Beer or Wine, the pleasure is all Mine

  I haven't been posting recently.  Why?  I've found a new beverage that has intrigued me, beer.  As much as I am a wine novice, my knowledge of beer is far less.  When people describe a beer as "hoppy" or "full of malt" I have no idea what they mean.  As a matter of fact, I could have cared less.  I was never a beer girl.  The only reason I'd drink beer was to get drunk.  If I wanted to drink to take the edge off a tough day, to relax or unwind, or to have something enjoyable, I'd open a bottle of wine.  Except for recently.

  I noticed back in October, for some reason, I really wanted to try pumpkin beer.  It was one of those things, everyone else seemed to be doing it.  I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.  Fortunately for me, there is a fantastic beer and wine store not that far from my home.  Total Wine & More.  They have an entire section dedicated to seasonal beer.  Then two aisles of single beers.  Just about any beer you may like is represented.  I found myself going there and making my own six-pack.  Many times it was just based on the prettiness of the label and sometimes the brief description of the beer.  We all know this is not the best way to find something to drink.  I decided it was time to begin my education in beer and share this all still enjoying a great wine from time to time.

  As 2013 approaches I hope to post more often with information and with what I'm currently enjoying!

Blueberry Pinot

  Last weekend I was out doing some site seeing.  I was not planning on buying any wine.  My wine rack is flowing over and I made a promise to myself I needed to open a few more bottles before I add another.  We  ventured to National Harbor right outside of Washington DC.  Fortunately for us there was a little open air market going on.  We walked around, picked up some amazingly yummy tomatoes and nectarines.  Just as we were about to head to the car, we saw a small tent offering wine samples.  Well, I don't know about you, but when I see wine samples...I'm like a moth to a flame.  I cannot walk away.

  The winery was Solomon Island Winery.  This is a local Maryland vineyard located in Lusby, Maryland.  This day they were offering their Island Mist collection.  I sipped Kiwi Pear Sauvignon Blanc, Mango Symphony, Watermelon White Merlot and last but not least Blueberry Pinot Noir.  I liked all of them, but the Blueberry Pinot Noir stood out.  

  It is labeled as a sweet wine.  Compared to many sweet wines that I've had the pleasure of tasting I did not come off as a sugary sweet wine.  Instead, it was more of a strong blueberry pinot noir.  It is recommended to be served chilled.  I don't typically like my pinots cold.  To me, if a wine is too cold it loses a lot of the flavor.  I tried this chilled and room temperature and both were absolutely delish!!  I must admit slightly cool is my favorite.  Will I purchase another bottle?  No.  I will pick up a case next chance I can!

Where to buy?

Strawberry Banana Vine Smoothie Recipe

  I've noticed many people find this blog after searching for "Vine Smoothie Recipes".  Realizing what a huge disappointment this blog must be to those searchers I've decided to add a recipe. First I should say there are real recipes listed on Vine Smoothie's website.  I chose not to look there...actually making my evening drink kinda came upon me in a different way.

  I originally planned on having a simple glass of wine.  I have this chardonnay that I've been wanting to taste.  The warm weather today...well, it just seemed like a chard kinda day.  I was all set to pop open the chardonnay, when the bottle of Strawberry Vine Smoothie appeared.  Originally, I was just going to drink it over ice, but changed my mind and decided to try it blended over ice.

Some Ice

 As I was about to pour the strawberry vine smoothie into the blender, I spotted a banana on the counter.  Then I blended until smooth.

Banana!

Guesstimate I added 8oz of Strawberry Wine Smoothie

  Once completed I took an apprehensive sip and was pleasantly surprised.  I find vine smoothies can be a bit strong, even over a few ice cubes.  Adding the banana and blending over ice, softened the taste.  It was actually perfect.  If you prefer more of a strawberry taste, add more smoothie, prefer more of a banana taste, add more banana or maybe use less ice...play around with it

TA DAH!!! My Strawberry Banana Wine Smoothie

Scheurebe- Looking for something different?

  How do you like your scheurebe?  What?  Never heard of it?  Welcome to the club.  When I received this bottle all I knew about it was it was sweet and light (it came as in a shipment from Vinesse Sweet and Light wine club). 
  It seems over the years Germany has crossed quite a bit of grapes.  Scheurebe (pronounced shoy-ray-beh) is a cross between riesling and silvaner.  I had the pleasure of having my first glass of scheurebe to be 2010 Louis Guntrum.  According to the information I received from Vinesse:

   "Louis Guntrum crafts its Scheurbe in a sweet (but not too sweet) style that's also mildly spritzy.  The 2010 vintage is an exceptional wine-perfectly balanced and fruitful, with just a hint of Germany's famous minerality."

  If you prefer your wines slightly sweet, not sugary, light and with a pop, you will adore this wine.  I think it's perfect for a mixed crowd of wine drinkers.  Not too sweet, not too dry, simple easy and fun to drink.  Check it out!!

 

When a Beast is Not so Beastly

  This week I opened up a bottle that I have been holding onto for awhile now.  I can't say why I have, I guess I was waiting for the perfect occasion.  Fortunately for all the perfect occasion came up.
  I had a few friends over, nothing special, just to giggle and talk.  A perfect time to try something new!  I decided to open up a Big House Wine.  I thoroughly enjoyed the last Big House wine I tried, Big House Red and was eagerly anticipating my first sip of Cardinal Zin Beastly Old Vines.

 
Since most wine newbies tend to go toward the sweet, I'll put this right out there, this is not a sweet wine.  But do not fret, it is not a dry wine either.  This is a delicious zinfandel.  Not familiar with zinfandels?  I wasn't either.  This was my first and from this experience I will definitely be drinking more.  I would classify this as a slightly heavy wine...what does that mean?  To me, it is a wine that has some substance to it, a couple of sips on an empty stomach and you will feel it.  It coats your tongue and the flavor stays with you from lips to back of throat.  I wouldn't call this a summer wine, but let's be real, a good wine is good all year round.  Check it out and let me know your thoughts. 

I'll have Another of The Other

  I first heard about The Other Red Wine by Peirano Estate Vineyards, from a fellow wine blogger, D'Vine Wine Time.  I love this blog, well written, informative, funny and it seems we have similar taste (very important when reading wine reviews).  Awhile back she wrote a post titled, Liquid Artwork.  After reading her review I added The Other Red Blend to my list.

  I wasn't able to find it at my usual wine store, so it moved to the back burner.  Then one day, while strolling around a local strip mall I spotted a new wine shop.  I felt like a kid discovering a new toy store.  As I slowly walked up and down the aisles, swearing i was just going to look, I saw it.  Let me first say, the review I read, included a picture.  Once you see a picture of this bottle, it stays with you.  I knew right away when i saw it, that I had to get it.

How can you forget a label like this?

  
First sip, soft and smooth as silk!!  It's difficult to believe this is a blend.  According to their website it is "45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 10% Syrah"  I loved every drop of it.  Like I said, soft, easy to drink, not sweet, but not overly dry.  I think this would be the perfect wine for a dinner amongst friends that enjoy various types of wines.  Try it out and let me know your thoughts.


I just saw they have a white blend, I'll definitely have my eyes out for that!!

Judging a Wine by its Name

  Have you ever decided on a wine because of it's name?  I admit, I have.  Awhile back I fell head over heels in love with Cupcake Vineyards pinot noir.  That infatuation lead me to Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet.  I was wandering around my wine shop and for the first time in a long time their Cupcake Vineyards display was pretty full (typically this display in particular empties just as soon as it is filled).  When I saw the bottle sitting there I couldn't help myself.  Red velvet, all I could think about was a sweet, luscious make-my-teeth-ache yumminess.

  I could not have been more wrong.  This is not a sweet wine.  But don't get me wrong, it is a delicious wine.  According to their site Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet "is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah".  I noticed a slight hint of chocolate with red and blackberries.  The combination works out perfectly. The velvet in the name must come from the absolutely smooth, velvety finish.

  Check it out, and let me know how you enjoyed you red velvet.

Some Summer Wines

  Summer is quickly approaching.  Hot days, warm nights, lots of cook outs and time for friends and family.  What you drink during the summer tends to be a little different then what you sip over the cooler months.  Again, I'm far from an expert, but here are my suggestions of some fantastic summer wines.  All of these are perfect to enjoy sitting outside enjoying the sun with friends, or tucked away in air conditioning watching a movie while a summer storm passes by.  Pick up a bottle, grab an opener and enjoy!!

• Moscato by Lulu B Wines
• Vine Smoothie
• Big House Red
• Sam's Smith Organic Raspberry
• Stella Rosa
• Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc and Viognier
• Van Ruiten Vineyards Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir Rose Boedecker Reflection
• St Innocent Pinot Gris
• Two Vines Riesling
• Spiced Apple Wine
• Fish Eye Pinot Grigio

Totally Random

  I was perusing my most recent shipment of wines from Vinesse Light and Sweet Wine Club when I discovered Totally Random Moscato.  I wasn't sure if I was in a moscato mood, until I read the back of the bottle:

When a quiet night at home becomes a dance party, or a dinner with friends starts at dusk and ends at sunrise - life is giving you its best when you least expect it.  So prepare for the unexpected.  Be.  Live.  Totally Random

  After reading I popped the cork and decided to live a little, and boy did I!  This wine is perfect for a night in with your sweet wine loving mate.  I also think it's a great bottle to have around in case friends stop by or for that spontaneous summer cook out.  It's sweet, ripe, fruity, but most importantly it's YUM!!  My "I-only-drink-sweet" husband really enjoyed this with me.  Grab a bottle and let me know your thoughts!

You can pick up a bottle here.

FishEye Pinot Grigio

  Do you like your pinot grigio soft, smooth with a hint of sweetness?  If so, then you will adore FishEye Winery's Pinot Grigio.

FishEye winery is located in Griffith Australia.  I can honestly say I have not tried many, if any Australian wines.  After my first sip of this pinot grigio, I decided I needed to correct this mishap.  I really, really enjoyed this wine.  It smells of peach and tastes of tropical fruit.  I would say it leans more toward the fruity flavor, than sweet.  It's perfect for warm spring or summer days.  What aids in it's beauty?  It's suggested retail price of under $10 for 750ml (I received this as a sample for review).  I definitely will be stocking up on this for weekend cookouts and dinner with friends.

  Throw something yummy on the grill and open up a bottle.  Trust me, your guests will thank you!

Moscato by Lulu B Wine

What do you do when the weatherman is predicting a beautiful, warm day?

  Have a glass of Lulu B wine Moscato, what else?

If you know anything about wine, you probably know moscato is a sweet wine.  This grape has recently become one of the most popular types of wine for new wine drinkers.  Grab a bottle of Lulu B moscato and you will see why.  It's sweet, but not syrupy, crisp and fruity.  This bottle was empty before I even knew what happened!  Will I be buying more?  You betcha!

Are you in a Wine Rut?

  I read a very interesting article the other day.  It got me thinking about how easy it is to get into a wine rut, especially when you are new to wine.  You find something you like, why risk trying something new.  It can get pretty expensive, pouring un-liked wine down the drain.  So how do you expand your wine knowledge, without it costing you too much?  Check out the post from Matt The Wine Guy, great suggestions there.  And try out a few of my ideas, so far they have all worked well for me.

• #Winechat- I've mentioned this before.  It's a weekly get together via twitter.  Each week there is a different topic.  It could be wines from a particular country, wines from a particular part of the country, or just a different type of wine.  It's a great opportunity to engage your local wine store clerk.  Tell them you are in a wine group and this week you are drinking X.  Give them your price range, the types of wines you prefer and let them help you find something.  Now, this can be hit or miss, but I love it because each week it gives me a chance to step out of my safety zone and try something different.
• Wine Festivals- Spring and summer are perfect times for wine festivals.  In some areas, there are a few each weekend.  These festivals offer up an excellent chance to try many wines for a very low price.  In my area, the various wine festivals feature local wines.  There is nothing better then learning about and supporting your local wine producers.  If you don't want to shell out the money to attend one of these festivals, try volunteering.  Many of the vineyards request volunteers.  They typically pair you up with someone that is knowledgeable about wine, you'll be amazed at all you will learn.  Not only will you get into the festival for free, some may even pay you for your time and most likely you'll get a discounted bottle of wine out of it too!
• Wine Blogs- I love reading blogs.  Whenever I read a review that excites and tantalizes me, I add that wine to my shopping list.  If I purchase and like the wine, I go back to that blogger and see what else they recommend.  I admit, this can be hit or miss, but finding a blogger or reviewer that shares your taste is not too complicated.  And if you let them know you've enjoyed their selection, most likely they will offer up another wine for you to try.

Do you have a way to try new wines, without spending a ton of money?

The Many Faces of Vine Smoothie

  This weeks wine kinda sneaked up on me.  I went to my pharmacy to drop off a prescription.  While waiting, I did what any normal person would do.  I visited the wine shop located in the strip mall.  In the front of the store there was a display for Vine Smoothie.  I admit, I only know of Vine Smoothie because of twitter, we follow each other.  But up until today, I had not seen it in the stores.  This particular store carried two flavors, pineapple coconut and peach.  I'm not a huge pina colada fan, I picked up a bottle of the peach.
  When I got home I went straight to the Vine Smoothie website.  There I learned exactly what this was I just purchased.  Vine Smoothie is a combination of all natural, gluten free flavors, French chardonnay and Holland's famous dutch cream.  They come in 4 flavors peach, berry, pineapple coconut and strawberry.  According to the website, all you need to do is chill and pour.  I decided to go a tiny step further and blend, with our Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender, with ice to make a smoothie.

Peach Vine Smoothie Blended with ice

Mmmmm, mmmmmm!  It was delish!!  Sweet (but not too sweet) and very easy to drink.  I kept mine pretty light, but depending on the amount of ice you use, yours can be as strong as you want it.  I also tried it straight.  That I found to be a bit too strong.  I added a few ice cubes, let it mix for a minute or two then took a sip.

 Again, I was thoroughly pleased.  The only downside, it was so yummy, the bottle was empty before we had a chance to try some of the recipes.  
  I cannot imagine anything better on a hot summer day.  I know what I'll be bringing to all the cookouts and events I'll be attending this summer.

  I'm currently scouring my local wine shops for the other flavors.  As soon as I get my hands on another bottle, I will let you know how the recipes go!

 

Wine in the Big House

I read a review some time ago about a wine called Big House Red. After reading it, I quickly added it to my shopping list. This week I decided to try this interesting red blend.

This wine is a blend of quite a few varieties: 27% Petite Sirah, 14.5% Syrah, 8.6% Montepulciano, 8.2% Barbera, 6.4% Nero d’Avola, 6.1% Tempranillo, 3.3% Malbec, 2.4% Aglianico, 2.4% Souzao, 2.3% Charbono, 2.2% Petite Verdot, 2.1% Cabernet Franc, 2% Tannat, 12.5% Other Esoteric Reds. I can honestly say I wasn't too sure about this. All the various types of wine, one would think they may not all work well together. But these combine together beautifully!

The label looked fun and inviting and I'm a sucker for an interesting label. It was love at first sip. I found it to be a very easy wine to drink. I tasted blackberries and raspberries and a touch of spice. It was fruity, light and slightly sweet.

Big House Wine company is located in Soledad, California. The name derives from it's proximity to the Soledad State Correctional Facility. I love to look up the website of the wines I enjoy. Check into their history and not only learn about how they make their wine, but also any other tidbits they decide to share. Big House Wine, has a great site. Not only is it easy to use and move around, but they offer some fantastic pairing suggestions and recipes too.

Will I buy again? You bet! I cannot wait to try some more of their wines.

Have you tried any of the Big House Wines?

Spiced Apple Wine-Our Kinda Wine

This week on #winechat the theme was local wine. I was looking forward to this. I'd been wanting to find a wine that I could enjoy with my hubby (my drinking partner). Since he loves sweet, I thought of this as an opportunity to pick up a semi sweet flavored wine. I decided upon a bottle of Berrywine Plantations Spiced Apple wine from Linganore Winery.


Linganore Winery is a local Maryland wine. Located in Mount Airy, Maryland, this family operated vineyard is rich in beauty and history. From their website:

Berrywine Plantations / Linganore Winecellars is a family operated vineyard and winery nestled on 230 acres of picturesque rolling countryside, 4.5 miles northeast of historic New Market, Maryland.
Established by Jack and Lucille Aellen in 1971, our first 6 acres of vineyards were planted in 1972 and the winery opened in 1976 in the lower half of a 19th century post and beam barn which previously housed the farm’s dairy operation. Using Lucille’s father’s hand winemaking equipment, we processed 6 tons of grapes our first year. In 1977, we held Maryland’s first wine festival as a way to introduce our first vintage to the public. In 1978, to meet consumer demand, we introduced the state’s first semi sweet grape wines, an off shoot of our German-Swiss winemaking heritage. With the knowledge and experience in the production of these lighter style wines came the introduction that same year of our honey and pure fruit wines.
By the early ‘80s, the winemaking responsibilities were taken over by Jack and Lucille’s son Anthony. Also in the early ‘80s, new experimental grape varieties from the grape breeding program at Cornell University were planted in test plots in our vineyards. The success of many of these new hybrids has been shown in expanded acreage and dedication to winery production.

I've had the pleasure of tasting their wines in the past at local wine events. I knew when I walked into my wine store that I would find something fantastic from them. A wine that was sweet, but not too sweet. Spiced Apple Wine is just that. Having tasted quite a few apple wines in the past I was thinking this would be similar to those. Previous apple wines have been extremely tart. I often felt as if I was biting into a crisp green apple, with those wines. Berrywine Plantations Spiced Apple Wine, is no crisp green apple. First sip, it reminded me of biting into a slice of warm apple pie, and then allowing yourself to savour all those flavors. I tasted cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apple. Yes, it is sweet. But I didn't feel as if it was too sugary or syrupy. I wasn't sure how my husband would feel. The bottle suggests to serve it warm. I knew he didn't care for warm wines that often. For me, leaving it room temperature added to the warm apple pie taste. The hubby, after one sip, smiled, looked at me and said, "This is my kinda wine!" I could not agree more. I will buy this again. I'm thinking a case may be in our future. I'm looking forward to pairing this with warm apples and pears! Please try and share your thoughts.

You can purchase their wine here.

Bongo for Bogle

Some time ago I found myself wandering around the wine store (this happens more often then it really should). After listening to me talk about all the wines I have liked so far, my favorite sales clerk suggested I try Bogle wines. He said all of their wines are great, especially their pinot. With that said, I picked up Bogle Pinot Noir.

Have you ever picked a wine because of the label? I admit I have. That's a very hit or miss way to pick up a quality wine. Bogle Pinot Noir is one of those wines I would have picked only because of the the beauty of the label. If I did it, would have been a hit!
I thoroughly enjoyed this wine. At first opening I found it smooth, rich and easy to drink. After allowing it to breathe I found the wine to be spicy and still very enjoyable. Will I buy this again? Of course!

Boedecker Reflection Pinot Noir Rose

I discovered Boedecker Cellars via twitter. Yup, I follow them. I decided that I wanted to utilize the services of one the wineries I follow. I could not have picked a better place to begin. First off, their website was very easy to use. Not every winery will ship to every state and sometimes I find myself searching trying to find a winery's shipping policy. Once I was on the site their sale item, Pinot Noir Rose 2010 was easily found. I should say, I don't mind buying a wine that's not on sale, but since I'm purchasing wines weekly, it can get costly. So, yes, I do look for discounts and sale items. :-)
I placed the order late in the day on a Thursday and UPS was knocking on my door the following Thursday. It really was easy and seamless. Now to the good part, drinking! From their site:

Saignee Pinot Noir Rose. This elegant wine is 100% Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from all our vineyards including Carlton Hill, Cherry Grove and Shea Vineyards. The color is lighter than a typical red wine as we separate the juice from the grape skins after just a few days.

A delicious crisp, delicate yet round and layered, a perfect wine to pair with a medium weight meal such as pork tenderloin or roast turkey!

I am not sure what I was expecting. I think because of my lack of wine knowledge, I was thinking this would be a sweet wine. I, for the life of me, cannot tell you why. Maybe because of the color (much lighter than regular Pinot Noir) or maybe it was because the bottle said Rose and my immature drinking mind equated that to sweet. This is not a sweet wine. It's not a dry wine either. It is a light, crisp and easy to drink. It's not a wine you can guzzle, I like that. It's perfect for sitting back with friends, eating a great meal and having a fantastic conversation.

Btw, the next day it was even better!

Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir 2010

Since beginning this search each week for a new wine I have found myself going back to Pinot Noirs. I just love them! I have also noticed they are not created equally. Some are light and smooth and others full and spicy. I'm not sure if it's the acidity or what (my immature palate and wine experience is showing), but some pinots have that umph...that little bite on your tongue that sends a jolt of electricity through your mouth and down your throat. While I do like that type of pinot, some nights I really want an easy, soft, smooth, no jolt glass of wine. If you are looking for an easy going wine with lots of flavor that is smooth and fun to drink, Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir is the one for you. I picked it up for $11.99, you can't beat that. Have a glass or 3 and let me know your thoughts.

Barbera B. Lovely

How did you spend your St. Patty's day? I actually had a pretty quiet one. In years past I would spend my day drinking with friends.

A good friend after too many Irish Car Bombs-St. Patty's Day Past

But this year I decided to spend the day in with my drinking buddy. ;-) We put the top down (it was a gorgeous day) and headed off to a local wine shop. I wanted to purchase some wine off my list and look into Barbera. As you may or may not know I have a twitter account and recently I noticed a conversation or tweets about Barbera. Are you asking the same thing I was? What is a Barbera?
A Barbera is a versatile Italian red grape. It generally produces lighter style wines with cherry and raspberry fruit flavors and aromas, mixed with rustic spice. This wine has a fantastic crispness and is ideal with food. Barbera is capable of producing medium to full bodied wines.

While at the store I found myself having a fantastic conversation with an employee. He reiterated that Barbera is very fruity, yet dry and while it can go with just about any food it would pair best with a bold, spicy red sauce. The prices ranged from $9.99 up to $30+. The salesman suggested I try an inexpensive one first ($9.99) just to see if I liked it. We decided upon Cren della Lepre Barbera Piemonte 2010.

Green label for St. Patty's Day


I have to admit, I was slightly concerned. The salesman stressed this was a fruity, yet dry wine. With my first sip I knew I had nothing to fear. I found this wine to be light, fruity and dry. Not too dry or too fruity, it reminded me a grape jelly, just not as sweet.

While I was learning about this wine, my drinking buddy discovered a tasting going on a few aisles over. In the spirit of the holiday he tried Irish whiskey (a few times) and a few wines. He found two that he liked. Now keep in mind he is super new to wine and so far only has enjoyed the sweeter ones. The first wine he liked and actually purchased was B. Lovely 2010 Late Harvest Riesling and the other, which we plan to go back and purchase Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz. Since we had the B. Lovely in the house, I might as well give you my thoughts on it.

I thought this Riesling was very sweet, crisp and tart. Probably a perfect wine for someone who favors sweet wines. For me, it was a little too sweet. I'm sure I'll purchase this again, not for me, but for him and his non-wine drinking friends. ;-)

2010 St. Innocent Pinot Gris

I have a confession, this was my first taste of Pinot Gris. Doesn't sound too odd to you? Maybe it's not that big of a deal, but anyone that watches Housewives of New York and considers herself a Ramona Singer fan, I feel should have taken at least a sip or 3 of a Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris before this night. But alas, my Pinot Gris v-card has been stamped or taken or whatever happens to it.

Before I go to far into this, let's first talk answer a very important question: What is Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris? Pinot Grigio is currently the most popular white wine produced in Italy. Most is dry with fruit flavors. They range from light to medium body. Pinot Grigio is the same grape as Pinot Gris, yet they are capable of producing a variety of white wines in a number of different winegrowing areas. The best Pinot Grigio is produced in the northern area of Italy, benefiting from the cooler climate. The Pinot Gris of Alsace and Oregon are wonderfully crisp as well, but are fuller bodied and more aromatic.

For this week I decided to try the Pinot Gris that was recently received from my wine club, 2010 St. Innocent Vitae Springs Vineyard Pinot Gris. I found this to be very soft, smooth, slightly dry. My drinking buddy wasn't a fan, but again he only goes for the super sweet ones. If you are not into sweet, but enjoy a white, light, easy drinking wine, I would definitely recommend this.
Pinot Gris done, now I need to try a Pinot Grigio!