Every Wednesday, or as much as an unemployed person can afford, expect weekly tasting notes on wines that I have recently tried and what I think of them. About 70% of what you smell in wine, is what you are going to end up tasting, that is why you see people out and about swirling (aerating) and sniffing their wine. It's all part of the sensory experience and it will allow you to enjoy the wine that much more. I must say it does take time to smell what you smell in the wine as our noses are not used as intensely as they did when we were all cavemen and women (have to be PC these days, haha). So don't get discouraged, just keep trying, really think and blurt out what you are smelling in the wine! There is no right or wrong way to eat a Reese's (ha or what you smell/taste in wine). And here we go.............
As my trip to France gets closer with each passing day (as it naturally would right? ha) I have been reading a lot about the French wine regions (Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil) and beginning to think about what areas of the country I want to visit. I have drank a lot of Burgundy wine as pinot noir is certainly my favorite varietal so I decided to venture to the Rhone and specifically a 2007 Bernard Latour, Domaine de L'Espigouette, Cotes du Rhone.
2007 Bernard Latour, Domaine de L'Espigouette, Cotes du Rhone
consumed Friday Nov. 19, 2010, with love, Retail $18.89
Wine from the Cotes du Rhone (Southern Rhone) are typically blends of several varietals. The grapes from the Cotes du Rhone can be from anywhere in the Rhone but are typically from Southern Rhone as the Northern Rhone sub-region is covered by a number of well known appellations (e.g. Hermitage). The primary varietals in Southern Rhone are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, and Cinsault. The most famous appellation in Southern Rhone is Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
On to the wine tasting, upon first opening the wine and pouring it into the glass I immediately noticed the inky deep plum color and an aroma of jam, almost like a blend of raspberry and blueberry jam. That is all that I could really sense in the wine so I left the wine in the glass to open up a little as I went back to making dinner. After letting the wine breathe for maybe 20 minutes I returned to the wine and it had really opened up. I immediately thought of the holidays after swirling it and smelling it.... but why.... and then ah-ha, nutmeg... it smells like nutmeg, reminding me of eggnog, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family. The wine also went on to reveal notes of vanilla and hints of cinnamon. The finish was pleasant but short however for 18 bucks you can't really expect it to be perfect. Overall, a very nice wine for the price and it would go great with Thanksgiving dinner!
Happy Holidays and safe travels!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Milwaukee, Spreadin the Wine Bug!
After about a 6 hour drive we finally arrived in good 'ol Milwaukee, WI where the beer flows like rain and the wine.... well.... not so much. So what is an oenophile doing in a place like Milwaukee, well, visiting some of my best friends on the planet, spreading the wine bug of course, and discussing business plans with business partners!
We arrived on Thursday and it immediately meant a trip to Trocadero (Trocadero) a place I've been wanting to go to for awhile. We started with some Lakefront Brewery beer which I mentioned in an earlier post, and it was good as usual. It seems they have added some new beers as well, I had a "French style" beer that according to the bartender is not even being bottled yet at Lakefront. I wish I could remember what they are calling it because at the moment I cannot find it on either website. Anyways, if you are in Milwaukee look out for this new "French style", I want to say Lager beer from Lakefront. Trocadero did not disappoint, the huge sign on top, the location under a bridge, the warehouse next to it which clearly used to be a manufacturing plant that saw its demise, smelled like wet, rotting old building. Walking into Trocadero was very interesting, the building was as old as the rotting building across the street, the inside was old world, tile on the floor, dimly lit, very unique, it also had an outside beer garden which I'm sure is a local hot spot in the summer. We only worked on the appetizers here, they were good! We had the Killer Guac, Steamed Mussel Pot green curry (we were supposed to get the Negra Modelo onion n' chorizo sauce, but what became a theme of the night, we would order something and the food that came out was not what we ordered, but we just went with it!), Yum Yum Dip, and some Frites with Sriracha Mayo, which was super good. All n all, the atmosphere was great and the food pretty good. Recommended!
Friday rolled around of course I had the day off, I have everyday off at the moment so I convinced my friend Mike to take off Friday so we could be bums and roll all over Milwaukee. The day started late, around 11am, we headed to a favorite breakfast spot in Milwaukee, Beans and Barley (Beans and Barley). We arrived at around noon and breakfast was over, it was sad, however lunch was great! I had the burrito which looks like they are known for. I think I spent maybe 9 dollars there so not only was the food good, it was on the cheap. After lunch we headed to the Great Lakes Distillery (Great Lakes Distillery), the first distillery to start up in Wisconsin since the dreadful prohibition. I'm typically not that into spirits, however... however, this stuff was good! Mike and I walked in and the first thing we had was a an Old Fashioned drink made with their Pumpkin Seasonal Spirit (Pumpkin Seasonal) which was superb! Then it was on to the tour which short and sweet. The tour guide, Jason, made it very informative. After the tour we tasted through all of their spirits from Grappa to Absinthe. Please check out their website to see what else they produce.
For me, the Absinthe was the most interesting. We've all heard the stories of hallucinations, going crazy, van Gogh drank it, and Poe drank it, among others. The interesting thing is that absinthe never caused hallucinations.... ever. Yes, it is a high potency alcohol. People were getting super drunk off of it but it did not cause hallucinations. Stories of going crazy and hallucinations were started by the European wine industry. You see at the time absinthe was becoming the drink of choice and a direct threat to wineries so they created these stories as a response. Drinking absinthe is quite the experience and no it doesn't involve dissolving sugars or burning it...etc. You can drink it this way but the best way is to start with a glass water dispenser (see picture below) with ice water and spigots. I was quite perplexed that we were going to add water to something (2 to 3 parts water, 1 absinthe) and that it would make it better. I always associated adding water to things as a way to dilute not the case with absinthe. The water actual brings out the flavor releasing oils and aroma. You turn the spigot to a drip and you can see the oils releasing, once the absinthe become cloudy it's ready to go. They had two different ones, one floral, one a little more licorice like. Now, I don't like licorice however I really enjoyed the absinthe. If you have the opportunity to try, DO IT!
After tasting spirits all day it was time to head to the grocery store to get food for the 2nd annual Wine and Cheese party with friends. It first started in D.C. with my friends George and Mike who came up with the brilliant idea of getting dressed up, eating great food, and drinking great wine. Of course I brought some wine from the winery I worked at to share with everyone in Milwaukee.... to spread the wine bug! With George as chef de cuisine and Mike as appetizer specialist, sous chef, we entered the realm of culinary art and wine lore, things you only dream of. I contributed a Rochioli East Block Pinot and Sweetwater Chardonnay, both out did themselves. They also complemented the cooking brilliantly. The chardonnay with the Chili Shrimp made by Chef Mike (Chili Shrimp) and the pinot with George's portabella mushrooms with pancetta and other goodies. A great success! The night was filled with good friends, great wine (15 bottles consumed), and beautiful food! Thanks to George and Amber for hosting, thanks to the chefs, and thanks everyone who brought wine and brought their smiles!
Saturday was a day of hanging out and more wine. We woke up and had Thai at the shadiest joint I've ever been to (Thai Lotus)! It was good but I was a little scared for my life. Don't go here by yourself. Saturday evening I made my visit to Balzac (Balzac) which occurs every time I go to Milwaukee. Balzac is probably one of my favorite places, great wine and food!
I made it back to Minnesota to find snow and cold! Winter is here!
We arrived on Thursday and it immediately meant a trip to Trocadero (Trocadero) a place I've been wanting to go to for awhile. We started with some Lakefront Brewery beer which I mentioned in an earlier post, and it was good as usual. It seems they have added some new beers as well, I had a "French style" beer that according to the bartender is not even being bottled yet at Lakefront. I wish I could remember what they are calling it because at the moment I cannot find it on either website. Anyways, if you are in Milwaukee look out for this new "French style", I want to say Lager beer from Lakefront. Trocadero did not disappoint, the huge sign on top, the location under a bridge, the warehouse next to it which clearly used to be a manufacturing plant that saw its demise, smelled like wet, rotting old building. Walking into Trocadero was very interesting, the building was as old as the rotting building across the street, the inside was old world, tile on the floor, dimly lit, very unique, it also had an outside beer garden which I'm sure is a local hot spot in the summer. We only worked on the appetizers here, they were good! We had the Killer Guac, Steamed Mussel Pot green curry (we were supposed to get the Negra Modelo onion n' chorizo sauce, but what became a theme of the night, we would order something and the food that came out was not what we ordered, but we just went with it!), Yum Yum Dip, and some Frites with Sriracha Mayo, which was super good. All n all, the atmosphere was great and the food pretty good. Recommended!
For me, the Absinthe was the most interesting. We've all heard the stories of hallucinations, going crazy, van Gogh drank it, and Poe drank it, among others. The interesting thing is that absinthe never caused hallucinations.... ever. Yes, it is a high potency alcohol. People were getting super drunk off of it but it did not cause hallucinations. Stories of going crazy and hallucinations were started by the European wine industry. You see at the time absinthe was becoming the drink of choice and a direct threat to wineries so they created these stories as a response. Drinking absinthe is quite the experience and no it doesn't involve dissolving sugars or burning it...etc. You can drink it this way but the best way is to start with a glass water dispenser (see picture below) with ice water and spigots. I was quite perplexed that we were going to add water to something (2 to 3 parts water, 1 absinthe) and that it would make it better. I always associated adding water to things as a way to dilute not the case with absinthe. The water actual brings out the flavor releasing oils and aroma. You turn the spigot to a drip and you can see the oils releasing, once the absinthe become cloudy it's ready to go. They had two different ones, one floral, one a little more licorice like. Now, I don't like licorice however I really enjoyed the absinthe. If you have the opportunity to try, DO IT!
 |
| Mike in front of the distillery |
 |
| the 15th bottle was being consumed at this very moment |
I made it back to Minnesota to find snow and cold! Winter is here!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Bikram Yoga
Although this has nothing to do with wine, at all, I wanted to take a few minutes to discuss my first experience with yoga, not just any yoga but Bikram Yoga. You see, my girlfriend has been asking me if I would want to do yoga for probably since we have been dating and I honestly have always wanted to try it hoping that it would keep me youthful and especially help with flexibility. So after much putting off going, I finally said what the heck let's do it.
What is Bikram Yoga? Its Yoga at 103 degrees!! Simulating what the weather is like in India where yoga is widely practiced and where I believe it is a religion. Anyways, my first experience was great, it was relaxing, introspective, enlightening, and also a WORKOUT! Forget the gym, forget the treadmill, bikram gives you everything you are looking for. I can't stand running on a treadmill (I love running outside) or lifting weights so bikram was a nice change of pace. The session was a lot of stretching/holding yourself up..etc... two days later I am the sorest I have ever been. A different type of sore too, real deep sort of sore. It's hard to explain. Just try it, trust me! Highly recommended!!!
What is Bikram Yoga? Its Yoga at 103 degrees!! Simulating what the weather is like in India where yoga is widely practiced and where I believe it is a religion. Anyways, my first experience was great, it was relaxing, introspective, enlightening, and also a WORKOUT! Forget the gym, forget the treadmill, bikram gives you everything you are looking for. I can't stand running on a treadmill (I love running outside) or lifting weights so bikram was a nice change of pace. The session was a lot of stretching/holding yourself up..etc... two days later I am the sorest I have ever been. A different type of sore too, real deep sort of sore. It's hard to explain. Just try it, trust me! Highly recommended!!!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Minnesota Freezin'
Hello my wayward souls and vagabond travelers,
Well, I am still in Minnesota eating, drinkin' wine, and researching and writing my business plan. It's kind of weird not really having a formal job, waking up when I want, working when I want, doing what I want! It's exciting, except small anxiety's over money which doesn't really concern me that much anyway. As long a I am a few steps away from the gutter I think I am fine!
I've heard from many of you, begging and pleading with me for a new post (haha)! Here it is.
I have been in Minnesota for about a week and yes it is cold but not as cold as it will get. As a matter of fact, it was 60 degrees today. To give you an idea of what my research consists of....
Tuesday, I met up with a friend who had the day off so we decided to check out what St. Paul, MN had to offer. We started out for a brewery tour at Summit Brewery (Summit Brewing). Anybody that goes to a brewery tour is there to drink some beer and learn a little bit about the company. The tour accomplished this... but went a little overboard with... "this is how the beer is stacked in the warehouse, this is how a beer is kept cool." After smelling fresh beer in a brewery for 2 hours by the end I was just itching, nay, going nuts to try their beer. Does this mean I am an alcoholic? That I drink at noon, jonesin' for it when I smell it, and think about drinking it the whole time during the tour.... hmm.... I don't think so, others may, ha! Anyways, it was a nice tour just a little too long, the beer was awesome. Flavorful, unique, a great American craft brewery for sure. I tried the Pilsener, Red Ale, and Winter Ale all of which were great. They are known for their Extra Pale Ale but as contested by my friend Phil, we can get that at any bar so he advised me to try the other beers which again were great. Other venerable micro breweries I enjoy, Bell's Brewery (Bells Beer), Michigan, my favorite: Oberon, Lake Front Brewery (Lakefront Brewery), Wisconsin, my favorite: Riverwest (I'll probably be there next Friday, they have an awesome fish fry!), and Lagunitas Brewing Company (Lagunitas), California, my favorite: Hop Stoopid. I highly recommend beers from all four of these places, super good, if you don't like I'll buy you a beer next time I see you! ha.
After the brewery tour and beer, Phil and I were super hungry, and I had asked him, "Whats a place in the Twin Cities that you have to go to, or what is the place where if you visit here, everyone says, oh you have to eat at XX." Phil couldn't think of anything at first and then, after a few beers to stimulate the brain it came to him... Cossetta's! After walking in, my eyes and stomach just lit up! As you can probably guess by the name, it's Italian, and man it was amazing. They had a pizza section, hot foods section with all of your Italian classics, and a sandwich area hot or cold. I went with a prosciutto and provolone on Italian bread with homemade Italian dressing and a little mayo, it was so good, hands down, the best sandwich I ever ate! It also came with a little thing of potato salad, and I also got a cup of soup, and a glass of Chianti! If you thought that sounds good, they also have an Italian store connected to the restaurant where you can get fresh pasta, sauces, and cured meats!!!!! I think after France in June, its Italy next!
After that was said and done, it was time for more eating. After "work hours" (which don't apply to me at the moment) I went over to Amore Victoria (Amore Victoria) in Uptown, Minneapolis to meet up with my girlfriend and her cousin for happy hour. The place was really old school Italy inside, reminds me of many of the little charming Italian restaurants in Manhattan. Food was okay, we just had some appetizers which were way too salty (Bruscetta, Spinach Dip, and a little pizza), the company was much better! The location and the interior were the highlights, I want to go back and give them another chance with dinner and supposedly they have a "wine cellar" for dining and entertaining which I really want to see.
Wednesday, We headed to Loring Kitchen and Bar (Loring Kitchen & Bar) for dinner with friends, located in Loring Park in downtown Minnesota. For me, the most interesting part of the night was the wine. I started the evening with a glass of 2008 Domaine Daulny, Sancerre (Loire Valley (Loire Valley), France). I couldn't remember what type of grape is used in Sancerre so it was kind of fun trying to figure out what it was. This is what descriptors were running through my head, the wine had qualities of both chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, it was crisp, refreshing, citric, green apple, minerally, balanced, and finally yummmm! It's looks to be pretty affordable too, $20 or so bucks retail.
After that beautiful white, we selected a 2008 Caldora Montepulciano D'Abruzzo from Italy for dinner. Smooth, velvety, red berry, licorice, hints of chocolate, vanilla. I won't tell you what I paid but I will give you a hint, retail it looks like its about 12 bucks retail and what I paid and what it is worth is much much more. If you can find this wine for under 20 bucks, I highly recommend it. Until my next post.... Live Life!!!
"No nation is drunken where wine is cheap, and none sober where the dearness of wine substitutes ardent spirits as the common beverage" - Thomas Jefferson
Well, I am still in Minnesota eating, drinkin' wine, and researching and writing my business plan. It's kind of weird not really having a formal job, waking up when I want, working when I want, doing what I want! It's exciting, except small anxiety's over money which doesn't really concern me that much anyway. As long a I am a few steps away from the gutter I think I am fine!
I've heard from many of you, begging and pleading with me for a new post (haha)! Here it is.
I have been in Minnesota for about a week and yes it is cold but not as cold as it will get. As a matter of fact, it was 60 degrees today. To give you an idea of what my research consists of....
Tuesday, I met up with a friend who had the day off so we decided to check out what St. Paul, MN had to offer. We started out for a brewery tour at Summit Brewery (Summit Brewing). Anybody that goes to a brewery tour is there to drink some beer and learn a little bit about the company. The tour accomplished this... but went a little overboard with... "this is how the beer is stacked in the warehouse, this is how a beer is kept cool." After smelling fresh beer in a brewery for 2 hours by the end I was just itching, nay, going nuts to try their beer. Does this mean I am an alcoholic? That I drink at noon, jonesin' for it when I smell it, and think about drinking it the whole time during the tour.... hmm.... I don't think so, others may, ha! Anyways, it was a nice tour just a little too long, the beer was awesome. Flavorful, unique, a great American craft brewery for sure. I tried the Pilsener, Red Ale, and Winter Ale all of which were great. They are known for their Extra Pale Ale but as contested by my friend Phil, we can get that at any bar so he advised me to try the other beers which again were great. Other venerable micro breweries I enjoy, Bell's Brewery (Bells Beer), Michigan, my favorite: Oberon, Lake Front Brewery (Lakefront Brewery), Wisconsin, my favorite: Riverwest (I'll probably be there next Friday, they have an awesome fish fry!), and Lagunitas Brewing Company (Lagunitas), California, my favorite: Hop Stoopid. I highly recommend beers from all four of these places, super good, if you don't like I'll buy you a beer next time I see you! ha.
 |
| Kegsssss! |
After the brewery tour and beer, Phil and I were super hungry, and I had asked him, "Whats a place in the Twin Cities that you have to go to, or what is the place where if you visit here, everyone says, oh you have to eat at XX." Phil couldn't think of anything at first and then, after a few beers to stimulate the brain it came to him... Cossetta's! After walking in, my eyes and stomach just lit up! As you can probably guess by the name, it's Italian, and man it was amazing. They had a pizza section, hot foods section with all of your Italian classics, and a sandwich area hot or cold. I went with a prosciutto and provolone on Italian bread with homemade Italian dressing and a little mayo, it was so good, hands down, the best sandwich I ever ate! It also came with a little thing of potato salad, and I also got a cup of soup, and a glass of Chianti! If you thought that sounds good, they also have an Italian store connected to the restaurant where you can get fresh pasta, sauces, and cured meats!!!!! I think after France in June, its Italy next!
After that was said and done, it was time for more eating. After "work hours" (which don't apply to me at the moment) I went over to Amore Victoria (Amore Victoria) in Uptown, Minneapolis to meet up with my girlfriend and her cousin for happy hour. The place was really old school Italy inside, reminds me of many of the little charming Italian restaurants in Manhattan. Food was okay, we just had some appetizers which were way too salty (Bruscetta, Spinach Dip, and a little pizza), the company was much better! The location and the interior were the highlights, I want to go back and give them another chance with dinner and supposedly they have a "wine cellar" for dining and entertaining which I really want to see.
Wednesday, We headed to Loring Kitchen and Bar (Loring Kitchen & Bar) for dinner with friends, located in Loring Park in downtown Minnesota. For me, the most interesting part of the night was the wine. I started the evening with a glass of 2008 Domaine Daulny, Sancerre (Loire Valley (Loire Valley), France). I couldn't remember what type of grape is used in Sancerre so it was kind of fun trying to figure out what it was. This is what descriptors were running through my head, the wine had qualities of both chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, it was crisp, refreshing, citric, green apple, minerally, balanced, and finally yummmm! It's looks to be pretty affordable too, $20 or so bucks retail.
After that beautiful white, we selected a 2008 Caldora Montepulciano D'Abruzzo from Italy for dinner. Smooth, velvety, red berry, licorice, hints of chocolate, vanilla. I won't tell you what I paid but I will give you a hint, retail it looks like its about 12 bucks retail and what I paid and what it is worth is much much more. If you can find this wine for under 20 bucks, I highly recommend it. Until my next post.... Live Life!!!
"No nation is drunken where wine is cheap, and none sober where the dearness of wine substitutes ardent spirits as the common beverage" - Thomas Jefferson
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