More Tempranillo Please!

  Monday--exhaustion from weekend adventures sinks in, you're unmotivated, yet the normal work week is just beginning.  Give yourself something to look forward to--give yourself wine!  There are plenty of fabulous wines here at Wine Outlet and Greenlake Wines for under fifteen dollars that may get you looking forward to Mondays!

   Today I am trying one of these great wines under fifteen dollars which happens to be a Rioja.  Rioja is a D.O.C made up of three regions out of Spain.  This specific wine is 2005--Lorinon Rioja which is made up of 85% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo.  It is aged for fourteen months in American Oak which is known for its' rich coconut notes so it's no surprise that the nose is full of more of those coconut notes along with chili peppers and tobacco--yum!  Dense blackberries, spicy chili peppers and smoky tobacco are prevalent on the palate and will continue to open up the longer it sits.  The tannin structure is strong enough to keep experienced wine drinkers interested, yet soft enough to capture the hearts of beginning wine drinkers.  The finish is long and velvety with lingering blackberries and chili peppers.

  As for food, this Rioja would pair nicely with a variety of foods including pulled pork tacos, grilled lamb and mole.  Come on by Wine Outlet and Greenlake Wines and pick up a bottle of this wine and remember to keep Mondays exciting by treating yourself!


  Ciao!
  Erin

Wine for You and Your Valentine!

Image is courtesy of www.boissetfamilyestates.com


  Valentines Day for some is quite controversial--many love it and many hate it.  I personally adore it and hope even the loneliest of hearts can find peace on this funny day.  For those of us in love, we spend weeks leading up to this event planning and scheming different ways to show the ones we love just how much we love them.  However, for those of us who are single or heart broken, this day is dreaded and we find many ways to forget all about it.  My plan is simple--treat the ones you love and if you're alone, treat yourself.  Either way, you will find pleasure indulging in the finer things in life whether it's with or without someone.

  Today I am trying Louis Bouillot--Cremant de Bourgogne, Brut Rose.  This wine is sure to please even the saddest soul with its' lovely pale salmon color alone.  It's made with 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Gamay grapes which add depth of flavor and great structure.  Ripe raspberries and honeysuckle pair nicely on the nose--take as much time as you like smelling this one as it goes quickly once you take a sip!  Bright lemon and floral vanilla notes present themselves on the forefront of the palate.  Layers of those dense raspberries come into play on the mid-palate which are balanced by great mouthfeel and acidity.  The finish is clean and simple with increasing lemon notes that continue their lengthy stay--enjoy!

  Traditionally, flowers and chocolate are in order.  Some of my favorite flowers include calla lilies, peonies and tulips--stay away from classic, but boring roses as they're truly overrated.  As for chocolate, Fran's Chocolates is the ultimate one stop shop.  If you can get your hands on the coconut gold bars (featured on Food Networks, 'Best Thing I Ever Ate' by Bobby Flay) you will be golden.  Also, you can never go wrong with their famous salted caramel bars--my ultimate weakness and if you're totally lost, the chocolate heart caramels will surely not disappoint.  Remember the most important part of Valentines Day--indulge yourself and have fun!


Happy Valentines Day!
Erin

(I try to list all the photos I use and if possible, the photographers who take these lovely photos.  If I have an image of yours, please let me know and I will be happy to remove it from the blog.  Thank you.)