The WineTimers met on Friday February 25th for our monthly meeting of the wine minds at Bobbie and Frank's. The winter blahs have settled in and a fun wine and food filled night was definitely called for. All WineTimers were in attendance except for Rick who was in Orlando, soaking up sunshine-- What's up with that!
The first wine presented for the evening was a 2008 Principessa Gavia Gavi. This is the premier dry white wine of Italy, pale straw in color with an intense, fresh and fruity bouquet with hints of pineapple and green apple. Along with the wine notes came the "Legend of Principessa Gavia" whose story was about a beautiful princess who fell in love with a guard in her father's court. She married him and lost favor with the King, however was eventually forgiven for marrying out of her class and given the town they chose to live in, named Gavi. Alas, true love and romance in this wonderful light wine selection.
The next wine presented was a 2009 Folie a Deux Manage a Trois Rose. Manage a Trois examines what happens when you put 3 attractive, single young grapes into 1 exquisite bottle-- probably illegal in most states! This rose` is the epitome of a good rose` No pretense, just a fruit laden roller coaster ride of raspberries, strawberries, lychee nuts and flowers. A virtual carnival in your mouth!
Last and surely not least, we were treated to Francis Ford Coppola's 2008 Claret Black Label Diamond collection. Claret is a term originally coined by the British to describe Cabernet based wines. This Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec blend is alluring and sophisticated; it is memorably lush with a tapestry of smooth tannins, and succulent flavors of wild berries, plum and anise. WineTimers are no strangers to this selection as it has been available at several wine tastings this season. Karen and Jeff, being good sports were able to "get back on the horse" and actually try this excellent wine again, following a rather adverse experience last month-- good job!
Not to be left unsaid, Bobbie and Frank went over the top with appetizers followed by 4 large VIP pizzas to keep the hungry WineTimers satisfied (and soak up a little wine for the drive home). A fabulous evening enjoyed by all. We look forward to our next gathering and whatever wine adventure might be planned!
Showing posts with label WineTimers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WineTimers. Show all posts
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Sunday, June 13, 2010
WineTimers!
Here are the WineTimers at the last "meeting" before the summer break. Be sure to check in for summer updates!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
WineTimers Last Hurrah for the Season!
So the last event before our summer break for the WineTimers took place at Bobbie and Frank's on May 28th. All of the WineTimers were present for the "Summer Wine" theme of the night. We enjoyed a wonderful evening in the backyard that ended with a fabulous bon fire.
The Summer Wines started out with Risata Moscato d'Asti - Italy. Bobbie's research revealed that "Risata" means laughter, and as usual there was much laughter to go around. Risata Moscato d’Asti is fresh and fragrant with vibrant flavors and aromas of ripe stone fruit, tangerines, and honey. The wine is concentrated and flavorful, but not overly rich or heavy; sweet, yet balanced. The grapes are hand harvested and grown in a combination of limestone and sandstone soils from the cool, hilly Asti region in northwestern Italy. The grapes are crushed, chilled to almost freezing in stainless steel vats, then fermented and bottled to capture the resulting carbon dioxide. The result is a low alcohol, slightly effervescent wine, or what the Italians call vino frizzante.
Nothing is better than hanging out with friends on a warm summer evening with a glass of muscato and a bowl of fresh fruit. You won't be disappointed-- and we weren't!
Next we had Barefoot Pinot Noir - California. This light red wine is billed as "Great wine without attitude! Barefoot began as a "garage wine" back in the sixties. They are teamed up with the grass roots non-profit, the Surfrider Foundation, to create the Barefoot Beach Rescue Project, designed to clean up beaches and ensure they are "Barefoot friendly."
Pinot noir, a red wine made from black grapes, thrives in France's Burgundy region. Pinot noir grapes are an ancient variety that may be only one or two generations removed from wild vines. By volume most Pinot noir in America is grown in California. Barefoot Pinot Noir is a medium bodied wine with tantalizing flavors of ripe cherry and wild raspberry. Hints of vanilla and spice complement a smooth lingering finish.
Next we were treated to a taste of Trapiche Torrontes. Torrontés is the characteristic white wine grape of Argentina, producing fresh, aromatic white wines. A good Torrontes will have an intense nose of flowers and tropical fruits but don't get confused and think that means it will be sweet. Torrontes is usually bone dry with a light to medium weight, good acidity and a long finish. This was a very dry, light wine, perfect for any patio gathering.
Last but definitely not least, Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon was served. The Alexander Valley in the heart of Sonoma Valley is best known for their outstanding cabernet savignon grapes. This reserve Cabernet Savignon exhibits rich aromas of blackberry and currants, and dried herbs and olives, with round and supple tannins typical of Alexander Valley cabernet. Rich and chewy, it is plush and smooth on the palate with perfectly integrated oak. New world cabernet savignons, such as this one, often have more pronounced ripe fruit flavors than Old World wines from regions like Bordeaux.
And of course we can't forget the healthy benefit of Reservatrol--naturally occurring substance in grapes is believed to reduce the chance of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. I'm sure this is the number one reason that WineTimers drink wine!As usual we had a great time enjoying summer wine and food with our wine loving friends.
We all look forward to the first gathering of the Fall season of WineTimers in September and hosted by Debi and Rick. Stay tuned this summer for an occasional entry and a re-cap of all the great wines we have tried since the beginning of WineTimers!
The Summer Wines started out with Risata Moscato d'Asti - Italy. Bobbie's research revealed that "Risata" means laughter, and as usual there was much laughter to go around. Risata Moscato d’Asti is fresh and fragrant with vibrant flavors and aromas of ripe stone fruit, tangerines, and honey. The wine is concentrated and flavorful, but not overly rich or heavy; sweet, yet balanced. The grapes are hand harvested and grown in a combination of limestone and sandstone soils from the cool, hilly Asti region in northwestern Italy. The grapes are crushed, chilled to almost freezing in stainless steel vats, then fermented and bottled to capture the resulting carbon dioxide. The result is a low alcohol, slightly effervescent wine, or what the Italians call vino frizzante.
Nothing is better than hanging out with friends on a warm summer evening with a glass of muscato and a bowl of fresh fruit. You won't be disappointed-- and we weren't!
Next we had Barefoot Pinot Noir - California. This light red wine is billed as "Great wine without attitude! Barefoot began as a "garage wine" back in the sixties. They are teamed up with the grass roots non-profit, the Surfrider Foundation, to create the Barefoot Beach Rescue Project, designed to clean up beaches and ensure they are "Barefoot friendly."
Pinot noir, a red wine made from black grapes, thrives in France's Burgundy region. Pinot noir grapes are an ancient variety that may be only one or two generations removed from wild vines. By volume most Pinot noir in America is grown in California. Barefoot Pinot Noir is a medium bodied wine with tantalizing flavors of ripe cherry and wild raspberry. Hints of vanilla and spice complement a smooth lingering finish.
Next we were treated to a taste of Trapiche Torrontes. Torrontés is the characteristic white wine grape of Argentina, producing fresh, aromatic white wines. A good Torrontes will have an intense nose of flowers and tropical fruits but don't get confused and think that means it will be sweet. Torrontes is usually bone dry with a light to medium weight, good acidity and a long finish. This was a very dry, light wine, perfect for any patio gathering.
Last but definitely not least, Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon was served. The Alexander Valley in the heart of Sonoma Valley is best known for their outstanding cabernet savignon grapes. This reserve Cabernet Savignon exhibits rich aromas of blackberry and currants, and dried herbs and olives, with round and supple tannins typical of Alexander Valley cabernet. Rich and chewy, it is plush and smooth on the palate with perfectly integrated oak. New world cabernet savignons, such as this one, often have more pronounced ripe fruit flavors than Old World wines from regions like Bordeaux.
And of course we can't forget the healthy benefit of Reservatrol--naturally occurring substance in grapes is believed to reduce the chance of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. I'm sure this is the number one reason that WineTimers drink wine!As usual we had a great time enjoying summer wine and food with our wine loving friends.
We all look forward to the first gathering of the Fall season of WineTimers in September and hosted by Debi and Rick. Stay tuned this summer for an occasional entry and a re-cap of all the great wines we have tried since the beginning of WineTimers!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, February 12, 2010
February WineTimers... With Boone's Farm?!?!
The second meeting of WineTimers was February 11th. The group assembled at Jeff’s with Karen and Jeff as our hosts for the evening. They chose an Italian night theme and held a blind tasting, featuring 5 wines (2 whites, 2 reds, and a rose`). The members had the opportunity to characterize and rate the wines one by one.
The laugh of the night came when the wines were “revealed” and the rose` actually turned out to be none other than Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill! Prior to the reveal, the comments ranged from Mike thinking it tasted like Shasta pop, Frank thinking it was quite drinkable and Scott pouring his down the drain! The WineTimers then took a nice walk down memory lane as everyone had some experience (good or bad) with this "fine" wine... Thanks Karen and Jeff for the memories!
Other featured wines of the night included:
The night also included various appetizers with an Italian flare and a wonderful pasta dish served up by our hosts.Be sure to check in for our next WineTimers meeting. Feel free to share your Boone's Farm experiences with us.
Friday, January 15, 2010
The First WineTimers Meeting
And so it begins… Our first meeting for WineTimers was January 14th. Since the idea to form the group was Scott’s, he and Pam had the honor of hosting the first event. There was full attendance at this first meeting and a good time was had by all—although it did go a little later than we thought… :)
Scott and Pam introduced 2 wines to the group:
- 2008 Clos LaChance Glittering-Throated Emerald Chardonnay (unoaked)
- 2007 Desert Wind Ruah.
The Clos LaChance Winery & Estate Vineyard is located in San Martin, CA (20 miles south of San Jose). The 2008 unoaked chardonnay was one of the wines features last summer from the California Wine Club. We found the wine to be very light and crisp and perfect for a warm evening on the patio.
The Desert Wind Winery is located in Columbia Valley, Washington. The Desert Wind Ruah is a medium red wine varietal blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This Ruah was a discovery about 2 years ago at a wine tasting at Surdyk’s in Minneapolis. We found it to be a very smooth and drinkable red wine that goes with virtually everything. Unfortunately we have been unable to find this wine in our area of Wisconsin, but enjoy a trip to the Twin Cities now and then, to pick up a few bottles (and enjoy the wine tasting at Sudyk’s).
We were satisfied with these wines, and hope you’ll be able to give them a try as well! If you’ve already sampled either of the wines listed above, let us know what you thought of them in the comments below.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Welcome To WineTimers!
- Meet once a month
- The host for the month provides 2 featured wines (one red and one white is suggested but not required)
- The host will also provide information to guests about the featured wines
- Guests will bring appetizers to share
As stated, these are only guidelines and each host in any given month can adapt as they choose for their event.
We look forward to sharing our wine experiences with you. Keep checking in and post comments if you please!
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