Blind Syrah tastings. (at Domaine Wine Storage)
Images
The Price of Discovery
It’s always a little disheartening to discover the $10/glass of wine you’re enjoying at a neighborhood watering hole is in reality less than $10 a bottle retail. But spending $20 last night on this very purple wine was well worth the price. The combination of trying and enjoying something completely new (to me), a lively atmosphere and an evening with a close friend all added to the experience.
I wouldn’t have known to choose it, except it was listed on the restaurant’s rotating blackboard and when I asked what exactly it was, the bartender gave me a splash (as a side note: I absolutely adore bartenders who pour a splash for themselves to taste at the same time. There’s an odd reassurance in it).
The wine, from Macedonia (and yes, I just looked its location up so you don’t have to: It’s about halfway between the heel of Italy’s boot and Turkey, just north of Greece.) is made from the Vranec grape. (Don’t ask – I’ve never heard of this until now and will Google appropriately before the end of this post). A rich purple color in the glass, with not a very distinguishable nose (at least to me). On the palate, it presented with deep (but not very sweet) fruit, yet it wasn’t jammy and provided a really nice medium-to-full-bodied mouthfeel. It ended slightly lighter with a combination of earth and chalk. Its finish isn’t too long or overly tannic, and wraps up the wine quite nicely.
So just what is Vranec? I’ll let you read the description on Wine-Searcher here.
Fortunately, I found a local retailer who sells this by the bottle. With tax, it will come to a penny less than my price per glass. I’ll always be frustrated with the three-tier wine buying system that not only jacks up the price of wines, but lets restaurants charge so much more. But for the fun discovery on its own, I won’t complain.
So long as we have summertime weather, it’s still rosé season, so in honor of Brangelina, I’m giving Chateau Miraval a try. Why is it nearly impossible to criticize them? Lovely fruit, nice and dry, although a bit sour on the finish. 🍷
Modern Love
I. Want. This. Room. Everything about it – the plain white walls, the gorgeous amount of natural light coming in from a gigantic floor-to ceiling square window, and that huge reclaimed wood dining table. Oh? And those wine bottle chandeliers? Beyond love. The folks over at Popsugar (h/t to @alawine on twitter), suggest a much smaller DIY version. But let’s face it, I’m not a DIY kind of gal, nor does my current 760-square-foot home have a proper place for it. Besides, it barely stands up to the grandeur of this. Maybe one day. Sitting at this table, in this room, with a bottle of red, and a friend or two (or five or six) would absolutely be divine.
(original source of this photo is Maison Estate in South Africa)
Opening a @hopeandgracewine Malbec in honor of #drinknapa.
While a Tempranillo from Washington state grapes from an Oregon winemaker may sound “random,” I’m quite lucky to be drinking this bottle. Bravo, @ucbeau!!
Happiness at Blue Duck Tavern tonight! Oh, and the food was amazing, too! (at Blue Duck Tavern)
Discovering Italy In Virginia Vines
I finally made my way into Virginia wine country. This is Barboursville. I’ll admit that much of its history was lost on me. After a two-hour drive from Washington through rolling country side, I was relaxed, ready to stretch my legs and try some wine. The grounds are gorgeous. This view is just from the parking lot, but they have 900 acres to roam through. And on a non-humid barely 80-degree day in the middle of August, there’s nothing to complain about.
Barboursville makes a lot of wines! I failed to count, but I’m guessing we tried at least 12. What stood out were the Italian varietals, which are their specialty. After all, the modern winery that’s there now was born from an Italian winemaker. The Sangiovese makes for a nice table wine – juicy and not too overbearing. Medium bodied and well balanced. The Nebbiolo was dark and intense, with meatiness, earthiness and complexity. And while neither put me over the edge to purchase, I did later have a glass of the Nebbiolo during our stop at Early Mountain (which features many other Virginia wines besides their own).
I brought home a single bottle of the Barboursville 2010 Octagon, a Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend with one of the longest finishes I can remember. Funny – because after enjoying the Italian varietals, I chose the one wine I generally avoid (Cabernet and Cabernet blends are often at the bottom of my tasting lists – but that’s a posting for another time).
Salute!
Is Wine-Tasting Junk Science? That’s a very debatable question, but regardless of which position to take, I absolutely adore this comparison to a blind kissing contest. Yet another pleasure worth exploring. NPR’s “commentary on science and society” blog explains.
A Casteuroig Rosat Cava overlooking Columbus Circle was a fabulous wrap to a weekend in New York! (at Bouchon Bakery Columbus Circle)
It's Wine By Me! 
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