Tag Archives: wine

Cheers to 2020 with Mionetto Prosecco

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Mionetto-Prestige-Prosecco-DOC-Treviso-Brut-Bottle-Shot-New-Label-2017-750mlWe are about to celebrate a sparkling New Year, traditionally rung in with bubbly. There are lots of libations to choose from, but I suggest popping the cork on Prosecco, a slightly sweet and especially festive sparkling wine.

A preferred pour is Mionetto Prestige Brut (MSP, $14), made from Glera grapes from the province of Treviso, an area renowned for high quality Prosecco, with a luminous straw yellow hue, stylish mousse and a  palate marked by aromatic notes of honey and white peach.

Mionetto Prestige Rosé Extra Dry ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml) is pretty in pink, a sparkling rosè produced by the soft pressing of red grapes.

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Pull out all the stops with Mionetto Luxury Cartizze DOCG ($45). This elegant Cartizze is elevated by luminous golden tones and delicate beads of tiny bubbles. The bouquet is lush and fruity
with apple and pear with notes of citrus and glazed almond.

Let’s raise a glass, share a kiss and look forward to the next decade. Cheers to a fabulous 2020!

Eat, drink and buy gadgets

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We are making our holiday shopping lists and checking them twice. Whether you’re naughty or nice, edibles and kitchen gadgets are on lots of wish lists, which I discovered while reporting a holiday shopping article for NPR.

image013Here are a few domestic delights on the home front this year:

  • Martha Stewart, longtime arbiter of taste, is now toasting a new enterprise, Martha Stewart Wine Co. The online wine shop features a curated collection of wines, all taste-tested by Stewart, plus monthly wine club options and special occasion gift memberships. Among the options are a package of six bubblies from France, Italy and Spain, for $92.75. And if you don’t like what you’re sipping, Stewart will replace it for free. I sampled a selection of wines and they all have one thing in common: value prices and above-average quality. Martha, you’re picky. I appreciate that.aervana-electric-wine-aerating-dispenser-1-1
  • Wine aficionados love wine gadgets. Aervana is a push-button, battery-operated wine tap and aerator in one. Uncork a bottle of red wine— inexpensive young, tannic red wines benefit the most—place Aervana on top of the bottle and push a button for instantly aerated wine dispensed from a stainless steel spout directly into the glass. It is differentiated from other aerators in that it leaves the sediment in the bottom of the bottle during aeration. Based in suburban Philly, Aervana is available to consumers as well as wine pros. MSRP: $99.98, batteries included.
  • Standing in front of the sink doing dishes or manning the range doesn’t sound like a glamorous task. You can add bling to domestic chores, as well as relieve your aching back and legs with anti-fatigue WellnessMats, which combine ergonomics and design with monogrammed mats. The Signature includes two posh designs available in eight colors and two sizes, plus an initial in metallic gold or silver. Priced from $149.95 – $279.95.
  • The Kuma chef’s knife is on the cutting edge this year with foodies. It’s razor-sharp for precision cutting. No worries about squashing tomatoes. Kuma’s 8-inch all-purpose knife is suitable for chopping veggies, slicing meats, mincing herbs and other tasks. It’s lightweight with a sleek Japanese-inspired design. It’s also easy to sharpen. Kuma is available for around $25, plus an extra $10 and change for a sharpening rod.

Si, to Albarino. The other white wine

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There are lots of white wines that deserve our attention beyond Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.

thumb_1109_news_bigWhen it comes to pairing a white with seafood, I’m raising a glass to Lagar de Cervera Albarino 2014, produced by Lagar de Fornelos in the Rias Baixas region of Spain. (SRP: $17.95)

Albarino is pale yellow with green hues, a visual preview to a taste that is fresh, clean and slightly tangy. Lagar de Cervera is fragrant with notes of apple, apricot, pear and pineapple. The grapes for this complex and well-balanced white are grown in a region where the soil is rich with granite, reflected in its strong, flinty finish.

What you don’t get are some of the notes we have come to associate with other whites: the oak of domestic Chards, the citrus of Pinot Gris, the herbaceous quality of Sauv Blanc.

This is a white with both clarity and oomph, a pleasant partner with grilled shrimp or squid, seared scallops, steamed mussels or paella. It’s also a happy choice with fresh cheeses, especially creamy burrata. The next time you are shopping for whites, give an Albarino a try.

 

Wasting away again in Dallabridaville

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Midway through February, Veganuary is so over. But it is not a distant memory.

People ask me: What did I learn from a month without refined sugar, alcohol and meat of any kind? Do I feel different? And what did I eat and drink when it was all over?

The last question is the easiest. I went to Eighth and Union Kitchen in Wilmington with a few friends, intent on ordering wine and some sort of non-plant-based protein.

Unknown-2Before the main course, we ordered appetizers to share, among them a plate of spicy cauliflower. Along with a few florets of cauliflower, I picked up a small, dense cube with my chopsticks, hoping for a nibble of cheese.

But instead of a dairy product stolen from an exploited cow, I tucked into tofu, the much-loathed bean curd that was my culinary nemesis throughout Veganuary. Yes, TOFU. (TO, pronounced “TOW,” and FU as in “F-U, lady! Take that, you carnivore!”)

My first foray into flesh and booze was a nicely grilled salmon served with a glass of pinot noir. Make that two glasses.

The sole physical difference I perceived after a month-long cleanse was that I lost four pounds. Weight loss was not one of my goals, but I’m OK with it. Since then I’ve lost two more pounds, likely because I gave up sweets for Lent. (Although it could be argued that I should have gotten 31 days’ credit for Veganuary.)

I also saved money. Tofu costs about $1.50 a pound, about one-third the price of fish and one-quarter the cost of beef. My wine and spirits tab was zero. And since I am firmly off the wagon, I’ve enjoyed several rounds on friends who had waited an entire month to buy me a drink.

So what did I get out of giving up things I enjoy for a month? I truly believe that challenges are good for us. That setting a goal and sticking to it is an exercise in character building. It’s also helped me to recalibrate. I’m more thoughtful about what I eat and drink. I’m consuming far less sugar, meat only sparingly and a little less wine.

Veganuary reminds me of the great wit Dorothy Parker’s observation on writing: “I hate writing. I love having written.”

I hate Veganuary. I love having Veganuary-ed.

Veganuary: Week Two

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veggies

I understand that giving up something we enjoy helps us to build character.

After 15 days without meat, refined sugar or alcohol, my character is well under construction.

Midway through Veganuary, I have yet to attain that higher plane where I actually prefer a menu devoid of crab cakes, creme brûlée and champagne. Still, I am managing to stay the course.

In the words of my friend Betsy: “It’s good to have a change in your diet and explore different possibilities. All three are worthy efforts…. You can do it.”

IMG_0735Audrey, a pal from Palmyra High School, suggests I try Hungarian Mushroom Soup from the Moosewood Cookbook. The next day, my friend Geri, who once cooked in a vegetarian restaurant, offers to loan me the very same book.
Soon, my kitchen is fragrant with the scent of sautéing onions and mushrooms, the base for this earthy soup, zipped up with smoked paprika and dill.
Audrey is right. The soup is delicious, a recipe I will make again when I return to the Land of Eating Whatever the Hell I Want after my month-long cleanse.
IMG_0726I also give tofu another try, pan-frying triangular wedges that I’ve marinated in soy sauce, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar and garlic. I serve the tofu over steamed broccoli and sprinkle with sesame seeds, accompanied with San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water. I eat it with chopsticks, hoping it will conjure fond memories of sushi and bento boxes.
It’s better than I thought it would be, although I don’t see tofu rising to the top of my shopping list. At least I’m getting a healthy dose of protein, a tall order on a meat-free diet.

Because I run with a witty crowd, I also am getting lots of razzing. Suddenly, I am inundated with invitations to go out for burgers and beer, often accompanied with the postscript: LOL.

My neighbor Wayne summarizes his sentiments in four words: “See you in February.”

Others are more subtle:

“You need to have your head examined.”

“No wine? What were you thinking?”

“I can’t look. Let me know when it’s over.”

Fifteen days down; 16 days to go.

Veganuary: Week One

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cow-faceAfter one week with no meat, no refined sugar and no alcohol, I don’t feel especially virtuous.

Still, it’s clear that animals like me better, really they do. As I stroll through this peaceable kingdom, cows amble up from the meadow, just to lick my hand. Pigs squeal with delight as I pass by. Roosters crow their greetings. Salmon leap from streams and give me a finny high-five.

I feel more productive, plowing through work, then tackling jobs around the house. I confess a slight sense of accomplishment. And I’m bored.

IMG_0719Specifically, I am bored with my food. Whole wheat penne with pesto; pizza with spinach and roasted red peppers; black beans with salsa; hummus and flax crackers; baked sweet potatoes sprinkled with granola; the seemingly endless vat of homemade navy bean soup with tomatoes, carrots and kale.

And I wonder: am I getting boring, too?

I must decline an invitation from an Italian restaurant to sample new dishes and wines they are adding to the menu. I take a raincheck when a neighbor asks if I would like to share the venison she is roasting for dinner. I join a friend who is having a few people over for wine and cheese. I’m OK with my club soda and crackers. But I would prefer a buttery Chardonnay with brie.

On Day Eight I realize that I need to summon enthusiasm for the fare I’ve committed to for 31 days. As an adventurous eater, I ask myself: why do I embrace sea urchin yet turn up my nose at tofu? Perhaps it’s because I have tasted both and sea urchin is wild, creamy and sensual and tofu reminds me of a plastic bag distilled into squishy cubes.

So tomorrow I will buy a small container of tofu and marinate it. I will do my best to create a dish that is healthy and delicious.

If I still don’t like it I never have to eat it again. So there.

Day Eight. Twenty-three days to go.

A bouquet of rosé for Mother’s Day

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On Mother’s Day, you can give your mom roses. Or you can serve her rosé.

110821dOne of the prettiest pours you will find is Isabel Mondavi Deep Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon, a lovely dark pink that reflects the wine’s  aromas of strawberry and cranberry, with notes of green apple. It’s slightly acid. Of course, your mother is not.

The real-life Isabel is a mom, the wife of Michael Mondavi, who co-founded Michael Mondavi Family Estate in the Napa Valley with son Rob and his wife Dina, who sent me a bottle to sample.

It’s a light and lively wine, ideal for toasting mom on the deck, especially if you are grilling salmon or turkey.

As for the winemakers, they pour IM rosé as an aperitif. Start with a big glass, so you can add lots of ice. Garnish with a slice of orange or an edible flower.

Mondavi family members have dubbed the drink “Isabel Rocks.” That’s a tribute most moms would cherish. Expect to pay about $17, so mom won’t worry about you spending all your money on her.

Then again, you might have enough left over for roses.

 

The Federalist Zinfandel

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Alexander Hamilton was never president. But he was a splendid U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, an accomplishment forever memorialized with his portrait on the $10 bill.

The-Federalist-Zinfandel1You don’t have to wait for Presidents Day or any other national holiday to enjoy Dry Creek Federalist Zinfandel 2011 from Terlato Wines, which has Hamilton on the label.

The folks at Terlato sent us a bottle to try for ourselves. Rooted in American soil, Federalist Zinfandel hales from California’s Russian River Valley, a microclimate bathed in afternoon sun, dried in cool night air and refreshed with morning fog.

Hamilton took a big bite out of life, from his birth in the Caribbean, to his rise in the American Revolution and his stunning achievement establishing a monetary system in a fledgling nation.

Like a big Zin, Hamilton was a man of bold flavors. He had a notorious affair, which he publicly confessed after being blackmailed. He died in a duel, shot by Aaron Burr, the would-be president who Hamilton helped to foil.

Back to the wine. We tested it with filet mignon, a classic pairing for a hearty red. The Fed was a great match, with lush notes of plum, bright cherry and tones of licorice and cinnamon. Expect a smooth, round mouthfeel that tastes expensive. Expect to pay about $24 a bottle.

A toast to Ferrari

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I always keep a few bottles of bubbly chilled because I am an optimist. I believe there will be something to celebrate — sooner rather than later — so I stand prepared.

I am especially fond of the sparkling wines produced in Trento by Ferrari, which I discovered 15 years ago when my husband and I were honeymooning in Italy. (Ferrari also means “smith” in Italian, which is my maiden name!)

Ferrari_Spumante_Art_PostersWe visited the Ferrari winery in the picturesque Alpine region, where we were the only people scheduled for a tour that day. How romantic! We enjoyed a memorable private trek through the winery with a friendly guide, topped off with a glass of bubbly. We watched a classy movie on the history of Ferrari narrated by Roger Moore in dapper James Bond fashion. And we took home a complimentary poster of the comely wine lady (she’s the one on the right) and had it matted and framed. Today, it hangs in our dining room, a reminder of our lovely day.

image001New Year’s Eve will be especially festive when you uncork a bottle of bubbly from Ferrari, Italy’s leading producer of traditional method sparkling wines since 1902, which are crafted using the same process as Champagne. Trento’s high elevation produces dry, crisp, elegant food-friendly wines. In addition to our table, Ferrari is served at the home of the Italian president, the Venice Film Festival, the Milan fashion runways and World Cup Soccer.

The latest release is the 2006 Ferrari Perlé, a Blanc de Blancs sourced exclusively from estate-owned vineyards (SRP $35). Expect a highly refined pour with notes of apples and almonds. The signature Ferrari Brut NV is made from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes and is super with food, especially oysters. Notes of peach are balanced with soft brioche.  (SRP$25)  Ferrari Rosé NV, a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is an exceptional rose that is a good match both visually and taste-wise with salmon. It’s lively and citrusy with a long finish (SRP $37).

Soon, you will be creating your own memories with Ferrari.

 

 

Uncork Savino, a better idea for preserving wine

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It’s the end of the evening and there’s still wine in the bottle.

hero-homeHey, it could happen!

So, how to ensure the wine you swooned over on Tuesday is still fit to drink on Friday?

Uncork Savino, an easy-to-use wine preservation system that empowers aficionados of the grape to indulge in their favorite wine without fear the rest of the bottle will turn into plonk.

Featured in Wine & Spirits Magazine, Savino was founded by Scott Taverna, an amateur wine enthusiast who was inspired when he opened his fridge and found a glass of fine wine sitting on the top shelf. His wife said she wanted to save it for later.

Manufactured in the U.S., Savino is the most popular wine-related Kickstarter project to date. It’s durable. It’s easy to use. It has a generous 750ml capacity and fits in most refrigerators. And you can clean it in the dishwasher.

MSRP: $59.95 or two for $99. You can buy it at www.savinowine.com and through premier wine retailers, including the Wine Enthusiast.