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