Romanza for Your Valentine-Bocelli Wines

A few years ago for Valentine’s Day, we decided we would open one of our special occasion wines.  I wanted a perfect pairing so I referenced the website and decided to make gnocchi and marinara from scratch.  After hours in the kitchen, we were almost ready to cook the dumplings when I decided to put everything on hold so I could find, what I deemed to be, the only music worthy for the meal, Andrea Bocelli.  When you think romance and Italian, the tenor is the first music that comes to mind.  Now, you can do more than drink in his amazing voice, you can toast with his wines.

The Bocelli family has been making wines for four generations.  Now Andrea and his brother, Alberto, have started to share them with others.  From a vineyard in Tuscany, the Sangiovese has all of the classic notes you would expect from the grape.  A lively garnet red with a strawberry nose.  Tart cherry, bright with hints of mineral and oak.  The first day I opened the wine, it seemed to have a little bite on the finish.  I knew that I was way too tired to fairly assess anything, so I revisited the next day.  Any bite that may, or may not, have been there on the night I opened the wine was long gone.  A very pleasant finish.  Enough acid and body to hold up to a marinara and light enough to sip alone.  A very enjoyable wine and I am so glad we met a second time.  

If you’ve been reading for long, you know that I am a fan of the bubbles.  I loved this Prosecco.  Delicate bubbles, and plenty of them.  Stone fruit, apple, and citrus.  Some honeysuckle on the finish.  Very balanced between crisp and soft.  I may have a new favorite.

With both wines priced in the mid-teens, these wines are an excellent value.   I have seen interviews with Andrea Bocelli and I have been struck by his humility and gentle spirit.  His sense of family and love for the Italian culture is palpable.  It is not surprising that he would make classic Old World wines, available at a price that allows for sharing with family and friends.

If you’ve been keeping up with the crazy week I had, I will not be making gnocchi from scratch this year, but I will be opening something special.  If you are still looking for wines for your Valentine’s meal, or for any time, the Bocelli wines are sure to add a bit of romanza.

* These wines were provided by the August Wine Group as media samples for review purposes.

Classic and Elegant-Franciscan Estates

When I was teaching, I didn’t review the files of my students right away.  I wanted to meet them, interact, observe with no preconceived notions about the individual.  After a time, in preparation for a goal-setting conference, I would look at what previous teachers had found in their time with the student in order to best serve that child.  Sometimes the notes were surprising; often they echoed my observations.

When reviewing a wine, I like to come to it with a clear palate and a clear mind. When I have had sufficient time with the wine, I like to go back and read the winemaker’s notes and the history of the vineyard. Each piece of information paints a picture and build my understanding of the industry, the winemaker, and the wine itself.  It also serves as a means for self-examination.  Did I pick up on that nuance?  Did it remind me of another wine from the same AVA?  Do I have a good understanding of how that variety typically shows?  And did the pairing I chose work or not with all of this in mind?  Then I go back to the wine with this knowledge and continue to learn. 

When I tasted the 2011 Franciscan Chardonnay and the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, they both elicited the same response.  These are very classic wines; these are very elegant wines.  If I were to think of a well done California Chardonnay or Cabernet from Oakville, the flavor profile of these wines would come to mind.  

Thanks to one of my favorite wine writers, Meg Houston Maker, I have learned how to best plan a meal to go with the wine.  Taste, plan, then revisit. Sometimes I have the luxury of time to do that, most often I do not.  The evening that I opened the Chardonnay, I did not have time to plan well, but happened to get lucky.  I had family at my house for a short time and had to pull something together.  I had bought a frozen Salmon filet so I quick thawed it, drizzled it with olive oil and dusted it with herbs and lemon zest.  I made orzo with goat cheese and lemon and asparagus.  I chilled the wine and dinner was on the table thirty minutes later.    

The wine was round and supple, a very elegant mouth feel.  The fruit was intense and the vanilla from the oak made it almost sweet and very creamy.  It was sturdy enough to hold up to the hearty Salmon and the acid of the lemon.  Each brought out the best in the other. 

With the Cabernet I made a Roasted Pepper Goulash with caraway seeds and paprika.  I had thought about pairing it with a peppery Syrah, but really wanted to try this Cab, so the Franciscan won.  This is an instance where the pairing worked, but it may have not been the best.  Either way, the wine was fabulous.  Dark cherry, spice, and a hint of rich cocoa.  Big enough to hold up to most anything, but not intimidating.  Smooth and delightful.  In the future, I would likely pair it with a grilled New York strip or something simpler.  It is such a classic wine, that a more classic pairing would allow the wine more room to shine without competition from a powerful sauce. 

When I sat down this morning to read more about the history and winemaking at Franciscan Estates, I felt as if I had passed an exam.  The descriptions and philosophy were very much in line with my experiences with these wines.  In the letter from Janet Myers, Director of Winemaking, she even states that, “they represent classic expressions of each variety.”  My thoughts exactly.  I say this, not to pat myself on the back, but to say that the process of learning about wine does not have to be intimidating.  It is as simple as being mindful during your experience.  Take note of all you smell, taste, see.  What does it remind you of?  Have you tasted a wine like this before?  Do you like certain aspects more than others?  Then read, learn, and reflect.  Repeat as necessary. Or as desired.

Disclaimer: These wines were provided as samples from Folsom and Associates.  The opinions are my own.

Poetry in Motion- Part 3

I was asked today about how I began writing about wine, and was going to refer her to this post. A post I began over a year ago and just now realized I never finished or published.  So, you may be saying, part 3?  What happened to part 1 and part 2?  Lucky for you, they are archived.  Lucky for me, I still remember how this happened. So, as random as this seems, it had a purpose when I began writing it.  I’ve had a dizzying sinus infection for days, so since I can’t drink any new inspiration, I’ll use this post from the past.

At the Gundlach Bundschu luncheon, held in April of 2011 during their time in Austin, my DH and I had the privilege of meeting  Jeff, Liz, Jim, and Nancy Bundschu.  I was invited to read my poem during the luncheon, which, although I was not prepared to do so, was quite an honor for me.   Even more so was Jim Bundschu’s reaction.  To date, his reaction to my poem has been the most flattering, affirming response that I have had to anything I have written.  With tears in his eyes, he told me how much it had moved him, how he put it to the side to come back to.  He felt that I had been able to capture the essence of his family’s story and the story of all who farmed.  What an honor to hear those words.  So humbling, so encouraging.

Jim Bundschu and I

 

 

 

So how did I get from there to here?  Later that summer we visited the Bundschus again and were on a tour with Rob, who happens to be a writer.  I spoke of the thrill it was for me to have my writing chosen by them and I how I had enjoyed the process.  I shared with him and the marketing director, Susan, how I hoped to continue writing, perhaps start a wine blog for the average drinker.  They both responded with the idea that if I wanted to write, I just had to write.  And write, and write, and then write some more.

The final push I needed was from a sweet friend, Keri.  She was starting a recipe and home organization site and wanted me to help with wine pairings.  I thought that I should simply start my own page that she should link to and I, in turn, could link to her.  That was the last push I needed.  So in August of 2011, with no experience, I set up a website, chose a name, and Pulled the Cork. 

I’ve alluded to the pieces of this story in other posts, I’ve shared the story with many, but I have not put it together in one, (well, three) package (s).   I certainly did not imagine at the time the joy I would get from writing, the friends I would meet, and the opportunities that would come from one poem, written during one episode of Elmo.

Branching Out on the Trail

This month a new online magazine launches which aims at promoting the Texas wine industry, Texas Wine and Trail.  I was honored to be asked to contribute and my first piece is now available on their site.  When I was approached about doing a piece in November, I began brainstorming about something I could do that I have not seen covered, something a little different.  I found my inspiration on the Facebook page for William Chris Winery: the launch of the 2011 Artist Series wine.

So when my brother came into town with hopes of hitting a winery, I knew where we were going.  We packed up the crew and headed west to Hye so sample some of their wines and learn more about the artist series.  I first visited William Chris last spring for the Watermelon Thump.  If you’ve been reading for a while, you already know how wonderfully that evening began, and how it ended in rather dramatic fashion.  If not, you can read about it in Living the Hye Life.

On this visit we successfully sampled all they were pouring, enjoyed some music on the porch, and left with a few bottles, including a gift of the Artist Series 2011.  I sipped the wine while writing my first piece for Texas Wine and Trail, with a big smile on my face.  While I found plenty of inspiration on the visit, I found even more in the bottle. 

To read more about the Artist Series at William Chris Winery, head over to Texas Wine and Trail and keep checking in for more news about Texas wine.  Thanks for reading!

A Tale of Two Cabs

It was the best of wines, it was the…well, it was another great wine.  But I kind of had to start a piece with this title like that, right?  I recently requested my first sample.  Writing a test piece for an online golf magazine, I wanted to tie into the World Challenge tournament, so I decided to reach out to a sponsor.  I knew it was an excellent wine, and out of my general price range, but I didn’t know how far out, until after I’d already asked.

After looking up the wine, my immediate thought was, “Retract!, Retract!”  How could I just ASK for a wine of that caliber and price point, but it was too late.  A short time later, I had a response in which she simply asked for more information about the publication.  I told her that although I could not guarantee placement, being that the piece would be my first sample, I could guarantee that I would write about it on my blog, if nothing else.  She looked up my site and responded right away.  Her response was so gracious, so kind and complimentary, that I felt completely at ease.  She said, in fact, that I should ask for more samples.  I thanked her profusely for making my first request such a pleasant experience.  She told me that the 2009 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon would arrive at the end of the week. 

Never have I been so anxious for a Fed Ex shipment, and never has it come so late in the day.  When the wine finally arrived, after I jumped around, I put it directly in the decanter.  Although I generally like to let a wine sit after shipment, I needed to turn in my piece right away, so I decanted and waited.  In the piece I did for Back9Network, I likened it to a “velvet robe.”  Lush fruit, huge but elegant, and delicious.  We paired it with Filets with mushroom sauce and a wedge with blue cheese.  A classic steakhouse meal with a classic steakhouse wine.

The next week, I wanted to provide another fabulous Napa Cab at a more approachable price point.  After some research and some questioning of those in the know, I chose the 2009 Conn Creek Napa Valley Cabernet.  Tight at first, but after some time out of the bottle I noted red cherry, berry, nutmeg, vanilla from the oak and earth.  A very nice wine and a great alternative for an average weekend.

Was there a difference in the two wines?  Of course.  And although the Far Niente is out of my price range, even for a special occasion, it was really magnificent.  I may have to stretch my range once in a while because it was an experience, indeed.  After all, when you consider the cost of eating out and the wine mark up at most restaurants, you can totally justify this splurge if you choose to stay in and make something fabulous at home.  Yes, there will still be dishes, but you won’t mind after a glass or two. 

There is an intrinsic reward in putting yourself out there and asking for what you want.  No matter the response, you have identified and articulated your desire and goal.   That has always been a tough one for me, but something that has gotten easier with practice.  If I’d known the value of what I was requesting, I wouldn’t have asked, and I would have missed out on something fabulous.  In this circumstance, there was a very nice extrinsic reward and a lesson that goes beyond the wine.  This lesson will be remembered as my “Far Niente moment.”     And, dear friends, I think I will need occasional reminders.

Greatest Hits of 2012

At the end of the year, WordPress sent me a summary of my year.  Sort of a year in review for the writer.  How many visitors, which posts were the most viewed, et cetera.  They invite you to share the information with your readers.  At first, I thought, “How Silly.  That is like Justin Bieber releasing a Greatest Hits.”  After all, I’ve only just begun (I hope you heard Karen Carpenter just then).  But then I looked at my top five posts from the year and I thought, “Yes, that is a pretty good cross-section of what I have done.”  So I am sharing it with a little back story.  Think of it as a pathetic version of Storytellers.  Cheers!

1 “Hey Girl…I love SAHMs” October 2012

Don’t you love new friends?  Especially those that share your affinity for all things Gosling?  And can make you laugh out loud with a text?  And inspire silly posts?  Me too.  It is no wonder this got a lot of views.  He’s impossible to resist. 

2 Grief and Gratitude  September 2012

I was due to write a new post, but it was September 11th, and I could not write about anything but.  I asked a group of ladies that write about wine if it was okay to venture outside that box.  With their encouragement, I did so.  This is my tribute to a dear, dear friend.

3 OTBN- A Gift from Gundlach Bundschu  February 2012

The first piece of writing I ever put out publicly was a 3rd place poem for a poetry contest at Gundlach Bundschu.  The second piece took first.  It was their encouragement that inspired me to write.  This was a post in which I “shared” the 1997 Cab Franc I received as a prize with my readers.

4 Trends, Schmends-I never gave up on you, Merlot January 2012 

If you have read for very long at all, you know that it is not uncommon to get a hint of psychology in the front and some introspection in the finish.  In Vino Veritas.

5 Molto Bene, Y’all  April 2012

I have loved, loved, loved getting involved in the Texas wine scene.  So many great things being produced, so many great people, and still so much to learn.  Thank you for welcoming me in and for your generous spirits.  This is a piece on a local winery that I grow more fond of with each visit.

So, there you have it.  A little personal stuff, a little humor, a lot of wine.  Some paired, some shared.  Yes, this is a blog about wine, but it is really so much more to me.  Thank you for reading and giving me a place to share, to grow, to learn.

Something to Celebrate

Tonight we will say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013. Most of us will celebrate with bubbles and friends. We have been practicing around here. I took a class in sparkling wine recently which was great preparation. Champagne, Prosecco, Domestic, or Cava, there is a bottle for every palate and every price point.

I recently received a sample of sparkling wine from Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Using the Methode Champenoise, this 2008 Blanc de Blancs is aged 24-30 months before disgorging. This wine has great acidity, citrus and green apple. The bubbles are small and elegant which yield a great texture and finish. If you are wanting to celebrate with a domestic wine, this is a great option. Looking for other options? I’ll get to that.

So what were we celebrating? Well, a few things. One being my brother’s visit. Another being the reason I have not mentioned other specific sparklers. At the end of 2011, I had just begun writing. I had posted maybe a dozen pieces, with most viewed only by friends. In 2012, I have begun receiving samples, have received invitations to fabulous events, and more importantly, have met amazing people in the industry. I have learned so much from them.

With their encouragement and example, I have grown in the social media world, and I am now writing for other publications. So, for other bubbles ideas, head over to Back9Network, a multi-media golf and lifestyle publication, where I have been writing weekly posts on wine and spirits.  So grateful for all of you that have taken the time to read my banter, for all that I have learned, and for the relationships I have made.

Wishing you a fabulous holiday and may 2013 bring you much joy.

Three “Wines-men”

I could tell you about a few of my picks for the holiday season, and I probably will at some point.  But I thought it would be a little more interesting to hear from those who know just a little more about Texas wines than I do.  I elicited help from three fabulous Texas wine makers to tell you which Texas wine they might be pouring this holiday season and the pairings they would choose.  The catch?  It had to be someone else’s wine.

Dave Reilly has been getting a lot of attention as the winemaker for Duchman Winery.  And with good reason.  Just this year his wines has received several awards and three spots on the Jessica Dupuy’s Top Texas Wines list.  What Texas wine would he pour?  A Roussanne.  He thinks that it is one of the most interesting grapes being produced in the state. 

Although he didn’t name a specific producer, I have had lovely Roussannes from both Cap*Rock Winery and McPherson Cellars.  The McPherson Reserve Roussanne was on Russ Kane’s list of his favorite Texas whites of 2012 and Jessica Dupuy included a Roussanne from Perissos Vineyards on her list.  Promising, indeed.  The traditional pairings are seafood and buttery dishes.  You could also pair with poultry.  Doing a Christmas turkey?  This would be lovely.  Especially with a chestnut stuffing or with butternut squash to bring out the nutty flavors in the wine.

Tim Drake made the move to Texas from Washington in 2010 because he and his family saw that something special was going on in the Texas wine industry.  He joined Flat Creek Estate in 2011 and we are just now seeing the first of his whites.  If the 2011 and 2012 barrel sample of Viognier are any indication, we are in for a whole lot of special.  And if his pairings are any indication, I’ll be asking for an invitation to dinner. 

Tim chose William Chris Merlot paired with a Demi-Glace Veal Chops served with Gorgonzola Risotto and sautéed green beans.  Yes, please.  William Chris is located in Hye, Texas and they produce some incredible wines.  I have a bottle of Enchante that I have been saving for the holidays, so you’ll hear more about them in the near future.

Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars knows a thing or two about wine.  In fact, he is kind of wine royalty here in Texas.  His father, “Doc” McPherson, was one of the fore-fathers of the Texas wine industry and Kim has continued the elevation of Texas viticulture.  His wines have received over 450 awards.  So what would he choose? 

A peek at either Jessica or Russ’ list will tell you that Tempranillo does very well here.  Kim agreees.  He chose Pedernales Cellars Tempranillo with a Hanger Steak made in a Spanish style.  That shouldn’t be a problem since his wife, Sylvia, owns La Diosa Cellars.  Think Romesco sauce, rubs with herbs and paprika.  Smoky, spicy, with some lime juice for acid.  Serve with polenta or fingerling potatoes.  Maybe some greens with roasted peppers?  Yum.

Although most of these specific wines are not available nationwide, these pairings are great inspiration no matter what state you call home.  And great inspiration to visit us here in Texas.  Thank you to all of the winemakers who helped me in writing this.  You are doing amazing things.  Merry Christmas and happy pairing!

Lamentations

I’ve barely slept this past week. At first, it was because I was sleeping with my son to help him through his pneumonia-induced coughing spells. For the last two nights, I have been so heavy with grief for the families in Newtown that I have not found rest. There is a verse in Romans that says, “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” This is a grief that words cannot express, but ironically, I find comfort in writing. So, although this is a wine blog, it is also about my life as a mom. And today, that is about the only thing that seems to matter.

When I came home on Friday, the first things I saw were my daughter’s drawings on the refrigerator. So many families will come home to similar pictures, knowing they will be the last. Before Friday’s tragedy, I found myself frustrated at being awakened yet again. After, I cherished a few extra minutes to hold my sleeping children.

There is understandably more talk about gun-control*.   How I wish that the answer were that simple.  No amount of legislation, gun-control, or metal detectors will stop a broken soul from inflicting horror on others if they are set on doing so.  The only prevention can be to get to that soul before it is too late. This is a generation in which too many have been overexposed to violence on television and video games. They have been under-exposed to loving boundaries and consequences. They are angry and fearful. They are vulnerable and hardened. The mental health problems are multipying; parents are exhausted with nowhere to turn.  This cannot be sustained.

People are looking for reasons, for answers. There are no answers. We retreat from the media or we become obsessed with the coverage. There is no comfort there. We hold our children closer and reevaluate priorities. Oh, that this would continue. Please, talk to your children and their friends. Speak up when you see something. Fight the toxicity we put in our bodies and our brains. Love your children and those in your path. And Pray.

As a mother and a former Elementary teacher, I can imagine all too vividly the horror. Although I was not directly impacted, I have friends that were. Comfort and solace are nearly impossible to come by in a tragedy of this magnitude. There is another verse I have chosen to focus on. In Mark, we are told of people bringing their children to Jesus to be touched. He says, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” The verse following tells us that “he took them in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” I choose to, I need to, believe that he shielded their minds in this. That he was there to welcome them into his arms. `

May God be near. May he provide a peace that passes understanding. May he restore what is broken and bring beauty from the ashes.

*see comments

A Day Late…But Not a Bit Short

Last night was the Texas Wine Twitter chat featuring three lovely wines and Chef Josh Watkins of The Carillon Restaurant here in Austin (see pairings below).  I will be making that Celery root and apple soup with Duchman Viognier soon.  Because we have been in full combat mode, fighting a nasty respiratory virus, I had to miss the tasting at a fellow Texas wine lover’s house and could only tweet vicariously.  I made up for it today.  

My husband made a pork tenderloin wrapped in prosciutto and sage.  My brother-in-law made salad with pears sautéed in maple syrup which became part of the vinaigrette.  My job was to pair and hold my sweet son.  Honestly, a kangaroo pouch would have come in handy the last few days since he’s too big for a sling and can’t be off me for more than a minute at a time when he’s sick.

I paired the meal with McPherson Sangiovese.  A good pairing brings out the best in both and this was spot on.  The fruit was subtle as to not compete, but with enough earthy backbone to hold its own.  The salt of the prosciutto, the sweet of the pear, the acidity of the vinaigrette all worked with the Sangiovese.  Yum.

This is a very food friendly wine that can go in many directions and blend right in.  I have joked before that I think Kim McPherson and I have kindred palates.  I love everything he makes.  The Sangiovese is no exception.  Thanks to Chef Josh Watkins for the great suggestions and to all the Texas wine advocates and producers for all you do!

 Duchman Family Winery Viognier

Celery root-apple soup
Spiced apples with brandy syrup

McPherson Sangiovese
Free-raised veal tenderloin with sweet potato hash, and mustard greens with bacon gastrique
Beef tenderloin with Brussels sprouts and potato puree
Braised beef short ribs with grill romaine and pickled radish

Fall Creek or Messina Hof Muscat Canelli (semi-sweet)
Buttermilk panna cotta
Manchester cheese
Almond cake