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July 2012 - Sparkling Wines!

Champagne . . . the Champagne of Sparkling Wines?

This unbearably hot month, we're celebrating celebrating refreshing, sparkling wines!  (Great choice by Lauren.)  By way of a quick Wikipedia refresher, here is a brief intro on sparkling wine versus champagne:

• Sparkling Wine: a wine with significant levels of carbon dioxide in it making it fizzy.  The carbon dioxide may result from natural fermentation, either in a bottle, as with the methode champenoise, in a large tank designed to withstand the pressures involved (as in the Charmat process), or as a result of carbon dioxide injection.
• Champagne: sparkling wine specifically produced in the Champagne region of France.

The Spread:

 (Salads and cupcakes and casseroles?  LUCKY LADIES!)

Without further ado, the wines:

1. D.O.C. Treviso (Extra Dry Prosecco); Whole Foods $12.99, ordinarily $15.99; 11%

Rating: 3.14

Nose: peach, citrus, pineapple

Taste: 

• smooth
• some thought this was not that sweet, others thought it was sweeter than champagne/regular sparkling wines

The label advises that there are hints of elderflower on the nose, and tastes of golden apples.  We note that the bottle comes with an informative booklet -- perfect for scrapbooking a special prosecco-fueled event, if that's your cup of tea.  Or wine. 

Here the ladies asked why champagne gets you drunk faster than flat wines or even other alcohol.  Inquiring minds want to know, so we took to the Internets to find out.   Apparently, despite semi-scientific testing, the phenomenon "remains a mystery." 

2.  1+1 = 3.  Cava Brut, Whole Foods $11.99; 11.5%

Rating: 2.25

Nose: Cate pee, licorice; methane, wet wool

Taste: 

• tastes better than smells 
• “there’s not much to say.” 

The ladies thought this might be a good base for champagne-based drinks, like mimosas or bellinis; needs something to overcome.

Here we learned about sit spas.  There are no words. 

3.  Gruet Blanc de Noir, $14.99 at Schneiders, 12%

Rating: 3.12

Nose: not much smell, alcohol, buttery

Taste: 

• smooth
• creamy

This sparkler was made of pinot noir grapes, so it was RED and much fuller bodied.

We got into an amazing conversation here about being young, early/mid- twenties, and, let’s just say, ‘juggling.’  Snippets:

• Regarding sleeping arrangements” I don’t know, I mean I do kexactly know except I don’t remember what was agreed upon."
• “He grabbed my hand and grabbed me and the rest is history.”  (A la Seinfeld: “You ‘yadda yadda’d the best part!’)

4. The Chook Sparkling Shiraz, Raku/Kramerbooks; $19.99 

Rating: 3.58

Nose: Berries, cranberry jam. 

Taste: 

• berries
• fruit.

This is a dark red wine, but to be served cold.

Here we got into an amazing discussion of Army Wives and ass smacking that cannot really be put into print.  Ask the author/note taker, and perhaps ye shall receive. 

5. Orlana Vino Verde, $7.99 Whole Foods; 9% 

Rating: 2.42

Nose: cat pee, “doesn’t smell fab”

Taste: like "soda fritzer" 

We also observed that this wine was not particularly fizzy and looked very light in color compared to the others.  

Terri explained that vino verde is a great summer wine that -- let's be honest -- we could drink all day.  In other words, it's a “low duty” wine.  

Here, the ladies got into QUITE the spirited discussion of whether babysitting across the hall of a condo apartment building with a baby monitor is  appropriate.  The ladies declined to judge the parents ' decision, but rather decided that it was great that the young parents were still “fun parents,” i.e., they went out and left their baby with neighbors.  Ricki offered her services for any future babysitting efforts, noting: “I’m the child whisperer.”

The ladies also made some new friends:

6.  Coppola, Blanc de Blanc, Whole Foods $20.99, 12.0% 

Rating 3.58

Nose: Sweet

Tastes: 

• very bubbly
• drinkable

The presentation of this bottle stole the show.  The presentation looked like an amazing gift all the ladies would be honored to receive.  (Hint, hint to our friendly/accidental readers!) 

Added Twists:

• The definition of tipple: 
• verb: to make a habit of taking (alcoholic drink), esp in small quantities
• noun: alcoholic drink 
• We learned a lot about the meaning of names:
• “Stephanie” means “crowned one” 
• "Ricki"  means strong power peaceful ruler.  The ladies also noted that Ricki is the name of the Bachelorette's daughter. 
• "Julie" is youthful, victorious

The Winner's Circle:

See you next time Winos!

Farewell & Bon Voyage!

This week, we're saying farewell and SEE YOU SOON to one of our founding members, Miss Laura A.

We will certainly miss you around here, but we know you'll be sipping the fine fine wines of Napa and Sonoma shortly . . . 

While we keep it classy with our boxed wine and 99% themes ;)

 

GOOD LUCK, and HERE'S TO LAURA!!

[P.S. To all our Wino Alumni - we love you too!  Coming soon: mosaic/montage of all our lovely ladies who have left us.  Now that we have a pretty consistently updated blog, why not honor our own?!  Sending you all lots of love and cold crisp whites from super hot DC!]  

May 2012 -- Summer Wines!

Summer is just around the corner!

Steph, our gracious hostess, had high hopes to enjoy beautiful weather and outdoor wines on her roof, but alas -- the weather was not exactly cooperative.  Never fear though --  the winos came to the rescue with crisp whites and summery roses!  What better way to celebrate the last few weeks and usher in what has so far been a pretty sunny and spectacular summer, right?    

1.   Lamarca Prosecco 2009, $11.99 Harris Teeter

Rating: 3.82 (Note: averaged with an unprecedented 3.6 scoring by Jocelyn!)

Nose: nothing, nada, zip

Taste:

• Nectarine/peach
• Crisp flavor, clean
• Lemony
• Less sweet than expected
• “Classy” prosecco

Meanwhile:

• Discuss exchanging recipe for eggplant bruschetta and veggie lasagna.  [NB: no recipe included, so Chef Wino, whoever you are, 'fess up and comment away with that recipe!]
• Discussion on the changing laws that might affect the way doctors monitor celebrity use of prescription drugs. 
• Steph tries to pour more wine in Laura’s glass and misses completely, soaking Jocelyns shoes. One. Glass. In.

2.     Root 1 Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $15.99 at Whole Foods 

Rating: 3.3

Nose: Smells/tastes like grass

Taste:

• Classic Sauv Blanc
• Fresh, not gross grass, on rainy summer’s eve
• Tangy/bitter/metallic after taste
• Very pretty bottle
• Grapes from Casablanca, Bali, Chile

Meanwhile:

• Discussion about the Congo, including nuns who make decorative bouquets out of packing peanuts
• Human rights and marriage equality in North Carolina

3.     Falkner Winery Rosé 2010

Rating: 3.75

Taste:

• Strawberries
• Apple-y
• Very sweet; others suggest not too sweet for a rosé
• Not syrupy
• Alyssa brought from San Diego (agree to disagree)

Bottle notes: 75% Sangiovese, 25% Cab Sauv; strawberry and rose petal

Meanwhile:

• Josh Radin – Laura likes him, has songs in movies and duets with Sissy Spacek’s daughter
• Discussion on the appeal (or lack thereof) of watching sad movies.
• Recommendations on everything pretzel crackers + hummus

4.     Rosé de Pressé 2011

Rating: 2.8

Taste:

• Raspberry
• Boone’s farm taste
• Sour aftertaste
• Carbonized, tangy
• Blech!

Bottle notes: serve chilled, good with tapas, spicy and exotic or Italian dishes

5.     Wine Slushie (using Lindeman’s Cab Sauv Bin 45 and powdered mix frappé vino that Laura mixed with water and wine, from d’Marie Inc. Fully Prepared Gourmet Foods” )

 

Rating: 3.55

Taste: Cranberry

 Comments:

• “I had no idea this would be so herbal-y”
• “I’ve never drank wine with a spoon before”
• “I love the smoothie vibe, but I could have had it with more water”
• “Low calorie treat!”
• One packet of mix could probably be used to make 2 bags of slushies instead of 1
• Alyssa hates wine slushies because they’re not sustainable.

Meanwhile: 

• We like Rhett Miller and the Old ‘97s
• Discussions of Alyssa’s habits: does she hate gingers? Why does she hate wine slushies? What’s the minimum height of a guy she would date? (Answer is 5 feet, 9.75 inches). Also, Alyssa’s brother works at Stags Leap and we should have a wine club with him.
• This led to everyone’s minimum heights for dating:
• Ricki: 5’8”
• Jocelyn: circus midgets in platform shoes
• Laura: 5’11”
• Steph: 5’8”

 A little something extra (post hoc addition):

• A little article I happened to find on tall ladies and the men they find love.

April 2012 -- Labels!

Wine Schmine, Let The Label Shine!

So this month, we left the usual "pick a grape/region/color" theme (always a great way to actually learn something about said grape/region/color) for the less sophisticated, more random, label-based theme.  There was a little confusion about what to look for in the label, but the result was no less fun.  The first email instructed ladies to bring wines with labels that "remind you of someone or something you love -- whether a particular memory, time, person, place, etc." (mostly a thinly veiled ploy to tell the ladies that the hostess had recently gotten engaged, but there was a real theme in there too!)  A little closer to the actual tasting, the instructions broadened a little bit, advising the winos to "pick a label, any label.  Selections should be based on label design/name only -- the label should make you laugh, smile, etc."  So some brought love- or nostalgia-related, others brought fun or funky labels.  The result?  A rockin' Thursday, as always :)  

The spread:

Okay apparently I forgot to take a picture of the spread, but who cares.  The true star of the night was not William H. Macy, but John Wm. Macy -- cheese sticks, that is:

YUM!

Without further ado, the wines, in order of tasting:

 

1.            Angelina Sauvignon Blanc: $12.99 Whole Foods, 13.9%

Rating: 3.43

Nose: honeysuckle, melon, grass 

Taste:

• Angeline the Tangerine (Oh goodness, we’re only on bottle one!)
• Grapefruit
• Very drinkable
• Pairs really well with mango salsa

According to the label, the grapes were grown in the cool climate of the Russian River Valley.

**Inspiration**

Kristin took inspiration more from the actual wine than the label—she and her family have enjoyed Angeline for years, and it always reminds her of home, family, and outdoor dining with friends.  We were pretty honored to share a bottle with Kristin to add to the memories!

2.            The County Fair Chardonnay.: $7.99 Trader Joe’s, 13.7%

Rating: 2.93

Nose: honeysuckle, tropical fruits, grass

Taste: 

• Smooth
• Medium Body

The label suggested that this wine is perfect for occasions featuring bumper cars, cotton candy, and elephants – the circus!  According to the label, we should have experienced tropical fruits, lemon, green apple, and mango, with a touch of vanilla oak.  Oops!  Guess the wheels were already falling off the bus!  This is, after all, the point where we captured this fabulous quote: “F*** dogs.  We’ve had it with these men putting dogs before us.”  Amen, sister. (Say what?!) See the “Extras” below for more gems shared during this wild and wonderful wine :)

**Inspiration**

Elephants – Laura’s favorite animal – grace the playful label, which made it an easy choice for an artsy/inspired wine club!  

 

3.            Now & Zen Wasabi White, 2006: $10.99, Laurel Wine Shop, 13%

 Rating:  1.75

Nose: Christmas cake, minwax

Color is like melted gold/butter; like Yellow No. 5 (Moutain Dew).

Taste:

• Preserved Lemon
• Lemon Pine Sol 
• Cedar 
• Hamsters
• Sake

From Bridget, unprompted and out of the blue: “I miss Ricki right now.  GAWWWD.”  

**Inspiration**

The bottle and label were beautiful, to be sure, but we didn’t hear much more about the inspiration behind the label.  At least one review reports that this wine should have been enjoyed between 2008 and 2011, so that might explain it.

4.            Grigano Chianti 2006, 26 Euro from the Italian Winery, 13.5%

Rating: 4.14

Nose: dark fruit, plum, slight hint of oak, burnt caramel

Has nice legs!

Taste:

• Low tones
• Low hanging fruit (oh dear) 
• Slightly tannic
• Dry at the end
• Tastes a little tart

Right about here, we learned that Atif was busy “playing house” and making his World Famous Hamburgers – “World Famous only to him.”

 **Inspiration**

Perhaps more importantly, Julie explained her reason for bringing the wine to this month’s wine club.  She recently traveled to Italy with her sister and another friend, and tasted (and LOVED) this wine at the vineyard in Florence.  Kudos to Julie (with a little help from Accidental Tourist)  for recognizing and sharing this gem!  Julie was a little worried that she had been caught up in the moment, the atmosphere, the romance  of Italy, etc., and that the wine might not be as great as she had remembered.   We’re happy to report that her concerns were completely unfounded – her wine was not only amazing, but the clear winner of the night!

5.            Tryst 2006 Cab/Tempranillo/Zin, $10 at 17^th & L, 14%

Rating: 3.5

Nose: cherry/strawberry, green pepper

Taste:

• Berries
• It doesn’t taste the way it smells
• Spicy

**Inspiration**

Alyssa brought this South Australian wine because its label oozed love.  The label featured a glossy heart front-and-center, and suggested “Let your next rondevouz be a tryst.”  Why thank you, we will!  The label also noted that the wine had a “dollop” of zinfandel, and as for spice?  “You decide.”  Cheeky!  

At this point in the night, the lovely ladies took a time out to honor the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  Which of course sparked another fascinating conversation.  Did you know that an alarming number of people did not know that the Titanic was real?  Meanwhile, an anniversary cruise set sail for Nova Scotia to commemorate the occasion.  Is that really the best idea?  Clearly not, as the ship was forced to turn back.   

6.            Los Dos (2010): $10 Harris Teeter, 14%

Rating: 3.57

Notes: Plum, strawberry, jammy, cracked pepper

Taste:

• Sweet
• Molasses
• Fruit forward: cherry & blackberry

**Inspiration**

Terri brought this wine because she fell in love with red wine in Spain.  According to the label, Los Dos is 85% Grenache, and pairs well with pizza, hamburger, and pizza. 

7.            Tarot: $16 DeVine’s, 14%

Rating: 3.36

Nose: Berry, sweet, cotton candy

Taste:

• Alcohol burn
• Surprisingly dry

**Inspiration**

Tara brought this wine because the label was dark, mysterious, foreboding, and kitchy.   The “T” is obviously for “Tara,” but it’s also a Grenache (one of her favorite’s).

The Winner's Circle:

1.  Grigano Chianti
2.  Los Dos
3.  Tryst
4.  Angelina Sauvignon Blanc
5.  Tarot Grenache
6.  The County Fair Charonnay
7.  Wasabi

Added Twists (Lots of them tonight!)

• http://whatshouldwecallme.tumblr.com/
• The local version: http://whenindc.tumblr.com/
• Texts from hell
• 33 Animals Who Are Extremely Disappointed in You
• ITEM!  Did you know that James Van Der Beek plays himself – a washed up former Dawson’s Creek actor – in “Don’t Talk to the B in Apartment 23”?   
• Also, breaking news: in real life, he’s married to a REDHEAD!  Gasp. 
• Movie "Recommendations."
• Zac Efron – disturbingly hot in Lucky One.   
• Verbatim from Wine Club notes; “’Dear John’ is Channing Tatum porn.  Total JOKE, but super attractive.”  
• Song Recommendations.  (Apparently, as these songs/artists were scribbled in the margins.  It's really anybody's guess.)   
•  M.I.A. “Bad Girl”
• The Wheepies “World Spins Madly On"
• Fergie “Labels or Love”

See you next month, winos!!