Wino Wednesday: Kris Pinot Grigio, 2010

Hailing from Venice, I enjoyed this pinot grigio on my couch over a wonderful conversation.  It couldn't have been more perfect.  An innocuous nose with a bold, bright taste that lingers on the tongue with a light tartness.  There was also a fruity hint that I couldn't quite place, which only made me want to drink more, but propriety (and my liver) protested and won.

Wino Wednesday: New Ideas!

I've been pondering this column and thought it might be fun to check out local vineyards and write about them.  The search begins for commutable vineyards from NYC!

In other news, Carlyn of Just Keep Sweating has awarded me the Leibster Award for Up and Coming Blogs.  I am so honored and would like to pass it on to some other outstanding bloggers.

Lillian of Sweets by Sillianah and Ken of Hungry Rabbit organized the amazing Great American Bake Sale on 4/28.  If you could see all the time and energy that was poured into this event, you would understand why these two deserve the award.

I met Emily of (Mainly) Gluten Free at the Great American Bake Sale.  She makes gluten free look so yummy!

Laurel of Laurel on Health Food posts the most beautiful food photos and super easy-to-follow recipes -- and they're all healthy!  If that doesn't deserve an award, I don't know what does.

Elisabeth of Everyday Yummy is a newbie (like me) who weaves a wonderful narrative through her posts that make reading them a true pleasure.  It's more a story than a textbook, which I find really refreshing.

And there you have it.  Those are my Liebster Award Winners!  Congratulations all and be sure to spread the love!

To Award Your Own Liebsters:
1) Link back to the person who gave it to you (to thank them).
2) Post the award to your blog.
3) Give the award to 5 bloggers with under 200 followers whom you appreciate and value.
4) Let your award winners know.

The Liebster is a way of spreading the word about new "Up and Coming" blogs.

Wino Wednesday: Polka Dot Riesling

In case you haven't noticed, I am a big fan of Riesling.  This week's wine comes from Pfalz, Germany.  Vinted in 2010, this Riesling is much sweeter than last week's Dr. Loosen.  Whereas last week's wine was very bright, this one is more subdued with a definitive apple aftertaste.  Which did I prefer?  As an unpaired drink, the Loosen had a little more personality, but this Polka Dot might make for an interesting pairing with either chicken or dessert.  Sweet enough for its presence to be known, but not overpowering. Quite enjoyable.

Wino Wednesday: at Lillie's

For today's Wino Wednesday, I ventured over to Lillie's Victorian Establishment in Times Square.  The place was packed with Happy Hour-goers, but I was able to carry on a conversation with my friend while we slowly sipped our wines and enjoyed the ambience.  The Victorian theme is conveyed to its fullest extent from the ample busts displayed all around to the be-cherubed ceilings down to the delicately decorated floral china pattern on every plate.  I was only there for drinks, but felt a great pang of envy as the people next to me received their mountainous order of nachos (okay, so the food doesn't really play into the Victorian theme 100%).


But enough about the atmosphere, let's talk vino!  I ordered the Dr. Loosen Riesling from Mosel, Germany and it was hands down the best wine experience I have ever had.  It was bright, easy on the palate, with a subtle sweet taste.  Absolutely delicious.  I will definitely be looking for a bottle to keep at home.  My friend had the Langtry Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and we were both less than thrilled with it.  It had an almost ostentatious acidic aroma that made me actually pause when putting the glass to my lips and say, "I'm not sure I want to try this."  Then, nothing.  The wine was DOA.  A bit upsetting, but at least I had the Riesling to drink for the rest of the night.  Try the Riesling.  You will not regret it!

Thank you to Lillie's for creating such a great place to drink and relax and to my friend for keeping me company through my many slightly inebriated giggle fits.

Wino Wednesday: Minervois Syrah 2008

Today's wine comes from France!

"Onctuous, sensual, intense berry fruit flavors dominated by the rich and peppery Syrah, this wine is exceptionally soft with silky fruitiness coming from the Grenache."

Agreed!  Unassuming, this wine is subtle and delicious.  Not particularly tenacious in the tannin department, H&B's syrah tickles the tongue and leaves a hint of pepper in the aftertaste.  I'm definitely pleased with this purchase.  This wine would be great with dinner, especially a meaty meal.

Wino Wednesday: Palmer's Pinot Blanc

"Palmer Pinot Blanc is an elegant white wine offering subtle flavors of vanilla and melon, with a crisp, clean finish.  An excellent companion with seafood and white meats, it may also be enjoyed as an aperitif before meals."

I was so excited for this wine.  It's from the rocky north shore of Long Island (just like me) and came  highly recommended from my local wine shop, but I'd have to say Palmer Vineyards severely overestimates their Pinot Blanc.

I bought a 2010 vintage and it has absolutely no aroma whatsoever.  And since taste is seventy percent smell, I'm sorry to report that this is just sparkling grape juice that'll get you drunk.  The vanilla and grapes battle for dominance, but neither wins.  No, we're only left the casualties, creating a dull, lifeless libation that makes you yearn for water.  Save your $18.

Vino.  Vidi.  Vici.

Wino Wednesday: Sutter Home Merlot

Our first American wine!

"Sutter Home Merlot is produced from grapes grown throughout California's premier coastal and inland valley regions, including Sutter Home vineyards in the Lodi region."

The most striking observation I can note about this wine is the stark difference between its nose and taste.  At first scent, I must admit, I was a bit off-put by it.  It has a very dominant aroma, the spices kick you in the nose.   I was almost positive I would not enjoy this wine.

And then I tasted it.

The black cherries subdue the aromatic spices, mellowing the flavor and creating a really subtle and enjoyable wine experience.  All of the flavor, none of the wincing.

Sutter Home also produced a really great video explaining their Merlot and why it's so great.  Check it out!

Wino Wednesday: The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc

Today's wine comes from the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand.

"Our Sauvignon Blanc is racy and bright.  Pink grapefruit and passionfruit flavors layer with lemon-lime acidity and minerality signature of the Awatere Valley."

The grapefruit provides a subtle base for the aroma, bringing to mind warm summer nights with a cool drink.  As for the taste, acidic is the first word that comes to mind.  The wine has a sharp tartness, which fizzles briefly on the tongue and then dilutes immediately, as if you have just bit into a citrusy fruit.  The Crossings' Sauvignon Blanc is light and delicate, though somewhat more of a palate cleanser than a part of the meal.

What should we try next?

Wino Wednesday: Agustinos Reserva Malbec

Tonight we're drinking Agustinos Reserva Malbec.  The wine is Chilean and was vintaged in 2009.

"Deep purple in color, with a nose 
that features pleasing aromas of red fruits, 

black cherries, black pepper, cloves and violets."

Full-bodied.  Sharp.  Aromatically, the black cherries take control.  The wine explodes on the tip of the tongue and then, like a firework, fizzles to the back of the mouth where the aftertaste can be enjoyed, rather than endured.  Deceptively purple, the color does not foretell the astringency of the pepper, which resonates long after the wine has gone.

Did I enjoy it?  Yes.  Was it my favorite?  I wouldn't go that far.

What would you recommend for my next Wino Wednesday?