This was a very early entry into the Monthly Wine Writing Challenge. As fate would dictate, I felt compelled to write my post when the theme, serendipity, presented itself.
I have enjoyed visiting Palm Springs, California for years. It is a magical place where one can attend a dinner party and meet television personalities, billionaire philanthropists, famous authors, fashion designers, esteemed artists and scoundrels all in one sitting (like keep an eye on your Social Security number.) It does have a dark, subversive side beneath all the frivolity and the experience is best described as being in a Fellini movie. The eccentricities, dry heat and high season creates the perfect opportunity for unexpected fortune and sadly, misfortune. I am incredibly grateful for my friends who always amaze me with their kindness, extravagance and hilarity. Of course they are wine enthusiasts! Check out this private Champagne room I had the rare privilege to witness last NYE with my dear friend, social doyenne Michael Bonda. Ab-fab to the max!
This is the first of my weekly reviews of sparkling wines under $10 up until the big twenty-fifteen NYE! If you have a recommendation, let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to review it if I can find it in aisle. All wines tasted are selected, paid for and tasted by moi and my unsuspecting victims. All opinions are my own damn fault.
On with the show….
The Time: A crisp day in late November
The Place: The in-laws’ home in an unassuming nicely appointed suburban neighborhood rife with 2 car garages and golden retrievers.
The Reason: It is Thanksgiving, an American holiday where we express our gratitude for our family, friends and freedoms through fanciful forced feasting on fowl.
My Predicament: Due to family members honoring years of sobriety, diagnosed with fatty livers, participating in designated driverdom, not of legal age, and a general distrust of alcoholic libation, I am the solo drinker. And it is sooooo lonely. Argh. You can only drink so much Martinelli fizzy apple juice before you crash from the sugar high, so what should I do?
The Solution: Break out some bubbles and proclaim my vocational duty to conduct a random wine tasting that all (domesticated animals, toddlers and recipients of newly transferred livers excluded) must participate. I was not surprised when my demands were met with enthusiasm. Woot, woot let’s get this party started Gma! Put that gravy boat down. “Pop!” Let’s taste some sparkling wine!
The wine I selected came recommended by a wine department official at Oliver’s Market in Santa Rosa. I have been searching long and hard for sparkling wines under $10 that don’t cause a ripping headache. He kindly recommended a Cava. I grimaced. Apologies, but I will confess, bubbly is my passion and I am a Champagne snob. I am not a huge fan of Cavas. I find them to be rather tart with a bitter nutty finish that reminds me of walnut skins and nail varnish. I expressed this to my wine merchant and he assured me that I would love this wine. Well, love is a very strong word, but I let him know that I would be cautiously optimistic. And for $9.99 I was comfortable with the risk.
Dibon Brut Reserva Cava Penedes, Spain $9.99
This traditional blend of 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada grapes is made in the Methode Traditionelle (which in short means secondary fermentation and aging in bottle, remuage or riddling to agitate the wine until all the dead yeast cells are collected in the neck of the bottle, which is then frozen and disgorged, leaving the clear, effervescent liquid we know and love as sparkling wine.)
Dibon only uses natural yeasts for its Cava production and is in the process of becoming fully organic. It consists of 75 hectares of trellised vines 1000 feet above the Mediterranean Sea. The region of Penedes in Spain is considered the capital of Cava wines. Sant Sadurni d´Anoia is the primary municipality in the region and the home to many famous historical Cava makers. Dibon is located in Vilafranca del Penedes, aproximately 20 Km from Sant Sadurni. A must see next time I am in Barcelona, as the mecca of Cava is very close and could be visited in a day if necessary – but I aim to boondoggle much longer if given the chance!
A Google Map to illustrate my point about proximity and convenience to Cava-land.
As our painfully sober family gathered in the kitchen to see, sniff and sip – right after the first swig, we all agreed, this was a very good sparkling wine!
Nose was light, apricot, stone fruit. First sip was bright, apple, with an almond, nutty finish. I thought the wine was very balanced and had a medium mousse that pleasantly finished with some minerality – not much but enough that I noticed and enjoyed it. It has a body that is characteristic of a Cava but none of the bite I detest. I don’t mind a wine that has challenging characteristics, but I prefer to keep the enamel on my teeth. If participating in a blind taste test, I don’t think I would correctly identity this wine as a Cava, I might describe it as a California sparkling, like a Gloria Ferrer (which was founded in Sonoma by a Catalonian family in the 1980’s and now owned by Freixenet, one of the worlds largest Spanish producers of sparkling wines in the world.) This Cava was a Chameleon and in a very good way. Guest-worthy for sure.
A fantastic sparkling wine for the money, Dibon Brut Reseva was fab not only for the price but as a wine, yes, this wine has merit. Perfect as an aperitif, paired with a light starter like goat cheese and roasted beets, mâche salad dressed simply with toasted walnut oil and a dash of good sherry vinegar, or shell fish with mignonette. This is a delectable versatile wine that is both approachable and interesting. In my research I read several good reviews from the Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits Magazine, and Wayward Wine Blog – after you read my review for yucks, read his for legit information – he has charts and stuff. Any resemblance to plagiarism is merely coincidence, but great minds do think alike.
How did this wine pair with Thanksgiving dinner? I don’t know, the bottle was empty before the potatoes were smashed, which was a good thing as I believe they were driving.
At the request of dear friends and society impresarios, Michael Bonda and Stephen Stoner, I was summoned to Palm Springs to kick-off the 2014 high season in style with a fabulous luncheon and fashion show for charity. This was the Fashion Group International of Palm Springs Crystal Style Award Benefit Luncheon honoring my friend and society couturier, Fedor Rogovets and benefitting scholarships for art, design and fashion students. This stylish event was hosted in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Stanbridge, who also take residence in Vancouver, BC, and I was quite honored and privileged to be their guest.
Everyone’s favorite Ukrainian American Haute Couturier: Fedor Rogevets
Recently completed in 2013, The Stanbridge house is an architecturally significant home in the heart of the Movie Colony. It is an exquisite example of modernist architecture that is iconic throughout Palm Springs. Situated on a double lot formerly owned by the Lucy and Desi Arnaz Family Estate, the design inside and out was completely influenced by Mr. & Mrs. Stanbridge to be a perfect haven to entertain friends and family. What makes this home unique is the monumental scale, generous use of concrete, glass, steel and slick surfaces while being altogether warm, comfortable and welcoming – which can be attributed to Mrs. Stanbridge’s eye for interior decor. The home is centered around a rectangular pool that is reflective and Zen-like as it is beautifully situated amongst the palms which frame the magnificent view of the San Jacinto Mountains. With a chic venue, an esteemed honoree and a well heeled society guest list, rest assured, this was the event to kick off the 2014/15 season!
The Stanbridge Home awaiting guests!
Hit the pause button!
Now why is this story being captured for a cheap wine blog? Hoity toity blah blah blah…well this is really a story about serendipity.
I didn’t have a clue that this event would have any relevance to the subject matter of my blog. In fact, I never planned on mentioning my clandestine writings on wines under $10 amongst this sophisticated crowd – not that I bear shame – I just didn’t want to be shameless with self promotion (moi?) Well, the plot thickens…
I arrived the day before and had the opportunity to chat with Mrs. Stanbridge about what she planned to serve her 80+ guest. It was a catered affair by the local purveyor of fine foods and wines, Jensen’s. Chicken, Salmon, Roasted potatoes, dainty cupcakes for dessert, open bar…well this just got more interesting.
Mrs. Stanbridge, what beverages will you be serving at the bar? “Various cocktails and wine. It’s a daytime event, bloody Marys, vodka tonics, sea breezes with a lime or lemon twist, classic cocktails and my absolutely favorite white wine. You would never believe how much it costs!” This is when divine intervention hit.
This very chic, society doyenne with the upmost of taste and style was about to deliver an invaluable tip on value wine. “I just love this wine and it’s only $8.99 a bottle!”
Ok, mind blown. Whhhhhhaaaaaat? If she had said $14.99, $12.99, $10.99, I would have been impressed. This was a wine she loves, serves and acquires for $8.99! Incroyable!
2013 Gabbiano Promessa Pinot Grigio, Italy $8.99
The nose was classic for a Pino Grigio, stone fruit, apricot a little floral neroli. First sip is very light, not to acidic or crisp, very easy day drinking wine that finished tart but never sour. This was a wine better served chilled and not very complex as one would expect at this prince point, but it was so enjoyable, I could and did drink this all day. It was almost too easy to drink, oy vey. I know why this is the white wine of choice in Palm Springs, it’s refreshing, easy and spills won’t ruin the white furniture. Not only was this wine guest worthy, it was guest-proof!
Wait…there is more!
The crowd watching the show!
The event was a huge success. Afterwards models were relaxing, the billionairesses and riff raf were departing, the silent auction was closing. I noticed Mr. Stanbridge wishing his guests and the press farewell with a glass of red wine in hand. I asked him what vintage, varietal and AOC he was drinking. He grinned and said “You know I only drink red wine, and once the guests left, I could finally pour a glass.” Yes Mr. Stanbridge, but you did not answer my question. “…and you know I love Cabs and Zins but they are really too heavy for the desert weather and stain my teeth. I really enjoy something lighter, French style, not Napa style.” Sir, you have still not answered my question, what are you hiding, a rare and coveted Bordeaux, Cab Franc, Chinon, stop evading the question. “…and it only costs $6.99 and it’s a Sonoma Pinot Noir.” As the medics were rolling me out on a gurney after fainting from the shock, I had Mr. Stanbridge pour me a glass and this is what I tasted…
2011 Mark West Pinot Noir, Sonoma CA $6.99
The nose was soft berry, cherry some spice. First sip had a great mouth feel. Light like a typical Pinot and very balanced with pleasant tannins, dried cherry, spice, soft bark and an earthy damp moss finish. Mr. Stanbridge said he was not a big fan of fruit forward reds and loved this wine be cause it was lighter and brighter like the French wines he prefers, but of course, available at a screaming deal. As I was coming to, he suggested I try it with a few pieces of ice – I was soon on a defibrillator at the suggestion, but you know what? It was delish! Ice cubes in red wine is completely unorthodox and possibly illegal in some municipalities, but this led me to recall a cellar chat at one of the finer wineries in Sonoma regarding the chilling of red wines, especially Pinots, to the temperature by which they should be stored, 55 degrees. Well, we never discussed ice cubes in the cellar, but hey, what happens in Palm Springs, stays in Palm Springs. Ice in $6.99 Pinot Noir by Mark West is delicious. I rate this a buy again, ice tray not included.
Well, I lived, and quite gloriously, to share this tale. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with these discoveries and happy to serve them to the throngs of guests at your next soireé. That evening, I retired to my room content with the ambition to apply a facial masque, get some beauty zzzzs and wake up ready to crack another bottle at 11am brunch on the nose. My mind abuzz, I reflected on the serendipity (#MWWC13) of my circumstances and the good fortune I wanted to share with you.
I’ve made so many friends since starting this social media empire, it’s amazing what a few obnoxious comments and RTs will get you. Well I was able to score an invite to ride shotgun on a tasting with The Drunken Cyclist when he decided to grace Sonoma County with his presence. His eminence gave me a place and time to meet and we were off. No I did not hop on the handle bars or ride tandem or merrily lounge in a biking trailer for toddlers. We actually drove around, I know, I know, disappointing but maybe there is a photo op next time. As far as the wine at this stop, all I can say is that I’m still dreaming of that 2009 “The Farm” Pinot, I remember thinking out loud, “this wine is exactly why I love Pinot Noir,” only to have the vintner retort, “…I hope you feel that way about all my Pinots!” Open mouth insert foot. With that embarrassment, I am grateful Jeff didn’t decide to ditch me on the side of the road with the raccoons (whom we were told ravage the grapes and undiplomatic bloggers) and highly sensitive vintners….dreaming of a case of that Pinot nearly got me a case of rabies. It’s not easy having Champagne taste on a $10 and under budget. Many thanks Dr. Kralik for the generous mention and honor of being your SoCo side-kick – “I’m not worthy!” – as Wayne & Garth would say. I mean this with all sincerity, now please excuse me while I go powder my brun-nez. Stay curious!
I really do not know when or where I first heard about Halleck Vineyard, but I have been meaning to visit for some time now. Finally, on my last visit to the West Coast this August, I was able to set up an appointment with Ross Halleck, the founder and co-owner (with his ex-wife) of the winery.
While I normally fly solo on tasting appointments, this go around I was joined by a blogging buddy: Loie of Cheap Wine Curious(if you have not yet checked out her blog, you should–she is a talented writer and has a great palate…). I let Loie know that, well, Ross’ wines were not exactly “cheap” but she was undeterred and decided to tag along (I might have then questioned her loyalty to her own “brand” but I will let her explain that dichotomy).
It was one of those impromptu BBQ’s that required antipasto while the hamburger thawed. A trip to the olive bar at Safeway with a 4 year old dressed as Optimus Prime (BTW I’m Optimus Momma) coerced by the promise of aisles of Halloween candy fondling was in order.
As I was buying my cheap wine selections for the evening and rounding the deli counter to get to the olive bar, an ice bucket with bottles of wine and a kindly man pouring samples left me gobsmacked – what? We can sample wine in CA? Really in a grocery store? Well it’s about time. I was sipping whiskey and scotch at Syrdyk’s in Minneapolis, MN years ago and although it was for the sake of survival from the cold, it was also a smart sales tactic. I would never buy a $60-$120 bottle of liquor without a taste, even with a decent recommendation from a so so friend and I sure as hell wouldn’t leisurely stroll a liquor store (white lie) devoid of purpose only urging me to make that compulsive purchase. This was legislative progress in the Golden State.
Jay, an approachable brand ambassador, welcomed me as I nearly ran him over with my cart due to the speed and velocity of my approach. He was sampling Oyster Bay 2012 Sauvingnon Blanc. He provided the full tasting experience. While sharing the history of the wine, the tasting notes, the story of the company and how the climate of NZ is perfectly suited for Sauvignon Blanc I eagerly sipped about 8 thimblefuls of this delightful vintage.
Oyster Bay takes it’s name from Oyster Bay in Marlborough on the tip of NZ South Island. It is located in the Wairau Valley, truly one of the most recognizable wine growing regions in NZ and the world. The vineyards are perfectly suited to produce Sauv as they are in the cool Maritime coastal regions that have moderately fertile alluvial (loose sediment and silt) soil created from thousands of years of glacial activity. There is also a coastal minerality to the wines due to the naturally occurring sea life and oyster beds.
The nose was not aromatic, but the first sip was crisp, lemony and the acid had a pleasant “cut” that did not sour in the finish – which is so gross – I hate that! But this was well balanced, had a pleasant mouth feel and fresh, flavorful burst with a lovely mineral finish. I also found it surprisingly un-grassy, not like most NZ Sauvs which are well known for this characteristic. Jay explained that was a differentiating factor of this wine. I felt adequately samplified to rate this wine as guest-worthy, and I bought a bottle to serve to my guests to prove it! They were equally impressed with the price, one guest took a picture of the label on her way to the store. You can’t underestimate the power of cheap wine, it is very moving.
Due to the patience of a four year old rumbling like a tectonic plate, I needed to move along to the next aisle. I explained to Jay that matricide via imaginary lasers and a humiliating tantrum was inevitable if my cart didn’t shove off to the “aisle of candy” soon. Optimus was very, very accommodating so it was time to hold up my end of the bargain. Oh, almost forgot to mention, this wine pairs well with candy corn.
I spent this weekend catching up on my catalog of wine movies – Somm, A Year in Burgundy, American Wine Story, many you have all seen or placed in your que. This post by Confessions of a Wine Geek was the perfect post to read after viewing Red Obsession – the film about China driving up the value of Bordeaux wines – specifically Château Lafite Rothschild, of which the prices per case became so absurd it defines the bubble that popped in wine values after the precipice of 2011. (Interesting article on wine values at this link from Business week: A Dismal Bordeaux Vintage Hits the Market – Businessweek via @BW http://buswk.co/IqSRVn) I was regulated to accepting my lot in life to the lower shelves of new world or fleeting dreams of old world if a fancy friend decided to sacrifice a bottle from the cellar. However, this wonderful post was good news and a welcome guide to finding Bordelaise value wines that sound fabulous! Must seek them out maintenant. Merci beaucoup Wine Geek and cheers! Stay curious, Loie
Classed-growth Bordeaux prices have gone bonkers in recent years. It has become prohibitive for many wine lovers and it feels like those with the money are treating these masterpieces as articles of visual art as opposed to a sensation for the nose and taste buds… but maybe I’m just jealous; in fact I know I am.
I have very few bottles from the 1855 classification in my personal collection; there are a handful that I picked up on my trip to the region in the summer of 2013 a couple of others I have picked up over the years when the price has been right. I have gone to other locations to get my fix of Cabernet Sauvignon, whether exploring the New World or the lesser-known satellites of Bordeaux. But sometimes, only the real thing will do.
I recently attended a horizontal tasting of seven wines from the 2004 vintage…
I’ve been eagerly trying to write and submit this entry in this month’s #MWWC12 in spite of the distractions that abound. Work, deadlines, crying babies (not mine, the neighbors, they break my train of thought,) wine club pick-up parties, unexpected houseguests (aka ant infestation,) in-laws, parents, clergy, it’s so darn busy these days trying to make a buck and then you bonk your head “I shoulda written that post for the MWWC!”
But never fear! There isn’t a deadline that a little caffeine, spousal abandonment and chutzpah can’t conquer! Here goes….
The theme: Local. The place: Paris. The era: 2014, during the war on terror, Ebola outbreaks, overly bearded men and babies on iPads.
I’ve just strolled the Jardin des Tuileries adjacent to the Louvre, when I was nearly accosted by a band of gypsy girls asking if I spoke English. “Why yes! I thought you’d never ask!” By the auspices of lady liberté Marianne, a Parisian woman appeared on what looked like her daily stroll. Middle aged, simply chic, a touch snooty, she pulled her Alain Mikli glasses down to the tip of her nose, shook her finger vigorously at me from a distance signaling “Non.”
If it were not for the kind disdain of this local Parisienne, those gypsy kids would be selling my passport on the steps of the Cligoncourt Metro station and using my lip gloss. I grabbed my bag, checked my pockets, downed my glass of park regulation wine (red something I bought at a kiosk) and shooed the gang of nefarious tweens away! Allez! Allez!
Tragedy averted. Merci beaucoup Madame.
As the park was feeling rather tainted with the rouse of wayward youth, I then decided to stroll along the Rue de Rivoli. I was enjoying the crowds of “fashion people” sartorially posturing and desperately being au courant outside the show tents. Emaciated and fabulous, the very sight of them triggered hunger pangs. I had the altruistic need to eat copiously for these people so they can continue to parade along the Rue du Faubourg free of shame for I have taken it upon myself to eat for them. Shop, shop, shop and pile on the bags and bags of luxury labels that you will eagerly tuck away in the trunks of your Bentlys, Aston Martins and Ferraris.
Before you could say “LaDuree Macaron” I was fortunate to land my generous behind on a bench inside a Tabac on Rue St. Honoré. I wanted to have a cigarette. Please don’t hold it against me – I know the dangers, I know the grave impact on others around me, I’ve seen the cancerous lung matter from a corpse of a smoker on the outside of cigarette cartons. For the love of God, I live in CA where you can legally be shackled in the town square, beat with sticks of patchouli incense and fronds of kale while your flogger inhales biodynamic cannibus thought a cruelty free humidifier while eating gluten free brownies – and all that for smoking within 10 meters of a bar, outside – harrowing!
A ciggy and a glass of spirits are made for each other and where better than Spain or Italy can you imbibe+smoke? France! But alas, not inside the tabac – Mon Dieu! All the romance of café societé, writing, drinking and smoking simultaneously was lost in a Hemingwayian Fitzgeraldesque dream as a result of some overzealous legislation by some health nuts – geez I might as well be in San Francisco.
The proprietor of the tabac saw the tears welling up in my eyes, so she consoled me by saying, “Ok, I shall move this table to the street for you where you can smoke, what will you have to drink?” Like a child given a red balloon, I was elated at the thought of acting like a local, sitting at a cafe, drinking, eating and tittering at the fashionistas and ogling the motorcycle boys. Yippee!
Can you guess the nationality? Hint: one of them is a local, the others Italian, Japanese & Americans
I was soon with beer in hand (I enjoy an Amstel light on occasion when not chugging cheap wine or sipping Mezcal) and chomping on crisps, smoking the skinniest cigarettes I’ve ever seen. I smoke “rarely” so I didn’t want to get carried away and get sick in the street with all the other British nationals visiting for the weekend. Those Brits know how to paaaaaar-teeeee! Whooohoooo. (see below, low, low, low)
I had front row at the Rue St. Honoré Spring Summer 2015 fashion show and the constant throng of the world fashion elite and not so elite was barreling down my sidewalk runway past my table urgently to their next show, after party, photo shoot, meet and greet, celebrity sighting. I was perfectly happy snapping pics drinking beer smoking and eating more calories in one sitting than any of then will have for days….I was content.
The sidewalk catwalk:
One cultural benefit to being a lady traveling alone in France is if you are seated by yourself in a respectable establishment someone will feel sorry for you and buy you a drink – possibly a man, woman, child, poodle – it will occur as long as you are humble, amiable, not too dour and semi-pensive. I suspect it is beyond comprehension for the French to see someone eating and drinking alone. It elicits painful, sad emotions with the surrounding patrons – make it stop – buy her a drink and parlons already!
Sure enough, a gentleman swooped by, snatched my iPhone and took pictures of me without my consent but I went with it as he was charming and not a gypsy youth. He then insisted on buying me a beer and chatting to me. His English was as comprehensive as my French, and this led to a quick end to our deep conversation. But I could express my gratitude with “merci beaucoup” and all was good that eve with Franco-American relations – diplomacy at the Tabac – enchanté mes amis!
“Barbie??? What are you doing here? Last time I saw you in 1979 your head was off your naked body in my bath tub and you were an Astronaut running for President. You’re a blogger now for fashion week, gotcha. Well cool, I’ll Tweet you, you Tweet me, I’ll have your agent call my agent we’ll guest post for each other. Ciao!”
My hotel was a few blocks away and I promised to return. The proprietor Cyril and his wife, both young, very attractive, friendly locals, happily welcomed me back and gave me a card. Sadly, my next day was filled with other local adventures and cut short by an early night to catch an even earlier train to Reims. Fortunately for this digital age, I was able to connect with them on Facebook and one day plan on returning to the neighborhood to reclaim my front row seat, glass in hand.
Cyril pours Champgne sans saberingfacebook.com/leJeanNicot – I like them!
This is the final installment of my wine education trilogy at Blogdramedy. It is a brain dump from my illustrious visit to Champagne, France. Ahhhhh, memories, I hope you enjoy the tiny bubbles of knowlege as much as I did acquiring them. This is a trip one must make at least once in your life, if only to be the envy of all the mothers at your son’s fancy pants nursery school – ha. ha. ha. ha. In all seriousness, it was an incredible trip and one that taught me the true passion, artistry, tradition, and science that makes one of the most celebrated spirits what it has been for centuries. To this day, I marvel at how jealously guarded the brand “Champagne” has been by the region and how incredibly smart of them to be such jerks about it – seriously – they are fully entitled to the name and what it represents. Cross the line and you will be served something other than bubbles. Voila!
It was truly an expensive honor to have the credit card maxxing opportunity to enjoy what this region has to offer. I am now well prepared to get back to the business of reviewing $10+under wines people – for a long, long, long, long time! Bloody hell.
Stay curious,
The Comtesse du Cheapeaux
This is not an homage to Manischewitz although I have received multitudes of requests for me to post a review. Not going to touch that! This is a genuine wine review brought to you graciously by my friend @kosherreview.
Being a newbie blogger and tweeter, one of the very first people to engage with me directly was @kosherreview. “Kosh” and I clicked right aways as we share a common love for the Trader Joe’s wine department. Moreover, my enjoyment of the intellectual pursuits of philosophy and the cultural practices of world religions, left me yearning to know more. What are kosher wines and why was “Kosh” sending me recommendations to try? Why was I the chosen one? Where was this going? Ah-ha! Many of the Judeo-Christian religions take great pleasure in wine and it was now my responsibility to proselytize the democratization of this sacred nectar and it’s deeper meaning beyond pure leisure and getting knockered. It is about family, gathering, love and ritual…and I’m down with that.
First things first, what is this holiday and why should it influence our wine selections? Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. The day is believed to be the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, and their first actions toward the realization of humanity’s role in God’s world. Too bad they had the cider – oopsie! As I was exploring my intellectual curiosities about the holiday I came across the most excellent of memes to break it down for us gentiles:
Second things second, what is kosher? According to Jewish law, the three basic elements of keeping kosher are: 1.avoiding any non-kosher animals such as fish that don’t have fins and scales – egads no lobster, 2. land animals that do not both chew their cud and have cleft hooves – that means NO BACON? Mon Dieu! 3. Most birds so no pheasant-soup for the soul, 4. NEVER eat meat and dairy together – that’s fine, I can keep my charcuterie and cheese boards from commingling, check. 5. Finally, only eat meat that was slaughtered in a certain way, and drained of blood but hopefully not embalmed. I have gastronomic concerns, but let’s not question a people who are 3,761 years ahead. The upside is more pork buns and lobster rolls for the rest of us!
“Kosh” elaborated eloquently in the following Q&A I imposed upon her:
CWC: What year is this on the Hebrew calendar?
KWR: We will be starting the 5775th year according to the Jewish Calendar!
CWC: What do you eat and drink for the holiday?
KWR: It is customary to eat symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey to evoke a “sweet new year”, the head of a fish (to symbolize the prayer “let us be the head and not the tail”. On Rosh Hashanah eve there is a special dinner which usually includes greetings and a lot of wine.
CWC: What are your favorite kosher wines and do you have any notes?
KWR: This question was the hardest for me as I have many, however, I tried to select those who will be most adequate to Rosh Hashana’s dinner so I was able to narrow the list to 4 wines, one for each course.
My first selection will be the Sara Bee Moscato NV. Sweet white wine from Puglia region, full with playful aromas of spring flower, almond blossom and lemon mousse. It is a rich and lively aperitif or a dessert wine, will be perfect for the “Kidush” before eating the apple with honey (the greeting in the beginning of the dinner).
For the first course, which is usually a gefilte (sugar added) fish I would go with Baron Herzog Chardonnay 2013. This Chardonnay is crisp and refreshing, smooth -textured yet lively on the palate. A very complex wine with notes of tropical fruit, apple and with a hint of vanilla on the finish. It pairs perfectly with fish or chicken.
For the main dish I always like to choose red wine which pairs up perfectly with meat, so I chose the Terrenal Cabernet Sauvignon2012 from Spain. This wine has a nice tannic backbone and a pleasant mid-palate full of plum and cherry flavors, hints of spices and a note of chocolate highlighting blackberry and black cherry fruits.
Last but not least – the desert wine. The Porto Cordovero 2005. This wine was fully matured in wood, it has aroma of sweet black currant fruit, raspberry and dark chocolate. Will pair wonderfully with sorbet or fruits.
CWC: Are any of them under $10?
KWR: Unfortunately the price of the Porto Cordovero and Baron Herzog Chardonnay are above 10 dollar.
However, the price of the Terrenal is only 4.99 dollar!!! But the taste is like a 15 dollar wine , as far as I know under this brand you can find kosher wines from Spain , Chile and Argentina.
The Sara Bee is also below $10, I bought it in Trdaer Joes for $6.99. it’s definitely my favorite Moscato!
CWC: Why did you start tweeting about Kosher Wines and do you have a blog or other venue for your reviews etc? (Opportunity to shamelessly plug yourself)
KWR: I always loved to try new wines, every time I see new Kosher wine I hadn’t tried yet I have to taste it! When my friends are looking for a bottle of wine they always call me to hear my recommendations. This is why I started twitting. It’s not always easy to find Kosher wine in the States, many times the store doesn’t sell the wine as Kosher and you need to know in advance which wine you are looking for (for example when I go to Trader Joes the wine sales person never knows that the Terrenal is Kosher….) so I thought my experience can help others as well. I also publish my recommendation and other wine related stories in my Facebook page – Kosher Wine Review.
CWC: If you had one wine region you would pick as a dream vacation where would it be?
KWR: Tuscany Italy is certainly my dream vacation. I can only imagine walking in those medieval towns and viewing the robust red wines, works of art, and the rolling picturesque views that inspired painters throughout centuries.
CWC: I think you meant to say Sonoma, but that’s ok, Italy is cool too. We’re still besties.
CHEAP WINE CURIOUS 