Merlot Fireside ... Cheers

I love warm, rich reds in the winter time. This smooooooth merlot is just one example that foots the bill.

The scene: a cozy night in ... fireside with a blanket. A dark, ruby red glass of Clos LaChance 2007 Merlot (<$15) in-hand. It is a pleasant wine, with aromas of plums, dried cherries, and a bit of cocoa; Clos LaChance merlot is very smooth to taste, with a bit of vanilla and a soft finish.

Cheers.

Vigilance 2010 Gorgeous Red Blend

Winter-sipping, med-full-bodied red blend under $20 at its best... from Lake County, CA. Totally classified as a great value...price + quality.

Vigilance Winery's Cimmaron is a sustainably-farmed, rich, velvety blend of many of my favorite varietals: 44% Zinfandel, 39% Syrah, 9% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Mmmm.

I gave it some time to breathe. Favors of dark berries, vanilla, and spices. Black pepper. Perfect for relaxing by the fire...wintery and warm. (Also would be quite good with wintery foods like red-sauced pastas, or hearty meats.)

Santé.

Tara's 2013 Italian Series: An Italian Blend ... with Salmon?

Back in January, I set a goal to study Italian wines throughout 2013.  The other night, I took the opportunity to try an Italian blend of three red grapes: Monica (40%), Cannonau (30%), and Carignano (30%).  Isola Del Sole is from Sardinia, the island in the Mediterranean and Tyhrrhenian seas, off the coast of Italy.  From the winery Cantina Argiolas, this wine is cheery, medium-bodied, red-fruited, and simple.  The 2010 vintage was fresh, yet mellow ... with bright strawberries and a bit-of-spice.

I took a risk with the food pairing ...

Dinner was fresh, wild caught salmon with capers, in a lemon butter sauce.  It actually worked quite nicely!  The capers played well with the characteristics of the wine.  I am certainly not afraid to pair a light- or medium-bodied red with a heartier fish, like salmon; you shouldn't be either.

Happy dining, happy wining! 

 

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Chateau St. Michelle: A Day to Remember

My darling Km's monumental birthday...my darling niece's first winery tour (along with some tasting for us 21+!  No, little Mo didn't do any tasting...directly!!!).

A gorgeous day, road trip to north of Seattle...private tour and tasting at Chateau St, Michelle with several of my favorite people, lunch at Red Hook Brewery, and birthday celebration to follow that evening.

Chateau St. Michelle produces their gorgeous whites at the Woodinville site we toured...lovely Rieslings, Chardonnays... These guys can be commonly found all over...I'm sure you are familiar. Try one out and savor. The beautiful reds from Cold Creek /the Columbia Valley are rich and soft. Such a delectable variety of mainstream wines come from this Washington winery!

Cheers.
January 7, 2013.

Super Bowl: It's 9-ers Time!

I am getting pretty excited for kickoff! Go 9ers! Enjoy your Super Bowl fun.

For the wine-lovers out there, crack open something food-friendly, like a red Zinfandel, or a Grenache blend. If you prefer white, I suggest an unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Beer lovers- go American! Try a local microbrew made in the US. 49ers fans, pick up something from San Fran's Anchor Brewing Company, where they have been making delicious concoctions since 1896.

Cheers!