New Year’s Resolutions - More Wining!

Here we are in the middle of January, 2008… How’s it going with the New Year’s Resolutions?  Personally, the one I’m having the most luck with is “Drink more wine.”  Work, work, work!   

One of my new favorites is a Bonarda Reserva from the Tupungato district of Mendoza, Argentina.  The 2005 Ignis Bonarda Reserva (ARG032) is an amazing value at $12.99/bottle.  Full-flavored and rich, this wine is full of intense, black berry flavors, a hint of licorice and vanilla, and light floral notes.  The tannins are velvety, making the wine a perfect choice with a nice, juicy steak! 

Bonarda is a very common varietal in Argentina, but not so easy to find in the states.  For additional information or to order the Ignis Bonarda Reserva, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

Life is a Cabernet (Sauvignon, that is)!

Known as the “king of grapes”, Cabernet Sauvignon is recognized as a big, bold, full-flavored wine. Cabernet also has a reputation for having exceptional texture and is often described as “extremely dry”. With age (or through decanting), this texture (produced from the tannins in the grape skins and seeds) settles down and becomes smooth and velvety, allowing the fruit and other flavors typical of the varietal (leather, tobacco, chocolate) to come forward and be appreciated.

What to serve with the king of grapes? A steak, of course! Preferably Au Poivre or smothered in grilled onions and mushrooms. A grilled portabella mushroom is a nice vegetarian option. And for the ultimate finish, try a bite of dark chocolate. The perfect end (or beginning?) to a romantic evening!

Top Picks:
03 Vina Alamosa, Premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Cachapoal Valley, Chile (CHI114), $14.99
05 Paseo Prestige, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maule Valley, Chile (CHI111), $14.99
05 Bentgate, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California (NAP938), $17.99

For additional information or to find fabulous Cabernets, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

Que syrah, shiraz?

Syrah, as it’s known in “old world” wine producing areas and Shiraz, in Australian and “new world” terminology are the same grape varietal grown in different parts of the world. Shiraz is typically a “jammy” wine with rich texture and dark fruit characteristics such as black raspberries, plums, and Bing cherries.

Shiraz/Syrah is delicious paired with beef stew, pork chops and even as an aperitif with almonds and other healthy nuts. Not hungry? Shiraz is also the perfect wine to curl up with on a long winter’s night with a loved one (or a good book) and a crackling fire.

Top Picks:
02 Tria, Syrah, California (CAL866), $14.99
04 Stormy Cape, Wrattonbully Shiraz, South Australia (AUS274), $14.99

For additional information or to find fabulous sparkling wines, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

A Rosé by any other name…

Rosé has come into vogue again in recent months, allowing even ‘wine snobs’ to enjoy this once-ridiculed wine. Rosé is produced by removing the skins of a red varietal during the fermentation process, staining the wine pink. The ideal food wine, rosé has a crispness that is balanced by fruity (often strawberry) characteristics.

Pair rosés with barbequed meats like pulled pork, smoked sausage and ribs or spicy foods like a vegetable stir fry.

Top Picks:
06 Rushdale, Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, South Africa (SOA354), $11.99
06 Paseo Reserve, Syrah Rosé, Maule Valley, Chile (CHI113), $9.99

For additional information or to find fabulous rosés, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.

What’s in a Name? Champagne, Sparkling, or a bit of Frizzante?

Sparkling wine has long been the beverage of choice for celebrating life’s milestones. Legend has it that Champagne was perfected in the 17th Century by a Benedictine monk named Dom Perignon, who upon tasting his creation exclaimed, “Come quickly brothers, I’m drinking stars!” A good bottle of bubbly can indeed be a celestial experience!

There remains some confusion when selecting a sparkling wine…what’s the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine? Essentially, Champagne is produced in the Champagne region of France and sparkling wine that is made in the “Methodé Champenoise” is from other regions of the world. All Champagnes are sparkling wines, but not all sparkling wines are Champagne.

And what about Frizzante wines? Frizzante wines are slightly carbonated and have fewer bubbles than other sparklings. A classic example would be Moscato d’Asti.

So what foods pair well with sparkling wines? Think about foods with interesting textures like soup and caviar when pairing with sparkling wine. Another great pairing would be an egg dish like quiche.

Top Picks:
N/V Calixte, Brut, Cremant d’Alsace (ALS115), $14.99
‘06 Meda Margherita, Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont, Italy (ITA617), $14.99

For additional information or to find fabulous sparkling wines, visit www.myttv.com/penny9596; or contact Penny Fitzgerald, Independent Wine Consultant and Team Leader with The Traveling Vineyard at 319-321-6045; or e-mail winechick@southslope.net.