On Our Radar

Details: Written by: Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 16 April 2015; Created: 16 April 2015; Last Updated: 16 April 2015; Hits: 5922

benzinger2 Spring is finally upon us in Scarsdale, and we're starting to see green emerging... This change in season coupled with next week's Earth Day has us thinking of biodynamics, sustainability and organics here at Zachys. These are wine industry trends we've seen skyrocketing over the past decade, with more and more of our favorite producers adopting these practices in the vineyards and winemaking process. With that being said, we know they're mystifying classifications and it can be difficult to understand what these terms actually say about the wine in your glass! Zachys is here to guide you through the world of biodynamics and organics, and to invite you to come see the proof in the pudding of how these philosophies and techniques are taking the wine world by storm.

Biodynamic winemaking is a few steps beyond organic winemaking and is not merely an approach to agriculture, but rather a philosophy and world-view in action. A biodynamic producer treats the vineyard as a living system that is self-sustaining but acts harmoniously with the rest of the natural world. Biodynamic wines are produced using organically grown grapes – no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, or synthetic chemicals of any kind are allowed. Harvest is done by hand, the vineyards are plowed by hand or by horses, and only natural indigenous yeasts are used. A biodynamic grower also takes into account lunar and cosmic rhythms and other natural cycles of the Earth, using a series of techniques to enhance the life of the soil.

The guiding idea behind biodynamic winemaking is ecological self-sufficiency. Some of this might seem unusual, but once the result is seen in healthy vineyards, it's hard to argue against such a system. This practice becomes harder in cooler climates, such as Burgundy, where variables are more extreme and create more challenges for winemakers.

A farm or vineyard is considered biodynamic if it has achieved certification through Demeter, an internationally recognized certifying body, for a minimum of three years if farmed conventionally or one year if farmed organically. The entire farm or vineyard area must be certified, not just a portion, and it must be inspected annually to maintain biodynamic certification.

Wine can be labelled as made from biodynamically grown grapes, if the vineyard is certified biodynamic OR the wine can be labelled as a biodynamic wine, if the Demeter Wine Processing Standard is also met. In this case, biodynamic practices extend to the winemaking – avoiding common manipulations such as yeast additions or acidity adjustments.

We're opening up a few of our favorite examples of biodynamic and organic wines this weekend (Saturday April 18th and Sunday April 19th) for a complimentary tasting of Zachys picks in organic and biodynamic wines. And if you still have questions, just ask our knowledgeable staff!

Zachys Picks - Organic Wines

Bonterra Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2012 (91WE) Sale $12.99
Bonterra's grapes are 100% certified organic, and have been since 1993, and they practice biodynamics to complement the organic farming they credit with adding much of the character to their wines. They utilize cover crops, and then compost the crops to use as fertilizer in the vineyards; and sheep and chickens assist with maintaining the health of the vineyards.
"Made mostly from Mendocino grapes, this presses all the right buttons—the deep, dark red color; the spicy, toasty aromas; the ripe, black cherry and currant flavors; the firm tannins and full body. It's tasty, and built for enjoyment alongside a great meal involving rich protein...91" WE 5/15

Zachys Picks– Biodynamic Wines

Abbatucci Vin de France Blanc Barbarossa 2010 (93SWJ) Sale $74.99
"Brilliant sheen with a light green tint. A fascinating and complex bouquet of briny, sour fruits and stones. On the palate, the wine is nearly fat, exhibiting a massive and layered wine that slowly unfolds in the mouth. Rich and yeasty on the attack, with notes of grapefruit, pine needles, fresh cream, and stones. A wine that inspires supreme contemplation by virtue of the complexity and uniqueness of flavors and textures. A good dose of acidity on the backend neatly ties the various components of the wine together. It is hard to describe the perfectly infused combination of earth, fruit, air, and yeast that this bottling possesses. Exceedingly long and complex finish, where the wine's essence gently echoes down the back of your palate...93" SWJ 05/12

This article is sponsored content from Zachys Fine Wine. For 70 years, Zachys has built its business on offering one of the most complete selections of fine wine & spirits in America with over 6,000 varieties available. In addition, the experience would not be complete without customer service playing a primary role in their day-to-day interaction with all of their customers.

Zachys Wine & Liquor,16 East Parkway • Scarsdale, New York 10583,800.723.0241 • zachys.com • [email protected]

Details: Published: 14 April 2015; Created: 14 April 2015; Last Updated: 14 April 2015; Hits: 4484

ouryardsourchildren This spring, Scarsdale Library is hosting two programs to provide residents with the information and tools they need to "go green" this summer. On Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30pm, Max Apton, former Stone Barns manager and current owner of The Farmer's Garden, will teach a class entitled, Organic Gardening at Home. On Thursday, May 7 at 7:30pm, the conversation will continue with Dr. Diane Lewis' presentation on her book, "The Great Healthy Yard Project: Our Yards, Our Children, Our Responsibility." The programs are free and open to the public.

"With the change of season, people are starting to think about lawn and garden maintenance," said Library Director, Elizabeth Bermel. "The success of the gardening programs at the schools is an example of Scarsdale's commitment to sustainable living. While we all love a beautiful garden and yard, residents also want to make sure they are doing it in a healthy way. These programs will give them the information they need to do that."

In his class, Organic Gardening at Home, on April 29th, Max Apton will provide an introduction on how to design, build, and maintain a home vegetable garden. Topics covered will include picking the right size and placement of your garden, preparing the soil for planting, regionally appropriate crop selection and timing, how and when to harvest popular garden plants, and fun and educational garden tasks for children. Apton's company, The Farmer's Garden, is also available to work with residents at their homes to get their gardens started or to provide ongoing maintenance.

On May 7th, Dr. Diane Lewis will share the message she has been spreading to people across the country about the health risks that pesticides pose. In "The Great Healthy Yard Project," Dr. Lewis explains that the most widespread problem facing our drinking water is pollution by the chemicals we use on our yards and gardens. In her talk, Lewis will provide natural options that will protect the health of our families and community. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
For more information or to register for either program, go to the calendar page at www.scarsdalelibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 914-722-1302.

Details: Written by: Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 30 March 2015; Created: 30 March 2015; Last Updated: 30 March 2015; Hits: 4354

OppositeCover Scarsdale Library has announced that the Spring selection for Scarsdale Reads is "The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money" by New York Times columnist, Ron Lieber. The bestseller is the second selection in Scarsdale Reads, a community reading initiative that encourages friends and neighbors to have ongoing conversations around a shared reading experience.

Scarsdale Library Director, Elizabeth Bermel, invites residents to read the book and to meet the author. "We are delighted to host Ron Lieber in a discussion of his book at the library on Monday, May 11 at 7:30pm. 'The Opposite of Spoiled' has received a lot of national attention and we are happy to have the opportunity to bring the conversation to Scarsdale." The program is being presented in partnership between the Scarsdale Library and the Scarsdale PT Council and is sponsored by Platinum Drive Realty. The May event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Pamela Fuehrer, President of the PT Council notes, "In a community like Scarsdale, parents walk a fine line in an effort to provide opportunities for their children while also maintaining a spirit of humility and gratitude. I think as parents we all want to provide the best for our children, but we don't want them to take what they have for granted. 'The Opposite of Spoiled' is a really practical book for helping parents find that balance."

"The Opposite of Spoiled" is a guide for parents to facilitate conversations with children about the role of money in their lives as individuals and as a family. Lieber covers topics from the tooth fairy to philanthropic giving to college tuition. Operating under the premise that children will make better choices throughout life if they are given the tools and information they need beginning at an early age, Lieber provides real life examples of how to make the topic of money a natural part of parenting.

For more information, visit the Scarsdale Reads table at the library. Multiple copies of the book are available and Scarsdale cardholders may download an ebook version through OverDrive on the library website. To register for the May 11 event or to reserve a copy of the book, visit www.scarsdalelibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 914-722-1302.

Details: Written by: Megan Shelton; Published: 26 March 2015; Created: 26 March 2015; Last Updated: 27 March 2015; Hits: 5186

YWW3 Saturday March 21 marked the twentieth anniversary of the Scarsdale PT Council's Young Writers' Workshop. It took place at the Scarsdale Middle School from 9 AM to noon.

Open to all third, fourth, and fifth graders that go to Scarsdale elementary schools and nearby private schools, the Young Writers' Workshop is an event in which students participate in numerous workshops of varying topics. These workshops have as great a range from learning how be a food critic to learning how to write a mystery novel and encompass many fields including journalism, technology and art. "Kids enjoy these workshops because they show them that writing isn't just what they are doing in the classroom; writing can take them in different directions. It shows the students that writing is wonderful and inspiring. We are so grateful to have all these creative minds come together. This workshop just gives kids a little bit more," exclaimed Karen Palaniappan who co-chaired the event with Chris Peckett.

The morning began with a keynote presentation in the middle school auditorium by the author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library and former improvisational comedian, Chris Grabenstein. During his presentation, he told the students about how his dreams have evolved from when he was a little kid. He is now a New York Times bestselling author. "Say yes" to whatever life throws at you, was Grabenstein's main take-away. He also gave the students a preview of his new chapter book, The Island of Dr. Libris. "I did improvisational comedy in New York with a group called The First Amendment for five years," Grabenstein told me after his keynote presentation. "There's a rule that all of us in the group live by, which is 'Say Yes' to whatever your partner does; you never say no. And that's how I write, that's how I do improv, and that's how I live. Whenever an opportunity comes along, I always say, 'Yeah, I'll try that!' It's just a better way to live."

YWW1 After the keynote presentation, the students hurried to their first of two workshops of the day. There were more than thirty professionals in creative work who presented over thirty-four creative workshops.

One workshop I sat in on, "Taste Test," was a class for students who are interested in becoming food critics. The students learned how they judge the food they eat and how to properly comment on it. During the first half of the class, the leader of the workshop, writer Barbara Josselsohn, taught the students how to write a basic review; she emphasized the most important aspects of food analysis and how evidence, not opinion, is the major part of any review. Josselsohn wrote the basic format of a good review on the board and the students copied it into their notebooks. During the second half of the lesson, the students conducted a taste test between Entenmann's chocolate chip cookies and Chips Ahoy! chocolate chip cookies, using the skills they learned in the first half of the class and wrote summaries about which cookie they preferred and why. At the end of the class, Josselsohn asked the students about which factors influenced their decisions. It was fascinating to observe how each student judged both types of cookies and how these observations differed in their reviews.

YWW2 After an hour in the first workshop, the students then hustled to their final workshop. Two popular workshops for the second part of the day were "Turn Your Expertise Into a How To Guide or Book" led by Jocelyn Greenky Herz and "Famous Pop Artist Leads Collage Workshop" with Michael Albert. In Herz's workshop, the students started off by writing lists of everything they are good at doing. The students then shared their talents with the class, while Herz encouraged the students to be open to encouragement and suggestions. In the middle of one very positive exchange between two fourth graders, Herz turned to me and said amazedly, "It's all right there, they all already have it."

In the "Famous Pop Artist Leads Collage Workshop", Michael Albert began by telling the students that his main goal: "is to create something that is a true masterpiece that can be in a museum some day." He showed posters of some of his more famous collages to the kids, who oohed and aahed over the various shapes, colors, and designs in each work. Albert invited the students to comment and interpret his work. During the second half of the class, he invited the students to make their own collages, playing The Beatles and raffling off poster versions of his collages while they worked.

yww4 The workshop was a huge success! It was amazing to sit in on so many different classes. One can almost see the students' minds in action as they were encouraged to think creatively.

Congratulations to the PT Council's Young Writers' Workshop on twenty great years.

Details: Written by: Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 17 March 2015; Created: 17 March 2015; Last Updated: 19 March 2015; Hits: 9252

wonka1 The cast and crew of Willa Wonka Junior are behind closed doors at Scarsdale Middle School this week rehearsing for their big weekend of performances on Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21 at 7 pm. Based on Roald Dahl's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the story centers on an eccentric chocolate factory owner and a poor boy who hopes to win a tour of the mysterious factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate.

wonka5 When we stopped by the cast of 35 actors from the eighth graders were dressed in costume and the stage crew of ten sixth-eighth grade were busy with the lights, the sound and the scenery.

wonkabuckets We found the down and out bucket family singing "Think Positive," and reporter Phineous Trout with Mike and Ms. Teavee singing "I See it all on TV." Oompa Loompas dressed in chartreuse and sparkly wigs sashayed across the stage and Veruca Salt and Mrs. Gloop were happy to pose for pictures. Willy Wonka rolled out the candy cart and was resplendent in her tuxedo.

The entire cast looked like pros and it is sure to be a great show for the entire family. Tickets are $10 at the door and Willa Wonka candy bars will be sold during intermission, with the proceeds going to charity.

The cast and crew are led by Director Dorothy Golden, Musical Director Celia Cuk, Choreographer Rachele Ketterer and Technical Director Nicholas Lieto.
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