New England Coastal Wine Trail!

My mother bought me one of those page a day calendars. And today's told me about the Coastal wine trail, which I never knew existed. Apparently, you can drive along the New England Coast and try wines! They even give out prizes for people who visit four or more wineries. I'm so going.


Check out their website!

http://www.coastalwinetrail.com/default.aspx

California Wine Sales are Dropping

Apparently, California wine sales are dropping. This is the first time that sales have dropped in 16 years (according the to San Jose Business Journal). There's a lot of speculation on what caused this drop, but most blame the recession! People in the United States are still drinking wine (the percentage is up) but they are buying less expensive bottles.

Why do you think that the numbers dropped?

Red Wine in Mexico

I took really basic spanish as a kid growing up in Texas. As far as I was concerned - rojo was red. And on I my recent trip to Cancun I believe that to order red wine, one would need to ask for vino rojo. I was surprised by the look of confusion on the waiter's face. Apparently, if you are ordering red wine in Mexico, the correct term is Vino Tinto. You learn something everyday!

Sulfites in wine!

I found this really great article about sulfites in wine. It explains what those sulfites are doing in your wine and dispels a lot of myths about the sulfites being harmful and all of that. It also gives good suggestions for people who want to try sulfite free wine. Check it out.

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/wine/sulfites-in-wine-necessary-or-not--100878

Thursday = Tasting Day

In the mood today for free wine tastings in New York City? Here's where to go and what you can try!

Astor Place Wines: 6:00- 8pm "Intriguing Wines from Friuli" Featuring Ribolla Gialla, Sorigo 2008 and Refosco, Dorigo 2004. Astor Wines will also be serving the Pinot Noir (2007) and Chardonnay (2007) of A to Z Wines, a producer in Oregon. Also, enjoy 15% off of all wines tasted!!

Garnet Wines and Liquors: 4:30 - 7:30pm "Old World Flavors, New World Fruit Tasting"

Pour: 6pm-8pm 2008 Taft Street Gewürztraminer, Mendocino County, California and 2007 Eugenio Bocchino Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy

Crush: 5:30pm -7:30pm. Noel Sherr from Polaner Selections will be pouring the wines. 2001 Lopez de Heredia Rioja Bosconia, 2007 Auratus Alvarinho-Trajudura, 2008 Pepiere Muscadet-sur-Lie, and 2007 Roe Sharecropper's Cab Sauvignon.

Any one else know some good places? Let me know!!!

Cara Gourley's Tips for Wine Beginners

Not so long ago, my decisions were based off of how pretty the label was, whether or not I was eating red or white meat and whatever the waiter recommended. The wine list made me feel like a second grader who couldn't read yet and I didn't like it.

Now, wine lists don't scare me and my friends ask me for recommendations. And you can do it too. Below are a few steps to get over the hurdle!

• Read. I know this sounds silly because wine's about tasting, but if you don't know WHAT you are tasting you are less likely to know how to try something similar if you like it or avoid it if you hate it. There are a lot of great books on the subject so go to the bookstore or library and find one you relate to. Knowing the history, grape types, and geography go a long way in this business.
• Taste. Most stores have free wine tastings. Wander in and take advantage of this opportunity. Spit, don't spit. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. It's about YOU and your tastes. Find out what you like.
• Don't assume because it's more expensive it's better. You can find tons of awesome wines for under $20. In fact, when you are starting out, don't buy anything over $20. Find out you like merlot or cabernet at the $9.99 range not the $999 range!!!
• Give second chances. Don't assume because you didn't like one bottle that all wines made with that grape are bad. Especially in Europe, each wine maker has their own process of perfecting their wines!
• Visit a winery. Check out the grapes on the vines, wander through the cellars and watch them put the labels on the wine. Most wineries offer free tours and tastings. You get to learn a lot about how that wine gets in your glass.
• Learn Geography! Most wines in Europe (Old World) are named after their location. Knowing that Saint-Émilion is in the Bordeaux region in France or that La Rioja is a place in Spain where the Tempranillo grape is mostly grown is wayyyy helpful when it pops up on the wine list.
• Make up your own mind. Don't listen to what everyone else says is good and don't go with the flow. If everyone wants to order Chardonnay with their chicken and you are craving that 2006 Ravenswood Cab with your poultry. Go for it!

Now I expect you all to be wine experts tomorrow! Just kidding, but I hope these tips helps. Leave any other tips that you think are helpful!!

My Favorite Rosé: Tavel from France!

I'm the first to admit that the idea of "Rosé" or "Blush" makes me cringe. Or more specifically makes me think of the White Zinfindel that came in a bag, in a box, that some college friends and I froze, tried to unfreeze and tried drink one Freshman night. Yuck!

However, I've come across Tavel. It tastes delicious, is reasonably inexpensive (under $20) and comes in cool bottles (they tend to be thiner and have long necks!).

Tavel is made in the southern Rhône valley of France from mostly Grenache and Cinsault grapes. It's the only AOC in France allowed to make Rosé. I'm pretty sure the reason I enjoy them so much is that Tavel makes a very dry wine compared to other Rosés which can be sickeningly sweet. The wine gets its pink color from not having a lot of contact with the skins of the grapes.

They should be consumed young and definitely put this one in the fridge before consuming.

I'd recommend trying the Chateau d'Aqueria, Tavel Rosé (France), 2008. Sherry and Lehman carry it for $19.95, but it's currently on sale for $16.95.

Also, Warehouse Wines, on Broadway between Waverly and 8th St, usually has a few Tavels in stock at more of the $10-15 range.