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This Sangiovese blend almost got lost in my wine rack…I honestly wasn’t going to open this particular bottle, didn’t even know I had it, but accidentally did one Saturday night when starting to prepare dinner. Happy accident! The 2005 Ceppaiano Toscana “Alle VIole” was a surprise, very old world in it’s expression, which might have something to do with a bit more development due to it’s age. Balsamic and even some anise scents got me really excited to have with my kale salad with pecorino (a familiar Tuscan cheese) and cranberries and my simple quinoa pasta with tomato sauce. Perfecto!
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Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS
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This Sangiovese blend almost got lost in my wine rack…I honestly wasn’t going to open this particular bottle, didn’t even know I had it, but accidentally did one Saturday night when starting to prepare dinner. Happy accident!

The 2005 Ceppaiano Toscana “Alle VIole” was a surprise, very old world in it’s expression, which might have something to do with a bit more development due to it’s age. Balsamic and even some anise scents got me really excited to have with my kale salad with pecorino (a familiar Tuscan cheese) and cranberries and my simple quinoa pasta with tomato sauce. Perfecto!

Not just Port comes out of Portugal, you can also get some terrific value and interesting red wines. I was excited about tasting this particular bottle called Alente Premium (not sure what the “premium” designates) because it was my first experience with the grape, Trincadeira, with possible origins in the Alentejo region where this wine is made. This wine also has 40% Aragonez (Tempranillo), is aged in American Oak and has a full bodied boldness that anyone who enjoys California Cabernet, Malbec or Petite Sirah would be absolutely satisfied. And at under $10 your wallet will say, “Saude!”  
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Not just Port comes out of Portugal, you can also get some terrific value and interesting red wines.

I was excited about tasting this particular bottle called Alente Premium (not sure what the “premium” designates) because it was my first experience with the grape, Trincadeira, with possible origins in the Alentejo region where this wine is made. This wine also has 40% Aragonez (Tempranillo), is aged in American Oak and has a full bodied boldness that anyone who enjoys California Cabernet, Malbec or Petite Sirah would be absolutely satisfied.

And at under $10 your wallet will say, “Saude!”  

Words like Jumilla and Monastrell got you toungue tied? Well, don’t speak and just drink this bold red from Spain. South and West of Valencia this grape loves the hot sun and ripens late giving it intense power, but with a fresh black fruited taste. EXTRA CRED: This grape is also known as Mourvedre in France where it is used in Rhone and Provence blends.
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Words like Jumilla and Monastrell got you toungue tied? Well, don’t speak and just drink this bold red from Spain. South and West of Valencia this grape loves the hot sun and ripens late giving it intense power, but with a fresh black fruited taste.

EXTRA CRED: This grape is also known as Mourvedre in France where it is used in Rhone and Provence blends.

Thanks to all my Popping Your Cork Students for a terrific Rosé class last night! Here’s what we tasted and how Chef Laura paired them: NV Domaine Joseph Cattin Crémant D’Alsace Rosé  2011 Kavaklidere Egeo Roze from Turkey with shrimp salad with herbed olive oil 2012 Domaine Houchart Côtes De Provence Rosé 2012 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Rosado with a wine-braised chorizo And a presentation Rosé friendly snacks including Spanish style spiced almonds, olives, and Comté cheese with regular and gluten free crackers. My personal favorite pairing of the evening was the Spanish Rosado and the wine-braised chorizo. The spicy chorizo was tempered by the bold red fruited Rosado that really gave both wine and food and extra level. Yummers! We even threw in for comparison the original White Zinfandel from Sutter Home. And although it might not have been the favorite wines of the night, we could all appreciate the breadth that rosé has to offer. I think all had a good time and enjoyed the taste of Spring! Let’s do it again soon!
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Thanks to all my Popping Your Cork Students for a terrific Rosé class last night! Here’s what we tasted and how Chef Laura paired them: NV Domaine Joseph Cattin Crémant D’Alsace Rosé  2011 Kavaklidere Egeo Roze from Turkey with shrimp salad with herbed olive oil 2012 Domaine Houchart Côtes De Provence Rosé 2012 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Rosado with a wine-braised chorizo And a presentation Rosé friendly snacks including Spanish style spiced almonds, olives, and Comté cheese with regular and gluten free crackers. My personal favorite pairing of the evening was the Spanish Rosado and the wine-braised chorizo. The spicy chorizo was tempered by the bold red fruited Rosado that really gave both wine and food and extra level. Yummers! We even threw in for comparison the original White Zinfandel from Sutter Home. And although it might not have been the favorite wines of the night, we could all appreciate the breadth that rosé has to offer. I think all had a good time and enjoyed the taste of Spring! Let’s do it again soon!
Zoom
Thanks to all my Popping Your Cork Students for a terrific Rosé class last night! Here’s what we tasted and how Chef Laura paired them: NV Domaine Joseph Cattin Crémant D’Alsace Rosé  2011 Kavaklidere Egeo Roze from Turkey with shrimp salad with herbed olive oil 2012 Domaine Houchart Côtes De Provence Rosé 2012 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Rosado with a wine-braised chorizo And a presentation Rosé friendly snacks including Spanish style spiced almonds, olives, and Comté cheese with regular and gluten free crackers. My personal favorite pairing of the evening was the Spanish Rosado and the wine-braised chorizo. The spicy chorizo was tempered by the bold red fruited Rosado that really gave both wine and food and extra level. Yummers! We even threw in for comparison the original White Zinfandel from Sutter Home. And although it might not have been the favorite wines of the night, we could all appreciate the breadth that rosé has to offer. I think all had a good time and enjoyed the taste of Spring! Let’s do it again soon!
Zoom

Thanks to all my Popping Your Cork Students for a terrific Rosé class last night!

Here’s what we tasted and how Chef Laura paired them:

NV Domaine Joseph Cattin Crémant D’Alsace Rosé 

2011 Kavaklidere Egeo Roze from Turkey with shrimp salad with herbed olive oil

2012 Domaine Houchart Côtes De Provence Rosé

2012 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Rosado with a wine-braised chorizo

And a presentation Rosé friendly snacks including Spanish style spiced almonds, olives, and Comté cheese with regular and gluten free crackers.

My personal favorite pairing of the evening was the Spanish Rosado and the wine-braised chorizo. The spicy chorizo was tempered by the bold red fruited Rosado that really gave both wine and food and extra level. Yummers!

We even threw in for comparison the original White Zinfandel from Sutter Home. And although it might not have been the favorite wines of the night, we could all appreciate the breadth that rosé has to offer.

I think all had a good time and enjoyed the taste of Spring! Let’s do it again soon!

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