the Common Libation: Edmund st. Johns

We'd seen this bottle around town. It caught our eye at Pasta Works, the grocery store, Portland Wine Merchants-- begging to be taken home. In a blind tasting I concluded an Alsacian Pinot Gris... close-- this varietal wine is made with the intention of emulating the French style. Perhaps sir Winemaker might take my guess as a compliment. Here's the inside scoop:

Edmund st. Johns 2006, California

concoction: 100% Pinot Gris 13%abv

sight: pale old straw turned to golden thread (see also: Rapunzel.)

sniffings: light and powdery golden pears and supple pineapple.

palate: with impressive acidity, crisp candied pears, and soft peachy nut pie, this happy Pinot Gris leaves one feeling light and airy. Though this wine has obviously undergone malo-lactic fermentation, the demure vanilla accent fades quickly into an uninspiring, watery finish.

conclusion: this $10 wine is fun, yet I'd love to try a more recent vintage; I have a feeling this Gris should have been imbibed closer to its youth.

Somms on the Road

My ISG Sommelier class, led by instructor Savannah Ray (Sommelier, ten01), recently trekked out to Oregon wine country for some rockin' tastings. Here's where we ventured:

Argyle -- the highest rated non-champagne sparkling in the world.

Argyle uses impressive modern and antique machines to make their bubbles the traditional way (méthode champenoise seen right), and remain one of the select few who attempt to create such airy delights.

Phenomenal Argyle tastes:

• elegant roses & strawberries - the 2007 Brut Rosé (90 pts Wine Spectator, $50).
• robust - 2007 "Nuthouse" Pinot Noir ($50).
• salty toasted hazelnut "Nuthouse" Chardonnay (92pts Wine Spectator, $33).

Cristom -- "letting the land make the wines," and doing a damn fine job of it.

We wandered the sleeping vineyards with Cristom winemaker Steve Doerner who explained that great wine starts in the soil. After cozying ourselves in the tasting room, we worked through three flights and a vertical featuring "Margorie" Pinot Noir, vintages 1996 through 1999.

Phenomenal Cristom Pinots:

• 2007 Margorie
• 2007 Louise
• 2006 Lea

Evening Land -- Burgundy's superstar winemaker Dominique LaFon + EL's winemaster Isabelle Meunier = top tier, classic Pinot.

After touring Evening Land's modern warehouse facility and tasting a plethora of wines, Ken Pahlow (winemaker of Walter Scott) presented an egregiously long syphon for our barrel tasting pleasure. His 2010 fuscia-tastic Gamay (Beaujolais Nouveau anyone?) was fresh and young, while the not-quite-mature Pinot Gris popped out of the glass, and his Pinot Blanc earned ♥ ♥. I am really looking forward to the release of these Walter Scotts!

Phenomenal Evening Land tastes:

• orange zest and subtle oak infused 2008 Red Queen Pinot Noir (93 pts Wine Advocate, $90) is a member of the prestigious top tier white label line, said to represent the "pinnacle... of the vineyard's best self."
• another white label member, the 2008 Seven Springs Vineyard Summom Chardonnay (95 pts Wine Spectator, $116!!), exhibits saltwater taffy, magical acidity, and fresh creaminess.

the Superlative Intoxicant: Juicy Gris

Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris, 2007 Alsace, France

concoction: Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio, the mutant, white Pinot Noir).

visuals: silvery and subtle yet vibrant canary.

sniffings: soft peaches and sweet honey with simple floral overtones.

palate: toasty peaches with playful acidity cloaked in a soft glycerin textured cream. 13% abv.

ruling: simple and clean fun over an antipasto plate and a game of basement darts.

spendings: an unobtrusive $8.

pairing pick: smoked goat cheese on salted date crackers.

Holiday Pairing with ENSO

On the table at Enso Winery:

Resonate White (100% Reisling) paired with bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Manchego.

Zinfandel paired to ham tartlet with cranberry orange chutney.

Resonate Red (Malbec/Grenache) paired with turkey and dumplings.

Holiday Wine Pairing Party with winemakers Chris Wishart and Ryan Lee Sharp. Tasty delights provided by Chef Jenny Wishart of Screen Door.

Brand Management

I can't think of a rainy evening better spent than wine tasting at an intimate warehouse artist space, and Monday gave me exactly that.

After anxiously awaiting a run in with Beaux Frères wines, we finally got to try their light, dusty mauve Pinot Noirs, which were described by our humorous taster as having great "Pinocity," meaning "the typicity of Pinot." Though most Beaux Freres wines (co-owned by celebrity reviewer Robert Parker) are a bit above the invisible line of affordability, their lower end "preview" wine, Les Cousins 2009 ($24), has solid spunk.

I was really in the mood for white (in contrast to the stormy weather) and a particularly light and tropical Viognier by J Scott caressed my imagination with soft pastels. I imagined it to be something Marie Antionette might have enjoyed on warm evenings at her summer estate.

We adored wines by Francis Tannahill (esp the 2007 'Dragonfly' Gewurzt) and highly recommend the under $20 Pinot selections by Redman.

Besides there being superlative local vinos, the quaint kitchen produced fantastic snacks: salted marcona almonds lightly toasted in sunflower oil, the best tapenade I have ever popped in my mouth, creamy pâté, salami, and a selection of cheeses to pair.

The Mashing of Mourvèdre

It's harvest season and Enso Winery is working with Mourvèdre! We had a blast destemming with wine makers Chris and Ryan last Saturday -- so you're welcome in advance for making your bottle of wine pure and bug-free. You may remember these rock star chemists from the stellar Resonate unveiling a few months ago (you can now try a glass of the Resonate White at the new Hall of Records on Belmont!) This artisan Mourvèdre will be available from the Enso team Autumn 2011 -- I can't wait!

Varietal Stats

What - Known best for it's velvety, gamey body, Mourvèdre is often described as powerfully animalistic. Also known as Mataró and Montastrell.

Where - Grapes are grown primarily in Spain and for blending with Grenache and Syrah in the Rhone Valley, France.

Why - Wines pair best with hearty, winter meals such as turkey, pork roast, game fowl, and chicken and dumplings, so think Mourvèdre when picking up your Thanksgiving bottles!

Commence Winter Feasting!

The first rain of Winter should not spread gloom, but inspire an exciting shift in activities! We paired a home made spicy chorizo, white bean, kale soup with a 2006 Via Terra Garnacha ($12), and it was so tasty! Just the right amount of weight and savory expressiveness for the start of this cold season.

Of Birds & Crabs

Tradition insists fresh crab marries with a buttery Chardonnay, or perhaps a Sauvignon Blanc or bright Champagne, but we grabbed a bottle of 2006 Kestrel Raptor House Viognier ($20) for our messy afternoon of Dungeness. The lush white wine melded harmoniously to the rich sea flavors of the butter-drizzled crustacean, bringing out its subtly sweet and oaky lemon characteristics. This is an easy drinking wine that shows best with food, so enjoy on a picnic or a sunny Autumn lunch.

Also try from Kestrel: the 2005 Estate Malbec ($40) for a devilishly desirable, gritty black ink seduction sauce. Think: Adrien Brody-- the epitome of class and quirky intellect. Tall, dark, and unassumingly handsome.

Bubbles in the Night

Odom distribution's second annual bubbles party was brimming with exuberant Champagne fanatics. In a bustling room such as this, it's hard to miss how bubbles can brighten smiles, inspire fantastic food pairings (chocolate covered strawberries!), and bring a positive, sprightly energy to any evening.

We shared delicate classics like Veuve, Mumm, and Perrier Jouet, discovered some unique tastes like the perfumey honied-peach of Gavi by Villa Sparina ($20), and enjoyed previous favorites such as Shingleback's beautiful Black Bubbles ($20), which I plan on employing as a fantastic base in homemade ice cream floats for desert this Thanksgiving!

Wine in the Warehouse with Estelle Imports

I find the warehouse is a fitting scene for an industry tasting. Estelle Imports showed selections from Italy, Spain, France, and the North West.

Some of our favorite finds:

• Angel Vine Columbia Valley 08 "the Hellion" ($22): 72% Primitivo blended with Petite Syrah. An interesting combination, and an interesting wine! I get a dirty, tasty zing of smooth, synthetic blueberries and a light stone characteristic.
• Marco Porello 08 Nebbiolo d'Alba ($18): the most awesome juice box you ever had in elementary school.
• Rouge Queues 08 Santenay: comforting toasty cracker with nicely integrated tannic rubber.
• Bodegas Juan Manuel Burgos Rivera del Duero Roble 08 "Fescenino:" short takes on the long winded title-- Brent says "best deal of the day," Caitlin exclaims, "oh my god." Yes, this jammy, American-esque Spanish red is tasty and affordable.

A Taste of X

I had an incredible opportunity to taste through some serious knock-out wines from ExCellars distribution. The tasting was friendly and intimate, hosted at the fashionable MetroVino, which is known for a mind-boggling list of 80+ wines by the glass (a feat impossible without the use of the stylish Enomatic wine preservation system). Present wineries included Owen Roe, Sineann, El Corazon, Côte Bonneville, Fausse Piste, and Pomum.

On the table we found the latest releases by Owen Roe. With each vintage comes variant percentages in blended grape varieties, and I was eager to try the '09 Sinister Hand after adoring the 2008 creation. The soft and supple spice and well rounded candied pecans on the palate were less warm and decadent than the previous year, and while I enjoyed this wine, it was not as sexy as its preceding installment. I loved, however, the magical forest-like 2008 Yakima Valley Red, and especially the 2008 Cabernet Franc "Rosa Mystica." The wine was so smooth that it coated my tongue as if it were milk, reminding me of sipping a decadent Hot Toddy in the blizzarding mayhem of Winter. In pouring our tastes, the winery's own Darius Price beamed, "this Cab Franc stole my heart;" just as it did mine.

Winemaker Kerry Sheils poured a selection of her 94+pts creations from Côte Bonneville. Fabulous aromas and complex aromas, yet for $120 I'll pass on the 2004 DuBrul Vineyard Cab/Merlot.

The charming and animated Spencer Sievers appropriately entitled his lively wine El Corazon, meaning "heart." I didn't believe his Syrah could be bested until the Malbec was poured. The deep beet colored juice was so smooth and dreamy with the slightest dash of ink that, in a daze, I scribbled ♥ ♥ ♥.

Jesse Skiles, the creative mind behind Fausse Piste, had several kick-ass wines to share. One of my favorites was Skiles' 2008 Syrah Ce Lieu Apres (not yet released), an unreal blend which exhibited amusing barnyardy corn meal and Spray Millet complexities. The line-up also features Skiles' lovingly created treasures, "lOrtolan" Roussanne, a 2009 Viognier, and an '09 Syrah titled "Levier de Cuisine." Keep an eye on this talented winemaker!

And then there was Sineann, with adorably chic glass stoppers and an irresistible 2007 Yates-Conwill Pinot Noir (90pts Wine Enthusiast, $35), which combined elegant opalescence with cleanliness and a side bowl of animal crackers and vanilla wafers. If I could pair this wine with a film, I would leisurely enjoy it with The Fall (a gorgeous and heart warming action/fantasy by Tarsem, 2006.) Sineann's Sugar Hill had me thinking, "holy frosted cupcake, Batman!" and the 2009 Oak Ridge Pinot Noir tasted of wonderful warm and chewy, rubbery earth.

Ruling: the ExCellars tasting brought awesome small production, artisan wines on each front. Don't miss out on these wines, they are worth the hunt!

Chefs Dinner with Shawn & Corin

Last Monday I met with friends, coworkers, and canines for a fabulously leisured four course chef's dinner hosted by culinarians Shawn Clark and Corin Wilder. Each course brought mouthwatering savoriness with wines to pair.

To implore that life grant excellent food, wine, friends, and conversation is the greatest recipe for happiness. Salud to life!

°.°Bubbles & Port°.°

Aperitif met desert at Lucier for an industry tasting. Here, I meandered with fellow industry friends to giggle over bubblies and mellow out with Port.

We munched on an array of salumis, cheeses, and artisan breads while reviewing wines organized by distributor. Some of my favorite sparklers included:

• the complex and fruity Dom Ste Michel Luxe ($16). I adored its every aspect from the wonderfully integrated bubbles to its affordability and orangy, white chocolate covered strawberry essence.
• Piper Heidsieck Brut Cuvee ($40) excited my palate with bright lemony orange peel and nasturtium flavors.
• the eccentric Louis Perdrier Brut Rosé ($10!) held perfectly lateral off-dry, light bubbles across my tongue while integrating a bright under layer of citrusy raspberry.

Then we began our round of desert wines:

• yum! a light, white raisin, almost inky port: the Nicolas Feuillatte Millenium Cuvee Special ($50).
• the amazingly complicated, unassumingly lightly syruped Osborne 20year aged Port ($42) had a deceptively heavier and richer nose than the 10 year (savory salumi maple for $28), and earned it a ♥ ♥ in my note book.
• Flavor explosion! Another deuce heart extravaganza, this time orange liqueur flavored baby food from Royal Tokaji: Red Label (05/06, $29), and an awesomely effervescent white grapefruit-esque Mad Cuvee (2008, $15!).

Taittinger offered an intriguing rosé, Prestige ($66), which stood out from the rest with a quick crash of bubbles and overt notes of soapy pink flowers as if to beg, "bath time!" A yeasty contrast, the Chas Heidsieck Brut Reserve ($43), elicited images of 1950s school house life with taunting burnt hair and muddy wet dog.

A representative from Armand de Brignac offered a speech and a pour of "what the young kids like to call the Ace of Spades" champagne, whose bottles are hand dipped in metallic coating, and worth around $300. Though the high end bubbles were certainly delicious, smooth, and mushroom-like, the presentation was a little overdone, almost up-tight-turned-kitschy.

Bubbles best pair with food-- as it is able to cut through fat, cool spice on the palate, or brighten any heavy plate-- and special occasions; this event left me beaming with newfound bubbly appreciation. Port, I've found, is best served solo or alongside blue cheeses, walnuts and chocolates; after this tasting, I have a renewed, voracious appetite for such desert wines.

See you next time in the tasting room!

the Next Hip Artisan Wine

Enso Winery is a shiny new urban project masterminded by wine makers Chris Wishart and Ryan Sharp, both formerly instrument to Arcane Cellars. The exuberant duo source grapes from the west coast states, and we'll see their first commercial vintage hit the market next fall. I was ecstatic to attend their teaser taster bash, for which Chris and Ryan poured their recently bottled Resonate Red (a velvety blend of Malbec and Grenache) and a simply divine dry Riesling entitled Resonate White. These wines are phenomenal-- get amped for what's up next; we got a decanted preview of the adolescent Zinfandel, and it has genuine spunk. We will also see an array of reds, whites, and a rosé (hurray!) come fall 2011. Thank you Chris and Ryan!

Family in Town!

Portland is an influential axis of culinary enthusiasm, and Brent's equivalently ebullient Southern Californian family was in town last weekend to partake in our city's scrumptious creations. We gorged at food carts, savored a bite at Café Vélo, enjoyed libations at local establishments, and-- what better to do with the visiting vinophile family than taste in our nearby wine country!

We had a fabulous visit to one of our favorite wineries, Rex Hill, which wowed everyone with Pinots and dazzled with whites. We also stopped by Chehalem Winery for artsy-sleek labels, fresh dry Reisling, and friendly dogs! I highly recommend the steel barrel aged 2007 Ian's Reserve Chardonnay (91 pts Wine Spectator, $36) for a special occasion.

Further adventuring included a cellar opening at Thirst, classic wining and dining at Jake's (where we enjoyed a bottle of De Ponte 07 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir!), dancing at a Vanimal show, a rain storm, happy hour at Nel Centro, a cupping at Stumptown, and more!

Thursday Tasting with Josh

Once again, it's Thursday, which means wine tasting at Thirst! I sat down with my esteemed friend Josh to sample 3 wines by Erin Glenn.

Wine no.1 - A blend of Viognier, Gewerztraminer, and Riesling, the 2008 Isa ($unavailable) is nicely crisp and acidic. My palate loves the mild dirt and unwashed melon rind of this white wine. I got a twinge of bitter almond and watered down tropical flavors; imagine a rustic island vacation sans the mob of tourists and tacky leis.

Wine no.2 - The 2008 Tantrum Red ($19) is quite a different blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Barbera. POW! I smell chemicals, I taste a frosted red velvet cupcake. "It feels like I'm cleaning the bathroom," Josh surmises. We get chewy rubber fruits from the Pinot, chocolate, spice, and all things nice from the Merlot, and a big guy punch from the Barbera.

Wine no.3 - A drink for dessert! The 2006 Gemini ($14), a late harvest Gewerztraminer, reminds one of a sweet Riesling with a dash of fennel and poppy seed before fading into butterscotch. Josh's inference was that this dessert wine is like "an alcohol soaked poppyseed cake; so by that standard its... lemony?!" We paired the wine with a hunk of Beechers white cheddar, which, as if using brown sugar as glue, patched all the wines disjointedness together.

Good show by Erin Glenn Winery-- nothing spectacular, but tasty all the same.

the Superlative Intoxicant: from... New Zealand!

It's time for a little double blind action! As I pour myself a glass, the light color and boisterously earthy nose suggest a Pinot Noir. The zingy fruity lightness confirm my suspicions, a Pinot indeed! As for its origin, consider me stumped... The sprightly earth on the nose reminds me of wines from both the Willamette Valley and Burgundy, yet the lusciousness of the fruit on the palate has me convinced its a Burgundy... Let's unveil.

Oops! Forgot about those zany Kiwis; an impressive show from

New Zealand-- it seems they're bringing a little competition to the Frogs, especially at this price!

Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008

visuals: an opalescently dark eggplant.

sniffings: did you ever think manure could be so inviting?

palate: light, simple, supple-warm-buttery-raspberry creme.

ruling: thank you New Zealand for this, thine fabulously unpretentious, out-of-the-ordinary Pinot Noir. We went back for two more bottles for every day consumption.

spendings: $15 or less.

You Are Invited...

Ah, to be young at an industry tasting; nothing else compares. My most recent wine adventure landed me at the Armory, where select Estate wineries put their most delicious current releases under the nasal scrutiny of hundreds of professionals.

VIP Industry Pass

Yamhill-Carlton District AVA

presents

Down to Earth Wine Tasting 2010

Center Stage Armory - Gerding Theater

August 30

There was Chardonnay, there was Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Reisling, an occasional wild card varietal and, you guessed it, lots of Pinot Noir. Armed only with Riedels and eager palates, we set out on the tasting floor. Of the twenty-seven wineries--totaling over one hundred pours--we anticipated surprise, drama, disappointment, and new found loves.

"Your palate is always freshest in the morning when you don't use mouthwash." -- Adam Campbell, winemaker, Elk Cove Vineyards.

Our first stop on the circuit was Elk Cove Vineyards. Now, Riesling, as I often shun sweeter white wines, is a touchy varietal for me, but Elk Cove delivered a balanced and minerally, mouthwatering 2009 Estate Riesling ($17) that seemed hand tailored to my palate, despite it's sugary nature. The selections of Pinot Noir were less impressive given the circumstance, as each was slightly flabby in flavor and loosely structured.

Spotting a decanter and a mysterious double magnum we scooted over to EIEIO & Co. where Jay McDonald no.2 poured his yet to be released 2008 Pinot Noir Cuvée Y. "The wine is young," McDonald excused, "but you professionals can taste through that!" Giddy about his "professional" comment, we sniffed and sipped... Already an immaculately structured and complex wine, this subtly oaked Pinot is going to be a stud when it's finally ready to drink (not that we'll be getting our hands on the 200 case limited release).

With a few more tastes and a revitalizing shot of gazpacho, we slipped upstairs.

Anne Amie Vineyards' 2007 Prismé candied-walnut-surprise Pinot Noir Blanc was really exciting. To produce this colorless Pinot Noir, grape skins are allowed no time to steep in the pressed juice, and aged 18 months in French oak to create a voluptuous white wine. Another tasty find at Anne Amie was the lustrous 2007 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (92 pts Wine & Spirits, $35). What a knock out first impression; I anticipate fabulous finds in forthcoming vintages.

Let's talk Melon. Melon de Bourgogne, the varietal used to make the dry white wine, Muscadet, is a rare find outside of France's Loire Valley. The grapes have recently been introduced here in the Pacific Northwest, and--seafood lovers, get excited--Roots is bringing the heat with its fabulously spiced 2009 Deux Vert Vineyard Melon de Bourgogne. With a nice mouthfeel at $18 greens, I'm amped to pair Roots' Melon with some slippery oysters.

Next we learned how sustainably cultivated Willakenzie vines parent a remarkably acidic jelly and cocktail fruity 2007 Pierre Léon Pinot Noir ($38), and a noteworthy 2009 Pinot Blanc ($21).

My first introduction to Carlton Cellars' lightly toasted Pinot Noir was thrilling. Saturated dark-marinated cherries headed the structure of the 2007 Cape Lookout Pinot ($30), and I adored how the 2008 performed buoyantly with down-home brambly raspberry-- I felt like I should be in a jumper, cartwheeling with the chickens on a dry Autumn day at the barn.

At the end, the floor held both striking executions and dull efforts. At 3 o'clock we were summoned downstairs for a sit-down tasting.

A 10 year retrospective

Oregon producers opened their cellars to share tastes of their decade-old Pinot Noir. Ken Wright introduced a blind tasting of extraordinary 2000s from Kramer, Elk Cove, Stag Hollow, Sother, and Belle Pente.

Ranking

1. The 2000 Pinot Noir by Stag Hollow-- my favorite of the bunch-- featured a warm, graham crackery nose which introduced a well rounded palate of slightly dried prunes and a sazerac rye whiskey and puckering anise twinge... reminds me of my favorite cocktail!
2. 2000 Pinot Noir by Belle Pente. BAM! The last wine of the tasting hit with a dry, earthy and acidic cherry love.
3. The 2000 Pinot Noir by Sother was gritty and herbaceous, and saturated with watery cherries.
4. My tasting scribbles for Kramer's 2000 Pinot Noir read: musty. lightening fast acid & gritty cowboy farm barnyard yee-ha.
5. 2000 Pinot Noir by Elk Cove: bright and creamy with a fruit leathery orange plumb liqueur body.

I had a blast on my winey afternoon, and I took away a valuable lesson, "your palate is always freshest in the morning when you don't use mouthwash." Eloquently put by Winemaker Adam Campbell of Elk Cove Vineyards.


Whew! I'm exhausted... See you next time in the tasting room!

the Superlative Intoxicant: From Verde to Rosé.

Quinta de Aveleda, Casal Garcia Vinho Verde Rosé, Spain

concoction: Azai Tinto, Barraçal, Vinhao

visuals: subtle sparkling bubbles with the hue of salmon sashimi.

sniffings: a bright and buttery, sugar cookie.

palate: completely revitalizing and effervescent, this could easily be mistaken for a bubbly berry cocktail.

ruling: This rosé is popping up everywhere, and for good reason. It's a tasty $9 bottle that would pair impeccably with an array of foodstuffs.

The Italian Backroads at PWM

Portland Wine Merchants is bustling with jovial regulars and wine enthusiasts every Friday evening. The quaint shop offers a myriad of bottles and generously hosts fantastic themed tastings every week-- this time we explored Italian creations while munching on cheese and salami and enjoying the company of fellow vinophiles.

After numerous tastings, it was clear the Masseria La Sorba Fumac 2006 was the rocking stand out of the night, and a fabulous wine for only $10; we brought a bottle home to review for you later. I have to award top honors to the irresistible, port-like Musella Amarone della Valpolicella 2003. Amarone is made by a unique drying process called Appasimento, which concentrates sugars, flavors, and tannins. The resultant pressed juice is left to steep in its own grape skins (known as maceration) for added color and flavor, and is then aged in oak barrels for a smooth and noble structure. "It tastes like breakfast," my friend Paige affirmed of the supple maple-bacon sapidity. One sip had my own imagination running, envisioning a cozy autumn evening spent lounging beside the fireplace while indulging in a glass of Amarone with aggrandizing delectables. This is hardly an affordable libation ($50) and I don't have a fireplace, but allow me the fantasy.

While tasting the Italians, PWM regular, Kristina Thomas, received an exciting call; her Estate Chardonnay had just won gold medal at the Oregon State Fair. She happened to have a bottle in the car, and in celebration obliged us with the extreme honor of sampling her award winning 2008 Estate Reserve Chardonnay (92 pts, Wine Enthusiast 2010). I cannot remember the last time I gushed over a white wine, but I feel like I found the goose that laid the golden egg. This Chardonnay is super sexy with dry, smoky toast and mysterious complexity. Sadly, there are only 14 cases left, so keep a look out for the next estate reserve Chard by Phelps Creek!

Entrée Not Included

The typical American carb-focused diet is a recipe for lethargy -- too often have I experienced a "food coma" directly after unthinkingly stuffing myself on an over sized, heavy entrée. Thus, I have become enamored with Mediterranean food habits, whose leisurely indulgence in life's simple pleasures is fantastically inspirational. To create and delight in a great charcuterie board can be inventive, romantic, entertaining, and surprising, and it needn't involve hours of preparation or even cooking; plus, the lack of carbohydrates leaves you with a protein buzz, which makes for a nice aphrodisiac! Relaxedly snacking on and discussing meats, cheeses, olives, and fruits, provides light and healthy accompaniment to fantastic friends and conversation. Our recent evening of blind tasting and pairing wine to decadent charcuterie left us fulfilled and energized with a renewed lust for life!

Charcuterie

three cheeses (above)

meats: sweet coppa & prosciutto

greek olives

sliced, sea salted avocado

sliced golden pear

Vin sur la table

Though I am often the bubble skeptic, I was awed by the nutty smoothness of Freixenet Cava brut. Effervescent sparkling wines pair expertly with most foods, and this bottle, when combined with our charcuterie plate, was most definitely drool-worthy. Impeccably paired with: avocado.

To double blind taste my other, I chose a 2006 Finca La Linda Malbec: a smooth Argentinean bottle with a delectably understated, inky backbone. I adore Malbecs, and for its minimal price tag and soft chocolaty notes and medium body, I would buy a case of La Linda to enjoy as an everyday guilty pleasure... not to mention it paired stunningly with every item on our charcuterie menu. Impeccably paired with: sweet coppa wrapped La Leyenda, Spanish sheep's milk cheese.

My blind taste challenge was revealed as Vignamaggio Terre di Prenzano Chianti Classico 2004. Such Italian wines often end up on a lower level of my palatable enjoyment. Despite such preceptions, this Chiantis heavy, earthy, cherry Sangiovese profile exhibited sweet vanilla, and was well structured and mouthwatering.

the Common Libation: Rhodos Red

Emery Athiri Rhodos 2004, Greece

concoction: 100% Amoryano

palate: reminiscent of an Italian Chianti, though lighter bodied and spicy, with a little spunk and punch on the end. It tastes of a higher alcohol than its stated 12%.

ruling: Despite the tacky label, I picked this bottle out of curiosity toward Grecian varietals. The Amoryano grapes, also known as Mandilaria, of Rhodes have been cultivated for centuries, and I like to imagine I'm drinking something the philosophers of ancient Greece would swill at symposium. The Rhodos is an easy drinking food wine at a value price.

Thursday Tasting

Artisanal Cellars Dovetail white 2008

concoction: 50% Viognier, 50% Roussanne

visuals: carefree yellow.

sniffings: pleasantly floral.

palate: honey like and refreshing, without overbearing sweetness.

ruling: the best recipe for a spring wedding.

Apolloni Pinot Noir 2007

visuals: reveal the darker side of pinot.

sniffings: Barbie and Ken's leathery plastic love.

palate: wild cherries and rubbery tannins.

ruling: 2007 was a difficult vintage for Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The wines were typically thinner and weaker due to cooler temperatures. For $23 I would not recommend this bottle. Still, this wine is drinkable and not unpleasant by any means.

Three Rivers Winery Meritage 2004

concoction: a mutt of Cabernet Savignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

palate: this guy is big and dry.

ruling: my top pick of the tasting. when next we meet, it'll be over a juicy hunk of meat. yum.

Saucy Dinner Monday

Start

plate of French cheese and olives.

Main

warm port reduction Brussels sprouts sprinkled with fresh Parmesan Reggiano.

chicken and caramelized onion, wild mushroom & white wine sauce.

Vin sur la table

We enjoyed a favored aperitif of De Ponte Cellars tangy rosé, and munched on our starter while whipping up the main plate.

Concho y Toro Amelia 2006 Chardonnay paired fabulously with the white sauce and earthiness of the wild mushrooms. The gorgeous gold wine held marvelous candied pear flavors without being over oaked or flabby. I regard this Chardonnay as if he were an English Lord, come to high tea for a pleasurable afternoon of tea and scones. Top-notch, I'd say.

The Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages 2008 (chilled, of course!) added an airy mouthfeel and tingly dry fruitiness to the meal. Beaujolais is extremely light bodied, as it is made from the Gamay Noir grape, whose lineage is intertwined with Pinot Noir. Everyone knows Pinot pairs marvelously with chicken and mushrooms, so why not a Beaujolias, c'est magnifique!

One word encompasses our wine pairings to the light, saucy dinner: sprightly. With refreshing libations, the meal was ideal for a hot summer evening under dim lighting and a ceiling fan.