The Wining Woman

It’s no secret that I love sparkling wine! In fact, for me, a nice bubbly is all I really need. This time of year is ideal for that. Starting with Christmas morning.. the always fabulous Veuve Cliquot Brut was delicious with our brunch.Thank you Steve for bringing that gem along.  The celebration doesn’t stop there either since my  birthday comes right between Christmas and New Years. Most people think this is a bad thing but for me the bubbly just continues to flow. A very nice Charles Heidseick was just the right thing with our sushi platter. Now we move into the New Year.. Many choices are out there beyond Champagne itself. For the budget minded, a nice prosecco or Cava is perfect. I love the Zardetto Prosecco or the Riondo. Both are around $10. Segura Viudas is one of my all time favorite Cavas.. and there is also sparklers from Argentina such as Pascual Toso Brut.
If it has to be Champagne .. that is the sparkling wine specifically from the Champagne region of France it is actually a good time to buy as prices have really come down due to the bad economy,  (the good things that come from this!)  There are some excellent sparkling wines that are made in the same method as Champagne but are really excellent for the budget minded with my favorite still being the Domaine Ste Michelle Brut from Washington State. This still costs around $12.00 bottle.
Whatever you choose, take it easy, pace yourself and enjoy!
Cheers for a very Happy 2010!
The Wining Woman

PLEASE CONTINUE TO VOTE FOR OUR BLOG DAILY

Zita Keeley’s Wine School – Dinner at the Melting Pot Tue Jan 12, 2010

Not sure if that’s actually a word but the Sebeka 2007 Shiraz-Pinotage that my husband and I shared last night with our Christmas eve meal was full of deliciousness! A ton of dark fruit and chocolate on the nose with an almost tingly, peppery quality on the tongue and a full and satisfying finish. We actually drank this wine with the entire meal and after.. that consisted of cauliflower soup with shrimp followed by roast beef with sauteed kale and smashed garlic potatoes. The wine didn’t fade or overpower with any of the dishes and continued to be enjoyed after the food was gone. We have decided to return to the store where we bought this wine and stock up. For those of you not familiar with Pinotage, it is a grape that is particular to South Africa and generally has a very intense smokiness. Blended with the Shiraz was a real treat.
Cheers,
The Wining Woman

PLEASE VOTE FOR OUR BLOG DAILY

Zita Keeley’s Wine School

I am not a big Zinfandel lover but lastnight wanted to have a big wine to share with my husband who was devouring a big T-bone steak! Being in a restaurant, I didn’t want to spend a lot either so decided on the seemingly reasonably priced Zin 91 Old Vine Zinfandel 2006- California.

Old Vines are known for creating big and fruity wines and this was no exception. The color is dark and plum like with an intense nose of plum that carried through to the palate. Good spice and pepper on the palate too with surprisingly good balance.
There’s a great story behind this wine that is represented by the bottle’s label. Showing a man with a lightbulb above his head it seems this represents the original winemaker, Hubert Opici, who on his 91st birthday was remembering how great the Zinfandels were when  he started making wine way back when and the best were from these old Zinfandel vines that were planted in 1891. That was his “aha” moment, when the light bulb went off and he decided to make those wonderful wines again.
For me, this is a terrific and economical Zinfandel choice. While we paid $29 at the restaurant it is available in shops for around $14.00. Enjoy.

Cheers,
The Wining Woman

PLEASE VOTE FOR OUR BLOG DAILY

Zita Keeley’s Wine School – March 2010 classes

Only one week to go before Christmas is here. I haven’t done ANY shopping yet but realize that it is going to be a sparse year for gifts anyway. For all of you wine lovers out there, the great news is there are many wine bargains to be had. The cost for wines has come down dramatically over this past year. While we attribute much of that to the economy, the fact is that many wines have been overpriced because they received high ratings that led to good marketing that caused high prices and somehow, high demand. Why is it that we function that way? Somehow, we see a wine priced much more than another and think it has to be better. Frankly, there are so many wines that cost $10-15 that the everyday consumer much prefers.
I just received a book to review, “The Wine Trials 2010.” Through a series of blind tastings of hundreds of wines including high end expensive wines, 150 winning wines under $15.00 per bottle were chosen and are listed. The book costs $14.95 so can be a great gift this holiday season! If you can, buy the book for yourself and find those delicious bargains that not only you can buy and enjoy but will make excellent presents for your friends and not make a big dent in your wallet.
Cheers, Happy Holidays!
The Wining Woman

PLEASE VOTE FOR OUR BLOG DAILY

Zita Keeley’s Wine School – Next session March 2010