Stone Russian Imperial: A Hearty Autumn Sipper

I was thinking about tasty beer recommendations for autumn, and recalled a wonderful sipping beer for a cool, college football Saturday.

Last winter, I remember enjoying a special Imperial Russian Stout from Stone Brewing Company.  This heavy-hitter is thick and delicious ... so much that the brewery describes it as "black as sin". 

It's full-bodied, malty, roasty-toasty, and was rated a 97% on Beer Advocate, last I checked!  In my tasting notes, I notes a bit of licorice, which I recall being a unique characteristic.

If you're looking for a tasty sipper, I highly recommend. 

Let's go STATE!  

Flashback from Last Autumn ... A Big, Red Blend for a Chilly Fall Day

Vigilance 2011 Cimmaron: yeah, this is a great blend.  It is a 4-varietal medley of Zinfindel, Syrah, Petit Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, from Lake County, California.  Cimmaron is lush, with dark cherries and vanilla spice.

I've been blogging about various Vigilance varietals for years, now.

Back in 2011 ... http://unpetitverre.blogspot.com/2011/05/after-luscious-stint-at-godiva-ive-got.html

In 2013 ...

http://unpetitverre.blogspot.com/2013/02/vigilance-2010-gorgeous-red-blend.html

When you see it at PA Wine and Spirits,
 or whichever store you shop, 
try Vigilance for a big-bodied, dark red. 

Hone your Nose: the Key to Increasing Wine-tasting Satisfaction

When wine-tasting, I often get asked, "How do you get THAT scent from this wine?  I just smell WINE."  It's a good question.

Did you know that human nose can identify over 2000 aromas?  Compare that to our ability to detect just 5 tastes in our mouths.  The best way to increase your wine-tasting satisfaction is to pay attention and think about the aromas you encounter during your day!  As you begin to focus more on utilizing your sense of smell, relate your aroma encounters when you taste wines.

This is a great tip from the recent Wine-tasting 101 program featuring one of the more mainstream wine writers I occasionally read is Natalie Maclean.  You can read/watch the video here, if you want to learn more.

The other tip I really like, that I learned a long time ago and still use is the wine body test.  An easy way to start paying more attention and relating wine body is to compare it to the consistency of milk; it is light/thin like skim consistency?  Or is it medium-bodied like 2% or semi-skimmed?  Or is it thick like Vitamin D milk ... full-bodied?

Enjoy your autumn wine-tasting experiences, and remember to use that nose!

(Photo from 2013 blog ... Merlot Fireside)

Summer Winds Down - Grilling and Dining Outside ... with Wine

With it being Labor Day weekend in the US, hopefully you Americans out there are all enjoying some relaxing times and some grilling action.  As you warm up the barbecue or smoker, I thought I would share a quick blog on some tasty wine pairings for popular holiday weekend meals.  Here's a little list.  Try something different than you usually do!  If you think of any others, or want a recommendation, send me a message.  Enjoy!

Most grilled, smokey foods pair well with red Zinfindel.  Try one from California, where it is a star ... Mendocino, Lodi, Russian River Valley.

Burgers - try a medium-full bodied Malbec

BBQ chicken - Zinfindel 

Any other grilled chicken - Full-bodied Chardonnay or a California Pinot Noir

Ribs - Zinfindel or Malbec would be my choice

Steaks - Cabernet Sauvignon always works, and if you are a Cabernet fan, try Cabernet Franc or a nice Merlot like Duckhorn, for a change! 

Crab legs - Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc

Pulled pork - Again, Zinfindel, or anything Grenache-based ...Cotes-du-Rhone, for example.

Shrimp skewers / kabobs - Chardonnay

Sausage - go German and choose a Reisling or Gruner Veltliner, or try a French white from Burgundy or Jura 

Happy grilling!

Wine Recommendation from Dad: A Versatile California Cabernet

I love getting wine recommendations from all of you.  Keep them coming!

In the spirit of sharing, I thought I would start to occasionally pass along recommendations that I have received, but have not yet tried.

Hey, you might need a suggestion, and I might know a few with potential, so why should I keep them "bottled up" (hehe) until I get around to trying them?

This leads me to today's recommendation from one of my favorite people ... my Dad!  Dad recently suggested Newman's Own 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon.  It seems like it will be a decent choice if you're looking for a medium-bodied, versatile, reasonably-priced California Cab.  The best part?  Newman's Own donates 100% of profits to charity.  Worth a shot, right?!

So again, my disclaimer: I haven't tried it myself, but if you do, let me know what you think!

Hawaiian Wine?!!! I say, "ONO!"

I never actually thought I would be saying this, but Hawaiian wine is ono! (Translate: "delicious" in Hawaiian language.)

I didn't even know there was wine made in Hawaii until my little sis moved there and started asking me when I was going to blog about a Hawaiian wine.  Sorry, Jessie!  These wines were just not on my radar until now.

Lucky for me, Jess has good taste in birthday gifts and knew if she got me a Hawaiian wine, I would treasure it, embrace it, taste it, and blog it!  

I was gifted with a gorgeous, big gift for my birthday last year (June 2013): bottle #181 out of 399 produced of the 2010 Volcano Winery Limited Edition Pinot Noir.  Whew!  Did a little research, and decided to let this one hang out for a while.  A year later, and I was ready for a taste ...

On the nose, this is definitely not 100% "typical" Pinot Noir; it was a little smokey, with ashy earthiness. Volcano's Pinot Noir was light-to-medium body, with fresh, ripe cherries on the palate, and hints of oak. It was a well-suited pair for a delicious filet of wild caught sockeye salmon, grilled to perfection.

Mahalo, Jess!  Mahalo, Volcano Winery!

Paris Je T'aime: A Syrah Blend in the City of Lights

There is nothing like a late-afternoon stroll through Montmarte on a sunny day in June.  I adore this city, and every time I return, the memories from past trips mix with new and unique experiences.  The moments of déjà vu in the City of Lights ... gotta love it.

This trip brought several new restuarant adventures; Alex made us a reservation at the quaint, typical, adorable Chez Fernand in Montparnasse.  The meal was phenomenal, the wine was equally-so.  Domaine Aigues Belles 2010 Cuvée Nicole is a Syrah blend from the Languedoc-Roussillon region (where I studied!).  The waiter told me it was 60% Syrah, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  Medium-full bodied, with jammy currants and smooth espresso, Aigues Belles was a perfect match for the house made foie gras paté, and all of the other culinary delights at Chez Fernand.

Try a French blend from Languedoc-Roussillon for a pleasant surprise.  Email me and tell me about what you're latest wine adventures!

Fun in Huerth ... Kolsch and Barolo?!

I've been spending a fair amount of time in Germany during the past months.  Sometimes I stay in Cologne, and sometimes I stay closer to the office, in Huerth.

                                  There are a few random restaurants within walking distance to the hotel where we stay.  While Huerth is not the most interesting or awesome place, the old village does have a bit of quaint charm to it.  One of my favorite Kolsch houses can be found in old Huerth, breaming with locals and personality!


It is also possible to get a decent Italian meal (I had the fresh Branzino, served whole ... delicious!), along with some lovely wines.  We ordered a 2003 Barolo, made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes.  With hints of vanilla, toasty wood, and even a whiff of tar (?!), the Terre Antiche Barolo was full-bodied and dry, with balanced tannins.  I noted ripe / stewed dark berries and spice on the lingering palate.

Prost!

2009 Hall Cabernet: A Special Wine

I felt like opening a somewhat special bottle from the cellar today ... perhaps a bit of celebration!  I pulled a bottle of 2009 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon from the cellar. Hall wines are pretty easy to find, and consistently excellent.

This Napa Valley Cab is rich, decadent, and packed with dark fruits, coffee, and toffee.  It is unbelievably complex, yet smooth with an evolving finish.  I trust the Hall brand for consistently-excellent products.  Pair this wine with grilled or roasted red meat; I enjoyed mine with a filet mignon grilled medium rare.

Bon apetit.

My Sunday Adventure: Excellent Beer + Excellent Company

I don't have much time, but I just need to say that Selinsgrove Brewing has made my day.

Wow, they make great beer.  Malt fans and hop fans can all get what they are looking for at this awesome micro brewery in central PA.  They need a bit of help on the marketing side, as their beer menu and offerings are confusing ... (contact me for details, SBC!).

I had the delicious Beligian Tripel (true-to-form and classic), followed by their Baltic Porter: sweet, robust, and toffee-laden.  YUM.

The brewer gave Ryan a cutting of a hop plant for us to start in the garden.  He is SUCH an asset to the company!

Besides that, we had amazing company.  You know who you are ... love you.  Cheers, all.

Economy Class Wine Just Got Better ... Cheers, United.

Economy class just got a whole lot better, from a wine quality perspective.  Thanks (and kind of "no thanks"), United!  It is with mixed feelings that I write this post.  As of this year, United now charges for wine on international coach flights.  Sad, United.  I've been traveling a lot internationally, so I am especially aware of this subject!

Anyway, my bitterness decreased when I took a flight that carries premium selection ... What a difference! Kudos, United.  Ok, so I am not "special", but I will pay for decent beverages.  Thanks.

The Meiomi Pinot Noir is a quaffable combination of Pinot grapes from 3 California regions: Sonoma ... bright fruits and berries, Santa Barbara ... bit of spice, and Monterey ... depth and texture.  Young, yet enjoyable. While it doesn't match business or first class selections, there is a degree of quality to this selection.

Cheers to the most decent economy class wine I've had in a long time.  Thanks, United Airlines, for the choice.

New Brewery in State College ... Happy Valley Brewing Company is a Winner

Tsar Bomba: Russian Imperial

Lately, I have been meeting-and-greeting with Happy Valley Brewing Company.  So fun.  This place makes outstanding beer!  Being the malty flavor-seeker I am, I migrated towards their robust, full-bodied selections: the Scotia (BIG and delish Scotch Ale!), Tsar Bomba (Russian Imperial to be reckoned with!), and the Headknocker Barleywine ... complex and warming.

The big boys are not for everyone.  :)    So, I shall comment on the other varieties from HVBC ...

We did a sampler ... I believe that, by now, I have tried most of their brews.  The IPAs and Pale Ales are true-to-form, and impressive to IPA experts.  The "Family", as they call it, is their standard draft list comprised of beautifully-crafted concoctions, including a lovely brown ale, stout, pale ale, loftbier, and ipa.

Yay for another decent brewery in Centre County; I have no doubt the local clientele are eager and satisfied! The place is hopping most nights of the week.  Typical me, I prefer the slower time of day; try them at lunch on a weekend for a chill, enjoyable vibe.  Scoot up to the bar on a bench for two, and order your favorite libations.  Cheers!

P.S.  The Mac and Cheese is absolutely phenomenal ... not that I eat that kind of thing.  Also, the whole fish (trout) I've had twice already, and would order again any day.  Yummy!

I Love Pinocchio's Beer Garden ... Firestone DBA: Imperial Special Bitter

Thanks, Pinocchio's.  Thanks, Dan.  

At the start of the year, we spent a little time in our favorite hometown (and everybody's, for that matter): Media, Pennsylvania.  We went to our favorite place in the world to buy-and-try diverse beers: Pinocchio's Beer Garden.

We ended up having an amazing experience with their chief beer officer (CBO), as I refer to him now: Dan.  It was an educational and delicious experience, that Sunday afternoon.

I left with a few exceptional bottles, including the Limited Release Firestone Double DBA Imperial Special Bitter, 2013 Vintage.  I cracked it opened in late March, 2014.

The Firestone Imperial DBA was amazing, and a bit cloyingly sweet ...little touch of hops.  Butterscotch, maple syrup, toasted coconut, more butterscotch.  Dessert to some; just regular joy-in-a-glass for me.

(January 4, 2014, March 29, 2014, April 19, 2014)

Finally ... Northern California Wine Tasting: Wente

If you know me personally, you may know that I am slightly mortified by the fact that I had never done proper wine-tasting in any of the famous North or Central regions of California.  This month, I got lucky and found myself in convenient vicinity to these wine areas outside of San Francisco.  Finally!  

Our great team did a lovely, diverse tasting at Wente Vineyards, in the Livermore Valley, Central California.

Wente is the longest running, family-owned winery, and produces one of the first and most famous versions of the Chardonnay varietal, cloned by many other wineries today.  Cheers!

Wente Chardonnay is pleasant: buttery, apple pie, vanilla.
Wente Cabernet has plums and coffee: rich, tannic, and smooth.

Keepin' it Local: Juniata Valley Winery + Fireskippers = a Great Saturday ...

Everyone knows I like to keep it local, just as much as I like to diversify...

Here in central PA, we have a couple decent local wines, and some decent music, if you look hard enough! A few Saturday's ago, we stopped by the Juniata Valley Winery, a winery just 1.5 years old, for some local music and wine.  JVW sources all their grapes from Pennsylvania, and make true-to-PA style wines.  Not every varietal grows well here, so it is important to value and admire those that do.  PA wine can rock, and JVW keeps it real!

We enjoyed their Pinot Noir; though it was light for the varietal.  It was enjoyable, and reminiscent to form.  Bright cherries, little barnyard.  I like it.

We also enjoyed the music ... The Fireskippers.  Honest musical talent ... creative and thoughtful originals, diverse rock covers including some great Nirvana.

The Best Manhattan in the World

I see a trend ... Delayed flights = better chance of blogging during obscenely heavy travel season.

Today I am stranded in Chicago, and will take the opportunity to blog on something near-and-dear to my heart: time with my best friend Michelle ... adventures and living life properly,  

On Saturday night, she took me for the best Manhattan in the world ... absolutely meticulous perfection + dark, romantic atmosphere at the Waldorf Astoria.  

Smooth, warming, rich, yet the perfect chill-ness for a proper Manhattan.  It enabled and promoted sipping. Mmmm. We had the best experience - chatting and adoring our experience.  The cherries that garnished the glass here beautiful, delicious, and ripe.  I am in-love with this warm and relaxing setting, with great company.      Cheers, Shanghai!

(Written: March 2, 2014)

Another delay? Golden Monkey.

Apparently, life is once again trying to teach me that I am not in control.  Thanks, life.

Yet another delay today, another hour to wait, with no control.  Something tells me that no matter what I do, I will never get over it.  I should know better!

So, forfeiting control, I decide to relax and focus on the responsibilities and choices I can control.  I will get some great work done, and choose the Golden Monkey. 

(http://www.victorybeer.com/beers/golden-monkey/)

Thanks to Victory Brewing Co., Golden Monkey is easily available and stays true to its goals of being an American Beligian Tripel.  Coriander.  Ripe fruits.  Sweet.  Bready.

Cheers.  Off to see about a plane ride to Houston...

Sangiovese: Meant for Food

Italian wines are meant for food...

We tried a new Tuscan Sangiovese with our Italian-style vegetarian dinner: spaghetti squash, with organic tomatoes and shallots, topped with fresh parmesan romano.

The San / gio 2010 was medium-bodied, with ripe berries, and hints of chocolate.  Though this is not my favorite varietal, it is a wonderful food wine.  Appreciating the qualities of each varietal is something I strive to do.  Sangiovese + traditional Italian dishes = success, in my book!

In 2014, I wants to learn Italian wines at a deeper level, and experiment with extending my understanding across blends and sub-regions.

Le Creuset and Clare Luce: A Boeuf Bourguignon and Cabernet Pairing to Die For

A special day ... the christening of the new Le Creuset!  Mmmm - boeuf bourguignon.  Yes, please.  

So, obviously it was necessary for me to crack open a special Cabernet tonight, to go along with it.  A lovely bottle of 2006 Clare Luce Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon has been hanging around in my cellar for several years.  I bought it probably 4 years ago, and thought it may have doubled in value since then;  after I opened it, I googled it today and found it has since quadrupled in value.

Ryan had just checked on the boeuf bourguignon, and I poured and handed him a glass of Clare Luce Abbey.  He swirled it several times and was immediately intrigued (it takes a lot for him to be impressed by a wine, these days!).   Now, he is begging to find where we can get more.

This delicious, full-bodied Cab has aromas of tobacco, with baking spices like cardamom and clove.  The palate is filled with flavors of blackberry and espresso, and everything Cabernet, just like I like.  It is absoultely smooooooth, with delicate texture and soft tannins, perfect for pairing with braised meats!

I won't be mentioning the 49ers game.      :...(

Santé!

Susquehanna Brewing Company (SBC) - Toboggan!

Dad and June have great taste in brewskies ... this is not new.  In fact, they are probably some of the most serious beer virtuosos in Luzerne County!  Nice job, parents.

Their recent interest in Susquehanna Brewing Company (SBC) has brought holiday cheer to this household!  Toboggan is a chocolate doppelbock, with malty, rich, cocoa loveliness, thanks to a local collaboration with Ah! Some Chocolates, Shavertown, PA.  Good thinking, guys.  

Dad and I searched high-and-low to find a (750 ml) bottle of this gem, finally finding a supply at Antonio's!  What a gorgeous treat to share a ceremonial bottle with Junie on Christmas Eve.  

Thank you, SBC.  Here's to looking forward to Toboggan 2014!

(Written Christmas Eve 2013)

Napa Valley Castello di Amorosa and Roast Tenderloin a la Mr. Merry

Dad Merry's Christmas-y tenderloin happens but once a year.  We are so fortunate to be here for the big event.  We are doubly-lucky to enjoy the latest delivery from Castello di Amorosa: Il Brigante 2009.  It's a  big-bodied delicious blend: full of dark fruits, with hints of Italian meats ...  balanced and tannic.  So delish!  A perfect match for the roasted tenderloin ... succulent, savory, and elegant.

Merry Christmas to wonderful loved ones!

   

Merry Monks and the 49ers!

I must admit, I started this Christmas season feeling overwhelmed with stress.

Once we were out of the house and full-swing into the holiday madness and fun, things feel calmer!

A wonderful weekend in Philly, celebrating Aunt Bev, Annaliese, Alyse, enjoying time with the Merry's, and meeting Mr. Julian!  Wow ... So fun and lovely!

Arrival to Dad and June's ... Fantastic times, starting with some overdue catch-up and Merry Monks from Weyerbacher.  A wonderful night with holiday cheer and warmth.  Ken and June are magic!

Merry Monks is so festive, with true characteristics of a Belgian Tripel ... bananas, spices, carmel, loveliness.

Annnnnd ... It happens to be 9-er night, the last game at Candlestick Park!  After sharing a Merry Monk, we broke out a Troegenator for the game.  I love this malty doppelbock from Troegs Brewing Company; it's a delicious strong lager - rich and bready.  Historically, monks would drink this strong ale to get them through periods of fasting, as it was heavy and hearty.  A 

Tara's Australian 2010 Rappel Cab ... 3 Years Old

The remaining bottles of Rappel have remained untouched for 2 years to do their thing.  Nice.  The few ones that survived needed the hibernation!  

In November 2013, I cracked open one of the last few.  Wow, what a difference!  Still a brightness to it, now with subdued characteristics ... light oaky tendencies like vanilla, and sun-ripened red fruits + young dark fruits.  I am satisfied and intrigued by this creation, now 3 years old.  

Rappel 2010.

Happy Thanksgiving ... To Chardonnay or Pinot Noir? That is the question.

I say, why choose?  Try a red and a white and compare experiences.  I selected a Chard and a medium-bod red blend this year.

L'Ecume Pinot Noir is an excellent option for Thanksgiving pairing.  Dad got me this bottle when I turned 30!  Cracked it open last week and thought it would be great with turkey!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours; I am blessed, and thankful.

I got to reminiscing about previous thanksgiving wine pairings.  Several to reference...  Here's one from Turkey Day 2010 for old time sake.

Cheers.

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