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Van The Wine Man's Most Popular - 2015

Here is a recap of my most popular posts of 2015:

Wine-O wall at Brian McClintic's Les Marchands

Wine-O wall at Brian McClintic's Les Marchands

Brian McClintic, Master Sommelier And Much More

The SOMM star talked about managing his insane schedule, promoting winemaking in Santa Barbara, and his philosophy on wine service.

Wine Talk With Rajat Parr

The two-time James Beard Award winner and extraordinary wine taster discussed his four current winemaking projects and the importance of trying different wines to expand your palate.

Dave Danhi Thinks Grilled Cheese Needs Veterans, And Wine

The man behind The Grilled Cheese Truck has ambitious and creative plans for such a simple and delicious staple of life.

Sandhi and Domaine De La Cote - Santa Barbara Stars

Rajat Parr sat me up in his tasting room to try several examples of the excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir coming out of Santa Barbara County.

A Visit To Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello

Favorite memories from a drive up the mountain, with Paul Draper, Monte Bello assemblage, and pieces of Ridge history.  

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Are You Trying Different Wines?

If you simply like wine, should you feel the need to expand your tasting experiences? There are numerous practical reasons to do so. All your current favorites will eventually become unavailable, so you will need replacements! Then there is this advice from Rajat Parr:

Impromptu tasting at Coppia, Portland, OR

Impromptu tasting at Coppia, Portland, OR

"The only way your palate will evolve is to taste different things. If you taste the same things every day, you’re not evolving your palate. Keep an open mind, try different things, that’s the most important thing." 

If you think you only like a limited few wines, you may be surprised at how many more wines you could be liking. Get out and try something strange, intimidating, or pink. For each wine you are drinking today, there are dozens more that you will find equally pleasing and exciting to explore and share. 

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One Year Of Wine

Today marks one year of Van The Wine Man online.

At Peter Luger - Reservations in background

At Peter Luger - Reservations in background

It has been fun traveling from coast to coast, connecting with many people responsible for delivering outstanding wines and restaurant service. Then, meeting even more consumers like myself, and sharing our experiences. The exploration was exhilarating, and memories satisfying.

I am even more excited about the next year. This first year was about proving to myself that I could keep the blog consistent, and make it relevant. Now, I expect an upgrade, from more helpful and timely content, to greater interaction with fellow and future winos. 

Good wine, and learning all about it, continues to become more easily accessible. I will continue on the path of guiding you to memorable and satisfying wining and dining experiences, and hope you will share your discoveries. Thank you for going on this journey with me.

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Wine From Unexpected Places

Wines often surprise with unheard of grapes, but unexpected stories also surround their points of origin. Check out this delicious tour across continents:

Pietradolce Etna Rosso 2013

Made from Nerello Mascalese, grown on the "northern slopes" of Mount Etna, Sicily, the largest active volcano in Europe. Dirty and stony, for sure! - $22

Domaine de Fontsainte La Demoiselle 2013

Not so surprising a place, (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) but with antique vines planted by the Romans, on a thermal spring. A tasty blend of Carignan, Grenache, and Mourvedre. - $20

Campolargo Valdazar 2009

Trincadeira da Bairrada, Touriga Nacional, Baga, and Tinta Barroca grapes from Portugal. That sums it up. Ripe and earthy, with lasting length. - $20

Channing Daughters Rosato Di Cabernet Franc 2014

A Long Island, New York winery, with a reputation for experimentation. Like this Rosé made from 100% Cabernet Franc. Crispy citrus flavors and bone dry. - $20

Lieu Dit Pinot Noir Santa Ynez Valley 2013

Sommeliers like Eric Railsback flocking to make wine in the Santa Barbara area is no surprise. The volume of fantastic wines, and that they remain undiscovered by the mainstream, is another story. Bright red cherries, with acidity and a fantastic finish. - $40

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Wine Cork Conversations

The cork may be as socially impactful as wine itself. I have heaps of corks displayed or stashed in a variety of containers around my house, where their colors and names add visuals to the sharing of experiences. But conversations around these small stoppers are much greater than these conversations in my kitchen.

Corks vs "other" closures is a subject of hot debate and lobbying. Discussion carries on regarding sustainability, costs, and corked wines. While natural corks remain the preferred method of closure by winemakers, the competition is inching closer. 

Recycling and repurposing of corks appears fit to take off, with ReCork claiming to have collected over forty-nine-million. As more people drink wine regularly, expect to see additional drop-off points as cork recycling goes mainstream.

Decor and the use of corks for artistic expression is an expansive industry for both professionals and hobbyists. Just search "wine corks" on Pinterest. You could possess the ideas or designs to become the next (first?) famous cork artist of the world!

Do you have a side in the cork vs other debate,  or would you miss corks if they were only used for ultra-premium wines? What do you do with your wine corks? Post a comment, or a picture of your cork project for me to share. 

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Wine Stories - Paydirt, Paso Robles

Going For Broke label

Going For Broke label

Patrick McNeil always brings non-traditional artistic expression to the wines he works with. An entrepreneur on the business side of wine, he was previously behind the design and marketing of The Prisoner, among others. Now with winemaker McPrice Myers, he has his own memorable brand on the market, Paydirt. The label on the current Going For Broke blend is part of a larger work of art, with another piece of the puzzle appearing on a different bottling, Reckless Abandon. Perhaps there will be additional wild-eyed labels in the series, and exciting red blends to match!

Paydirt Going For Broke 2013 - A mouthful of a red blend, with Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Mourvedre. A juicy balance of dark berries, medium tannins, some peppery spice, a taste of The Dirt of Paydirt, and a pleasantly lingering finish. $30

Art on the wall of Paydirt

Art on the wall of Paydirt

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The Wine Community-Building Power of SOMM

Passionate wine community following a SOMM screening

Passionate wine community following a SOMM screening

Whenever I view SOMM with people that are seeing it for the first time, the audience reaction reminds me just how emotionally-charged the film is. This is especially so with responses in a crowded theater. The amplified "Awwwws" and gasps during the scenes where the sommeliers receive the results of their Master Sommelier exams, or when we learn they are never told the correct identity of the tasting wines, are particularly stirring. These collective, engaged expressions create a warm sense of comaraderie, that everyone in the audience is going through the testing process together with the somms. 

The sense of community lingers after the film, as people gather over their glasses to compare viewing notes. Conversations carry on about the talent and commitment of the somms, how unbelievably rigorous the MS program must be, or favorite lines like Brian McClintic's "...tannins that ripped your face off!" The best observations are of how the film has inspired the viewers to taste and educate themselves about a broader scope of wines. Question and answer sessions lead to deeper discussions, with notes recorded for future reference. New friendships are initiated, with plans set in motion to share further in the mutual love of wine. Wine brings passionate people together, and SOMM escalates wine's societal effects.

SOMM is a special kind of film for wine lovers, and the show will go on: SOMM: Into The Bottle will premier as the opening feature of the Napa Valley Film Festival on November 11th, 2015. It will star many of the wine superheroes from the original cast, and if the initial teaser is any indication, the same powerful emotional impact from the first film carries on as well. Follow me for more details on the sequel as they become available.

Download SOMM or buy it on DVD

View my previous post: SOMM - The Addictively Emotional Wine Film

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Elway's, Denver - Winning Wine And Service

Visits to two of John Elway's upscale steakhouses in Denver could not have been under more opposite circumstances, yet both yielded outstanding experiences worth repeating. 

Elway's Downtown

Elway's Downtown

First, my wife and I were thrilled with an anniversary dinner at Elway's Downtown, inside the Ritz-Carlton. Arriving for a reservation, we were recognized and seated immediately in a cozy, semi-private booth, complete with flowers. Several members of management and staff cared for us throughout the evening, with Executive Sommelier Gail Oversteg taking the lead. She gave excellent recommendations from the wine list and food menu. A pair of truly prime steaks were perfectly prepared, and we are now loyal users of Elway's steak seasoning. Gail continued to exceed expectations throughout the evening. After I inquired about the aerator she used to decant our Burgundy, she produced a new, boxed and gift-bagged version of the device that we gladly purchased at cost. 

On another trip, we made a spontaneous drop-in to Elway's at the airport, on a game day no less. Anxious about a short layover, yet hungry for great food, we cautioned the hostess of our dilemma. She mentioned that the menu would be limited (no prime steak this trip) for such a brief meal, but assured us it could be done. Our waiter, Andrew, was aware of our time frame when he introduced himself, and reassured us we were in good shape. A strong list of wines by the glass included selections like Guigal Cotes du Rhone and Acacia Pinot Noir. The Spicy Steak Chili was exactly that, with chopped chunks of beef bringing serious heat. Andrew presented the check immediately after our meal. We were in, out, and fully satisfied in twenty-five minutes! 

Completely different experiences in scope, with identical happiness. Elway's has a high-five recommendation for wine, food, and service.

Elway's Downtown - Ritz-Carlton 1881 Curtis St. Denver, CO  80202

Elway's - Ritz-Carlton Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
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Missouri, The Show Me Wine State

You might not have Missouri at the top of your wine destination list, but it has much to be discovered. If you find yourself in the midwest, fall presents some of it's best wine experiences.

Missouri Is Full Of Wineries

September is Missouri Wine Month. Spread throughout the state are over one-hundred-twenty wineries, offering styles of wine to please any taste. My brother-in-law's family owns the DeLaney Vineyard and Winery in Nevada, where they produce wines from nine grape varietals, all planted and developed in a little over a decade. Ten wine trails connect the dots for day trips or weekends of tasting delight.

Grape Varietals Of Missouri

Missouri's grapes may be unfamiliar, with names like Catawba and Cayuga. There are no Cabernet or Chardonnay vineyards, but countless options emerge from the eleven grapes that excel in the state. My favorites are made from the Norton, which produces a bold, dry, red. It is the oldest native grape in the United States, with ties, like most U.S. wine subjects, back to Thomas Jefferson. Some of the best Nortons come out of Stone Hill Winery in Hermann. Historic itself, the winery has existed since 1847, and was once one of the largest winemaking operations in the country. Like many of the wineries, they offer regular tours, and host frequent special events that are open to the public.

If you need further motivation to taste and tour the wineries of Missouri, there is natural beauty to behold. Fall foliage will be breaking out in brilliant color in the coming weeks, adding to picturesque settings on rolling hills alongside rushing rivers across the state.

Missouri offers an experience with all the history, variety, and good wine as more well-known areas. You just have to imagine sipping your Seyval Blanc instead of Sauvignon Blanc while watching the sunset.

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Don't Judge - Simple Service

I have a friend who is a member of the Joseph Phelps Preferred Wine Club, and has verticals of Insignia and Backus Cabernet in storage. You might not pick him out of a lineup to be the wine collector. I witnessed a server in a full-service restaurant with a solid selection of wine offer my friend every drink available except the wine list. After the list was asked for and delivered, the server highlighted only wines by the glass. For whatever reason, this server had determined my friend was not a serious wine drinker. 

A server in a restaurant with any wine program at all should have the list at the ready, if not on the table, when making introductions. After that, there are simply too many potential unknowns to judge a diner on appearance. If the server had offered the list going in, he might not have found out about my friend’s collection of wine, but he would certainly have known he was likely to order a bottle. When selling a full-service experience that is attracting sophisticated diners, it is a good rule to expect that they want your best, regardless of appearance. Or at least that they want to see your wine list.

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Half-Price Wine On Sundays At Garozzo's, Kansas City

I am rarely in favor of discounting by full-service restaurants, but Garozzo's of Kansas City has a wine promotion that works splendidly: Half-Priced Wine Every Sunday

While enjoying your Chicken Spiedini on Sunday nights, you can take your pick of Garozzo's wines for half the listed prices. It is a sizable list, with numerous Italians to choose from, and is already reasonably priced. With the Sunday discount, your bottle may be less than retail, where you may have difficulty finding some of the selections. On my original Sunday trip, I found a 1998 Anselma Barolo for $40. Already brick in color, with classic tar and roses, and a sweet finish, this was the wine that solidified my Nebbiolo love. 

Once you hit the one-hundred-dollar bottles, you get fifty-dollars off, but no wines are excluded from discounting, and Garozzo's has maintained Half-Priced Wine Sundays for many years. A great deal you can count on for wine, delicious food, and a "family" atmosphere...It is a combination that is difficult to top. 

Garozzo's Ristorante - 526 Harrison St., Kansas City, MO  64106

Garozzo's Ristorante Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
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Extreme Accommodation - Raya At Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

Solid restaurant service is often accomplished by simply accommodating a diner's request, and the best in the business know how to over-deliver on all expectations. But few achieve stunning service, which my wife and I experienced at Raya inside the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

Ready And Willing Service

Stunning views of the ocean 150 feet below

Stunning views of the ocean 150 feet below

We were not guests of the hotel, nor were they expecting us. It was a spontaneous visit while on a coastal drive, with expectations only of "something good at a Ritz." But it was three in the afternoon, the restaurants were closed, and it would be almost two hours before one of the bars opened. We saw a busy server inside Raya, and asked if there were anywhere on the property we could get wine and a snack. He was easy-going and engaging, appearing to empathize with our plight. He invited us into the empty restaurant, where he showed us the fantastic views of the beach and ocean below, before asking us to take a seat at a table. He said he would see what he could arrange for us.

Above And Beyond Service

When he returned with waters, he asked if we had any specific wines or snacks in mind. We were open to anything considering the circumstances, but he pressed us on wine. I mentioned that I had been on a French Syrah trend. He departed again, returning shortly with a platter of cheeses, nuts, and olives, simple and satisfying. He explained that Raya did not have any French wines by the glass, but that he had something in the works. Soon, he was back again, this time with three glasses of French reds, including a Syrah, from the neighboring wine bar. 

We were shocked at the lengths to which this lone waiter went to give us an unforgettable experience. He looked after us for over an hour, while tending to his planned duties. If this is how the Raya staff treats drop-ins, the treatment when they are actually open for business must be special indeed!

Raya, Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel - One Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, CA  92629

Raya Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
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A Visit To Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello

I visited Ridge Vineyards' Monte Bello Estate high atop the Santa Cruz Mountains during the final assemblage of their 2006 flagship wine. I recently happened upon a supply of the wine, and enjoyed recalling one of my best winery experiences. 

Paul Draper - Legendary Winemaker

Anything Ridge begins with Paul Draper, the chief winemaker since 1969 and CEO since 1988. Draper is one of the most-decorated winemakers in the world, including the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits, which he won shortly before my visit in 2007. He is an advocate for quality and transparency in winemaking, and Ridge has listed all ingredients on their labels since 2012. It was intriguing to have a conversation with Paul at ease in his element. With one of wine's greatest resumes, he remains eagerly hospitable. When setting up my visit, I copied three Ridge employees on my request email, and who do you think replied first and most-graciously? That's right, Paul Draper. 

Monte Bello Assemblage

Tasting the individual components of the 2006 Monte Bello was extremely interesting, with guidance from Ridge vice president of winemaking for Monte Bello, Eric Baugher. A Santa Cruz-area native who grew up farming before earning degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, Baugher has been with Ridge since 1994. During the tasting, he explained in depth the constantly-refined science of winemaking at Ridge. The Monte Bello is a Bordeaux-style blend is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc grapes, all grown on the Monte Bello Estate. Draper likes to say, "Wines make themselves", and the cool, mountain-top climate and terroir undoubtedly "make" this standout wine as much as the winemakers.  

Ridge Vineyards and Wine History

2006 marked the thirtieth anniversary of the famed Judgement of Paris, where the 1971 Ridge Monte Bello placed fifth. It was celebrated with a re-tasting of the same wines from the seventies, and this time around, the Monte Bello lead the way for the now dominant American wines. The 2006 version is promoted as a "direct descendant" of the winning wine.  But sentimental feelings for the 2006 aside, any year is likely to impress. At the assemblage tasting I also savored a couple of glasses of the 1978. Browned at the edges, yet bright and fresh, with a fantastic(!) taste of forest floor, this library selection was still very much alive. Always concentrated and complex, Ridge Monte Bello is built to please now or for the long-haul.

Along with the excellent wine and conversation, the humility and commitment to great wine at Ridge must be appreciated. During my visit, there was not a peep of the accolades from the thirty-year anniversary of the Judgement, nor Paul Draper's James Beard Award. All talk was about the current and future wines. If you have the opportunity, take the long, winding road up the mountain to Ridge, a unique and memorable wine experience.

Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello - 17100 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA  95014

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Lessons With Wine Exploration

Always eager to try a different style of wine, I was excited when friends brought me straight from Germany a bottle of Schreieck Faszination Scheurebe Trocken 2014. The wine was a treat, but more, it made me think of all the lessons to be learned while exploring the background of just one bottle:

  • Fun with Languages - There were a minuscule twelve-thousand search returns for "weingut schreieck", and almost none in English. Site translation proved helpful to an extent, and reasoning on a variety of unfamiliar German words and phrases proved challenging, but intriguing. The Faszination line appears to describe wines that are as elegant and "delightful as you are". Also the description might read "good for happy hours", and "especially at night".
  • Underlying and Unexpected Flavors - I felt this particular bottle was dominated by a thick layer of grapefruit. This is apparently common with wines from the Scheurebe grape, a mysterious offshoot of Riesling. The winery promotes gooseberry and rhubarb notes. My tongue is not keen enough to recognize such specific flavors, but they made sense after I read the literature. Interestingly, a search finds everything from Pinterest boards to toiletry product lines of "grapefruit and gooseberry". Who knew?
  • (More) Level Playing Field - Almost hidden in the description is the wine's Silberne, or Silver Kammerpreismunze, a German state's Chamber of Agriculture-awarded medal for wine quality. It appears Germany attempts to reward quality in the glass, rather than location, tradition, etc. It would be interesting to see how an overarching, state-run, wine ratings system would be received in America.

These are only a few of the interesting references available on the web about a somewhat obscure wine. Much like wine choices, information about wine has never been more available. And, I had as much fun reading up on the wine as drinking it. What do you like to learn while wine-ing around?

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When Spouses Disagree About Wine

It is fortunate for me that my wife is just as big a wine lover as I am. Unfortunately, that does not guarantee we are always in agreement. With the dog days of summer upon us, one of those disagreements, the drinking of white wine, arises regularly. I enjoy a variety of whites. For an opposing point of view, I am happy to introduce my first guest wino, Wife of Wine Man…

 

Instead of white wine

So it's hotter than a Dallas billionaire's trophy wife believes she is. This raises a dilemma in the Van The Wine Man household. Wife of Wine Man (that's me) doesn't like white wine. 

I know, I know. Blah blah. Every now and then an extremely chilled Sauvignon Blanc, that has strong essence of grapefruit and/or tastes like it was rolling around with those stones you used to get in your jeans pockets in the eighties, since the eighties, will work. Other than that, I'm out. 

(My undaunted wine hero did chill a red for me recently more than the norm. And you know what? Loved it!) 

All the pros always tout “no rules” and “drink what you like”, so there you go! What's your wine answer to fry an egg on the sidewalk temps?

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A Great Wine Program - Ruth's Chris, Destin

I rarely find memorable experiences at chain restaurants, much less outstanding wine programs and service. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Destin, Florida delivered a completely unexpected pleasure on a recent visit.

Intriguing Diddle-Speak

Intriguing Diddle-Speak

My wife and I arrived early for a reservation and decided to have a cocktail at the bar. Beverage Director Skot Harville overheard my request for the wine list, which he delivered. After browsing, I asked which wines were drinking well that he would recommend to go with dinner. Without hesitation he suggested the Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino 2010, priced with a hefty markup at $150. Everything was proceeding as I would expect at an upscale chain restaurant, with somewhat impersonal exchanges building up to a high-dollar wine pitch.

But the conversation expanded as we enjoyed our cocktails and studied the list. Skot described the Brunello in depth, asked questions about our wine preferences, and we discussed various regions of Italy. Next, he surprised us when he began bringing out bottles for us to taste, each served in a new glass with a significant pour. First there was Southern Belle Precious Syrah 2011, a Spanish wine supposedly finished in old Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon barrels. It was full and spicy initially, then as promised, wood-charred and sweet on the finish. As interesting as the wine was, the back label verbiage might have been even better. He followed that with a new bottle of Cheval des Andes 2010, a joint project of Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. A Malbec-based Bordeaux blend, it was almost black, with floral and minerals heaped upon layers of dark berries. As he opened the bottle, he justified out loud that he would save the rest for a large group that evening. We would have enjoyed either of the other wines, but chose the big Brunello for dinner, which was opened at the bar for a quick gasp of air. We lingered several minutes after finishing our drinks enjoying the wine talk. 

Our table had been ready for twenty minutes, but there was no pressure to be seated. "Whenever you are ready", said the hostess. Dinner was excellent, with solid team service. Skot checked at the table to confirm we agreed the Brunello drank well with our steaks. The pairing was very nice, although I saved most of the wine to savor after the meal. It was bold, but not too big, with burned edges, very dry, and long-lasting. I returned to the bar before we left to thank Skot and snap photos of the earlier wines. I mentioned my interest in the Cheval des Andes, and he allowed me to purchase a bottle for just above his cost, a nice discount from retail price. 

This Ruth's Chris experience, dominated by the basics of great service, wine and steak, is my favorite from a large-scale steakhouse. It would have been better than average had I not been engaged by Skot at the bar, but his attention and interest put it over the top. When in Destin, be sure to look him up.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - 15000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Silver Shells Resort, Destin, FL 32541

Ruth's Chris Steak House Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
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Wine Stories - Allora Vineyards

Wines are always accompanied by stories. My friends gifted me two delightful wines from Allora Vineyards. I was not familiar, so I read up on their history. Owner Terry Klein spent his teenage years in Napa Valley, and dreamed making fine wine. Returning as an adult with his wife Nancy, they purchased a pasture in St. Helena in 1998, and commenced growing what would become Allora. In a short time, they have turned out a solid product line from their former pasture. 

Allora Vineyards Lusso Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - With tannins smoothed out, a gentle giant emerged. Layers of complexity expressed themselves over time, with red berries, chocolate, and wood tones. A 100% Cabernet Reserve wine.

Allora Vineyards Cielo Red Proprietary Blend 2011 - A rustic, slightly spicy wine reflecting Italian style. Also very smooth, and dry at the end. The blend is 75% Sangiovese and 25% Cabernet. 

Additional wines include a Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc.

Another story is on the Lusso label, which features the art of Margaret Keane, famous for her Big Eyes paintings and the 2014 film centered on her life story. In the poster the label is taken from, three young women sit contemplating over their wine. Looking closely, you can see a tiny Cielo bottle on the right side of the print. 

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Cool Red Wines For Summer?

If the idea of "cool" and "red" applied to wine seems out of the ordinary, it is because we typically drink red wine that is too warm. The concept of chilling red wines may take some getting used to, but is worth trying out. Especially when the summer heat is on.

Finer wines and heavier reds will not display their full aromatic character and complexity if too cool. But chances are, you have never had a red wine that was "too cool". Reds should be optimal when served between fifty-five and sixty-five degrees. A half-hour in the refrigerator before pulling the cork will give you a refreshingly different version of your favorite wine. Heat, even prolonged exposure to room temperature, is a primary enemy of red wine. If keeping an open bottle in the refrigerator will help sustain it for multiple days, why wouldn't cooling it briefly before opening make it more drinkable?

Maybe you don't want to put ice in your red wine, but give the chill a chance for a satisfying summer experience.

My preferred wine for outdoor grilling season is a light and fruity Barbera. What about you? What is your favorite chilled red wine for summertime?

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Wine Tasting And Changing Tastes

Have you ever found a wine you really enjoyed, so you bought more, but when you tried it again you were really disappointed? While the wine could be different, it more likely could have been factors affecting your sense of taste that was responsible for the let down. 

A multitude of signals are combined by our brains to tell us what we are tasting. The process is complicated by approximately everything around and about us. Consider just a few things that can have impact on taste:

  • Air
  • Weather
  • Our and others' clothing
  • Who sat at the table before us
  • Fragrances, candles, and air fresheners
  • What was used to clean the glass, table, or room
  • What we ate or drank earlier
  • Our mood

The influences on our individual tastes are limitless and confounding. And cause constant adapting, expanding or contracting, and changing of our tastes. If you have a disappointment with a wine you previously liked, give it another try later. Your tastes may be leveraged by something other than the wine!

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Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, Seattle Wine Tasting

I visited the Seattle location of Purple Cafe & Wine Bar on a hot weekday afternoon, intent on trying the wine program. Upon entering, I was drawn to the unavoidable vision of the immense wine tower in the center of the restaurant and bar. Hundreds of bottles surrounded the cylindrical tower, wrapped by a spiral staircase leading to the upper level. Floor to ceiling windows brought full lighting and color to the centerpiece, making it even more spectacular. 

The wine list, while close to one-hundred pages, is not your typical volume. A selection of aperitifs, and why you want to drink them, precedes "brewed liquids" and almost thirty wine flight options. From simple descriptions (Rose, Spain) to clever, (Acid Freaks, Earth) there is a trio of wines to please any taste. Next are in-depth sections on Madeira and Sherry, with accompanying flights. Sixty wines by the glass from all over the world (Slovenia?) are available, and they are happy to provide a taste of any of these. Then comes the long list of bottles, with explanations of style and particular wines that are both informational and entertaining. "We were going to wait until they were old enough to drive, but we figured most of us got our learner's permit around this age" says the introduction to the trio of E. Guigal Cote Rotie 2000s. There is not a corkage charge on the first bottle, and most of the bottles are available for "retail sale" at forty-percent off the list price.

I enjoyed two flights of reds from France and Spain, while snacking on Gorgonzola-Stuffed Dates and Baked Brie. The pours were generous and full. Brief description cards helped identify the wines, but did not provide tasting notes that would affect my expectations of what I should taste. My server brought two additional red wines that she described as staff picks for the foods. This leads to another note on the wine list: "Every dish on our menu has been paired through a daily collaboration between our chefs and sommeliers." The staff was fully prepped and ready to recommend a wine for any dish on the menu.

Service was excellent throughout, and observant. At one point, the sun began to shine through the window on my table, immediately increasing heat and glare. No more than a moment later, the blinds to that window were being closed. My server checked on me and asked if I would be comfortable enough to remain at that table. 

Purple is a different kind of wine bar, offering complete wine tasting experiences, for beginners to world explorers. I could easily see myself becoming a regular visitor, working my way round and around the globe, a glass at a time.

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar - 1225 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA  98101

Purple Cafe and Wine Bar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
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