Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Chablis: A Familiar Name from Discount Wine Cellars
There was a bottle lined-up with the other Californian offerings at the store, and I thought I had heard of it somewhere before. Chablis. The name resonated way back to my pre-wine consciousness. Why was that name so familiar? I don't recall every tasting any. Then I read-up on the wine I was planning to drink, discovering that 'chablis' has long been synonymous with 'white wine'. I must have heard reference made to chablis in movies, on television, and at my parents' parties. Now often associated with cheap wine, its value has deteriorated over the years. Actually, my choice was very cheap which was why I bought it.
According to Jordan Mackay this is unfortunate and ironic since Chablis comes from the Burgundy region of France. That is, one of the most famous wine regions in the world, known for producing high-quality products, bottles suitable for the wine cellar. Moreover, chablis is actually chardonnay. The only differences are that chablis is bottled without oak, and usually misses the tropical qualities of a chardonnay which would likely be produced in a hotter climate. Without oak, vanilla, toast, and spice or also supposedly gone. Instead, chablis relies on the flavors of the grape itself: green apple, lemon and pear. Sounds alright to me. I don't mind the sound of mineral undertones either, but the grainy texture I'm expected to experience does nothing to excite me.
Then again, the bottle in front of me is from California, which is where we get so much of that tropical, fruity, oaky chardonnay. Perhaps it isn't best to have any expectations. I'll just drink and enjoy.
Labels: Burgundy, California, chablis, Chardonnay, cheap wine, Discount Wine Cellars, France, wine cellar, wine cellars
Monday, March 8, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Serves Pork Tenderloin
If you look up wines to pair with pork tenderloin, perhaps have an idea of what style you are looking for: pork tenderloin is versatile. Apples, mangos, lemon, lime, garlic, spice: what's your fancy? Maybe work in reverse: what wine would you like to serve tonight?
For us, the choice of recipe is based on what ingredients we have in the refrigerator. Tonight we are serving Pork Tenderloin marinated in Tikka sauce, lime, soy sauce, then grilled. Tikka includes ginger and garlic flavors which, when combined with the lime and soy sauce, will provide a mildly spicy, aromatic marinade.
For this dish I have located wine pairings for both spicy and lime-marinades as a base from which to decide on tonight's bottle. The resulting wine list draws from diverse ends of the wine cellar. Maybe serve this recipe once to guinea pigs first (ie. family). make sure it is worth the expense of a really good wine. If it is, then don't be afraid to serve a good quality Gewurztraminer or Riesling, which will bring out the lime in your marinade. With the Tikka sauce, however, the choice is difficult. I'm not fond of dry reds, such as the suggested Pinot Noir. I may go out on a limb and try a Red Burgundy which goes well with pork tenderloin in general, though is not specifically paired with this savory dish. Who knows? I might hit on a great combination. Then again, I may make a good guinea pig myself.
Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, food, gewurztraminer, pinot noir, Riesling, wine cellars big bottle
Friday, March 5, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Has a Yummy Supper
Now that my girls are getting older, they're more willing to try new new things. I just have to be sure not to say certain words such as 'curry' which start them thinking of a particular spicy meal they once had and did not like. It's all psychology.
Tonight we had Thai Curry Shrimp, a recipe I found while looking for ways to use red wine. The shiraz lingering in my cupboard was just right for this recipe, complimenting the flavors of 'Tikka' paste, soy sauce, and olive oil.
The recipe recommends marinading the shrimp for 15 minutes or longer. I would concur. The shrimp which I did up first (a small amount in case my daughters did not like the dish) were marinaded for about 1/2 an hour and were very tasty. Faye and Eve ate these up with eyes rolled back in delight, but it was dinner time by then, an example of poor timing on this chef's part. I should have put these 'tasters' out earlier because I was then cooking the other shrimp in the mixture of 'Tikka' etc. without time to properly marinade them. On the other hand, with the added heating and more red wine, the remaining sauce thickened beautifully to pour over the rice noodles and stir-fried vegetables we ate along with the shrimp.
If you have a shiraz in your wine cellar, Thai Curry Shrimp would pair nicely.
Bon Appetit!
Labels: .com wine charms set, curry, Discount Wine Cellars, shrimp, supreme wine cellar sale, wine cellars big bottle
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Takes a Peak at L'Espalier
L'Espalier is one of the most expensive restaurants in the United States. Located in Boston, a meal there can cost dearly. Chef McClelland's tasting menu costs $185 per/person. For those of you willing to splurge on the tastes of a great restaurant and the skills of a sommelier, L'espalier offers some interesting events which cost quite a bit less (though you may still need to go for a burger later or sell a kidney on E-bay.)
Every Monday, this Boston gem offers a themed 'wine' night. Apparently, the chef and the wine director get together in the cellar, open bottles, talk about combinations of food and wine. Sounds unrealistically civilized, but beats sitting in the pub listening to some guy tell jokes about a Scotsman, an Englishman, and an Irishman. These wine-tasting events are meant to be casual, to encourage conversation between participants, and are hosted by Erich Shliebe, the sommelier. Everyone is welcome: you don't need to be an expert, just rich enough to afford $60 for the privilege. For this money participants will also enjoy a 4 course tasting menu 'composed' by Chef McClelland, from which some items eventually find their way to the main menu. You could be a high-flying guinea pig. Upcoming themes include the Loir and the Rhone; Spring Fling; March Madness; and for Easter, rose colored glasses.
I was taught to know that when no price is indicated on an item, I cannot afford it. Cheese Tuesday at L'Espalier does not show a price, at least not on the website, so I guess I couldn't even peak there. I might get charged an eyeballing fee. Here, sommelier and fromager combine their talents to offer a 'grand cheese tasting' along with music and a 3-course meal with paired wines. The next series is New England Cheeses from the Shy Brothers (March 23rd). After that, try cheese and chocolate. I would, except for the cheese. I'd have double the chocolate, though.
Oh yeah, I can't even afford oxygen in L'Espalier. Oh well.
Labels: 48 bottle wine cellar, Boston, Discount Wine Cellars, gourmet food, lead free crystal, wine cellars
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Investment for your Discount Wine Cellars
There are two reasons for wine-lovers to purchase bottles for their wine cellar: one is to drink later; the other is to sell later for a profit. Usually, both of these reasons come into play. A bottle of wine can rise in value exponentially over fifteen or twenty years if the wine and the vintage are very good. Investors will look to reliable wines which have historically proven to be profitable. These have usually been French Bordeaux wines, but other countries are emerging as high-quality retailers as well.
For example, Screaming Eagle is a Californian 'cult' winery, meaning that it only produces a tiny amount of its wine each year. This wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Screaming Eagle has a waiting list of people wanting to buy their wine in spite of the fact that a 2007 is currently listed at $1234.83Canadian.
A more reasonable purchase which will grow in value to be well worth the price you pay now is something such as the Italian Sassicaia. A 1995 375 ml example is priced at $129.17, but earlier examples are worth 10 times that amount. The Sassicaia is dominantly made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. The wine is French-oak aged for 24 months then bottle-refined for 6 months.
Another reliable option is Vintage Port, and familiar names enter this list such as Fonseca and Croft. One important point to note is that wine (if purchased wisely and using only reputable dealers) is more reliable an investment than the stock market, as long as you keep the temperature correctly controlled and insure your investment.
Labels: 144 bottle instant wine cellar, aging wine, cooling units, Discount Wine Cellars, wine cellars
Monday, March 1, 2010
Zinfadel Sorbet at Discount Wine Cellars
When I go to a bakery with my two daughters, the younger one (who is about to turn 7) is always drawn to the cupcakes. In the display window are countless options, including french pastries and giant chocolate chip muffins, but the little sugar flowers on the cupcakes are soooo attractive. I guess there are treats made with children in mind. This is also true for adults.
For example, I came across a recipe for a Zinfadel sorbet which at first I thought my kids could eat. 1 cup red zinfadel, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, a splash of lemon (used this in place of mint). Boil everything up, freeze it, put it in the blender, freeze it some more. Easy, and the alcohol is boiled away. I re-read the recipe before starting and discovered something important I had overlooked: when boiling, I only combine 1/2 a cup of the zinfadel at first. The second half goes in after the boiled mixture has cooled. The resulting dessert is gorgeous, but I'd get a call from Social Services if I fed it to my kids. Talk about strong.
As I was saying, some treats are meant for adults, and not all of them are located in your wine cellar. And yes, you can add a sugar flower to your dish if you want to.
Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, dessert, Discount Wine Cellars, Orchid Wine Charms Set, recipes, wine cellars big bottle, Zinfadel
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Now Drinks a Non-Alcoholic Wine
As promised, I return to the theme of non-alcoholic wine with one I've tasted myself. I have to say, the real thing is much better. Maybe I'm getting more fussy as I learn to distinguish flavors and aromas which are often subtly present in finely crafted drinks from established wineries, but the Carl Jung Riesling from Germany is just not a winner for me. This from a wine named after the man who wrote extensively and colorfully on the subject of dreams; the unconscious mind. I wonder how Jung would interpret this colorless, lifeless offering? Alcoholic Riesling is crisp and tingly; enjoyable on its own or with food; a favorite of mine, either dry or off-dry.
I've tasted many notes in wine: herbs, spices, vanilla, cherries, tobacco, even ash, but never mustard. Literally. It took me a little while to figure out what the flavor and smell were, but there it was. Mustard. For this reason, I would recommend pairing this wine with hot dogs, hamburgers, or a roast ham.
Then again, I bought this bottle in our supermarket for $6.99. That wasn't the sale price. So, I got what I paid for, which clearly wasn't a crisp, tangy wine. Oh well. Now I know that I either have to buy a more expensive non-alcoholic wine or give up the non-alcoholic version of the grape as a bad fit for my wine cellar. At least I didn't have to waste energy with a bottle opener: this had a screw cap. There are benefits to everything if you look hard enough.
Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, kanta riesling, non-alcoholic wine, wine cellars big bottle
Making Cocktails at Discount Wine Cellars
Pomegranate juice is supposed to be a wonderful antioxidant. This juice is certainly flavorful, and strong like cranberry juice or red grape juice. It also forms a great base for a wine cocktail. What wine does the antioxidant qualities of the juice, who knows, but this isn't a health and nutrition blog.
For the core drink I combined equal amounts of ice, pomegranate juice and White Zinfadel. No sugar. I'm not fond of very sweet drinks. I would suggest, however, that a berry honey would go nicely if you like that sort of thing(strawberry for instance). Hack's Raw Honey in Silver Creek, near Salmon Arm, is beautiful and comes in many varieties. Surely there is something comparable in the States? Combine all ingredients and blend to crush ice and to be sure the ingredients are well mixed. On a hot day, just camp out in your wine cellar with one of these.
Other secondary ingredients one could add are mint (soak fresh leaves in the mixture then take out before adding to the ice and blending), lemon juice, or a teaspoon of sugar. I find this to be a refreshing summer drink, but think I would prefer the red variety of Zinfadel for a stronger, richer winter drink.
Garnish with a sprig of mint or a lemon slice, both of which I consider to be necessary accessories to store in your wine cocktail supply cupboard.
Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, cocktail, Discount Wine Cellars, White Zinfadel, wine accessories, wine cellars big bottle
Friday, February 26, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Enjoys Some Web Fun
Have you ever tried to access a website which looked really interesting or helpful, only to discover that you needed to be a code-breaker to enter that site? No noticable 'enter' or 'contact' or even 'help, my computer literacy age is 2 1/2'?
At 'Smashing Magazine' they know how you feel, and have come up with a list of 40 really good websites (which does not mean these are the only good websites, but they have lives). By 'good' I mean 'easy to use.' If you want to know which wine goes with which type of food, your answer is easily discovered. Tasting notes of interest to you? No problem, there's a button to press for that too. No longer is the wine-loving community only interested in the size of their wine cellars: a computer is the essential wine accessory.
I chose three of the best, not for their wine, but for the 'fun factor' of their websites. Some are just too dull or elegant, no matter how easy they are to use. Lots of wine and text. On the other hand, who wouldn't be curious about a winery named 'Three Blind Moose'? Depicted on the various screens for this website are a number of very relaxed moose in shades, against a backdrop of yellow and black. The impact of this simple design is stunning and alluring. Descriptions of wines are full of humorous asides in parentheses, supporting the casual and funny atmosphere of the whole website. The recipe cards for the various courses and wine pairings are especially clever and homey.
'Red Bicyclette' has designed their webpage to make one yearn for a trip to Southern France. Postcards,centuries-old buildings, rural scenes: these combine with a quiet rural appeal to suggest that these wines are part of the best, civilized kind of holiday. Again, the links are easy to find and to use. Included are some recipes, though they are not specifically paired with wines. I think they are French (definitely yummy).
Finally, in place of the boring word 'loading' flashing incessantly from the centre of your screen, at 'Dancing Bull' there is the slow delineation of a bull. Warm rays of sun peer over a coastal scene, including an array of other pictures from California life (I guess). This is a stunning webpage and easy to use.
All of which means that even a computer-dummy like me can navigate her way through more wine information and recipes than she could eat and drink in a year, though I'll give it my best shot.
Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, California, Discount Wine Cellars, south of france, websites
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars and a Winning Winery
According to the 'Palate Press' (who write about other stuff besides the Haiti auction by the way), Quady of Central California was voted as best US Winery in the 2009 London International Wine and Spirits Competition. Quady himself was surprised, but apparently these dessert wines do well in the UK. I was especially surprised to see that a mainly dessert-wine producer won this award, coming out of California, as California is better known for its Napa wineries, chardonnay, and pinot noir (among others). Dessert wine rarely gets the recognition that these drier varieties enjoy.
A quick look over their website shows that Quady is moving from purely dessert wines into muscat, port, vermouth, sherry and apertifs. These include the new Palomino Fino, an Amontillado style sherry which is biodynamically grown from Palomino grapes. Biodynamics is one of the more sustainable forms of agriculture, relying heavily on composting and an 'holistic' approach to the job. In the nose, the Fino gives off hazelnuts (I love hazelnuts). The finish is light and smooth. Another new bottle is Deviation, a sweet drink yet with a dry finish. On the page for this offering you will find recipes for cocktails to make with Deviation.
There are other wines too, but what I found fun about this website is the way it incorporates wine with food. They accessorize each other. There is a recipe section embedded right in the website. Clearly, these people enjoy a meal in the same holistic sense that they look after their vineyards. I also enjoyed the colors and designs of the wine bottles which were a fireworks display of joy. I would almost call it a 'passionate' website, if computers can do that word justice. Any of these bottles would add a beautiful splash of color to your wine cellar.
Labels: dessert wine, Discount Wine Cellars, sherry, wine cellar, wine cellars
Discount Wine Cellars Looks at a Winning Bid
Reviewing the Palate Press Haiti Wine Auction is an on-going fascination of mine, as the 'SOLD' signs keep popping up in red, and lots continue to be donated. From time to time I puzzle over what bidders will bid for and why certain items are valued so highly. For example, why was a magnum of Ponzi Pinot Noir, 2007, valued at $90?
Ponzi has 4 pinots, from 2006-2008. They range in price from the very affordable $25 right up to a $150 magnum. To understand the meaning of this, I had to erase images of Tom Selleck and his Hawaiian shirts from my mind and look to bottling terminology. A magnum is the equivalent of two bottles of wine, or 1.5 litres. Still don't get why it's worth $90.
Then I noted that the bottle in question is a 2007. The age (considering that the 2006 magnum costs $150) leads me to wonder if certain wines increase in value quite a bit as they get older. In the case of a pinot noir, one would be able to drink a 2007, but the best years are still to come. One would need a big bottle cellar for the magnum, but even this is somewhat of a novelty which might increase the price due to rarity of the bottle and the wine as time goes on.
In conclusion, the successful bidder who paid $60 appears to have gotten a real deal for his bottle. Now, for that much money, will he drink the wine or mount it?
Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, charity, Discount Wine Cellars, magnum, pinot noir, wine bottles
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Learns About Non-Alcoholic Wine
Non-alcoholic wine sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? I mean, isn't that just juice? With beer it might be different, seeing as how I've never heard of anyone drinking hop-juice before, but wine is made from grapes. I'm confused (a common state for me).
Interestingly, one of the processes for making liquor is the same one used for making non-alcoholic wine, only in reverse. This is 'distillation'. When liquor is made, all of the liquid is heated and the alcohol which burns off is kept and then restored to liquid state. Whatever happens to the rest of the liquid doesn't matter, it can be boiled to tastelessness. In the case of non-alcoholic wine, though, the taste of the remaining liquid is critical. Hence, a 'vacuum' process is one method of separating alcohol from grape juice. The vacuum allows the liquid to boil at a lower temperature or without being heated, so that the flavors are not boiled away to nothing. Another process is 'reverse osmosis' in which the liquid is filtered through holes so small that 'only alcohol and water (and a few volatile acids) can pass through' writes Jason Horn. Then, distillation takes place.
One difference in taste between the finished product and the real thing is that regular wine is sweeter. There is more residual sugar resulting from the alcohol, and the 'mouth feel' is different. Non-alcoholic wine cannot compete with the latter, but more sugar is added to non-alcoholic wine to make up for its loss during distillation. Otherwise, Horn believes that the two are hard to tell apart. At the supermarket I noted that it can still be expensive to purchase the .5% variety of a Cabernet Sauvignon compared with the cost of, say, grape juice: roughly $10.00. Not horrifying by liquor-store standards, although one can purchase the real thing for around that cost. I guess choosing between them comes down to health concerns or being a designated driver. When bringing such a bottle to a friend's house as a gift, just remember that there is still some alcohol: kids will likely feel that (perhaps a good thing if it's bedtime), and they probably won't like the taste too much.
Look out for an upcoming article in which I will give my own opinion of the stuff. I'm working-up to it, since I drink at home and have no health concerns. I wonder if my wine cellar will give a creak of objection?
Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, cabernet sauvignon, Discount Wine Cellars, non-alcoholic wine, wine cellars big bottle
Friday, February 19, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Considers Trends of 2010
Each year, pundits consider social and consumer behaviour of the previous year to come up with what they suspect will be the trends for the coming twelve months. This year, the people at 'Fine Wines' have singled out ten of the many trends, some of which can be easily associated with the habits of consumers out to fill their wine cellars.
If your choice is between several bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and they all look good, experts suggest that you will likely pick the bottle which was either made with some recycled glass, comes in an eco-friendly container, is associated with a charity, or a combination of these. Many businesses may not see the value of limiting choices when it comes to environmentally friendly packaging, but shoppers have the right to 'vote with their feet' as my husband always says. What this means is that if you don't like the practises of one winery, don't buy their wine. Put your money where your mouth is. This year, consumers will be doing this more than ever.
They also want to see that the purchase of their perks will be helpful to someone else, be it a penguin or a child in need. Right now, Tinhorn Creek is donating part proceeds from their wines to Boys and Girls Clubs from Victoria to Calgary. They also use up to 50% recycled glass, prevent rodents from damaging their vines with non-toxic measures, and are heavily into composting. The Little Penguin supports the Penguin Foundation of Australia, and donate some proceeds of sales to this organization.
All of this means that doing something which you enjoy - ie. drinking wine - will feel better than ever.
Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, Australia, charity, Discount Wine Cellars, environment, wine cellars
Monday, February 15, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars and the New Zealand Wine Scene
Everyone I've ever spoken to about New Zealand either really wants to go or has been and thinks it's fabulous. I'm very curious about this country, birth place of my favorite singer-songwriter Neil Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House). There are also a lot of very good wines coming out of New Zealand. You could taste some of these if you went to New Zealand for the Kia Motors Devonport Food and Music Festival, February 20th and 21st at Windsor Reserve, Devonport, Auckland. This is a fundraiser for their branch of the Rotary Club. Tickets cost $30 per/person, $55 per/family. That's NZ money, of course, so what that means in the northern hemisphere I have no idea.
Fifteen of the top New Zealand wineries will be at this event. I wondered as I read this: 'what are the top wineries in New Zealand?' It's hard to even know what is meant by the word 'top': top-selling? Award winning? I looked for some New Zealand wines and found a few award-winners.
'Melton Estate' produces under this name and also 'Front Row'. This is a boutique vineyard making sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay. 'Waitiri Creek' offers a similar array of wines, as does 'Gibbston Valley'.
Matua Valley Winery is another award winning boutique winery offering the same range of wines as above, plus a few others such as viognier, merlot, and gewurztraminer. They have quite a selection to peruse.
I would go to New Zealand to thicken my CD collection, my wine cellar, and to experience all the rest of that beautiful country's charms. I know what my husband would say: 'if you want to us to be able to afford a trip to New Zealand, you'd better write faster.'
Labels: 63 bottle wine cellar, Chardonnay, Discount Wine Cellars, New Zealand, wine cellars
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Marechal Foch from Discount Wine Cellars
No matter how much I love one particular winery, that isn't going to make me like every wine they produce. I love Recline Ridge whites, especially their beautiful Ortega. The setting for the winery is gorgeous and on my list of places to visit this spring.
I guess I'm just a white-wine drinker, as much as I try to like red. The Marechal Foch was my latest attempt. I had a sip from a glass my friend was carrying around, and a deep smell of the aroma. Not too acidic, but I could definitely smell the smokiness this wine advertises on the label. A sip told me that this is too dry for me. Still, the fruitiness of the Marechal Foch comes through. I tasted plum and cherry amid the dryness. Maybe a few more tries, or paired with something other than chocolate. What's on the palate apart from wine can seriously impact one's reaction to the flavors in a given bottle.
For this reason, if there is something in your wine cellar which you've tried before without success, don't be too hasty about saying it's not for you. Perhaps the dish you drank it next to wasn't the right pairing, kind of like trying to accessorize clothing. As much as you like stripes and polka-dots, perhaps not together?
Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, Marachel Foch, wine accessories, wine cellars big bottle
Discount Wine Cellars Reviews a Fun Fundraiser
We stay-at-home mothers don't get to dress-up much. Many of us comment about this fact during the school run.
'There was a great dress on sale at the store, and I nearly bought it, but where I would I wear it?'
'Isn't that the truth. Hey, have you seen the price of cheese at Buy-More-Stuff?It's on sale!'
'Well let's go. It'll give me a chance to try out the new shopping bag my husband got me for Valentine's Day.'
Last night I wore a strappy black gown, pretty necklace, make-up (call the press), and shoes that sparkled and had heels. I mingled, cut desserts, washed dishes, talked-up the crowd, and drank a glass of Ortega from Recline Ridge, knowing from past experience that this is a good wine. I felt elegant and refined, holding my glass and eating chocolate-dipped strawberries, careful not to make a pig of myself with the more decadent desserts. When the ballroom dancers came out to entertain us they wowed the crowd, but when they started asking people onto the dance floor I hid. Our MC Ron tried very hard to dance with the lady dancer, Clee, who was spectacular in her red dress. He had to watch his feet, which he started kicking to the side jive-fashion which was a riot.
The crowd of supporters who bought tickets to raise money for the Mara Station Retreat Centre also bought wine, lots of it. In fact, the wine table was constantly busy. Some tables bought bottles, lots of people bought glasses, and of the silent auction items, the Recline Ridge basket saw some of the most action.
I know that people don't generally attend fundraisers to fill their wine cellars, but it's always a bonus when your paying guests can find something to take home with them that they wanted anyway, for themselves or as a gift. In the meantime, nearly $2,000 was raised. Not bad for a first time effort.
We're all excited about the money raised, but now it's time to think about how we'll run the Gala next year. More wine perhaps?
Labels: 63 bottle wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, charity, Discount Wine Cellars, grape wine charms
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Celebrates Valentine's Day
If your bid at a silent auction for a stay at a romantic B&B or a spa package is unsuccessful, what will you do? Valentine's Day is just hours away now and there's no excuse to forget, reminders are everywhere. Every tenuous connection will be made in just about every shop window, even stationers and plumbing supply stores. Make your man happy with a new ball cock for the toilet, that sort of thing.
Thankfully, there are much better options which you can explore this February and there's still time to take advantage. 'Chocolate and Diamonds' still has tickets available, so if you live in the Shuswap area check that one out. If you live the Seattle area, try the Valentine's Weekend Brunch ont he Royal Argosy. From 12-2 enjoy scrumptious food, champagne, live jazz, a red velvet cake and chocolates. While you're in the area, check out one of the Valentine's packages at local hotels including the Hilton, Alexis or Four Seasons (depending on your budget).
California is much bigger than Seattle or the Shuswap, being an entire state and all, so I just picked on suggestion out from among the many. Valentine's 'Passport 2010' on the River Road Wine Trail in Monterey happens Saturday the 13th from 11-4. Try wine in 12 tasting rooms including Pessagno, Hahn, and Ventana. For $25 each you will receive a special wine glass, a gift, and enter a draw to win even more. When you find those special flavors for your wine cellar, you can also keep one to open that weekend and serve in your new wine glasses.
Consider these options and more just like them for you and your partner, or as a gift to a couple you love or want to set up on a blind date. If they don't get along, there will at least be wine.
Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, chardonnay glasses, Discount Wine Cellars, lead free crystal, Valentine's Day
Discount Wine Cellars Assembles Auction Baskets
During a recent meeting for an upcoming fundraiser an interesting suggestion was made. Where items donated for auction were of a fairly small value, combine them to make bigger baskets that looked more exciting and might draw larger bids. Everyone at the table thought this was a very intelligent suggestion. Among the items were some wooden wine accessories valued at around $30Cdn. Hmmm, what would go with wine accessories?
Of course - wine! This yielded the suggestion of trying to get a bottle of wine to go with the basket. When I asked Recline Ridge for a wine at the wholesale price, they donated not just a bottle but an entire basket which will stand alone. So, back to getting just the one bottle. In the end we found one ourselves, a classy white that would pair nicely with the wooden items, and last a little while in a wine cellar. It's called 'Shuswap Serenade' and the name alone is suggestive of Valentine's Day, little stones thrown against a window, someone singing under a balcony to his true love.
A bottle of wine transforms any silent auction basket into a very classy item and adds at least a ten dollar value to it, sometimes more). I should know: Salmon Arm must be the 'silent auction' capital of the province, there's one somewhere in town every second week. I never have the winning bid though.
A basket is up for grabs at one of our two local malls, but not as part of a silent auction. It belongs to a 'sweetheart package' raffle which anyone can enter without purchase. Items have been donated by merchants to encourage shoppers into the place.
Of course, I entered. Watch this space to see if I win.
Labels: 48 bottle wine cellar, auction, charity, Discount Wine Cellars, dry white wine, wine accessories, wine cellars
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wine, Chocolates and Diamonds from Discount Wine Cellars
Right on a beautiful stretch of river, frequented by swans and many other birds, in the quiet village of Mara is the Mara Station Retreat Centre. Here residential retreats are offered for people living with life-threatening illness and their partners or caregivers. Participants learn pain management techniques, meditation, nutrition and much more. The idea is to live with joy and meaning throughout life, no matter how little time one might have left.
The cost of retreats is high because of the professionals running seminars, the resources, the organic foods etc. The Society is non-profit. That's why they do fundraising, including a Chocolate and Diamonds Gala this Saturday the 13th in Salmon Arm, BC, at our elegant art gallery. There will be chocolate tasting, ballroom dancing, wine sold by the glass or the bottle by Recline Ridge (who are also donating a silent auction basket), a live auction, music, and the chance to win a diamond pendant.
I'm definitely going, but not because of the diamond pendant (worth $500 and donated by Enderby Jewellers), but because I'm on the fundraising committee and will be liasing with the MC, my friend Ron Langridge. I will also be dressing-up which is always fun, even when you're not a kid anymore. In fact, moreso because I hardly ever have cause to dress in anything but jeans and my favourite hoodie. I'll be wearing a low-cut strappy black dress, but don't let that scare you.
The communities of Salmon Arm, Enderby, Mara and others have been very generous in donating items for the silent and live auctions, plus goodies to taste. Most people relate to the Society's purpose since hardly anyone has not been touched by cancer, MS, Alzheimers or some other terrible disease. But even though the topic is serious, that doesn't mean we can't have fun, buy some great wine for our cellars, indulge in chocolate, or win a wonderful Valentine's Day gift for someone (just in the nick of time).
Which timing is usual for Valentine's Day, isn't it?
Labels: 96 bottle instant wine cellar, British Columbia, chocolate, diamonds, Discount Wine Cellars, Valentines Day wine charms, wine cellars, wine charity
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars follows the Haiti Charity Race
Not long ago I began commentary on the race between 'Booze Monkey' of Australia and America's 'Palate Press' who are racing to see who could raise more money for Haiti through their respective wine auctions. Their efforts are going strong, and I am seeing more regular movement in the bidding again. I'm pretty sure that Palate Press is ahead of Booze Monkey; then again, Palate Press started first and Booze Monkey has finite deadlines rather than creating 'hot lots' after an item hasn't had action for 24 hours. Urgency spurs actions, I say, whether physical or financial.
Items that have enjoyed frequent friendly bidding have included the Cakebread Cellars mixed case, valued at $536. This case includes Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfadel. The current bid is $400. Lot 29, Fox Run Vineyards Mixed Case valued at $160, looks like it might go for $150. A Zugibe Vineyards case of 2007 Riesling (yum) could go for it's retail value: $195.
Booze Monkey isn't seeing as much action as Palate Press, but their catalogue has grown from 5 pages to 7. If bidding stopped right now, bidders would get some wonderful deals. Penfold's Grange Shiraz Magnum 2004, signed by winemaker Peter Gago, is worth $2000. Right now the bid has moved from a recent $960 to $1010 (Australian Dollar). A Castagna Mixed Dozen worth $789 might be sold for $370. Dogpoint Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, 12 bottles worth $500, has seen a bit of action: $230 has gone up to $240.
What I have to remind myself as I see valuable wine and related items graciously donated from the cellars of generous men and women almost being given away is that this money will all go to Haiti. The attitude of organizers and donors is that whatever they get will be thankfully received.
Still, I hope that the value of many of the lots on offer will inspire the public to bid high and from the heart. Wow, that sounds really sappy.
Just hand over your *&%#$ money. No, too Bob Geldof. Not me at all.
Please tell everyone you know about these auctions which combine fun with fundraising in a community that appreciates what is on the block. Or should I say, on the wine rack?
Labels: 6 bottle instant wine cellar, Australia, big bottle wine cellars, Chardonnay, Discount Wine Cellars, Haiti relief, Riesling, United States, wine charity, wood wine racks
Friday, January 29, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars at the New Hampshire Winter Wine Festival 2010
I don't know why, but New Hampshire wasn't the first place I thought of when considering where there might be a wine festival. Still, in retrospect, the location makes sense when I recall that it is January. Winter wine should be consumed at a wintery location. Their festival started mid-January but continues into mid-February, even encompassing Valentine's Day while they're at it.
If this gets you interested, then take note: the website shows many events sold out, and while Feb. 14th isn't yet, it probably soon will be so take your girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse/grandmother there before space runs out. The title is 'Veuve Clicquot Champagne Grand Vintner's Dinner with Chef Pierre Gignac of 98 Provence'. The reception is at 6pm with a four course dinner beginning at 7pm. A little late for me, but then if I was there, my stomach would still say it was only mid-afternoon, so perfect really. The cost is steep: $129.95 per/person, and although we on the west coast are behind by the clock, we count money the same way. Still, the plan is to create a 'Sweetheart Menu' which, at that price, has to include chocolate in some way. Otherwise what kind of a Valentine's gift would that make?
There are lots of dinners at the wine festival with high prices and gourmet chefs attached. There is also the chance to purchase wine at outlet prices if you arrive on February 7th from 1-4. Fill your wine cellar with the good stuff you can't normally afford. Another cheaper event is the regular 'Flight Night' happening every Tuesday-Thursay from 5-7pm at the Roosevelt's Lounge. Here you can sample free hors d'ouevres and have wine paired with them by guest professionals. The price is from $10-$18 per/night depending on the wines selected.
Then start counting down: spring isn't far away.
Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, gifts, gourmet food, Valentine's Day, wine cellars, wine festival, wine pairing
Monday, January 25, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Goes to the Movies
In the movies, characters hold, pour, purchase and drink wine all the time. Bridget Jones gets totally plastered with the stuff in her apartment. Steve Martin is the sarcastic wine waiter to Miss Piggy and Kermit. Hannibal Lecter creeps everyone out with his pairing of human organs and chianti. Thanks to that one scene, I have never kept chianti in my wine cellar (even though the movie came out when I was barely old enough to drink).
Then there are the movies whose plots are wrapped-up in wine. I've talked about Sideways before, but that's only the most well-known. A Good Year, with Russel Crowe and Albert Finney, was adapted for the screen in 2006 from the writings of Peter Mayle, famous for A Year in Provence (a good book by the way). Russel Crowe's character inherits his uncle's estate and vineyard in Provence which he initially plans to sell, until he falls in love with the lifestyle and a woman. I wonder what seeing Russel Crowe in a Provence vineyard did for sales of French wine in the USA?
At Sachem Farm (1998) sees a character played by Rufus Sewell trying to sell-off his family's wine collection to purchase a mining interest, which of course leads to conflict (there wouldn't be a plot otherwise). The cast also includes Minnie Driver.
The 2008 film Bottle Shock goes all the way back to 1976 and a proposed contest between Napa Valley and French wines. Paris Sommelier Steven Spurrier (played by the wonderful Alan Rickman) meets interesting characters including Jim, a vintner going deep into debt as he tries to perfect his chardonnay. You might recognize Chris Pine (Captain James T. Kirk in the new Star Trek franchise) and Bill Pullman (You Kill Me, While You Were Sleeping).
Appealing leading men plus wine: sounds like a good gift to treat yourself with this weekend.
Labels: 48 bottle wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, chardonnay glasses, chianti, Discount Wine Cellars, movies, napa valley, Sideways
Discount Wine Cellars Examines the Trebbiano Grape
No sooner do I say that the 'Trebbiano' is a must-try on my 2010 list, when I find out that this is supposedly a mediocre grape producing only mediocre, forgettable wine. At least, this is according to most of the articles I have read regarding the grape. Based on percentages, I would say that the trebbiano is not a generally admired Italian grape. Still, this would appear to be the most prolific of all white wine grapes, grown all over Italy but particularly in the central parts, with high yields and a hardy fruit. The French call it the Ugni Blanc (uh, that name again, the one that sounds like Ugly Blank). The Ugni Blanc is the most widely planted white grape in France. Consequently, although I had never heard of the grape, I may have stored some in my wine cellar at one time or another.
Perhaps as brandy. Trebbiano grapes are used as a base for brandy, especially Cognac. Nope, never tried the stuff. Always looks pretty in a decanter, but smells like it might put hairs on my chest. Alright then, what about White Shiraz or White Hermitage, as the grape is sometimes known in Australia? No? My experiences with Australian wine have tended towards the very dry, which has put me off and I am avoiding Australian wine for the time being.
How is it that a wine reviewer, even a relative newbie, has not drunk a glass of the most widely grown white wine grape in Italy, France, perhaps the entire world? Is it possible? I get to say something many of us have only wished:
I don't think I'm drinking enough.
Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, Australia, big bottle wine cellars, bishop decanter, brandy, Discount Wine Cellars, Italy, south of france, Trebbiano, white wine reviews
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Sees Nothing Ironic in Discussing Wine at Church
Though you may not hear the subject of 'wine in the Bible' tackled by your priest or pastor, the pulpit is where only a portion of the talking at church happens. Much is discussed before we move from lobby to sanctuary to hear the worship music. Over the pouring of coffee or the signing-in of children to nursery or Sunday School, a whole week may be reviewed between two parents. Even Monday to Saturday our church is a busy place, where I am often asked by someone 'so you're a writer? And what do you write about?'
Since I'm in church, the answer makes me blush. Not all folks of faith are sanguine about the topic of alcohol consumption, even within the same denomination. For this reason, when I was asked this question recently, my response was mumbled and I made no eye contact.
'Why are you so shy about it, dear? Wine is found throughout the Bible! I mean, it was Jesus's first miracle, turning water to wine!' In fact, this lovely lady told me that wine was among the topics in their most recent Bible Study series. She got very excited about the subject.
Phew. Then maybe she won't mind that I sometimes hand my friend a partially drunk bottle of wine on Sunday mornings before the service, to take home of course, and totally wrapped-up. Not to drink on the spot, we meet at 9:00 am for crying out loud. And, I mean, it's not like I have plans to install a wine cellar in my church basement or sell wine racks in the lobby.
Perhaps I should propose a series of wine tastings in the church library, see what kind of reaction that gets. I wonder if the Deacons have a sense of humor.
Labels: 222 bottle premium glass holder wine rack, 48 bottle wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, church, Discount Wine Cellars
BC Wine Scene at Discount Wine Cellars
Now that I'm looking for them, the number of wine-related events across BC is astounding. Whether an individual is looking for education or a pairing of food and wine, there is always something to choose from. For example, Hester Creek Estate Winery in the Okanagan has a seminar series going, with 'Understanding Your Palate' coming January 28th. This event features Sommelier Jay Drysdale, VQA store liason. I don't know what he will break out for the tasting, but one bottle on the website caught my eye: the Trebbiano. Not only have I never heard of this wine before, but the tasting notes interest me: melon, honeysuckle, white peach and lavender in the nose; creamy with tropical fruit in the mouth. My kind of wine, and under $20 Cdn per/bottle, though only 1,000 cases produced. Definitely the topic for an upcoming tasting and article.
For a Victoria wine event, try 'Shopping for Wine 101' with Robin Granewell. Learn to choose, pair, and identify wine, and taste a bit too. Cost is $25, 6:30 to 8:00pm. Take this opportunity to plan how you will fill your wine cellar. Victoria is a beautiful city, the best-known area of Vancouver Island (the far west coast, with Tofino, Uclulet and Long Beach, is also stunning if less rich in modern cultural monuments). The Natural History Museum is a wonderful place for all ages to explore British Columbia through the centuries, including their rich First Nations history. We like the bug museum where my kids held a praying mantas and flinched at the sight of a bird-eating spider. They also have some creepy bug-related gifts.
Which is when a glass of wine will likely come in handy to steady the nerves. There is a harbour in Victoria, so be careful to go there first, drink after. There are massive squid in those depths which are scary enough viewed from behind glass when one is completely sober.
Labels: 72 bottle instant wine cellar, British Columbia, Discount Wine Cellars, Trebbiano, wine cellars
Discount Wine Cellars: Fond Memories of California
California boasts so many interesting things to see and do, no matter your age or interests. With beaches, Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, wine country, you are spoiled for choice in California. I remember visiting as a teenager, my first and only visit so far, and thinking that California was like a giant playground. Mickey Mouse, Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Montezuma's Revenge: I didn't want to go home.
One event you may not hear about from your travel agent is the 'Unified Wine and Grape Symposium', unless your agent is an avid collector with an ample wine cellar. We didn't hear about it when we were going because my brother and I were under-age, but we're old enough to go now. This annual event held in Sacramento is a place for professionals to share their knowledge and information on all aspects of the wine industry, from vineyard to vintner and beyond. Professionals don't get to have all the fun, however, as more than 11,000 visitors come to the four-day event where more than 550 vendors are also set-up.
The Symposium is ideally situated just 20 minutes from the Sacramento airport, quality restaurants, hotels, museums, the State Capitol, and more. On the other hand, if you were to visit from, say, Northern British Columbia, justing sitting on the ground near your car would be a gift in this sunny state.
I must confess, however, that however much I love wine, California always makes me think of Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion. I wonder if the Symposium has a funfair.
Labels: 48 bottle wine cellar, California, Discount Wine Cellars, Wine Black Wine Charm Set, wine cellars big bottle
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Update on the Palate Press Auction for Haiti
Returning to the Palate Press for an update on their 'Wine Auction for Haiti' has yielded some impressive results so far. Already, Lot 3, 'Twisted Oak Vertical', has sold for $350. This is $100 more than the retail value of this unique offering. Lot 3 is a vertical of all versions of 'The Spaniard' from 2002 up to 2007. Twisted Oak offered this Lot with free shipping, an added bonus. The highest bid for Sara Nelson print 'Wine Goddess', Lot 5, is $300 so far. Watch this one: at $500 retail value, this could be a great gift for someone.
Rodney Strong 'Rockaway', 6.0L, Lot 2, currently has a $350 bid. I wonder if anyone will get near the $600 value of this donation. Meanwhile, the 2004 Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select 3.0L, valued at $1032, is also hot. The last bid currently stands at $1100, with bidding due to close soon on this item.
Think Wine Marketing gave away one of only 18 Radio-Coteau Savoy Anderson Valley magnums ever made. Worth $125.00, the bidding currently holds at $200.
One item which really got my attention is the pairing of two wine cellar items: 'Vina Valoria Rioja', Spain 1968, and 'Balbach, Warsteiner Klostergarten Trockenbeerenauslese', Germany 1976. Together, Lot 19 is worth $700. Right now they can boast a bid of $400. The latter name alone made me pause for a long time, and certainly had me double-checking my spelling very carefully.
What all of these donations and bids shows is how emotionally involved we are over the devestation in Haiti, especially when seen as part of a larger trend. Today in our local mall, kids from one grade 5 class were selling homemade cupcakes for Haiti. Their Saturday off and these kids are spending it trying to raise money for people they've never met, yet feel connected to.
Twenty-five cents for a cupcake; $400 for a bottle of wine: whatever you do, however much you raise, however much money you donate, it all adds up, so keep going. They're going to need every gift you can give.
Labels: 63 bottle wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, Haiti relief, vertical wine tasting, wine cellars
Discount Wine Cellars Reviews Calona Vineyards 2008 Gewurztraminer
The clerks at the BC Liquor store I frequent must be getting really tired of me always asking them questions.
'What do you think of this one?' 'What about that one?' 'Would you drink it?' 'Just so you know, I don't drink all of this wine myself.'
Yeah, yeah; they've heard that one before. Oh, and with a cold, my nose red, eyes all glazed over: sheesh, I must have looked like I'd already hit the bottle.
I headed towards a wine which was on my 2010 tasting list, but the clerk said that to be honest, she hadn't liked it. She did, however, like the Gewurztraminer from the same vineyard: Calona, out of Kelowna BC; that is, the famous Okanagan Valley. This bottle fell between two other versions of the same grape in terms of price, all from BC vineyards, so I decided to give it a try since I had heard lots about Gewurztraminer but tasted none. Descriptions made this white sound much like a cross between Riesling and Ortega.
Such a comparison would not be too far off: there is the definite tang of citrus on the nose with a touch of something floral - perhaps lavender - plus apple. I was told to look out for lychee, but I don't know what that tastes like since lychees always make me think of eyeballs and I can't look at them without feeling sick. Fruity, but not overly so, and definitely not sweet. Off-dry would describe this wine well, a touch acidic for my liking, though not astringent. Full-bodied, I would say this is a drinkable wine, though best paired with food for my taste. The ideal pairing, according to the label, is Kung Pao Chicken. The finish is smooth with citrus resonating on the palate after the liquid has gone down my throat. Do not keep the Gewurztraminer in your wine cellar for long: it is ready to enjoy right away. Drink this cold or the apple notes, as I've mentioned before, can smell like stale pee.
Oh, by the way, this bottle comes from the Artist Series and the painting displayed on the label is by Brittani Faulkes', entitled 'There Ain't No Morning Like a West Coast Morning.' I think the Ogopogo is cheekily depicted in the distance, even though it supposedly resides in Okanagan Lake. Maybe he's touring West Coast wineries. You'll enjoy her artwork here, though. Classy and bright, like Okanagan wines.
Labels: 48 bottle wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, Discount Wine Cellars, gewurztraminer, Okanagan, wine display kit
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Where in the World? Discount Wine Cellars Examines Wine Producing Dominance
According to Tom Stevenson, 'French wine regions are a fortunate accident of geography, climate, and terroir. No other winemaking country ... has such a wide range of cool climates' which has allowed their winemakers to produce 'the entire spectrum of classic wine styles.' Go to the table of contents of 'Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia, 4th Edition', edited by Stevenson, and you will find that France takes up 207 pages. Eleven regions are represented there with a number of sub-regions as well. With 89 pages, the entire Americas comes in second, with Australia, New Zealand and Asia placing third at 68. In other words, a country the size of Columbia requires more wine referencing than the Americas, the Antipodes and Asia put together. When it comes to the Canadian part of this comparison, I'm certain that the many northern, mountainous, and northern mountainous regions which barely get above 20C at any time in the year have something to do with the lack of vineyards by comparison with France. While we have the wood for many a wine rack, it's better used to keep us warm. As for everywhere else, my knowledge is too limited to say much except: wow.
France has its own version of the Canadian VQA, only older. Their Institut National des Appellations d'Origine (INAO) was formed in 1935 and regulates the origin and quality of wine meant produced in France. This is not the earliest such organization. Sotheby's fine encyclopedia notes similar controls in Chianti in 1716 and in Rioja in 1560 as well as the INAO. Wine has clearly been important to European culture for a very long time. Anyway, France seems to have more to regulate judging by their 207 pages.
In spite of less than 100 years of INAO controls, it would seem that winemaking traditions run deep and to propose a change to the way wines are distinguished has been controversial. As with other organizations, according to Stevenson the INAO was no longer considered a guarantee of quality. I can remember many jabs at the quality of French wine in different media over the years, even a children's cartoon (though the name escapes me). Today, though, there is still that stereotype which goes back a long way, telling us that French is best. Perhaps this is partly caused by our association between France and Champagne, and our cultural connection between Champagne and high-class. All I know is this: there is a lot of French wine out there to try, and I'd like to get some into my cellar. Watch this space.
Labels: 112 Bottle Modular Wine Cellar, 72 bottle instant wine cellar, Antipodes, Champagne, Discount Wine Cellars, merlot, south of france, the Americas, Ugni Blanc, wine cellar wine cellars
Discount Wine Cellars Asks: Where are You Eating Out This Weekend?
Public service groups and charities always need volunteers. These include individuals who make and serve food in soup kitchens; minister to the emotional needs of the hungry or the homeless; support workers on crisis lines; administrators and door-to-door people with pledge forms. Charities also need gifts of money from supporters who, for whatever reason, don't get involved but who are glad to combine pleasure with philanthropy. Without them, food banks and shelters would go bust.
This is why something like 'The Main Event' on Vancouver BC's refurbished Main Street is such a good way to make money for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. I mean, sure, chowing down on gourmet food while people starve is ironic, but patrons are going to do that anyway. Why not make their money count? I'm involved in a fundraiser right now and the nail-biter is: will people show-up? On the other hand, a venue where your clientelle is already there makes for an effective fundraiser.
Restaurants all along this newly chic strip of Vancouver, with its art galleries and specialty shops, are offering prix fixe 3-course meals for $25-$45. Patrons alone, however, cannot make an event like this work. 'The Main Event' needs sponsors also.
Among these are two award-winning wineries: Peller Estates and Sandhill. Sandhill was recently voted winery of the year by Canada's National Wine Magazine, Wine Access. On top of that accolade were 21 medals, including White Wine of the Year for their Small Lot 2008 Viognier and Red Wine of the Year for their Small Lot 2007 Syrah. Peller Estates, like Sandhill, has won numerous awards, among them Gold medals from Tasters Guild International for two Family Series wines: 2008 Riesling and 2007 Cabernet Merlot.
There is also one winery I don't know much about, but which has a very interesting name: Funky Llama. I wonder if their wines are as funky as their name?
The Main Event started on the 18th of January, but there's still time to get to Vancouver and enjoy some mild winter weather until the event closes on the 24th. Your wine cellar can do without you this weekend for a good cause.
Labels: 63 bottle wine cellar, breast cancer awareness wine charms, Discount Wine Cellars, wine cellar, wine cellars
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Asks: What is VQA?
The abbreviation VQA has always had me wondering: is this assurance supposed to really mean something? What do the letters stand for. This would make a good party game: what does VQA really stand for? Now, let's come up with some silly alternative? Very Questionable Age? Vast Quantities Accepted? Surely someone out there can do better, and I encourage your attempts (nothing crude, please).
'Vintner Quality Alliance' is the actual meaning of VQA, and it does give me some assurance. After all, those belonging to the monitoring board (used in BC and in Ontario) have standards to maintain which they are passing on to you. These include:
-a wine classified as 100% BC wine must be exactly that
-if a viticultural area is named, 95% of the grapes used must be from there
-if a date is specified, 95% of grapes must have been harvested in that year
-the board tastes the wine to ensure quality
Recently there was controversy over a wine which has been produced in in support of the Vancouver Winter Olympics coming this February. You may know the name as I've already reviewed one of their wines favorably. I'm talking about the Jackson-Triggs Esprit Series. It would appear that the Malbec I drank is likely to fit the above standards, though not all of their Esprit wines have done. One reason for this has been poor harvests in the years when their special series was first being established. They are making every effort they can to correct this problem to create a truly Canadian product.
Don't worry, lots of wineries use grapes from more than one location to produce a single vintage. Still, it doesn't hurt to ask yourself if a label tells you what you want to know. For those of you who are especially concerned about drinking wine from a particular region, or in knowing the location of the entire winemaking from growing, to harvesting, to your wine cellar, my advice is to read the small print. As far as I'm concerned, the controversy over J-T wines didn't change my verdict at all: their Malbec was still a lovely glass of wine. I just won't always be so satisfied as to the true origins of any wine until I do some checking first.
Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, 2010 Olympics, British Columbia, Discount Wine Cellars, Jackson-Triggs, VQA, wine cellar wine cellars, wine cellars, wine glass
Discount Wine Cellars Finds More Olympic Wine
So far, at least in Canada, I have found three wineries who are officially supporting the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, Paralympics, and Canadian athletes through wine sales. I have already taken a look at the Jackson-Triggs Esprit Series. Now consider two more Canadian wineries: Sumac Ridge in Summerland BC and Inniskillin Wineries, located in Ontario and BC.
Sumac Ridge has produced a Non-Vintage Sparkling wine in the Methode Classique style, touted as smelling of citrus with tangy apple in the mouth. Inniskillin launched its Vidal Icewine Commemorative Edition on February 12th, 2009 in Ontario.
In the case of Inniskillin, the labels of their Commemoratice Icewine also depict art work by Canadian Gordon Halbran, making each bottle worthy of gift-giving and perhaps too precious to recycle (if you can afford a bottle at $59.95 Cdn, you don't need your 20c deposit returned). I'm not sure if one would wish to put this artistic bottle in a wine cellar, not to mention that the contents themselves are so ready to drink. With the sparkling white, one should probably only keep a bottle on the wine rack for a short time: this off-dry treat is meant to be enjoyed fairly soon after purchasing. Sumac Ridge even mentions pairing their Non-Vintage Tribute with buttered popcorn. You might want to remember that as you nervously munch away in front of the television in February, cheering on your team.
Labels: 2010 Olympics, 63 bottle wine cellar, British Columbia, Discount Wine Cellars, icewine, Ontario, sparkling, wine bottle gift box, wine cellars
Monday, January 18, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Applauds Olympic Spirit
The 2010 Winter Olympics are very nearly here, after four years of planning and mounting excitement in BC. The Olympic flame is going to come through our little city of Salmon Arm, carried by Roy Sakaki, former principal of my daughters' elementary school. Roy Sakaki is a guy so well known and liked around here that the regular task of shopping or taking out a library book takes him forever, what with all of the conversations he has to have with people he knows (or who know him) along the way. And he remembers everyone too! Plus, he both plays hockey and is deeply involved in the sport here. He is the right person to carry the flame through Salmon Arm.
Who else represents the Olympics in BC? Lots of companies are sponsoring the Olympics and Olympians in one way or another, big fast food chains for example. I won't name names. The commercials are getting boring, though they are introducing me to some of the faces we hope to see on the podium in just a matter of weeks now.
Among those companies which are supporting The Olympics, Paralympics and Canadian Olympic athletes is Jackson-Triggs. You may remember them from the Malbec I so enjoyed. Part proceeds of their 'Esprit' series of wines will go towards this cause. Wines of the 'Esprit Series' include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Merlot (a very nice wine by the way), and Merlot. So, any Canadian wine drinkers out there, take note: you can fill your wine rack and support the Olympics at the same time.
I know you picture yourself gracing the snow-frosted mountains with your stylin' form, on skiis, snowboard: you don't care. It's only a dream. If there was a medal for most diverse selection of wines on a wine rack well: you'd be a shoe-in. At least, when you sip your wine while watching the Games from your couch, you can feel like you're making a difference.
Labels: 20 bottle classic wine rack, 48 bottle wine cellar, Airplane Travel Wine Charms, cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, Discount Wine Cellars, Jackson-Triggs, merlot, Olympics, Sauvignon Blanc
Discount Wine Cellars Asks: What Can We Do For Haiti?
Wine drinkers around the world are today feeling spoiled and wondering how they can sip wine while people die in Haiti. Our passion, however, can be helpful to that nation as enterprising winery owners and other concerned people are showing.
Fundraising does not have to be original: it just has to work. For example, McGavick Winery in Puget Sound is offering 100% of profits from their Merlot to the Haitian relief effort of 'Doctors Without Borders'. As part of these efforts, Primo Grill and Crown Bar will donate $5 from every bottle of the same wine sold. Nothing new-fangled about that idea, it's just plain generous.
One group, 'Palate Press', has devised a unique way to raise money: an on-line auction. Wineries or individuals with items they are willing to donate, which include bottles from their wine cellars or wine-related articles, will see their donations auctioned on-line, all proceeds going to Haiti. Do you have some unique wine charms, or some fine art just hanging around?
Among the items already donated is a 6.0L etched bottle of Cornerstone Cellars Howell Mountain 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, worth $1,000.00 retail, is among the lots up for bidding. As David Honig of Palate Press points out, however, the worth of your bottle or the final bidding is not important: “Five dollars or five hundred—it’s not about who’s is the biggest, but if we can get a little generosity from everyone, that will make for a hell of a lot of wine, a hell of a lot of donations at the auction and please believe me that every dollar counts in Haiti right now.”
Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, 144big bottle wine racks, Angels Wine Charm Set, Discount Wine Cellars, Haiti relief
Jackson-Triggs Malbec 2007: From Discount Wine Cellars
I have been hunting a while for the right red wine; the red wine that would turn me into a fan of red wine and broaden my horizons; the red wine that would become a reliable favorite. I think I may have found the varietal for me.
Jackson-Triggs has bottled a Malbec which I can drink without making a face. In spite of warnings that red wine is better drunk after resting on a wine rack deep in your wine cellar for a few years, this Malbec is smooth. I could smell blackberry, cherry, plum, spice and oak when the bottle was opened. I let it sit on my counter for ten minutes, which was long enough for this wine to air. In the mouth, blackberry and some kind of spice (or maybe pepper?) were prominent; the oak was very subtle. I found this to be an off-dry, drinkable red which left a pleasant tingle on my lips.
This is a new wine from Jackson-Triggs, whom I have found to be a usually reliable Canadian winery. I would definitely recommend this Malbec to red wine drinkers and the red-fearful alike.
Labels: 144big bottle wine racks, 48 bottle wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, Jackson-Triggs, malbec, supreme wine cellar sale
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Goes Outside: We May Be Some Time
There's a certain outdoorsy-ness about the Niagara Icewine Festival which makes me think icewine is very special stuff. Otherwise, why else would people endure Ontario outside in January and look like they're enjoying themselves? They could go to the liquor store and buy icewine there if they just wanted to fill their wine racks. If the fact that there is an ice carving demo during the festival doesn't tell you something, then you may want to go down to your wine cellar with a block of ice on your lap and train a desk fan at your head.
Apart from ice carving and the wine, another factor could be responsible for participants' bravery: food. Various events during the festival involve either the pairing of icewine with food, or recipes using icewine. Take, for example, January 23/24th at the Flat Rock Cellars skating pond. There one can enjoy icewine marshmallows by an open fire. Or 'The Heat is On', same days, where one can eat vegetable chowder and drink Cabernet Franc Icewine by East Dell Winery next to a two-story escarpment stone fireplace. The chefs at the festival are into the theme of cold plus wine with their 'Eskimo Kisses', a special icewine chocolate.
If you're not warmed-up by an outdoor fire, then got outside in the Heritage District of St. Catharine's on the 23rd to try some cocktails. That should do the trick.
Labels: Discount Wine Cellars, icewine, niagara grapes, wine cellar, wine cellars
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Discount Wine Cellars Review: Barra of Mendocino 2005 Muscat Canelli
It was tough being away for the holidays from all my Discount Wine Cellars friends, though in the process I discovered my new favorite Muscat. Now I can honestly admit it was worth not having two extraordinary wine parties in order to savor the deliciously sweet (but not too sweet) Barra of Mendocino 2005 Muscat Canelli. My in-laws actually brought this bottling back from a trip to California, and they were so well-loved that all three bottlings were drained prior to my departure. I'll admit I wish I were the one who gulped down all of them but I only had a few glasses. Yes, I do know how to control myself!
As always, I adorned my wine glass with exquisite holiday wine charms since I had the pleasure of tasting this vino at a family Christmas gathering. Fortunately I was one of the few vinophiles so I managed to guzzle three full glasses of this Muscat along with some fine Pinot Grigio.
I didn't get a good glimpse of the color of this wine as I was too busy throwing it down my gullet and talking with relatives. I can tell you that it was most likely a pale gold tone. The Barra family has certainly outdone themselves with this particular varietal - it's absolutely perfect in aroma and balance. I especially love the delicate notes of chilled melon, honeysuckle, and pear. Seriously, I could enjoy this vino for dessert every evening. It's splendid! Did I mention that it isn't too sweet? Sometimes Muscat can taste like melted sugar candies but this one has just the right proportion.
I'm now in the process of clearing out some room in the new custom wine rack (Merry Xmas to me) for more of this bottling. I recommend all my fellow white wine lovers do the same.
Cheers!
Labels: custom design cellar, custom wine racks, discount cellars, discount wine accessories, discount wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, muscat, wine review, wine reviews
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars: How Long to Keep 'em Filled
Just when I thought I knew what wines I really don't like, I browse on the internet and find out one more of the many, many things I have to learn about wine. Seems that red wines are often better if aged, and that a 'young' Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will often taste like asphalt or similar, harsh substance. Let it age, the tannins subside, fruit comes forward. Suddenly, a loser becomes a winner (unless you like the taste of asphalt). Now I'll have to start storing wine in my wine cellar or on the wine rack until it is five, six, seven, maybe ten years old! I can hardly believe it. I often wondered why someone would store so much wine at a time that they'd need a 144 bottle wine rack.
The basic rules about wine aging appear to be that most whites should be drunk within 18 months to two years, while most reds benefit from a bit of time. This is a general rule and does not apply to all varietals or methods of wine making. Certain sparkling wines want to drunk right away, no matter the colour, while some whites (Chardonnay is an example) benefit from an extra year, two, or even three on the shelf.
In reality, the average person is not going to have ten to twenty year vintages coming out of his broom closet unopened, so most of us will only taste a ten year-old wine if invited to the home of a rich friend or treated to a meal at a fabulous restaurant. Still, it's good to know that the warm-sounding Merlot may not be a lost cause for this wine drinker. I still have a lot to learn.
Labels: 144 Big Bottle Supreme Wine Cellar, 144big bottle wine racks, aging wine, discount wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, merlot
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars Review: Oak Knoll American Niagara
Nestled in the beautiful wine country of Oregon, Oak Knoll has been producing wines since the 1970's. In fact, it is the very first winery in Washington county that proudly continues to bottle various reds, whites, and dessert wines. The winery's labels are all elegant and distinctive, like their bottlings. In fact, it was the attractive label with the gold script that compelled me to pick up this unusual varietal to taste; it only spent a few minutes on the metal wine shelf before chilling in the fridge. Alas, I'll need to buy more for my holiday party as I ended up drinking the entire bottle all by myself. No wine bottle stoppers required around here!
Even though this is marketed as a semi-sweet I'd prefer it as a dessert wine, chilled and served in a wine charmed glass. If you don't put a wine charm on your glass don't blame me if it accidentally gets drained by someone baring an eery resemblance to...me.
Labels: custom wine cellars, custom wine racks, discount cellars, discount wine accessories, Discount Wine Cellars, discount wine racks, niagara grapes, oak knoll, wine review, wine reviews
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars and the Midas Touch
This holiday season members of Discount Wine Cellars will be sipping an ancient concoction that the famed King Midas once enjoyed. Well, we aren't 100% sure Midas himself drank the brew but let's pretend he did. I'd also like to pretend he's touched my house, car, and bank account with golden results. If you don't know the story, it basically involves Midas getting the magical ability to create gold just by touching objects. Must have been a real pain for him while getting dressed (unless he had golden servants). Can you imagine? So, guess I'm wearing *poof* GOLD again!
Dogfish Brewery's Midas Touch is a combination of wine and beer containing notes of honey, saffron, melon, and papaya. The recipe was created after analyzing residue inside 2700 year old drinking vessels. It is the oldest known alcoholic beverage that has been reproduced for modern day drinkers. The concoction is described as a combination of wine and mead, it's a bit on the sweet side but also dry. I imagine this would appeal most to the white wine, Champagne, or Chardonnay lover.
In the glass, Midas Touch is a deep, rich amber shade. It's the perfect holiday party drink with any of our gold wine charms. Cheers!
Labels: custom design cellar, custom wine charms, custom wine racks, discount wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, discount wine charms, discount wine racks, dogfish head brewery, midas touch
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars Review: Latah Creek 2008 Riesling
I've had this bottling in my wine cellar for awhile and decided to plop a few wine charms on my glass and dive in. It's the holidays and I need to enjoy myself. I also need to polish off a few more wines since one of my New Year's resolutions is to reduce my consumption of wine. Oh, who am I kidding? There's no way I'll ever manage that. Updated resolution: I will be a more dedicated wine drinker. Now that's more like it!
This Washington state Riesling bottled and produced by Latah Creek Wine Cellars; the bottle features a simple label with an image of flying geese. Let's hope there are no airplanes in the distance! What immediately comes to mind when I look this label over is my backyard on a lovely spring day. Minus the geese, usually I have deer and raccoons in my yard. Kudos to Yakima Valley artist Floyd A. Broadbent for creating the artwork for this bottling.
In the emerald green bottle, the wine within is green but in my glass it's a pale straw yellow. Surprise surprise! No green vino to go with my green eggs and ham. Oh well!
After allowing the Riesling to catch some air as I swirl the glass, I gently placed my nose over the rim to revel in the bouquet of apple and pear. I can already detect a lovely crispness to this wine, just from the aroma. Sure enough, on the palate there's a beautiful balance of citrus, fruits and honey. Just enough tart and sweetness intertwined to make this quite delicious. Love this wine and also find the price of $9 per bottle to be fantastic! I recommend this to all white wine (especially Riesling) lovers out there.
Cheers!!!
Labels: custom wine cellars, custom wine charms, custom wine racks, discount wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, discount wine racks, Riesling, wine racks, wine review, wine reviews
Monday, December 21, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars: It Seems Hangovers Aren't All Equal
It takes a lot (at least for this Discount Wine Cellars member) of wine to create a hangover. In fact, it requires more than I'm able to consume. Now, if you are indulging in whiskey or vodka there's not a fat chance you'll be able to avoid the pounding headache -but one will make matters worse.
According to a recent article, bourbon hangovers hurt like the ninth circle of hell. So if you don't want to have the most excruciatingly painful ice pick on the brain type of headache after spending the night vomiting, drink vodka. Then it'll only be a teensy weensy bit better. Either way, you'll still have a hangover which you'll deserve since you probably forgot to add wine charms to your glass. You lush!
I'm actually tempted to begin a marathon of drinking after discovering that participants in this hangover study were paid a whopping $450. That would help fund the ultimate in a vinophiles collection: the monstrous 444 bottle premium wine rack with display. Come to mama! All I would have to do is figure out how to participate in the study twice. Easy schmeezy.
Another interesting tidbit is that regardless of how horrific the hangover is (remember, whiskey is worse) your cognitive performance will still be crappy. Whatever you do, don't go take an online IQ test. The results will cause an instant drop in your happiness barometer.
Cheers! Drink safely! Beware of the hangover!
Labels: bourbon, custom design cellar, custom wine cellars, custom wine racks, discount cellars, Discount Wine Cellars, discount wine charms, discount wine racks, hangover, study, vodka
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