New Corks in MD

Posted on October 1, 2013 by melsmosaic

Sunday morning, local farmers market. You have the fun of trying and buying all the delicious produce…especially this time of year with apples and pears!!! At the one in the Bethesda, every so often there will be a local vintner making an appearance. I happened to stumble (yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking) upon one last time I was there….it was 10am…I wish they had bubbly, then maybe stumble could have been what crossed your mind!

Anyway, the new winery is Big Cork Vineyards and they are in Frederick, MD.

They were offering four varietals, all white. Not bad for MD. The reds will be available this fall. And, what was great to hear is that the winery will be open for tastings in Spring 2014. Look forward to checking it out.

Wine Class #2

Posted on September 26, 2013 by melsmosaic

Had my second wine class the other day and learned more about that great beverage. There was interesting info about labeling and the differences between Old and New World wines. Think about when you buy a bottle of French vs. a bottle of California wine. Which label is easier to read — ignoring any potential language barriers?

For Old World, they must (still and will likely always) include:

-Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
-Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
-Color (red, rose, white)
-Sweetness (dry, medium-dry, medium-sweet, sweet)

For New World, simple:

-brand name
-grape varietal(s)
-geographical areas (Sonoma, Western Cape South Africa)

After that we discussed the background and intricacies of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and of course had to sample some. This week we tasted 8 wines (2 were not of the aforementioned varietals):

Chardonnay

#1 2012 Sylvaine & Alain Norman La Roche Vineuse
Macon – Burgundy, France

#2 2011 Butternut Chardonnay
California

#3 2012 Hendry Unoaked
Napa Valley, California

Pinot Noir

#4 2011 Domaine Bernard Moreau et Fils Bourgogne Rouge
Burgundy, France

#5 2011 Baileyana Firepeak
Edna Valley, California

#6 2009 Maude
Central Otago, New Zealand (this is the most southern wine area in the world)

Gamay

#7 2011 Chateau du Basty Regnie
Beaujolais, France

Pinotage

#8 2012 Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage
Stellenbosch, South Africa

Size Can Matter

Posted on September 19, 2013 by melsmosaic

The world of wine is constantly in a state of flux. First corks started going from true cork to synthetic. Then we started getting these screw top things. I will say at first I was not impressed but I am starting to like them, but I will always love traditional corks. And now, the size of the container of wine you buy is changing! The 750ml bottle should always be around, there can be the standby 1.5L and maybe the splits or tiny ones that you use for cooking or slipping into your pocket.

But now you go into the store and talk about eye candy! I was in World Market last weekend and just had to take pictures. Talk about kid in a candy store. So there were 3 other size options (I’d seen some of them a couple times but they overtook the wine section).

#1 350ml bottle, screw top, metal bottle (that might not be what it’s truly made of, but looks that way). This could totally pass for a non-alcoholic drink (if you peeled the label). And check out the caps — white for white, red for red. Genius! These were about $6/bottle.

#2 500 ml — I don’t know what you want to call it — paper bottle. I know there is a better name. Plastic screw top. Each container has 3 glasses of wine. Or, hey, if it’s yours for the night, either get a straw or drink straight from the bottle! The cost for these was about $5.

#3 3L Box Wine. Box wine’s been around for awhile but is getting good now. There are 4 bottles per box. Per ‘them’ there are 24 glasses in a box — are there really 6 glasses in a bottle? This one was selling for about $16.

Great to see what’s happening in wine world. Size can matter based on the situation…BBQ, tailgating, night out, night in, sample, and more. Taste on, my friends, taste on.

Wine Class/School

Posted on September 18, 2013 by melsmosaic

Last week I has my first, of five, classes with the Capital Wine School for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award. Going to school for wine? What more could one ask? There are a variety of people in the class, from wine distributors looking to learn about products, caterers, retirees pursuing their passions of wine and getting background for potential work in wine stores and others of us just learning more about wine for kicks.

During the first session, we learned about various elements of wine, from environment to storage. But the primary focus was the Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine. Before you taste the wine, you have to analyze several aspects of it, with specific, pre-identified terms for each level.

Appearance — clarity, intensity, color. For this, you always want to have the wine against a white background.

Nose — condition, intensity, aroma characteristics (you use the characteristics below). Swirling is optional, personal preference, but what do you have to lose?

Next, the fun part — tasting the wine! They like to call it palate. There are several areas to determine/analyze here — sweetness, acidity, tannin, body, flavor characteristics, finish.

For the Aroma and flavor characteristics, there are many of them to base it/them on:

Floral/fruit — floral, green fruit, citrus fruit, stone fruit, tropical fruit, red fruit, black fruit, dried fruit

Spice/Vegetable — underripeness, herbaceous, herbal, vegetable, sweet spice, pungent spice

Oak/other — simplicity/neutrality, autolytic, dairy, oak, kernel, animal, maturity, mineral

Conclusions — quality

What was interesting to learn while doing this is that you have a blank palate — you do not lean a certain way. It is what is present in the wine. You might not like the wine, but it’s the flavor, aromas, characteristics, x,y,z that are there. You analyze that wine to present it to the innocent bystander who is looking for a ‘wine that will pair with ‘this” or a wine with ‘x flavors.’

We tasted 6 wines last week. They provide you with spit/dump buckets and water so you could keep going strong.

#1 2012 Mara White Grass Sauvignon Blanc

#2 2010 Robert Mondavi Chardonnay

#3 2011 Karl Erbes Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett

#4 2011 Henry Fessy Morgon Cru Beaujolais

#5 2010 Cousino-Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon

#6 2011 Bodegas Volver Tarima Mourvedre (Monastrell)

As mentioned earlier, it was tough to say, ‘this was a good wine,’ because there are a few that I put personal notes about what NOT buy at the store. But it is so neat to start learning about what goes into what sommeliers learn when they provide you all the info on the grapes we enjoy.

Class #2 is later this week. So, more to come.

Three weeks, three people, three new tastes

Posted on September 12, 2013 by melsmosaic

Good things come in threes, right? So I’ve met some great people over the past few weeks and all of them have introduced me to some new drinks, all in different ‘categories’ — liquor, beer, wine. Great way to keep the mind and palette active. Wanted to share them so more people can learn about them (or nod and say — oh yeah, I’ve been loving that for ages, glad she’s finally caught on).

#1 — Gin & Tonic, the wonderful G&T, with cucumber vs. lime. The important part about this concoction is that you MUST muddle the cukes to release the juice, you need good gin (everybody does have their favorite — mine is Bombay Sapphire but I will never turn down a host who provides Hendrick’s) and apparently if you don’t use Q tonic, why bother making it? The things you learn. There are apparently some measurements to this drink which could/would not be revealed…

#2: Westmalle Trappist Ale Tripel. It was the kickoff to college football. Great Belgian beer to enjoy while sitting on the couch watching sports for many hours. This stuff is potent — 9.5% alcohol! It’s good to be watching football because you don’t want to drive for awhile and the food you eat while being sedentary for hours on end soaks up that percentage. My friend served it in the appropriate glass to which you fill to the 33cl line.

#3: Bloem Red. Amazing wine from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Since I’m headed there next year I want all the ‘amuse-bouche’ I can get. It had a light-medium body with fruit and spice. Was enjoying this over Labor Day weekend and it was served with just that perfect chill for a red that made it even better. It’s a blend of about 65/35 Syrah/Mourvedre.

May these inspire you for the weekend to come.

Aussie Wine Tasting

Posted on September 6, 2013 by melsmosaic

Last night there was a call from Down Under to taste their wine. One must answer! How can you go wrong? It was taking place at Bin 201 in Annapolis, MD. For $10 you taste(d) 8 wines and then you could apply those 10 bucks towards the purchase of a bottle. And, if more than one person goes, you can combine your ‘credits.’ The two of us who went walked out with a ‘free’ bottle of wine. Score! They also serve cheese and crackers at the tasting.

So the night began:

#1: Pewsey Vale Riesling. That was originally to be the 2nd in the tasting but turned out to be best as first as some previous tasters decided the notes made it best to go first. Nice and dry. You’re not drinking sugar. The nose was flowery, the taste was lime.

#2: Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc. Hand me the green peppers. Or, if your recipe calls for some and you’re out, you could easily sip some of this instead. Wow, very poignant, yet nice, nose and taste of them. Also had some grapefruit notes.

#3: Mt. Beautiful Pinot Noir. Yes, it’s from New Zealand but they are pretty close together, yet so far away from here. There was a light note of cranberries in the nose. For taste, I found some ash and bit of cranberry.

#4: Misfit Brujeria. I felt it was ‘thick and chewy’ and couldn’t pick up a flavor. If I had to put something to it, the most I could say is chocolate, but that’s me.

#5: Tournon Mathilda. Light wine with some eucalyptus on the nose. Also carried the eucalyptus in the taste with a hint of jam.

#6: Tir Na N’og ‘Old Vines’ Grenache. What a nose — chocolate and molasses. Then it was like drinking molasses cookies with a hint of black licorice.

#7: Yalumba “The Scribbler” Shiraz/Cabernet. I love their Shiraz/Viognier blend so was excited about this. I could not pick up a taste from it though, unfortunately.

#8: Jim Barry “The Cover Drive” Cabernet Sauvignon. The most I can give is mint!

And the entire menu/notes from Bin 201 were interesting. I always try to sniff and taste before reading these to avoid the ‘brainwash.’ The Aussie tasting was great and can’t wait to see/taste what’s next.

Whole Food(s) & Wine

Posted on August 22, 2013 by melsmosaic

Had to get that great Before & After thought in there again as much as possible. So a couple weeks ago, I saw this amazing sign outside of the Whole Foods in Glover Park/Georgetown (DC) for their Wednesday night $5 for 5 wines and 5 food bites. What, what, did I read that wrong? Really, I know I just walked out of the gym, I’m tired, dehydrated, want some food (and likely wine) but what did that say? But I did read it right! Every Wednesday from 5:30-7pm they feature 5 wines (in two ounce pours) accompanied with a nice snack for five bucks! Whoa! Bring…it…on! I am proud, yet almost ashamed, that I finally (only finally) made it down there this week.

And the night began. So as the first timer, I walk in, see wine in the non-wine section (aka produce) and see people with glasses and paper. Of course I have to ask who/what/when/why/where?? Deer in headlights. Simple…go to the express lane, pay five bucks and get the (take home!) wine glass (that you can bring back, or any wine glass, for a dollar off…four dollars!) and summary/rundown sheet for the five tasting stations. Money paid, game plan set.

Station #1: Wolftrap Syrah Mourvedre Viognier. Ok, every nose and palette is different. It smelled like swiss cheese to me…yes, you read that right, but oh, oh, oh, down so smooth, with some berries then smoke, in a nice, clean sense. The even better thing? It was on sale from it’s normal X price (don’t what that is) to $10, then we got an extra buck off! I CAN NOT wait to go to South Africa next year to taste this stuff on site! This was served with breaded eggplant (couldn’t have it because of cheese…heard it was good).

Station #2: Another visit to Sugarloaf with the Sugarloaf Mountain Pinot Grigio. They are just north of DC and offer a great escape for a day. Crisp, citrus-y with a hint of peach. A great summer white, cool and refreshing! Retail price around $17 or so. This was served with shrimp prepared in coconut oil.

Station #3: Take me to Italy for some Cesanese Lazio Volepetti. Nice medium bodied-red. I kept trying and trying, and trying and trying to nail down a nose or flavor and couldn’t do it. It was a nice wine. I drank it, I would drink it again, but I’m only writing home about it for my blog. Apparently they couldn’t keep it in stock after the tasting. I bought the bottles of #1, not for the price (score!) but for the wine/taste proper. Each one to their own…more for me! Side note, retail price for this one is around $12 or so. This was served with salami, (hard parmesan), and french bread.

Station #4: Parlez vous francais? Avez-vous un peu de vin? Merci beacoup. Yes, I speak French and I had French wine. Rose, to be exact. We tasted Aime Roquesante Rose. If you want the site in French, check it out. Pink is about the most I could say about it. It was a dry vs. a sweet rose which was nice but I couldn’t equate it to anything, really, flavor-wise. Would be good to have handy as a light wine for summer. It did have a cool bottle, as in the non-uniform shape. Overall, it was nothing to write home about again just good info to write (on) a blog about. Retail price around $13 or so. And as I note this, I must say again everybody has totally totally different wine taste, go please go try it! We had roasted chicken and rice with this one.

Station #5: Pop! Cote Mas Cremant de Limoux. Bubbly. Great way for the tour end. Nice fizz, nice light taste. Retail price around $14 or so. This was served with a little protein smoothie with huge chunks of delicious peaches.

This was yet another great was to just learn about new wines and expand the palette. And for five bucks? Can’t go wrong. Happy happy hour! And again, I am giving my tasting notes. Everybody has different tastes and can like different wines. Go out to your local store(s) for tastings or buy a bottle to share with friends. Have a tasting party. You will only learn more by exploring and socializing. Sip on, sip on.

Easy Wrap-Up Dinner

Posted on August 20, 2013 by melsmosaic

So I’m a bit late writing about a quick, easy wrap-up dinner I made for Sunday night. It only took a few minutes but gave so many flavors that it was just perfect, and it was lactose free! Served some wine with it and it made going back to work on Monday even worse. Always think…make things easy…use this during the week if you want to.

I had a yellow squash that had been around for a few days that I needed to use before it went bad. So I just sliced that and put it in a pan for a bit until it was cooked to the level I wanted. A few minutes before it was done, I threw some grape tomatoes in the pan just to have them ‘pop.’ I’d been craving shrimp, so I pulled some of the frozen one out of the freezer earlier in the day. I just pan seared those about half way through the cooking of the yellow squash. Oh, for spices on these, I just picked one of my Penzey’s blends.

I looked in my fridge for what else to serve. Had some grapefruit that I always love and they are highly recommended to eat before a meal (if you’re able to) — just having it on the plate was good enough for me. Served a couple pieces of that. And I can never turn olives down. Threw some of the greek ones from Trader Joe’s on there. Had also grabbed some bread earlier in the day and just did some olive oil, S&P for dipping.

Next, the vino! At the liquor store outside of Annapolis this time, Edgewater Liquors, the recommendation was La Mondianese Grignolino. Was about $16… Very light, refreshing…will have to get more.

Also had a little bit of Cline’s Cool Climate Pinot Noir. This is one of my favorites. Since it’s grown where the temps don’t rise a ton (I learned the specs once and don’t remember all the details), it has a different taste than the other Pinot. It’s usually about $18-$20.

Love finishing the week with a nice dinner before starting a new one.

Saturday Wine Tasting

Posted on August 18, 2013 by melsmosaic

Saturday is a great day. It’s the weekend, (hopefully) you don’t have to work, and many wine shops have tastings. It provides the opportunity to sample a new wine — you can explore new regions, new varietals, new everything. You tempt your palette and might realize there is a whole world of grapes out there you never knew about!

Right down the street from me I visited Cork & Fork this weekend for their wonderful sampling. We had five to enjoy.

#1 Kaltern Pinot Grigio. *Note – this is the closest site I could find to link to for info because they don’t have their one. Pretty sharp and heavier than most Pinot Grigio. Very good. You could serve this alone, with appetizers or chicken, shrimp or pasta for dinner.

#2 Bebe Sparkling Rose (scroll to bottom). While seeing it in the bottle I had my doubts about the sparkle. But once it’s poured, wow. Those bubbles were definitely there. The first thing I tasted was strawberries. After that ‘just’ berries. Perfect for summer. And, it’s in a great bottle that doesn’t have a traditional champagne cork, you just flip it off, so you can easily re-use the bottle for olive oil in the kitchen or something of the like.

#3 Barnard Griffin 2013 Rose of Sangiovese. Need to serve very cold. Crisp, fresh with citrus notes. This might be a bit too heavy to drink just alone. Would definitely need something to pair it with, even if just some simple appetizers.

#4 Les Allies Sauvignon Blanc. *Note – no site available to provide more info. This white was so light, its color was close to water vs. some other whites (Chardonnays) that are very dark yellow. Crazy how clear it was. All I can say about it is give me a peach, then a peach, then can you please hand me another peach. Very nice!

#5 Maestrale Barbera D’Alba. Save the best for last — red. Start with some currants then finish off with some black licorice. Interesting how the flavors changed as it went down/through the palette. Very, very nice red.

Another great wine tasting to expand knowledge of wine, taste new varietals and see what else is out there to fill the wine rack. I love going to these because I have my love of Pinot Noir and Shiraz/Syrah and I have become so much more educated about what is out there with a simple sip. All is takes is a walk down the street or a couple mile drive to expand the love of wine. Sip on my friends, sip on.

New All Around

Posted on August 6, 2013 by melsmosaic

Had some friends over for dinner the other night and there were new tastes all around the table, from cheese to salad to wine.

For pre-dinner, my friend was kind enough to bring non-cow milk cheese to make the lactose intolerant person happy. One of them was a Honey Goat Gouda from Trader Joe’s. I normally can’t stand goat cheese but love gouda. This was totally on the good side. I highly recommend it! The other was a manchego from TJ’s that I’ve had before that is equally as delicious! Great way to kick off the night.

We had three wines throughout the evening, kicking off with a Virginia white. The first was Rappahannock Cellar’s Viognier. It was a nice local grape, pairing nicely with the appetizers.

For dinner I made a recipe I had been wanting to try for awhile — Citrus-Avocado Salad. It was AMAZING! For the tamari almonds it calls for, a friend gave me the great idea of making them vs. buying them to save money. All you need to do is toss the almonds in some soy sauce, a couple dashes of Worcestershire Sauce and a pinch of sugar. You bake them at 250 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Done! For the blood oranges, sometimes they are tough to find. I came across red oranges at one grocery store. Otherwise I was going to use grapefruit or just regular oranges.

With this salad I served some pan seared (vs grilled because I live in an apartment and can’t have a BBQ) chicken breasts and quinoa.

The wines we enjoyed with this included two reds. One from Virgina — First Colony Cab from a winery in Monticello — very nice. Again, I’m finding Cabs I like — something is happening to me. The second red is one I discovered/was introduced to a few years back — Eleven. It’s from Washington and the specific varietal was the 2008 La Ronde.