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
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
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
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars Review: Kanta Riesling 2005
I picked up this affordably priced imported vino last week and haven't had the opportunity to taste it since I've been slowly polishing off other bottlings. It appears I've been using more than the usual wine bottle stoppers in my wine tasting adventures; I suggest you all do the same as there's no telling when the next inexpensive wine will hop into your basket.
Fortunately, having an awesome wine cellar means I always have room for more. In fact, I like to divide up my stored bottlings so that I don't accidentally dip into the ones reserved for guests and friends. Of course, there's no guarantee I won't change my mind and inexplicably "need" a taste of a bottling, regardless of location. Tell you what, it seems my wine storing methods aren't the most successful unless I put the wine cellars inside a prison cell and swallow the key.
I digress, on to the wine reviewing...
Kanta riesling is harvested in the breathtaking Adelaide Hills region of Australia, more specifically in the highly rated Balhannah Vineyard. Doesn't the name sound like a castle or something? Of course it does. If you haven't seen pictures of this place you really need to do a google image search. It looks like wine paradise with row upon row of grapes on vines with gentle wisps of mist lingering among them. If I could transport there immediately I would, however this vino will have to suffice.
The elegant slope of the bottle is what attracted me to this Australian riesling at first, then the basement bargain price of a mere $5 finally did me in. What I'd normally spend on one fancy coffee drink is now a full 750ml bottle of relaxation. As the screw top bottle is opened and poured, aromas of honey, apple, lime, and pineapple are evident. Acidity is delicate and playful, aftertaste includes lingering but not overpowering citrus. I wouldn't say this is the smoothest wine I've tasted, but it's fair enough. As far as depth goes, this falls short but is otherwise pleasant. I won't be rushing out to buy more but would certainly give this another go sometime.
Labels: australian wine, custom design cellar, custom wine cellar, custom wine cellars, kanta riesling, Riesling, wine review, wine reviews
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Riesling Labels in the Wine Cellar
Riesling, my favorite white wine, is produced from pale green grapes originating in the Rhine region of Germany. Dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines are produced using this varietal making it highly versatile and popular. Sought after as much as Chardonnay and Sauv Blanc, Riesling has dominated Germany vineyards and has also nestled a beloved spot in other countries where terrain and climate are favorable for cultivation.
Now, one would think that seeing a label of clear German origins would make a particular Riesling more desirable. Alas, due to many other countries now producing this vino, labels have changed to reflect higher sales of this well-liked bottling outside of it's native territory. As you can see in the image above, the label is oddly standard in appearance but is in fact a Riesling from Germany. It's unfortunate that this vintner felt pressure to change from something more descriptive and beautiful, such as a traditional Riesling label complete with a listing of wine region, producer, varietal, village, ripeness, village, vineyard, and classification. Knowing the ripeness for instance, would immediately tell you what to expect regarding the levels of sweetness and acidity.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, numerous vintners are producing some of the finest Rieslings in the United States. In Washington state, this varietal has quickly risen to the top spot in favorability, bypassing Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay. If you haven't tried one before I highly recommend the delicious Snoqualmie Riesling or Naked Winery Tease. I always have plenty of these bottlings in the wine cellar for guests, especially if they aren't diehard wine consumers. I'm always anticipating a golden opportunity to convert even the most wine fearful into full fledged vinophiles. I can attest to the fact that Riesling is the perfect introduction to the world of wine, it certainly was for me. Perhaps it also helped to have such lovely wine charms dangling from my glass while experiencing the burst of fruit and citrus on the palate. Fortunately that introduction involved a semi-sweet Riesling as I might not have been so fond of it otherwise.
Cheers to finding your own special varietal or blend for regular adoration and enjoyment!
Labels: custom design cellar, custom wine cellar, custom wine cellars, custom wine charms, Riesling, white wine, wine labels
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars Review: Tease Riesling 2007
My new favorite Riesling is a totally sexy tease, I do not lie. What's more fun than having a sparkling gold wine charmed glass of a tart, fruity, lusciously semi-sweet Tease? I'll tell you - having three! I know that's gluttonous but I just couldn't stop drinking this lively vino, it plays upon the palate in such a splendid way. It may be a rather unassuming gold toned white in the glass but once it hits the mouth it's light, fresh, and ultra fruity. The finish has a slight kick of tart then tapers off to a soft lemon. I detect casaba melon, pear, and a touch of honey. The acidity is perfectly balanced in this white providing enough of a punch without excessive intensity. I'll certainly be making room in the 220 bottle wine cellar for a whole load of this bottling, I want to be sure it's always available for my fellow Riesling lovers. I guarantee, it'll be appreciated!
Labels: custom design cellar, custom wine cellar, custom wine cellars, custom wine charms, Riesling, tease riesling, the naked winery, wine reviews
Friday, August 7, 2009
Worried about Dementia? Visit the Wine Cellar!
I love coming across good news about moderate wine drinking. Makes me much happier to know that visiting the wine cellar is keeping me in good health...not to mention sane. Who wouldn't be ecstatic and mentally stable while walking in to see this beautiful 222 bottle supreme glass holder wine cellar? It's like an instant dose of sweet reality to keep dementia at bay. Ha! Take that dementia!
If you are curious to know what the connection is between not getting dementia and wine, check out this interesting article on msn. I'm an avid one to two glass of Riesling per day drinker--which automatically makes the degenerative brain disease defenseless against my alcohol soaked brain. Of course, the study also reported that if one is already cognitively impaired, drinking alcoholic beverages will cause more problems. I'm hoping that the folks with malfunctioning cerebrums will have other things to worry about than popping open bottles of wine...unless that mentally unstable person is me.
You see, either way wine is medicinal in my situation. Seeing a pale gold glass of aged white wine embellished with my favorite wine charms instantly cures all mental deficiency and imbalance. I always have a glass in my hand while studying for exams since it reduces my anxiety and my carbon footprint. Oh yes, there is a way that you can be a wine drinker and also help the environment by using carbon neutral wine accessories. If that doesn't help protect you against dementia, I don't know what will other than a brain transplant with me.
Labels: alcohol, custom design cellar, custom wine cellars, custom wine charms, dementia, msn, Riesling, wine cellar discount
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars Review: 2007 San Juan Cellars Riesling
From the best state in the entire world--Washington--comes this delightfully crisp, semi-sweet 2007 Riesling. The label on this is the shade of a perfect turquoise blue day near the San Juan Islands. This is definitely one of those bottlings you'll want to display for company, especially if they are out-of-towners. There's no need for elaborate descriptions of either this gorgeous state or the wine, the label says it all. Of course, you'll want to chill this vino before pouring so be sure to transfer a few bottlings from the wine cellar for the fridge.
In the glass, the shade is akin to many whites from 2007: light amberish. This is indicative of aged whites, and usually the deeper the gold tones the more aged the wine. On the palate this Riesling is a nice balance between sweet and dry. I especially love the slightly tart apricot finish. Scrumptious! I think I'll pull out the Ocean Wine Charm Set for a few more glasses. Perhaps it's also a fine time to grill some chicken and throw a salad together since vino is often most enjoyable when accompanied by a meal. I highly recommend first tasting the wine on its own then trying it with food; you are often able to discover flavor nuances that are otherwise missed while just focusing on the wine.
For a semi-sweet, this is a winner. I give this a three wine tag rating. I would give it a wine stem rating but I broke all but one of mine. Pretty soon I'll be drinking solely from the bottle. Will that somehow also offset my carbon footprint? Let's say it does.
Labels: custom wine cellar, custom wine cellars, custom wine charms, discount cellars, offset carbon, reduce carbon, Riesling, San Juan Cellars, wine charms sale, wine rack, wine tags
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars Review: Columbia Crest 2007 Grand Estates Riesling
Miraculously, several new bottles of vino for reviewing have appeared in my lovely wine cellar! Along with these wondrously new Washington state whites came a humungous and scrumptious tenderloin--grilled to perfection. It must be a sign from above that I'm doing a great job at offsetting my carbon footprint. Or, it just might be that I really need to review more wines. Oh wait, I know...George Clooney is the mastermind behind this good fortune. Should I be expecting a marriage proposal in the near future? You betcha!
On to the review! In the glass embellished with my heart of gold wine charms, this sweet Riesling is a rich golden yellow. The color immediately made me think of a beautiful, pale crystalline citrine. The aroma is distinctly delicate and sweet with pear and mandarine. In the mouth, it bursts with the perfect balance of citrus and very light acidity. It's unfortunate I already ate dinner as I imagine the flavors would be even more interesting accompanied by a spicy Thai dish or sushi.
Overall, I give this a rating of three wine tags since that's how many bottles I'd like to have on my wine cube.
Labels: Columbia Crest, discount wine accessories, discount wine cellar, offset carbon, offset carbon footprint, reduce carbon, Riesling, wine review
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Transportation Out of the Wine Cellar
I just came across a wacky article about an infamous "beer bike" in Amsterdam. The contraption involves around 10 people and lots of beer drinking--except for the head driver who is supposed to be sober. The bike is now facing some issues from people who claim it's dangerous. While there have been a few accidents, owners of the beer biking company express that it's perfectly legal, follows a specified and safe route, and is fun--but there are a few who screw things up occasionally. I imagine those are the people trying to smash beer cans on their heads.
I'm not sure what the actual rules are but I imagine some type of contract is signed before tourists can rent the bike. My biggest concern is whether or not a gorgeous wine charmed glass of Riesling is permitted on the bike? I mean, I want some vino while touring so I can look like a posh French woman...riding around on a beer bicycle. I'll make it look elegant enough for the Queen of England to ride. If I do perchance, fall off in a drunken stupor just pretend you didn't see me. I'll hop right back on with vino in hand, pearls on my neck, and smile on my face. There will be plenty of time to recoup later on in the wine cellar.
Labels: beer bike, decorative wine charms, discount, discount wine accessories, discount wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, Riesling, wine charms for glass
Friday, June 12, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars Review: Columbia Winery 2007 Cellarmaster's Riesling
Don't let the unembellished bottle fool you--this Columbia Winery Riesling is absolutely delightful and far from ordinary. It's also a great bargain at around $12 per bottle. At that price, I'll be sure to add a few truckloads to my wine cellar.
As for the wine tasting, as expected this Riesling is perfectly crisp with fruity notes of pear and apricot. It has a great balance of sweetness, and would be lovely with or without a meal. The bottle suggests enjoying with fruit or spicy entrees, though I prefer to have this as a chilled dessert.
While I've probably said this many times before, this is my new favorite Riesling. I love how it comes off with a exact amount of acidity that I like, and also incorporates aromas that are fresh and lively. In my humble opinion, this is a must-have for white wine lovers. The elegant yet simple bottle also makes a nice gift along with some beautiful Discount Wine Cellars charms.
Labels: Columbia Winery, discount wine accessories, discount wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, discount wine racks, Riesling, wine reviews, wine tasting
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars Review: 2008 Yellow Tail Riesling
I had the opportunity to try the flavorful 2008 Yellow Tail Riesling last night. According to the bottle, this Australian white wine accompanies Asian cuisine nicely. I opted to have it after my fish and chips dinner but hopefully I'll get to try it with some spicy Thai noodle salad later on today.
Either way, this Riesling is delicious and vibrant. I detect those wonderful sweet fruity flavors that make white wines among my absolute favorites. I also love that it's only around $10 per bottle, which means it's easily one you can pull out of the wine cellar on a regular basis.
If you check out the Yellow Tail website they offer a few more food pairing suggestions. I think it would be great to try this with apple betty since I usually prefer drinking vino after the main course. Though, enjoying this with some cheese ravioli might also be fabulous. Either way, this is a nice inexpensive vino to try though if you prefer dry wines I'd look elsewhere. Of course, if you like dry vino then you probably rarely buy Rieslings in the first place!
Keep in mind that wine doesn't have to be pricey to also be tasty and wonderful. I've tried many bottlings and I always strive to go with what my taste buds say rather than the price. In fact, I recall watching a program about how people are often fooled by the higher prices and usually assume that a higher price equates with good quality.
Au contraire! Here at Discount Wine Cellars we offer the lowest prices for wine cellars on the market and they are of the best quality. We believe everyone should have the ability to enjoy a gorgeous wine cellar, not just those of us with extra cash to burn!
Labels: 144 bottle supreme wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, inexpensive wine, Riesling, yellow tail riesling
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Steak, Wine, and Friends
I've been slacking off the entries a bit lately due to the ten pounds of steak still digesting in my belly. Despite the aches and pains, it was worth it as I enjoyed the company as much as the food. After gorging myself to the brink of insanity, my dear friend and I sat down for some wine charmed glasses of Riesling and a lovely chat. Well, first we started with just the wine charms since the waiter forgot to bring us the wine. Perhaps he was confused while searching the wine cellar? Either way, I didn't mind the wait since it was so nice to catch up with a friend I don't see often enough.
Ok, the steak is now fully digested. What needs to be remedied now is the temper. My child just decided to throw every bit of his Easter basket grass all over the family room and kitchen floors. There's also a pile of the small twisted bits of paper grass on top of the computer. If I don't head straight to the 144 Bottle Supreme Wine Cellar I'll literally lose my mind.
Labels: 144 bottle supreme wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, friends, Riesling, steak, wine cellar
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Discount Wine Cellars Celebrates Hero Pilot
I'm going to dedicate all my wine drinking this evening to Chesley Sullenberger, the hero pilot of Flight 1549. This amazing man managed to land his 747 in the Hudson River, saving the lives of all passengers on board. This man is a true hero in every sense, and deserves all the media praise he's been getting. If I have to fly on a plane that is destined to crash, I sure hope he's in the cockpit. I also hope that I'll have enough Riesling on board to fill a 440 Bottle Supreme Wine Cellar since I'm terrified of flying in general. It's incredible how calm this pilot was throughout this extraordinary ordeal caused by a collision with a flock of geese. I'm really sad the birds were hit, hopefully we'll figure out how to avoid these awful incidents in the future. Cheers to "Sully" and all who survived this harrowing experience!
Labels: 440 Bottle Supreme Wine Cellar, Chesley Sullenberger, Discount Wine Cellars, Flight 1549, hero pilot, Riesling, wine racks
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