Mead (And Wine) & Merriment Part 2

October 18, 2017October 18, 20171 Comment

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After a year off, my pals and I made our triumphant return to the Maryland Renaissance Festival a couple of weeks back. Here is my inaugural post from October of 2015.

The event has gotten so big that if you don’t get there early, or by your tickets in advance, you’re going to be shut out. Nevertheless, social media and all kinds of media have made this event so big. But more importantly, this event is just that great. If you’ve been I don’t need to explain why.

And even if you’ve been a multitude of times before, it never gets old and never gets tiring. Well a lot of walking and that merriment (booze!) can get you tired fast. It’s a big day drinking, unhealthy food noshing, and celebration of all that is and was awesome from yesteryear, and today.

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In my previous recap of this celebration of coolness, I spoke about the actual mead was being served. It’s not an easy one to drink, and like I stated, it’s an acquired taste, it’s a grower (or not), and it’s not for everyone.

This year, while my friends enjoyed a few lagers, brewskis, cold ones, spirits, or whatever you fancy yourself to calling the, I discovered a gem of wines.

I don’t particularly seek out beer myself, but I actually was all set to have some, until mixed in with all the beers and all the taps, was the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Ravage Wines.

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If you look at the label, it’s one that belongs at an event such as this. That horse, that darkness, that imagery is fitting of everything that was going on around us. And maybe I’m just reading too much into this, and perhaps the demand for wine has led them to supply more vino along with all the other libations. No matter the reason, it’s my kind of wine.

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And I’m so grateful to my friends who have said that this is the kind of wine I like. One of my dearest friends had a sip, and even mentioned it to me there. She said to me, that it’s ‘your kind of wine’, that made me feel good.

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So what is exactly a ‘me’, kind of wine? Well it’s also one you might enjoy too. The synopsis says it all, with dark berries, dark fruits, vanilla, mocha, and toasted in French Oak. With your fuller bodied reds, the right kind of oak can make all the difference between a great wine and one you rather forget. But I’m going to be aware if vanilla and mocha are a common theme in some of my favorite wines going forward. Dark cherries and berries have always been synonymous with the wines I love. And this wine is no exception. This is exactly what I needed and what I’ve been missing for a while.

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While the weather has been warm, a wine like this might only work with a healthy dinner indoors. In the hotter climates it may be a chore to sip, and might take you away from all the great whites, rosés, and lighter reds that work perfectly in the Summer months.

We’re into October and it might have even been too soon to have this wine, but the heck with it. This is a world class bottle, that tastes like a $20+ wine, that is around the $11-$13 mark. Another reason to adore this bottle and seek it out if you get the opportunity.

The notes mention having a lot of structure and depth. That might sound like fluff to many, but think about it, (or not haha), this Cabernet Sauvignon embodies all that’s good about vino. Wines with lots of structure, character, that challenge your palate, and are on a level like this is why I adore wine. My goodness do I adore this wine.

What makes this all the more amazing is my first experience having this was at the Renaissance Festival. This makes me so happy, more than I even realized at the time, and I’m not quite sure I can convey into words. Well I’m writing about it here so I’m doing alright…

And it’s pretty much available at every bar there with a cheesy name. Aren’t they all cheesy? That’s what makes it so great…

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I upgraded my goblet, chalice, mug, or whatever you call it to one that fits more with the festival. It made this experience all the more merrier. Having good friends (and some sugary mixed nuts helps too) to share this experience makes it that much more special.

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My pals and I have been doing this for a number of years. It’s a tradition I’m grateful to be a part of. I’m grateful for my friends, the beautiful weather, this incredible yearly gathering, and now this wine.

Each year tells a different story. I love that I got to share this one with you.

To find Ravage Wines near you click here, for more about them click here, here’s info on the Dark Red Blend (which I would love to try as well), and their contact info.

As of this post, the final weekend of the Renaissance Festival of Maryland (10/21-1022) is approaching. And it’s always the most festive, exciting, bittersweet, and so many other emotions.

If you plan on going, advanced tickets are highly recommended, and here is all the other information you need.

I’m so happy that this happened. I don’t know what else there it to say. I loved everything about this day, and if you go this weekend I hope you get to say the same.

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Have a ye olde good time!

Ideen

I Heart First Fridays

October 11, 2017October 11, 20172 Comments

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Highlandtown is what I now consider the most homey part of Baltimore. It’s the one neighborhood that is experiencing a renaissance, but still feels like a neighborhood with a community, local businesses, local flavor, and now an inspired art scene.

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The Highlandtown First Friday Art Walk, which began in June, and is going through the rest of the year has eagerly become an event myself and many others look forward too.

My first time experiencing this was back in July, and it just felt like old times. And what I exactly mean by old times? While so much around us has begun to look cookie cutter and all too pedestrian, this neighborhood is keeping it beautiful. With art galleries, shoppes, local businesses, local foodie spots, and so much more popping up in the most charming of fashions, Highlandtown is doing it right. And keep on doing it please. It’s the most welcoming of feelings.

I don’t even know how to exactly describe it, other than it’s of the most authentic and really Baltimore feeling places you want to visit. With friendly faces, familiar faces and new ones, beautiful art, beautiful people, plenty of food and drink, and live musicians inside and out, you’ve got a winning combination all around.

I’ve missed the past couple of month due to life happening, but I’ve made it a goal to make it through to the rest of the year, and with the holidays looming.

My good friends from Peak Peformance have taken advantage of this fantastic monthly event, with a happy hour with great food, vino, live music, and now a resident artist.

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I missed it last month but Mowgli Art has made an impression that’s going to be hard to forget. I’m a member of Peak, so I’m fortunate to admire this art on a regular basis. ANd this month was no exception. It’s just getting bigger. The crowd was consistent and it was busy.

And my friend Melissa, who also works at Peak, got a chance to sell some of her great jewelry.

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After all this, is there a wine involved? But of course. Plenty of food and drink was provided but I discovered a charming little bottle that fits in with the fall season, if not art itself.

The 2016 Camina Tempranillo is a simple wine with little if any thrills. And for now that’s just the way I wanted it. I was immediately drawn to the label with its beautiful depiction of leaves, animals, and charming as all heck symbols. The color and images just yell fall don’t they?

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It’s a wine heavy on berry aromas of cherry, blackberry, and other fruits. The notes mention hints of almond and hazelnut. It’s an easy to drink wine that you don’t have to think much about it. It’s a good wine but it’s not going to blow anyone away. And with a price averaging under $10, there’s no need for too many complaints. But I wouldn’t spend that much more on it.

A big thanks to Peak Performance for this amazing spread of meats, cheeses, and vegetables, provided by Ceriello Fine Foods (locations can be found here), which I’ve written about in the past, and is deserving of all the praise and lauding in the world.

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The vibe at art events just tends to feel different and more welcoming. I don’t know much about art but I know it makes people feel good. It evokes different emotions and brings about a different type of conversation that you may not ordinarily get a typical bar. This is better than the bar, and sets the bar on a different way to enjoy a Friday night or night out in general.

This blog is going to be as picture heavy as it gets. It may be the most photos I’ve ever inserted in a blog, so I hope you enjoy that.

I want to thank Beth-Ann Wilson from Night Owl Gallery (pictures above) and Felicia from Highlandtown Gallery-Magnolia Designs (pictures below) for being so inviting, and making this a fun night out, that really makes Baltimore, Charm City.

There were some folks playing live music on the walk to and from various stops, which made us stop and appreciate what we were witnessing.

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Back in July, there was a live jazz band performing and the Highlandtown Art Gallery. You’ll never know what to expect at this thing. The unpredictability while still becoming familiar with the galleries makes this a truly harmonious and heartwarming event.

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November 3rd, will be here before you know it, and will be the next installment of the Art Walk. If the stars alight, this might be revisited again for the blog.

Here are my past Highlandtown related posts.

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In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the photos, and hope you’re either experiencing or will be experiencing some awesome art yourself.

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Peace Be With You.

Ideen

Happy Birthday To Ya!

October 4, 2017October 4, 20174 Comments

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I’ve had Gnarly Head wines a few times in my lifetime. I’m willing to bed that if you’re reading this, many of you have as well.

And if you’ve had their wines, you realize how affordable they are. Which mean an accessibility and affordability that is always welcome and should be never taken for granted. And speaking of never taking things for granted…

I was honored to be invited to a fantastic gathering this past weekend for a dear friends birthday. The crowd was intimate, the food was spectacular, the booze was plentiful, and the weather could not have been better.

As much as I love summer, I’m getting more of an appreciation for fall. In the summer, people leave town and then they leave town. So there’s that disconnect. Plans can be unpredictable but then can be predictable just like that. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong with either. I like a good vacation myself.

But this is the time of year, and days and weekends of the year where there’s so much to look forward to. It’s a great time for festivals, birthdays, concerts, events, and still plenty of time to be outdoors and spend time with great friends.

With great friends means great party hosts.

And in tradition, you know not to come empty handed right?

I’m surprised I haven’t written about Gnarly Head until now. At under $10, there’s no reason not to give these wines a shot.

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When me and the most stopped to pick up some beverages and handle some other errands, the Gnarly Head display at one of the local wine shoppes was spooky but also welcoming all the same. And at $9 here, you can’t go wrong.

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I went with the Harvest Red for no reason in particular. Well the red label deemed approachable, and the red blends tend to make everyone happy. A bunch of grapes in one almost makes you think you’re drinking a few wines in one. And in many instances that is a recipe for success.

And a success is what this was. The blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and Barbera is about as smooth and likable as you’re going to find. This was an easy wine to drink, free of complexities and complications. The mix of berries, spice, and other fruits on the nose and after you sip gives me those warm and fuzzies, that fit perfectly with the month of October and all kinds of comforting foods.

And speaking of that. The food spread was as incredible as you’re ever going to see. I don’t need to reel off everything that you see here. I’ll let the pictures do the talking throughout this post.

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I will mention that one of the huge stands outs was bacon wrapped potatoes. Yes, you usually would think scallops. But in this instance the bacon and baby potatoes complemented each other in a way that only you will have to taste and see to believe. It was beautiful.

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As was this eggplant. I mean everything was amazing. I need to trust myself with my cooking to present something to a party like this, but there was enough outstanding food that there’s always next time.

You can imagine, that the food never had a chance. How can you not just appreciate the work, soul, and craftsmanship put into such deliciousness. I’ve said it before, its sometimes too beautiful to eat, but also way too pretty to go to waste.

I’m certain that none of this went to waste.

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My wine never had a chance either. I was lucky to have a cup-and-a-half, and that’s just fine. There was plenty of adult beverages to go around. And that’s the point of these parties, to share, to care, to spread love, and too appreciate all the great people around you.

I appreciate the fact that I was a part of something so beautiful, something so joyful, and something so peaceful. What’s not to love?

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It’s only October, and I can only hope that I get to be a part of more parties such as this one. I’m eternally grateful.

To find Gnarly Head Wines near you, this link will show you the way.

Thank you so much. Happy October, Happy Fall, Happy Everything!

And Happy Birthday to ya…

Ideen

La Princesse By The Pool

September 27, 2017September 27, 2017Leave a comment

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This, like most posts, is not just about the wine. But it’s about the experience that revolves around the wine. Because with out that, it’s just a glass and nothing more. And not that there is anything right or wrong about that. But I like to think that with every bottle, every sip, and then every sip after that can tell a story that adds meaning to your life and maybe someone elses.

If that sounded a bit more dramatic than intended, I don’t apologize. Its been an interesting summer, at least for me. It’s been a transition. Things are happening that remind me of what is important in life. And I’ve always known this, but sometimes you need a reminder, no matter how simple or harsh it might be. However, a nice bottle of wine and some great company will always make the transition of the next aspects of life the next season, or the next anything, at least a little easier to navigate through.

We had a Summer in Maryland that gave us many beautiful days, but maybe not enough pool days. It could be a scheduling thing, some off timing, or the universe resetting itself, but I hardly felt like I got to take advantage of pool season. Where it used to be double digits became barely past a count on one hand.

Fortunately, late September provided one more day. So because of that I’m happy to talk about at least one more Rosé.

The 2016 Rosé from Cellier des Princes may not be a blow away wine. But it’s a solid, light, and approachable Rosé that will do its job when applied to any occasion. This happened to fall on one of the last days of pool season. And I don’t mean official, I mean the last time my friend may have hosted a pool day. It’s all subjective. We could get some glorious days in October that remind us that fall and pumpkin season arrived just a bit too soon. But I’m not holding my breath, and that’s just fine.

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This Rosé with the majority being Grenache, with a little Syrah thrown it to keep it honest, tastes light and refreshing as any Rosé should. The lighter salmon pink color would also be a strong indicator of a lighter Rosé.

I couldn’t find much information on this wine otherwise. The website is not the most organized, and I see no mention of the aforementioned bottle anywhere. To tell you the truth, it doesn’t matter. The wine was fun and that’s what matters.

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And since it was hot, a little more ice was needed. You might think this may water things down a bit, but I think the ice only enhanced our sipping experience. I say our because we had a great group of friends, but we also had their animal friend soak in some rays.

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She is the princess by the pool. Thanks to my friend for the inspiration on this title.

For me, the wine started a bit slow, but after a few seconds that all went away. I don’t think the bottle needed time to breathe or open up. I just think my first couple sips started off awkward but just got better with time. This is where the bottle never had a chance.

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And what a glorious bottle it was. As fun as this wine was, I was even more enamored with the positive notes of celebration and friendship that adorned the label itself. I was fortunate that at my local retailer, I grabbed one of the last one out of the cooler. And at $10-$12, you really can’t go wrong and won’t be taking that much of a hit if its a wine that doesn’t win you over.

But those notes of positvity translated into the wine, the day, the experience, and all the other good stuff that should never fall by the wayside.

An animal friend always helps too.

This hopefully doensn’t conclude the Rosé and white wine portion for the year. But this is traditionally where more reds will be appearing in the coming weeks, with a few whites thrown in for measure. It’s only uphill from here but that’s been the intent of this blog from the onset.

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We had fun with this one and that’s the point of this thing. I look forward to this continuing, and I look forward to maintaining this ongoing dialogue, conversation, and story with you.

Thank you so much and peace be with you.

And dogs are the best!

Ideen

Salud

September 20, 2017September 20, 20171 Comment

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This is a celebration of close friends, a celebration of this life, and all the good that exists within that.

I want to congratulate some good friends who recently got engaged.

And when pals get engaged, you want to celebrate immediately, savor every moment, and enjoy it with some good libations. And some good vibrations. We had plenty of those, and then we had plenty of those.

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I’m so grateful I was included in the engagement celebration. It was impromptu and organic as all the best experiences are. For that, I’m so appreciative to be a part of something so beautiful.

This calls for a bit more elegant and pricier bottle of wine don’t you think? It calls for the more sparking kind as well. And the weather is now cooperative enough that going with a sparkling, white, or lighter red is going to work. That does pain me to say but it’s mid September and at least much more wines are agreeable to the climate.

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I went with the necessary and always effective sparkling white. If anything, it’s going to look good when you pour, in a glass, and of course in pictures. And sometimes the label will draw you in too.

The Herbauges Luminescence Brut (for more on the wine and distributor click here) is exactly the kind of sparkling wine that fit this party perfectly.

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But what’s most important is the setting itself. This is a fun group of people, and that is going to make any wine, any piece of food, and any moment you’re in that much better.

I spent $22 on this bottle. And it never had a chance. Actually nothing anybody brought had a chance. I was lucky to get a glass and a half myself. And I drank from a charming wine glass that fits where my friends with and fit entertaining mood in general.

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Was it worth spending $20+ on? That can be debated. For me, it tasted (for the small sample that I had) in between $10-$20, and that’s not based on any expert analysis. It’s more of a feeling and instinct than anything else.

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The tasting notes can be found here. And the most endearing thing I read is “great looking bubbles’. Those are the kinds of details and notes I can appreciate. And anyone not into all the nuances of wine (and I’m one of them) can appreciate the inviting information. Yes you might get hints of flowers, fruits, and as the synopsis reads ‘pastry’, the bubbles is what stands out. And I was a fan of that before reading anything.

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Now about those pastries. I love me some pastry, but to find hits of this takes a certain talent, or it’s once again a scent that hits a nerve or either resonates with you, or it’s one of those scents that had been a part of your day or significant memory that is lingering throughout the day. I think I may have just made two of the same descriptions using different variations of words. Whoops!

What is resonating is how fun this day was. There was a great group of folks hanging out at a lovely house, with a beautiful set up of beverages and snacks, and since the weather was so glorious the party went outside for some outdoor activities. We still have plenty of time in the season and in this life for organic, genuine, and positive experiences.

This is definitely one of the more positive ones someone can be a part of.

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As for the wine, I’ll always associate with this party. Just like you have a certain food, drink, or memento that you associate with a certain place and time, the wine, among a few other things will always correlate with the fun day that everyone had.

Congratulations friends.

Salud,

Ideen

Bless The Blue Marlin

September 13, 2017September 13, 2017Leave a comment

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I’m going to admit a little something here. I made a booboo. I’m not sure if I just spelled the word ‘booboo’ correctly. But I digress. I completely forgot the actual wine I was supposed to write about in this weeks post. But as I’m realizing this, at least for this week, it doesn’t matter.

I also needed help with the photography for this post. However it was done, but it doesn’t matter. In the end it was done and I’m grateful for my friends and I’m grateful fo my experience at the Blue Marlin in Bradenton Beach, FL.

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This almost didn’t happen, because of my trip going at a frenetic place, but I’m so thankful it did.

My visit to the Gulf Coast of Florida only lasted five days but I got so much in that it felt like a lifetime. The memories will surely last that long. But it wasn’t the Blue Marlin itself that made this magical.

Good friends of mine have moved from the Baltimore area to many parts of Florida. This was a first of several visits for me. And while I’m sad my friends have left. They’ve all moved on to something bigger, better, and the next adventure. I’m more happy for them that they’ve found happiness. It’s something we all deserve in this life, as much as possible.

The Blue Marlin was pure happiness. But it was the outside bar that told the real story. For a few moments it felt like we were the only people in (or out) the bar. And we were. But bigger than all of this, it also felt like we were the only people on Earth. I honestly felt that for a few moments. I may not have shared that with anyone at the time, but I just had this feeling of tranquility, peace, and harmony that should’t just happen on vacation, but as much as humanly possible.

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The charming bar outside is all we needed. They had a perfectly simple list of cocktails, wines, and beer available at our disposal and within footsteps. It’s a one-stop shop for everything. And the live music set-up is about as picturesque as you’ll find. The band was fantastic. Maybe it’s the serendipitous and unpredictability of how this day was going, but I felt so happy. The environment is one where I’d like to think we’ve all been in from time to time, but maybe not enough. At least for me, at least for this afternoon, I felt at home.

But just when you think I’ve seen it all, they had a just as equally stunning street food set-up, with just a few essential items. However, for the sake of time I will focus on the sliders. We tend to throw around greatest this and greatest that. We might call certain meals, certain restaurants, and certain experiences life changing. If we get to have so many of these then I’m all for it. I like to be careful in what I apply ‘life changing’ to because if I say it so much, it loses it’s shine. I think you know what I’m saying.

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This slider was life changing. I’m just going to say it. And my opinion is all my own, but I know I’m not alone. Perhaps the perfection of this day made it taste that much better. Perhaps. I think this was just art. In terms of foodie culture and all that commotion, this is up there with the best burger I’ve ever eaten. And I’m no expert on this. But you or I don’t have to be. This is world class cuisine. I’m remembering now even more vividly how incredible this tasted. You’ve got to be kidding me. This was so great.

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Everything about this day was great.

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Once again I apologize for not discussing the wines. We had Pinot Noit, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. Well I may not have had the Cab Sav, as it may have been too heavy for the season. But nevertheless, everything was superb. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life.

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For more on Blue Marlin, click here. Here is their menu, events list, and contact information.

I want to make one last thing clear. All along had planned on writing this around mid September (I was here back in mid-June), and the timing could not be more appropriate.

I’m happy this beautiful area, nearby Anna Maria Island, and many other nearby places are overall still intact and will be opening for business soon.

More importantly, I’m grateful dear friends all across the coast are safe, secure, and will be able to get back to normal. A great set of cities, towns, and resorts have been spared.

And I can’t wait to be back again…

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Take good care,

Ideen

Good Friends Gathering

September 6, 2017September 6, 20171 Comment

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You don’t need wine to have an awesome gathering. But it certainly helps. So does good food. I mean when was the last time you were with friends, either inside or dining (see!) out, which didn’t involve one or the other, or both. And you can substitute wine for your favorite adult beverage. I mean it happens. Even the most serious of meetings involve something of sustenance.

And so it goes on. I was invited to a quite gathering of friends recently, and had no idea what I was getting myself into. I mean I’m close with the hosts, friends with many of the attendees, and I like a peaceful gathering. The difference is that this was a get together for a show that so many people adore, and up until this event, I had only seen once. Earlier in the season, I was invited to the premiere of this party, but chose to sit that one out. For the finale, I think I just wanted to be around friends.

And with friends means food, it means wine, it and it means good times.

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I didn’t do any intense research on what wind to bring. I was told stew was being served, so a medium bodied red wine is what came to mind. No it’s not quite time to completely switch over to reds, but I will be mixing up the whites, reds, and hopefully a few more Rosé as well.

In hindsight I’m glad the awkward change of the season lead to an awkward choice of wine.

The 2015 Reserva Malbec Petit Verdot from Oveja Negra is one of those wines that I can’t really get excited for. I’ve had previous vintages and thought the same ting. I’ve seen their bottles everywhere, and fortunately have never seen it priced for more than $10, so it does have that going for them.

There’s been gems and beauties that you can find under $10, but I can’t vouch for this one. Yes there’s a lovely sheep on the label, but sometimes that isn’t enough. This is coming from an animal lover. But it’s a different kind of sheep. Hmmm.. But enough about the label.

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This wine is dark. The berries are dark, there’s smoke, there’s pepper, but there might be other things that don’t make this the most welcoming of wines/ It’s simply a wine that you drink, might have it with some food, have another sip, and then you go do something else.

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This makes the goblet all the more apropos.

It’s not terrible but it’s not great. It’s an average wine that won’t offend anyone but I don’t think it will inspire anyone either.

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Being around great company will make any wine that much better. Which tells me that the wine might be even been that much more lackluster when in a much less welcoming or setting of solitude. It’s a medium to full bodied wine that is missing the components that make a wine stellar. There’s no length of boldness to it. I don’t ask for much but this isn’t offering much of anything.

Yet, every now and again I keep seeing this wine and I keep buying it, hoping it’ll inspire and move me in a powerful way. It didn’t happen this time. B

But there will always be a next time.

I love my friends, I love my family, and I love good times. Those mean more to me than any quality of wine. Well, the good food helps.

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That’s pork and some fantastic side items and foods. Oh this is yummy. The stew was incredible too, in case I hadn’t already said that.

For more on Oveja Negra click here. and here is their contact information.

Old Bridge Cellars is the importer, and they have an easy-to-use link to find this wine near you.

Thanks so much, and hopefully the pending change of the season, leads to some more exciting wines. My gut tells me yes.

Ideen

A Rosé By Any Other Name…

August 30, 2017August 30, 2017Leave a comment

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Charles & Charles is a label that stands out and may resonate with you, if you’ve seen it.

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It was only a matter of time, and there’s no time like now, but their 2016 Rosé is everything that you want in the Summer, or any climate that suits you for that matter.

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For my final post of August (how sad does that sound) 2017, it had to be a Rosé, and if this one was a letdown I would be honest about it. However, this is one of the better wines of its kind that you’re going to find. Oh cool that rhymed…

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What will stand out is the American Flags that adorn their labels. That’s always going to bring you in, and that’s before you’ve even had a sip. The patterns and colors will just hit you, and it’s hit me, even in a sea of hundreds of bottles in any aisle of your local wine supplier, their wines I’ve thought about, and I’ve never had one. Until last week.

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I will always be grateful and fortunate to have friends that simply say, stop by or invite me over to say hello. It’s informal, organic, spontaneous, and usually leads to the best of conversations.

The light pink, almost pale like color is another detail that can’t go unnoticed.

I’ve read multiple reviews of this wine, and seen so many different details and those notes you always heard about, expounded upon.

One term I’ve often not used, if ever, because I like to keep it simple, is acidity.

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Acidity is what gives the wine its sour kind of taste, even in those sweeter wines. This wine, with all its citrus and fruit flavors, has the perfect amount of acidity that counterbalances the slight sweetness of Charles and Charles’ gem of a wine.

Taking out any other technical details, this is jut an enjoyable wine. And my friend and I enjoyed this rather swiftly. Like most wines, I believe they all should be savored. But sometimes, and maybe more than sometimes, you’re on a roll. You’re enjoying the conversation, the setting, the weather, and all the other details of the universe that can’t be put into text, that the wine feels like its going down rather quickly, and all of a sudden its gone.

Sometimes it’s like that. Time is a relative thing. When life is good, it feels like time stands still. It also moves literally at the speed of light, or speed of a great Rose.

I would say this bottle was split in about an hour so, but does the time frame really matter? No food was paired with it, but you don’t need any. But at the same time a wine like this is so adaptive and versatile, that it can be paired with all kinds of finger foods and dishes. What you choose is up to you, and that’s all that matters. If it makes you happy, that’s all that matters.

This wine, not just this Rosé makes me happy, and like any awesome bottle, it will be one that will carry a good memory with me to last a lifetime. I’m glad this is how I had my first wine from Charles & Charles, and I know this won’t be the last.

At a price range from $11-$15, it’s worth more than just the dollar amount. It’s beautiful. And I’ve seen their labels at many a shoppe, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one near you.

I would also like to thank my friend for a few of the up-close photos that are displayed prominently throughout this post. I’m grateful.

For more on the wines of Charles & Charles‘ click here. More about them in video form (which is awesome by the way), a link to purchase their wines online, and their contact info.

Here’s my Rosé history lesson.

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Here’s to Summer. I hope to keep it going.

Thanks so much.

Ideen

…What Is Essential Is…

August 23, 2017August 23, 2017Leave a comment

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There are times when I do this, that I wonder why I keep doing this. I wonder if at some point I’ll become burnt out, or run out of fun wines to talk about. The former is possible, the latter well.. There will never be enough time to try all the wine. Hey!

After consecutive weeks of posts where all I did was review Whites and Rosé’s, it’s time to get back to what made me love wine in the first place, a simple, full bodied, and affordable red wine.

If it weren’t for dear friends of mine inviting me to dinner just hours ago, this may have been another white wine or Rosé post. The dinner that we had could only be justified with something full, something powerful, yet something approachable.

My friend suggested an Australian Shiraz, and I agreed, with pleasure. It didn’t take long to find something I liked. As a matter of fact, one jumped at me simply because of the label.

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The artwork and the beauty displayed from the 2014 Big Squeeze Shiraz by Evans & Tate will draw anyone in. This depiction of animals, nature, and all the elements that are bright in the world sold immediately.

Its at this moment, that after $14 later, I so badly want this wine to taste amazing. I already have a memory attached to it (its that dragonfly and butterfly, among all the other goodness), and I’ve yet to uncork (or in this case unscrew) this anticipatory bottle.

I’m so happy and grateful to report this wine was stellar upon opening, and got better with time. And then it just kept getting better with time. And this is all before dinner was served.

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So what is it about this wine, aside from the art? It comprises everything I grew to love about reds. First, I adore Shiraz. Second, it’s the simple inclusion of plum, cherry, pepper, among the other easiest elements of the universe. There’s lots of toasted oak too to almost make you think its a different season. Almost.

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In short, this wine is approachable, medium bodied (in my tasters opinion) for a Shiraz that it almost tastes light, and is perfect for the Summer. Yes you can have a red wine in the Summer and not feel bloated or regretful the next day. It’s tremendous, it’s beautiful, and it’s what a red wine is supposed to taste like.

And my goodness this is pair perfectly dinner. My friend was spot on with this call. For a wine that with a beautiful label that represents goodness and the best parts of our planet, it only made sense that this meal (mostly comprised of local and organic elements would go with our wine. Yes, our wine. The expectations were so high that two bottles were actually purchased.

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Not only did the wine wow us all, but so did the food. The meal which comprised of lamb sausage, pasta with homemade pesto and local basil, and local squash was a hearty yet the right kind of filling meal. A fuller bodied Shiraz or any red may have undermined what were dining on. It’s one of those things I realized while we were eating, and now as I write about this experience.

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And how could I forget the Caprese Salad? Joyous emotions all around. The tannin level on this wine leans towards the lower side, which in hindsight I appreciate even more. As much as I love high levels of tannin, it wouldn’t work with this meal, at least in this instance.

I just found this to be so perfect. It was so perfect, that the picture taking was limited. This was wine and meal I wanted to enjoy with my friends, and retain as many memories for myself and with my pals.

From when this wine was opened up until the conclusion of dinner was about an hour. I can’t tell you how great the food was, and I can’t elaborate properly how this wine got so much better with each minute of breathing. Some wines air out and then they settle into their intended taste for a while. This one just kept getting better with each sip. But this wine is something special.

But everything factors into an awe-inspiring wine experience; the company, the weather, the food, your mood, and every other element the universe decides to present to us.

The conversation was great, it was necessary, and it was therapeutic.

Life is good but as much as I love wine on my own, great company is always a welcome thing. And I’m grateful these folks are not only great company, but great friends.

And what wine is really that good if you can’t share it with good people.

Until today I’ve never seen this wine in my life. To see if this wine is available near you, click here. If not, you can also purchase this bottle online. This wine is listed anywhere from $10-$14 and I feel it tastes closer to a $20+ bottle. That’s meant as a compliment.

There’s still plenty of time to write about all the other wines that identify with the Summer. I sense this will resume next week.

So I’ll see you then. Thanks so much.

Ideen

More Bang For Your Buck

August 16, 2017August 16, 20172 Comments

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I went back to see the last time I did a post exclusively to Vinho Verde. How funny that is one year ago today (or tomorrow depending on where we are) that this happened.

I’m grateful that I did or I would be kicking myself for not supporting and promoting this fantastic wine, that should never be taken for granted. In the context of summer wines this is one that may get lost in the shuffle to some. But I will attempt to not let that happen again.

All you need to know about Vinho Verde is in this link right here, to see how easy it is to drink, understand, and appreciate in many different settings.

Since the wines are traditionally lower in alcohol content, that means they’re much easier to drink, more accessible to people who don’t love wine but are willing to try, and can be complemented with a plethora of meals, snacks, or with nothing at all.

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This most simple and peaceful of experiences takes me back to June, and a return to V-NO Wine Bar in the historic Fells Point neighborhood in Baltimore. Surprisingly to me, I’ve made only one post in regards to this beautiful space, and that can be found here.

That day I was with friends. I’ve been here many times with friends. On this visit, this was for me.

After taking a peaceful stroll around the beautiful rowhomes and remembering how much I need to appreciate these cobblestone streets, I made my way to V-NO on this most gorgeous of Saturday afternoons.

I think I got there as soon as it opened, so there was some level of enthusiasm on top of the spontaneity.

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I was welcomed by Jane, who I wish I had thanked sooner. She could not have been more accommodating. I told he about my blog, and she was happy to help. I took a lot of pictures but also helped her out in setting a few things up, since they just opened. Reciprocation is one of the joys of life, and makes us who we are.

Where is all this going? Well I wanted a wine, and in fact I got to try two. But for this weeks post I will focus on the Vinho Verde from Broadbent Selections.

Under the most peculiar of circumstances I think I would enjoy this wine. It’s so simple, so refreshing, and in many ways irresistible.

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I was outside, alone, yet the entire world around me was moving along at the most endearing of paces. There were walkers, joggers, bicyclists, folks on the nearby pirate cruise, and my favorite friends on four legs (leashed of course) were in abundance.

For a while I forgot where I was. It felt like a utopia. It was a good hour or so of just being. Yes I did take a few pictures but then I put the phone away and just chose to be. That’s not the easiest thing to do in the world we live in, but I think I pulled it off without even trying.

This is what I think… As enjoyable and simplistic as this wine was, it resonates with me much deeper than I or anyone else can explain. Yes it was a simple glass of wine but to me something else was going on here. And that part is just for me eyes and ears. I know you know what I’m talking about. We’ve all been there.

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There’s something about this wine, and not that just that beautiful label that drew me in. And I’ve had this one several times before but not like this. In the past it just was a wine I had and then I moved on and did something else. This could have been any wine in this session but it was this one for a reason. It tasted better than ever.

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Now I may have this again and it just goes back to being a good wine with fruits of summer and that clear color is nice to look at, and then that’s it. But at least for this day, this hour, this place in time it will mean more than even I’ll ever know.

And this wine can be found just about anywhere. I’ve seen at so many stores for under $10. Just another reason to love this.

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