Wisdom for Winos

Rock it out with Red Guitar

2009-06-24T20:35:00.005-04:00

Red Guitar Old Vine Tempranillo Garnacha (2006)
Origin: Spain (Navarra)
Price: $10

It's definitely starting to feel like summer, which makes it hard to sit still at the office all day long. There's just something about the warm sun that's as energizing as a live concert. Before you know it, you're practically in the mosh pit. Don't try to deny it. Grab a glass and rock it out with Red Guitar.

Red Guitar is a blend of 55 percent tempranillo and 45 percent garnacha, creating a light, fruity wine that won't weigh you down. After all, summer is no time for the rich, hearty reds that you drank all winter long. You'll especially find notes of fresh strawberry and raspberry, with a slightly floral nose. The bright, ruby hue certainly adds to the festivities and makes for a tune that you can't resist.

Barefoot: Zinfandel on the cheap

2009-05-17T18:22:00.000-04:00

Barefoot Zinfandel
Origin: California (Lodi)
Price: $5.99

If there are any zinfandel hounds out there, you probably already know that there's not a lot of selection near the low end of the price spectrum. Notice that I said zinfandel, not white zinfandel. I'm talking about the red stuff. And this week, Barefoot Zinfandel is on sale for a mere $5.99. I think you can swing it.

I usually turn to Barefoot when affordable pinot grigio is the goal, but you should also add this zinfandel to your list of bargain reds. While it's not overly complex, this wine is very drinkable and smooth – qualities you don't always find in a cheap red. There are notes of dark, red fruit, such as blackberry, raspberry and currant. Meanwhile, the earthy undertone mixes with waves of vanilla oak to make it just interesting enough. Don't forget to let is breathe a bit for even better results.

Wild Rock helps bring in summer

2009-05-10T22:10:00.003-04:00

Wild Rock "The Infamous Goose" Sauvignon Blanc (2006)
Origin: New Zealand (Marlborough)
Price: $7.99 (Chairman's Selection)

Flip flops. White wine. They kind of go hand in hand, don't they? You've brought out the flip flops for this season, so now it's time to dig up some white wine -- sauvignon blanc to be exact.

One sip and you'll be carried away by the zesty freshness that is typical of a Marlborough sauvignon blanc. The marriage of citrus -- lemon, lime, grapefruit -- and herbal notes will brighten up even the cloudiest of days and send your tastebuds soaring. Not to worry, the slight mineral finish will surely bring you back to earth, although you might have to refill your glass to experience this lively dance all over again.

At $7.99 a bottle, this sauvignon blanc is truly a bargain, and you would honestly never know by the taste that it's so value-priced. But be sure to pick up a bottle soon, as this one's on Chairman's Selection and may sell out quick.

Smoking Loon delivers top-notch pinot noir

2009-05-03T22:07:00.003-04:00

Smoking Loon Pinot Noir (2007)
Origin: California
Price: $10.99

I was at a wine tasting party recently and Smoking Loon showed up unannounced. It reminded me that this wine is quite a catch and also pretty easy on the wallet. As you start planning for lighter spring meals of broiled salmon and the like, consider this pinot noir as a delightful companion.

The brilliancy of both its school-bus yellow label and rich garnet hue will light up any room. Its nose is sure to seduce your senses into thinking it's a much pricier wine than it actually is. While a bit on the smokey side, that simply helps reveal a velvety smooth texture. Luscious fruit notes abound -- cherry, strawberry and even a bit of blackberry. And the overall medley will leave you lusting after another bottle of the same.

Brunch with Barefoot Bubbly, clementine juice

2009-04-12T19:14:00.006-04:00

Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry Champagne
Origin: California
Price: $9.99

Take a chance on this cheap sparkling wine and you'll be pleasantly surprised. I had originally picked up a bottle for New Year's Eve, but for some reason or another it didn't get opened. So Easter rolls around and I decide that I'm tired of this bottle sitting in my fridge. Time to pop that cork!

It's a pleasantly light and fragrant sparkling wine – plenty of apple and tropical fruit on the nose. While it's refreshingly dry, there is a tad bit of sweetness played out by citrus notes.

Given the holiday, I wanted to make a festive drink, and so I was inspired by the forlorn-looking clementines sitting in my produce drawer. Fresh-squeezed clementine juice made for a bright and tasty cocktail when paired with this Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry Champagne. It was quite a hit – with men and women alike. Three parts wine and one part juice seemed to work well, but the amount of juice can be adjusted to your desired sweetness. Try this cocktail, or get inspired to make your own creation!

Branch out from pinot grigio with Vionta Albariño

2009-03-21T22:17:00.010-04:00

Vionta Albariño (2006)
Origin: Spain (Rias Baixas)
Price: $10

If you're stuck in a pinot grigio rut, albariño would be a logical next step to your wine education. Even though it boasts a slightly more golden hue than your average pinot grigio, this wine could easily be confused with the popular Italian grape.

Vionta is as fresh and light as those daffodils that are peeking their heads above ground right now. You'll notice some lively green apple and citrus flavors, particularly a squirt of lemon. But there's a touch of butteriness that helps tone town the flavors on the finish. It's definitely a wine fit for spring.

A malbec that puts the 'fun' in Funky Llama

2009-03-15T20:58:00.008-04:00

Funky Llama Malbec (2008)
Origin: Argentina (Mendoza)
Price: $6

Let's face it, folks, this wine sells for a ridiculously low sum. But if you have to go cheap, at least you can choose wisely.

I guarantee that if you walk down the Argentina aisle in your local state store, this brand (and it's price tag) will catch your eye, especially with this week's $6 sale price. And who wouldn't love a bright, artsy label, complete with a Funky Llama? In case you were wondering, the cork is also school-bus yellow and stamped with a llama. It's like a party in a bottle.

The juice itself is in fact fit for a party -- surely nothing too serious. It'll go down easy with a burger or pizza on a Sunday night. You'll taste notes of cherry, blackberry and pepper. While it's not overly complex, it's a decent choice if you're going low-budget.

Get saucy with Ménage à Trois

2009-03-01T20:41:00.002-05:00

Folie à Deax Ménage à Trois Red (2007)
Origin: California
Price: $12

Ménage à Trois. Threesome. Alright, get your mind out of the gutter already!

So why the scandalous name? This wine is actually a blend of a three varietals -- zinfandel, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. The zinfandel gives it those juicy bursts of ripe fruit while the merlot creates that velvety smooth quality. Meanwhile the cabernet swoops in to add solid structure. To retain their own characteristics, each varietal is fermented separately and then blended afterward.

The finished product is a highly seductive potion. Fresh fruit notes overflow with luscious raspberries and blackberries, which are delightfully jammy on the finish. The rich yet soft tannins practically purr down your throat, and before you know it, you've surrendered to this tempting trio.

Preview: UnCork York Tour de Tanks

2009-02-26T22:12:00.000-05:00

It's time to hit the UnCork York Wine Trail for this year's Tour de Tanks! Come visit a dozen family-owned wineries in the York, Lancaster, Gettysburg and Harrisburg region, all located practically in your backyard. Who knew?!

During Tour de Tanks, the twelve wineries will be open every Saturday and Sunday in March 2009, starting this Saturday, Feb. 28. Taste new vintages straight out of the barrels and then head over to the tasting rooms for additional samples, all while munching on tasty treats. Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased at any of the wineries. Just save your ticket and reuse it for every weekend of the event. Check the trail map or the list below to find out about the wineries participating in Tour de Tanks 2009:

So what are you waiting for? Round up your friends and start planning your wine travel routes! For the ambitious winos out there, I've found that with the help of a GPS it is in fact possible to successfully visit up to four wineries in one day. And don't forget to check out this year's two new wineries – Hauser Estate Winery and Reid's Orchard & Winery, located near Gettysburg. See you on the trail!

Nando stuffs bottles with strawberry goodness

2009-02-16T22:26:00.004-05:00

Nando Fragolino
Origin: Italy (Piedmont)
Price: $8

Think strawberry paradise in a bottle. The name fragolino alone should give it away, as it literally means "little strawberry" in Italian. But don't be fooled, it's made only from grapes -- fragola grapes, to be exact, which exude tantalizing berry flavors.

This sparkling wine will send you pirouetting into a land of sugarplums and fairy dust. Even skeptics are quickly won over by its divinely sweet aroma, a balance of fruit and perfume notes. Many times fragolino will be light pink in color, but Nando is a pale golden hue, similar to Asti, and is a great option for celebrations. I'd also consider it fitting for after dinner; its incredibly sweet yet delicate flavor will nicely complement your dessert without selfishly stealing the show. Just a note that its mere seven percent alcohol is significantly lower than your typical dessert wine. While I'm not normally one for such a sweet wine, this is quite pleasant and rates high on drinkability.

For the record, I pocketed the cork simply because it smelled so good. And, no, I'm not ashamed to admit it.

Santa Margherita corners market on top-notch pinot grigio

2009-02-15T16:24:00.005-05:00

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (2007)
Origin: Italy (Trentino Alto-Adige)
Price: $23

It's no secret that wine connoisseurs tend to overlook pinot grigio, claiming that it's watery and boring. At the entry-level price point, I would tend to agree, but pay a little more and you'll have something to talk about. While the price tag on this wine is at least double what most people would normally spend on a pinot grigio, there is a noticeable difference. In fact, according to Food & Wine Magazine, Santa Margherita is the most popular pinot grigio sold in the United States.

What makes it so good? This wine is light as a feather, so be sure to drink it with foods that won't overpower it. Pretend you're a bird quickly fluttering through the apple orchard, the lemon grove and the herb garden. You breathe in little gusts of those crisp fruits and herbs along the way, but nothing overly intense. On the finish, it's a relief that Santa Margherita has no sign of the aftertaste that can accompany cheap bottles of the varietal. If you don't mind forking over the cash, it's quite a pleasant journey.

Bring on summer with Omaka Springs

2009-02-08T22:32:00.009-05:00

Omaka Springs Sauvignon Blanc (2006)

Origin: New Zealand (Marlborough)

Price: $10

Inspired by the spike in mercury this weekend, I reached for one of my warm-weather favorites: Omaka Springs. To me, it's the epitome of a top-notch New Zealand sauvignon blanc. While it may not be summer yet, you can still pretend, right?

The nose on this wine is literally like a breath of fresh air -- clean, fresh herbs and fruit invigorate your senses. You can't get enough of the luscious tropical fruit flavors which are balanced by the slight bite of green pepper. And take special note of the grapefruit, lime, apple and lemongrass notes. The result is a crisp and vibrant symphony, with a refreshing green tea finish. Instantly pleasing, yet delightfully intense.

Castle Rock is a pinot that can move with the music

2009-02-01T10:45:00.020-05:00

Castle Rock Pinot Noir (2007)
Origin: California (Napa County)
Price: $12

I've had this pinot noir on the brain lately. Since I heard from several people that it's excellent, I scooped up a bottle at my local state store. Bonus: It's still on Chairman's Selection.

One night shortly thereafter, I was at the Harrisburg Hilton for live jazz. I asked for a glass of the house pinot, and low and behold, it was Castle Rock. Sweet! It was like a sign that I needed to try this wine sooner rather than later.

Its silky smooth moves proved harmonious with the jazz melodies that night. Mile-high legs pranced scandalously around my glass. One sip and the surprisingly mild tannins started playing sinfully on my tongue. Its elegance gave way to layers of strawberry, cherry and vanilla, not to mention a dash of spice. I couldn't tell what was more melodic -- the wine or the jazz. For my next experiment I'm set on pairing this pinot with either salmon or a light pasta dish.

Wild Rock: Testing out a New Zealand pinot

2009-01-29T22:28:00.007-05:00

Wild Rock Cupids Arrow Pinot Noir (2006)
Origin: New Zealand (Central Otago)
Price: $8

Hold on a second. New Zealand? Isn't that the land of sauvignon blanc? Think again -- pinot noir runs rampant there as well. In fact, according to the site New Zealand Wine, the country is one of few that have been successful is growing this fickle grape.

Enter Wild Rock's pinot noir. Let's see, there are touches of dried cherry, berries and herbs, plus an earthy undertone. However, the flavors are very mild and one-dimensional. Yet it does boast a gem-like red hue and extremely soft tannins. I guess that over all I'd say it's not bad, but it's definitely missing some of the complexity that can be found in other pinot noirs. There is no "wow" factor.

I'd accurately classify this as a good budget wine, perfect for when quantity is more important than quality, for example, when you're entertaining a large number of guests. But in all truthfulness, I prefer the pinots from France and California.

Clos LaChance: A chardonnay for the chardonnay haters

2009-01-17T22:44:00.009-05:00

Clos LaChance Hummingbird Series Glittering-Throated Emerald Unoaked Chardonnay (2006)
Origin: California (Monterey County)
Price: $8

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm practically anti-chardonnay. But it's really just the oak that I don't care for ... in my whites anyway. So when I spotted this unoaked chardonnay on Chairman's Selection, it magically flew into my cart. If you're a traditional chardonnay lover, please don't turn up your nose.

I'd accurately describe this wine as a cross between a pinot grigio and a sauvignon blanc. It reminds me of freshly-cut grass with plenty of tropical fruit, green apple and pear, chased by a mineral finish. It's very light in body yet still paired extremely well with a rich brie cheese. I guess looks can be deceiving -- even without the oak, this chardonnay could still hold its own.

Oh, and you're probably wondering about the hummingbird part. Apparently the hummingbird was chosen as the symbol for Clos LaChance Winery because it can chase away the grape-eating birds from the vineyards. Wow, that's talent.

Korbel bubbly for a less extravagant option

2009-01-07T15:23:00.004-05:00

Korbel Extra Dry Champagne (NV)
Origin: California
Price: $15

Just for the sake of sharing a more affordable Champagne option than the Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Blue Top Brut Champagne that I last wrote about, here we go. I had the chance to try this Korbel on New Year's Eve, and while it was clearly inferior when sampled back-to-back with the Heidsieck & Co., I'd say this is a pretty decent option as far as dry Champagnes.

Normally I wouldn't buy Korbel (and, in fact, I didn't buy it; someone brought it to my house) simply because it seems like one of those cliche brands. But it was pleasantly crisp and dry with notes of citrus and honey. The only beef I have is that you really can't officially call it "Champagne" unless it's produced in the Champagne region of France. Clearly this one is made in California, but I guess I'll let it slide.

Top-notch Heidsieck & Co. bubbly for New Year's Eve

2009-01-03T15:14:00.001-05:00

Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Blue Top Brut Champagne (NV)
Origin: France (Champagne)
Price: $39

Happy New Year! I figured you'd be wondering what Champagne I had on New Year's Eve, so here's the swankiest bottle I sampled that night. One of my dear friends absolutely loves Champagne and insisted on bringing quality bubbly for the evening.

First off, note that this is actually from the famous Champagne region of France. In reality, only the ones made in that region can truly be called "Champagne." If they're not from that area, they're simply sparkling wine that used the méthode champenoise, in which the bubbles are produced by secondary fermentation. Also note that this is a non-vintage (NV) Champagne, which the French actually prefer. Since the taste can vary from year to year, NV Champagne is a blend of wines from several years in order to give it a consistent taste. This particular Champagne was produced in limited quantities and was the same as aboard the Titantic, to boot!

Blue Top is much more elegant than the cheap Champagnes I'm used to. Its graceful presence exudes pear and apple notes and has a pleasing floral nose. There's also a bit of creamy toffee and honey, with a mineral finish. Let's just say that I had no complaints at midnight.

3 Blind Moose: An easy-drinking cab

2008-12-27T16:03:00.007-05:00

3 Blind Moose Cabernet Sauvignon (2006)
Origin: California
Price: $10

On Christmas Eve, I was attempting to be festive -- reindeer ... moose ... kind of the same in my book. Even on a normal day, who wouldn't love a brand called 3 Blind Moose? You know it.

Anyway, even though it looked like pure fun in a bottle (let's note the bright yellow cork with a moose stamped on it), I was a little hesitant at first, seeing as many cabs are just too strong for my taste. I'd say this one was fairly medium-bodied with very subtle oak and smooth tannins. The cherry, cassis and currant flavors came through easily, which made it the perfect companion to the appetizers we were nibbling on prior to dinner. This cab has "easy drinking" written all over it.

Beringer: Domestic sauvignon blanc that tastes like an import

2008-12-26T15:26:00.002-05:00

Beringer Sauvignon Blanc (2004)
Origin: California (Napa Valley)
Price: $14

Truth be told, I received this bottle as a gift quite some time ago and it's taken me a while to get to it. In general, I'm rather skeptical of sauvignon blancs from California, probably because time and time again I've found the foreign ones to be so much more dynamic. But I guess I can say that I feel the same way about domestic and foreign cars. Seriously though, New Zealand usually cranks out sauvignon blancs that exude lively citrus notes, while the California ones tend to be more bland.

However, I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised with this domestic selection. Beringer tastes almost like a hybrid of New Zealand sauvignon blanc and Argentinian torrontés. It has fresh herbal and perfumey aromas -- the citrus, jasmine and honeysuckle are easy to distinguish. I can't get over the abundance of grapefruit, lime and lemongrass flavors that burst in your mouth. There's even a bit of green pepper on the finish, much like you would get with a torrontés. Way to go, Beringer.

Hangtime is just average pinot noir

2008-12-24T13:07:00.000-05:00

Hangtime Pinot Noir (2005)
Origin: France (Burgundy)
Price: $10

I was drawn to this stately-looking bottle from Burgundy. Looks like it would be pretty decent, I thought. Or maybe the brand "Hangtime" contributed to my bottle lust. It turns out that hangtime refers to how long the grapes spend on the grapevines. Allowing the grapes to remain attached to the vine develops a more complex fruit for the wine. Take a closer look and you'll notice the logo has a hand holding a bunch of grapes onto the vine. Cute. But cute doesn't necessarily make a good wine, does it now?

On the whole, this isn't a bad pinot, but it's definitely missing something -- it somehow isn't as rich as it should be. It's lighter-than-normal cherry-red hue tipped me off to potential disappointment. The raisin notes and obvious alcohol on the nose didn't knock my socks off either. Truthfully there are probably a lot better choices for pinot even in this low price range. Since this was on Chairman's Selection, I had high hopes, but I'd choose Red Bicyclette, Blackstone or Mark West over Hangtime any day. A little bit of aging may do this wine some good, but I'm not sure that I'll be buying another bottle to conduct that experiment.

12 wines for Christmas at $12 or less

2008-12-20T23:02:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year when it seems that you have a million gifts to give. And let's not forget the many holiday gatherings that you'll be attending. But a decent bottle of wine could be your savior in both of these scenarios.

Lucky for you, I'm offering my tried and true wine recommendations. I want to help you avoid the embarrassing moments that arise because you accidentally brought a "cheap" wine or one that is just plain bad. Plus, as budgets are being stretched, I'm sure you can appreciate keeping them at $12 or less. These wines can all be found in Harrisburg-area state stores or throughout Pennsylvania. Here we go.

Nissley Rhapsody in Blue, Pennsylvania, $11
This one's a particularly good choice because it comes from a local winery, Nissley Vineyards & Winery Estate. It's an extremely drinkable semi-dry white wine that resembles a riesling. Its cool blue bottle and retro label are appealing, especially to younger wine drinkers. For a full review, click here.
The Little Penguin Shiraz, Australia, $8
Forget the Yellow Tail and opt for The Little Penguin instead. While they are both Australian budget wines, The Little Penguin is far less cliché, and better tasting. This dry red wine goes down smooth with plenty of berry notes. The shiraz has the added bonus of boasting a festive red label, complete with adorable penguin. Now, who wouldn't love that? For a full review, click here.
Zolo Torrontés, Argentina, $9
Zolo is on Chairman's Selection right now, so right away you know that you're getting a great deal. This torrontés is one of the best that I've tried to date. It's an extremely fragrant, dry white wine that is bursting with fruit flavors, especially citrus and apple. If you like sauvignon blanc from New Zealand, you'll probably like this even better. For a full review, click here.
Luna di Luna Sangiovese Merlot, Italy, $10
You've gotta love the festive packaging on this bottle – a jewel-tone ensemble that's simply bedazzling. That alone is sure to create ooohs and ahhhs. This is a fairly simple, but very drinkable, red wine that lends itself to casual get-togethers – even pizza. The sangiovese and merlot make for a very smooth combination, so much so that you really don't need to let this one breathe before drinking. Just uncork and enjoy. For a full review, click here.
Jekel Gewürztraminer, California, $7
I didn't care for gewürztraminer ... until I tried this one. Maybe you've never heard of this type of wine, but don't let that stop you. This off-dry white wine has a rich, silky texture and just the right amount of sweetness. Its lovely floral scent gives way to citrus flavors and a dash of spice. It pairs extremely well with all the warm spices you find around the holidays – perfect with gingerbread or pumpkin pie. Jekel is on Chairman's Selection right now, so get it while you can. For a full review, click here.
Quara Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina, $10
Sometimes a random find is the best kind. That was how I came across Quara, which means "llama" in the ancient Incan dialect. It's modern label with red accents makes it appealing for any holiday gathering. Inside is a delightfully rich and velvety cab infused with blackberry and cherry flavors. Since it's not overpowering like some of the other cabs out there, it's great on its own or with your meal. For a full review, click here.
Blackstone Pinot Noir, California, $9
Who says you can't get a Sideways-worthy pinot noir on a budget? This is one of those superb pinots that you'll love right from the first sip. Even for a dry red wine, it almost has a candy quality, which is heightened by its bright red hue. The rich oakiness is strong but also super-smooth. Blackstone offers the perfect combination of earth and berries, laden with cherry vanilla goodness. Definitely stock up while it's on sale. For a full review, click here.
Clean Slate Riesling, Germany, $10
Picture sunshine after a snowfall. Extreme brightness is what comes to mind for me, and that's how I'd sum up this wine. It's ultra clean, crisp and bursting with fruit – green apple, pear, peach and lemon. If you're normally not a wine drinker, this semi-dry white wine would be the perfect place to start. And if you're taking a break from Christmas cookies and egg nog, riesling also pairs excellently with Asian cuisine such as Thai and sushi. Bonus: Catch this wine while it's on sale, before it goes back up to $12. For a full review, click here.
Casillero del Diablo Carménère, Chile, $11
Fight off frostbite with a hearty carménère. Casillero del Diablo, which means "cellar of the devil," certainly has a mind of its own, complete with 14 percent alcohol and enough pigment to give you purple-lips syndrome. Just by swirling, this dry red wine gives off a tantalizing coffee aroma that is sure to awaken your senses. Its strong, earthy flavors are balanced by sinful chocolate, plum and spice notes. This would make a great companion to rich desserts, particularly something very chocolatey. For a full review, click here.
Barefoot Pinot Grigio, California, $6
Inexpensive pinot grigio can often be a gamble. But I consider this one a sure bet. Time and time again I've bought Barefoot and it's always a crowd pleaser – dry and crisp, with a slight sweetness. And at the ridiculously low sale price of $6 this week, who can resist stocking up? It's a great white wine option for a New Year's Eve party or other large gathering. For a full review, click here.
Hogue Riesling, Washington, $9
If ever there were a classic riesling, this is it. It's smooth, lush and fruity, while also uber refreshing. You get a great mix of floral and citrus – jasmine and orange to be exact. And its touch of sweetness will appeal to wine newbies and connoisseurs alike. I haven't heard a complaint yet. For a full review, click here.
Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir, France, $10
This whimsical brand touts that drinking its wine is "as easy as riding a bike." I couldn't agree more. Light cherry and plum notes captivate your senses. Meanwhile subtle oak and ultra smooth tannins practically sneak their way down your throat. Before you know it, your glass is empty. It's the perfect blend of of lively and delicious. Try this paired with light brunch foods. For a full review, click here.

Now you have the wines, but here are a few other tips to get you through Christmas with those wines. If you're serving white wine, make sure to chill it ahead of time. Nobody wants to drink a white at room temperature. Serving red wines at your party? I would uncork them before the guests arrive so the wine has time to breathe. That will open up the aromas and maximize the flavor characteristics. And if you're giving a bottle as a gift, tell the state store cashier, as they usually have foil bags that they can give you free of charge. Just tie it with ribbon, and voilà, you have a pretty package. Cheers!

Pa. wineries offer shops close to Harrisburg

2008-12-14T21:44:00.003-05:00

With the holidays just around the corner, some of you may be struggling to find a gift for that someone who's simply impossible to buy for. But doesn't a random bottle of wine seem somewhat impersonal at times?

Here's an idea. Have you considered buying wine from a Pennsylvania winery instead? That would make the gift just a bit more meaningful, especially if the recipient is not from this area.

For those of you in Harrisburg though, there isn't exactly a ton of wineries right near the city, as they tend to be out in the country. Your closest options are probably West Hanover Winery in West Hanover Township, just past Colonial Park, and Cullari Vineyards and Winery out in Hershey. But here some wineries with boutiques that cater to Harrisburg shoppers:

Allegro Vineyards of Brogue, Pa., has a shop at the West Shore Farmer's Market at 900 Market St. in Lemoyne, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays. As reported by the Central Penn Business Journal, Allegro also opened a shop at the Giant Food Stores in Enola, 310 E. Penn Dr., East Pennsboro Township.
Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars of New Tripoli, Pa., just opened up a shop in the Giant Food Stores location in Hummelstown, 277 Hershey Rd., South Hanover Township, according to the Central Penn Business Journal.
Hunters Valley Winery of Liverpool, Pa., offers a boutique in Linglestown, right near the square at 5939 Linglestown Rd.
Nissley Vineyards & Winery Estate of Bainbridge, Pa., has a shop at the Colonial Park Mall for the East Shore folks and one at the Capital City Mall for the West Shore people.

Valley of the Moon's zin is berry-licious

2008-12-03T21:52:00.006-05:00

Valley of the Moon Zinfandel (2005)
Origin: California (Sonoma County)
Price: $10

OK, so I had an "interesting" evening. What previously was only a small leak under my bathroom sink turned into a full-blown water ambush. Just my luck. I was drenched and my nerves were shot. Oooh, looky here, I spy a zinfandel that touts a whopping 15 percent alcohol. It's an understatement to say that this was in order tonight. But in all seriousness, I've had Valley of the Moon before and I'm just as wowed this time as I was the last.

For a zinfandel, it's extremely rich and exploding with berries. The strawberry jam hits you right up front, followed closely by blackberry, plum and blueberry notes. Factor in the dash of sweet spices infused with a hint of vanilla and toasted oak and you've got a winner. It's uber-smoothness makes it awesome to drink all by itself but you could also pair this zin with hearty pastas and spicy ethnic dishes.

A pinot that's perfect all by itself

2008-11-30T13:55:00.012-05:00

Mark West Pinot Noir (2007)
Origin: California (Sonoma County)
Price: $10

On Friday we had a second Thanksgiving with the other side of the family. While patiently waiting for all the guests to arrive, we naturally gravitated toward the wine and hors d'oeuvres to keep us occupied. I can think of worse things to do.

My uncle, who I had only ever seen drink chardonnay, announced that he often goes for California pinot noirs. The Mark West was his selection. Normally that wouldn't be my origin of choice for pinot noir, but no complaints on this one. Its drinkability scale is through the roof, especially all by itself. No food pairing is necessary with this super-light pinot. It has a pleasing perfumey and berry nose. The taste is overflowing with bright, juicy cherry, strawberry and raspberry notes that fool your senses into thinking it has a sweetness to it. Very jammy. The tannins are there but in an extremely mild form and there's only a slight bit of oak.

I'm not sure that I would know what food to pair with this pinot, as it might get easily overpowered. Mild cheeses did fare nicely, so I would stick to that or just enjoy a glass on its own.

You'll like this gewurz even if it's your first

2008-11-24T22:33:00.002-05:00

Jekel Gewurztraminer (2005)
Origin: California (Monterey County)
Price: $7

I'm just gonna lay it out there ... I'm not a gewurztraminer person. Maybe I've just had some bad ones in my time. But Jekel changed my mind about the varietal altogether.

In the past I've sampled gewurztraminers that are too sweet and that finish with a rough bite. That's a combination that I just don't care for. But with this one I was instantly surprised by its rich, silky texture.

I'd consider this an off-dry wine that is not overly sweet. It has a light perfumey nose -- think honeysuckle. There's plenty of juicy orange and tangerine citrus flavors, along with some peach. All of that is warmed up with a bit of clove and cinnamon spice.

As with riesling, gewurztraminer's slight sweetness is the perfect antidote to spicy Asian food, especially Thai. Also, don't hesitate to serve this wine on Turkey Day. It'll go especially well with anything that has a bit of spice -- pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, etc.

Blackstone makes a mean pinot noir

2008-11-23T21:42:00.002-05:00

Blackstone Pinot Noir (2004)
Origin: California (Sonoma County)
Price: $10

Did you ever taste a wine and have to really think hard about whether you like it or not? The reality is that when a pinot's positively superb, you don't even have to think about it, you just know right away. Congrats, Blackstone. You deserve a pat on the back.

Try this: Uncork. Let it breathe a bit if time allows. Pour a glass. Give it a good swirl. Watch its legs do a scandalous dance. Note the bright red hue. Take a sniff. Do you get the intense nose of earth and berries? Alright, now take a sip. Bham! You're blown away by the cherry vanilla goodness, boasting a succulence that simply won't quit. There's almost a candy quality to it. Mmm, mmm, good. The rich oak is much more obvious than in the average pinot noir, but extremely smooth nonetheless. Take another taste and you'll realize there's a hint of licorice and a pinch of spice. Does it get any better than this?

Adventures on Beaujolais Nouveau Day

2008-11-21T18:10:00.011-05:00

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau (2008)
Origin: France (Beaujolais)
Price: $14

There are times when you simply must try something just to see what all the hype is about. Enter Beaujolais nouveau. In case you missed it, yesterday was officially "Beaujolais Nouveau Day," which is always celebrated on the third Thursday of November. It's an annual celebration of the red wine made from the Gamay grapes that are produced in the Beaujolais region of France. As you can imagine, in France this calls for serious festivities.

Beaujolais nouveau is traditionally a light, fruity wine, with very little tannin. There's a reason for that. The grapes are not actually crushed when making this wine ... fascinating. Rather, they are left whole for fermentation, which means the grapes begin to ferment from within and therefore the juice does not have much contact with the outer skin. Only near the end of the process does the grape break down fully. Also, the grapes are only left to ferment for a few weeks before distributing this wine, so it's extremely young, hence the "nouveau."

Yesterday I went over to the Hilton in downtown Harrisburg for a free Beaujolais nouveau tasting that was being held from 5-7 p.m. I was psyched and the place was mobbed. So I took my post in line for wine. Oddly enough, the line didn't seem to be moving and at around 6 p.m. the word spread that they were out of Beaujolais nouveau already and didn' t know if they would be getting any more. Wow, talk about bursting my bubble! Luckily just as we were about to leave, we saw a few cases arrive.

Now the verdict. Sorry to be negative, but I was prepared not to be floored by this wine. I'd accurately rate it as "meh." Merely a toddler as far as wines go, this thin wine offered essentially no structure. It flaunted a light pinkish-purple hue and had absolutely no legs. The fruit was definitely there -- much strawberry, blueberry and pear, with a hint of sweaty gym socks. OK, I'm kidding on that last one. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention. Seriously though, it did have a certain musty, earthy quality. All that aside, let's consider what a few years could do for this wine. The potential is there.

By the way, I've heard many say that Beaujolais nouveau pairs wonderfully with Thanksgiving dinner. As an added bonus, it's an excellent conversation piece.

Why not start with a Clean Slate?

2008-11-17T21:18:00.003-05:00

Clean Slate Riesling (2007)
Origin: Germany (Mosel)

Price: $12

With this past Saturday being riesling and gewurztraminer night with the wine club, here we have my top choice of the night. Since it was originally down at the other end of the table, I didn't get to try this wine until later in the evening, but once I tried it, I wished I would have just skipped the others and started out with this one in the first place.

As bright as sunshine after a snowfall, I was instantly awakened with just one sip of this riesling. It's simply bursting with juicy green apple, pear and maybe a bit of peach and lemon. It has a very crisp, fresh quality with good acidity and some mineral notes on the finish. Most importantly, it rates high on the drinkability scale but at the same time, it's not overly sweet. Unfortunately, some rieslings out there are so sweet that they taste like pure grape juice. That's not my idea of wine.

Asian cuisine is always a great companion to a fantastic riesling. This weekend I had sushi with this one, but Thai and riesling also marry extremely well. Take a hint.

A Zen evening all around

2008-11-16T22:31:00.010-05:00

Now & Zen Wasabi White (2007)
Origin: France (Alsace)
Price: $10

I can't think of a more appropriate duo: Now & Zen Wasabi White and dinner at Zen Japanese Cuisine in Mechanicsburg. Just what I needed -- an evening of relaxation.

I must admit that this wine was a complete impulse buy, but it must be marketed to people just like me. Sushi is one of my great loves and I'm a complete wasabi hound -- there's not enough wasabi unless my eyes start tearing! This wine claims to work as a calming agent for spicy Asian cuisine. I'm game to try it. Plus, the bottle has a cool artsy label, showing a man in a rowboat riding an overly tall wave. What's not to love?

Since last night was riesling and gewurztraminer night with my wine club, it was an added bonus that this wine contains both of those varietals. Here's the breakdown: 40 percent sylvaner, 30 percent pinot blanc, 15 percent riesling and 15 percent gewurztraminer.

The wine was very mellow, smooth and buttery, much like it promised. I appreciated it being not too sweet, as some rieslings and gewurztraminers can often be. While it was light on fruit, there were definite pineapple and lemon notes, with a somewhat minerally finish.

Now on to dinner. I've heard rave reviews for Zen, even from a half-Japanese friend of mine. So I had high expectations, maybe too high. We were a very large party, but the appetizers did come out right away. My edamame were delightfully plump and perfectly dusted with sea salt.

Things quickly went downhill after the edamame. I was baffled that it took an hour and 15 minutes for the rest of our food to come out. This, of course, gave us the opportunity to sample the selection of rieslings and gewurztraminers scattered around the table, yet it was still quite a wait. I have a little test for comparing sushi restaurants -- I always order a tuna roll and a shrimp tempura roll to see how each place compares. Sadly, I was disappointed in both here. The rolls themselves were notably smaller than the average, not to mention the meager rations of fish. The tempura was soggy and they added mayo to that roll, which in my book is an immediate negative. And get this, they didn't even bring any wasabi with the rolls. What kind of sushi place forgets to give you wasabi? Unbelievable.

At least I was in good company and sampled many delightful wines, which made for a relaxing evening nonetheless. More on those other wines later. True to the label on the Now & Zen bottle, the wine was in fact a soothing counterpart to the spicy wasabi and does "bring peace to your palette."

Torrontés that takes you to the tropics

2008-11-12T22:04:00.001-05:00

Michel Torino Don David Torrontés Reserve (2006)
Origin: Argentina (Cafayate Valley)
Price: $9

OK, so maybe you're not exactly picturing Argentina when I say "tropics," but this torrontés definitely oozes tropical fruit. So vivid. So luscious.

Torrontés is one of my absolute favorite varietals -- the new sauvignon blanc, if you will. The exotic feel hits you all at once, but if you sit back, you can pick out the grapefruit, lime, pear and green apple notes -- all those fruits that are refreshing and clean, but still leave you with a slight pucker. You can smell them even before the first sip, and there's a frangrant floral aspect to this wine as well. What always intrigues me about torrontés is the slight bite on the finish. This one transitions from the juicy fruits to the herbiness of basil and then to a pungent green pepper finale.

Yes, this would make the perfect summer wine and maybe you're thinking that I'm drinking this in the wrong season. But, truthfully, I needed a little break from the reds. You can probably tell that I've been on a pinot noir kick lately. Or maybe I've just missed the summertime? I'd recommend pairing this with grilled seafood, chicken and vegetables. You can't go wrong.

Penguin scores again with pinot noir

2008-11-09T18:05:00.001-05:00

The Little Penguin Pinot Noir (2006)
Origin: Australia (South Eastern)
Price: $9

Nobody can resist the Penguin, and I'm not talking about John McCain here. It's not the first time you've heard me talk about The Little Penguin wines, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Previously I reviewed their shiraz, but this time it's on to pinot noir, my favorite cold-weather wine.

First off, I can't stress enough how much its branding and packaging does for this wine. (Oh, and bonus points are in order for having tiny penguin footprints all over the cork.) Without fail, every time I break out the Penguin, people flock to the adorable bottle. Apparently Americans love penguins as much as puppies. Who knew?

Now for the goods. It's a very drinkable and jammy wine, with plenty of cherry and strawberry notes. And here's a perfect example of what a little air can do -- if you let this one breathe, the flavor opens up quite a lot. Oh what a difference an hour or two can make. That time unlocked a whole lot of vanilla oak and smokiness. Well worth waiting for, and quite surprising for a budget wine. While it's not an overly complex wine, you sure can't go wrong with this one for drinkability and affordability, not to mention its cuteness factor.

Patriotic sangria rocked the vote

2008-11-05T21:57:00.005-05:00

For those of you who know me, it's no secret that I'm not uber patriotic. I blame it on my Euro upbringing -- that native Italian mother will get you every time. But this monumental election brought out the red, white and blue in me ... er, um, definitely heavy on the blue.

Last night my friend hosted a very entertaining blue vs. red election party. I give him mad props on extensively carrying out the theme -- Blue Moon and Red Stripe were the beer offerings. Oh, and YES HE DID have side-by-side bags of Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese Doritos. Needless to say, the blue bag got more votes. So I decided to bring something to fill the red and blue Solo cups: patriotic sangria.

The red, white and blue sangria got rave reviews, but honestly, this concoction was quite simple. Basically it's just a white sangria with fresh blueberries and raspberries. Here I used my homemade trebbiano, a white wine which at this point in its aging period still has a slight sweetness. You could, of course, use any white wine. Then I added white grape juice and triple sec, throwing in the fruit and a few ice cubes at the very end.

The important thing with sangria is the proportion of ingredients. My preferred ratio for a 750-mL bottle of wine is to add one cup of fruit juice and one-quarter cup of liqueur. As for fruit, that's all personal preference -- last night I was obviously trying to be as patriotic as possible. But the best part about making sangria is that you can be as creative as you want to be, so feel free to mix and match different juices, liqueurs and fruits. The possibilities are endless.

Stonecap: The bargain screw cap cab

2008-11-02T21:24:00.006-05:00

Stonecap Cabernet Sauvignon (2004)
Origin: Washington (Columbia Valley)
Price: $7

I make it my business to keep my wine choices classy while staying on a budget. Here's one more wine that will get you there. Since this Stonecap is on Chairman's Selection right now, it's quite a steal at $7, whereas suggested retail price is $12. In any event, consider this is a respectable cab that fits these trying economic times.

The rich and smooth texture is accentuated by cherry and blackberry with a bit of raisin. Meanwhile its robust nature takes charge of your senses as its long, crazy legs do their hypnotic dance.

My only gripe would be that it has a somewhat manufactured taste -- a slight tinny note -- that hints at a lower-priced wine. Or maybe it's the screw cap that gives away its budget-friendly status? (But you know, screw caps are in fact gaining popularity among many winemakers, no matter the wine's price range.) In any event, don't let that deter you from trying a bottle. It's nice to hand the cashier a 10-spot and go home with a decent bottle of wine and some change in your pocket. Everyone needs that nowadays.

Nobilo should stick to the whites

2008-10-29T21:12:00.000-04:00

House of Nobilo Merlot (2004)
Origin: New Zealand (East Coast)
Price: $11

Not mind-blowing. Not repulsive. Let's face it, we're talking about your typical merlot here. Sorry to be corny, but it's convenient that this one has "House" in its brand name. I could actually picture this wine as a restaurant's house merlot -- a very common varietal to order at a bar.

This merlot has some berry notes but also a good bit of earthiness, with hints of vanilla and oak. The thing I don't like is that you can really taste the alcohol -- not a very becoming quality for a wine. Over all, I'd consider this too expensive for the merlot that it is, and for the price, I'd prefer the Smashed Grapes merlot that I wrote about yesterday.

When it comes down to it though, I think the reality is that House of Nobilo is much better at making sauvignon blanc than merlot. If you haven't already, definitely try their sauvignon blanc. I keep going back to the notion that a brand usually shines in either a red or a white wine, and never both.

Sometimes it's OK to impulse buy

2008-10-28T22:42:00.002-04:00

Smashed Grapes Merlot (2003)
Origin: California
Price: $6

Just admit it -- sometimes you're guilty of an impulse buy. But who can resist when it's only a $6 purchase? Honestly, I don't even feel bad. The hip logo and colorful packaging tactics made for a no-brainer. And you have to love the fun copy on the back label: "Grapes don't mind being smashed. It's their destiny." Well, I'm a wino, so of course that's true!

The juice itself was not half as magical as the bottle, but also not bad for the price. I tasted notes of plum, raisin and sour cherry that were held together by just enough oak. Much juicier than the average merlot, which is not a bad thing. It tasted pretty silky over all, but also a tad bit tinny, which is to be expected for a cheap red.

I would stock up on this for New Year's Eve or an equivalent gathering. Your guests will never know how little you paid for it. So, yes, I stand by this impulse purchase. They always say that "curiosity killed the cat," but curiosity hasn't killed the wino yet.

Spanish bull with tons of potential

2008-10-26T22:19:00.004-04:00

Bodegas y Vinedos de Murcia Sierra Carche (2005)
Origin: Spain (Jumilla)
Price: $30

Here we have one of the other guests of honor from Friday night's luscious dinner. This is actually on Chairman's Selection for $30 right now, whereas it normally sells for $40. In comparison to The Prisoner, this one seems much lighter, with more of an emphasis on red fruits. But Sierra Carche is full-bodied nonetheless, made up of 50 percent monastrell, 25 percent malbec and 25 percent petit verdot.

The difference is that there's a certain tartness to this one -- almost like balsamic vinegar -- that adds another dimension to the fullness. Along with that goes cherry, pomegranate and raspberry notes and plenty of toasted oak. The flavor is still a bit young and could definitely develop over time ... three to four years could do wonders. Overall, this was a perfect companion to the hearty salmon and risotto.

The Prisoner will hold you captive

2008-10-25T22:56:00.006-04:00

Orin Swift The Prisoner (2006)
Origin: California (Napa Valley)
Price: $36.50

First, my apologies, as I realize this wine is not within this blog's usual price range. For me this would in fact be considered "expensive" wine. But last night my very connected wino friend invited me out to 2201 in the boro, where we dined with a couple of his wino friends. In this lovely BYOW fine dining establishment, apparently the winos thought it necessary to open three wines and one champagne that evening. And who am I to refuse such an enticing offer? Plus, I hear that many consider the 2006 vintage of this wine to be the best Prisoner to date.

Consider yourself forewarned! This is not a wine I recommend taking on by itself. However, the grilled salmon over decadent seafood risotto that I ordered was a perfect match. The Prisoner is actually a blend with the following breakdown: 51 percent zinfandel, 23 percent cabernet sauvignon, 12 percent syrah, six percent petit sirah, six percent charbono and two percent grenache. Whoa, quite a mouthful ... and a handful. What a powerhouse of varietals -- picture a rich compote of ripe berries and dark fruit and you can just imagine the potency of the final blend. But don't fear it, even if the amount of pigment alone could contend with the ink of a very large squid, not to mention the certainty of purple-lips syndrome. Just let this bottle of dark velvet works its magic. It'll be blanketing (and wowing) your taste buds in no time.

As easy as riding a bike

2008-10-20T22:39:00.007-04:00

Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir (2005)
Origin: France (Vin de Pays d'Oc)
Price: $10

It's been a very long day, and quite honestly, after working far too many hours, I was really looking forward to uncorking a bottle. But I wasn't in the mood to experiment with anything too crazy. I don't think my poor little stressed and overworked heart could stand a disappointing wine tonight. So I opted for a sure bet: Red Bicyclette.

This wine is oh so very cherry, and throw in a little plum to boot. The tannins are so smooth that before you know it, your glass is empty. No lie. The oak is extremely subtle and does not at any point overpower the berry flavors. There's also some great leg action. I really can't complain. Lively and delicious.

Alas, I'm exhausted and must get some rest. But I will leave you with this thought. The label on the bottle goes on and on about how drinking this wine is "as easy as riding a bike." What a cute little pun, considering that "bicyclette" is the French word for bicycle. But I'm not gonna argue, it's good branding. Cheers.

P.S. You have to love that the cork simply has "Bonjour!" written on it.

The last rays of sunshine before winter

2008-10-16T21:51:00.018-04:00

Santi Pinot Grigio Sortesele (2004)
Origin: Italy (delle Venezie)
Price: $13

It's October, yet Mother Nature has been teasing us with warm days. Voilà, Indian summer! I'm very seasonal with my wine consumption -- drinking more reds in cold weather and more whites in warm weather. So while the first chill in the air had triggered my taste for dry reds, this week I yearned for something light, bright and refreshing. There's just something about that no-need-for-a-coat feeling that changes your mindset.

Basically I'd say that this is a textbook pinot grigio. It's fairly mild and a tad bit buttery but has that typical clean dryness. Lemon and lime dance around on your tongue. It's golden yellow hue is like rays of sunshine beaming in your glass. This would be tasty with any seafood dish, not to mention light pastas.

For the record, "Sortesele" is a vineyard divided into many small portions of about 4,000 square meters each. Just thought you'd like to know where the name came from.

Tip: If pinot grigio is about the extent of your white wine consumption, next time try pushing your limits. Go for an Argentinian torrontés or a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Your taste buds will thank me.

An untamed Italian beast

2008-10-15T22:56:00.010-04:00

Antinori Santa Cristina Sangiovese (2003)
Origin: Italy (Toscana)
Price: $12

When I was a kid I remember battling it out with Neapolitan ice cream. I guess it's one of those flavors developed to make the majority of people happy, that is unless you only really care for one of the flavors. Anyone who knows me knows that I would choose chocolate over vanilla any day. And strawberry, well, that flavor ranks even lower than vanilla. So I used to take the "save the best for last" approach with Neapolitan, making my eating order strawberry, vanilla, then finally chocolate. But by the time I got to the chocolate, sometimes it was a little too melted. Maybe it's not always wise to hang on to something you assume to be great. Enter this sangiovese.

I remember buying this wine a while ago on Chairman's Selection and for some reason I kept saving it for a special occasion because I thought it was going to blow me away. But in typical "me" fashion, when I get my hopes up really high I usually end up disappointed. The thought crossed my mind that maybe 2003 was too old for this wine. But that really should not be the case, as sangiovese is a good one to tuck away for a few years. It's possible that I just don't like sangiovese as much as I thought I did.

Anyway, I don't think anyone will be messing with this wine on the playground. For starters, it has a serious amount of pigment. It's a little bit tart with the intensity of ripe blackberries and maybe a bit of tar. There is definitely an underlying earthiness to it and its legs dance wildly like an untamed creature. It seems a little bit rough. Not bad, but not my favorite.

Moral of the story: What are you waiting for? If you think you have a great bottle that you're dying to try, open it already. Don't delay possible disappointment. And if the wine happens to be spectacular then you can run back to the store and stock up.

A Sideways-worthy pinot

2008-10-12T16:21:00.006-04:00

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Silver Label Pinot Noir (2006)
Origin: California
Price: $20

OK, so maybe I lied. Maybe this is not one of the perfect pinots referenced in the movie Sideways. But I sure got your attention, didn't I?

In all honestly, this is actually a really great pinot, although at times it appears almost un-pinot-like. To me it tastes very clean and straightforward, and that's not a bad thing. This just adds to its drinkability. It could be its young age, but it was bursting with red fruits, similar to what you might find in a zinfandel. The juicy strawberry, plum and cherry flavors were what I noticed first. It was also lighter than most pinot noirs, although not at all watery. The characteristic pinot smokiness was there, yet rather modest in comparison to what I expected.

Oh, and here's a fun little tidbit. Its legs were quite methodical, practically mocking the Market Street Bridge's systematic arches along the middle of my glass.

Simple wine for simple food

2008-10-07T18:43:00.015-04:00

Luna di Luna Sangiovese Merlot (2004)
Origin: Italy (Umbria)
Price: $10

Some days you might feel like keeping it simple. Some days chocolate pudding seems more appropriate than chocolate soufflé. It's much the same with wine.

This sangiovese merlot blend may not be as rich and complex as many of the dry reds out there -- you might even consider it a bit watery. Nor is it extremely aromatic. But it will make an excellent sidekick to pizza on a Sunday night.

The sangiovese gives it naive fruit while the merlot adds a bit of structure and a velvety texture. The subtle cherry and berry flavors are held together by light oak.

On a different note, this brand truly makes a style statement. Each of Luna di Luna's wines flaunt their own color personalities -- this bottle being a juicy jewel-tone purple. Maybe next time I'll want a fire-engine red bottle, which would be the merlot cabernet blend. Top that with an artsy-contemporary wine label and silver foil and you have something quite eye-catching. It's impossible to miss these in store.

The perfect red wine companion ...

2008-10-05T12:57:00.012-04:00

I bet you thought I was going to talk about some kind of food item. Nope. I'm actually here to suggest a beverage companion to your wine, particularly with dry red wine. Have you ever felt really thirsty after drinking red wine? Well, here's the antidote: San Pellegrino. It's an effervescent mineral water that should truly be a no-brainer with red wine.

While I've realized that a good portion of Americans find the concept of water with bubbles rather obscure (if not downright repulsive), in European countries such as Italy, it's as common as milk. In fact, I've observed that many Italians drink sparkling water because they believe it quenches their thirst better than regular water. I tend to agree.

You might be thinking, well, there are many other sparkling waters, so why S. Pellegrino? I think it's just the right amount of bubbles. Maybe you're familiar with seltzer water, but that's way too much effervescence. Club soda is a bit better, but somehow Pellegrino tastes more refined. And no offense to the French, but I'd take Pellegrino over Perrier any day. That could strictly be the Italian in me lashing out, but I do prefer the taste of Pellegrino.

Where can you buy Pellegrino? You can most likely find it in your local grocery store, and I've recently discovered that at Costco you can buy a case of 12 (750 mL bottles) of this stuff for about $12. Also, many restaurants and wine bars, such as Zia's at Red Door carry it.

So here's your homework assignment. The next time you're drinking a dry red wine, make sure you have a chilled bottle of Pellegrino ready to go. Add lemon and lime wedges to a glass of the sparkling water. Enjoy intermittently with your red wine. Ahhh, instant refreshment. You'll never be thirsty after red wine again. Trust me on this one.

How about a Chilean grapefruit infusion?

2008-10-01T21:40:00.007-04:00

Gato Negro Sauvignon Blanc
Origin: Chile (Valle Central)
Price: $8.50

It's funny, I always seem to forget about this wine, but at the same time it tends to be my default selection when at Café Fresco, like last night. Sadly a glass of this at Fresco costs about as much as an entire bottle does at the store, but it's delicious nonetheless.

At first whiff I'm forever astounded at the intense grapefruit that hits you. Bam! Your senses are awakened. All grapefruit taste aside, I wouldn't say that it's a terribly complex wine, but it's nice and light in color (very pale yellow) and flavor, which makes it pleasing in most scenarios. There's good acidity -- enough to give you that lively citrus hit, but not so much that it makes you pucker. If you can see past the grapefruit notes, you'll also sense green herbs and lemon zest.

Calling all New Zealand sauvignon blanc fans! If this is you, definitely give this one a try. Both nationalities have that fierce citrus quality that you just don't see in the ones from California. So much for being patriotic.

More bite than fruit

2008-09-29T22:18:00.007-04:00

Pascual Toso Torrontés (2007)
Origin: Argentina (Mendoza)
Price: $8

I think that lately I've been on a roll with torrontés ... almost too much of a roll. I knew it. Not that this one was bad, but it just didn't seem to have the explosion of fruit that I've come to adore in a torrontés.

For starters, the nose was lacking. What little it had more closely resembled an eau de toilette (no pun intended) than something succulent. There were faint aromas of roses and maybe some lemon if I think about it really hard.

But its mild nose was a fakeout for what was yet to come. There's plenty of bite to this wine, with tons of green pepper, herbs and a only hint of citrus. Or maybe there was more citrus than I thought but the bite just overpowered it? In any case, you need a spicy meal -- such as seafood with tons of Old Bay seasoning -- or maybe Mexican to appropriately contend with the flavors in this juice. Now we're talkin'.

A hugely disappointing riesling experiment

2008-09-27T15:06:00.011-04:00

Leasingham Magnus Riesling (2004)
Origin: Australia (Clare Valley)
Price: $8

While I don't pretend to know a ton about riesling, I do know that it typically makes an excellent companion to Asian food, Thai in particular. Last night a herd of us went to a local Thai gem, Bangkok 56, to celebrate a friend's birthday. As a side note, the cuisine there is beyond excellent every time, and last night was not exception. The place was packed, with people even standing in the corner by the exaggerated elephant decor waiting for a table.

For some reason my expectations were high for this wine, but after one sip, disappointment quickly set in. I guess I didn't do my homework on this one. It was truly a random pick of a Chairman's Selection a while back as I was strolling the state store aisles. Since this was the only riesling in my pseudo cellar last night, I brought it to dinner. The night before, it had crossed my mind that a 2004 riesling might be past its prime. But I asked my wine-expert friend and he said that riesling is one type of white wine that can age the longest -- about five years. So I was in the clear ... supposedly.

It should have been zesty, juicy and crisp, but I got none of that. Rather, it was more of a blah white wine with an almost rubber-like aftertaste and a bit of unwanted fizz. Everyone around the table agreed that it had a very peculiar taste. I, for one, couldn't get past this foulness to notice any other flavors. You can't even blame it on cork, as this one's a screw cap. Maybe I was unlucky enough to score a bad bottle of this stuff. What else could it be? But one thing is for sure, I won't be buying it again. What a flop.

Smooth and tart is the new sweet and salty

2008-09-25T23:03:00.016-04:00

Sebastiani Secolo (2005)
Origin: California (Sonoma County)
Price: $30

I'm fortunate enough to have a friend with a vast wine collection, with me being his only wine-loving friend. (Can you believe my friend's roommate thinks wine tastes like vinegar? Yeah, neither can we.) So I'm the go-to person when the urge strikes to uncork a bottle.

Most obviously, this wine has enough legs to challenge the Rockettes. Their lively dance in your glass is simply mesmerizing. Factor in its deep ruby hue and you're practically hypnotized. There's an interesting contrast going on here -- the mild tannins represent the smoothness that comes with proper aging, yet there's a certain boysenberry tartness that gives it freshness. It's similar to the effect created with chocolate and pretzels -- the flavors are opposites, but when combined, they create a more dynamic overall flavor. While boysenberry was definitely dominant, I also sensed black cherry and blackberry, along with some herbiness.

For the record, this varietal is made up of 75 percent cabernet sauvignon, 18 percent merlot, four percent petit verdot and three percent malbec. Also, in case you're wondering, "secolo" means "century" in Italian, and this wine started as a celebration of Sebastiani Vineyards' 100-year anniversary. Just a note, my friend said that you may not see this wine in circulation -- he brought it back from California and mentioned that it was made in limited quantities.

Tip: Go online to avoid the wild goose chase

2008-09-24T22:22:00.012-04:00

Here's a scenario for you. Your friend tells you about this really spectacular wine that he/she just had and says that you positively must try it. You go to the closest state store. It's nowhere in sight. You go to the next-closest state store and can't find it there either. What the heck?!

Well, did you realize that the PLCB has an online product search database? Yeah, it was news to me, too. How ridiculous do I feel that I only figured this out recently? About as ridiculous as earmuffs in the summertime. Just type in a keyword or wine type and if it's in their system it'll show up in the search results. Then click on the item and it'll prompt you for a particular city, county or store to search. And, voilà, you know how many units of product are at the store! This is not only limited to wine, my friend. You can also search for spirits as well. (You know you're itching to stock up on Jose Cuervo Especial for your next margarita party.) Some products are designated "SLO" (Special Liquor Order), so they may not have them in store, but you can put an order in for a case. I realize most people won't buy a case of tequila, but ordering a case of much-sought-after wine is not out of the ordinary.

You can't tear me away from torrontés

2008-09-17T21:09:00.005-04:00

Zolo Torrontés (2007)
Origin: Argentina (Mendoza)
Price: $9

Pardon me if I seem giddy, but this is yet another torrontés that I find positively superb. While this is only the second torrontés that I've ever tasted (don't laugh), I'm simply in love. The new joke is that I'm going on vacation to Argentina so I can get up close and personal with this grape that I adore. Even though I'm still enamored by the Santa Ana Reserve that I mentioned previously, I must give this Zolo mad props.

It has a stunning floral and citrus aroma that makes you feel instantly revived. The taste is full of citrus, apple and pear, but without the sugary sweetness. You can also sense some fresh herb notes and the finish is crisp and clean. Truly delightful.

Oh, and here's a bonus. I had this wine last night at BLUE Bistro & Wine Bar in midtown. It's an interesting little somewhat-Euro-influenced place that changes its menu seasonally. It's not BYOB, but it turns out that Tuesday night features half-price bottles of wine, this Zolo being one of them. That makes it not much more expensive than buying it at the store. Also, make a mental note that BLUE Bistro has half-price tapas during happy hour. Why didn't I know this sooner?!

The pink potion that's not just for girls

2008-09-15T21:28:00.007-04:00

Folonari Pink Pinot Grigio (2007)
Origin: Italy (delle Venezie)
Price: $9

OK, so first of all, don't laugh. I know, I know, this wine looks like an even more girly shade of pink than the last one I wrote about. In all honesty, a straight, male friend of mine brought this rosé to the wine tasting party on Saturday night. So there! Now, raise your hand if you like pinot grigio. I thought so. Me, too. Then there's no reason that you should be afraid of drinking this pink potion.

Since rosé is made in several ways (see previous post) and with many different types of grapes, the color can actually vary from a pale peach to a bright almost-purple hue. This particular rosé is made from 100 percent pinot grigio and since pinot grigio grapes are a fairly dark color (for a white wine), the grape skins are left in contact with the fermenting juice just long enough to create a bit of color.

Much like its color, this rosé tastes very light and soft -- a refreshing summer wine option. A floral nose is balanced with lots of ripe fruit, especially strawberry. It has a crisp finish with a burst of sweetness. But not to worry, I would consider it an off-dry wine ... it's far from a white zinfandel.

Pink is not all bad if you don't blush

2008-09-14T13:47:00.014-04:00

Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah (2008)
Origin: Chile (Colchagua Valley)
Price: $12.50

I feel it's necessary to make an amendment to my earlier crack at pink wines. To clarify, I was actually referring to blush wines. You know, like the freakishly popular white zinfandel that bears a striking resemblance to Kool-Aid. (The mere though just sent a chill up my spine.) Blushes characteristically have about 2.5% residual sugar, which accounts for their juice-like sweetness.

On the other hand, rosé wines tend to be surprisingly dry, much like many white wines, and they have recently been enjoying a surge in popularity. There are three main ways to make rosé: (1) skin contact -- allowing red-skinned grapes to stay in the juice after they're crushed, (2) saignée (bleeding) -- removing some of the pink juice early in the red-wine making process and fermenting that pink juice separately, (3) blending -- adding some red wine to a white wine. Please make sure to chill your rosé, much like you would with a white. Otherwise, the flavors tends to get a bit dull and lose their vibrancy.

So last night I was at a rosé wine tasting party, where each person was supposed to bring a different rosé. With at least 10 guests there, this made for an excellent introduction to the varietal!

The Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah was probably the darkest pink of all the wines I tasted. Since it's a syrah-based rosé, that explains the bright, raspberry-pink color. That's probably also why it had a bit stronger flavor than most of the others -- including a touch of spiciness. This wine was teeming with luscious red fruit -- cherry, raspberry, strawberry and blood orange. Despite all that fruit, it was nice and dry, with enough acidity to keep things interesting.

Get dreamy with the little grape

2008-09-12T22:38:00.009-04:00

EOS Reserve Petite Sirah (2005)
Origin: California (Paso Robles)
Price: $17

Here's where we start indulging. So I finally got to try that newish French bistro-style place, Confit. I ordered (and highly recommend) the boeuf bourguignon, which is braised beef short ribs in a sinful red wine reduction. My friend brought this petite sirah and it couldn't have been a better sidekick for such a rich meal.

This wine was decadently dry and smooth, with lovely yet persistant tannins. One sip and it was like a bit of velvet blanketing my tongue, mouth and throat. Currant was dominant, but closely followed by blackberry and blueberry notes, and finishing with a comfortable earthiness. Simply irresistable. Robert Palmer would be proud.

Did someone sneak some basil into that bottle?

2008-09-09T21:35:00.003-04:00

Delta Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (2007)
Origin: New Zealand (Marlborough)

Price: $16

Here's another succulent treat from the wine tasting party this past weekend. Silly me had forgotten the name, so I had to ask around.

Let's face it, I'm always one for a good Marlborough sauvignon blanc. I'm simply drawn to the crisp, citrusy goodness that is characteric of the varietal. Here the refreshing citrus was unmistakable, but the star of this bottle was more herb than anything else. It took us a second to figure it out, yet the overwhelming consensus was basil! We looked around in disbelief for a second, but we definitely sensed basil. It's like someone had come along and slipped a couple of basil leaves into the bottle. It put a whole new twist on "crisp." Very interesting, indeed.

After recovering from the basil shock, I started to notice the more traditional grass and mineral notes, with a very perfume-like aroma over all.

This carménère is coffee and chocolate heaven

2008-09-07T11:46:00.007-04:00

Casillero del Diablo Carménère (2006)
Origin: Chile (Rapel Valley)
Price: $11

Last night I was at a friend's wine tasting party, and little did I know, I brought one of the "winners" of the night. This Casillero del Diablo carménère was definitely a random pick for me -- I was trying to venture in a direction that I hadn't gone before, and it seems that my instict was right on target.

For starters, the brand Casillero del Diablo has a cool story behind it. More than a century ago, the brand's founder realized that his vineyard workers were dipping into the best wines. In order to deter this from happening, he started a rumor that his deepest, darkest cellar was the Casillero del Diablo (Cellar of the Devil). As you can imagine, nobody would go in there after they heard this, and the legend was born.

I was prepared for a very robust wine, seeing as this is 14 percent alcohol and I had read that carménère has a lot of pigment. The breakdown of this particular wine is 85 percent carménère, 10 percent cabernet sauvignon and five percent syrah. It was definitely a full wine -- more so than I had even expected.

Just by swirling, its coffee aromas couldn't have been more obvious, and its legs were to die for. The first sip confirmed chocolate, plum and a dash of spice. By the end of the glass, I was reveling in its striking balance of flavors, complete with just the right amounts of earthiness and smokiness. Folks, it doesn't get much better than this (especially on a Saturday night in the 'Burg).

Get tickled by this torrontés

2008-09-01T21:48:00.006-04:00

Santa Ana Reserve Torrontés (2006)
Origin: Argentina (Mendoza)
Price: $8

Simply put, I can't seem to get enough of this wine. Being a torrontés newbie, I bought this completely on a whim. But, wow, was I surprised! One sip and I was enchanted by its jasmine and green apple deliciousness. It also had the citrus and nectarine flavors that you might find in a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, but with a bit of jalapeno on the finish. When well chilled, its floral aromas and citrus dominated, yet as it warmed up slightly, the spiciness became more noticeable creating quite a nice balance.

After opening my first bottle of this wine, I practically sprinted back to the store to buy four more bottles, seeing as it was a Chairman's Selection and would most likely be out of stock for good. It has, in fact, been confirmed that you can no longer buy this wine in Pennsylvania and I checked in Delaware this past weekend, with no luck there either. Let's hope it will resurface sometime in the near future.

Rhapsody thinks it's a riesling

2008-08-24T17:32:00.020-04:00

Nissley Rhapsody in Blue (2006)
Origin: Pennsylvania
Price: $10.75

Last night some friends and I completed our annual pilgrimage to Nissley Vineyards for one of the Music in the Vineyards outdoor concerts. Every Saturday through Labor Day weekend features a different theme band, last night's being one of our favorites, JumpStreet -- 70s and 80 funk, rock and soul!

If you didn't know better, you'd think that Rhapsody in Blue is a riesling. But in reality it's made up of 76 percent vidal blanc and 24 percent cayuga, and categorized as one of Nissley's semi-dry wines. That's right, not one bit of riesling in this bottle. Hey, we live and learn.

Out of all Nissley's wines, this one is supposed to appeal to a bit of a younger crowd, which is the reason for the designer label and cool blue bottle. In contrast, the other wines in the Nissley lineup have much more classic labels. So maybe this marketing tactic is working -- after all, Rhapsody is usually my default pick at Nissley.

Another tasty llama-type

2008-08-10T22:43:00.014-04:00

Quara Cabernet Sauvignon (2005)
Origin: Argentina (Cafayate Valley)
Price: $9

It's interesting that just by drinking wine you can pick up tidbits about different cultures. While my noggin previously knew very little about Argentina, I've now figured out that Argentinians must be big fans of the llama. (Hopefully this is true.) And while this is not a very deep observation, it is an observation nonetheless. In my last entry, I talked about the brand Funky Llama. Well, according to the label on this wine, Quara actually means "llama"in the ancient Incan dialect. I had no idea!

I must say that the label itself is pretty darn cool, with its modern and colorful interpretation of a llama. Even the shape of the bottle is a bit chunkier on top than the average bottle, and suggests something new and interesting. For me this brand was exactly that.

This cab really stood its own, especially considering that my friends and I didn't even give it a chance to breathe before indulging. Its smooth richness was infused with blackberry and cherry flavors, and had decent legs to boot. In any case, I think I may have found another to frequent the Argentinian aisle at the wine store.

8 for $8 or less

2008-08-08T08:08:00.002-04:00

It's 8/8/08 so it only seems appropriate to throw a little advice on the eights your way. Wouldn't it be great to know eight decent wines that cost $8 or less*? Well, it's your lucky day.

First off, you might be thinking that this list is heavy on the pinot grigio and merlot. But when keeping wine low-budget, it seems to me that those tend to be the more decent varieties. There are, of course, some terrible, inexpensive pinot grigios and merlots, so hopefully I can lead you in the right direction.

Just as I don't care for chain restaurants, I also don't care much for the cliches that go with brands such as Woodbridge, Sutter Home and Yellow Tail. They scream CHEAP and uninteresting. So I'll steer clear of them even though they would fit the bill for $8 or less. The key is to go a bit outside the box so that your cheap wine won't give the impression of being cheap. In the end, you really just want something that tastes dreamy for the price.

I'll keep the descriptions brief, as it's been a while since I've tasted some of these, but for one reason or another, they've stuck in my mind. (Hey, eight is hard to come up with all at once!) I'll probably be featuring some of these in entries yet to come though. So without further ado, here are my eight wines for $8 or less, in no particular order.

Bella Sera Pinot Grigio
Origin: Italy (delle Venezie)
Price: $8
This tends to be my default pinot grigio purchase. You can't complain about the taste -- crisp and refreshing, with hints of apple and lemon. It's an inexpensive yet respectable choice.

Georges Duboeuf Merlot
Origin: France (Vin de Pays d'Oc)
Price: $8
For a merlot, this is nothing crazy, but not too shabby either. The bottle is simple yet elegant, adorned with a single red flower. The wine has a sweetness to it, even for a dry red, and it's easy to drink. You can hardly complain about it.

Arca Nova Vinho Verde
Origin: Portugal
Price: $7.50
Vinho verde means "green wine," which very much describes this wine -- it's young, fresh and light. In case you're unfamiliar with this variety, the wine label says that vinho verde is the "classical white wine of Portugal." Its slight efferevescence is surprising, but adds a pleasant zing.

Funky Llama Shiraz
Origin: Argentina (Mendoza)
Price: $6
If anything, this wine is appealing based on branding alone. Its fun name and brightly-colored cork (neon yellow!) and label make you want to reach for it, not to mention that it's a great conversation piece. Underneath all that, the wine is not super-sophisticated but goes down easy. I stocked up on Funky Llama for New Year's Eve and it disappeared without a trace.

Barefoot Pinot Grigio
Origin: California
Price: $6
This is hands down the best-tasting cheap pinot grigio that I've ever tried. It's not terribly complex, but has a good amount of fruit and sweetness, finishing with a refreshing tang. (See my previous entry on this wine.)

The Little Penguin Shiraz Cabernet
Origin: Australia (South Eastern)
Price: $7
As I mentioned in one of my earlier entries, this is a very smooth selection, which makes it easy to drink on its own as well as with a meal -- quite a hit at my house on Thanksgiving. The adorable name and label, not to mention drinkability, will definitely leave you wanting to sample others in the Little Penguin lineup.

Hogue Riesling
Origin: Washington (Columbia Valley)
Price: $8
I don't buy riesling often -- maybe because I'm afraid to end up with one that's too sweet. But this one has just the right amount of dolce. It's very lush and fruity but still extremely refreshing...think fresh apricot and orange. And for you sushi lovers, riesling always makes a good companion to those Japanese gems.

Screw Kappa Napa Merlot
Origin: California (Napa Valley)
Price: $5
Pretty much everything about this one tends to conjure up conversation. You might not know what to think of the name at first, but then you realize that it is a screw cap, which has been gaining popularity, even though I've hardly seen it on red wines. The picture on the label is that of a corkscrew with angel's wings and a halo over its head, floating into heaven -- definitely not the norm. I took a chance on this one because of its sheer cheapness and found that the wine itself is very smooth and smoky, with vanilla notes.

And that's eight. Did you know that the number eight is a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture? Don't forget to watch the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in Beijing at 8 p.m. tonight. Cheers!

*I've tried my best to keep the prices accurate, but please note that depending on where you live and if the wines are on sale, prices may vary from what I've listed. In any event, at least you'll have ballpark figures.

Quote

2008-08-02T23:57:00.007-04:00

"When it comes to wine, I tell people to throw away the vintage charts and invest in a corkscrew. The best way to learn about wine is the drinking."

- Alexis Lichine

The Little Penguin: A classier alternative to that corny kangaroo

2008-08-01T18:15:00.004-04:00

I'm sure you're very familiar with the ever-popular kangaroo labels that are synonymous with the Australian brand Yellow Tail. But in my circle of friends we cringe when we spot that marsupial leaping onto the table. It's not that it's such a terrible wine -- it can, in fact, be quite acceptable. But it's more that it signifies one or more of the following: (a) you're cheap, (b) you have no interest in or knowledge of wine, (c) you're regifting a bottle. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be super proud of any of these.

Enter the kangaroo's well-dressed neighbor, The Little Penguin. As this brand is also Australian, the two are often found next to each other on the shelf. Closely mirroring Yellow Tail's price range and selection, Little Penguin offers only a few less varieties. I've found that Pennsylvania tends not to carry much in the way of Little Penguin, whereas Delaware boasts a much fuller array. The beauty of it is that since it's lesser known and harder to find, Little Penguin is not as cliche as Yellow Tail. I can feel at ease bringing a bottle of Little Penguin to a party. This comes in handy when you know it will be a large party where people won't necessarily care what wine they're drinking. Why waste expensive wine on people that are happy drinking boxed wine? (Boxed wine -- that just sent a shiver up my spine.) As an added bonus, I often get the reaction, "Ah, there's a little penguin on the bottle. That's so cute." This proves that branding is half the battle.

So far my top Little Penguin pick is the shiraz cabernet (orange label), although it's sometimes difficult to find in stock. It's very smooth and is therefore quite easy to drink on its own as well as with a meal. My other recommendations would be the cabernet merlot (magenta label) or the shiraz (red label), this last one being the most common in stores around here. I have yet to try the whites, but I have a feeling I'd be disappointed.

So ... have I convinced you to lay off the 'roo and try the penguin for a change?

Note: If you simply must buy the 'roo, I would suggest staying away from the whites. I once was brave enough to try a bottle of the reisling (bright yellow label), but found it so putrid and completely not worth my while to drink that I poured it out. The pinot grigio (green label) is equally shaky. Rather, the red blends like the shiraz cabernet (purple label) and the shiraz grenache (magenta label) are always safe bets -- the shiraz grenache was surprisingly decent. And it seems like the straight shiraz (deep yellow label) is many people's default purchase as far as Yellow Tail goes. I have yet to try Yellow Tail's "Reserve" varieties, but to me that kind of defeats the purpose of a bargain brand. That's like buying a Geo Metro fully loaded with navigation. Yes, yes, I realize they no longer make Geo Metros, but you get the idea.

El cheapo, old reliable

2008-07-31T20:53:00.003-04:00

Barefoot Pinot Grigio
Origin: California
Price: $7

If you're looking for a cheap wine that never disappoints, this is it. Time and time again I've purchased this wine, and it's always a crowd pleaser. This week I brought some to a committee meeting, and although attendance was low, the wine disappeared.

Excellent for warm weather days, this is a rather fruity pinot grigio...I taste apple and pear notes especially. It finishes with a tangy sweetness. There's really nothing to complain about. All too often, I've found that cheap pinot grigio tends to taste flat and watery (stay away from Fish Eye), but Barefoot's is far from it.

Having tried other Barefoot wines which are just as reasonably priced, I consider this one the clear victor. Their sauvignon blanc (green label) is not nearly as impressive as far as whites go. The Barefoot merlot (dark blue label) is not bad at all, but it's clear that reds aren't Barefoot's forte.

Wine + fruit + a little something extra = sangria

2008-07-30T20:46:00.012-04:00

This past weekend I made my first attempt at sangria. But seriously, how hard could it be? You just need a little creativity and a lot of fresh fruit.

Seeing as I still had a lot of homemade white wine in my pseudo cellar, and last week I realized that it was slightly effervescent, I thought, "Let's make some sparkling white sangria." I was on the hunt for the perfect recipe, but I wasn't thrilled about what surfaced. Some called for things like amaretto liqueur, which I don't really care for, or apricot nectar, which isn't exactly the easiest thing to find.

So I collected about four different recipes and merged them to create my own masterpiece. The resulting beverage was quite delightful and disappeared quickly. I even had to make a second batch halfway through the evening.

Here's the nitty gritty on my recipe. Scrounge up a large glass pitcher, like something you'd use for lemonade. Make sure you include some sort of slotted spoon for rescuing the fruit when serving. The ingredients:

2 bottles of homemade trebbiano (I'm sure any dry or semi-dry white that's still or sparkling will work though.)
1 cup of pulp-free orange juice
1 cup of triple sec (or Cointreau)
Splash of brandy
1 orange sliced into thin wheels
1 nectarine cut into small segments
Handful of green grapes, halved
Handful of fresh raspberries

Give everything a good stir...you might want to do this before you add the raspberries though. Chill until you're ready to serve. Then sit back and watch the party get under way!

Next time I'll probably experiment with different juices, like mango or white grape. The fruit possibilities are endless as well, depending on what's in season. And I'm sure I'll be experimenting with a red sangria at some point in the near future. Stay tuned.

Plenty of red and white to drink, but easy on the pink

2008-07-30T19:07:00.010-04:00

I wouldn't say that I know I lot about wine, but I know more than I did, let's say, three years ago. My relationship with wine is kind of like my love affair with sushi. I was kind of indifferent to it a few years ago, and then all of a sudden I couldn't live without it. My attraction to wine is something like that. Being Italian, wine was always in my blood. Heck, my family in Italy still bottles wine according to the moon phases. But I never really showed much of an interest in it until my Italian Club friends and I started making wine a few years ago. Around that time, some of my other friends and I started visiting wineries and hosting wine tasting parties. The rest is history.

I am by no means a great wine connoisseur who collects $200 bottles of wine. Quite the contrary, I rarely spend more than $10-$12 on a bottle of wine, especially because when I make my own wine it ends up only costing about $2-$3 per bottle. (Hey, I have a mortgage and car payments to make! I'm sure some of you can relate to that.) Yet I rarely drink a bad bottle of wine, and I make it my business to keep it that way.

While I'm no sommelier, I tend to get hunches about certain wines, especially in frequenting the Chairman's Selections at the wine store. For those of you who are not from Pennsylvania, the Chairman's Selection program was initiated in 2004 and is a collection of reduced-price wines that are offered only in our "premium stores." Out of 620 wine shops in the state, only 73 are designated as "premium stores." (Keep in mind that in our backward state you cannot buy wine in the grocery store.) Basically you can get some amazing wines for very attractive prices. But quantities of these wines are always limited so you either stock up now, or regret it later.

Just keep a few things in mind while reading this blog: I'm not a fan of chardonnay (unless it's unoaked), I think New Zealand's sauvignon blancs are far more appealing than California's, merlot is a red I can easily pass up, and the color of what I drink tends to change with the seasons (more reds in winter and more whites in summer). If you're cool with all that, then I think we're ready to rock!

P.S. White zinfandel is not considered wine in my book. It fits in the same family as Arbor Mist. Red zinfandel, however, is an entirely different story.

P.P.S. Please post comments!