Travel, Wine, Food--What I Know: What Happens When Ten People for Ten Days: Travel,...

Travel, Wine, Food--What I Know: What Happens When Ten People for Ten Days: Travel,...: What Happens When Ten People for Ten Days: Travel, Tour, Taste, and Talk for the Sole Purpose of Experiencing Wine? They end up mee...

What Happens When Ten People for Ten Days: Travel, Tour, Taste, and Talk for the Sole Purpose of Experiencing Wine?

They end up meeting in Buenos Aires, become fast friends, and assure each other that this is going to be a fabulous time, which it was. So below is a photo of all ten of us at the Viu Manent Winery, in Colchagua Valley, Chile.

From left: Dexter, Joy, Dick, Jackie, Alistair, Linda, Bill, Alan, Pam, and Norm

Where are they from? Dexter, Joy-New Zealand; Dick, Jackie, Alistair, Linda-UK; Bill, Alan, Pam, Norm-US

While visiting Viu Manent, we had a two-hour class on learning to blend wine. Not only was it a class, it was a competition. We divided into two teams and each team had to produce their own blend using the varietals supplied directly from the barrels in the winery: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, Pinot Noir, and Malbec. Our finished product was judged by the resident winery chefs. I am proud to announce I was on the winning team!

Fellow teammates peer intently as I use all the skills I possess to add still more Merlot to perfect our blend!

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We continued to travel through the Colchagua Valley of Chile. It was the middle of their spring and along the way there were beautiful fruits and vegetables to be admired. Also, gorgeous roses. This area of Chile reminded me of Northern California, very similar geographically. So if you've been to Northern California, you have a good idea of what Chile is like. 

One afternoon we traveled to a farm/vineyard in the Colchagua Valley, the home of Cota Mujica. The property has been in her family for decades and she shares it with other family members. They grow organic fruits and vegetables and also produce wine from their large vineyard. The photo below shows the garden entrance to Cota's charming house her mother built.

Cota served us a delicious lunch prepared from vegetables growing in her garden. And we enjoyed wine blended from her vineyard.

Our hostess, the interesting and fun-loving Cota. She is a wonderful ambassador for Chile!

Cota sets a beautiful, colorful table with fresh salads, breads, and also a freshly made soup. Her wine is smooth and delicious. How wonderful to meet her and be a guest in her home. She welcomes every one.

From Cota's Garden

So Much Wine--Not Enough Time!

Travel, Wine, Food--What I Know: Buenos Aires, ArgentinaBuenos Aires: City Where ...

Travel, Wine, Food--What I Know:
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires: City Where ...: Buenos Aires, Argentina Buenos Aires: City Where Passion is in Fashion--the Dramatic and Seductive TANGO . . . . . . TANGO is...

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires: City Where Passion is in Fashion--the Dramatic and Seductive TANGO . . . . . .

TANGO is a state of mind. Tango is mesmerizing when executed explicitly. Tango is Al Pacino in "Scent of a Woman". Tango is a means of escape. Tango is very Buenos Aires. 

One cannot travel twelve hours to Buenos Aires and not Tango. I had been anxiously awaiting my Tango lesson for several weeks. So, ladies and gentlemen, to the side are photos of my stunning Tango teachers. They do move quickly as well as abruptly which I was unable to capture in time with my camera. But, I think you can get the idea. And, yes, I got to dance with that guy; and yes, I was nervous.

The Tango certainly has its place in the economy of Argentina: Tango shoes, costumes, clubs, shows, musicians, teachers. It is taken very seriously.

After the lesson it was on to the theatre and the  Tango show. As I watched the dancers. I couldn't help but think of the saying, "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did only backwards and in high heels!"

Just so you know, no one danced with a rose between their teeth!

Travel, Wine, Food--What I Know: WINES! Stuck Drinking the Same Wine Over and Over?...

Travel, Wine, Food--What I Know: WINES! Stuck Drinking the Same Wine Over and Over?...: WINES! Stuck Drinking the Same Wine Over and Over? Try Broadening your Wine Horizons. Here's a Few Suggestions! Obviously, there&#3...

WINES! Stuck Drinking the Same Wine Over and Over? Try Broadening your Wine Horizons. Here's a Few Suggestions!

Obviously, there's  nothing wrong with having a favorite wine that you drink often. However, one must keep in mind that that vintage will, no doubt, eventually end. You will no longer be able to find it; or it may be available with a mark down in price because it's past its prime--be cautious about this. But, then, if you are a big-time wine collector with a sophisticated pallet, who also has a big-time wallet, you can find and buy whatever you want. Even so, these guys get "took", too. Like one of the Koch brothers who was led to believe his purchase of wine from Thomas Jefferson's estate was authentic. Guess what!? Mr. Koch took the wine broker to court and won.

Generally, the wines the average American consumer purchases in beverage chain stores, supermarkets, big box stores, or at the neighborhood bodegas are intended to be consumed now, with some exceptions. A collector's wine would easily distinguish itself primarily by--you guessed it--price. Below I'm sharing some notes on some of the wines I've been drinking the past few months. Maybe you'll find one of interest. The wines below range in price from about $9.00 to $15.00 per bottle. I live in Ohio, so these are Ohio prices. If you live in, say Virginia, Washington D.C., or California, the prices would probably be less.

I'll start with a white.

Josh Chardonnay 2017
Josh Cellars--Joseph Carr
Hopland, California

This is a smooth Chardonnay with just the right blend of citrus flavors with nuances of tropical fruit. I find it to be a nice warm weather blend.

What I like best about it is it is not overly oaky and buttery. I had stopped drinking Chardonnay for several years because the oak and butter flavors were too overpowering in many of the Chardonnays. Today's Chardonnays are making a slow comeback in my wine selections with softer  oak and butter tones.

I particularly like it as an aperitif, served with mild cheeses and grapes.

                                                                           

  Next, a Rich Red.

Cline
Ancient Vines
Zinfandel
2016 Contra Costa County
Cline Cellars,
Sonoma, California

All varietals of Cline have been my go to wines for several years. I can always count on them to be good. My particular favorites are their Zinfandels.

These rare Ancient Vines were planted at the Oakley ranch. Some of the original grape vines were planted by immigrants one hundred years ago.

This wine has intense fruit flavors, yet smooth and soft. Pairs well with beef and pork.

Still another Red.

Second Voyage
2016 Red Blend
Coonawarra Premium Wines
Australia

This interesting label depicts the second fleet of ships on its way to Sydney Cove in Port Jackson, Australia, during 1790. It was carrying British convicts and supplies. This is an addition to  the popular 19 Crimes collection which is also a favorite of mine.

I'm a real sucker for red blends because I believe they go with anything. Plus, I just like them. This is a deep berry blend, along with black cherries and a bit of spice providing a pleasing finish.

Good accompaniment to barbecue and strong cheddar cheeses.

Robert Mondavi

Private Selection

Aged in Rum Barrels

Merlot 2016

Monterrey County, California

Recently I visited Cuba where Rum abounds. So, when I saw this wine, I had to give it a try. I wasn't disappointed. This is a limited release. It is a "take" on Mondavi traditional Merlot which has a jammy flavor. Part of the blended Merlot is aged in Rum barrels giving it a nuance of vanilla and coconut. Pairs well with beef steak and burgers.

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I'm well into my fourth decade of wine tasting and studies. I never grow tired of it because every bottle and every tasting is unique. I'm delighted by every sip!

ENJOY!

Travel, Wine, Food--What I Know: The Fleeting Fingers of Irish Wr...

Travel, Wine, Food--What I Know:                   The Fleeting Fingers of Irish Wr...:                   The Fleeting Fingers of Irish Writers, Make my Irish Eyes Smile       Oscar Wilde                        ...