It truly is a blizzard out there, but dinner was delicious & Matt picked out a beautiful Rioja to go with it.
Tonight, I made a Pork Roast in the slow cooker. I had a 4 1/2 pound pork roast with the bone in. I rubbed salt & pepper on the pork, then I added 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup Worcestershire Sauce and a can of Pepsi. Along with the pork, I made roasted red potatoes. On the potatoes I put olive oil, the Montreal Seasoning, Herbes de Provence, salt & pepper. Mix it all up, spread it out on a baking stone and put it in the oven at 450 for about 25 minutes. It really was the perfect dinner for our snowed-in evening.
Tonight we had paired this with a 2006 Vina Zaco Tempranillo Rioja. Rioja is a region of Spain. Tempranillo is the varietal. To start, this wine is a nice deep red color. It's got a medium body. On the nose, there's some strawberry and light vanilla and leather. I taste that same strawberry, and a little caramel? Maybe that's vanilla. Either way, mmm... mmm... it's good stuff. Nice choice, Honey :) Well, back to checking out the blizzard, and hoping for a state of emergency so I don't have to go to work tomorrow. Wish me luck!
In Vino Veritas.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Pork Chops alla Pizzaoli (sp?) & 2009 Ocone Piedirosso
Good Saturday Evening Everone! Busy day behind me (2 basketball games & a birthday party), and soooo good to have tonight to enjoy and nice dinner and wine pairing.
Tonight's recipe was pretty easy. It's one I used to do more often, and I don't remember where it originally came from, and I've made my own variation to it, anyway. Here goes... Pounded out some pork chops (since I didn't buy the thin cut ones), seasoned with freshely ground salt & pepper and put in a pan with hot EVOO. Cooked a few minutes on each side. Take them out to a plate and cover with foil. In the pan, I poured in a can of diced tomatoes (with juices), a teaspoon of herbes de provence and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer and let that thicken about 12-15 minutes (keeping an eye that it doesn't burn), then put the pork chops back in with the juices from the plate to get some of the sauce on it. Place the pork chops on a serving plate and top with the tomato sauce. I don't know why I don't make this more often. It's really easy. I just served it over egg noodles tonight.
And onto the wine. I told Matt to pick something off the rack, and make it Italian. So, he came up with the 2009 Ocone Piedirosso. This is a grape I hadn't heard of before, but it's Italian ~ how bad could it be. I'm not sure I've met an Italian wine I haven't liked, yet. We're not entirely sure where it came from, but we think this was a gift from a customer of Matt's (this is what happens when there's too much stuff on the rack, we forget where some of it came from). Piedirosso is planted primarily in the Campania region, and is considered a specialty of that region, often used for blending.
The color is a gorgeous deep red, not quite purple. On the nose, very cherry with a little smoke. At first taste, slight acidity that quickly dissipates. Again, nice cherry with a little spice. Super light tannins, which is nice, it doesn't need much time to open up. When I asked Matt if he liked it, he said absolutely, 'I'd buy it". So, I just looked it up to check prices, and what came up? Amanti Vino came up first on Bing. $16.99. Perfect. (Makes me wonder if we got it from there? Or, maybe his customer did?). Who knows.
It won't be the last time we have this, now that I know where to easily get it! That's it for tonight! There's a fire roaring, and we're getting ready to watch A Good Year with Russell Crowe.
In Vino Veritas!
Tonight's recipe was pretty easy. It's one I used to do more often, and I don't remember where it originally came from, and I've made my own variation to it, anyway. Here goes... Pounded out some pork chops (since I didn't buy the thin cut ones), seasoned with freshely ground salt & pepper and put in a pan with hot EVOO. Cooked a few minutes on each side. Take them out to a plate and cover with foil. In the pan, I poured in a can of diced tomatoes (with juices), a teaspoon of herbes de provence and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer and let that thicken about 12-15 minutes (keeping an eye that it doesn't burn), then put the pork chops back in with the juices from the plate to get some of the sauce on it. Place the pork chops on a serving plate and top with the tomato sauce. I don't know why I don't make this more often. It's really easy. I just served it over egg noodles tonight.
And onto the wine. I told Matt to pick something off the rack, and make it Italian. So, he came up with the 2009 Ocone Piedirosso. This is a grape I hadn't heard of before, but it's Italian ~ how bad could it be. I'm not sure I've met an Italian wine I haven't liked, yet. We're not entirely sure where it came from, but we think this was a gift from a customer of Matt's (this is what happens when there's too much stuff on the rack, we forget where some of it came from). Piedirosso is planted primarily in the Campania region, and is considered a specialty of that region, often used for blending.
The color is a gorgeous deep red, not quite purple. On the nose, very cherry with a little smoke. At first taste, slight acidity that quickly dissipates. Again, nice cherry with a little spice. Super light tannins, which is nice, it doesn't need much time to open up. When I asked Matt if he liked it, he said absolutely, 'I'd buy it". So, I just looked it up to check prices, and what came up? Amanti Vino came up first on Bing. $16.99. Perfect. (Makes me wonder if we got it from there? Or, maybe his customer did?). Who knows.
It won't be the last time we have this, now that I know where to easily get it! That's it for tonight! There's a fire roaring, and we're getting ready to watch A Good Year with Russell Crowe.
In Vino Veritas!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Don't Cry for Me, Argentina - this pairing was fantastic!
Last night's dinner and wine pairing was one of my best ones, yet! The recipe came out of Martha Stewart Everyday magazine that I get from my mother-in-law (Thanks, Mom!!). Anyway, I was also able to find it online, so I don't have to retype the whole thing, so here it is... http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/skirt-steak-with-sweet-potato-wedges-and-parsley-salad. Super easy & delicious.
So, at first I wasn't sure where to go with the wine, and really wanted to pair it with one of my Wine of the Month wines from Amanti Vino, because I haven't done that in a while, so I perused my wine rack and came up with the 2008 Jelu Malbec.
Jelu ~ from the Huarpe Indian language meaning sun. Malbec is an Argentinian wine, and has recently become a favorite of mine, and I though it would be a delicious accompaniment to my dinner. I hit it out of the park with this one. On the nose, I'm getting some deep red fruit, a little chocolate. Beautiful inky purple color. Then you drink it, and ohhhhh, it's good stuff :) Rich plum, still that slight chocolate you got on the nose, same deep red berry. When I say chocolate, please don't think it's some sweet chocolate taste that overpowering. It's quite the opposite, it's just this subtle flavor that rounds out this wine beautifully. There's so much to enjoy in this, and paired with the skirt steak dinner, it really made for a lovely dinner.
Thanks, once again, to Amanti Vino for a fantastic choice in your Wine of the Month. A beautiful selection!
In Vino Veritas!
So, at first I wasn't sure where to go with the wine, and really wanted to pair it with one of my Wine of the Month wines from Amanti Vino, because I haven't done that in a while, so I perused my wine rack and came up with the 2008 Jelu Malbec.
Jelu ~ from the Huarpe Indian language meaning sun. Malbec is an Argentinian wine, and has recently become a favorite of mine, and I though it would be a delicious accompaniment to my dinner. I hit it out of the park with this one. On the nose, I'm getting some deep red fruit, a little chocolate. Beautiful inky purple color. Then you drink it, and ohhhhh, it's good stuff :) Rich plum, still that slight chocolate you got on the nose, same deep red berry. When I say chocolate, please don't think it's some sweet chocolate taste that overpowering. It's quite the opposite, it's just this subtle flavor that rounds out this wine beautifully. There's so much to enjoy in this, and paired with the skirt steak dinner, it really made for a lovely dinner.
Thanks, once again, to Amanti Vino for a fantastic choice in your Wine of the Month. A beautiful selection!
In Vino Veritas!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Bearboat 2007 Pinot Noir & Chicken Francese
It's been a while since I've written - not that I haven't been drinking wine or making delicous meals, but the wines I've been drinking this week, and as well for Thanksgiving, I've already written about (ahem, Jonathan Edwards, ahem). Delicious.
I do my best, in general, to plan my meals out at least a week in advance and really try to do my best to stick to it. Today, it worked! Now, not that I've never eaten chicken francese before, but I don't think I've ever made it before. So, I found this recipe online at foodtv.com. Here it is... http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/david-rosengarten/chicken-francese-with-lemon-and-pecorino-recipe/index.html. I have to say, I'm very impressed with myself, it came out perfect :)
As for today's wine, I was thinking that a white wine would've gone well (I'm sure many would have), but Matt's not always a fan of the white, so I chose a lighter red. I needed a Pinot tonight (truely, needed), and it turned out to be a great choice. This is a Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley, and I received this wine as a gift for my birthday (Thanks, Angie!!!).
When this wine was first opened, it smelled awesome! Fantastic strawberry on the nose. My first sip gave off some acidity, not much but it was nice with the lemony chicken. As the bottle opens up, it looses some of the crispness, and gains more raspberry, cherry. It was, once again, an enjoyable pairing, though not perfect. I do think this dinner would've paired quite well with a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay (though I would choose a Sauv Blanc over a Chard, only because of my own personal likes). The Pinot would also go well with a nicely seasoned pork loin.
In Vino Veritas!
I do my best, in general, to plan my meals out at least a week in advance and really try to do my best to stick to it. Today, it worked! Now, not that I've never eaten chicken francese before, but I don't think I've ever made it before. So, I found this recipe online at foodtv.com. Here it is... http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/david-rosengarten/chicken-francese-with-lemon-and-pecorino-recipe/index.html. I have to say, I'm very impressed with myself, it came out perfect :)
As for today's wine, I was thinking that a white wine would've gone well (I'm sure many would have), but Matt's not always a fan of the white, so I chose a lighter red. I needed a Pinot tonight (truely, needed), and it turned out to be a great choice. This is a Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley, and I received this wine as a gift for my birthday (Thanks, Angie!!!).
When this wine was first opened, it smelled awesome! Fantastic strawberry on the nose. My first sip gave off some acidity, not much but it was nice with the lemony chicken. As the bottle opens up, it looses some of the crispness, and gains more raspberry, cherry. It was, once again, an enjoyable pairing, though not perfect. I do think this dinner would've paired quite well with a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay (though I would choose a Sauv Blanc over a Chard, only because of my own personal likes). The Pinot would also go well with a nicely seasoned pork loin.
In Vino Veritas!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Chelsea Cellars 2007 Merlot with Chicken Parma"John"
Tonights dinner was a Chicken Parmesan, or as we say it in our house, Chicken Parma"John". I don't know why we do that. Do I need to bother you with a recipe for this? I mean, it's Chicken Parmesan. We did recently switch over to using fresh mozz rather than shredded. It makes a world of difference, and we've always used freshly grated parmesan, rather than out of the shaker. Spaghetti on the side. And, some day old rolls (leftover from Thanksgiving).
Tonight, I'm pairing with the 2007 Chelsea Cellars Merlot. We enjoyed this wine for the first time on Father's Day in 2009 when we visited Alba Vineyards in Milford, NJ for their Father's Day Festival. This past summer we had gone to the NJ Food & Wine Festival at a different vineyard (that escapes me right now) and picked up a bottle there. However, the grapes in this wine are not grown in New Jersey. Though it's 'produced and bottled by Chelsea Cellars, Finesville, NJ, the grapes are actually grown on the West Coast and sold at Alba, under the Chelsea label.
I had opened this bottle up on Wednesday (2 days ago) and found it very fruity at the time, but didn't take notes on my tasting, unfortunately so I can't go into detail about that. But, for tonight, it's not bad. I did enjoy the pairing with the chicken parm. As I breath it in, I still get that cherry, red berry fruit. I'm tasting a vibrant, berry flavor with a little bit of smokiness. It gets fruitier and smoother as it sits - which is rarely too long next to me :)
As you read by blog, I do hope you enjoy! Please click Follow if you like it.
In Vino Veritas.
Tonight, I'm pairing with the 2007 Chelsea Cellars Merlot. We enjoyed this wine for the first time on Father's Day in 2009 when we visited Alba Vineyards in Milford, NJ for their Father's Day Festival. This past summer we had gone to the NJ Food & Wine Festival at a different vineyard (that escapes me right now) and picked up a bottle there. However, the grapes in this wine are not grown in New Jersey. Though it's 'produced and bottled by Chelsea Cellars, Finesville, NJ, the grapes are actually grown on the West Coast and sold at Alba, under the Chelsea label.
I had opened this bottle up on Wednesday (2 days ago) and found it very fruity at the time, but didn't take notes on my tasting, unfortunately so I can't go into detail about that. But, for tonight, it's not bad. I did enjoy the pairing with the chicken parm. As I breath it in, I still get that cherry, red berry fruit. I'm tasting a vibrant, berry flavor with a little bit of smokiness. It gets fruitier and smoother as it sits - which is rarely too long next to me :)
As you read by blog, I do hope you enjoy! Please click Follow if you like it.
In Vino Veritas.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tough Dame Cabernet, Too Much for Any Man...
OK. I admit it. I bought this for the name and the label. This is something I rarely do. But, I'll get to the wine later. Let's start with dinner.
Tonight's dinner was a slow cooker pot roast. Very quickly on my lunch hour today, I cut up some onion, dropped in the meat, and dumped in a random bottle of wine (really random, the label was actually missing, so I couldn't even tell you what it was, other than it was a red wine). Ground in some salt, pepper, and threw in Herbes de Provence. Set for 7 hours. Done. Alongside, we had plain green beans (yuck), and some Alexia (brand, frozen seasoned) Olive Oil & Rosemary potatoes. I gotta hand it to those Alexia people. They're pretty good. Though, to be fair, mine are better :) Maybe one day, I'll share my recipe!
Onto the 2009 Red Brick Cellars Tough Dame Cabernet, California. Let me describe the label. Black, white, red. Woman in a low cut dress and black gloves passed the elbow holding a smoking gun. Across the bottom of the label is the same woman (this is an assumption) lying down with a man who is kissing her, and she's about to stab him in the back. I mean, why wouldn't you want to buy this? I ordered it through http://www.winetasting.com/, which is the new name for the Geerlings & Wade company, who used to be the parent company for The Traveling Vineyard, who I used to conduct in-home wine tastings for. You follow?
Now, it is a cabernet, so right off the bat, you should let it breath. It is definitely smoother now than when I first sipped it with dinner. Right now, on the nose I get such a great cherry smell. When I taste it, dark red berries and some oak. Now, Danny just asked me to split a chocolate bar with him and it's actually going quite nicely. Not perfect, but nicely.
All in all, there are certainly better Cabernets out there, but maybe not with better labels.
In Vino Veritas!
Tonight's dinner was a slow cooker pot roast. Very quickly on my lunch hour today, I cut up some onion, dropped in the meat, and dumped in a random bottle of wine (really random, the label was actually missing, so I couldn't even tell you what it was, other than it was a red wine). Ground in some salt, pepper, and threw in Herbes de Provence. Set for 7 hours. Done. Alongside, we had plain green beans (yuck), and some Alexia (brand, frozen seasoned) Olive Oil & Rosemary potatoes. I gotta hand it to those Alexia people. They're pretty good. Though, to be fair, mine are better :) Maybe one day, I'll share my recipe!
Onto the 2009 Red Brick Cellars Tough Dame Cabernet, California. Let me describe the label. Black, white, red. Woman in a low cut dress and black gloves passed the elbow holding a smoking gun. Across the bottom of the label is the same woman (this is an assumption) lying down with a man who is kissing her, and she's about to stab him in the back. I mean, why wouldn't you want to buy this? I ordered it through http://www.winetasting.com/, which is the new name for the Geerlings & Wade company, who used to be the parent company for The Traveling Vineyard, who I used to conduct in-home wine tastings for. You follow?
Now, it is a cabernet, so right off the bat, you should let it breath. It is definitely smoother now than when I first sipped it with dinner. Right now, on the nose I get such a great cherry smell. When I taste it, dark red berries and some oak. Now, Danny just asked me to split a chocolate bar with him and it's actually going quite nicely. Not perfect, but nicely.
All in all, there are certainly better Cabernets out there, but maybe not with better labels.
In Vino Veritas!
Jonathan Edwards Winery
So this past weekend, we took a trip to North Stonington, CT to visit what has become a favorite spot, Jonathan Edwards Winery. This is actually our third time there this year! We went in celebration of our 15 year wedding anniversary with some very good friends to share. I packed up some fantastic cheeses that I picked up from Tallmadge Cheese Market in Montclair, NJ. We had some bread, crackers, and even chocolate. We were all set!
So, the tasting consisted of 8 wines, 3 whites and 5 reds. Since there's so many, I'll try to make each one quick. So, let's get started...
2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. This is just light and crisp and complemented the day itself as we sat out on the deck in the warm sunshine. Very nice citrus notes that were not at all overpowering.
2009 Estate Connecticut Chardonnay. I enjoy this one ~ mainly because, while I don't normally go for a Chardonnay, this one doesn't see quite as much oak as you would typically find. It's partially oak / then into Stainless Steel. Makes a big difference in the end results.
2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay. So, contrary to my above comment, I still liked this one. It definitely sees more oak, and you get that in the more buttery flavor. I'd pick the Estate over this one, but I wouldn't spit it out either (and, yes, I've spit out wine).
Onto the reds...
2008 Estate Connecticut Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc is usually used as a blending grape, but we're finding a lot more simply being bottled as is and I, for one, am glad. It quite light, like a Pinot Noir, but the flavor is more earthy than a Pinot. I'd pair this with Thanksgiving dinner in a heartbeat.
2008 Napa Valley Merlot. I've said it before, I am not drinking any F(*&ing Merlot. OK, so I am. Don't pass this up. Really nice berry & fruit flavors, light oak. Pair with something savory.
2007 Napa Valley Zinfindel. I have two favorites. This is one of them. Not too heavy on the spices, but you get them. This is my perfect Pizza wine :)
2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Grilled meats. 'Nuff said.
2007 Napa Valley Petite Syrah. This is my other favorite. I can't even put into words how delicious this wine is. There's plum, there's spice, there's dark berry fruit. Don't pair this with just anything. Your perfect Filet Mignon is waiting for this.
Now, you may have noticed that most of the wines say Napa Valley, and we were in CT. The grapes are grown and crushed in California, and shipped East for fermentation, bottling, etc.
If you ever find yourself in the Mystic Area of CT, look this place up ~ you will NOT regret it!
So, the tasting consisted of 8 wines, 3 whites and 5 reds. Since there's so many, I'll try to make each one quick. So, let's get started...
2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. This is just light and crisp and complemented the day itself as we sat out on the deck in the warm sunshine. Very nice citrus notes that were not at all overpowering.
2009 Estate Connecticut Chardonnay. I enjoy this one ~ mainly because, while I don't normally go for a Chardonnay, this one doesn't see quite as much oak as you would typically find. It's partially oak / then into Stainless Steel. Makes a big difference in the end results.
2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay. So, contrary to my above comment, I still liked this one. It definitely sees more oak, and you get that in the more buttery flavor. I'd pick the Estate over this one, but I wouldn't spit it out either (and, yes, I've spit out wine).
Onto the reds...
2008 Estate Connecticut Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc is usually used as a blending grape, but we're finding a lot more simply being bottled as is and I, for one, am glad. It quite light, like a Pinot Noir, but the flavor is more earthy than a Pinot. I'd pair this with Thanksgiving dinner in a heartbeat.
2008 Napa Valley Merlot. I've said it before, I am not drinking any F(*&ing Merlot. OK, so I am. Don't pass this up. Really nice berry & fruit flavors, light oak. Pair with something savory.
2007 Napa Valley Zinfindel. I have two favorites. This is one of them. Not too heavy on the spices, but you get them. This is my perfect Pizza wine :)
2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Grilled meats. 'Nuff said.
2007 Napa Valley Petite Syrah. This is my other favorite. I can't even put into words how delicious this wine is. There's plum, there's spice, there's dark berry fruit. Don't pair this with just anything. Your perfect Filet Mignon is waiting for this.
Now, you may have noticed that most of the wines say Napa Valley, and we were in CT. The grapes are grown and crushed in California, and shipped East for fermentation, bottling, etc.
If you ever find yourself in the Mystic Area of CT, look this place up ~ you will NOT regret it!
Cupcake Reisling
Deliciousness. Refreshing. Good Stuff. Had it last night w/ Tacos, which I wasn't sure was gonna work out. I'm sure there's a better wine to pair with Tacos, but it was what I had open, so I went with it. Sometimes that spicy food with the slightly sweet wine works out.
OK. So this post could've been better, but you get what you get.
Tonight I'm making a pot roast, so I've gotta check my stock of wine to see what I can pair with it to make my next post a little better.
Ooo! I should also post about last weekend. We visited Jonathan Edwards Winery. Phenomenal time, Phenomenal wine :) Later!
OK. So this post could've been better, but you get what you get.
Tonight I'm making a pot roast, so I've gotta check my stock of wine to see what I can pair with it to make my next post a little better.
Ooo! I should also post about last weekend. We visited Jonathan Edwards Winery. Phenomenal time, Phenomenal wine :) Later!
Monday, October 11, 2010
I am NOT drinking any F*&^ing Merlot (except last night)
Ok, so anyone who knows my wine tastes, knows they RARELY include drinking Merlot. Last night, I made another pot roast, and at the end of the recipe, it suggested that it be paired with Merlot. Now, our favorite winery is in North Stonington, CT ~ Jonathan Edwards Winery. I do love their Merlot, so last time we were there I had picked up a bottle of it.
So, dinner: I went with another crock pot pot roast, due to another very busy day. I put the chuck roast in the crock pot, added a can of mushroom soup, a packet of onion soup mix and some water. Put on high for 5 hours. Done. Dinner is served. Side note, when I first put all that in, it looked disgusting because of the mushroom soup, but the taste was delicious and it didn't look at all the same when completed! Sides were potatoes & green beans. Maybe I should be blogging crock pot recipes as, since I started this, I've made quite a few!
Anyway, the wine, mmmmmmmmm. I had the 2008 Jonathan Edwards Merlot. Word of advice, let it breath before drinking, but it doesn't need too much. I did taste it just after I opened the bottle, and it was a little much. The alcohol content is 14.5%, and you could taste that in the first sip. However, just let it open up even just a little, and you get these wonderful red berry, cherry fruit flavors. Very smooth, very delicious. And, it did compliment the roast fabulously! After dinner, I was hosting a jewelry party at my house and I had served a few different cheeses that it complimented as well.
I had bought a couple cheeses and a meat at Tallmadge Cheese Market, which is located behind the Bellevue Theatre in Upper Montclair, NJ. The selection there is amazing. I bought some Cantalet, which is a French Mountain, cow's milk cheese. It has some sharpness to it (I love, love, love sharp cheeses). We also had Manchego, which is a Spanish goat cheese. This one was aged 12 months - reminds us a little of Parmesan in taste. We usually buy the 6 month aged one at Shoprite, but thought we'd try this. Not only did we enjoy it more, but it's also $1 less a pound that what I get at Shoprite (not to say it's cheap, but it's better AND less expensive). Lastly, I picked up some Calabrese Sausage. He said it was a hot sausage. It had some kick to it, but wasn't as hot as I was expecting. Quite delicious - just enough kick to really enjoy the flavor without overpowering your taste buds ~ leaving your buds to enjoy the delicious Merlot with it all.
All in all, delicious dinner, fantastic wine, yummy cheeses and I earned free jewelry and got a chance to catch up with old friends :)
In Vino Veritas!
So, dinner: I went with another crock pot pot roast, due to another very busy day. I put the chuck roast in the crock pot, added a can of mushroom soup, a packet of onion soup mix and some water. Put on high for 5 hours. Done. Dinner is served. Side note, when I first put all that in, it looked disgusting because of the mushroom soup, but the taste was delicious and it didn't look at all the same when completed! Sides were potatoes & green beans. Maybe I should be blogging crock pot recipes as, since I started this, I've made quite a few!
Anyway, the wine, mmmmmmmmm. I had the 2008 Jonathan Edwards Merlot. Word of advice, let it breath before drinking, but it doesn't need too much. I did taste it just after I opened the bottle, and it was a little much. The alcohol content is 14.5%, and you could taste that in the first sip. However, just let it open up even just a little, and you get these wonderful red berry, cherry fruit flavors. Very smooth, very delicious. And, it did compliment the roast fabulously! After dinner, I was hosting a jewelry party at my house and I had served a few different cheeses that it complimented as well.
I had bought a couple cheeses and a meat at Tallmadge Cheese Market, which is located behind the Bellevue Theatre in Upper Montclair, NJ. The selection there is amazing. I bought some Cantalet, which is a French Mountain, cow's milk cheese. It has some sharpness to it (I love, love, love sharp cheeses). We also had Manchego, which is a Spanish goat cheese. This one was aged 12 months - reminds us a little of Parmesan in taste. We usually buy the 6 month aged one at Shoprite, but thought we'd try this. Not only did we enjoy it more, but it's also $1 less a pound that what I get at Shoprite (not to say it's cheap, but it's better AND less expensive). Lastly, I picked up some Calabrese Sausage. He said it was a hot sausage. It had some kick to it, but wasn't as hot as I was expecting. Quite delicious - just enough kick to really enjoy the flavor without overpowering your taste buds ~ leaving your buds to enjoy the delicious Merlot with it all.
All in all, delicious dinner, fantastic wine, yummy cheeses and I earned free jewelry and got a chance to catch up with old friends :)
In Vino Veritas!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Loire Valley & Champagne Tasting
So, last night I finally went on a date with Matt. Especially once school starts, and all the soccer, football, scout schedules start, it gets tough. Anyway, we went to Amanti Vino for a Tasting / Seminar. The speaker was an importer from Nashville, TN. He was quite engaging and fun to listen to. And, we tasted 10 different wines! So, this may take a while. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a pen, so I didn't get to take any notes. So, much of this will be from memory (which, after 10 wines might not be at it's best).
We started with 3 "bubbly" wines. The first, Jean Francois Merieau "Bulles". It was OK. I wouldn't rush off to buy it. The next two were a little different. Donson and Lepage Recolte Blanche ~ when I first tasted this, I was a little put off by the amount of bubbles. Once I got past that first sip, it softened up somewhat. I'm not a big fan of Champagne, but this was nice. Finally, we had the Donson and Lepage Recolte Rose. Now, I also shy away from most "pink" wines. I'm glad I didn't. This was made of 100% Pinot Noir. You could breathe in the strawberry and it tasted delicious. If I were a big spender, I'd keep this around.
Now, onto the white wines, of which there were 5. We started with the Jardin de la Fruitere. Not much to write home about, but I see it as an easy summer sipper. Next, we tasted the Delhommeau Muscadet Cuvee St. Vincent. Description shows notes of lime, thyme, and lemon verbena, honeydew. While I did taste all that, it didn't seem to blend well for me.
Now, the Domain des Huards 2006 Cour-Cheverny. I tasted honey in this. For me, that was prominent. And, I won't say that I didn't like it, but I will say that it needs food. Some wines just need food to go with them. So, last night, I wasn't my favorite, but with the right food pairing, it has a lot of potential.
Probably my favorite white of the evening was the Claude Riffault Sancerre "Les Boucauds". Grapefruit, lemon, lovely minerality. It had what I enjoy in a white wine. Our last white wine of the evening was Damien Laureau Savennieres "Les Genets". I can honestly say at this time that I don't remember it, so that's it.
Onto the Reds, of which, unfortunately, there were only 2. The first red we tasted was the Vacheron Sancerre Rouge "Belle Dame". This was a fantastic Pinot Noir. You could taste and smell the cherries and blackberry flavors. OMG, it was soooo good. Would probably be even better if decanted.
Then, the last wine of the evening was the Jean-Francois Merieau Cot "Cent Visages". It had a smokey flavor, which might be better if opened up a bit. At the time we drank it, though, not so fantastic.
At the end of the night, I would say not all the best tasting wines I've ever had. The two that I really, really liked were both over $60 a bottle, so not something I'd run out and buy anyway. I've had just as good, if not better, at a more reasonable price point. But, Matt & I got to go out and spend time alone together, and taste quite a few new wines, and that's what we enjoy doing ~ good or bad. The more you taste, the more you know.
I hope you're enjoying my blogs. If you are, please click "follow" on the right and keep reading. I'll do my best to continue posting on a regular basis.
In Vino Veritas!
We started with 3 "bubbly" wines. The first, Jean Francois Merieau "Bulles". It was OK. I wouldn't rush off to buy it. The next two were a little different. Donson and Lepage Recolte Blanche ~ when I first tasted this, I was a little put off by the amount of bubbles. Once I got past that first sip, it softened up somewhat. I'm not a big fan of Champagne, but this was nice. Finally, we had the Donson and Lepage Recolte Rose. Now, I also shy away from most "pink" wines. I'm glad I didn't. This was made of 100% Pinot Noir. You could breathe in the strawberry and it tasted delicious. If I were a big spender, I'd keep this around.
Now, onto the white wines, of which there were 5. We started with the Jardin de la Fruitere. Not much to write home about, but I see it as an easy summer sipper. Next, we tasted the Delhommeau Muscadet Cuvee St. Vincent. Description shows notes of lime, thyme, and lemon verbena, honeydew. While I did taste all that, it didn't seem to blend well for me.
Now, the Domain des Huards 2006 Cour-Cheverny. I tasted honey in this. For me, that was prominent. And, I won't say that I didn't like it, but I will say that it needs food. Some wines just need food to go with them. So, last night, I wasn't my favorite, but with the right food pairing, it has a lot of potential.
Probably my favorite white of the evening was the Claude Riffault Sancerre "Les Boucauds". Grapefruit, lemon, lovely minerality. It had what I enjoy in a white wine. Our last white wine of the evening was Damien Laureau Savennieres "Les Genets". I can honestly say at this time that I don't remember it, so that's it.
Onto the Reds, of which, unfortunately, there were only 2. The first red we tasted was the Vacheron Sancerre Rouge "Belle Dame". This was a fantastic Pinot Noir. You could taste and smell the cherries and blackberry flavors. OMG, it was soooo good. Would probably be even better if decanted.
Then, the last wine of the evening was the Jean-Francois Merieau Cot "Cent Visages". It had a smokey flavor, which might be better if opened up a bit. At the time we drank it, though, not so fantastic.
At the end of the night, I would say not all the best tasting wines I've ever had. The two that I really, really liked were both over $60 a bottle, so not something I'd run out and buy anyway. I've had just as good, if not better, at a more reasonable price point. But, Matt & I got to go out and spend time alone together, and taste quite a few new wines, and that's what we enjoy doing ~ good or bad. The more you taste, the more you know.
I hope you're enjoying my blogs. If you are, please click "follow" on the right and keep reading. I'll do my best to continue posting on a regular basis.
In Vino Veritas!
Corned Beef Dinner w/ WHAT?
OK. Corned beef is a tough one to pair with wine. My initial answer is just drink beer! However, in the past, I've paired it with Riesling, and it actually works quite well. I generally prefer a dry Riesling to an off-dry Riesling, but I actually didn't go with a Riesling this time. So, let's start with dinner.
Again, a real no-brainer. And, with my crazy life, no-brainers are best (and, quite often delicious)! So, when I came home for my lunch hour on Monday, I opened up my crock pot, I dropped in the corned beef (dumped in the seasoning packet), and the poured in a can of Boddington's. Set it on high for few hours, and bam, dinner.
Now, onto the wine. I thought that since I have enjoyed this before with Riesling, that maybe it would work with a Gewurztraminer (say it with me, guh-VURTS-trah-mee-ner). Matt & I first tasted this wine on Father's Day of 2009 when we visited Alba Winery to celebrate his special day. They hadn't yet released it, and on the winery tour, we got a taste of it right out of the tank. We loved it! When it was finally released, we bought a few bottles at a wine festival. I've paired it with other food before and really enjoyed it. It's a 2008 Gewurztraminer from Alba Vineyard in New Jersey (WHAT? JERSEY?). I know you're thinking Jersey can't make good wine, but Alba does. Try it.
Now, this wine is a bit sweeter than the dry Riesling, so unfortunately, the pairing with corned beef was not a match made in Heaven. I was hoping that the saltiness of the meat with the sweetness of the wine would work it's magic, but no, it didn't.
But, PLEASE don't write off this wine with other foods!! It is a delicious wine on it's own. I could see this totally cutting through a nice fried chicken, mmmmm....
In Vino Veritas!
Again, a real no-brainer. And, with my crazy life, no-brainers are best (and, quite often delicious)! So, when I came home for my lunch hour on Monday, I opened up my crock pot, I dropped in the corned beef (dumped in the seasoning packet), and the poured in a can of Boddington's. Set it on high for few hours, and bam, dinner.
Now, onto the wine. I thought that since I have enjoyed this before with Riesling, that maybe it would work with a Gewurztraminer (say it with me, guh-VURTS-trah-mee-ner). Matt & I first tasted this wine on Father's Day of 2009 when we visited Alba Winery to celebrate his special day. They hadn't yet released it, and on the winery tour, we got a taste of it right out of the tank. We loved it! When it was finally released, we bought a few bottles at a wine festival. I've paired it with other food before and really enjoyed it. It's a 2008 Gewurztraminer from Alba Vineyard in New Jersey (WHAT? JERSEY?). I know you're thinking Jersey can't make good wine, but Alba does. Try it.
Now, this wine is a bit sweeter than the dry Riesling, so unfortunately, the pairing with corned beef was not a match made in Heaven. I was hoping that the saltiness of the meat with the sweetness of the wine would work it's magic, but no, it didn't.
But, PLEASE don't write off this wine with other foods!! It is a delicious wine on it's own. I could see this totally cutting through a nice fried chicken, mmmmm....
In Vino Veritas!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
La Colombina Palpito Toscana Rosso 2006 Paired with a Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
I LOVE MY CROCK POT!!! Especially this time of year, it's so comforting to come home from work and have dinner made :) Well, yesterday was Saturday, and I don't work on Saturdays ~ or, come to think of it, I work for my kids on Saturdays with all the driving to activities, etc. So, the crockpot still comes in handy on the weekends.
So, in the late morning, I heated up some oil in a pan, pressed in some garlic and threw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. I browned a chuck roast into that. I put that into my crockpot and dumped in whatever wine was left out of a bottle of red I had opened a couple days ago. I just added water to give some more moisture and sprinkled the roast in a bunch of Pampered Chef Italian Seasoning. Put it on High for about 5 hours or so, and the results were DELICIOUS!! I just took out some of the 'jus' out of the crock pot to pour over the tender roast for some additional moisture, if needed.
Now, I chose to do Italian seasoning on the Pot Roast because Danny & I (yes, my 8-year-old) had chosen the La Colombina Palpito Toscana Rosso for Matt (my husband, who is over 21) & I to drink with our dinner last night. So, Italian Wine with Italian Food. Always a good idea. This wine selection also came from Amanti Vino and was one of my September Wine of the Month selections...
...and, what a fantastic selection it was!!! We tasted jammy red berries, cherry, and a touch of pepper. I had actually decanted it for a few hours before drinking it ~ I think that was a fantastic idea. It really opened it up. This is a Super Tuscan blend, so as such, it's main grape is Sangiovese (ok, it's not ALWAYS Sangiovese, but more often than not). After that, it's 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Pinot Nero. I do love Italian Wine, and this was no exception. I'm making Baked Ziti tonight, so we may be reviewing another Italian wine with that. I guess we'll see!
In Vino Veritas!
So, in the late morning, I heated up some oil in a pan, pressed in some garlic and threw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. I browned a chuck roast into that. I put that into my crockpot and dumped in whatever wine was left out of a bottle of red I had opened a couple days ago. I just added water to give some more moisture and sprinkled the roast in a bunch of Pampered Chef Italian Seasoning. Put it on High for about 5 hours or so, and the results were DELICIOUS!! I just took out some of the 'jus' out of the crock pot to pour over the tender roast for some additional moisture, if needed.
Now, I chose to do Italian seasoning on the Pot Roast because Danny & I (yes, my 8-year-old) had chosen the La Colombina Palpito Toscana Rosso for Matt (my husband, who is over 21) & I to drink with our dinner last night. So, Italian Wine with Italian Food. Always a good idea. This wine selection also came from Amanti Vino and was one of my September Wine of the Month selections...
...and, what a fantastic selection it was!!! We tasted jammy red berries, cherry, and a touch of pepper. I had actually decanted it for a few hours before drinking it ~ I think that was a fantastic idea. It really opened it up. This is a Super Tuscan blend, so as such, it's main grape is Sangiovese (ok, it's not ALWAYS Sangiovese, but more often than not). After that, it's 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Pinot Nero. I do love Italian Wine, and this was no exception. I'm making Baked Ziti tonight, so we may be reviewing another Italian wine with that. I guess we'll see!
In Vino Veritas!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Jean Louis Chave Saint-Joseph "Celeste" 2007, with Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
OK, so tonight's dinner isn't all that spectacular, but it did go nicely with the Wine. Tonight's wine I got from my Wine of the Month Club at Amanti Vino in Montclair, New Jersey. It was one of August's selections. OK, so I'm a little behind (guess I'm not drinking enough ~ I'll have to do something about that).
Anyway, my recipe's not that exciting. Just made spaghetti out of a box, heated up a few minced garlic cloves (usually more than my recipe would call for), with some EVOO (1/2 cup), salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. When the spaghetti (1 lb.) is done cooking, I'll reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta (starchy) water. Mix the garlic, EVOO, salt, pepper flakes, pasta and reserved water together. Chuck in some parsley and zest a lemon. You're good to go.
Ok, now onto the good stuff...
Jean Louis Chave Saint - Joseph "Celeste" 2007. This is 100% Roussane. This one's new for me. Generally it's blended with Marsanne (again, nothing I've had before, but I look forward to tasting this blend one day). So, this Roussane is a full-bodied white, but I do like it. I only say it like that because Chardonnay is also a full-bodied white, and often, I don't like that. I usually like my whites a little lighter. However, it's usually the oakiness that I don't care for in many Chardonnay's. But, this is full-bodied, full of it's own flavor~not the 'flavor' of oak. I liked it with the dinner because it complimented the citrus with some citrus notes of it's own. I'd bet it would go nicely with some chicken or pork. I love chicken breast sprinkled with some of that Montreal Chicken Seasoning.
The Roussane is from the Northern Rhone Region. I would compare it somewhat to a Viognier, which I often enjoy.
So, tonight I had a nice glass poured for myself, and then my younger son decided I needed more. He's a little heavy on the pouring! I can't kick these hiccups. I have to go work on that.
In Vino Veritas!
Anyway, my recipe's not that exciting. Just made spaghetti out of a box, heated up a few minced garlic cloves (usually more than my recipe would call for), with some EVOO (1/2 cup), salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. When the spaghetti (1 lb.) is done cooking, I'll reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta (starchy) water. Mix the garlic, EVOO, salt, pepper flakes, pasta and reserved water together. Chuck in some parsley and zest a lemon. You're good to go.
Ok, now onto the good stuff...
Jean Louis Chave Saint - Joseph "Celeste" 2007. This is 100% Roussane. This one's new for me. Generally it's blended with Marsanne (again, nothing I've had before, but I look forward to tasting this blend one day). So, this Roussane is a full-bodied white, but I do like it. I only say it like that because Chardonnay is also a full-bodied white, and often, I don't like that. I usually like my whites a little lighter. However, it's usually the oakiness that I don't care for in many Chardonnay's. But, this is full-bodied, full of it's own flavor~not the 'flavor' of oak. I liked it with the dinner because it complimented the citrus with some citrus notes of it's own. I'd bet it would go nicely with some chicken or pork. I love chicken breast sprinkled with some of that Montreal Chicken Seasoning.
The Roussane is from the Northern Rhone Region. I would compare it somewhat to a Viognier, which I often enjoy.
So, tonight I had a nice glass poured for myself, and then my younger son decided I needed more. He's a little heavy on the pouring! I can't kick these hiccups. I have to go work on that.
In Vino Veritas!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
An Introduction
So, as it says in my "About Me" section, I was previously a consultant with The Traveling Vineyard. Before I did that, I drank Pinot Grigio. I drank it with everything ~ even steak. It never bothered me. And, to this day, I still say ~ "Eat what you like, Drink what you like". The fact is if it doesn't bother you, who cares!!
Anyway, once I started working and doing in-home wine tastings, all this turned around. I actually started liking red wine. Couldn't believe it myself!! The more tastings I did, the more I realized how much there really is out there. It can be quite overwhelming. The same wine from different places can be so incredibly different.
I don't think I'm here to teach anybody anything different than what they may already know. But, I thought it would be fun to have a place to share my experiences, the wines I taste, and share some recipes that I try out. I hope you enjoy!
In Vino Veritas!
Anyway, once I started working and doing in-home wine tastings, all this turned around. I actually started liking red wine. Couldn't believe it myself!! The more tastings I did, the more I realized how much there really is out there. It can be quite overwhelming. The same wine from different places can be so incredibly different.
I don't think I'm here to teach anybody anything different than what they may already know. But, I thought it would be fun to have a place to share my experiences, the wines I taste, and share some recipes that I try out. I hope you enjoy!
In Vino Veritas!
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