Wine Tasting 1

No, this is not my first time tasting wine, however, it is the first time I have documented it.  Today, I will compare what is probably top of the line wine and an everyday wine. 

While at my cooking class, I tried two wines.  One while we were cooking, and one with dinner. 

The first wine was a 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape.   I dont remember the appelation.  So, let me begin to describe the taste of this wine.  The first word that comes to mind is smooth.  There was no acid taste.  Umm…let me try to use some wine words here.  I think it tasted earthy.  It was a deep flavor.  I really can’t identify the separate flavors yet…so sorry!

Next, is the 2007 Cotes du Luberon.  There was a completely different taste here.  First off, this is, from what I’m told an everyday wine.  It was very tannic and acidic.  Can that be possible.  It still had a nice taste, however, there was no smoothness.  I thought this wine was much stronger than the Chateauneuf du Pape.  Then again, what is the definition of strong?  Surprisingly, this wine paired great with the Spanish Flan.  From this I understood what it means for two things to really “marry” well. 

I wonder if I will ever get to the point of loving red wine as much as hubby does?  Maybe I will never like red wine as much as he does.  I guess that is okay too, right? 

So, there you go, my first official, documented, wine tasting.  Until next time!

Surprise Down Under

Every year, hubby likes to take a vacation solo.  These trips help him de-stress and provides a break from everyone – yes, this includes me and the kids.  What can I say, he likes his alone time.  This year is no exception.  He is going to the land down under!  Home to the koala, kangaroo, Crocodile Dundee and the Aborigines.

Initially, the primary reason he was going was to see the Carcharodon carcharias. That’s the Great White Shark.  Oh yes, he is quite the shark lover – he can watch the movie “Jaws” over, and over, and over, and over – well you get it.  It has been his dream to get into one of those cages and get real up close and personal with the “jaws” of death.  Unfortunately – the dream carries quite a hefty price so he will not be able to do it this year. He is quite disappointed.  There is always next year So what else can he do in Australia besides the typical touristy stuff he will be doing in Sydney?  Wine of course!  Some of the biggest names in wine – Two Hands, Mollydooker, McLaren – all in Australia; Adelaide to be exact.

I called up several vineyards to see what type of tours I can get him. I was able to get him tours for Two Hands and Mitolo Wines vineyards. I believe he has already set himself up for Mollydooker.  What he doesn’t know is that I have arranged a surprise for him at both vineyards.  I bet you are wondering, “Why in the heck are you posting the surprise on your blog?!”  Well, I had to tell someone! [Looking at my stats, not too many people are reading it now - including hubby.]  I wont tell you the details of the surprise, but it’s a nice one.  It’s nothing too extravagant…but hopefully it will be a nice early father’s day gift.

So that is the surprise down under.  Im sure he will be bringing wine back and he will be eager for me to taste them. Oh joy! I better brush up on my wine vocabulary!

Why Do I Refuse Wine?

Okay, this post is going to be a self-reflection post.  Why do I refuse wine?  I know that I want to learn more about it, however, each time I am offered I refuse it.  Funny enough, at this past weekend’s cooking class, the rosé we had with lunch was so complimentary (as opposed to overpowering) to the entree, the main dish and the dessert.

I guess I have this thing where “red” equals strong, heavy.  My hubby has determined the percentage of alcohol, I think it is below 12% alcohol Im okay with.

So I think when Im offered, Im not going to refuse, Im at least going to taste it.