"Come, come. I have lived! And for wine..." -- Tony Vasile
Nothing is more self serving than quoting yourself, but I just had to share. This quote came about while I was messing with Latin words and phrases the other day...
Anyway, I'm glad you could join me today because I want to tell you about a couple new adventures I've taken on. First, back in December of 2010, I started working for Monte De Oro Winery in Temecula. It is a 100% Estate Winery which means it owns all the vineyards that the wine grapes come from and they control the entire process. Also, all of the vineyards are in Temecula, so no importing of grapes or juice from anywhere else. These are my favorites the winery produces, so far:
2009 Viognier
The nose is very floral and aromatic with touches of honeysuckle, peach and apricot blossom, and nectar. On the palate you get ripe peach, apricot, and passion fruit, with a nice amount of grapefruit in the finish. Refreshing and delicious.
2007 Cabernet Franc
Usually a blending grape, Monte De Oro does it justice on its own with ripe red and black cherry up front, in the nose and on the palate, with a bit of blackberry present. Soft touches of oak follow and it finishes with soft tannins and slightly sweet earth.
2007 Syrah
Well structured and quite bold, the nose offers loads of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, and a hint of smoke. You taste the fruit as well as a nice helping of cracked black pepper on the finish. It drinks big.
2005 Synergy 65 Inaugural Red Blend
The blend consists of 36% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Zinfandel. It has a distinct nose of ripe red and black fruit with touches of sweet oak. On the palate it is very well layered. The first layer is ripe raspberry, ripe blackberry, and black cherry. The second layer is earthy and complex. The third is of soft tannin and low acidity. This is a very elegant wine.
My second new adventure is working for Uncorked Wine Bar and Bistro in Rancho Santa Margarita. It is a wine shop with a nice tasting bar, offering great wines by the glass or bottle and appetisers. I serve tables, pour wine, and do a good bit of cooking there. Soon I'll be introducing some of my own creations to the menu. I encourage you to stop in anytime Wednesday through Saturday evenings to enjoy some great wine, great eats, and have a few laughs!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Monday, August 2, 2010
Martini time!
For a refreshing take on the classic Caipirinha, try this at your next cocktail party:
The Pompirinha
1 table spoon fresh pomegranate seeds
1 teaspoon "raw" granulated sugar
1 small lime, cut into wedges
2 1/2 oz Cachaca
Fresh ice cubes
Prepare a cocktail glass with a rim of raw sugar(coat rim with a lime wedge then roll rim in raw sugar) and 3-5 pomegranate seeds in the bottom of the glass.
In a mixing glass, muddle together the pomegranate seeds, lime wedges, and sugar. Add a few ice cubes and Cachaca and attach your Boston style shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, to dissolve most of the sugar, and strain into your prepared glass. Garnish with a thin slice of lime peel. Top with a small splash of club soda if desired.
If you want to make a Caipirinha, try this recipe:
In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle together a small lime cut into wedges and 1 teaspoon sugar. Fill glass with ice cubes and about 2 oz cachaca. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge. Add a splash of club soda if desired.
Cheers!
Tony
The Pompirinha
1 table spoon fresh pomegranate seeds
1 teaspoon "raw" granulated sugar
1 small lime, cut into wedges
2 1/2 oz Cachaca
Fresh ice cubes
Prepare a cocktail glass with a rim of raw sugar(coat rim with a lime wedge then roll rim in raw sugar) and 3-5 pomegranate seeds in the bottom of the glass.
In a mixing glass, muddle together the pomegranate seeds, lime wedges, and sugar. Add a few ice cubes and Cachaca and attach your Boston style shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, to dissolve most of the sugar, and strain into your prepared glass. Garnish with a thin slice of lime peel. Top with a small splash of club soda if desired.
If you want to make a Caipirinha, try this recipe:
In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle together a small lime cut into wedges and 1 teaspoon sugar. Fill glass with ice cubes and about 2 oz cachaca. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge. Add a splash of club soda if desired.
Cheers!
Tony
Old meets new!
Hello again, cheers to those still reading this blog, waiting with baited breath for my next post!
I had the privilege recently to taste some Old Vine Garnachas and let me tell you, they were pretty tasty!
Atteca Garnacha de Fuego, Old Vine Garnacha, 2009
Ripe red fruit dominate the palate and heighten your senses. Cherries, strawberries, and red plums abound with noticeable acidity and great character.
Evodia Old Vine Garnacha, 2008
Speaking of red fruit, the message is loud and clear, and this Old Vine Garnacha speaks plainly. Ripe fruit, soft tannins, sweet earth. Delicious.
Cala Blanca Old Vine Garnacha, 2009
Layered flavors of ripe raspberry and Bing cherries lead to the long thought out finish.
Enjoy these tasty treasures with tapas or your favorite Spanish dish.
Viva Garnacha!
Tony
I had the privilege recently to taste some Old Vine Garnachas and let me tell you, they were pretty tasty!
Atteca Garnacha de Fuego, Old Vine Garnacha, 2009
Ripe red fruit dominate the palate and heighten your senses. Cherries, strawberries, and red plums abound with noticeable acidity and great character.
Evodia Old Vine Garnacha, 2008
Speaking of red fruit, the message is loud and clear, and this Old Vine Garnacha speaks plainly. Ripe fruit, soft tannins, sweet earth. Delicious.
Cala Blanca Old Vine Garnacha, 2009
Layered flavors of ripe raspberry and Bing cherries lead to the long thought out finish.
Enjoy these tasty treasures with tapas or your favorite Spanish dish.
Viva Garnacha!
Tony
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wines of Merit(age)
"Eat thy bread and drink thy wine with a merry heart." Ecclesiastes 9:7
When you think of Meritage wine, try to envision a Bordeaux, with a California attitude. Only then will you just begin to scratch the surface. Here are three that you can find for under $30:
Langtry Meritage, 2006
This Lake County Meritage blends the classic Bordeaux varietals into an intensely rich and flavorful wine. Dark fruit supported by firm tannins lead into a smooth, well rounded finish.
Sterling Vineyards Meritage, 2007
A Napa County Meritage with more earth than fruit, but makes it's best attempt at imitating a like minded Bordeaux.
Estancia Meritage, 2006
Paso Robles is a great place to find great wines. This Meritage is one of those wines. Vibrant aromas of black cherries, anise, rosemary, and sage are accompanied by flavors of chocolate dipped black fruit and sweet oak. Wonderfully structured tannins round out the long and smooth finish.
Cheers,
Tony
When you think of Meritage wine, try to envision a Bordeaux, with a California attitude. Only then will you just begin to scratch the surface. Here are three that you can find for under $30:
Langtry Meritage, 2006
This Lake County Meritage blends the classic Bordeaux varietals into an intensely rich and flavorful wine. Dark fruit supported by firm tannins lead into a smooth, well rounded finish.
Sterling Vineyards Meritage, 2007
A Napa County Meritage with more earth than fruit, but makes it's best attempt at imitating a like minded Bordeaux.
Estancia Meritage, 2006
Paso Robles is a great place to find great wines. This Meritage is one of those wines. Vibrant aromas of black cherries, anise, rosemary, and sage are accompanied by flavors of chocolate dipped black fruit and sweet oak. Wonderfully structured tannins round out the long and smooth finish.
Cheers,
Tony
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Friends, food, and wine.
"In Vino, Veritas." Pliny the Elder
After a few months I'm back to tell the tale of wine. Well, at least the wine I've had the pleasure of tasting over the last few days. Here are some of the standouts:
2006 Bonterra Merlot Organic Grapes
As the name says, this wine is made from organically grown grapes, but that's not to say it doesn't taste good. Quite the contrary, this Merlot displayed pure, ripe, red fruit flavors with a decidedly smooth finish.
2005 Mezzacorona Pinot Noir
Italy is not well known for Pinot Noir, and, while this one won't change that anytime soon, I did enjoy it's bright cherry aroma and tight acidity. It will cut right through rich (fatty?) dishes.
I enjoyed these wines with good friends and one of my very favorite things to eat: Grilled Rib Eye Steaks! We threw in grilled zucchini, yellow squash, red and green bell peppers, and red onions for good measure. Simple and tasty.
Cheers,
Tony
After a few months I'm back to tell the tale of wine. Well, at least the wine I've had the pleasure of tasting over the last few days. Here are some of the standouts:
2006 Bonterra Merlot Organic Grapes
As the name says, this wine is made from organically grown grapes, but that's not to say it doesn't taste good. Quite the contrary, this Merlot displayed pure, ripe, red fruit flavors with a decidedly smooth finish.
2005 Mezzacorona Pinot Noir
Italy is not well known for Pinot Noir, and, while this one won't change that anytime soon, I did enjoy it's bright cherry aroma and tight acidity. It will cut right through rich (fatty?) dishes.
I enjoyed these wines with good friends and one of my very favorite things to eat: Grilled Rib Eye Steaks! We threw in grilled zucchini, yellow squash, red and green bell peppers, and red onions for good measure. Simple and tasty.
Cheers,
Tony
Monday, March 16, 2009
Red Wine at the right time!
"Wine is poetry in a bottle." Clifton Fadiman
Hello again, over the last few weeks I've had the pleasure of tasting some great red wines. These are some that stood out above the rest:
Budini Malbec 2007
Ripe and fruit forward, this deep red Malbec begs for food with a smokey tilt and drinks dilightfuly.
Rancho Zabaco Dry Creek Valley Reserve Zinfandel 2004
Ripe dark fruit is perfectly complimented by spicy earth and a lingering, smooth finish. Zin has been grown in California for over a century, this one is one of the best examples.
Talus Pinot Noir 2007
Surprizing for a low cost wine, the Talus Pinot Noir is easy on the palate, smooth, and balanced.
Testarossa Syrah Subasio 2007
True to it's name, the "red head" is bright and lively with ripe, well rounded flavors. It's willing to arouse the senses.
Valle Vista Red 2006
Regarded as California's answer to Bourdeaux's Medoc region, this red blend from Napa Valley is solid and versatile. A great cheeseburger wine!
Cheers,
Tony
Hello again, over the last few weeks I've had the pleasure of tasting some great red wines. These are some that stood out above the rest:
Budini Malbec 2007
Ripe and fruit forward, this deep red Malbec begs for food with a smokey tilt and drinks dilightfuly.
Rancho Zabaco Dry Creek Valley Reserve Zinfandel 2004
Ripe dark fruit is perfectly complimented by spicy earth and a lingering, smooth finish. Zin has been grown in California for over a century, this one is one of the best examples.
Talus Pinot Noir 2007
Surprizing for a low cost wine, the Talus Pinot Noir is easy on the palate, smooth, and balanced.
Testarossa Syrah Subasio 2007
True to it's name, the "red head" is bright and lively with ripe, well rounded flavors. It's willing to arouse the senses.
Valle Vista Red 2006
Regarded as California's answer to Bourdeaux's Medoc region, this red blend from Napa Valley is solid and versatile. A great cheeseburger wine!
Cheers,
Tony
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Ready to drink Reds!
"Wine is made to be drunk as women are made to be loved." -- Theophile Malvezin
2007 McManis Petite Sirah
Dark, inky, and purple in color leads to deep, dark fruit flavors. Hints of smoke intertwine with the layers of flavor and continue to the satisfying finish. Pleasantly surprising!
2006 Eos Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Pleasant aromas are followed by subtle fruit flavors up front. Next you'll experience notes of leather, earth, and tobacco. Supple tannins in the finish.
2005 Jean Luc Colombo Chateau d'aigueville Cotes-du-Rhone
Pleasing ripe fruit flavors make a great first impression. The solid structure and livelyness on the palate confirm it.
Cheers!
Tony
2007 McManis Petite Sirah
Dark, inky, and purple in color leads to deep, dark fruit flavors. Hints of smoke intertwine with the layers of flavor and continue to the satisfying finish. Pleasantly surprising!
2006 Eos Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Pleasant aromas are followed by subtle fruit flavors up front. Next you'll experience notes of leather, earth, and tobacco. Supple tannins in the finish.
2005 Jean Luc Colombo Chateau d'aigueville Cotes-du-Rhone
Pleasing ripe fruit flavors make a great first impression. The solid structure and livelyness on the palate confirm it.
Cheers!
Tony
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
