14 Hands Hot to Trot Red Blend

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

Sitting at my laptop I face two large windows looking out into our wooded yard. Two large14 Hands Hot to Trot White Oaks stretch their long branches toward the railing on my front porch. The sun is just coming up and the sounds of nature are the only sounds I hear. Roosters crowing, mine included, birds chirping and the occasional moo from a cow.

I would sit out side on the porch but it’s a chilly 53 degrees, a sure sign summer has ended and fall has begun. The leaves collecting in the yard and back deck were an indication of that a few weeks ago now the temps have started to drop as well as those leaves.
Over the summer I had plenty of wonderful white wines purchased from local wine stores but I was struggling with finding affordable great tasting reds. I tried several from Trader Joe’s on the advice of one of their crew members but many were one dimensional with no personality or so tannic I couldn’t drink them. I finally stumbled on a wine you can find most anywhere, a name you’ve probably seen in your local wine store or even grocery chain, 14 Hands Hot to Trot Red Blend.

Aromas of cassis and ripe berries with juicy blackberry, soft tannins with a hint of vanilla and cherry in the finish. This wine has now become my must pick up when I see a bottle at a good price point. I found this one at Trader Joe’s for $9.99 but it’s available in many stores. We paired with BBQ pork steak, handmade basil pasta and pineapple tomatoes we purchased at the Dahlonega Farmer’s Market.

Blend: Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon with hints of Mourvedre and other select red varieties
AVA: Columbia Valley, Washington
Alcohol: 13.5%
Acidity: 0.59g/100ml
PH: 3.67

14 Hands refers to the small wild mustangs that once ran wild in Washington State. Hand is the measurement in which horses are measured, equivalent to a man’s palm width. The wild horses would come down from the hills to drink from the Columbia River and graze its banks during the warm days before heading back to the cool hills at night. The area that was once home to those small and determined horses is now home to 14 Hands vines.

The Columbia Valley AVA is the largest and perhaps most well known wine region in Washington making up 99% of the total vineyards in the state. Warm days and cool nights provide an ideal climate to produce fruit forward wines with great balance between acidity and tannins. Receiving little rain due to the Cascade Rain Shadow the area is a dry, desert climate benefiting from the Columbia River running through the region and supplying water vital to grape growth.

I started this post over a week ago. My intention was to tie in my June trip to Lake Chelan, WA a smaller AVA within the larger Columbia Valley region. However, my paying gig, the one that I work part time required I work 45 hours last week. So, my life outside of work was put on hold. I recently changed positions at work and I’ve found it has affected the posting of my blog. I am grateful I have the ability to work part time but need to find the balance between work/life that I enjoyed for several years.

Fall continues to slowly creep into the area. We had a bit of a warming trend mid-last week and now back to enjoying highs in the upper 60’s and lows in the 50’s. Colors are really starting to show in the leaves and our driveway has more leaves than usual. Check back next week for frightfully good Halloween wine.

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Montaluce Winery & Estates, Dahlonega, Georgia

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

Montaluce Winery & Estates, Dahlonega, Georgia

“There’s gold in them thar hills.” These are the famously misquoted words spoken by Dr. MF Stephenson in 1849 as he stood on the Dahlonega Court House steps attempting to persuade miners to stay in Dahlonega instead of joining the gold rush craze in California. The words Stephenson actually uttered, “There’s millions in it”, referring to the bountiful gold that still lay in the surrounding hills and mountains. In 1828 a large amount of gold was discovered in Georgia Cherokee land in an area later named Dahlonega (Cherokee for “yellow money”) leading to the first major US Gold Rush beating California to the title by twenty years.

What Dr. Stephenson didn’t realize is not only is there gold in those hills but wine too. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Montaluce Winery & Estates located on the Dahlonega Plateau.  Dahlonega, known as the heart of the North Georgia Wine Country is just over an hour outside of Atlanta making for a wonderful day trip destination or an extended stay in the beautiful mountains.

Winemaker – Maria Peterson
Maria was under the weather when I visited but I had the pleasure of meeting with General Manager Warren Robertson who gave me the red carpet tour and provided some background on Maria.

Born and raised in South Africa, Maria was exposed to wine at an early age while helping at her family’s winery outside of Stellenbosch. A fourth generation winemaker, Maria received her Oenology and Viticulture degree from the University of Stellenbosch. After graduating Maria spent time working at wineries in Western Australia, France and Napa California. It was while working in France she met her husband, a blues musician from Georgia. After spending a few years in back in South Africa Maria and her husband packed up and moved to Rabun County in Northeast Georgia.

Not long after, Maria answered an ad for a winemaker at Montaluce Winery and is now making wine grown in the red Georgia clay. To quote Warren Robertson, “Maria shouldn’t be here. Maria for all intents and purposes should be in Napa or France working about twenty percent as hard.”

Challenges
Making good wine in the Deep South requires more work than Napa or France. After having the soil of the vineyards analyzed, the findings showed the soil to be deficient in zinc and magnesium. To compound the difficulty of growing grapes in this type of soil the pesticides and fungicides used in the vineyards strip the natural resistance out of the vines. Maria set to work to combat this problem and brought in worms from her worm farm. The worms puts microbes back into the ground helping to build up the natural disease resistance. In addition spraying each vine with a combination of magnesium, AZOMITE and manure assists with fertilizing and adds nutrients back into the ground.

Spring 2013 temperatures were cool with just the right amount of rain and sun. There were no late freezes proving devastating to one local winery in April of 2012 and everyone believed this year’s bounty would exceed the 2012 yield. Then the unrelenting rains came, washing away land, roads and bridges, forcing the cancellation of Fourth of July celebrations and hampering ideal conditions for many growers. While the rains ended a long Georgia drought and brought Lake Lanier levels up to above full tidal pool, the abundance of rain will have an affect on this year’s harvest.

In August the rains subsided and temperatures finally reached normal highs. Unfortunately the yield will be low this year but the wine quality will still be high due to careful selection during harvest which began the second week of September. There is hope the grapes had enough hang time to bring depleted sugar levels up. Grapes not worthy of winemaking will be dropped and allowed to compost back into the ground.

Vineyards
Nine varietals are planted on ten acres of vineyards. Current varietals include Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. If winemaker Maria Peterson has her way, this line up will change in the near future.

Montaluce Winery & Estates, Dahlonega, Georgia

Wines
During my visit I was able to sample the wines with my meal, allowing me to play with pairings. If you plan on staying for lunch or dinner at Le Vigne this is a great way to experience the wines.
Montaluce offers a variety of red, white and a new addition, sparkling. This was one of my favorites. Made from mead sourced from local honey the sparkling is a great fit for the seventy-five plus weddings held at the winery annually.

White Wines prices are listed per glass and by bottle
Mead 2011  – Off-dry sparkling mead made from unprocessed local wildflower honey. Aromatic honey, magnolia and jasmine notes. 7/26
2011 Montaluce, Primaluce – best selling white wine. Medium bodied blend of 50% Pinot Gris and 50% Chardonnay. White grapefruit and melon with a long refreshing finish. 7/27
2012 Montaluce, Viognier – 100% Viognier with ripe peach and a honeysuckle bouquet. This was my second favorite white wine. 8/32
2011 Montaluce – Primoro – Off-dry wine made from 50% Seyval Blanc and 50% Vidal Blanc. Flavors of green apple, pears and tropical fruit. 6/23
b>2012 Montaluce Dolce – A blend of Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc. Semi sweet, lush mouthfeel with a tropical fruit finish. 5/19

White Wine Fligh

Red Wines prices are listed per glass and by bottle
2011 Montaluce Risata – A beautiful Rosé made from a blend of nine varietals. Raspberry and cherry with spicy notes of citrus, melon and white pepper.  5/19
2011 Montaluce, Super Georgian – best selling red wine. 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 20% Sangiovese, 19% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec. Bing cherry and chocolate flavors. 7/27
2009 Montaluce, Baleno – 100% Merlot this wine has aromas of candied cherry, medium bodied with a rustic old world wine finish. 5/12
2009 Montaluce, Tramonto –Made in the Bordeaux style the wine is medium bodied with aromas of vanilla and tobacco and flavors of red berries. 6/17
NV La Stella – 60% French grown and 40% Georgia grapes. Georgia Merlot aged in oak barrels for 6 months blended with French grown Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of leather and earth with flavors of black currant and black fruits. This was my favorite of all the wines. 9/35

Red Wine Flight

Dessert
2011 Vidal Blanc – Floral aromas with hints of apricot, grapefruit and melon. 8/34

Le Vigne
A visit to Montaluce is not complete without a meal at their onsite restaurant Le Vigne. Twenty-six year old Chef Austin grew up in Southern Mississippi cooking and baking with family members at an early age. After earning a Culinary Arts degree in Pasadena, CA, Austin returned to the south and held positions in prominent Buckhead restaurants before joining Montaluce as Head Chef.

Following a local farm to table focus Chef Austin is able to create familiar Southern dishes with an elegant flare. All proteins come from local farms, chicken from Springer Mountain Farms, pork from Mountain Valley Farms and beef from Solomon Farms.

Le Vigne also has a concentration on providing organic foods. In order to call their gardens organic they had to be moved from their original location, relocated and planted in raised beds. The gardens while not treated chemically were considered too close to the vineyards. Now located at the front entrance the raised beds produce will not come into contact with the same soils the vines are grown.

In addition to buying locally and growing organic produce Le Vigne is committed to sustainability. Coffee grounds and the daily changing shredded menus go into a compost bin where earthworms feed and turn into nutrient rich soil.

Menu
As I mentioned the menu changes daily but I have a few recommendations if available.

English Shropshire, Drunken Goat and Idiazabal Cheese (See photos below)
English Shropshire with jalapeño jelly, a light heavenly blue cheese. This is the blue cheese for non-blue cheese lovers. Don’t skip the jalapeño jelly and look for it in their store attached to the tasting room. The jelly flies off the shelf so if you see it grab it and if you can get two, send one to me too as they were out when I was there.
Drunken Goat with Risata jelly. No the goats haven’t been hitting the bottle. A semi-soft cheese from Spain’s Murcia region is soaked in red wine for two to three days giving the rind a deep purple color.
Idiazabal a pressed cheese made from unpasteurized sheep milk from the Basque Country, Spain with a light smokey flavor.

Any of the available Charcuterie looks divine and how can you go wrong with charcuterie?Duck Prosciutto
During my visit I had the House Duck Prosciutto with pickled ramps and it was amazing.

 

 

Small Plate (See additional photos below)
Pork BellyMountain Valley Pork Belly melt in your mouth divine porky goodness with celery root, smoked apple (this was really delicious) and quail egg.
House cured Smoked Salmon with smoked blueberry, pickled okra and house crème fraiche. The salmon is served under a glass dome that has been given a blast of smoke  using a smoke gun just prior to serving. The salmon is presented at table upon where the glass is removed leaving an intoxicating scent of wood smoke.
Soy cured Foie Gras, huckleberry, black garlic, foie powder, brioche. I sadly did not order this put it’s on my must have list if it’s available next time I visit.

Main
Mountain Valley Farms Pork Meatballs with Anson Mills polenta, house tomato sauce, broccoli rabe and pecorino romano. I’ve made the trip to MVF and purchased pork to serve in my home. There’s something about knowing exactly where your meat was raised and meeting the people who care for the animals.
Painted Hills Short Rib, fingerling potato, garden radish, porcini mushroom, broccolini and veal jus. Seriously, are you drooling yet?

Sandwich (See photos below)
The BLT a southern twist on the classic sandwich with Benton’s bacon, fried green tomato, young lettuce and ramp aioli.
Solomon Farms Dry Aged Beef Burger, baby lettuce, tomato, Vidalia onion, pickle, Dijon aioli and house pimento cheese. Oh mama was this burger spectacular.

Beef Burger

When my husband and I were considering moving from our home in Tampa, FL one of the biggest draws to Dahlonega was the great wine being grown and produced in this mountain town.

Each time I see the mountain ranges either in the distance or up close while driving through the winding, forested roads I find myself smiling. Leaving Atlanta behind you find the stress of the traffic, the blaring horns and even stop lights slipping away. Dahlonega truly is a mountain get away right in the shadow of the bright city lights

Hours of operations:
Le Vigne
Brunch: Sunday 11:00 – 3:00
Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 – 3:00
Dinner: Friday – Saturday 5:30 – 9:00

Tastings
Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-5pm
Sundays: 12pm-5pm

Tours
Complementary tours Tuesday-Sunday at 2pm
Deluxe Tour and Tastings Tuesday – Sunday by Reservation Only

Events
Have a special event coming up soon? Click here for event information.

Montaluce Winery & Estates
946 Via Montaluce, Dahlonega, GA30533
Phone: 706.867.4060
Email: info@montaluce.com

Posted in Dahlonega, Georgia, Sparkling Wines, Travel, United States, Wine under $40, Wines under $10, Wines under $20, Wines under $30 | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Incanto Rosé Frizzante

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

The slant of the sun shining through my windows hangs a little lower now, creatingIncanto shadows of dancing leaves the walls. The days are growing shorter and when night descends, darkness envelopes my surrounding woods giving the outdoors a spooky feel. Both a sure sign summer is fading and a new season is dawning.

I love living in an area with seasons. On a daily basis I witness changes not only seen but experienced through my olfactory system too. The air is perfumed with the sweet smell of the fading purple blooms from the butterfly bush in my front yard. The intoxicating smell of honeysuckle has reemerged with white flowering vines creeping up trees and bushes. While walking Rooster under the canopy of towering trees I take in the dank, damp scents of dirt and moss. The pasture areas are full of sweet hay and the mystery scent of peaches when I see no peach trees or orchards. It’s all so peaceful. Another peaceful feeling is sitting on my on my porch sipping Incanto Rosé Frizzante. I really like saying frizzante, I feel so Italian.

Slightly effervescent, pink in color with cherry, raspberry and strawberry aromas. Tingly berry flavors with pronounced strawberry and a hint of tannins are a result of the use of Raboso grapes. Produced for Trader Joe’s by a well-respected Italian wine producer Incanto is a bit of Tuscany in a glass. As with most wines produced for Trader Joe’s the name of the winemaker is under lock and key. But for $6.99, that’s ok, all you need to know is it tastes wonderful.

Raboso, is a red grape primarily grown in northeastern Italy around Vento producing deep colored wine, high tannins and low alcohol content. Frizzante wines have small bubbles with a tingle which help to cut through a wine’s sweetness. Since frizzante wines are not as effervescent as champagne many wine drinkers who are put off by the bubbles in other sparklers may find frizzantes a good alternative.

If you’re interesting in other types of frizzante look for Lambrusco, Vinho Verde and Moscato d’Asti.

I know, I know this is another short post. Blame it on my day job getting in the way. But I promise there will be a great two part series coming up on a local winery and the area I now call home.

It’s amazing how many of my friends or friends of family vacation or have moved to my little patch of heaven. I’ve moved from one popular vacation spot to another. Growing up in Cape Coral, FL within spitting distance of Ft.MyersBeach, Sanibel and CaptivaIsland I understood the draw to the white sand beaches. Tampa was a good place to go shopping, bar hop, see a show, catch a sporting event or ride some roller coasters and enjoy a few beers while watching wild animals. Now the draw are the mountains, waterfalls, wineries, small towns, hiking trails, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, tubing down rivers and panning for gold and so many others.

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The Champagne Diet and R.S.V.P Sparkling wine

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

Last week it donned on me I started this blog four years ago this month. It was a time of Champagne Diet and glasschange and many unknowns. I had just lost my full time status at my work place after ten years. I was married to a wonderful man but just three months into our marriage, the loss in wages and healthcare made me feel like a burden. I think this was the first time I cried in front of my husband. I was afraid and a bit angry because I felt my workplace failed me. I was afraid I wouldn’t find a new job, afraid I wouldn’t be successful and I needed a voice. That voice came in the form of this blog.

I never thought my blog would capture anyone’s attention and really wasn’t sure anyone other than my husband and my mom were even reading. I’ve had some wonderful experiences since I wrote my first words; Wine Chicks Guide was a featured blog on Everyday with Rachel Ray online magazine which landed me a wonderful Ravenswood PR event in Sonoma through Constellation Brands. Then in 2012 I received a scholarship to the 2012 Wine Bloggers Conference in Portland, OR. After four months of writing my blog I received my first sample, Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon and my latest “who’d have thought” books sent to me from various publishers.

Recently I received The Champagne Diet – Eat, Drink & Celebrate You’re Way to A Healthy Mind and Body – by Cara Alwill Leyba. If you’ve read my blog enough you know I adore bubbly and I don’t need a special occasion to pop a bottle of the effervescent wine. Cara also shares my love of all things sparkly, especially wine.

Before you buy out the Champagne section in your local store, I have to let you in on a secret. The Champagne Diet doesn’t just speak to what and how much you put into your mouth but also focuses on what you put into your head. It’s a lifestyle guide that speaks to ditching the old destructive habits that have kept you from reaching your potential and incorporating healthy habits into your life.

Developed by Cara Alwill Leyba, a New Yorker who’s spent much of her life obsessing about weight following every fad diet only to gain the weight back. She decided to break the cycle and ditch the diets. Her philosophy is you can have anything you want, as long as you have it in moderation. This includes bubbly which contains just 90 calories per glass and I quote, “Is it not so incredibly sexy to sip on a glass of bubbly?”

I mean come on, you can be cleaning the toilet but put a beautiful fluted glass in hand and you instantly feel glamorous. I haven’t actually cleaned the toilet while sipping on sparkling but I’m sure it would make the task a bit more fun.

While there are no restrictions Cara does recognize you can not live a healthy life style while filling up on Big Mac’s, Doritos, cola (regular or diet), fried foods and all those other foods we all know are best enjoyed on rare occasions.

Here’s my take on the book, the diet is about changing your mind set. Once you begin eating healthy, working out by doing something you enjoy (mine is walking Rooster for an hour in the beautiful country setting) and by not giving into negative emotions (I need to work on this one) you can reach your potential. If you feel good about the things you’re doing, you’re more likely to stick to them making you a happier and healthier person.

I want to clarify reaching your potential doesn’t mean you’re wearing a size 2, starving yourself or working out like a maniac. It also doesn’t mean you need to marry a multi-millionaire or become CEO at a Fortune 500 company. You just need to be healthy and happy with where you are in your life. Oh and you can do it with a glass of Champagne in hand.

You didn’t think I’d not post a recommendation on a sparkling wine did you? My favorite everyday go-to sparkling wine is R.S.V.P Brut Sparkling Wine from Trader Joe’s for just $5.99. Made in the Methode Champenoise the dry wine has fine bubbles with flavors of crisp apples and toast. I’ve served this to several out of town visitors and each was surprised when I tell them it costs just $5.99 as it drinks like a wine twice that price.

So go on, ditch the negative thoughts, the frumpy clothes and pick up a copy of The Champagne Diet for just $12.99. Oh and you may want to get yourself a bottle of Champagne while you’re out.

For more information on Cara check out her blog: The Champagne Diet or you can follow her on Facebook by clicking here.

While you’re at it, pop on over to Wine Chicks Guide and follow me on Facebook too.

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Cavit Pinot Grigio 2012

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

This has been one crazy summer where the weather is concerned. We were in an extendedCAM01265 rainy spring pattern until August 1. On that day Mother Nature took us into summer where higher temps forced us to finally close the windows and turn on the AC. The rain subsided for a few days but returned last week bringing cooler October like temps. Highs in the low 70’s in mid August makes me want to say farewell to summer and bring out my fall décor.

One thing I’m not ready to put away, summer white wines.  I’m still enjoying the crisp lighter wines while my husband and I sit in our rocking chairs taking in the beauty that surrounds our home that I’m now calling Three Acre Woods. Our wild life ranges from the mama deer and her spotted fawns, dozens of butterflies who feed on our Butterfly bush, the humming birds who sip the sweet simple syrup we provide in feeders, to the squirrels chirping from the tree tops performing heart stopping “stunts” as they fly across the driveway from one tree to another.

No better time to uncork a Pinot Grigio from Cavit Wines that I received as a sample.

Pinot Grigio 2012
Straw in color with aromas of white peach and nectarine. Fruity flavors consisting of sweet nectarine, green apple and acidic citrus.  Easy drinking, light and refreshing the wine isn’t over complicated and perfect for just relaxing.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Trention’s Adige River Valley
Appellation: Dellle Venezie IGT
pH : 3.40
TA : 5.80 g/L
Alcohol: 12.1%
SRP: $8.99

Pinot Grigio is grown though out Italy. This 100% Pinot Grigio sources grapes from some of the best areas: Trentino, Fruili and Veneto. Each area not only boasts stunning views of the Dolomite Alps but more importantly for grape growing provide ideal climate and soil conditions.

Once part of Austria-Hungary the Trentino-Alto Adige region is the most northerly wine-producing region in Italy. Composed of two provinces Trentino is made up of Italian speakers while the Alto Adige is primarily German speaking. The biggest wine distinction is the northern Alto Adige wines are produced mostly by small family-owned wineries whereas Trentino is made up of larger growers such as Cavit. Nearly three quarters of the combined wine production is DOC designated, the highest in Italy. In addition 35% of those wines area exported abroad, with Cavit being one of if not the largest of those exporters.

Cavit has spent the last 50 years making wine and bringing it to the American wine drinker. Touted as America’s #1 source for Italian wine the food friendly Cavit Collection is a versatile, easy drinking wine.

I apologize for not having more information on Cavit. My main gig had me working 39.5 hours this week. Hmm, so much for part time. Don’t miss next week, I’m going to cover The Champagne Diet book. Woo hoo!

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A Little of this, A Little of that, Summer Wines

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

The month of August always brought dread to me as a kid. It meant one thing and one Blackstock Rosething only, summer was coming to an end and soon I would be back in school. Schools in my area are already back in session or will be next week. While walking Rooster, I can hear the distant thump, thump, rat-ta-dat-dat of the drum line practicing at the high school. The back to school commercials have been in full swing for weeks and the stores now carry back to school supplies lists. Soon the sound of the school bus will be breaking the silence in the early morning hours.
This summer I’ve been drinking a lot of white wines and have many more in my cellar. Below I’ve picked four that are great for beating the summer heat and can be enjoyed at BBQ’s, sitting in rocking chairs, as we do, or just relaxing in your living room.

Mirassou® Monterey County Riesling
Aromas of honey, peach and a hint of earthy minerality. Fruit forward flavors of ripe peach nectar with a honey finish. Underlying notes of acidic citrus give the wine crisp and firm structure. We paired with grilled pork chops, mushroom risotto and fresh corn on the cob grilled in the husk. The wine provided a beautiful balance between the earthy corn, umami flavors in the risotto and succulent pork.
Mirassou can be found nationally for around $10.

Charles & Charles Rosé
Aromas of strawberry, cherry and citrus fruit. Crisp acidic white citrus and a touch of minerality provides for a refreshing summer sipper. This year I have been fortunate to find many wonderful Rosés, this being one of them and one I have purchased again.
Varietal – 81% Syrah, 16% Mourvedre, 2% Cinsault, 1% Grenache
Alcohol – 12.9%
pH – 3.43
TA – 6.9 g/L
RS – 4 g/L
SRP – 11.99 at Whole Foods

Rooster Chillin at Grandfather VineyardsNorthwest Wine Company Pinot Gris Kudos 2011 Willamette Valley
I have to wipe my humidity fogged glass a few times to view the pale yellow color. Peach and nectarine aromas carry over to the palate. With a hint of sweetness and bright acidity the wine is a well balanced semi-sweet wine. Oregon is well known for it’s Pinot Noir but did you know they also produce delectable Pinot Gris? They’re typically a lot less expensive than Pinot Noir so look for Oregon Pinot Gris the next time you’re perusing the wine aisle.
Varietal: Pinot Gris blend 52% Elvenglade, 31% Stoneridge, 17% Bailey vineyards
Alcohol: 13.3
pH: 3.39
TA: 8.6 g/L
RS: 5.4 g/L:
SRP – $11.99 – Total Wine

Ponzi Arneis 2012 Willamette Valley
Bouquet of Lemongrass, under ripened peach and honey. Flavors burst full of peach, pear and honeysuckle. Full bodied with a slight chalkiness a tart lime finish. We paired with Salmon crepes and an assortment of Spanish cheeses. This has limited national distribution but is available on the Ponzi website for $30. Sure this one may be a splurge but if you can get your hands on it, don’t let it slip by.

It’s been a rainy start back to school this week. Yesterday I kept thinking of how much time I spent getting my hair and outfits just right for the first few days of school. I wonder how many girls were walking around looking like drowned rats all day. I don’t know about kids today but when I was young we were way too cool for rain coats or even umbrellas. Who knows maybe kids today are smarter than we were.

I took the pictures in this post at a local winery in Dahlonega, GA which unfortunately has since closed and Grandfather Vineyards and Winery, Banner Elk, NC.

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Rawson’s Retreat Shiraz Cabernet 2011

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

I admit it, my husband and I are wine geeks. Not necessarily wine snobs, although I do Penfoldsprefer red wines be served at their proper temps. All too often I order a red wine in the middle of summer only to be served a warm red liquid in a wine glass. Such an atrocity and insult not only to the wine but to wine lovers. When enjoying a glass of wine you’ll see me swirling, sniffing, chewing, analyzing and repeating the process again.

Other times I just don’t want to think about wine, I just want to relax and enjoy what I hope to be at minimum a decent glass of wine. If I’m lucky I’ll grab a random “no thinking required” wine and come up with a real winner. Case in point, Rawson’s Retreat Shiraz Cabernet by Penfolds.

Aromas of plum and black cherry and cassis combine with dark berry flavors, medium body with supple tannins and a soft lingering cherry finish. Not bad for something I picked up at Kroger for $8.99.
I wish I could provide the technical data but on the Penfold’s website they have the info for the Cabernet listed under the Shiraz Cabernet. I can tell you the wine is 53% Shiraz and 47% Cabernet.

Penfolds is to Australian wine as Coca-Cola is to American soft drinks. Not only iconic but each has its origins in health and tonics. After graduating from his studies at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold migrated to Australia. His belief in the medicinal qualities of wine prompted the doctor and his wife Mary to purchase the 500 acre Mackgill estate in 1844. Using Grenache grapes to produced fortified port and sherry the good doctor dispensed the wines as a tonic for anemic patients. As the doctor’s “practice” became more popular Mary took on many of the winery responsibilities including management and winemaking.

Dr Penfold passed away in 1870 and wife Mary entered a partnership with her son-in-law Thomas Hyland, naming the business Penfold & Co. By this time the winery was producing more than one-third of South Australia’s wine. The estate was now producing both sweet and dry red wine, white table wine, Port, Sherry, Claret, Rieslings, Erdelho, Mataro (mourvedre), Frontignac and Pedro Ximenez.

During this time, Mary experimented with new wine production methods, explored options for combating diseases like phylloxera, and employed a cellar master by the name of Joseph Gillard. Mary passed away in 1894 having left a lasting impression on the Australian wine landscape. The winery remained in the Penfold family until 1976.

The Rawson’s Retreat line is touted as a contemporary wine for immediate drinking and is the introductory level for Penfolds wines. The name Rawson’s Retreat refers to the stone cottage built by Dr Penfold at the Magill Vineyard in Adelaid where the doctor, Mary and daughter Georgina settled in 1844 prior to establishing the winery.
The Penfold’s slogan “1844 to evermore” is a nod to the wineries beginnings.

I’d like to go on a retreat right about now. Some place where work is forbidden maybe. No phone or internet connection too. My new position is running me ragged since my co-worker and trainer is no longer with the company. Keep swimming, keep swimming, keep swimming.

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Cupcake Vineyards Riesling Mosel Valley 2011

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

Rain, rain go away I need a sunny day. What a difference between summer of 2012 and Cupcake Rieslingsummer of 2013. Last year I was begging the clouds to open up and provide some much needed rain. This year I’d like just a day or two for my husband and I to get out and tend to the gardens without being caught in a deluge or sloshing around in the orange Georgia clay.

My area has seen an above average rain fall for the year which I’m grateful for. Lake Lanier is several feet above full pool and our trees are lush and thriving instead resembling tried twigs. Sometimes rain is too much of a good thing. Our berries haven’t been able to do anything, seeds in the garden have washed away and the lack of sunshine on our property has stunted most of the veggies.

Nothing to do but sit in the rocking chairs while the rain pours down around us and drink some wine. On one rainy weekend Cupcake Vineyards Riesling Mosel Valley brightened my spirits.

Delicate floral, honey and lemon citrus aromas. Semi-sweet flavors of lemon, lime and Red Delicious apples and a zesty lemon finish provide for a harmonious balance between acidity and sugars. This truly is one of my favorite Cupcake Wines.
I received this as a sample some time ago but this gem retails anywhere from $8.99 to $13.99.

Varietal: Riesling
Appellation: Mosel Valley, Germany
Alcohol: 11.0%
TA: .70 g/100ml
RS: 3.0 g/100ml
pH: 3.621

Cupcake Vineyards wines hit the shelves in 2008 with a Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Under winemaker Adam Richardson’s guidance they’ve expanded not only their wine portfolio but have broadened their area of colloboration. Wines were originally created from California’s Central Coast but now include Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, Italy and New Zealand.

The grapes for this wine are grown on steep inclines in Germany’s Pfalz region. The grapes are hand harvested, de-stemmed and gently pressed. A cool and slow fermentation along with use of a yeast specific to Rieslings allows the wine to develop its delicate flavors. The wine is aged sur lie, also known as on lees. Wines undergoing this process have been unfiltered and allowed to age with the dead yeast still in contact with the wine. This method can add freshness, creaminess and clarity to the wine.

I’ve been thinking a lot about summers from my youth. My mom was a teacher so she was home with me over the summer. While my friends were at summer day camp I spent my days in our pool, playing with Barbies or my Fisher Price toys. My Barbies always went on a summer trip which meant each day I took them to a different room in the house where they climbed Mt. Couch and gazed at the open expanse of the blue or brown landscape. In reality this was the carpet, hey it was the 70’s. Other times they go for a spin on the record player before I turned the speed up to 78rpms and watched as they flew across the room, this was the amusement park trip for them. Finally they’d end their day with a dip in the pool or sailing on their Catamaran. Can you tell I’m an only child?

My evenings were also spent beside or in the pool. The air filled with the sound of buzzing mosquitoes and the scent of the Citronella candle, you know the one in the dimpled glass jar. I miss those days.

I also miss the days spent in the Gulf of Mexico spitting watermelon seeds out and tossing the rinds for the fish to nibble on. Hope we didn’t upset any eco systems by those actions. Do they even sell watermelon with seeds now?

I’m not sure why I’ve been thinking about these times lately. Maybe I’m a little home sick for the area and maybe for the era in which I grew up. No cell phones, no laptops and fewer distractions. Sigh, I guess we can’t go back, we can only go forward. Something to really keep in mind in light of recent events affecting us as a country.

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Caposaldo Sweet Pink Merlot Moscato

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

POP! AAAHHH. POP! OOOOHHHH. Those are the sounds of Fourth of July, a summer Caposaldo Sweet Pink Merlot Moscatocelebration that explodes with tantalizing images and bringing much pleasure to our visual senses. Luckily sparklers aren’t just limited to the kind on a skinny metal stick shooting sparks out for a few seconds before fizzling into a burnt crooked rod. Sparklers can be enjoyed in a glass too. This Independence Day bring a little more sparkle to the party with a couple of bottles of Caposaldo Sweet Pink Merlot Moscato.

Sweet berry and rose aromas. Blackberry, raspberry and sweet floral flavors combined with effervescent bubbles. Light and refreshing perfect for a hot summer afternoon or an evening watching colors light up the sky. This wine pairs well with cherry or apple pie.

Varietal: 55% Merlot, 45% Moscato Bianco
Appellation: Italy
pH: 3.2
Acidity: 6.5 g/l
ABV: 9.5%
RS: 75 g/
SRP: $14.99

Grown in low yielding vineyards in Tuscany, Veneto and Lombardy high on the Italian hillside sun kissed grapes benefit from cool air coming across the hilltops at night. Fruit is hand harvested before undergoing temperature controlled fermentation. The wine is then sweetened with unfermented grape juice and allowed a second fermentation giving the wine its fine effervescent bubbles. This method of traditional, handcrafted winemaking combined with modern techniques is Caposaldo’s approach to creating iconic Italian wines.

Caposaldo is known for producing iconic Italian wines, Prosecco, Chianti, Pinot Grigio and Moscato, at affordable prices. Moscato is one of the fastest growing wine categories with its appeal to a younger and casual wine drinker it seemed logical to add a line of sweet sparkling wines.

Try this sparkling mixer either in a punch bowl or made special per glass.

Bubbly-Razz
2 oz. Caposaldo Moscato IGT
1 oz. Caposaldo Prosecco
Splash L’Heritier-Guyot Crème de Cassis
Pour into Champagne glass and garnish with fresh raspberries

Since it is summer and many activities will take place in the hot summer sun, place the 4th of Julypunch bowl in a cooler full of ice. The punch stays cool without getting watered down. For an added chill, freeze raspberries and use as ice cubes.

POP! I think someone’s calling my name. Oh and remember to be safe. Don’t be that person that tips a little too much bubbly and shoots a bottle rocket into the middle of a crowd. Er, not that I’ve ever done or experienced that you know. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!!!

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Biltmore Chardonnay & Riesling, Front Porch Swings and Way Ward Roosters

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Kellie Stargaard

Last week marked the official start of summer bringing with it higher temps and humidity. Trying to find some relief from the heat I opened a couple of recently received samples of Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay 2011 and Biltmore® Riesling. After a long week that brought some tough decisions my husband and I sat in our front porch rocking chairs watching humming birds feed on simple syrup, resident Chickadees, Phoebe and Joey sitting on another nest and countless fire flies lighting up the night all while enjoying those wonderful Biltmore wines. All the while knowing Saturday the make up of our little country “clan” would be changed. But on that night it was all about enjoying what Mother Nature has provided, in the form of wild life, vegetation and wine.

Biltmore Reserve ChardonnayBiltmore® Chardonnay Reserve 2011
Color of summer straw in the glass with aromas of ripe peach, green apple and oak. The first few sips present flavors of citrus, stone fruit and a hint of minerality in the finish. After a bit of time in the glass, warmed by the humid evening flavors of lush tropical mango and pineapple showed up to the party in my glass.

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: 81% North Carolina, 19% California
pH: 3.43
TA: 0.68
RS: 0.5%
Alcohol: 13.5%
SRP: $14.99

Biltmore® Riesling NV AmericanBiltmore Riesling
Aromas of honey, apricot and peach. Bright green apple and peach finish with citrus and honeysuckle. Semi-sweet with a wonderful balance between acidity and sugars.  

Varietal: 100% Riesling
Appellation: 99% Monterey, Solano (California), 1% North Carolina
pH: 3.18
TA: 0.60
RS: 2.3%
Alcohol: 13.2%
SRP: $10.99

Last summer my husband, myself and our dog Rooster took our first trip to Asheville, NC home to the Biltmore Estate. I didn’t make it to the great home since we had our dog and the North Carolina temperatures were stifling but we did enjoy our time in Asheville.

We stayed at a dog friendly B&B, Blake House Inn built circa 1847. Built by Joseph B. Pyatt, the home was intended as a summer retreat from the oppressive Charleston heat. Pyatt sold the home to Dr. Frederick Blake who made the home his permanent residence. Since that time the home has served as a Confederate Field Hospital, used as part of the Underground Railroad (this has not been substantiated) before becoming private residence once again. The antebellum home was once owned by actress Andie MacDowell’s grandmother. In an interview with Southern Living magazine MacDowell claimed her fondest childhood memories were spent in Asheville in her grandmother’s home. We stayed in the same room where the actress scribbled graffiti on the closet walls. If you climb up on the steps in the closet and turn around you can still see the writing.

We spent a lot of time exploring the shops and restaurants of quaint Biltmore Village. We didn’t time our trip very well and arrived the same weekend as Bele Chere, a huge music and arts festival taking place downtown. Unfortunately they did not allow dogs and we didn’t want to leave Rooster alone in a strange place. At BiltmoreVillage we found several dog friendly restaurants and places where we could grab a cold drink and some much needed shade.

Black Mountain, “the front porch of western North Carolina”, is a short drive from Asheville and a great way to spend an afternoon. There you’ll find a small town atmosphere catering to those who long to get away from city life even if it’s just for a few hours. Wandering down West State St. we had to stop at The Merry Wine Market and pick up some wonderful wine finds. If you’re looking for a cold beverage pop into Pisgah Brewing Co. or Lookout Brewing.  Rooster was in doggy heaven at Bone-A Fide, a pet boutique where your pooch can be treated to homemade doggy cookies. Feeling our Blake House breakfast fade we sat outside in the shade at Black Mountain Ale House. Have a mentioned North Carolina is full of micro-breweries and alehouses?

Saturday night we attended at wine tasting, Rooster too, at Table Wine.  Established in 2010 Table Wine is recognized as a wine retailer in South Asheville focusing on “wines for the people” with a tagline of “artisanal wines at affordable prices. My kind of place! We noshed on some yummy cheese and crackers and made several wine purchases both by the glass to enjoy at the wine bar and the bottle to enjoy at home.

I know we’ll make it to Asheville again and next time I hope to plan it so we can go to the Biltmore Estate, I’m thinking Christmas when it’s much, much cooler.

Well, so much for reminiscing back to the present and the hard facts that come with country life, sometimes it just stinks. No longer can I hear the early morning, late morning, early afternoon, late afternoon and early evening, ok all day crows from Bob the rooster. Living in the country isn’t always a serene and peaceful lifestyle. Many times there are some really rough decisions to be made, especially when it comes to livestock and the safety of others.

I don’t think I talked about Bob too much in my posts but my friends all know our plight. 017 027Bob was a man-fighter, meaning he saw us as the enemy and attacked whenever possible. He was becoming more aggressive and violent to the point I couldn’t walk out into the yard without being attacked and one of the hens was so afraid she refused to come out of the coop. As Bob’s spurs were now growing in, it was only a matter of time until he caused serious injury.

We have two roosters in our new batch and we’re watching them closely to figure out who is the less aggressive. Once determined we’ll put the other up for adoption on Craig’s List. Anyone want a young cockerel (rooster)?

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