Come on, say it with me!
It's warming up and my own personal preference leans away from those luxurious heavy reds to a cool, but still hefty wine.
Rose is a natural choice. I have recently discovered the refreshing and elegant Gravitas 2006 Rose of Pinot Noir. Although no technical information can be found on http://www.gravitaswines.co.nz, from my rose research, I believe that the winemaker uses a saignee technique, bleeding off from their award winning Pinot Noir. This rose offers up perfumey aromas of orange blossom and roses, on the palate, ripe red raspberry fruit, a weighty mouthfeel and voluptuous body. A lovely and surprisingly long finish punctuate this exuberant and expressive wine. I paired with grilled yellowfin tuna, tzaitzki sauce and cilantro brown rice. Perfect.
Perfection is also found in the bubbles of Chartogne Taillet NV Cuvee St Anne Brut.
Most champagnes are produced in negociant houses, meaning they purchase fruit for their wines and mass produce them for product consistency. These are wines developed for lifestyle advertising and brand positioning; completely losing all vineyard-specific terroir and there are some very unique soils in Champagne. However, there are several small family run estates still in operation. One of which is Chartogne Taillet, operating on a 12 hectare property in Merfy, this house produces beautiful old-style Champagnes; brioche, almond and toasty biscuit flavors dance over your palate.
Tips for Grower Champagne shopping:
Ask your sommelier or shopkeeper first for grower champagnes. They are an invaluable resource, let them know what you have had in the past, what you enjoyed about it and what you didn't. Their professional opinions will guide you in the right direction.
Look at the label! The French government strictly regulates Champagne labels and all houses are required by law to note whether they are a negociant house, noted as NM (or négociant-manipulants) and followed by a unique number, while Grower Champagnes are noted as RM (or récoltant-manipulants).
Gravitas 2006 Rose of Pinot Noir can be found at Olenjack's in Arlington and Sapristi Bistro and Wine Bar in Fort Worth.
Chartogne Taillet and other Grower Champagnes can be found at Del Frisco's Fort Worth, Big Daddy's #3 in Arlington and Sapristi Bistro and Wine Bar.
Both wines can be special ordered through your local wine retailer.
Salut!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Hot off the Press! Fort Worth June Wine Dinners
Greetings all and apologies for the extended absence!
June 11th @ Sapristi Bistro and Wine Bar - Copain Wine Cellars Wine Dinner
The staff at Sapristi will be preparing a special menu to compliment the range of wines produced by Wells Guthrie and team at Copain Wine Cellars.
http://www.copainwines.com/
http://www.sapristibistro.com/
June 28th @ Chadra Mezza and Grill - Desert Wind Cellars Wine Dinner
Nehme is planning a special menu for the Desert Wine wines from Columbia Valley, Washington. Don't miss his exotically spiced food, paired perfectly with stunning wines.
http://www.desertwindwinery.com/
http://www.chadramezza.com/
Contact restaurants for reservations and prices.
June 11th @ Sapristi Bistro and Wine Bar - Copain Wine Cellars Wine Dinner
The staff at Sapristi will be preparing a special menu to compliment the range of wines produced by Wells Guthrie and team at Copain Wine Cellars.
http://www.copainwines.com/
http://www.sapristibistro.com/
June 28th @ Chadra Mezza and Grill - Desert Wind Cellars Wine Dinner
Nehme is planning a special menu for the Desert Wine wines from Columbia Valley, Washington. Don't miss his exotically spiced food, paired perfectly with stunning wines.
http://www.desertwindwinery.com/
http://www.chadramezza.com/
Contact restaurants for reservations and prices.
Friday, July 13, 2007
White flowers
White
Outstanding Italian white wine, Pio Cesare Cortese d' Gavi is a native Italian varietal, cortese, produced from limited yields harvested on the hilly vineyards of Gavi. Gavi's terroir produces white wines that are bone dry, but are packed with fresh acidity and bursting with fruit. The grapes are soft pressed and the winery uses temperature controlled fermentation to control the resulting fruitiness of the wine.
The finished product is a fresh, fruity wine, dry but very nicely balanced. I smell and taste white flowers, green apples, fresh lime and honeydew. But try it for yourself!
I picked mine up at Kings on Berry St. for the bargain price of $13.99.
Salut
Outstanding Italian white wine, Pio Cesare Cortese d' Gavi is a native Italian varietal, cortese, produced from limited yields harvested on the hilly vineyards of Gavi. Gavi's terroir produces white wines that are bone dry, but are packed with fresh acidity and bursting with fruit. The grapes are soft pressed and the winery uses temperature controlled fermentation to control the resulting fruitiness of the wine.
The finished product is a fresh, fruity wine, dry but very nicely balanced. I smell and taste white flowers, green apples, fresh lime and honeydew. But try it for yourself!
I picked mine up at Kings on Berry St. for the bargain price of $13.99.
Salut
Saturday, June 2, 2007
A modern spin on the Salty Dog
Distilled
I just love exotically flavored carbonated beverages, this concoction was a simple combination of my Jamaican favorite, Ting, a grapefruit flavored soda and my old stand-by, vodka. For this particular cocktail, I used a rather large highball glass, rimming it with just a touch of kosher salt, splashed a generous amount of vodka over ice and finished it off with a pour of Ting.
The tanginess of the grapefruit conceals the alcohol and the saltiness on the rim is a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit soda.
I used Tito's vodka, made in Austin, TX. It is five times distilled and the best quality vodka available at that price point. Of course, when I've got a little extra cash to spend, I always prefer Ciroc, Ketel One or Grey Goose.
There have been no outstanding wines lately, but you know that YOU will be the first to know.
Salut
I just love exotically flavored carbonated beverages, this concoction was a simple combination of my Jamaican favorite, Ting, a grapefruit flavored soda and my old stand-by, vodka. For this particular cocktail, I used a rather large highball glass, rimming it with just a touch of kosher salt, splashed a generous amount of vodka over ice and finished it off with a pour of Ting.
The tanginess of the grapefruit conceals the alcohol and the saltiness on the rim is a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit soda.
I used Tito's vodka, made in Austin, TX. It is five times distilled and the best quality vodka available at that price point. Of course, when I've got a little extra cash to spend, I always prefer Ciroc, Ketel One or Grey Goose.
There have been no outstanding wines lately, but you know that YOU will be the first to know.
Salut
Friday, June 1, 2007
Awesome Trade and Consumer Events in June
Hey folks!
Just wanted to let you know of some incredible wine dinners and tastings going on this month in the area.
Just to wet your palates: Women for Winesense event at the Viking showroom! Susanna Balbo at Lanny's! Argentine wine social at The Woodlands!!
Check out the following links to these spectacular wine events.
www.womenforwinesense.com
www.texacaliwines.com/whowhenwhere.cfm
Don't miss them, they will be invaluable opportunities to speak with the winemakers and taste their wonderful hand crafted art.
Salut
Just wanted to let you know of some incredible wine dinners and tastings going on this month in the area.
Just to wet your palates: Women for Winesense event at the Viking showroom! Susanna Balbo at Lanny's! Argentine wine social at The Woodlands!!
Check out the following links to these spectacular wine events.
www.womenforwinesense.com
www.texacaliwines.com/whowhenwhere.cfm
Don't miss them, they will be invaluable opportunities to speak with the winemakers and taste their wonderful hand crafted art.
Salut
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
And for my first post....
WHITE
It's a Wednesday afternoon and after baking a mean butter cake, a gal needs to relax with a nice glass of white wine, Terlato Pinot Grigio 2005. While Pinot Grigio may not be taken seriously by the heavy red drinker, I encourage you to venture into the refreshing world of white with this spectacular bottling from the Russian River Valley. This terroir produces fabulous Pinot Noir and the Pinot Grigio is no different; bursting with rich melon and granny smith apple while being supported by a subtle acid backbone and refreshing minerality, this wine is perfect for a summer afternoon. Pair with Deborah's Farmstead Herb Goat Cheese and baguette for an afternoon nibblie.
A warning: this one is hard to find. I got mine on clearance at Whole Foods - Arlington. But ask for it at your favorite local wine retailer. I suggest Farpointe, Put a Cork in It, Central Market, Whole Foods, Big Daddy's and Kings.
RED
While I am not a wine shopper that relies on traditional labels for wine selections, I was given a bottle of Rombauer Merlot 2003. Admittedly, this spectacular wine sat in my wine fridge for about six months before uncorking last night for an impromptu steak dinner. Phenomenal, right out of the glass. Plush and fruity (blackberry, black cherry, cassis) with distinct graphite notes, supportive, but not overwhelming tannins. Paired with Filet mingon, buttery mashed potatoes and field greens tossed with homemade dressing and goat cheese rendered this one of the best meals I've had in weeks.
Find this one at your local fine wine retailer.
Distilled
While enjoying a late sushi lunch with a weary Austin traveler, we ordered the intriguing and aptly named, Saketini at Pirahana's Killer Sushi, downtown Fort Worth. The cocktails came in the ever-so-elegant glasses and I prayed to Bacchus that I had finally found a palatable martini establishment. Elegant stemmed glassware has a very special place in my heart...and pocketbook.
Momokawa Moonstone Pear Sake and vodka is shaken to perfection in this very slightly fruity imbibement that goes down ever so smoothly and compliments the Spider Roll quite nicely. It was a perfect divergence from the hot harshness of the traditional martini. Call me a novice, but I like them smooth.
Will be attempting at home soon, will keep you guys posted.
Salut,
Jasmine
It's a Wednesday afternoon and after baking a mean butter cake, a gal needs to relax with a nice glass of white wine, Terlato Pinot Grigio 2005. While Pinot Grigio may not be taken seriously by the heavy red drinker, I encourage you to venture into the refreshing world of white with this spectacular bottling from the Russian River Valley. This terroir produces fabulous Pinot Noir and the Pinot Grigio is no different; bursting with rich melon and granny smith apple while being supported by a subtle acid backbone and refreshing minerality, this wine is perfect for a summer afternoon. Pair with Deborah's Farmstead Herb Goat Cheese and baguette for an afternoon nibblie.
A warning: this one is hard to find. I got mine on clearance at Whole Foods - Arlington. But ask for it at your favorite local wine retailer. I suggest Farpointe, Put a Cork in It, Central Market, Whole Foods, Big Daddy's and Kings.
RED
While I am not a wine shopper that relies on traditional labels for wine selections, I was given a bottle of Rombauer Merlot 2003. Admittedly, this spectacular wine sat in my wine fridge for about six months before uncorking last night for an impromptu steak dinner. Phenomenal, right out of the glass. Plush and fruity (blackberry, black cherry, cassis) with distinct graphite notes, supportive, but not overwhelming tannins. Paired with Filet mingon, buttery mashed potatoes and field greens tossed with homemade dressing and goat cheese rendered this one of the best meals I've had in weeks.
Find this one at your local fine wine retailer.
Distilled
While enjoying a late sushi lunch with a weary Austin traveler, we ordered the intriguing and aptly named, Saketini at Pirahana's Killer Sushi, downtown Fort Worth. The cocktails came in the ever-so-elegant glasses and I prayed to Bacchus that I had finally found a palatable martini establishment. Elegant stemmed glassware has a very special place in my heart...and pocketbook.
Momokawa Moonstone Pear Sake and vodka is shaken to perfection in this very slightly fruity imbibement that goes down ever so smoothly and compliments the Spider Roll quite nicely. It was a perfect divergence from the hot harshness of the traditional martini. Call me a novice, but I like them smooth.
Will be attempting at home soon, will keep you guys posted.
Salut,
Jasmine
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