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Thinking Out of the BoxSaturday’s Song: Stevie Wonder
Posted on May 19, 2012
“You are the sunshine of my life…that’s why I’ll always be around…
You are the apple of my eye…forever you’ll be in my heart.”
This song is one of my favorites…it’s easy to remember lyrics and tune as well as the memories it evokes. This video was made in 1974 in London and it was around that time when I first heard this song. I know that when you listen and watch (Little) Stevie you’ll have some great memories of your own or at least make some which are new! After you think about your plans for the weekend, consider…
What will be in your glass tonight?
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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Say “I Do!” to these Wine and Cheese Pairings~
Posted on May 17, 2012
It’s wedding season and couples around the globe are getting ready to share terms of endearment and say “I Do” to each other’s vows of commitment. One would hope that each of the pair will bring out the best in each other…to complement each others personalities and simply have fun together! Of course, all of us have had relationships which didn’t work out. For one reason or another, it just didn’t seem right. It was fun at first…lots of laughs and then there was just a bad taste in your mouth when you got home and it wasn’t only because your date forgot to put an Altoid in his/her mouth before that kiss. It was because there wasn’t any chemistry or yin/yang between the two of you.
Do you see where I’m going with this? The relationship between wine and cheese is the same way! Throw the birdseed and blow the bubbles! On to the reception!
Sooo, keep in mind when pairing my fave duo:
- Match the acidity level in the cheese to the acidity level in the wine. (If the couple is equally acidic, then maybe they’ll find a sense of humor in their snarkiness…)
- Match the intensity of the cheese to the intensity of the wine~ Yowza!!
- Contrast the flavors – in other words, opposites attract! Pair a rich creamy cheese such as Brie with a dry Champagne! You’re a handy(wo)man and your partner can’t hang a picture to save his/her life? Awesome!!
- If possible, pair the cheese and wine from the same region because of its terroir- they may express the same characteristics and complement each other…Just like a Southern Belle and a Good ‘Ole Boy~ But it’s ok if you don’t! Many of the cheeses listed below are paired with wines not from their region…like a Southern Girl with a Cheesehead perhaps?? (ummm-that would be me!)
- Balance! Taste the wine and cheese…are you able to identify the flavors of each? None should outweigh the other~ The various personalities should shine through!
- If you are happy with whatever wine you pair with your cheese, it’s a good match! Hey, in the wine world, rules can be/are often broken! Congratulations!!
So, following is a selected list of possible wine and cheese pairings~ Will you say “I do” to these choices?
Baby Swiss + Asti Spumanti
Boursin + Gewurtztraminer
Brie from France + dry Champagne
Brie from the U.S. + Beaujolais
Aged Cheddar + Sauvignon Blanc, Rioja (and let’s be honest here…a good beer)
Danish Blue Cheese + Cabernet Sauvignon
Edam + Riesling
Emmenthaler + Alsatian Riesling, Beaujolais
Fontina + Barbera, Nebbiolo
Goat Cheese + Sancerre, Vouvray (one of my favorite pairings!
Gouda + Champagne
Smoked Gouda + Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre
Gruyere + Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Manchego + Rioja
Pecorino Romano + Chianti Reserva
Provolone + Chardonnay
Roquefort + Sauterne, Tawny Port
Sometimes, real life couples get together against all odds…and it works! So if you have a wine and cheese pairing which you love yet doesn’t fit the “formula”, let all of us know! It’s all about having fun and making whatever you decide work for you!
Cheers! I’ll send a gift!! ~ Cindy
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Wine for your Weekend – May 18-20, 2012
Posted on May 16, 2012
It’s Wednesday and you are already thinking about your weekend plans and perhaps which wines to purchase. Each Wednesday, I will post two recommendations for your weekend wine choices which are under $20.00 – one white and one red.
**The Guardian 2010 Sonoma Chardonnay - With a price tag of only $10.00, this 100% Chardonnay is vinted from grapes picked from several areas in Sonoma County, California. Showing a pale lemon color and aromas of peach, apple, lemon, and vanilla, this blanced wine was just a safe bet with light appetizers and pasta. On the palate, I tasted more intense apples and lemon. Go ahead and find The Guardian which in French means “lighthouse keeper” – you won’t hit any rocks on the crazy sea of wine with this choice!
**Haras Estate Carmenere 2009 – From an estate vineyard in the foothills of the Andes Mountains this wine consists of 100% Carmenere, Chile’s signature grape. I loved the deep ruby color and its strong aromas of black fruit and spice. Upon tasting, I identified figs, smoke, and more black fruit! Full bodied, well balanced, and bold, this Big and Beautiful wine had 14.5% alcohol but a skinny price…around $12.00! This is a great value and if you’ve never had a Chilean Carmenere, this is one to try!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Tags: carmenere, chardonnay
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Wine Tasting Etiquette *or* Manners Do Matter!
Posted on May 14, 2012
If you’re a newbie to the wine tasting world or a seasoned swirler, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the manners that matter when going to a wine event. Lately, it seems, I have been attending more and more trade and industry events, public wine tastings, and more intimate tastings with friends. Not that rules can’t be broken – they can, of course, without the chastising of the Wine Police – but it makes for a better experience for you, other attendees, and the tasting hosts if you adhere to a few simple rules.
- Hold your glass at the stem so that you have more control of the glass itself and so the warmth of your fingers won’t affect the wine.
- If you are at a large tasting event and go to each winemaker’s table, let them pour, listen to their explanation of the wines, and enjoy! Ask questions of the winemaker, distributor, or another who is pouring, but don’t monopolize their time since there may be others waiting to taste.
- Reserve your opinion of the wine after everyone has tasted…or just jot down notes in your journal. And be appropriate and respectful with your comments!
- In the event that there are many people waiting for a spot at the table, back away and let others take your place. In other words, don’t overstay your welcome!
- Instead of guzzling the wine, take time to check out the aromas after a few swirls then sip! Try to identify those aromas and tastes and write it down in your journal or program from the event.
- Many people drink too much at wine tastings and regret it later! You can take a sip then pour the wine from the glass to a bucket which is always on the tasting table or spit. And if you spit, be mindful of those around you and be accurate if you know what I mean!
- Don’t wear a white shirt, dress, or jacket to a tasting! I think the reasoning behind this tip is obvious (ummm, bucket backsplash)!!
- You don’t need to rinse your glass after every tasting. However, tasting a white then a red wine demands a rinse…with the red wine you’ll be trying!
- If you are at a winery’s tasting room, you shouldn’t feel obligated to join their wine club or purchase wine. But it you do, that’s great and you’ll be able to enjoy the wine later and savor the memories of your tasting!!
I guess everything you need to know about wine wasn’t taught in Kindergarten! But the ideas of courtesy and respect towards others who are proud of what they do were! Mama would be proud!! So, remember your manners and enjoy your tasting journey!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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Saturday’s Song – Mr. T (Treat Your Mother Right)
Posted on May 12, 2012
If this isn’t the best rap song for Mother’s Day, I don’t know what is… Mr. T, wearing his Daisy Dukes, fifty pounds of bling, and a might fine mohawk, makes sure everyone knows how to treat a mom. He reminds us that she took our temperature when we were sick and stayed up late waiting for us to get home among other maternal duties. And of course, he has some ideas for Mother’s Day. So be sure to treat your Mother right and let me know…
What’s in your glass tonight? Mine will be something sparkling…like Mr. T’s necklace!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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