New Blog!

Friends! I have always wanted to write a more creative blog, and now I FINALLY am!

Please click over to Dance, Sing and Drink Wine to check out my newest venture!

Cheers!

Zinfandel - The Misunderstood Wine

I admit it, I was ignorant about Zinfandel until recently. Many moons ago, I was a cocktail waitress. We had limited wines available and one was a WHITE Zin (yuck) not a RED (yum).  The other servers told me the White Zin was the "White Trash Wine." I was young and figured it was because it went so well with pizza (because no sophisticated person would have wine with pizza - I was so naïve). 

Flash forward two decades, and I found a delicious red blend, Tangle Rose Backyard Red, that had some (Red) Zinfandel in it.  Come to Mama!  I loved it!!!!! I soon learned that (Red) Zinfandel is actually a very sophisticated wine, and White Zin was more of a bastard cousin.  This is likely why a red variety is merely called a Zinfandel whereas the lesser white (some call it a rose) must be qualified as a White Zinfandel.

The creation of the White Zin only occurred recently in the 1970s, and most believe it was actually a mistake.  A California wine maker was saving some of the juices that had been separated from the red wine when the skins were removed prematurely.  It gave the wine more of a rose color than the deep red of the Zinfandel. That first version of the wine was not particularly popular.  A few years later the wine maker had an issue with the fermentation giving the wine a sweeter flavor, and the current version of the White Zin was born.  While is it commonly known as a starter wine for new wine drinkers, most wine snobs would rather have their knees drained than be caught in the same room as a White Zin. 

I recently tried a Zinfandel from Lodi, Small Hours, and I am here to tell you that I have a new respect for Zinfandel.  It goes to show, never judge a wine by its hearsay (because it is probably wrong, anyway).

 

Traveling Vineyard Calamity Sue Riesling

Great information on a superb Riesling (and one of my best sellers)!

Purchase the latest (and best) run of this adventurous wine here!



My favorite pairing with this wine is a fruity salsa.  What would you pair it with?

Fall Wine Preview!

OMGosh!

I am Giddy! I am Excited!

The Traveling Vineyard has announced some of the new wines for fall, and I cannot wait to share them!  Here is a quick preview of what's
                                                     to come!

 

Seasonal Sangria: Summer Blends to Fall!

Let's face it, we are wrapping up summer. In some places, the kids have already gone back to school. In other places, families are taking the last minute vacations to squeeze the last bit of summer out of August.  While some fight hard and refuse to give up their flip flops until Thanksgiving, others are looking forward to heavy sweaters.

No matter what side you are on: beach or hayride; I have a great Sangria recipe that will make the transition way more smooth!  It blends a good bold red (perfect for fall) with yummy citrus fruits (helping you to hold on to summer). Try this recipe with Bentgate, Cabernet Sauvignon or Woodvale Estates, Merlot.

Enjoy, and CHEERS!

Featured Wine - Calamity Sue Riesling

It's Wine Wednesday! This week I am featuring a wine that has been a HUGE hit at tastings this summer! Calamity Sue!

Meet Calamity Sue. You may have heard of the legendary Calamity Jane, the adventurous frontierswoman with a generous streak who traveled throughout the Western Plains in the late 1800’s. Think of the fictitious Calamity Sue on our "racy" Monterey County Riesling label as her spirited little sister – just as feisty and just as sweet. "Racy" is a term you’ll often hear associated with Riesling. It refers to the lively acidity of the wine. Crisp, stimulating and refreshing, our Riesling delivers this same snappy character in an off-dry style (not quite dry, but not quite sweet, either.) As a soft white, it is also valued for its velvety texture and engaging fruitiness.

Our Calamity Sue Riesling could go up against any Alsatian or German selection and win. Compare it to selections from New York, Lake County, Lodi, Rogue Valley or even Paso Robles; you won’t find a better value. We custom crafted our Riesling to show a combination of "Alsatian acidity" and "German fruit". Alsatian Rieslings are known for their bracing acidity and cherished for the food friendliness this characteristic offers. German selections are prized for their soft pleasing flavors of pear, peach, apricot and quince. This release, the first Riesling we’ve done in quite some time, combines the best of both worlds. Adorned with a comic-book, Lichtenstein-style label, it’s a one of a kind wine you’ll find surprisingly appealing - as vivacious and sprightly as Calamity Sue herself.

Click HERE to order some Calamity Sue for Yourself!


I love sipping this delicious wine while munching on peach salsa and tortilla chips out on my back porch on warm summer nights as my kids catch lightening bugs in the backyard.  There are plenty of good peach salsas found at any grocery store, but this recipe from my old friend Betty (Crocker) is easy and yummy:
            

Mix together:

1   cup chopped fresh or frozen (thawed) peaches

2  tablespoons finely chopped red bell peppers

1  medium green onion, finely chopped (1 tablespoon)

1  tablespoon lemon or lime juice

2  teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro

1/8 teaspoon salt 

 

Chill in refrigerator then serve!  It's that easy!!!!            

Going On An Adventure - White Wine Mojito

Friends! I am going to be taking a bit of a hiatus for a few weeks! Next week will be spent in glorious Myrtle Beach so my middle child can add to her trophy case at a National Dance Competition. Following that, I am extending the trip to take my Mother and Kids to see relatives in far away states. 

If I can post from the road, I certainly will ~ especially if I find some great wine info for you!  But, I am not taking my laptop! I want to take this time to truly enjoy the places we will be and to see them all clearly through my children's eyes.  I will have my iPhone and Kindle Fire HD, but no bonafide computer to post with.  So, as I pack up my family to go on this very long road trip let me leave you with a DELICIOUS summer recipe.  I highly recommend using either Calamity Sue Riesling or Bright Eyed Bird Pinot Grigio for this recipe!

White Wine Mojito

In a large pitcher, combine:

• One Bottle White Wine (Calamity Sue Riesling or Bright Eyed Bird Pinot Grigio)
• One cup sparkling lemonade
• One cup chopped mint leaves
• Juice of two limes

Pour in to your favorite glass with ice, garnish with lime wedges and enjoy!!!!!!!!!