Here we are again, riding out a major winter storm in Georgia. Hard to believe it was just two weeks ago my husband wasn’t able to make it home. This time he heeded all warnings and has been home during all the bad weather. Lucky for us we’re north of the ice line and seeing mostly snowfall.

With all this winter weather I think my mind has been stuck on lighter and more spring like wines. Sunday night I opened Contadino Pinot Grigio I picked up at Trader Joe’s and had a delightful surprise to find it was effervescent though not what I would consider a true bubbly.

The nose was a little closed but after some time in the glass presented zesty lemon and almond. On the palate, a semi-sweet apricot and peach and more almond and a mineral finish. Even though there is a detection of sweetness the wine is labeled as a dry white wine.
Knowing a huge winter storm was approaching, we paired with a spring/summer like dish; Pork shops, asparagus and orzo salad with feta, avocado, tomato and lemon.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Delle Venezie, Northeast Italy
Alcohol: 12%
Price: $5.99 at Trader Joe’s

We had two inches of wet and slushy snow on Tuesday, more like sleet I suppose and much of it melted prior to going to bed. On Wednesday we awoke to a winter wonderland with blowing snow accumulating to another 3 inches. There’s a lull as I’m writing this but round two is expected for later this afternoon or early evening. This is supposed to be a third wallop and possibly bring ice.

Being a Florida girl I prepared for this storm like I would a hurricane. I was out on Monday and talking to people who weren’t taking the storm very serious saying, “I’m from Ohio, I know snow.” Or, “Nothing’s going to happen, everyone’s over-reacting.” Well here’s what I say, “That is a very irresponsible and ignorant attitude.” I would much rather over-prepare than be caught without food, drinking and flushing water (we’re on a well, so power goes out, so does the water) and means to provide some light at night. Luckily I did our shopping over the weekend, knowing the stores would be a mad house on Monday. However I did decide to stop by to pick up some charcoal in case we needed it for cooking. It was very reminiscent of hurricane shopping, lots of carts full of snack foods, canned goods, bread and beer. My cart held the charcoal and three bottles of bubbly. Hey, we all have our priorities.

It’s now three days after the snow began to fall and the sun is shining allowing the snow to slowly melt from the roof and trees. This morning the tree branches were covered with a fine powder of snow. Around 10: 00 it looked and felt like rain falling from the trees and the occasional sword of ice from power lines. I also saw my first snow plow in action. Our road is now clear and we should be able to get out tomorrow. I think I’ve had enough fun with snow for this winter and hope this is the last. But if it isn’t I know I won’t be without wine.