It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

     “Wine is bottled poetry.”

- Robert Louis Stevenson

     That's right, in the world of wine, winter season is my favorite. In the past, I attempted to convert my palate to the healthy alternative (compared to white/blush wine) of red wine, during the winter months. Why you ask? For me, it was a personal preference to ensure that I would give the reds a valiant effort in the most dormant time of the year; today, I gladly sip on reds, especially in the winter time because I have grown to appreciate them. Perhaps it is the cold of the winter that encourages me to grab a room-tempertature bottle instead of a chilled white, but whatever the reason, I save the reds for the cold.

     Since I have not written in a while, and am on the verge of 2,000 views (yay!), I decided to dedicate an educational post to a new red, a 2009 Bordeaux Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Chateau Bonnet (thanks, Brian! :)) *Side note, for those interested: Bordeaux is pronounced as if you were saying, "bore-dough"*. This wine was juicy, with a bit of earth, and a simple finish. We paired it with Monterey jack cheese (I recommend) and a good movie. In my opinion, this wine is one for hosting or gift-giving, as was the way I received it: as a gift. Immediately upon getting the wine, I exclaimed, "2009 is a great year for Bordeaux, right?!" After consulting my favorite pocket wine book, it was confirmed- 2009 is indeed a great year for Bordeauxs. "What is a Bordeaux?" you may ask. A Bordeaux is a wine from the Bordeaux region of France, known for its unusual wines created by blending different grapes (hence the 50%-50% mix of this). I personally love red blends, because blending helps smooth out the overpowering flavor of a singular wine. 

     Fun fact for all those red-wine loving, health nuts: according to a Purdue University study, "piceatannol, found in red wine, grapes and other fruits, and similar in structure to resveratrol, is able to block cellular processes that allow fat cells to develop, opening a door to a potential method to control obesity" (See the full article here). While the health benefits of red wine continue to pop up, it is always important to drink in moderation (e.g. no more than a 1/3 glass of wine). 

Source: http://www.reversewinesnob.com/2012/12/chateau-bonnet-reserve-bordeaux-rouge.html

     For this wine, we listened to Pandora, "Zero 7" playlist, a classic. A favorite of mine to listen to while drinking this wine? Breathe Me by Sia.

Happy wine Tuesday! 

Starry Night Never Fails

     I am usually not a big fan of Pinot Grigio; I am  Sauvignon Blanc kind-of-girl. However, I am also a BIG fan of art, so when a bottle label strikes my eye, my grape varietal loyalty goes right out the door. This has gotten me in trouble before, but this time my love for art made me stumble upon, what I consider, the best Pinot I have ever had.

     Those that know me well, know that I love Vincent Van Gogh's work. Starry Night, in my world, is one of the most simplistically incredible pieces of artwork of all time. So, you can imagine that any sort of decoration, label, painting, chair, shoe, that represents or looks anything close to Starry night will catch my eye. This is the case with Bella Serra Pinot Grigio. The label paints a beautiful picture of an Italian Chateau at night time, inviting the drinker-to-be to romanticize a situation in which we are somewhere in Italy, drinking a luscious glass of Pinot, while admiring the moonlit rolling hills around us. Oh, the powers of art.

So how was the wine? Simply put, I loved it. It was crisp and clean, not tangy at all (like some Pinots I have had) and paired exceptionally well with the chicken dinner we had. The wine had soft notes of pear and lemon and an easy finish. How would I summarize this wine? It is a great date wine (take notes, men). The bottle was only $12 and was accompanied with a beautiful, starry night-esk label. What more could a girl ask for?

Since I was such a big fan of this wine, I had to pair it with one of my favorite artists, Wax Tailor. "Que Sera" is a uniquely awesome, perfect song to pair with Bella Serra Pinot. They both require an artistic appreciation, which is probably why I love them both.

Weird Bottle = Weird Wine

    "Where's your will to be weird?"

-Jim Morrison

     I have a thing for saving wine bottles. Not all of them of course, but ones that I can reuse for decorations or crafts. If I had a Pinterest, I think mine would consist mainly of wine, crafts, wedding decor, and knitting. Wait. Isn't that what almost every woman's Pinterest is comprised of?

    Needless to say, I sometimes take the aesthetic appeal of the wine bottle into consideration when I make a purchase. Bad idea. I recently went shopping and ended up purchasing wine, wool socks, and a rose plant; random, but I digress. The wine bottle (Italian Bottarro Red Table Wine) is what caught my attention- a perfect, vintage-looking, candle holder for my kitchen table. I was, well, inspired. The wine however, now that is a different story...

    Tasting notes: Not a favorite. In fact, I would give it a 2 or 3 out of 10. This wine was very young (despite the dust all over the bottle), very acidic, and had a terrible finish. I was not even able to finish my glass. I am assuming the nose was supposed to smell like red fruit, but I just got a whiff of rubbing alcohol. Maybe if it were bottled for another 2-5 years it would not taste so much like pure alcohol. I would probably not buy again...unless I need another candle holder.

     But there's good news! Even though the wine wasn't amazing, it appears that I may have made a good investment, considering I paid $8 and the empty bottle is being sold on Ebay for $11 + shipping. Oh, the things we do for unique wine bottles. I also have paired this wine with a great song, which is always good news.


Hue: Red
Tune:  Ungodly Fruit- Wax Tailor (because a wine this bad needs a good song).

When Wine Gives You Lemons...

Before I begin my pairing, I thought it would be fun to share an interesting medical finding, because, who doesn't want to hear that drinking wine is good for their health?

"Individuals with the habit of daily moderate wine consumption enjoy significant reductions in all-cause and particularly cardiovascular mortality when compared with individuals who abstain or who drink alcohol to excess" (German, 2000). 

This statement, along with the numerous other articles I have stumbled across, is music to my ears. Not only do I enjoy my 1/3 glass of wine almost every night because it is delicious, I drink it because of the multitude of health benefits associated with it (primarily red wine). Speaking of red wine, I feel that my journey since last February in hopes to become a regular red wine drinker have succeeded- I now grab the red bottle over the white 9 times out of 10. 

This news, along with the fun adventure of trying new flavors, has led me to my next wine, a 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (my favorite white). The wine's name is what grabbed my attention, mainly because I collect sea glass from every place I have visited near water. From France to Virginia Beach, I have a heaping pile of sea glass. To no surprise, the wine's name is Sea Glass and is produced out of Santa Barbara, CA. I was immediately intrigued and decided to purchase.

The taste of this was good- not great. For a Sauv. Blanc, it was somewhat harsh on the finish and a little too lemon-y. I like the citrus flavor the be an undertone but this was very pronounced. I found myself having to eat dinner along side this wine- definitely not one to sip on alone, at least for me. If acidity is your "thing" and you enjoy a tart finish, this wine is for you. 

What did I learn from this wine adventure? Definitely do not judge a book by its cover, or in this case, a wine by its label. 

Price: $10 (Sam's Club)
Tune: Sour Times by Portishead (this may be one of my BEST pairs of wine and a tune; I love Portishead. the vibe and melody of this song are perfect for this wine, not to mention the title is spot on). 

Better Late Than Never

     “Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.” 

                                                                                       ― Paulo Coelho, Brida


     A significant amount of time has past since I lasted blogged- and much has happened since. While I have not ceased to incorporate wine into my daily lifestyle, I cannot say the same about taking the time to blog about some of the wonderful wines I have tried. Four wines in particular, that were given as a graduation present this past summer, still linger on my palate whenever I reference them. By far one of my favorite gifts, I received a case of 6 bottles of wine, only two of which are still unopened. I am saving these beauties for extremely special occasions, for example, the graduation of my Ph.D.
     I cannot think of a better way to start back into blogging than to discuss these amazingly wonderful wines. And of course, I will pair them with music.


1. Franciscan Estate, Nappa Valley: Magnificat, Meritage Red Wine (2007)
     Easily one of the BEST wines I have ever had in my entire life, this wine gave a new meaning to the term "red milk". Smooth finish, harmonious to the palate, full-bodied and full of plum and black fruit flavors.  I drank this completely by itself, to soak up every flavor. I finished the bottle, with the help of a friend, in two nights. I would absolutely purchase this wine myself- although somewhat out of my price range.

Price: $30
Song: Miss You, Trentemoller (because, like this song, this wine was smooth, simple, and dreamy).


2. Cruz Alta-Grand Reserve Malbec (2010)
     I typically am not a spicy, deep, Malbec-kind-of-girl. I actually did not mind this one and would definitely recommend it to any Malbec-lover. It has notes of cherry and plum and is full-bodied. A little spice is left on the palate as a finish but it paired wonderfully with the steak I had. I might not drink this  alone, but with a hearty-meaty dish, this is a very nice, reasonably priced Malbec.

Price: $15
Song: Broken, Lauren Hoffman (because, for a Malbec, this was a laid-back wine, much like the vocals of this song).

3. Domaine des Préauds Pouilly-Fuissé (2010)
      This wine was elegant and light, with a nose of  apple, lime, and a hint of hazelnut. Medium-bodied, easy to drink; I tasted a lot of citrus. I drank this mostly alone, but I think it is safe to say a seafood or light chicken dish would be a perfect pairing. A very refreshing and crisp wine-one that would be perfect for summertime (but then again, aren't all white wines?)

Price: +- $20
Song: Yellow Light, Of Monsters of Men (because I love their vocals, beat, and overall sound- a perfect song to complement this simplistic wine).


4. Alfio Moriconi Selection, Sancerre-Chirstian Salmon (2010)
     I enjoyed this wine overall but I will say that  the finish to this was not the best, especially to drink alone. I found that when I paired it with something simple, it had a much better finish. Notes of lemon and pear overwhelmed my nose and taste buds. It was very refreshing, easy to drink, and light. Overall, I enjoyed this and would purchase again. 

     

Price: $20
Song: Lakehouse, Of Monsters and Men (because this is a great wine to listen to while at a lake, or beach, or any form of water for that matter).

The Sweet Introduction of Dessert Wine & Chocolate

      When I first started drinking wine, I wanted the sweet stuff. Honestly, I wanted liquid candy. I went straight for any and all labels that had the word "sweet" within the description. Needless to say, if my eyes caught gaze with a "dessert" wine, it was in my shopping cart within .2 seconds. Thankfully, through my wine class, I have learned that dessert wines are best served with, well, dessert and most importantly, sipped in small portions.

       One of my favorite winery classes consisted of a wine and cheese tasting; not just any wine tasting, this class offered us an array of over ten cheeses from Wisconsin and around ten bottles of wine. My favorite pairing of all was chocolate cheese and raspberry dessert wine. It tasted like heaven on earth. I will never forget the sensation of the two flavors- it forever changed my palate.

      While I have been visiting my parents this summer, I have introduced them (almost every night) to a different pairing. Tonight we relived my winery pairing class. We had cherry dessert wine and chocolate fudge brownies. While there is no formal way to drink and eat, I have noticed a certain order that enhances the flavors. What I learned in class, and what I have noticed, is that the wine tastes best when the mouth is coated with the dessert. So, dessert-->wine-->dessert. It's that simple but commonly confused.

      Dessert wine is very sweet, sugary, syrupy, and quite unpleasant to drink completely alone (in my opinion). They are also to be consumed after a meal, not during as most reds and whites are. Dessert wines are not gulped. No, you want to sip small amounts. Dessert wines are also sold in smaller bottles, I believe, for this reason. If you are not sure of the brand, check the bottle.

     This combination was easy to pair with music, as it made me feel as if I was in a French cafe restaurant, sitting at a table in the back corner surrounded by soft red and cream auras created by the light ambiance. I'm sitting in a big, lush red chair enjoying my chocolate and sipping sweet, creamy dessert wine....but I digress. None the less, here is its pairing:

__________________________________________________________________
Hue: Red
-Cherry Dessert Wine
-Tomasello Winery

Tunes:
Tu Es Ma Came- Carla Bruni (because she has the beautiful French cafe voice)

La Vie En Rose- Louis Armstrong (because its Louis Armstrong)

Scary Spice(s)

     I know that full-bodied, spicy wines can be a bit overwhelming for beginner red wine drinkers. For me, I stayed away from spicy, intense, smack-you-in-the-face varietals. I did this until I was able to decipher which reds knocked me off my feet and which had a smooth, easy finish and paired well with red meats. Understanding the different intensities of wine is important, in my opinion, because you learn which you actually like and thus decrease the tendency to dislike anything red. Spicy wines are not for everyone, but I am learning to like a little kick to my wine.
   
    I think Malbecs and Zinfandels can be easily confused. For this reason, I have decided to make this post about what to look for and what to try, so that you, unlike me, will not be scared of the spices. Just like our once loved (and maybe still loved) Spice Girl, Scary Spice, spicy wines have a tendency to scare drinkers. Let's take a look at the difference in the nose and taste.

   
     Malbec: Malbecs, for me, are the spicier wine of the two. They typically are grown in Argentina; Argentina hands-down makes the best Malbecs. In fact, I pretty much only purchase Argentinian Malbecs. Looking at the Malbec, it looks very inky, thick, and a dark purple. Tannins are strong in Malbecs and it boasts hints of plum. Because of their intense nature, Malbecs are typically blended in red blends. A Malbec on its own pairs wonderfully with steak and deep red meats. A good Malbec will also have hints of tobacco, raisin, and oak. 
     Zinfandel: Zinfandels, are a little less intense, but still spicy. California is a hot-spot for this varietal; they are very robust in nature. While the Malbec has more of a earth-like taste, the Zinfandel has hints of red fruit: raspberry and blackberry. Zinfandels also have spicy notes, mainly pepper. Drinking this varietal can create a feeling of warmness in the mouth- it is a hot wine! Zinfandel pairs well with red meats like the Malbec.

     Either varietal can be good or bad, finding a winery that creates the right balance for you is key. I have found that when I find a good winery, I keep it. Wines can range drastically in flavor depending on the use of barrels, the length of time of its fermentation process, the terrior of the area it was grown, etc. I enjoy spicy wines but only when I am in certain moods. They are typically not varietals that I would choose to drink while taking a bubble bath- I typically go for a red blend or Cab Sauv. for that. No, these wines are more for dinner activities in my opinion, but to each is own.

     Just for fun, here is a great song to listen to while sipping these reds:
Spice Girls: Spice Up Your Life

Cabernet Sauvignon, a Hearty Wine

     In my journey towards learning to love and appreciate red wine, I have found one consistent red varietal that I almost always love, no matter the brand nor price. Cabernet Sauvignon is a favorite of mine. It is earthy, typically has a smooth finish, and is one of California's signature red grapes. 

    I recently had a Cab from California, a 2010 from Burlwood Cellars. This particular wine is semi-dry and full- bodied. The nose smells of tobacco, cherry, and oak. On a side note, an important thing to remember before you sip on a freshly opened bottle of wine, is that you need to let the wine breathe. This is crucial to achieve the full taste of the wine. Think about it, wine sits in the same bottle from anywhere between 2 to 50+ years. Allowing the wine to sit anywhere between 15-20 minutes allows the wine to mix with the air, bringing down the temperature (a key part to drinking red wine the best way), allows the aromas to strengthen and entice your nose, softens the flavor profile, and mellows out the entire taste of the wine. I almost always let me wine sit for at least 10 minutes before I try it. Red wines with high tannins might need to breath longer. More information can be found in the article Letting Wine Breath. Understanding the ins and outs of wine tasting can make the entire experience more enjoyable. Before I knew about letting wine breath, I was almost always hit with an acidic, bitter tasting red wine. 

source: corkbin.com

     Being healthy and making healthy choices is a high priority in my life. I typically enjoy drinks and food dishes that are healthy for me, and will even choose them over a better tasting alternative. With that said, Cabernet Sauvignon is not only a tasty grape, but it is also extremely healthy. In fact, it has been deemed the healthiest red wine for the heart. In an article published by BBC, Cabs have been said to have, "high levels of resveratrol - which increases levels of "good" cholesterol and slows production of "bad" cholesterol." As I have mentioned before, red wines in general have positive benefits too. "Red grapes are also high in other antioxidants called polyphenols that prevent cell damage from free radicals", and "red wine - even diluted 100 times - is a better antioxidant than vitamin E". The article can be found at BBC News for more information on the health benefits of red wines. 

     This particular Cab was wonderful. Easy to drink, smooth finish, lasting after taste, and extremely intense notes of cherry. My taste buds were happy and so am I. It is always a pleasure to find a good red wine- I will definitely buy this Burlwood again. Although I typically pair Cabs with mellow tunes, my mouth was singing a different tune today when I tried this. Below is its pairing:

Hue: Red
Burlwood Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
California, 2010
Aldi's: around $5.00 a bottle

Tunes: Foster the People
-because they have awesome, upbeat songs that make you want to dance. 
-Houdini
-Don't Stop

If It's a Spicy Smell, It's a Zinfindel

      Before this wine, which  I am about to describe below, my taste buds felt drab, stale, and clearly hungering for more. After this wine, my taste buds felt jolted, awakened, and alive. Yes, this wine sent a rush through my spine of a spicy, earthy, all together magnificent flavor. Definitely a wine I recommend and wish that everyone could try. The good news? I have been given a taste of truly excellent red wine. The bad news? This wine cannot be purchased in stores.

      In the midst of graduation excitement, I have found my way back to my home state of Ohio to visit with family and friends before I head on to my next collegiate experience. Along with fishing and reminiscing with family, I received an unexpected, yet very appreciated, gift for graduation. My brother's girlfriend, named Katie, brought me a bottle of homemade wine. I was ecstatic. Not only do I love a good wine, I love organic products. And not only was this wine special because it came from a family recipe, but the fact that it was from Katie's family and  father, Bill Gratzianna, who stars in his own television show on the Speed Channel, called Wrecked. I have always considered wine a special product, but coming from a homemade batch from a fun-filled family in Chicago was truly a treat. Several things about the wine sparked my attention and here's why:

     1. There are several instant predictors of good wine, in my opinion, and this wine had them all. As soon as I poured the wine, I could immediately tell it was a well-aged wine. How you might ask? An easy way to tell the age of wine just from looking at it is its tint. For example, bright purple wine is typically a young wine- maybe aged a year or two. This wine, which I will call the Gratzianna Zin, had a brown tint. Brown tints show an aged wine, and I guessed immediately that this wine was at least 5 or 6 years old. The verdict is still out- we are waiting on Mr. Gratzianna for a final answer. Moral of this statement: brown wine can be a good sign, as it shows good aging. Tilting a glass over a light-colored surface can show the brown tint of an aged wine.

     2. The Gratzianna Zin had good "legs". As I have mentioned before, good legs on a wine means high alcohol concentration. Katie confirmed that it was very alcoholic; however, the wine did not show an alcoholic flavor, making it even easier to drink. Remember: swirling wine and watching the velocity and separation of the "legs" can show sugar content and alcohol content. 

     3. The wine had a crisp, intense, spicy smell. As a little game, I asked Katie to let me try and guess the red grape used to make the wine. Immediately upon smelling it I was hit with a nose full of spicy, tobacco-like aromas, which is a good sign of a strong, bold Zin. I did not detect many fruity smells- just spice. I guessed a Zinfindel and I was correct.

     4. The wine had a very bold body and very smooth finish. As I have been transitioning into reds recently, hard finishing red wines have been setting me back in my journey to primarily drink reds. I enjoy crisp, fruity, easy-finishing wines; obviously something hard to find in a red wine that is within my price range. This wine, although not fruity, had an amazing finish. I was impressed.

     If you ever have an opportunity to drink (or make) your own wine, I suggest you do. Balancing a wine- making alter ego with a PhD program might be a bit more than I can handle for now, but in the future I plan on making my own wine. For now, I might have to ask the Gratzianna's for another bottle, as this wine will be hard to transition from.

     There is a true beauty in the difference between a good wine and a cheap, mass produced wine. As I continue to mature as a wine drinker, I tend to stay away from the mass produced wines and indulge in more prestigious and respected brands. After this Zin, I think the Gratzianna family should look into producing and selling their wine, as it hit my taste buds unlike anything I have tasted.

     Pairing this wonderful wine with a song has been tricky; below is its pairing:


Hue: Brownish Red
-Homemade from the Gratzianna family
-Price: ? (If I had to guess based on the taste, age, and process, I would say at least $150).
-Sorry everyone, this one cannot be found in stores

____________________________________________________

Tune: Breaking it Up
-Lykke Li (because we all love her unique, raspy voice paired with a melody of good beats).
-The beats of the song resembles the spicy hops of the wine. 

Love at First Taste- Petite Sirah

     I had the opportunity to be a wine and cheese server at a venue a few days ago. It was a wonderful experience and I learned even more about wine. In total, there were 7 wines and numerous cheeses. One wine stood out among the rest- the Petite Sirah from Bogle Vineyards. Smooth, easy, soft jammy notes, and a great finish, this wine played a sweet melody on my taste buds. I was in heaven. Especially for someone who is still testing the waters with red wines, I found this one very easy to drink and it paired amazingly well with a toscano cheese. The cheese coated the mouth leaving the fruity notes of the wine exposed- something I value in a wine. This Petite Sirah also paired well with Gouda- one of my favorite cheeses of all time. This wine was not overpowering and did not leave much of an after taste. To the nose, you can definitely detect hints of plum and black current; this is a juicy wine. 

     Resveratrol is the "good stuff" found in the red skin of grapes that has the health benefits that we all hear about. Cancer-fighting, anti-inflamatory, blood-sugar lowering affects have been linked to resveratorl, hence, why everyone wants to drink red wine now. Interestingly enough, I found that the Petite Sirah is among the red grapes that has the highest amount of resveratrol, according to FrenchScout.com. Other red varietals with a lot of resveratrol include: malbec, pinot noir (another favorite) and st. laurent. This wine has been dubbed my "post-workout" wine. In fact, I had a 1/3 a glass of it last night after yoga and paired it with Gouda again. I always make sure to follow my small glass of wine with A LOT of water after a workout but the health benefits of wine make it a good post workout drink (in moderation). As with most red wines, this one pairs well with meaty dishes- I plan on trying it with spaghetti with meat sauce later in the week.

      Overall, I would buy this wine again. This was my first Petite Sirah and I was impressed. The wine was not too earthy or oaky (I prefer Cabernet Sauvignon's to taste like that) but was more on the fruity side and full-bodied. A good wine for a good price. If you are like me and uneasy about overly bold, thick red wines, you should try this one. Below are its pairings: 

source:tayloreason.com

Hue: Red
Bogle Vineyards
Petite Sirah 2009, California
Around $10- great buy!

_________________________________________

Tunes:

1. Paradise Circus
-Massive Attack (because Massive Attack is amazing)

2. Lord Help the Poor and Needy
-Cat Power (because her raspy voice is soothing and relaxing as all get out)

Virginia is for Donald Trump

     When I first heard of Donald Trump buying a winery in Virginia, I was not surprised. Virginia is a beautifully wonderful state, full of rolling hills, scenic mountains, beaches, and abundant land. Besides the instability of our climate, Virginia seems to be (in my opinion) a great place to have a winery. In fact, Virginia is up and coming right now in the American wine industry. We all know (and love) Californian wines but Virginia is on the rise to one day be another state known for its wine. The Daily Progress has an article about Virginian wine- an interesting read. I have only been to a couple wineries but I plan on making a trip to Trump Vineyard in the next couple of months. 

     Trump Vineyard is 900 acres, nestled in Charlottesville, Virginia (GO HOKIES!), and just a few miles away from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Trump Vineyard has several wine varietals including: Albemarle Rose, Albemarle Sauvignon Blanc, Albemarle Simply Red, Cru (which I will discuss later on), Kluge Estate New World Red, Kluge Estate SP Blanc de Blanc, and Kluge Estate SP Rose. I learned all of this information from the Trump website.  

     I am in a winery tourism class this semester. It's awesome. I have learned a lot. Recently, we had a Virginia wine tasting. I was impressed. Among the wines we tried, we had the opportunity to try Cru. Cru tasted like a Chardonnay wine (pretty sweet) with a Bourbon finish. You heard me, Bourbon. I personally am not a fan of Bourbon and would definitely never have considered mixing its flavor with a Chardonnay but Trump wineries has done a wonderful job. Cru was a hit at our tasting session. Below is a description from the Trump website about Cru for those interested:

"Unique to Trump Winery, Cru is created by blending Chardonnay juice with Chardonnay brandy in lieu of a traditional fermentation. This fortified wine is then aged for over a year in American bourbon barrels. The result is an aperitif wine that is truly all-American."

"Deep, fresh aromas and flavors of pear, citrus, bourbon and toasted almonds. This fortified wine is 18% alcohol, so it works equally well neat or as a mixer." 

  

     So, if you love wine, Virginia, and Donald Trump- you are in luck. If you love Chardonnay and Bourbon- you are in wine heaven. I liked trying new things, so Cru was a fun experience. Below is a good song to listen to while you SIP (18% alcohol) this wine:

Tune: Take it Easy

-The Eagles (because they are a classic)

Australian Moscato- A Truly Sweet Experience

     I am a sweet wine drinker. There is no hiding that. I am also a budget drinker, for the most part, so anytime I can get my hands on a good deal- I am there. The other night, some friends and I were at Seven 11. Yes, this blog is about a wine I purchased there. It was late at night, I needed a quick, easy drink, and I needed something cheap. Say hello to Lotto Moscato.

     Lotto is a $5.99 bottle of wine. It is very sweet and can be sipped alone. If you want to pair it with food, keeping it to something made with chicken is probably the best bet. In my opinion, this wine makes for a great sipping wine. I was snuggled up outside with a blanket, listening to great music with friends while I drank this. It is a social wine, in my opinion, and is a great drink for cool spring nights and warm sunny-day picnics. It has peach and pear undertones with a hint of honeysuckle and a very sweet nose.

     Just by smelling the wine you can guess how it will taste. Swirling this wine shows a few streaks (also called legs) down the side of the wine glass- all of which run very slowly. Therefore, this wine was a low alcohol content (10% to be exact) with a high sugar content. You can tell the alcoholic content and sugar content of the wine just by swirling. Here's how:

--multiple streaks= high alcohol content (the alcohol breaks up the liquid when it is swirled)
--hardly any steaks= low alcohol content
--slow running streaks= high sugar content (the sugar creates a syrupy-like texture so it runs slower)
--fast running streaks= low sugar content

   To me, Lotto wine tastes like a spiked white grape juice. Obviously, if you like sweet wine, this is an easy buy. I am also guessing that this is a girl's wine- from the bottle, to the taste, to the smell- this wonderfully sweet wine makes you want to listen to happy, uplifting, good beat songs. Here is it's pairing:

  Hue: White

  -2010

  -Lotto

 -Southeastern Australia

 -$5.99 

______________________________________________________________________________

  Tunes:

-My Same by Adele (because she is awesome)

-So Much to Say by Dave Matthews Band (Dave is one of the best artists to listen to. Period.) 

- Walking on a Dream- Empire of the Sun (Makes you want to jump around your house and sing) 

_______________________________________________________________________________

   Fun wine and fun songs for fun weather. I love Spring (my favorite season next to Fall). I would say that Lotto is almost like opening up Spring time in a bottle. Just like Spring weather makes me happy, Lotto made my taste buds happy. 

Satisfy Your Inner Green

     Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE sustainability initiatives. In fact, my masters capstone was on the sustainability practices of a large scale luxury resort. Because I focus on sustainability issues and trends, I typically do not fall victim to "green washing" schemes. For those of you that are not familiar with this term, it refers to the labeling and marketing of products that are not actually sustainable- causing consumers to buy the product based on a label or an advertisement. Buying green creates a sense of environmental responsibility among consumers, who are often willing to pay a premium just for an "environmentally friendly" product.

     So, if you fall into the category of shopping for these types of products, I suggest reading "Green, Greener, Greenest" by Lori Bongiorno. This book was not only an easy read but very informative. The author breaks products up into categories, for example, hair care, beauty, cleaning supplies, food, etc. and goes into detail about some of the brands that are really practicing sustainability and those that are not.

     But I digress. The point of my soap box is to actually set up my next wine and tune pairing, here's how:

     Since I shop with the environment in mind, I was delighted to stumble across Fetzer, a sustainable winery. The company uses sustainable energy sources, reuses its waste, and runs an almost 100% green energy operation. I was sold. Immediately. I purchased Fetzer's Gewurztraminer (first ever). Wonderful. Light like a Riesling but  with a bite at the end. It was smooth, sweet, and easy to finish. I paired it with triscuits dashed with sea salt and black pepper. The wine had hints of apricot, honey suckle, and melon. Citrus flavors were also present but not overbearing. Very delightful. Yes, the wine was so refreshing that I described it as "delightful". It is the kind of wine that makes you want to curl up under a big oak tree, during a sunny day filled with light wind, while the scent of fresh cut grass hits your nose. Yes, it is that kind of wine. I happened to have it in the completely opposite scenario- in my apartment, on my big leather couch, as it rained (heavily) outside for hours upon end. I did however, come across four tunes to pair with this wine. Here's the breakdown:

__________________________________________
    Hue: White
      - Fetzer
      - 2010
      -Gewurztraminer
      - California
      -Kroger: $7.99
___________________________________________
     Tunes:
     -Mooneclipse by Bangguru (smooth & bold)
     -Natural Self by Feet Keep Moving (fun, raspy-vocal song)
     -Fade Into You by Mazzy Star (who doesn't love a popular 90's melancholy song)
     -High Speed by Coldplay (because it's Coldplay)
____________________________________________

      The first two songs are a little more uptempo than what I normally post, but I felt that they embodied the wine flavor the best: smooth yet bold. The third song by Mazzy Star, is a slow song. Maybe it was the rain outside, but this song seemed to go well with this chilled white wine. The last song, by Coldplay, is a favorite on the list. I am a fan of Coldplay...from the lead vocal to the instruments- they are a great band. I was a fan of this wine and I cannot wait to try other grape varieties.

 

source:2.b.blogspot.com

 

URBANization of Wine

    I have not blogged for several weeks now, mainly in part to my extreme traveling schedule. For seven days, I was on a cruise and every weekend since has been full of short excursions out of town. None the less, I recently tried a new wine and have fallen in love.

   White wines hold the key to my heart; I enjoy a crisp, smooth, light wine taste. As I have blogged before, red wine is a new hobby; however, white wine is my true passion. My wonderful roommate recently brought home a magnificent white wine, called Urban. Not only is this word close to my heart (I am an Urban and Regional Planning masters student) but the wine was a white Torrontes. Urban is a very light and crisp wine with absolutely no corky taste and hints of pear, honey, and apple flavors. This is because it is produced in steel barrels- a new alternative to oak. The wine is produced in Argentina, an up and coming steel barrel production country. For those who do not like the earthy, woody taste coming from oak barrels, steel barrel production is for you. As with most white wines, this Torrontes goes great with chicken and seafood, in fact, I am about to pair it with chicken florentine for dinner tonight. Here is its musical pairing: 

Hue: White

  -Urban

  -Argentina

  -100% Torrontes Grapes 

  -2010

  -$12 or less (Kroger) 

____________________________________________

Tune I: Till It Happens to You

  -Corinne Bailey Rae

  -Beautiful, slightly raspy vocals with a simplistic beat.

____________________________________________

Tune II: As the Rush Comes

  -Motorcycle

  - A favorite of mine.

  - Great song to listen to while sipping a chilled white wine.

  - After a hard day at work or school, this is an awesome song to relax to. 

The Big Cheese

     Although this blog is primarily about wine & music, I wanted to write a post about wine and cheese pairing. Mainly for myself, since I often still get confused about what goes with what, but I also thought it would be of interest to some of my readers. For consistency, I will also include some new songs at the end of the blog to try with any of the listed wine and cheese pairings.

     It is important to note that wine & cheese taste different to everyone. Moreover, cheese that may appeal to me might not appeal to the next person. Ultimately, these pairings are just suggestions but some of the "rules" I hope to extract from a reputable wine guide. Hugh Johnson's 2012 Pocket Wine Book will be one of my references. It is a great read (I have mentioned it before) and super handy. It was only $9 on Amazon and shipped for free. I highly suggest it to anyone (over the age of 21, obviously) who is interested in learning more about wine.

     Source: drfrankwines.com

     According to the wine book, white wine pairs the best with cheese. Red wines, on the other hand, go best with hearty, meaty, spicy main course meals. Not to be confused with sparkling wine, white wine goes with chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. Contrary to popular belief, white table wine is not the best to serve before a meal, according to Hugh Johnson, as it comes second to sparkling wine.

    To note about wine & cheese pairings: stick to cheese and wine that are from the same region; harder cheeses (cheddar) can handle more tannic (dry, bitter) wines; creamy cheeses (Brie) pair well with acidic (tart) wines (Chardonnay).  Here are a few examples:

    Cheese: Cheddar, Goat, Swiss
    Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

    Cheese: Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, Jarlsberg
     Wine: Merlot

     Cheese: Reisling
     Wine: Blue, Colby, Gouda, Monetary Jack

     Cheese: Zinfandel
     Wine: Blue, Feta, Goat
   

    Interesting notes from Hugh Johnson (2012):
      -avoid peanuts, they ruin the taste of any wine.
      -olives are too piquant for most wines- use Sherry or a Martini when serving olives.
      -cashews, almods, pistachios, & walnuts are great nut varieties to serve with wine before a meal.

Wine terms to know (because we all want to know how to talk about wine:
tannin: tannins are found in grape skins & during the aging process, fuse with oak to create a woody taste. tannins are excellent antioxidants. tannins cause a dry, bitter, puckery sensation. Red wines typically have tannins while whites do not. tannins provide the color of red wines.
acidity: 3 types of acids in wine: artaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. acid gives wine a slightly tart & sour taste. bright red wines have more acidity, dark purple has less.
decanting: exposing the wine to air (letting it "breath"- an important first step to wine tasting).
swirl: stirring the wine to unleash the aromas of the wine (90% of our taste comes from smell).
balance: when no single flavor overpowers another.
body: when a wine tastes very bold & full.
finish: how long the taste of the wine lingers in your mouth.
legs: how slowly wine seeps down the side of a glass after swirled (the slower the more alcohol).

     As promised here are a couple of great wine-sipping tunes:

1. Breathe- Telepopmusik
2. Kiss the Sky- Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra

*source: http://antiwinesnob.com/wine-articles/whats-the-difference-between-tannins-and-acidity/

*source: http://www.winemcgee.com/blog/2010/01/22/5-wine-terms-everyone-should-know/

*source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/wine-definitions

*source: http://wine.about.com/od/servingwines/a/wineandcheese.htm

Songs For The Soul

    “Yoga teaches you how to age gracefully just like a great bottle of wine ages gracefully."

-David Romanelli

     
     Along with juicing and a new-found interest for meditation at night- I love yoga and practice it regularly. As with wine tasting, music plays an instrumental part in my yoga experience. I attend class but will happily set up a home yoga room when I do not have time for class. I have included a list of songs that would be/are wonderful additions to a home yoga workout. In fact, I am finding that yoga and wine make a great combination. Here is a link about yoga and wine. Interesting read. A New York Times article also discussed yoga and wine combination retreats. Yoga and wine-making are both aged practices and have been around for centuries- no wonder they are both awesome. 

1. My Friend- Groove Armada (for power yoga moves and/or vinyasa)

2. Into Dust- Mazzy Star (for those meditative positions) 

3. Alternate Thursday-Platonic (for warm-up yoga stretches) 

4. Obsession- The Un-Calculated Some (for breathing exercises) 

5. Exzebache- Tommy Guerrero (for those hard standing poses)

6. The Hop- Radio Citizen (for any pose- it's an AWESOME song)

7. Throw It All Away- Zero 7 (for those deep stretch poses)

8. Ghostwriter- RJD2 (for harder, detailed poses) 

 Tree- one of my favorite poses.

Put A Cork In It

    As promised, below are some craft ideas to make out of wine corks. I have also included a link for those interested in the origins of the wine cork.

Me on Port Cros Island, just off of France in front of a cork tree.

Corks can be glued together to make a coaster for hot drinks.

Or, use them for card/sign holders. Just slice it down the middle and insert.

Apparently, they make great shower mats.

source:craftynest.com

Cut shapes to make stamps.

source:3.bp.blogspot.com

Obviously, they can be made into a cute cork board.

source: 2.bp.blogspot.com

     If you have a cat, like I do, I have read that you can put a whole in the corks and fill them with catnip. A great idea. I might try. There are hundreds of craft ideas for wine corks- these were just a few of my favorites. Enjoy!