Wine Quote of the Week

"Wine gives courage and makes men more apt for passion." -- Ovid

Winetasting for WineTimers

Some of the WineTimers attended the wine tasting at the Depot in Duluth last Wednesday. It was a wonderful turnout to benefit the Minnesota Ballet. The wine tasting event Titled "Wine & Chee's" featured original art work by local artist Cheng-Khee Chee. (The artist was in attendance at the event). The food was fabulous with many local vendors providing sumptuous appetizers. The Keyport provided the wines and as always, friendly information about the wonderful wine selections. Toward the end of the evening, Frank went behind the tables to help pour. Bobbie was not too sure his help was appreciated, but it gave me an idea, that maybe the WineTimers could volunteer to pour at one of these wine tasting events! Not sure of the requirements to be a wine pourer, but willing to find out and see if we can do this sometime in the future-- stay tuned...
The next wine tasting event is at UWS on Thursday April 29th for " An Evening of Wine and Jazz". This has been a wonderful event for many years and we look forward to another great night out.
The next WineTimers event is on Thursday May 27th, hosted by Bobbie and Frank. After this, the WineTmers are planning to break for the summer, but no doubt a few inpromptu sessions will be held. Be sure to check in for further details.

Wine Quote of the Week

"A thousand cups of wine do not suffice when true friends meet, but half a sentence is too much when there is no meeting of minds." -- Chinese proverb

Wine Quote of the Week

"Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever." -- Aristophanes

WineTimers Over the Tapas!

On Friday April 9th, the WineTimers were treated to a "night with Spanish flare" by Anna and Blair. They truly rose to the occasion as only WineTimers can do and put on a fabulous event. The wines of the evening were all selected to pair with various "tapas" prepared by Anna. Tapas is literally defined as "small plate" and used for appetizers or snacks. When Anna and Blair traveled to Spain, they enjoyed opportunities to share tapas at Spanish establishments, equivalent to American bar hopping, with an epicurean twist. As Anna shared with the group, tapas in Spain are served communal style, each person armed with a glass of wine and a fork. The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation. It is customary for diners to stand and move about while eating tapas.
The first Spanish wine introduced to the group was a 2008 Salneval Albarino made by the Condes de Albarei winery. This wine has an expressive nose of white florals, green apple, pear and grapefruit. It smells refreshing but also complex. Slightly spritzy with bracing and ultimately refreshing acidity. Racy and zesty, but at the same time, round and soft.
The second wine was also an Albarino, a 2008 Burgans Albarino Rias Baixas. This wine is light, bright yellow in color. Lively lemon and lime aromas are complimented by melon, pear and salty minerals. The Albarino grape can be blended (and often is)! Only wine made from 100% albarino grapes can bear the label "Albarino wine". Most of the Albarino wine hails from the Rias Baixas-- a Spanish controlled appellation.
The last of the white wines served was Marques de Caceres Satinela. Henri Forner established this winery and named it for his friend who was also and investor in the winery. The wine is described as "full in the mouth with delicious fruit flavors of apples, pears and white peaches. It's silky, unctuous characteristic is enlivened by a refined acidity making it pleasantly light" Not one WineTimer knows what "unctuous" means, but it provided a great opportunity for many humorous comments.
To go with the very light and refreshing white wines, the group was served tapas of shrimp, swimming in a butter, garlic sauce and crostini to soak up the sauce-- a perfect pairing with Albarino!
The reds began with Tapena Garnacha. The garnacha grape was born in Spain, but is known to most of the world as Grenache. Garnacha is the most widely planted red wine grape in Spain. This wine is full bodied, but still lively with rounded tannins that combine with the fruit to produce a velvet finish.
Next we were treated to Tapena Tempranillo. Tempranillo (temp-rah-NEE-yo) translates as "the little early one". Think of tempranillo as something like pinot noir in blue jeans. Luscious red cherry fruit wrapped around an earthy, intense center. The finish is long and layered with a hint of coffee and chocolate and a pinch of spice.
The tapas paired with the reds, included a skewer of tender, juicy steak perfectly done, and then a tapas of chorizo sausage with cheese and small potatoes (tater tots!) with a wonderful dipping sauce.
As we learned from Anna, the word Tapena is derived from the combination of Tapas and Pena, which is slang for a group of close friends, a perfect complement for an evening of food, wine and conversation for WineTimers!

Wine Quote of the Week

"Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence" -- Robert Fripp

Featured Wine Club: Cellars Wine Club

At the beginning of every month, we are going to feature a different wine club for you to join, so you can receive wine at your doorstep! I mean, if you don't have to go out for it, what better way is there to enjoy wine?

These wine clubs also allow you to sample new brands and styles of wines that you haven't tried before, thus widening your palette and exposing you to something new.

Our first featured wine club - Cellars Wine Club.

Cellars Wine Club is not just one, but 11 wine clubs. When you sign up, you can choose from one of their wine clubs, including the Single Bottle Club, the Red Trio Club or the International Wine Club.

Great as a gift or a wonderful treat for you, the Cellars Wine Club has something for everyone's taste - and can allow you to try something new!