Photo Confessions: The Government Shutdown Countdown

"Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. 

As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. 

There will still be business enough." 

~ Abraham Lincoln

Photo Source: 

http://www.cagle.com/topics/syria/page/85/

Dear Enthusiasts!

Let's get political.*

As a former political science major from the D.C. area, I learned  pretty early on that the American political system is a bit... dysfunctional. With that in mind, I have endeavored to maintain political neutrality - at all costs (

yet

I do love a good political cartoon!!!). With a government shutdown looming, yet again, I think its time to address the subject... at least from a more creative point of view than your local newscasters. What wine to drink as the countdown to shutdown winds down!

We use wine to celebrate all sorts of events - birthdays, weddings, the countdown to the New Year. And now it seems the threat of shutting down the American government is a recurring "holiday" of sorts so, I think it deserves of wine of its own.

Now what to drink?

 Tough decision right?! Well the first decision was easy, red or white? The threat of government shutdown clearly deserves red.** (It's chilly out!) Now the tough part - which grape to feature? I knew this grape needed to have some attitude, spice, and mouth-drying tannin. This holiday is not a day for smooth and light-bodied Pinot Noir. 

And the winner is... 

Grenache/Syrah blend 

(Grenache aka Garnacha). These red grapes are known for producing wine with personality. The wines are typically medium to full-bodied. As Jay McInerney put it (a favorite wine writer), "its old world wine with California cleavage." Ilove Grenache, but is rare to find Grenache on its own. It is typically blended with Syrah and M

ourvédre (to give it the peppery kick and lower the alcohol content).

Where to look...

Southern Rh

ô

ne, France;

 specifically Chateauneuf-du-Pape or 

Côtes-du- Rhône (more details on these regions later!).

Here's hoping the government gets there act together and there is no shutdown. But just in case, I have a bottle of wine on standby.

Cheers!

*Any guesses on what pop culture reference I was channeling here - hint its a musical.

**Color choice is

not

indicative of political affiliation.

Photo Confessions: Vintner Tips

"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance." ~Benjamin Franklin

"You're making wine at home?!?!" It is true ladies and gents, I am experimenting with the fine art of wine making in the comfort of my own home. Full disclosure, it is actually a family hobby. My dad started making wine for the family and as the family wine nerd, I was quickly nominated as assistant. Which brings us today's Photo Confession - photos from the factory floor!

Phase 1: Primary Fermentation

A few batches in, I have learned its actually pretty easy to do. (Easy, but not cheap). All you need to do is by the equipment and a wine making kit (I suggest starting

here

). These wine making kits come complete with grape juice, yeast, preservatives and even oak! Just follow the straight forward instructions and in a few weeks you will have 30 bottles of wine for consumption at home!

So, what happens during the wine making process? First, the grape juice goes through

primary fermentation,

which is the initial mixing of the juice and yeast to start fermentation. Second, the wine is transferred from a fermenter to holding tank for

secondary fermentation. 

During this process, it is important to focus on

stabilizing and clearing

the wine of floating particles. Finally, the wine is racked and clarified once more before the final step of

bottling.

Phase 4: Bottling

The whole process takes a little over two months. Thus far, the family has made an unoaked Chardonnay, Riesling, Chianti, and currently working on a Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. All have received rave reviews!

So, if you have some extra space, extra time, and extra funds - I would definitely give wine making at home a chance! It's only fermented grape juice after all - you can handle it! Until next time!

Cheers!

Photo Confessions: The Lost Art of Wine Flights

"In victory, you deserve champagne. In defeat you need it." ~Napoleon Bonaparte

Wine Flight at Amelie in NYC

While Napoleon may have been vertically challenged - (

though

most historians actually say he was of average height) - he definitely had the right approach when it came to wine. We should make more room for bubbles (and wine generally) at the dinner table! Which brings me to today's Photo Confession - Wine flights!

I miss wine flights! They are a lost art! Not to be confused with the wine train (Train ride in Napa, CA) wine flights are groupings of similar wines meant to be tasted together. They are usually intended for new wine tasters who want to learn more about a specific wine region, grape, vintage or winery. 

So, why am I talking about wine flights? Well! Recently, I had the opportunity to head to a wine bar with friends that actually featured 10 different wine flights and it reminded me how in frequently I see organized wine flights as an option at wine bars. It's sad because they are a great way to taste a few different wines! So next time you are out, ask about a wine flight option - you won't regret it! Or just follow Napoleon's orders and drink champagne.

Cheers!

Sauvignon Blanc Comparison: Pouilly-Fume vs. California

Dear Enthusiasts! It is no secret that Sauvignon Blanc is my favorite grape. It's made into delicious wine all over the world - New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. However, this post focuses on Sauvignon Blanc made in two key regions: California

and

 Pouilly-Fume.

A few reminders on the awesomeness of the Sauvignon Blanc grape: the taste is most commonly described as grassy, bell peppers, asparagus, and even cirtrus fruits. Sauvignon Blanc is both lighter and less expensive than the traditional Chardonnay Americans reach for.

(1) Honig 2012 Sauvignon Blanc

Grapes:

 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Semillion, 1% Muscadet

Where its From:

 Napa Valley. This label also has a Sauvignon Blanc specifically from Rutherford - obviously for a larger price tag - I'd love to hear a comment if the extra bucks are worth it.

Alcohol:

 13.5%

Comments:

 Wine was aged 90% in steel tanks, 10% in neutral oak.

The label says...

 zippy acidity lends a crisp freshness to tropical flavors of mango, kiwi, lemongrass & freshly squeezed grapefruit. Juicy and refreshing, with aromas of honeysuckle, peach and grapefruit rind. Medium bodied, with a smooth, minerally finish.

I thought...

 this wine is definitely a grapefruit bomb! Balanced - but grapefruit bomb. Don't get me wrong it was a great wine and I would definitely drink it again, but the Pouilly-Fume just seemed more complex and interesting.

(2) Domaine Masson-Blondelet 2012 Pouilly-Fume

Grapes:

 Sauvignon Blanc

Where its From:

 AOC Pouilly-Fume (Eastern part of Loire Valley)

Alcohol:

 13%

Comments:

 Pouilly-Fume is sometimes more difficult to find than the Sauvignon Blancs from Sancerre, but its definitely worth it if you find one! The limestone soil produces light-bodied, citrusy, acidic wines with a minerally finish. I love the steely finish limestone gives to these grapes! Pouilly-Fume is rumored to be fuller bodied that its neighbor Sancerre. This wine in particular was aromatic, citrusy with that awesome minerality I was looking for - highly recommended!

Wine Photos:

 Honig on right; Pouilly-Fume on left.

Next time you are at the liquor store, considering buying your favorite grape from two different regions and do a comparison yourself! Until next time!

Cheers!

Savor the Last of Summer: Reds that can Take a Chill!

"But there ain't no cure for those summertime blues."

Photo Source: 

http://oddsandsends.blogspot.com/2010/04/vintage-summer-postcards.html

Labor Day has come and (oh too swiftly) gone. The evenings are getting cooler. The days are getting shorter. Its official - summer is coming to a close. For us wine enthusiasts, this means (generally!) the loss of fresh, chilled, ros

é and the return of red, red, red!

But, for those who are clinging to summer or living in a warmer climate - there are some 

reds that can take a chill (gasp!). I say again - some reds can take a chill and still be 

delicious! 

In fact, buzzfeed just posted a rather witty post listing a few reds that can be served cold

here

(worth a look for the Titanic stills alone):

1. Lambrusco from Italy.

  For goodness sake, give this wine a chance! Pretty much every time I mention Lambrusco, I hear "ehhhh..." Ignore this instinct! Lambrusco has brought red bubbles back!! (I know, I am a nerd!). 

Lambrusco is an Italian grape grown primarily in Emilia-Romagna. For almost 10 years, wine writers have been attempting to distinguish Lambrusco today from the fizzy sugar bomb of the 1970s. Lambrusco today can be dry, fresh with tangy fruit and subtle earth flavors. It's made to be consumed young and chilled.

2. Beaujolais from France.

  First, when it comes to Beaujolais you may ask - what is the difference between Beaujolais Nouveau, Beaujolais, and Beaujolais Villages? Here's the spark notes version: consider Beaujolais Noveau

separate

 from Beaujolais.

• Beaujolais has three different quality levels:
  • Beaujolais = basic and lowest price.
  • Beaujolais-Villages = wine from 35 specific villages that consistently produce better quality wine.
  • Cru = highest quality and price.
  • Beaujolais Nouveau: Considered a different style of wine, it's fruity, light and meant to be consumed earlier than typical Beaujolais.

3. Pinot Noir (likely old world).  

I have seen Pinot Noir on some lists of suggested reds that can be chilled - but personally, I am torn. (I see a tasting in my future on this one).

Photo Source: 

http://winemonger.com/catalog/

grapes_info.php?grape_name_id=172

4. Barbera d'Asti from Italy.  

Translation... wine made from the Barbera

(grape)

 in the hilly provence Asti

(place - Northwest Italy, Piedmont).

Barbera is juicy with light to medium body. Unlike the creamy, oaked reds Americans are used to, Barbera retains its acidity and may be dry from tannin.

5. Malbec from Argentina.  

Malbec typically has a spicy taste, which when chilled is thicker, rounder and more pronounced. And while the spice is thicker, the wine itself seems to have lighter body which is refreshing on warmer days.

Generally if you want to drink red cold, just remember...

go for something unoaked or lightly oaked; moderate alcohol; light to medium body; and low to medium tannin.

Cheers!

The Enthusiasts! NYC Wine Club: A Night Out on the Town

"Life is too short, and I'm Italian. I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero."

                                                                                              ~ Sophia Bush 

Photo Source: 

http://www.hampshirewineschool.com/catlist.php?cat=64

Hey there Enthusiasts! This week the wine club is in search of a change of scenery. Well, in search for a great wine club really. This month, the wine club will explore what makes a great wine bar!

As usual, what makes a great wine bar is whether it suits your personal taste. If you like it, then it's a great spot. However, if you are looking for something new, I usually consider the following:

1. Formalities:

 I know its unromantic, but its the lawyer in me to start with logistics. Does the wine bar your looking at take reservations? Do they have an awesome happy hour? Sometimes having a reservation and some piece of mind is worth it.

2. Ambiance:

 Are you looking for a place that is small and off the beaten path. Somewhere where you can see and be seen? Or somewhere with dimly-lit tables and a low key atmosphere. If any of the above is important to you, you will want to focus your search on specific types of bars.

3. Wine Region:

 Now - finally to the wine! Do you want to try something from a specific region or do you want to visit a place with a diverse wine list? Some bars will focus only on Italian or French wine - so if you are craving a creamy California Chardonnay, you may want to narrow your search accordingly.

4. Wine Selection:

 Similarly, if you are looking to try something new and different - I recommend looking for a bar with a diverse list of wines by the glass. This way you can try wines from many different regions without breaking the bank (or your liver for that matter).

5. Food Options:

 You may be thinking - duh! what wine bar doesn't have food? But don't over look this step. I've been caught at a great wine bar, craving something for dinner, and turning to bread and cheese for dinner alone (which is great - but expensive).

Just a few things to think about when choosing a wine bar! My ultimate recommendation - try something new!

Cheers!

Pinot Grigio v. Pinot Noir: The Results!

Dear Enthusiasts! Please don't harm the messenger for posting these results a few ... ahem ... months late. If you remember, the wine club tasted

pinot grigio vs. pinot noir

one evening, and the group certainly learned a lot! Below are the results, enjoy!

A refresher on

Pinot Grigio...

 the name pinot grigio is a synonym for pinot gris. It is a widely cultivated grape, but it grows best in Italy, Oregon, and California.

A refresher on

Pinot Noir...

 a light-bodied grape. Known for its notable aromatics, silky texture and lack of tannin. It grows best in Burgundy, France; Champagne, France; California; Oregon and Rioja, Spain. 

Riff Pinot Grigio

Grapes:

 Pinot Grigio

Where its from:

Veneto, Italy.

Vintage: 

2011

Comments: 

 The group thought that this was a refreshing Pinot Grigio and most were satisfied with the taste. Overall, the group concluded that they would buy it again. Personally, I agreed but also thought the pinot grigio was representative of its price point. I am curious if spending a bit more on pinot grigio will result in a wine with a bit more flavor, because while it was refreshing - if left me wanting a bit more.

Firesteed

Grapes:

 Pinot Gris/Grigio

Where its from: 

Oregon

Vintage: 

2011

Alcohol: 

12.6%

Comments: 

The la

bel says...

expressively aromatic, the wine's floral and tropical fruit aromas precede flavors of Mandarin orange and Honeydew melon. Mouthwatering and enticing

. The group says...

 we agree. Most of the group enjoyed this wine and it was definitely my favorite of the night. I was wowed by the steely acidity. A great summer sipper.

Le Grand Pinot Noir

Grapes:

 88% Pinot Noir, 12% Grenache.

Where its from:

Limoux, France

Vintage:

2011

Pairs Well With:

 Pork, salad, cheese, tuna or salmon.

Comments: 

The label says...

 Oak aged for 6 months, this wine offers pure aromas of cherry, currant and savory spices. Velvety tannins are nicely balanced by ripe red fruit flavors layered with vanilla and spice.

The group says...

 solid wine. Nothing notable about this wine, but most really enjoyed it.

Augustinos Pinot Noir

Grapes:

 Pinot Noir

Where its from:

Chile

Vintage:

2011

Comments: 

The label says...

 ruby red color with red fruit aroma of strawberries and cherries.

The group says...

 definite bargain wine. This was a favorite within the group and the best value of the night. 

Until next time wine enthusiasts!

Cheers!