Just in time for the holidays, not to mention the live broadcast of The Sound of Music (yikes)- sorry Carrie, I love ya but this one sounds a little scary, I’m all for a live spectacular but this rings a bit blasphemous, I hope you surprise me- but I digress, this my dear readers, is your go-to fizzy-lifting drink of the season.
Tis’ that said season and for a mere $15, Weingut Huber makes a totally acceptable and rather juicy, refined and delicious sparkling rosé boasting a finessed bite of zingy acidity that begs to be imbibed with food. Huber’s Hugo pink bubbles makes a Fräulein proud.
A blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt from Austria’s Traisental region, these grapes are picked from small single vineyards, hence the wine’s delicacy and finesse. It’s like cheap grower champagne.
Serve this blushing beauty up in some white wine glasses (boot the flute and do as the Somms do- sparkling is better served in plain old white wine glasses). Hand them to your lovely guests as they arrive, and they’ll love you forever. Who doesn’t love a drink when they walk through a door? Anyone? Bueller? And this one’s pink, it’s bubbly, it’s deliciously floral and feminine and it’s festive- seriously, it’s kind of perfect and goes with everything. Take your Pinterest pick of the current overflow of holiday canapés and hors d’oeurves to whip up with this one kids, it’s not finicky.
Happy Weekend dear readers. These Kate Spade cards are rocking my world. If I didn’t do holiday photo cards, I would have these little beauties addressed and ready to send- seriously stylish and fun!
I hope you all enjoyed a warm and blessed Thanksgiving. We are laying low this weekend after all that cooking and holiday hoopla. We might try to catch a showing of Catching Fire, I hear it’s pretty good, have you seen it? Do tell. What are you all up to this weekend? Black Friday anyone? I can’t bring myself to do it although I am curious. Maybe I’ll pop my head in Walmart to see what all the fuss is about. Or maybe not.
House-hunting update: we got the house! Yippee- suburbia here we come. Even though I am a wee bit scaredy-cat about life in the ‘burbs, to be honest I’m completely psyched for a change and some real grown-up space. We will be able to do a bit of renovations too, so my 5,200 Pins will not go to waste. All Pinning and No House Makes Kelly a… well, you know.
What I’m Drinking This Weekend:
It’s that most wonderful time of the year so I’m breaking out the- what else- bubbly. It’s officially the start of the holiday season- hooray! It’s on baby, deck the halls and bust out the bubbles. I’m popping a fizzy rosé tonight, an Austrian Pinot Noir/Zweigelt blend. I usually find Austrian bubbles to be finessed and feminine, we’ll see how this one shakes out. Check back on Monday for my Tasting Note to follow. If this one’s a winner, at $15 it’s a perfect holiday party wine. Huber Hugo Rosé Sparkling, $15
What to drink with that delectable bird? And yes, it can actually be juicy and delicious, not just a dry and bland holiday tradition, but more on that tomorrow. Back to the task at hand- picking that perfect wine to serve with your bird. If you’re anything like me- procrastinator extraordinaire- you haven’t done your wine shopping yet, so here are your best bets. If you can’t locate these producers, ask your trusty wine shop merchant for some suggestions in these regions.
1. Cru Beaujolais. Yes, I said it. Beaujolais. I know it gets a bad rap, but it’s mostly due to the hyped up marketing blitz around the (usually) mediocre Beaujolais Nouveau. If you go for a Cru, you’re going for the good stuff. My suggestion is the Chateau du Chatelard Moulin a Vent. Made with the Gamay grape, this wine is chock full of ripe berries and red fruit, grounded by its earthiness and set off with a bit of that bubble gum flavor. It’s light to medium-bodied, a great match for your meal. Château du Chatelard Moulin-a-Vent, $19
2. Pinot Noir loves a bird. I’m reaching for my Central California Sea Smoke Southing again this year. We served it with last year’s feast and was a huge hit with everyone at the table, even those that aren’t big winos. This beautiful wine is velvety with a pinch of black pepper and smoke, smacks of black cherry and feels like a fall day. Perfect right? Expensive, but if you want to splurge you won’t be sorry. Sea Smoke Southing ’09, $79
3. Call me boring, call me predictable- anyone who reads this blog knows I have to Go Gigondas or Go Home. It’s really my all-time fave. The less expensive cousin to Chateaneuf du Pape, a good Gigondas is truly sunshine in a glass- thank you Mr. Hemingway. If I had my druthers, I would have a bottomless barrel of Celine Chauvet’s Domaine du Grapillon d’Or in my basement (if I had one). She makes a pretty and feminine yet earthy and rounded bottle of wine. Violets and roses temper the rustic earthiness of this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Love this wine, can never get enough. Great with your bird, guaranteed. Domaine du Grapillon d’Or ’10 Gigondas, $28
4. Prosecco. I confess, I’m not usually a huge Prosecco fan. I’ll reach for a Cremant any day over the Italian sparkler, but this one is special. Aged on its lees, the Ca’ dei Zago has that biscuity, briochey richness matched with an unexpected saltiness that gives it a creamy and savory finish. So yummy and a great choice with your holiday meal. Ca’ dei Zago Non-Vintage Prosecco, $20
5. Rosso di Montalcino. Another personal fave, I’m pretty much always a fan of the Sangiovese grape from its mother land. I love Montalcino and its wines so much that we went there on our honeymoon. The Rosso is a cheaper version of its big brother, Brunello and who doesn’t always want a Brunello? Anyone? Bueller? With a good producer, you can get some great bang for your buck here. I recommend the Campogiovanni ’10- a classic dirt and cherries profile that pairs nicely with a big holiday meal especially since this one sings with food-friendly acidity. Campogiovanni ’10 Rosso di Montalcino, $18
It is a heartfelt day in our nation. It’s truly hard to believe that 50 years ago, we lost our President Kennedy. I love this photo of the glamorous First Couple- so filled with hope, youth, and that fabulous toothy grin. To think how our world changed with the loss of this President is truly mind-blowing- if you haven’t seen the excellent documentary, The Fog of War, treat yourself and imagine how things may have been very different.
On to sunshinier things- I’m off on a solo road trip to visit my dear pal Lisa Shriver- Broadway choreographer extraordinaire- down at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. She zshushed up a few of their Christmas shows with her mad New Yorker skills and I’m going down to both take a look and revel in the thousands of Christmas lights. I can’t shake it- I’m a sucker for the holidays. Bring on the cheer.
In other news, we FINALLY found a house that we really love. It’s super cute and will be even cuter once I get my hands on it. Not the mid-century modern I was hoping for, but a great little house. It is truly deep in the burbs but still only about 25 minutes from DC and 20 minutes from Old Town Alexandria where I currently live- and if you read this blog, you know how I love me some Old Town. It’s very exciting but it does have one little quirk- it backs up to the community center and pool. I would love some readerly advice on this- what would you do? The house is great, the only one we’ve found after months and months of house hunting that meets all of our needs and passes the dinner party test- I try to imagine an intimate dinner party in the backyard of each house we look at complete with strung lights, etc. Not many pass that test, it’s a tough one. This one does and gives us plenty of room to spread our wings a bit and grow, not to mention the schools are aces. Advice needed!
What I’m Drinking This Weekend:
I’m going to pop open a bottle of ’05 Domaine du Grapillon d’Or Gigondas if we decide to go for (and get) this house. I’ve been saving this one up since my days as a French import rep. ’05 as you all probably know, was an absolutely stellar year pretty much across the board. Tip: if you’re looking for a great vintage, go for ’05, you really cannot go wrong. Well, maybe you can but it’s not likely. This wine is feminine and girly with hints of violets and flowers but packs a dirty punch and tastes like the earth- just the way I like ‘em. I’m crazy about it. A female winemaker is at the helm here which explains its finesse. I love the newer vintages as well. Find it a ’10 bottle here $27- a deal for a very well made Gigondas. This one is an excellent Turkey Day wine too.
The weather turned crisp and positively cool this past weekend, so I went in for a meaty bottle of wine- Anthill Farms ’10 Syrah. Recommended to me by a number of my Somm pals, this wine did not disappoint. For under $20, it’s one’s a keeper- literally. You could stash this one in the closet for a few years to draw out even more complex notes but at this price, I just went ahead and pulled the cork .
Here’s what I got, (this one’s got a lot going on):
Made by three rockstar winemakers who met working together at Healdsburg’s Williams Selyem winery, these guys are churning out some great juice. A restaurant wine list darling, snap this one up if you see a bottle or get it here.
Party Tip: Break this out with your wintery dishes at your next fall dinner party or family gathering. It packs a subtle punch and is warm and cozy. Great with family-style meat and potatoes.
Happy Weekend dear readers! Aren’t these leaves gorgeous? I snapped this yesterday on my daily walk through town with the bebes. I love the herringbone-bricked streets and those lavender-tinged leaves. I am really loving fall this year and trying to soak up this beautiful town while I still live here.
We recently sold our New York apartment (fingers crossed we will close by the end of the year) and while it is truly a bittersweet farewell from our little piece of the Manhattan pie, there is something satisfying about the resolute choice to plant some serious roots with family. We have decided to officially call Virginia home after a couple of years testing out the waters here. It is beautiful and a really lovely place to live with a kick ass wine scene to boot. A little challenging financially if you’re on the artsy side of things and not a lucrative lawyer or lobbyist but what’s new? We always seem to land in the most expensive places. We’ll find our little diamond in the rough. I’ve been scouring redfin trying to find that dream home that is somewhat architecturally interesting, close to a town with a vibrant and active community and in a great school district. It’s a tall order and a little tough-going with our budget, but I’ll keep you posted. Wish us luck. Northern Virginia real estate is not messing around, it is no joke here. Hot properties sell within hours of being on the market. Another rat race. Sigh.
In the meantime, I’m loving Old Town and trying to take in every moment here as we’ll likely head west to Fairfax County (still only 20 minutes from this cute little town but far enough that I can’t walk out the door and stroll the bebes along these Colonial streets). But we must make the move for the schools. Ahhh, parenthood.
What are you all up to this weekend? We have no big plans. Just hanging around, enjoying the fall.
What I’m Drinking This Weekend:
I’m going back to Cali. I’ll be sipping the ’10 Anthill Farms Syrah this fall weekend. Made by 3 rockstar winemakers formerly of Williams Selyem, my Somm friends love Anthill Farms, so I will give it a go. Tasting Note to come.
What I’m Reading This Weekend:
I’d like to say I’ll be reading Searching for Zion or something deep like that but I’m afraid I’m too tired for serious reads these days. Sleep habits of 17 month olds= not conducive to long lingering novels. Instead, I’ll sip my Syrah while reading about one of my best pals, Cristy Candler in the latest issue of Anthology, shot by the fabulous and talented Amy Dickerson (whose work and Sideshow Stories are constant inspiration).
Cristy is one of my best girls from back in the day. We grew up together on the Broadway scene. By grew up, I mean we were already in our 20s, but we hustled and got our first Broadway workshop together- Dirty Dancing directed by the now Tony-award winning Diane Paulus. What fun. Cristy is the definition of a free spirit, she cracks me up and always inspires me with her love of life, creativity and vintage-chic style. The whole issue is beautiful. Check it out.
I don’t know how to feel about this. Martin Scorcese directs this gorgeous ad for Dolce and Gabbana with Matthew McConaughey and Scarlett Johanssen. Is it just me or does it feel like you’re watching a student film with superb cinematography?
We want the funk! Gotta have that funk. And I love it when it comes in a low alcohol bottle of French hard apple cider, of all things. Festive and fall-like this one’s organic, unfiltered (oh yeah!) and sports just the right amount of funk as demonstrated by the fabulous Bootsy Collins below. Ha.
What can I say folks, I’m caught up in a self-inflicted Central Coast Pinot frenzy. I just can’t get enough. And this from a pre-Sideways devotee (big fan since my days as an Angeleno in the late 90s, folks). Seriously the juice from this part of the world just gets better and better. These California winemakers are not messing around. And this one for $13, is right on.
So what do you get for 13 bucks? It can’t be much right? We are talking about Pinot Noir, one of the most tricky and tough grapes to grow. This grape can be a real heartbreaker. And let’s be honest, it’s thirteen dollars. We’re not talking about a mind-blowing bottle here, this one’s not going to change your life. But what you do get is quite a lot for the price.
You get spice, you get crushed berries and most of all you get a well-rounded food friendly wine. I must admit I was a little dubious when I saw the label. Jack Hammer? Really? Does this have a chance in hell of being good with a cutesy name like that? I don’t usually go in for this type of thing, but it delivers. Its bright fruit pairs great with roasted or grilled meats and veggies. If your food is a touch sweet like these figs, it’s a match made in heaven. If your food is a bit savory, the ripeness of the fruit will balance it out. Win win.
Oh Julia, ’tis true. Happy Weekend dear readers. I hope this finds you all cozy and warm. We are having a big cold spurt here, the first of the season. My mom is in town so we’re going to hit up Mount Vernon for its annual fall festival and a local Halloween parade on Sunday. What are you all up to?
What I’m Drinking This Weekend:
You guessed it, it’s another Central Coast Pinot. I’m still loving on these Pinots (always will but having a particular taste for them at the moment), good stuff and great for fall. I’ll be chewing and swirling this one around with some honey-drizzled and ricotta-topped figs. Recipe to come.
Clever. The answer to all of my closet-less woes. An Ode to the Pax by the genius DIY’er Jenny Komenda. This customed wardrobe is no big box closet. It is swank-a-roo. Less than half the cost of a custom built closer, I am filing this one away for the dream house. Fo Sho.
Brilliant. Sam Wasson brings his Jazz Hands A game to this short teaser for his new Fosse bio. Nathan Lane, Andrea Martin and the almighty Liza make cameo appearances. Hilarious. If you know anything about the brilliant dance maker Bob Fosse, you’ll love this. All That Jazz is required viewing for maximum appreciation. Plus, if you haven’t seen it then… well, why not? I’m talking to you Lauren, it’s only one of the greatest movies ever made in my humble and Fosse-fanatic opinion.
Creative. The Yellow Table’s Anna Watson Carl realizes a dream. She’s writing a cookbook and has given herself 5 months to create 100 recipes. Follow along with The Cookbook Diaries.
Repulsive. On all levels. In light of our recent government meltdown, we’ve taken to watching the West Wing and longing for a better era. That show just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy unlike the current state of American politics. Ugh.
Cool! A stick figure baby for Halloween. I might have to do this next year.
Kind. Tell a friend (or a stranger) that she’s a good momma. A little goes a long way.
Creepy? Justice Scalia believes in the devil. This piece is Halloween apropos.
Spooky. According to a recent study, the country of Japan will have its last Japanese baby in the year 3000. Say what? The Last Japanese Baby- it sounds like a new Sci-Fi film starring Will and Jaden Smith. Can they save the last Japanese baby? What do you think? There have been lots of books released lately on the issue, an interesting topic.
And lastly:
What will you be this Halloween? I mean you, grown ups. We are invited to a kids birthday party for Halloween and the adults are required to dress up. I’m not usually one for a lack of interest in dreaming up these kinds of things but time is of the essence here. I’ve got two days to pull something together with no budget. What are some funny and easy costumes that you have all thought up over the years? I was once the Night Sky and just wore all black and stuck glow in the dark stars all over myself, but this party’s during the day so that won’t work. I’ve been a Black-Eyed Pea, that one’s easy. C and I went one year as 2 Peas and iPod (get it- yuck yuck). Let me know if you have any easy quick costume ideas.
I’m happy to report that my weekend wine was quite delicious. A Cab Franc from California’s Santa Ynez region- that beloved and be-darlinged Central Coast- this one was rounder than a Loire Cab Franc and a bit less lean, but made in the Loire style it is delicate with hints of earth and fruit. Bright and vibrant, while it doesn’t express the lead pencil and green bell pepper notes that I love in a Loire, it does have plenty of minerality and lively fruit- a great food wine.
I am so drawn to Loire’s Cab Francs that I find it nearly impossible not to compare my Cab Francs, but the whole point of wine drinking is to appreciate the bottle you are imbibing. In other words, “Love the one you’re with”, right? I have to constantly remind myself of this when it comes to wine. My academic study of vino makes me a bit more analytical and a bit less zenful than I would like to be in that moment with my glass of wine.
Am I getting a little too aerie faerie here? Maybe. My point is that this is a Cab Franc from the Central Coast so that is what it should taste like. I think this bottle does a great job representing its turf. Under the careful command of Justin Willette of Tyler Winery and former RN 74 Somm Eric Railsback, this is not your typical California wine. Inspired by the Loire style of winemaking, these dudes know what they’re doing and stay out of the way enough to let the turf speak for itself, shepherding their juice toward goodness. And that label… divine.
Here’s What I Got:
Drink: Now thru 2017
Pair with: Lamb, Duck, Salmon. A great food wine, just don’t go too heavy with your menu.
Former showgirl, forever travel junkie, sometime sommelier, and mom to twin bebes. This little blog is a mixed bag of tasting notes, travels, tales of motherhood, and current musings. Thank you for stopping by. Cin Cin! (photo by Amy Dickerson for Anthology Magazine)
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