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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A Wine & Cheese Kind of Night ... Highwire Cabernet

It is no secret that I really love pairing wine and cheese.  Occasionally, after a busy day like today, I like to indulge in an adventurous cheese plate and anticipated wine.  There are several bottles in my cellar that I am eager to open.  Tonight I pulled out a great value ... Highwire Cabernet ($38, bought on Chairman's Selection months ago for ~$15), to match with my stinky cheeses.

With my recent travels in France till so fresh, and I became a bit nostaglic, contemplating the amazing cheeses and wines I had there, many which you can't find here- and if you do, they cost a fortune.  So spoiled.  So blessed.  Anyway, since my French favorites are far, far away, I concentrated on what I have close by...

 I enjoyed this medium-full-bodied cab with a selection of cheeses from Trader Joe's, State College, which carries a respectable selection of tasty, potent fromage, without killing your wallet.  Highwire 2011 Cab is loaded with red fruits, and oak-induced hints of vanilla and chocolate.

Cheers, friends.

Blog Slacker: Two Months and Nothing to Show For It. Well, Sort Of ...

Disappointed in myself for slacking sooooo much on the blog these past two months.  You would think I am back in MBA program or something!  Unforgivable, especially considering I have tasted some share-worthy beverages.  I'm ashamed.  Nonetheless, I have visited ~11 countries in 1 month, and have plenty of stories to share ... 

Lets start with best friend + Belgian beer + Shanghai adventures ...

The story is simple:

I have a wonderful friend in Shanghai.

We like good food and beer.

This short, easy story is about the comforts of things known, in the midst of the unfamiliar and unpredictable.

Unforgettable days, conforming beers, Chinese delectable treats, and crazy adventures...

More catching up to do ... this is just the start.

Otto's Wee Heavy ... Malty Scotch Ale

In celebration of my impending trip to Scotland, I enjoyed a Wee Heavy Scotch Ale at Otto's Brewery.  Malt, malt, malt, and when you didn't think you had quite enough, you get another healthy dose of MALT!   Mmmmm.  Molasses-y, with a hint of hop (but seriously, not more than a hint!), this brew is a perfect choice to welcome in the first signs that autumn is on its way.

A Hungarian Wine Adventure ... 2006 Oremus

Before this day, I didn't know how to read a Hungarian wine label.  I had never enjoyed sweet, succulent wines from Hungary; I had never savored the Tokaji blend, of which the primary varietal is Furmint.  

Thanks to my manager, Rich, who did an MBA project a few years back in Hungary, I would never have the great experience of tasting this decadent, dessert-worthy white wine, reminiscent of ice wine or Sauternes, from the Tokaj-Hegyalja region of Hungary.  This bottle was a Christmas gift from Rich, who most-definitely spoiled me with this great bottle (and another which I have not yet cracked!!).  Rich, you rock.

2006 Vega Sicilia Oremus is lovely, even exceptional.  Toffee, caramel, cooked apricots and and figs...mmmmm.  Can't wait to go to Hungary and tour a vineyard!  Loved sipping the Oremus from my fancy Lenox dessert wine/dessert wine glasses, and savoring the sweetness!

Cooking Homemade Marinara with Classic Sicilian Nero d'Avola

I finally got to relax and do something I have been aching to do...

Tonight I took a ton of ripe tomatoes, oregano, and basil from the garden, and sautéed all of it with onions, garlic, fennel, olive oil, and a few secret ingredients.  Homemade marinara simmering while I sip Chiaramonte 2010 Nero d'Avola, a classic red from Sicily ... yes please.  This vineyard is small and soooo true to itself.  Flavored of anise, Mediterranean herbs and lavender ... tannic and balanced.

This is a wine I want to share.

Seafood and French Whites ... Legal Seafood

So we survived the week... and beyond that, in my mind, we changed the game a bit.  That in-itself is a reason to celebrate; which leads to...

Seafood and French whites.

The current features at Legal Seafood are focused on French style ... food and wine.

Our meals were delicious: starting with fresh Atlantic oysters from Prince Edward Island to local Massachusetts, along with lump crab dip and calamari.  We accompanied it with a semi-sweet French wine from Alsace...Rotenberg 2009 Pinot Gris.

My entree was fresh, tender swordfish, with fresh veggies.  We enjoyed a Pinot Blanc from Alsace ... quite dry compared to the previous Pinot Gris.

What a pleasant end to a challenging, productive week; we have come a long way and have plenty to celebrate.   Salut.

Filet Mignon and 2002 Emily Kestrel Cabernet

Back in December 2010 I received a gift: a bottle of 2002 Summit Lake Vineyards, Emily Kestrel Cabernet Sauvignon.  I laid it down for a while, and today was a good day to open it.  Wow.  Opened at its prime, this wine was layered with flavored of dark, ripe fruits - currants and black cherry.  Licorice.  Definite oak-y characteristics like vanilla and cedar chest.  Mmmm.  I enjoyed it with fresh filet mignon on the grill, with haricots verts (Thanks, Ross and Michelle!), and grilled red-skinned potatoes ... Oh my!  Feeling spoiled.

I paused with each bite to savor.  Magnificent.  I absolutely love a great cab with a great steak ... thanks, Wilson's Meats (I love this place ... great meat, cut to perfection.  They are the best!)

~Written Friday, August 2, 2013

Dreams of Southern France: Château L’Ermitage Syrah + Mourvedre

I have such a "thing" for French wine.  2010 Château L’Ermitage is no exception.  For less than $15, this Southern Rhône Syrah and Mourvedre blend is smoooooth and sophistiqué.  This wine is from Saint-Gilles, which is just a hop, skip, and a jump from where I studied during université, in Montpellier.  I adore the south of France!

Full-bodied, with dark, tart fruits, a bit of dark chocolate, and hints of violet; there was a bit of pepper and roses on the nose.  Drink it with anything simple ... I enjoyed it with grilled veggies.   It's difficult to describe how this wine manages to be big-bodied, yet subdued in a beautiful old-world style.  For lovers of heavier reds like me, this Rhône blend works equally-well with grilled summer foods or winters by the fire.  Á votre santé!

(Written 7.21.13)

Chapter 5 of Birthday: the Last Hurrah with the Merry's and Rohm & Haas Gals

Bear with me...the birthday blogs are wrapping up ... now!

Late in June was the last hurrah of the birthday saga, with a visit to one of my faves ... Media, PA!  Ed and Terri's new abode is absolutely lovely; I am so happy that they were able to make a relatively smooth and successful transition.

Not only did I get to see my parents, I had a fabulous visit with my Rohm and Haas girls!  (Funny I still refer to them as "RH gals") ... they have become truly dear friends through the years.  We had a wonderful time on our spa day - pool time, massages, mani/pedis, delish foods and bevvies.  Yay!  Loved the day, Keeli, Michelle, Mel, and Jen!

Dinner with the family at Ariano.  Instead of wine, we had mixed drinks - Ariano did a fabulous twist on the vodka martini, serving it with olives stuffed 3-ways: blue cheese, pimento, and prosciutto; there have rarely been times in my life when there has been meat in my beverage.  lol.  It was enjoyable.  Fantastic food - I had grilled salmon and gorgeous white asparagus.  I do like everything about this place - except that it isn't BYOB every day anymore....

We had birthday (divine, chocolate) cake back at the house, with the whole-9-yards ... Ms. Alyse played Happy Birthday via baby grand - fabulous.  Terri selected the perfect gift: a Limited scarf and gift card ... which I have already used on a mini-shopping spree 2 weeks ago!  

Wonderful family, wonderful close to the birthday season. xo

Chapter 4 of Birthday: Strip Steak & Petit Syrah with J&K

Wow.  So, I was trying to finish the "Tara's Birthday Series" within a month ... I better get serious!  Whew!  I honestly thought I would make it.  We shall see ...

I was fortunate enough to spend the evening after my actual birthday with two more of my favorites ... the Mater clan!  Jeanette Mater and Kevin Mater are absolutely wonderful!

For Friday night dinner celebration, we had strip steak, with Shannon Ridge Petit Syrah.  Perfectly-grilled steak, delish, full-bodied wine, with ripe dark fruits and creamy vanilla oak characteristics, and a bit of black pepperiness.  LOVE this wine (retail ~$25; PLCB ~$12).

Ok, here's an interesting wine fact:  What's the difference between Syrah and Petit Syrah, you ask?  Petit Syrah grapes are actually a cross between Syrah (famous the world over, and especially in my cellar!), and Peloursin, with which I am not overly familiar (Yay!  I love learning about different varietals!).  Apparently, Petit Syrah is also known as Durif (not a sexy wine name, IMO...perhaps because it is the last name of the French botanist dude who created the varietal).  No Petit Syrah is made in France, though.

Anyway, what a feast.  Birthday dessert was homemade cherry pie and vanilla ice cream, with cherries from our tree, and plenty of sugar and mom's homemade crust.  Delightful.

Oh, and gifts.  :)  Mom and Kev gave me an antique pitcher that we found at an antique shop in Belleville, PA (did you know that < 2,000 people live in Belleville, PA?), Victory Antiques, along with some endearing books that I love.  We had a great celebration that continued the next day, on our canoeing extravaganza ... sorry, no pics; we were too busy enjoying the waters, with views of lovely mountain surroundings, wildlife friends like turtles, green herons, and bald eagles.  Lunch was a picnic at Stone Arch Bridge!

Amazing celebration; amazing family.

Chapter 3 of Birthday: The Actual Day ...

It was a Thursday.  I went to work, which was fine; I am not one of those people who absolutely needs to take a vacation day on their birthday.  It was a pleasant day.  

Dinner: Glorious Fume' Blanc from Chimney Rock ... I was wowed.  I started with opening gifts and cards from near and far.  So fun.  My fave was the card from my Little Mo!!!  We had fresh sea scallops seared, with sautéed broccoli; it was a perfect match for the fume' blanc.

Chapter 2 of Birthday: Ms. Merry Visits Awesome Parents in NE PA ... and Breaker Brewing!

Back in the first part of June, you will recall a blog on Susquehanna Brewing Company; Km Bond and I had a wonderful weekend visit with Dad and Junie.  Strawberry pickin', pool time, family (love to the Tweedy clan!), antiquing, Father's Day, and a dose of birthday fun! 

We didn't focus on wine.  Instead, I have another brew tale to tell.  We made a visit to a "new" diamond-in-the-rough ... Breaker Brewing Company.  This brewery is deservingly-endearing, with excellent quality.  While some of the combinations they test are a bit "much" for me (i.e. Watermelon Wheat ... not my cup-o-tea), all of the brews are well-made with the utmost care.  My favorite was the Olde King Coal Stout, a medium-bodied stout, with roasty chocolate, coffee, and malt.  Yummy!  Breaker Brewing Company, we will be back! 

Dad and June gave me the most beautiful birthday gift (see pic)!  It is so lovely hanging in my dining room (antique plate in hand-crafted stained glass).  You guys are awesome.

                                       

Chapter 1 of Birthday: Back in May ...

Had a birthday recently...one that we started celebrating around Memorial Day, and finished celebrating before the 4th of July.

Soooo ...I've thought a lot about getting older.  I welcome your thoughts, in whatever direction they go.  I havea ton of wine blogging to catch up on over the birthday extravaganza.  I think breaking it into parts is most effective. 

Chapter 1:  Memorial Day weekend with mom.
  My awesome mom-in-law came to visit, and brought per-birthday gifts!  Yah ... Not so thrilled about being older, but wine as a gift helps soften the blow.  She gave me a BearBoat Pinot Noir that I am excited about!  I actually have not had this wine before, somehow!  I anticipate traditional Russian River Valley Pinot characteristics ... bolder, bigger-bodied than it's Burgundy counterparts, with cherries, perhaps strawberries, and a bit of glorious earthiness.  This Pinot is readily-available, so grab a bottle to try with me, and stay tuned!

                                 

Happy 4th of July: Ribs on the Grill, La Merika Pinot Noir, and Homemade Goat's Cheese!

Independence Day really gets one thinking...
We are so blessed for not even knowing what it's like not to be free. Wow.

I'm sitting here, full of delightful summer foods and beverages, not worrying about a thing.  I can honestly say that I am truly grateful that it is possible.  I am thankful and aware.

We enjoyed ribs with homemade BBQ sauce, salad with local lettuce, and 2009 La Merika Pinot Noir (~$15, easy-to-find, and big-bodied (for Pinot Noir)... after all, it is a true new-world California Pinot).  The spice (cloves!), vanilla, and cherry characteristics paired well with the smoky grilled meat.  In the grand scheme of things, La Merika 20090 Pinot Noir is medium-bodied, round, and well-balanced, especially at the reasonable price-point.

Also tasted the homemade goat cheese I made on Monday using local raw goat's milk.  We tried it two ways: plain on toasts, and baked with fresh herbs from the garden on toasts.  Woah yum.  I will be making this often!  Time for fireworks soon?

Summer: Local Everything, Homemade Chèvre. Sauvignon Blanc. Fireflies are out!

It was a local night...except the wine.  Tonight I made chèvre from raw goat's milk.  It is my first time making chèvre, and it is so easy!  I'm excited.  Will be ready as-soon-as tomorrow, and I will keep it for the 4th of July celebration ... join me?!

Not only that, we had a completely local and home-grown dinner!  Fresh everything ... grilled pork, with new red potatoes from the garden, with parsley from the garden, and local cauliflower and broccoli medley.  I love summer.  The fireflies are out in full-force, and it is warm and gorgeous.  

As for the wine, I pulled out a bottle of The Secretary Bird Sauvignon Blanc, a South African 2011.  It was crisp and citrus-y.  I bought several bottles on Chairman's Selection for around $10/bottle ... valued around double that.  Affordable delight.  I would have enjoyed a Chardonnay as much with this meal, as the pork is lean and could handle a wine that is butterier.  

I am content with this Monday night.  

Meatless Monday: Tofu and Syrah IPA???? Weird, yet Tasty ...

 This week, I decided to participate in Meatless Monday.  I have done this intermittently over the past few years since I lived in Europe.  A combination of moderation in healthly-eating and carbon footprint combine to build a case for us omnivores to take 1 day off from meat per week.  I am passionate about food source, agricultural responsibility and awareness, and all related topics; I would love to chat if you have questions or ideas...

With that, let's move on to tonight's meat-free marvel and ANOTHER beer pairing (sorry winos, I've been tasting interesting beers lately too!)  Sooooo, I have been DYING to try this recipe, and with Ryan out-of-town, it was the perfect time to experiment...

Grilled organic tofu with an olive oil, lemon, fresh herb marinade.  Fresh everything...garlic, basil, thyme, tarragon, rosemary, lemon.  I used Trader Joe's Organic Extra-Firm Tofu, and let it marinade for ~6 hours.  I grilled it for 4 minutes per side, and paired this, my experiment, with a Dogfish Head experiment, all of their own!

Dogfish Head's Sixty-One is like a 60-minute IPA with a splash of Shiraz ... literally.  While it is by no means my favorite Dogfish Head brew (that prize goes to one of their malty wonders like Raison D'Etre or Chickory Stout), it is INTERESTING.  I have to hand it to Dogfish Head ... they brew interesting combinations.  Sixty-One has fruity wine characteristics, and plenty of IPA hoppy-ness; it perplexes and stretches my tastebuds.  Also, as luck would have it, it also happens to pair decently with grilled tofu.

Cheers, sports fans.

Susquehanna Brewing Company ... Promising!

Yes, I did become the tasting room pourer!  

Wow!  Susquehanna Brewing Company is poised for growth and success!  Meticulous process, excellent quality, serious products!  I would invest in these guys.  Their award-winning brews, including a double-IPA that won a "best of" in Philly's Microbrew Week, are excellent; I have high expectations for the autumn brews (Oktoberfest and Pumpkin), and Belgian varieties in the pipeline.  Congrats SBC! Looking forward to your bright future.

P.S. My mom can tell you a story about why the word "Susquehanna" is so near-and-dear to my heart!  xo

Enlightening tour!  Look at those serious faces!

Pour a glass of Malbec, and Grill Something!

Pour a glass of Malbec ... and grill something!

Grilled stuff and Malbec is rarely a poor match, generally-speaking.  I've tried everything with Malbec ... from grilled lamb, to steaks, to BBQ chicken, to tofu!

(As an aside: I mentioned BBQ chix ... regarding BBQ sauces, my OTC choice is Bullseye, especially Carolina-style.  Though, Ryan makes a mean, homemade variety, that trumps the rest.)

We got a new grill this year ... a Weber Genesis Premium Edition, made in the USA!  My mission is to learn the art of grilling this season.  Let's see how I do...

Sooooo anyway, pour a Malbec.  If your not a grilling type, try it with hard, strong cheese.  Mmmm.  Any way you slice it, it's difficult to go wrong.

In most of the world, Malbec is reserved for blending.  Though, in Cahors, France, and Argentina, Malbec is the primary varietal, showcased in stellar wines.

This past week, I tried a relatively basic Malbec, that seems to fall into the ~$10-$15 range, called Graffigna (2011), unsurprisingly from Argentina.  Very decent: dark fruits, toasty, black pepper ... smooth finish.  You won't be disappointed by the affordability and quality of this lovely Malbec.

Memorial Day Wine Blogging ... Alexander Red from Brookmere Winery

Memorial Day means a day off from work, which refreshes me and gets me thinking of my wonderful grandfathers, both whom were veterans.

This is only somewhat related, because neither of them was very much of a wine connoisseur. The reason for the gorgeous relevance is that a day off means I can reflect and blog. Thanks Popsies!

Since Memorial Day and barbecuing go hand-in-hand, today I chose to highlight a grill-friendly, local red.  I might have chosen a Malbec, had it not been the overwhemling obligation to choose something made in the US of A.  I went a step further and chose something local... Brookmere Winery is located just down the road in Belleville, PA, and creates several tasty wines made from 100% Pennsylvania-grown grapes.  Some of you wine snobs may scoff at the notion of decent 100% PA wines, but I take pride in the local wine scene.  The key is choosing varietals that flourish in this area: Rieslings, Seyval, Chambourcin, sometimes Cab Franc, sweet wines (though I rarely go for "sweeties"),  and port!

To my dismay, Brookmere sold out of all Chambourcin weeks ago...not good news. My backup plan quickly became Alexander's Red: a lovely blend of Chambourcin and Cab Franc.  Alexander Red is dry-ish, medium-light bodied, and aged in oak; it may not be a big and bold CA bomb, though it has its place...and one if those is Memorial Day at the Merry's.

Thank you, Popsies, for your service to this country and my freedom that I might enjoy this day, this time, and this wine.  Cheers.

Let's Talk About Bond Films ... and Dirty Martinis.

Best James Bond?  I've probably over-analyzed this beyond acceptable limit.  I do have a decision, though... Sean Connery, hands down.

Best vodka martini? Shaken.  Olives. (Any kind works ... I don't discriminate.)  Potentially the slightest bit dirty ... but don't go overboard!  Love it when the olives are stuffed with blue cheese; that's how I make them for myself at home.

Vodka brands ... Grey Goose is my fave.  I have met several experts who say that Svedka is equal-to or better than Ketel One.  So lately, I have also tried Svedka.

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Tara's Hint-of-Dirty Vodka Martini

2.25 oz vodka
.5 oz olive juice
.25 oz vermouth
2 or 3-ish large, blue cheese-stuffed olives

Pour into shaker over ice, and shake vigorously for 32 seconds.

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Tomorrow night I will be enjoying one of these ... what a week!!!

Borsao Grenache ...thanks Aunt Kar and Tony!

All I can say is, "wow!". It is rare to find such an amazing value. Aunt Karen and Tony have such talent at finding these gems! This bottle was a gift from them, celebrating Ryan's album release. (Guys, wherever you got it, please pick up a few more bottles for us next time you a shopping there ... we are good for it!). Thanks again for the great wine, and support of Ryan Merry's music.

So back to the wine: the 2011 Borsao is a Spanish blend of 85% old vine Grenache and 15% Tempranillo, fermented and aged in stainless steel. I am somewhat speechless: seriously impressed by the quality of this wine!

The color is deep purple color, with scents of tart cherries, flowers/lavender and Mediterranean herbs. It is med-full bod, and and the perfect balance of smooth texture and fresh pureness.

Love.

It's Cinco de Mayo ... Where's your Margarita?

Nothing like a homemade Margarita in the sun on Cinco de Mayo! Enjoy yours!

Recipe for Ry's (now) famous Margarita:

2 oz. tequila (100% agave)
1.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
1 oz simple syrup (boil, then chill 1 cup water to 1 cup water ratio)
.5 oz triple sec

Shake it in a shaker, and pour in salt-rimmed cheesy "fun-drink" glass. Ole'!

Southend Brewery, Charleston

I visited Southend Brewery during a recent trip to Charleston to celebrate my brother Chris' marriage to Joelle!  What a lovely wedding weekend.

The stop-in at Southend was a pleasant bonus.  I tasted a few, and settled on their stout ... Pict's.  I typically prefer big-bodied beers with A LOT going on; Pict's was not that.  :)   It was quite good, though ...very typical English style stout;, all of the beers I tasted at Southend were English in style.  I really liked how the beers were unfiltered; less processing with a distinct, deliberate cloudiness.  Pict's was light-medium-bodied, with roasts malts, bit of chocolate, coffee, and chicory. The food at Southend was great, in my opinion. I had grilled salmon on a salad, which was cooked to perfection. Ryan's,burger was "the best he's had in a long time, close to Coco's (Philly) excellence". Well done, Southend.

We had a lovely stay in Charleston. Congrats Chris and Joelle! Glad we checked out Southend when we has the chance.