“All you need is Love and Wine. Maybe some chocolate… and a nap. But mostly LOVE” –Anonymous I hope that each of you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Chocolate and champagne make the best companions for this special day. Let’s focus on a favorite for …
Try something fun for the holidays! “Don’t ever let anyone dull your sparkle” – Sally Gilchrist Holiday parties are in full swing. Whether you are hosting friends or want to bring a fun gift as a party favor, sparkling wines are appreciated this time of …
Turkey and Wine Pairing – Part 2
“Some people serve red wine with Thanksgiving dinner. Some people serve white. My preference is ‘lots of’.” – Crabby Road
For those of you who still need to purchase a turkey, you’re running out of time! For those of you still needing to buy wine for your Thanksgiving feast, here is part 2 of the turkey and wine pairing series. In the first blog I focused on red wine pairings. For this second blog I am focusing on white wine pairings.
In one of my earlier blogs, I reviewed a Chardonnay by Josh Cellars vineyards that is a great pairing for most any poultry dish. Today’s blog will feature La Crema Chardonnay (www.lacrema.com). La Crema winery produces a wide variety of Chardonnays from various wine growing regions including Monterey, Sonoma and the Russian River valleys. We will focus on La Crema’s Chardonnay from Sonoma Valley.
La Crema Chardonnay
PositiveVines ‘HelpfulTip: Sonoma Valley is known as the birthplace of wine production in California. Just north of San Francisco, the earliest vineyards in Sonoma survived major epidemics and prohibition.
I am a big fan of Chardonnays that have a bold taste and La Crema fits the bill. This Chardonnay has hints of citrus fruits in both the smell and taste. Customers also noted vanilla and plum flavors lingering on the palate. La Crema is aged for 5 months in French and American Oak barrels. The predominance of French Oak imparts a buttery, creamy finish. The slightly fruity sweetness lends itself well with the Turkey and Stuffing spices.
La Crema Sonoma Chardonnay averages $16 at most stores. Many stores run specials this time of year since it is such a popular partnering with holiday meals. One hidden gem for wine sales is World Market. This surprisingly fun store frequently runs specials on La Crema wines.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your family traditions and don’t be afraid to start new ones. Let me know what you think about the wine! Post to my blog or email me. I’m always thrilled to hear from wine enthusiasts.
“If food is the body of good living, wine is its soul”– Clifton Fadiman Six days and counting until Turkey Day! Thanksgiving is a feast of food, family, friends and celebration for most Americans. I would like to focus on the evolution of the holiday …
“As long as we have Wine, the Holidays will be just Fine.” – Un-named source Halloween candy is starting to get low in the plastic pumpkins and we are turning our attention to the start of the holiday season with Thanksgiving right around the corner. Hanukkah, …
Welcome to the Fall Wine Lovers!
“Celebrate Fall. Put on your Favorite sweater and cozy up with a glass of wine.”
– Wine Wednesday Rule #66
Wednesdays aren’t the only fall day that I like to enjoy a glass of a good wine. Fall offers us a chance to slow down just a little before the hectic pace of the holiday season. Summer generally calls for lighter wines such as a Sauvignon Blanc and winters favor hearty Cabernet Sauvignons.
I find that the cooler fall nights as well as my favorite pastime – watching football – are well suited for a lighter red varietal grape in the Merlot. Today’s blog will feature the smooth and well rounded Sandstone Lot Merlot from Wente Vineyards (www.wentevinyards.com).
| Wente Sandstone Lot Merlot 2012 |
Wente Vineyards is a fifth generation family owned Vineyard and Winery established in 1883 in Livermore Valley (Livermore, California). With over 130 acres Wente produces wine using sustainable farming practices. Karl D. Wente leads the vineyard as the primary winemaker.
The 2012 Sandstone Lot Merlot that I recently demonstrated exhibits aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum. This Merlot was aged for 16 months in neutral French and American oak to provide a hint of toasted oak flavor as the wine settles on your palate. The Sandstone lot Merlot doesn’t impart heavy tannins which make it an easy red wine to savor.
PositiveVines ‘HelpfulTip: The Merlot grape originated in the Bordeaux region of France. It is a widely planted and early harvested dark red grape that is hard to categorize. Merlot grapes can be used alone or in a variety of red wine blends.
The Sandstone Lot Merlot would be well paired with a variety of fall foods. Chili blends, pork and chicken are a few that come to mind. At $13USD per bottle the Sandstone Lot Merlot is at a great price point to pick up a couple of bottles today and enjoy for the weekend.
Let me know what you think! Post to my blog or email me. I’m always thrilled to hear from wine enthusiasts.
Hello PostiveVines followers! I’m back to share more about great wines and spirits. Summer is one of my favorite times of year and I’ve been out and about on short trips sharing new wines at tastings across Texas. When the temperature climbs above 95º, most …
“Wine and cheese are ageless companions” – M.F.K. Fisher One of the pleasures of exploring, is the thrill in seeking new places to enjoy good company and a great glass of wine. Scardello (www.scardellocheese.com) on Oak Lawn in Dallas, is the perfect place to escape …
“When the legends die, the dreams end; there is no more greatness” – Tecumseh
The Carménère variety of grape, grown in abundance in Chile, is today’s focus from the Concha Y Toro winery (www.casillerodeldiablo.com). Winemaker Marcio Ramirez enhances the legend of the “devil in the cellar” by producing a deep, dark purple wine that proved to be the favorite of customers during my latest wine sampling at Market Street in Frisco. The wine steward – Justin – is fantastic to work with and shoppers at this Market Street enjoy this store for the wide variety of wines, beers and spirits. Stop by there the next time you are in Frisco. You’ll love this store and the folks that work there.
Before describing the great flavors in this varietal, let me tell you a little about the legend of the cellar. Casillero del Diablo translates to Cellar of the Devil. The winery’s founder, Don Melchor, discovered that his workers were over-sampling some of his greatest wines. In order to discourage this pilfering Señor Melchor started a rumor that the devil was a permanent resident in his wine cellar. As far-fetched as it sounds, the workers were scared away from the cellar and the legend of Casillero del Diablo (as well as the name of the wine label) was born. Take a look at the insignia at the top of the bottle to see the legend of the devil in play!
The Carménère grape lives up to the legend with unique flavors at a good price point. Prior to drinking, I would recommend that you decent the wine for at least 30 minutes in a cool room to take advantage of the robust flavors.
PositiveVines’ Helpful Definition: Decant – gradually pour the wine from one container to another to let the wine breath.
If you like red wines but, prefer milder tannins this is the wine for you. What’s interesting is that even with milder tannins the wine has a complex set of flavors. Light spices and dark plum start the tasting journey. Some customers tasted a little chocolate and all found that there was a smooth smoky finish that rounded out the experience. I would pair this Carménère varietal with a good steak or a Spanish dish of Seafood Paella.
The wine averages $10-$12 USD per bottle and makes an excellent choice for adventurous drinkers who enjoy robust reds. Try it today and post a comment letting me know what you think!
Come see me tomorrow on July 4th at Market Street in Plano, TX from 3-6pm as I host a sampling with wines from the Francis Ford Coppola winery.
With the July 4th holiday fast approaching, it’s time to plan for outings with family and friends. If you are a meat lover like I am, I’ve got a great Cabernet Sauvignon. Freakshow is produced and bottled by the Michael David winery (michaeldavidwinery.com). I had the …