I must admit, I, like many, fell victim to the anti-Merlot movement after Sideways. I’ve yet to meet a grape I don’t like, I just simply thought that anything trumped Merlot.
But trends eventually die—Mullets. Need I say more?—and that which is noble lives on.
Having been around for centuries, a little Hollywood bullying couldn’t hold Merlot down for too long. A noble grape indeed, when made right, Merlot can make for one happy palate.
This Merlot comes from Chile’s Casablanca Valley, infamous for memorable coastal Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs…but Merlot? Gotta love how Chilean winemakers are constantly experimenting, because this is one venture gone very right. It turns out that Merlot can do very well in Chilean cool climates as well.
Catrala Merlot 2015 is fresh and juicy with aromas of blueberries and spices such as black pepper. Ripe fruit with tobacco notes on the palate with silky tannins, a full mouth and a pleasant medium (+) finish. It would be interesting to try this again in a few years to see how it matures, as the cellar potential is there.
It goes great with spinach ricotta-filled tortellini, a simple Pomodoro sauce and garlic bread. Mamma mía!
And before you know it, the bottle’s gone and you’re utterly content.
Many moons ago, I saw Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii ,and just knew I’d end up there some day, fascinated by this ancient city partly destroyed, partly preserved by Mt. Vesuvius’s eruption on August 24, AD 79. AD 79! Continue reading Pompeii→
Years and years ago, I’d walk all around our property, camera in hand, looking to capture something interesting. It was usually flowers or bugs, but one day while up in the woods, I noticed neighbor Joe on his porch down below. So I headed his way.
This is a Chianti best paired with an episode of Derek, while laughing out loud with your mother at Gervais’ brilliant screen writing and acting.
A perfect example of where you drink what you want (or have) and eat what you want…ha, or have! But really, if the two don’t combine and it’s just a relaxing moment with some cheap wine, just try to enjoy it. Throw etiquette out the door.
It was one of those gatherings where you start off with some sparkling and cheese, move on to a lighter red with more cheese, and then need a power player to stand up to that glorious beef brisket on the grill. The beauty of having a cava: Options. The downside: Gatherings like this can take a toll on stock… Continue reading Ramirana Trinidad Vineyard→
Naples is full of personality. It’s gritty, gorgeous, chaotic, full of culture and man is it an amazing city for siting down and eating. It’s the kind of place where you highly anticipate your next meal, where you hope to be hungry again soon. THE PIZZA!
Of course, there’s much more to this crazy city than just relishing in the rich, beautifully simple culinary scene. Continue reading Napoli→
A year younger than me and a wine I absolutely love to pronounce. A very special gift from one of the best, it is a bottle I never imagined I would be drinking at this particular “special” moment. But when you know you’re going to be with your childhood best friend who also loves a good wine, who also lost her father suddenly and way too young, you pack it in your bag and head home.
This wine’s journey: France –> US –> Chile –> US
A wine from 1988 is stretching it. I mean, a French beauty can really last, but storage conditions are key, and red ‘du Pape wines usually only make it to 15-25 years old, while best at around 8-12 years old. Who knows what this one had been through, and though it was drinkable, it was definitely past its prime. Sadness.
A clear, garnet color of medium intensity. The nose was quite special, with a medium (+) intensity and full of aromas such as pepper, cherry, sweet spices and nuts. Unofficially there was some major Dr. Pepper going on in the glass with hints of nail polish remover, which speaks to my conclusion of it being past its best. The mouth was dry, with a medium (-) intensity, high alcohol, medium tannins, a medium (-) body and a silky texture. For some reason, I did not note the acidity. It was musky with notes of cassis, cedar and a touch of balsamic vinegar. The finish was short lived.
Because of its age, I vote it was an acceptable wine, too old, but with a pretty impressive nose considering a little bit of fruit could still be detected.
So let’s talk about this region in France’s Southern Rhône Valley, because unless you’ve studied how it all breaks down, it can be confusing. Starting with the basics: France is part of the Old World wine producers (basically Europe), which label by region and not by grape variety like the New World guys (basically anyone outside of Europe). So a red Châteauneuf du Pape tells me that Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes are probably key players in the blend. In my wine’s case, it is so, with a small percentage of Cinsault as well, which I only know because I looked it up, not because I have a super palate that can detect every grape in a mix. The region is able to use 15 different varieties…
Highly influential wine critic Robert Parker calls these wines both “intellectual and hedonistic in nature,” which I translate to being interestingly complex and self-indulgent. He also says, “Its wide array of aromas and flavors are reminiscent of a Provençal marketplace while its texture—rich and round, sumptuous and opulent—is virtually unmatched by most of the wines of the world.” I really like that description. I’ve had the pleasure of trying several Châteauneuf du Pape reds in my day, and it is true that while flavors and aromas can vary, the richness and overall appeal is universal.
This is the story of a man who worked hard and loved what he did. About a man who married a most wonderful woman, with whom he had two children. His son tried to mimic his every move in pure admiration, but unfortunately was taken from the family way too soon. His daughter was far from “daddy’s little girl,” and he struggled to get to know her in her younger years. But he came around, finally. He realized she was alright. And life was good. And it’s important to mention that he had some really great, honest friends. Continue reading Charlie Montgomery→
Friends, sparkling wine is so much more than a celebratory drink or a fancy aperitif. It’s a glorious crispy sensation in every sip that pairs with a plethora of flavors and textures. Continue reading Norton Bubbles & Honey Sriracha Chicken→
I wanted to explore Yellow Tail a bit, and more so, I wasn’t looking to spend much money. A girl still needs her glass of wine every now and then no matter the funds, especially after some intense emotional distress.
Nothing fancy schmancy, just good ol’ wine and cheese.
Yellow Tail. How does a cheap Australian wine compare to a category I am much more familiar with, cheap Chilean wine?
When a beloved man dies, flowers are sent to soften the blow. The multitude of colors, the pleasant smells…they don’t necessarily help ease the pain, but at least they make that pain a little prettier. Continue reading Funeral Flowers→
Sofía. (Insert here emoji face with hearts as eyes.) One of my favorite wines, this bottle a gift from a dear friend for the last year of my twenties, more than worthy of my inaugural wine post.
I didn´t actually mean to end up wandering around Utrecht´s inner streets for several hours, but I got lost and made the most of it. Continue reading Utrecht→
I was way into the beaches and spending time with family, and not into my camera. I did however enjoy this sunrise on our last morning in Great Exuma. The Bahamas is simply gorgeous.
Chile has a plethora of quaint coastal towns that I love. Isla Negra one of them, an hour and a half drive from Santiago and often referred to as a place of inspiration for artists. Chilean poet Pablo Neruda had a house there, undoubtedly inspired by the sea, a recurrent image throughout his poetry.
Not too long ago I needed to photograph Isla Negra´s beach for a work project. I left the city at 5:30 a.m. and headed to the coast to climb around and admire.
Actually, you really wouldn´t want to price check this little yapper. He was actually quite annoying as I tried to photograph Isla Negra for a work project. He did stop barking while I zoomed in on him, curious as to what I was doing. And then, he kept yapping. Continue reading How much is that doggy on the rooftop?→
The House of Cards reminded that me once, not so long ago, I went to Russia. I went for work, but had a free afternoon, so I went to go see Red Square.
Still, more photos from Huilo Huilo. I’ve heard there is currently next to no water in the Salto el Puma. Chile is in a drought. Here’s hoping that rains come soon…
Friends, sparkling wine is so much more than a celebratory drink or a fancy aperitif. It’s a glorious crispy sensation in every sip that pairs with a plethora of flavors and textures. Continue reading Norton Bubbles & Honey Sriracha Chicken
