Dark Chocolate: A Red Wine's Best Friend

The idea of red wine and chocolate is nothing new, but I wanted to bring this pair to your attention because it happens to be my favorite pairing in the world!

However, not just any chocolate will do. Milk chocolate will cloud the flavors of the wine, and white chocolate clashes completely with red wine. (White wine and chocolate are a different story, but we will get to that in another blog post). 

In order to get the flavors just right, you have to go with dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has the right amount of acidity and bitterness in it to complement the bold flavors and dark berry tastes of red wine. (This goes for all red wines out there). But, that does't mean you have to get all fancy with this. Even something as simple as a Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Kiss will do the trick. If you want to get creative, Ghiradelli makes different types of dark chocolates, each having a different percentage on the richness of the chocolate; (I recommend the 72% Twilight Delight).

Go ahead and buy yourself a bag of dark chocolate kisses and pour yourself a glass of the red wine of your choice. You will be amazed how the two together will ignite your taste buds.

A Fabulous Wine From Down Under

Australia happens to be one of my favorite regions for wine. I have not found a wine that I haven't loved from this region. It must be something with their climate that makes their wines far superior from other regions of the world. I had this wine three days ago, and it was so fabulous, I had to share it with you.

Leeuwin Estate - 2008 Art Series Shiraz - $35: Leeuwin Estate grapes grow near the Margaret River in Western Australia, (http://leeuwinestate.com.au/). This Shiraz is an amazing wine! It has a translucent burgundy color, and a very tart smell with hints of blackberries and raspberries. The taste is unbelievable! It is tart up front, (like its smell), but with juicy notes on the end. It is full of plum, and a very nice, sweet taste, (but not overpowering). This is a very lovely wine. It pairs well with dark chocolate and vanilla. While this may break the bank for some of you, I say this wine is well worth the splurge! The vintages are selling out quickly, (I can see why), but the winery is producing a new vintage every year. So be sure to get yourself a bottle! Where to buy online: (http://www.oldbridgecellars.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=24&idproduct=55)

As always, feel free to contact me with questions and comments.

Keep Your Cool

We all know that white wine needs to be chilled, and red wine can't get too cold. However, each type of wine should be at a certain temperature range in order for the flavors of the wine to be at its peak. Now, that's not to say that the wine won't taste good if it's below or above it's temperature range. But, knowing the different temperatures for wine can help you with storing your wine, as well as knowing the right time to open it to have a glass or two. The best way to keep track of your wine's temperature is to get a digital wine thermometer. You can get these at various liquor stores and wine shops. I bought mine from Crate and Barrel for $20, and love it. (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/kitchen-and-food/wine-and-bar-tools/digital-wine-thermometer/s204415)

Go ahead and test your wine's temperature with a digital thermometer. You just might surprise yourself with how much better it tastes!

Organic Wine...Really?

I am fairly new to the concept of organic wine, but of course I was curious about it! You would think that all wine is organic since it comes from grapes that grow from vines in a rich soil. However, most wines are produced with some type of chemical. (Whether that be a pesticide, herbicide, etc). Does this make organic wine healthier? One can argue for both sides. But on a personal note, I'm not one to shop at one of those "healthy" stores, so I also won't be the one to rush out and buy all organic wine. However, that's also not to say that I won't ever drink organic wine. Sometimes it's good to be adventurous! In fact, I have one to share with you today.

Parducci Merlot (2009)- $10.99: This wine comes from Mendocino County in California, (http://www.parducci.com/). This wine has a smoky smell, and a very earthy taste. You can also taste the dark cherries and cranberry in there as well. It tasted "very young" to me, so I would suggest letting this bottle sit for another 6 months to a year before you drink it. For the price, it's not a bad organic wine. (http://www.parducci.com/product/2009-Parducci-Merlot?pageID=0738b1b6-0613-10c7-a8ea-9e63aefdd3af&sortBy=DisplayOrder&).

Once, Twice, Three Times a Merlot

Merlot happens to be one of my favorite types of wine. It is complex but not heavy. It is straightforward, but not light. Red wine 101 basically has three major players. You have the Pinot Noir on the extreme left side, the Cabernet on the extreme right side, and then the Merlot hangs out in the middle. For those who ask me how to describe a Merlot I tell them this.... Not too little, not too big, but just right. I have three very different Merlot wines to share with you today.

Bohemian Highway (2008) - $10 : This wine comes from Sonoma Valley in California (http://www.bohemianhighway.com/). For the price, this wine is really good! It has a see through cherry red color. It has smells of leather and smoke. When you drink it, you will get tastes of tobacco, and cranberry. It is very woody and earthy, but also has a smooth texture. You can find it for $10 and under at most stores and wine shops. (http://www.winebuys.com/851-18856.html?utm_source=Vinquire&utm_medium=WineFeed&utm_content=2008+Bohemian+Highway+Merlot&utm_campaign=base&v_traceback=c0120_0410_f0120_1026).



Paso Creek (2007) - $17:  This wine originated in Paso Robles, California (http://www.pasocreek.com/home.php). This wine has a dark cherry red color, and has a very sweet bouquet. I would say that it smells like strawberries and cream. It has a very tart taste, but with a creamy underlay. Like the smell, it tastes of strawberries as well, but also has the tartness of blackberries. This wine would go great with richer foods. This wine can go for about $17, but I've seen it online for a lot less. (http://www.shoppersvineyard.com/store/pc/Paso-Creek-Merlot-Paso-Robles-101p8377.htm).





Esk Valley (2009) - Merlot Blend - $20: This wine comes all the way from New Zealand (http://www.eskvalley.co.nz/default.aspx). It has a dark plum color, and smells of vanilla and strawberry, with a hint of clove. It is a little stringent to the taste, but if you let it breathe for about thirty minutes, the stringent taste will soften. It has a black cherry taste to it, and is very complex. Since it is a blend, it has a unique smell and taste. This bottle was around $20 at a wine bar, but I've seen it on sale at several online wine stores. (http://www.getwineonline.com/vsku1659016_ESK-VALLEY-MERLOT%20MALBEC%20CABERNET-SAUVIGNON-RESERVE-750ML-2009?utm_source=Google%20Products&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=ESK%20VALLEY%20MERLOT/MALBEC/CABERNET%20SAUVIGNON%20RESERVE%202009).

As always, please feel free to contact me with questions and comments!

Flight Time

One of the best ways to learn about different wines is to try a wine flight, (or two). Flights usually come in samples of three, and can be found in any wine bar across the nation. (See my local Denver favorites below). Another great thing about flights is they range in price, so you don't have to break the bank!

Thinking about hosting a get together? Wine flights are a great addition to a party, and a clever take on wine tasting. Ask your friends to each bring a certain type of wine, (such as a Merlot), and create Merlot wine flights for your guests. It can be a fun way to figure out what type of wine you like best, and discover a new favorite!

*Wine Loft* http://wineloftdenverlandmark.com/

*Vines* http://www.vineswinebar.com/vineswinebar/Vines_Home.html

As always, feel free to email, Facebook, Twitter, and Google + me with questions and comments. Thanks!

Apples to Apples

For those of you who know me well, you know that I'm not the biggest fan of white wines. However, I am trying more and more whites so I can give you a well rounded approach to the world of wine. Today, I have two great white wines to share with you. Both of them are under $11!

$9.99 - Voga: Pinot Grigio (2010). This Pinot Grigio comes from Northern Italy, and has a cool/modern looking bottle. What I loved about this wine was its crispness. It has a green apple smell with a hint of black pepper. And, when you drink it, it tastes as if you are drinking a sour green apple. Green apples happen to be my favorite out of the bunch, so this wine was perfect for me. It packs a powerful punch, and you will also get side notes of lemon with each sip. It is slightly bitter and bitey in the back, but it is a welcomed surprise. Keep this wine chilled to get the bite. As the wine warms up, it loses it's spice, and will mellow down. To learn more about Voga go here: http://www.vogaitalia.com/. Another great thing about this wine, is that you can find it for under $10 at stores! (http://www.argonautliquor.com/r/products/voga-pinot-grigio-2010http://www.argonautliquor.com/r/products/voga-pinot-grigio-2010).

$10.95 - Domas Skouras: Roditis Blend (2010). This wine originated in Greece, and the Roditis grape tastes much like a rosé. But, with the blend, this wine is very much a white wine. (To learn more about the winery click here: http://www.skouras.gr/domaine.asp). Unlike the green apple smells of the Voga wine, this wine smells of a rich red apple with a touch of pineapple. It has a very smooth and palatable taste. Instead of a punchy green apple, you get a creamy taste of red apple mixed with tropical fruit. For those of you who like the more traditional tasting wines, this one will be perfect for you. The price is also very nice on the wallet. (http://www.sfwtc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=10136&utm_source=Vinquire&utm_medium=WineFeed&utm_content=2010+Skouras+White+Greek&utm_campaign=base&v_traceback=c0114_2120_f0114_2210).

Please Email, Facebook, or Twitter me with questions!

Red Wine with Fish? White Wine with Meat? YES!!!

So, you like white wines better than red wines, but are scared you will seem foolish when you order a Chardonnay at a steakhouse? Or, you are a red wine lover, but hate to order it at a fish house? No fears! It is perfectly fine to "go against the norm." Take what you have heard and learned, and toss it aside. Pair your wines with the flavors of the food. If you want a hearty steak, with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, white wines that are oaky, creamy, and buttery will blend nicely with your meal.

If fish is what you want, pair the wine according to what type of fish it might be and the spices that will go along with it. If it is a light and flaky fish, with a touch of sauce, pair it with a lighter red wine, such as a Pinot Noir. If it is a heavier fish, such as Salmon or Swordfish, go ahead and be bold. Order a robust wine that will compliment the flavors, such as a Malbec.

Mambo Italiano!

This week, I have two fabulous Italian reds to share with you.


For the penny pinchers:

- For $19, (and on some wine websites, even less!), Villa Fulvia makes a Valpolicella Classico Superiore red wine. This grape is grown near the city of Venice, and is actually several different types of grapes blended together. If you want to find out more about this wine, visit their website: http://www.voliovino.com/wine/110. I tried the 2004 vintage, and loved it. It has a dark red, rich appearance. One thing I love about wines is their ability to produce amazing colors. It has a dark cherry, raspberry taste to it. One thing that did throw me off was it had an acidic smell to it, but the wine is very smooth and balanced. (Quite a surprise). The 2004 vintage is hard to come by in stores, but later vintages are available, and around the same price.

For the big spenders:

- $65-$88- Villa Poggio Salvi from Brunello Di Moltacino. - 1997  (To learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunello_di_Montalcino). This wine is produced in the Tuscany region, and my husband Tim bought this bottle of wine right in Sienna, Italy. It is also a DOCG wine. A DOCG wine is a wine that has strict government rules, and therefore noted to be of high quality. (To learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denominazione_di_Origine_Controllata_e_Garantita). We had the 1997 vintage, and it was an experience. It is a Sangiovese grape blend red wine. When it was first opened, it had a heavy tobacco smell, and it also tasted of heavy tobacco. However, this wine needs to breathe for at least a day. Since it has a tobacco taste, the air will soften the smell and taste, and more fruit flavors will start to emerge. Once is breathes, it has a leather, tobacco, tar, chocolate, and dark fruit smell. It has a burnt red color to it. It is very balanced in its body, and the taste is unlike anything you have had before. This is a hard wine to find at the stores, but can be bought online. (One website: http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/biondi+santi+villa+poggio+salvi+docg+brunello+montalcino+tuscany+italy/1997).

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Thanks for the support!

Opinions Matter

Many people are scared to venture out in the world of wine because they are worried they will get it all wrong. However, it all comes down to your opinions. A $100 bottle of wine that received a rating of 93 on Wine Spectator* may taste awful to someone. But, that $10 bottle of Merlot you had last night was wonderful. Don't let the wine snobs of the world fool you; it's all personal taste. So be adventurous. Try a wine you have never tried before. You never know, it may just become your new favorite drink.

*And for those of you who don't know Wine Spectator, you will soon.

Welcome

Hello Everyone!

Thanks for checking out my blog. As many of you know, I love wine. From the taste, to the colors, to the smells, to the history; wine is an amazing thing. I wanted to start this blog in hopes that I can introduce people to the wonderful world of wine, help you pair foods with wine, and even find you some great deals on wine. As a 26 year old with a limited budget, I've found some amazing wines for under $20 and I can't wait to share these with you. For those of you with expensive taste, I'll be pointing out some delicious wines for you as well. I hope you will check back often!

And of course, if you have any topics you want me to discuss or questions I can answer, please don't hesitate to email me.