QUICK REVIEW: Louis Latour

France, Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Louis Latour, NV


+ // Smooth // Strawberries // Strawberries/Pepper // Medium

Tip: All red grapes from Burgundy are Pinot Noir.

Wine Riot

The world of wine can be intimidating. We try to share what we learn as we expand our knowledge in a casual way, without placing wine on a pedestal. It’s nice to see that we aren’t alone in this endeavor. The folks over at Second Glass are working hard to educate the next generation of wine drinkers in an approachable way. I had the opportunity to attend one of their Wine Riots in my neighborhood, so I jumped on the chance.

Palate Press article

Tina's published another article in Palate Press, this time on a quirky little vineyard based out of Charlottesville, VA. Thanks to Amy Steers for a great interview as prep for the piece. Enjoy!

http://palatepress.com/2011/11/wine/well-hung-vineyard-humor-as-a-business-model/

How-To: Make Mulled Wine

It seems like we’ve skipped directly over Fall, and went straight to Winter here in the Northeast, so its time to break out those recipes that will keep us warm through the snows ahead. Try this recipe for Mulled Wine, for a warm drink to sip in front of the fireplace.

QUICK REVIEW: Thirsty Owl Wine Company

Four Wines from Thirsty Owl 

from our recent Fingers Lakes trip

Did You Know? . . . Virginia Wine Region

Grapes have been grown in Virginia since the earliest days of this nation. Our founding fathers planted vinifera vines on their plantations, but neither George Washington or Thomas Jefferson managed to produce a bottle of wine from their vineyards. Native varieties fared better in our cooler climate, winning international awards in the 1800s, but Prohibition decimated Virginia's grape growers. In the 1970s, vintners started returning to the state, and now, nearly 200 wineries call the state home.

QUICK REVIEW: Long Branch Wine Festival

While we didn’t have a chance to really keep track of our tastings, with the quick pace and dense crowds, we still noted a few wines that really grabbed our attention as excellent. Included are the tasting notes provided by the wineries.

VA, Rebec Winery, Sweet Sofia
“Our ‘niche’ wine, and authentic Bulgarian recipe, made with a combination of herbs.”
A wine, strongly flavored with savory herbs from a Bulgarian recipe, creating a unique flavor.

VA, North Mountain Vineyard, 2009 Cabernet Franc
“Harvested after an early October frost, yielding a spicy, medium bodied, dry red wine. 100% varietal and Estate grown; aged in French oak barrels for 9 months before bottling. Gold Medal at Virginia Governor's Cup and NY Finger Lakes.”

VA, Stone Mountain Vineyards, Chardonnay Reserve
“Barrel fermentation produces a rich wine with wide midpalate and long memorable finish with a hint of smokiness.”

VA, Stone Mountain Vineyards, Cabernet Franc Reserve
“Cedar undertones are highlighted by plum and raspberry in the rich supple wine.”