kids. The TV scribe and star told Time she was on maternity leave last year when she was asked to visit Montecito, Calif., where Markle lives, to have the Duchess of Sussex cook for her. She said: 'I think a misconception about Meghan is that she's in any way fussy or has expectations of fanciness," Kaling told the outlet about her new friend. 'She really is a down-to-earth person who knows a lot of fun tricks to make entertaining and cooking easier.' Abigail Spencer: One of Markle's best friends from their Suits days is also on an episode along with their friend Kelly Zajfen, a nonprofit founder. They've been tight for years, so Markle didn't hesitate to joke about 'Abby' having talents other than cooking. As they all stood in the kitchen sipping beautiful drinks and talking about the 'salt-baked branzino' they were about to make, it was very much: You're the best cook. No, you are. No you. Spencer told People that she's excited for people to 'get an authentic look at the woman that I love and know,' who has been a tabloid target since she married Harry. 'Also, you're gonna learn a lot. I learned a lot from her, and she actually gets to teach me something on the show. … It's really from her heart. It really is with love.' As for the criticism of Markle, Spencer told Page Six, 'It's very painful as a friend, but she is the most glorious human being on the planet, and so we just have to get behind her and support her.' Spencer and Zajfen posted on Instagram the day the show launched. Daniel Martin: The celebrity makeup artist has also been one of Markle's best friends since her Suits days. On the show, Markle said, 'We far transcended makeup and just became friends. And he's been in my life for the before, during and after, shall we say. And he's very much a mainstay.' She said her kids call him Uncle Daniel. Roy Choi: The chef is described as 'new friend' of Markle's, and they cook up Korean fried chicken and talk about growing up in Los Angeles. That included going to clubs in Koreatown as teens, dancing and singing karaoke. Delfina Blaquier: The Argentine photographer, who is married to Harry's friend the polo star Nacho Figueras, has said that Markle is like a 'sister' to her. On the show, Markle said Blaquier is 'more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside — and she is a stunner.' She talked about how love hiking together, but only sometimes with their husbands. A video showed the men scaring the women on a hiking trip. Markle and Blaquier baked focaccia bread and had a picnic. The mah-jongg crew: Markle talked about how she and her girlfriends — designer Tracy Robbins, philanthropist Victoria Jackson and literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh — recently started to learn the tile game of Chinese origin. They had a Mexican meal with margaritas and plantain chips Markle whipped up. Prince Harry: Well, you knew that he was in her circle, but he does make a cameo in the last episode featuring farm-to-table chef Alice Waters. Markle has a garden party with friends — and her mother, Doria Ragland, also appears. Markle's dog Guy, who has since died, is featured in many episodes. There's no mention of the royals like their previous doc, Harry & Meghan. The Suits alum gave what People touted as her 'most intimate interview in years' about the show, guests and life with Harry in Santa Barbara. 'I have a couple of girlfriends up here,' she said. 'These are stay-at-home moms and working women with normal jobs, not in the public eye. We went from just connecting through our kids to having girls' nights out or doing Pilates together.' Markle talked about attending one friend's 'low-key birthday party at home' and how it 'was very comfortable just chilling' and talking about 'mom stuff and life.' She said she's always loved 'making friends.' In Montecito, she's known to see fellow famous neighbor Oprah Winfrey — and the family loves to dine out, despite attracting attention at restaurants. 'We go to a lot of dinners, and not just in people's homes or private rooms; we just go into the restaurant. I really love that we can just have fun,' she told People. She said she also goes to local yoga classes that 'sometimes have 40 to 50 people in them and just walk in like, 'Hi!' ' she says, laughing. 'Of course, at the beginning, that felt like a lot. … [Now,] I love it. It's the best. I had missed it.' Markle's new show is set in Montecito. While the garden, chicken coop and orchard scenes in the Netflix show were filmed on the grounds of the couple's $14.7 million estate, a nearby rental was used for all the kitchen and cooking scenes. 'I wanted to protect that safe haven,' Markle told People. 'We're a close-knit family, and I love those moments — putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day. Our kitchen is where Mama just cooks for the family, and with a crew of 80-plus people, that's a lot of people to have in your house!' She said Harry would bring the kids to the set to watch Markle work. On the same day of the show launch, Markle gave a first look at some of the products she'll be selling via her As Ever business. Yes, there are flower sprinkles. There is jam — officially raspberry preserves. (She explains on the show that jam has to be equal parts sugar and fruit and that's not optimal for her tastebuds.) There's also crepe mix, honey — and a good wife to a Brit — lots of teas. Markle will also launch a new podcast this spring on Lemonada. So, buckle up. The Sussexes aren't going anywhere.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meghan Markle's Netflix show, 'With Love, Meghan,' debuts with help from her friends. A who's who guide to the star's inner circle.
Meghan Markle is hoping to be America's next domestic doyenne. With Love, Meghan is now streaming on Netflix after a postponement, and the series showcases the Suits alum's entertaining skills. Her lifestyle business, As Ever, will follow, launching this spring, but she gave a new sneak peek at the products on the website. The show is very pretty, with perfectly garnished food, pretty flowers and lots of color. There's also good music, alcoholic beverages aplenty and polite conversation, including some fanning out over Markle (see: guest Mindy Kaling). It's all a bit precious — like sprinkling flower flakes on a child's peanut butter and jelly sandwich — but lifestyle shows tend to be aspirational, and the host of this one is a duchess, right? Markle flew to New York City on March 3, the eve of the premiere, to surprise a group of fans of her former blog, The Tig, who were screening the eight-episode series. She shared on Instagram that they had 'supported me for nearly a decade.' Some of them showed extreme loyalty with 'As Ever' tattoos, and they had Tignanello wine, which inspired the name of her defunct blog, for the occasion. On the same platform, Markle shared a card made by Prince Harry and their children, Archie and Lili, wishing 'Mumma' good luck on her show. Friends who appear on With Love, Meghan, including Kaling and Abigail Spencer, have flooded Instagram with public messages of support as the show premiered. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. We know there are many Markle critics, but she has many supporters too. Here are the people in her orbit as she embarks on her new career path. Mindy Kaling: The mom of three appears in an episode about party planning for a child's birthday. They drank mimosas and made a rainbow fruit platter (with a dollop of yogurt as clouds), star-shaped sandwiches and a balloon arch. Kaling asked Markle if she 'was Tinkerbell' as she put flower sprinkles on Kaling's frittata. Markle loves a flower sprinkle. She was less excited that Kaling kept referring to her by her maiden name, however, correcting her that she goes by 'Sussex,' not Markle, like Harry and their kids. The TV scribe and star told Time she was on maternity leave last year when she was asked to visit Montecito, Calif., where Markle lives, to have the Duchess of Sussex cook for her. She said: 'I think a misconception about Meghan is that she's in any way fussy or has expectations of fanciness," Kaling told the outlet about her new friend. 'She really is a down-to-earth person who knows a lot of fun tricks to make entertaining and cooking easier.' Abigail Spencer: One of Markle's best friends from their Suits days is also on an episode along with their friend Kelly Zajfen, a nonprofit founder. They've been tight for years, so Markle didn't hesitate to joke about 'Abby' having talents other than cooking. As they all stood in the kitchen sipping beautiful drinks and talking about the 'salt-baked branzino' they were about to make, it was very much: You're the best cook. No, you are. No you. Spencer told People that she's excited for people to 'get an authentic look at the woman that I love and know,' who has been a tabloid target since she married Harry. 'Also, you're gonna learn a lot. I learned a lot from her, and she actually gets to teach me something on the show. … It's really from her heart. It really is with love.' As for the criticism of Markle, Spencer told Page Six, 'It's very painful as a friend, but she is the most glorious human being on the planet, and so we just have to get behind her and support her.' Spencer and Zajfen posted on Instagram the day the show launched. Daniel Martin: The celebrity makeup artist has also been one of Markle's best friends since her Suits days. On the show, Markle said, 'We far transcended makeup and just became friends. And he's been in my life for the before, during and after, shall we say. And he's very much a mainstay.' She said her kids call him Uncle Daniel. Roy Choi: The chef is described as 'new friend' of Markle's, and they cook up Korean fried chicken and talk about growing up in Los Angeles. That included going to clubs in Koreatown as teens, dancing and singing karaoke. Delfina Blaquier: The Argentine photographer, who is married to Harry's friend the polo star Nacho Figueras, has said that Markle is like a 'sister' to her. On the show, Markle said Blaquier is 'more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside — and she is a stunner.' She talked about how love hiking together, but only sometimes with their husbands. A video showed the men scaring the women on a hiking trip. Markle and Blaquier baked focaccia bread and had a picnic. The mah-jongg crew: Markle talked about how she and her girlfriends — designer Tracy Robbins, philanthropist Victoria Jackson and literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh — recently started to learn the tile game of Chinese origin. They had a Mexican meal with margaritas and plantain chips Markle whipped up. Prince Harry: Well, you knew that he was in her circle, but he does make a cameo in the last episode featuring farm-to-table chef Alice Waters. Markle has a garden party with friends — and her mother, Doria Ragland, also appears. Markle's dog Guy, who has since died, is featured in many episodes. There's no mention of the royals like their previous doc, Harry & Meghan. The Suits alum gave what People touted as her 'most intimate interview in years' about the show, guests and life with Harry in Santa Barbara. 'I have a couple of girlfriends up here,' she said. 'These are stay-at-home moms and working women with normal jobs, not in the public eye. We went from just connecting through our kids to having girls' nights out or doing Pilates together.' Markle talked about attending one friend's 'low-key birthday party at home' and how it 'was very comfortable just chilling' and talking about 'mom stuff and life.' She said she's always loved 'making friends.' In Montecito, she's known to see fellow famous neighbor Oprah Winfrey — and the family loves to dine out, despite attracting attention at restaurants. 'We go to a lot of dinners, and not just in people's homes or private rooms; we just go into the restaurant. I really love that we can just have fun,' she told People. She said she also goes to local yoga classes that 'sometimes have 40 to 50 people in them and just walk in like, 'Hi!' ' she says, laughing. 'Of course, at the beginning, that felt like a lot. … [Now,] I love it. It's the best. I had missed it.' Markle's new show is set in Montecito. While the garden, chicken coop and orchard scenes in the Netflix show were filmed on the grounds of the couple's $14.7 million estate, a nearby rental was used for all the kitchen and cooking scenes. 'I wanted to protect that safe haven,' Markle told People. 'We're a close-knit family, and I love those moments — putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day. Our kitchen is where Mama just cooks for the family, and with a crew of 80-plus people, that's a lot of people to have in your house!' She said Harry would bring the kids to the set to watch Markle work. On the same day of the show launch, Markle gave a first look at some of the products she'll be selling via her As Ever business. Yes, there are flower sprinkles. There is jam — officially raspberry preserves. (She explains on the show that jam has to be equal parts sugar and fruit and that's not optimal for her tastebuds.) There's also crepe mix, honey — and a good wife to a Brit — lots of teas. Markle will also launch a new podcast this spring on Lemonada. So, buckle up. The Sussexes aren't going anywhere.
