The Wine House samples wines from all over the globe to find picks worthy of mention in our blog. This week we want to tell you about an Alexander Valley, Ca. cabernet. We know Napa gets credited with being the cabernet capital of the United States and maybe the world, but this wine from the Roth vineyards will hold up to any cab from anywhere for the money. This wine was crafted with a very balanced acidity and carries a bold finish of cocoa and spice on the palate. The blackberry and black plum flavors are accentuated by supple tannins and hints of chocolate and black olive.
All in all, this wine will please all you Napa friends, at a price that won’t kill the pocketbook. I have bought it as low as $24.00. Try it, you will like it!
To decant or not to decant, is the question I get asked many times. It can be a personal preference of course but here is some tips on when you might want to if possible. The age of the wine makes a huge difference when it comes to using a decanter. The rule of thumb tends to be if a wine if not at least seven years old, it is better to use a decanter. That being said, most wines that the majority of people drink will fall into that category. It may not be practical to use a decanter on each occasion.
The reason to use a decanter is to aerate the wine so to get oxygen mixed with the wine so it will help smooth out the astringent taste of tannins. Tannins in wines under that seven year age can be strong so getting oxygen mixed in well will make drinking those wines better on the palate. Wines over seven years old really do not need decanting because the tannins have had time to smooth out in time. Many restaurants will decanter wine for you when purchasing a bottle of wine, just ask your server.
35949076 – sommelier pouring wine to the decanter in the wine cellar
Here are some tips when using a decanter:
Tip #1- Using a decanter is great when time permits for most red wines and wines under seven years of age.
Tip #2- I have found in my travels to Italy that Italian red wines always do better when decanting and sitting for twenty to thirty minutes.
Tip # 3- never use detergent to wash out your decanter, it can change the taste of the wine due to residual chemicals.
Choosing a decanter really comes down to style but it should be glass and I prefer a large neck and opening to allow oxygen to get into the wine quicker. Most wines need about thirty minutes in a decanter to get the best results. I like to also use an aerator along with a decanter to help the time along. Just pour the wine through an aerator into the decanter and presto!
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This is not a pitch for Costco, but if you purchase wine, you might want to think about becoming a member. Costco sells a lot of wine and sometimes they have some very nice selections. Don’t have a Costco membership? No worries, just click on the links below to shop online. Prices may vary.
This week, we found three different wines that we want to make note of. Not only are they tree different wineries but three different varieties as well. By the way, all three are under $30 available now at Costco!
#1: Etude 2014 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir – Red Wine. Our favorite Pinot Noir comes from Etude. Hails from the Carneros region and is by the premier wine makers of Etude. Etude produces many great wines including a fantastic Cabernet, but this one is a Pinot Noir born at the Grace Benoist Ranch. This 2014 vintage and boasts intense flavors of plum, raspberries, and dark cherries. It squeezes out silky smooth tannins and has a hint of spice notes with perfect acidity. This Etude 2014 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir – Red Wine has a lasting finish with elegant aromas of cinnamon black tea. It’s drinkable now and will even be greater shelving for a year or two.
#2: Keenan 2013 Napa Valley Merlot – Red Wine. Comes right out of the gate hitting the palate with blackberry, cassis, and black cherries. Straight out of the Spring Mountain area in Saint Helena, Robert Keenan just keeps on having one hit after the other. The Keenan Winery produces great Cabs, but as I mentioned earlier about variety, this one is a Merlot. You can’t help picking up the scents of espresso along with dark cocoa. This is a big Merlot worthy of all the accolades.
#3: Silverado 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (375ML half-bottle) – Red Wine. Keeping with the variety theme, number three is one of my favorites under the mark. Silverado Cabernet has it all! By all I am referring to the earth. I love the earthy tastes of dusty compounds and the floral hints of pepper. The vanilla and violets stand out even with the earthiness captivating the nose. Obviously the name gives it away, but this wine is produced on the Silverado Trail at the Silverado Winery, Napa, Ca. Get the grille ready and pour yourself a nice one.
I recently found out that I had 17% Irish heritage in my DNA and decided it was time to embrace my Irish heritage with this simple altered version of a Mimosa which we will call an Irish Mimosa.
In a Champagne flute, pour half glass of Guinness dark extra stout beer, then top off with Champagne. Cheers!
Nothing speaks The Holidays to me like Coquito. So, what is Coquito? Coquito is Puerto Rican eggnog favored with cream of coconut and it is delicious! Think of it as similar to an old time American favorite, Brandy Alexander, which my husband made for me just recently as his mother liked Brandy Alexanders. One taste and I said, hey, that is like Coquito!
The Holidays in Puerto Rico are quite special with lots of family gatherings, where you are immediately greeted with a small glass of Coquito, kisses and salsa music. It didn’t matter how old you were, it was spiked with rum.
I now make it virgin for those little ones who love the sweet taste. It’s perfect as an after dinner drink or served with appetizers. The family tradition continues as this family recipe is being requested by the younger generation who celebrate the holidays with Coquito. Salud!
Puerto Rican Coquito Recipe
8.5 oz of Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut
1 can of Evaporated Milk
1 egg
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
½ Teaspoon Nutmeg
¼ Teaspoon Cloves
3 shots of Spiced Rum
Blend all ingredients in a blender. Do not use ice. Refrigerate. Serve cold. Enjoy! Makes 5-6 5oz glasses.
In this new and crazy world of COVID-19, I have had to adjust to many things. Some of these adjustments have been good lessons for me as it has taught me to adjust and accept. On the other hand, some of these adjustments have been challenging to say the least. Although I often feel alone, there is something comforting about the fact that the whole world is in this together. The hardest thing for me, however, is being away from my friends and family. More than that, I miss the social aspects getting together at dinners and happy hours. Let’s face it, we all have some kind of longing for some social interaction. I found that virtual happy hours are closest to being there.
Cheerful couple searching internet and shopping online in living room at home
Living in isolation, I’m sure you’ve had to think of something smart and innovative to combat some of the new challenges that these times have put you through. Having a virtual happy-hour is one of the ways I’ve learnt to adapt, and I’d love to share this with you.
Here are some tips I use to share those moments virtually.
Make use of Technology: We have it at our fingertips! Although technology was greatly criticized for creating social-distance among people, now is the time to use it to bring people together! Using your smartphone or tablet to reach out to your friends and family. I recommend the following video chat apps: Facetime, Zoom Video, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Skype, WhatsApp or the newest fun app Houseparty.
Use the additional Gadgets: To avoid having to struggle with your technological device while having a special virtual gathering, get yourself a gadget to hold your device. This can come in the form of a phone-stand, a tri-pod or a tablet-dock. If you have none of these available, use some things around your house! You can stack up a pile of books or lean your device against a sturdy object.
Nulaxy Adjustable Tablet Stand, Heavy Duty Desktop Tablet Holder Mount3. Schedule the Event: It is vital that you set a time and date for the happy hour, especially if you are connecting a few people at the same time. Even-though most people are in self-isolation, there is still some sort of routine and tasks that have to be done in every home. Setting a time and date and informing everyone about it will reduce the chances of a no-show event. 4. Get yourself your favorite drink:This is where the fun begins. Before getting onto your virtual event, ensure that you have poured yourself your favorite drink. Whether you’re sitting with a fancy glass of wine or whether you’ve created yourself a crazy cocktail, make sure you’re drink-ready.
My favorite pour is a Pomegranate Martini. Hmm so good!
5. Get comfy: Considering you’re probably going to be in the same spot for some time during your happy-hour, make sure the seat you’re on is the best seat in the house. The best thing about this happy-hour, is that you’re able to create the space you want to be in. Want to surround yourself with soft, comfy pillows while sipping on that margarita? Why not. Find your seat, dial your friends and enjoy this unique experience.
These might be some truly challenging times, but it takes nothing to make it a little easier and a little more enjoyable for you and your friends. So reach out to your friends. Connect with your family. Remember that you are not alone and that it doesn’t have to be so hard.
Happy drinking! ?
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Been to Napa? Well, you also need to check out Temecula as you will be in for a treat! Temecula Valley California is located about 1 hr north of San Diego and 1.5 hrs from Los Angeles. You will be entering a land with over 40+ boutique wineries, picturesque scenery and mountains and delicious wines. Average tastings are much less than Napa at a range of $10-$25 for generous flights. Also, not to mention, the Southern California weather is near perfect year round. These wines as not to be found at your local Total Wine store. You can get them through visiting their winery and/or joining their wine clubs.
We have checked out almost every winery in Temecula, CA and have narrowed our Favorites down to the Top 2. This decision was hard as there are many great wineries to visit and taste.
They claim A Break from City Life with friendly experts in their tasting rooms and great wines, stunning views, and they live up to it every time we visit. The Restaurant is highly acclaimed and well worth the trip there. If you want to stay the night, you may want to reserve a room at the Ponte Inn. This beautiful Spanish Colonial style boutique hotel offers 5 star room and amenities with a cellar bar, pool and surrounding vineyards. The rose gardens are gorgeous and bloom throughout the year.
The Leoness wine tasting experience is outstanding! Enjoy some of the most beautiful views in the wine country. Their wines offer a variety of whites and reds with special blends of Spanish and French varietals with a handful of 90 points and above ratings.
Leoness red wine tasting flight
They also have a fabulous restaurant with great California style cuisine and the best duck french fries on the planet! Yes we have had them many times. Sustainable farming practices and crafting award-winning wines make Leoness a must visit.
Leoness Duck Fat French Fries
Other honorable mentions are Wilson Creek Winery, Southcoast Winery, Weins Family Vineyard, and Lorenzi Estates.
If you have ever read any wine tasting notes, you have no doubt read the word tannin.
So, what is a tannin?
I don’t want to give a science class but I thought for some it might be interesting to understand what tannins are. Tannin is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in plants, seeds, wood, leaves, and fruit skins. I said I didn’t want to give a science lesson but maybe I will at least explain polyphenol. Polyphenol is a micro molecule made of phenols, which are complex bonds of oxygen and hydrogen molecules. Wine tannins are found mostly in red wine but can occur in white wine that is stored in wooden barrels. In red wine, polyphenols are released from grape skins, seeds and stems when they are saturated in the juice from grapes after being pressed to make wine. The effect of tannins are expressed in the dryness of the wine. So, the more tannin, the more dryness!
The pick of the week come from the Crimson Wine Group. The wine makers of Pine Ridge and Seghesio to name a couple but this prize hails from Forefront.
Coming in around 20.00 is a steal. This wine has the complexity and richness of a full Cabernet, but is a blend of 82% Cabernet, 11% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Merlot. The blend is also made up of grapes from Napa, Sonoma, and Lake County. With black currant, black cherry, and a hint of clove this wine has the complexity of a full bodied Cabernet. It is supported by silky smooth tannins and a long finish with hints of cinnamon, vanilla and caramel. This wine is great with most meals but obviously bodes well with grilled meats, pasta Bolognese, and of course your favorite chocolate truffle. Enjoy!!
