In Praise of Pinot: Two Eggcellent Choices for Easter

Posted on March 29, 2024 by The Rambling Vine

Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Good morning?

Here we are on Good Friday, commemorating one of the most gruesome and horrific sacrifices in history, and I’m about to blabber away about Pinot Noir. The cup of wine that Jesus said represented his shed blood had now been literally poured out in his own death. There is something heavy and solemn about this sacred holiday that makes one feel a little off kilter, and it feels completely foreign to talk about celebrating on a day like this. Even my coffee demands to be drunk black today because anything else seems wrong.

But the end is not unknown, and there exists the hopeful realization that in just two days it will be Resurrection Sunday. Death doesn’t have the final say and the great suffering borne out of love accomplishes its purpose.

With that all kinds of fooding and feasting will commence, so it’s up to me to prepare you for such things and get you your wine recs in time. 🙂

I gabbed with you last year about the delights of Pinot Noir and Easter fare, and since my Pinot Noir recommendation cup runneth over, we are circling back to the same leitmotif with two new ones for 2024.

These two wines stole my heart last year at the McMinnville Food + Wine Classic, and while I gave them some brief lip service in my review of last year’s event, I have not spilled all the exclusive juicy details… until now!

Pinot Noir is one of the most food-friendly red wines available, thanks to its usually light to medium body and fruit/acid/tannin profile. These two elegant, refined, and beautiful Pinots are both worthy of a fine Easter meal (or whatever the occasion may be). They are fantastic on their own, but they are the awesome sauce to pork, lamb, duck, chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and vegetable/grain mains. You name it, it tends to work great with it!

Without further ado, here are two excellent Pinot Noirs for your consideration:

Patton Valley Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
Lange Estate Vineyard
Dundee Hills AVA
$60/bottle
14.7% ABV
Per the bottle: “Planted in 2004, the Jory soils from this high elevation Dundee Hills site produce grapes that yield vibrant and aromatic wines. Partial whole cluster fermentation, combined with naturally vibrant acidity, gives this wine structure to balance the ripe and luscious profile.”
Absolutely enchanting and divine, is what I call this Pinot. And no wonder, as the grapes herald from one of my top favorite Willamette Valley AVAs (Dundee Hills). It’s got good acid so it makes for a good food-pairing Pinot. Do yourself a favor and pick up this wine, which boasts a “lush red fruited nose” and a “broad and silky palate.”
https://www.pattonvalley.com/

Domaine de Broglie 2019 Pinot Noir
(N.B.: The winery is now known as Domaine Lumineux but they are still selling some of their wines with the former Domaine de Broglie labels)
A Francis Coppola Wine | Clone 777 | Domaine de Broglie Vineyard, Dundee Hills

$62/bottle
ABV 13.4%
Medium garnet color
Bouquet that unfolds exquisitely in the mouth
Cherry, strawberry, chocolate, earth, mushroom, tea, and some subtle anise/licorice
Acidity is there and just right
Fruit is present but gentle and balanced
Long-lasting finish
From the bottle: “Clone 777 is known for producing low yielding, compact clusters that lead to rich, dark fruit flavors and notes of spicy leather on the velvety finish.”
My tasting notes at the time: “Wow! Heck yes. Awesome!”

Yet another Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, but what a stellar one! I clearly have my favorites. 🙂 (I will delve into some other really great Oregon Pinot AVAs in the future). Among other accolades, this particular wine won “Best of Show” and “Best Red Wine” at the 2023 McMinnville Wine Competition. I knew I had encountered something truly special when I first sipped it.
https://domainelumineux.com/

Ahhhhhhhh….

So there you have it: primo Pinot. The fancy sort that I find quite irresistible and perfect for opening up on special occasions. Perfect for celebrating the greatest universe-altering day in human history: when grace conquered sin and life conquered death.

Have you sipped either of these wines or others from Patton Valley Wines or Domaine Lumineux? What are you drinking for Easter? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Spring and Happy Easter. 🌷

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling: A GSM to Steal Your Heart Away

Posted on March 14, 2024 by The Rambling Vine

Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Happy Pi Day, readers! It’s hard to believe it’s been one month already since Valentine’s Day. I don’t have any pie recipes for you today (see my Valentine’s Day post on grape galette), but with St. Patrick’s Day looming, I thought I would pull out a cherished bottle from my wine cellar with an utterly fitting name: Irish Eyes. Cue the Bing Crosby song.

This lovely bottle came home with me after a Saturday out tasting solo in Woodinville (a city in Washington state with a bajillion wineries). This wine was not part of the tasting flight that day but I am sure glad my server poured it because it stole my heart and I had to go home with it. As a matter of fact, both wines I purchased that day from two different wineries were not on the flight menu, including a ridiculous Cab Franc that I need to write about soon.

For those of you who don’t know, GSM stands for the three red grape varieties of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. These three varieties comprise a famous red wine blend you’ll find traditionally in France’s Rhône Valley and also Spain’s Catalonia region. There is a reason these three grapes are frequent bottle-fellows. Here is a quick snapshot of what each grape variety is like and what each typically contributes to a blend:
Grenache: raspberry, cherry flavors. Medium body, low/medium tannin and acid, high alcohol.
Syrah: blueberry, plum, smoke, pepper, meat flavors. Full body, medium tannin, alcohol, acidity.
Mourvèdre: dark fruits, chocolate, velvety texture. Deep, dark, inky color. Full body, high tannin, medium high alcohol, medium acidity.

Together, they make some of the world’s greatest wine blends. 🍷

Irish Eyes is made by Tinte Cellars, and named in honor of the owners’ Irish parents. Tinte Cellars crafts premium Washington state wine, as evidenced by this exceptional bottle. But not only are they making award-winning delicious wine, they are engaged in a wide range of charitable activities. The family-owned business operates to give back generously to the community through a robust philanthropic program. Check out all the cool things they are doing here. All the more reason to visit them for a tasting, take home a bottle (or a few), and maybe even join their wine club. It sounds like they have a lot of fun doing good. ❤

Here’s their take on a GSM blend:

You’ll be smiling once you sip this wine.

Tinte Cellars 2018 Irish Eyes Red Wine Columbia Valley

$48/bottle
Composition: 41% Grenache, 39% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre
Alcohol: 14.8%
Color: Deep ruby
Aromas: Raspberry, Blackberry, Plum, Pepper, lavender/rosemary, smoky, touch of leather, orange peel
Flavors: cherry jam, orange pekoe tea
Tannins: Very soft, gentle, velvety, in the background
Body: medium
Acidity: Moderate. It’s there to play enough of a role but it’s super even-keel.
Finish: Not super long. But not super short, either.
Winemaker’s Notes: “Aromas of mixed berries and black tea give way to cherry jam and orange zest on the palate. The finish treats you to berry punch and a hint of butterscotch.”

This wine is delicious on its own so it does not need any food to go with it. I happened to drink some of this along with my dinner of Smoky Lentil Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, and it was very tasty.

I don’t think you can go wrong pairing this with corned beef and cabbage. It certainly has the structure to handle juicy beef and other typical St. Paddy’s Day fare. We are having our Irish feast on Sunday, and my mouth is watering just thinking about the menu. I’ll even be whipping up my Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake for dessert. 😋

Have you tried this wine? What did you think? Let me know in the comments.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and Happy Almost Spring! 🍀

Spring is springing! My daughter’s “salad” made from weeds and grasses pulled from our yard – I love all the shades and textures of green.

Love You Bunches Grape Galette and Sparkling Wine

Posted on February 14, 2024 by The Rambling Vine

Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Happy Valentine’s Day, readers! ❤ I hope you fell in love with the dark chocolate + ruby port duo we explored yesterday. For my final post in this mini themed series, I am leaving chocolate behind, diving into homemade dessert territory, and popping open a bottle of bubbly to accompany it. Intrigued? Read on!

I have to admit I am not the biggest fan of sparkling wines (including Champagne), which is reflected in the number of posts I have written on the subject. But every now and then I reluctantly try some more to ~~see what the fuss is all about~~ grow in my appreciation and understanding of wine. In order to keep learning, I have to challenge myself with all wines, even ones I don’t gravitate towards (yes, I mean you, rosé). What’s making me take more notice of sparkling wine lately though is the fact that it can pair well with a number of different types of foods.

I have Total Wine & More to thank for introducing me to this charming sparkling wine from the Burgundy region of France, known as a Crémant de Bourgogne. While these wines are made in the same méthode traditionnelle as their famous neighbors in Champagne, they cannot be called Champagne due to the fact that they are not from the geographic region of Champagne, France. Remember, European wines are usually called by place, not grape variety. This is helpful to us consumers who enjoy sparkling wine once or twice a year but don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on a bottle of the fancy stuff (although there is nothing wrong with loving the fancy stuff). Options like Spanish Cava, Italian Prosecco, this gorgeous sparkler from California, and today’s Crémant de Bourgogne are handy to keep in mind whilst shopping for bubbles.

Louis Bouillot Extra Dry Sparkling Wine

$25/bottle at Total Wine (approximately half the starting price of true Champagne)
12% ABV
Medium body with some sweetness (extra-dry actually means more sugar than brut/dry – I know, makes zero sense), focused and tight perlage (bubbles)
Some yeasty aromas but also peach, apple, pear flavors
While I am not reviewing the Brut here, it is available on wine.com for you to try, where it retails for around $18-$20/bottle. This one will be less sweet.
I definitely recommend this wine, and am already excited for the next time I can pop open another bottle.

When it comes to desserts, I prefer anything in the chocolate, cake, and cookie departments, but that’s not to say I never diverge into other territories. Plus, it’s Valentine’s Day, so I am considering my husband’s preferences here, which fall squarely in the pie and fruit dessert departments. 🙂

This dessert uses only FOUR ingredients and is a snap to throw together, even for non bakers. Plus, how often do you see a dessert made from grapes anyway? Take this unusual recipe for a spin and pair it with this lively and refreshing sparkling wine. Together, they bring out the best in each other (yes, you can use that in your Valentine’s Day card if you must). 😉

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤

Please note, this galette is very sweet, and for me personally it’s a bit much when paired with the sparkling wine. To tame the sugar a bit, slice up some rich, creamy Brie cheese to balance out the high levels of sweetness in the dessert and also complement the sparkling wine.

For additional dessert ideas from The Rambling Vine, check out:
Sparkling Rosé Cake with Candied Roses
Snickers Cheesecake
Oatmeal Chocolate Chai Tea Cookies

Love You Bunches Grape Galette
Serves 8
Recipe courtesy of Oregon Wine Board
Adapted from Kristin Marchesi of Montinore Estate in Forest Grove, Oregon

Ingredients

Pie dough rolled out into a large circle 18-20 inches in diameter* (I used a Jus-Rol pre-rolled pie dough and literally unwrapped it, plopped it on the baking sheet, poured the fruit filling inside, and folded the dough up and around the sides to make a galette)
1 pound seedless grapes (no slicing required, just wash them)
1/2 – 3/4 cup sugar, depending on tartness of grapes
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Preparation

1) Whisk the sugar and cornstarch together and then add it to grapes. Stir to combine until the starch is completely hydrated and sugar has evenly coated the grape skins.

2) Place the dough on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. Pour the filling into the center of the dough circle and fold the edges over the filling covering the perimeter but not the center. Chill for 20 minutes.

3) Preheat the oven to 400° and bake the galette for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350° and rotate the sheet tray. Continue baking for approximately 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Easier than pie – galette!

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Wine + Chocolate: Finding Dark Chocolate’s Soul Mate

Posted on February 13, 2024 by The Rambling Vine

Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Wine and chocolate… two of God’s most revered gifts and humanity’s most celebrated gustatory creations, coming in a range of colors and flavors. You already know how divine Brachetto and milk chocolate can be together. I posted on it last year and apparently I had posted on it years before. (Oops. Just take that as a sign of how good it is.) 🙂

But are wine and chocolate better together, or should each just be enjoyed on its own? If so, which ones work together and which ones flat out don’t? Since Valentine’s Day is imminent, I’d like to explore this question with you, with the goal of sending you home with an amazing wine and chocolate pairing that will score some serious brownie points with your loved one(s). No pun intended with the brownies.

Today, we’re going to step out of the light and into the dark and sensual realm of chocolat noir. But what to pair with the darkest of the dark, the richest of the rich? Be prepared – it’s an indulgent pairing that may or may not be what you’re thinking.

Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is bitter, with fruity notes, and very tannic, thanks to those blessed polyphenols that are so good for us and cause the grippy sandpapery feeling in our mouths. And what do a lot of red wines tend to be? Dry, bitter, and tannic. You would think all these shared traits would make for a great pairing, but it frequently has the opposite effect in the mouth – bitter and bitter do not make good bedfellows (duh, says every couple alive). Some other red wines probably go well with dark chocolate, but pairing can get tricky and takes some trial and error. You have to take into account more factors in the wine (sweetness, alcohol, acid, tannin, fruit, etc.), and this requires more experimentation than I have time for today (or tonight as I write this).

But one type of red wine is always a sure bet and a foolproof partner to dark chocolate… ruby port.

You have to try it to believe it.

Ruby port? you ask, confused. Not Cabernet Sauvignon? Not Merlot?

Um, a resounding yes, and here is why.

Ruby port and dark chocolate are a perfect match because they create balance together. The richness, intensity, and body of both are similar, but the port’s sweetness contrasts beautifully with dark chocolate’s bitterness. Dark chocolate will simply amplify bitterness and tannins in a dry red wine like a Cab or Merlot and make for a disappointing pairing. We can’t have that now, can we?

I am lucky enough to have some Bacovino Rubi 2020 Red Mountain Dessert Wine lying around, and opened some up to pair with dark chocolate. Sumptuous, silky, and made from Washington Syrah grapes versus the traditional Portuguese grapes (various Tourigas and Tintas), it’s a divine treat that showcases well the depth and beauty of Washington grapes in this wine style.

Here is all you need to know about this lovely wine:

100% Red Mountain Syrah made into a port-style dessert wine
$45/bottle
19.5% ABV
Beautiful label that commends itself as an attractive Valentine’s Day gift
Sweet and smooth but the acid and alcohol pull it back from “syrup” territory
Delicious right now, but imagine laying it down for a number of years – whoa baby! It will just continue to get richer and more complex with age.
Deep ruby color
The winemaker notes: “Appealing red fruit and white pepper followed by a lengthy, candied finish.”

For the dark chocolate, I used Private Selection 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Swiss Bar from my local grocery store. It’s absolutely delicious chocolate and is typically less than $3/bar (so you can splurge on this amazing dessert wine). When paired with the port, it’s like a chocolate covered cherry exploding in your mouth. Dear. God.

Look no further for your Valentine’s Day gifts.

While there are numerous wine and chocolate pairing recommendations for Valentine’s Day, many might not be steering you in the right direction. Ruby port and dark chocolate is a time-tested, decadent, indulgent pairing that is a guaranteed hit. You could use any dark chocolate bars, truffles, or even a flourless chocolate torte. Just make sure it’s dark chocolate, not milk.

Random tip from a winemaker I spoke to not too long ago – she recommended enjoying port/dessert wine as an aperitif (a before dinner drink). I tend to think of port keeping post as the ultimate dessert wine/after dinner drink (which it rightfully does), but what a novel way to think about it: a little treat for when you want to sip some wine while you make dinner. Put it in a little crystal glass and turn cooking dinner into less of a chore. 🙂

Are you a dark chocolate & ruby port fan? Comment below with your favorite brands! And let me know if you try the Rubi. 🙂

Happy Valentine’s Day/Wine & Chocolate Day, readers! ❤

Your New Favorite Kiwi Juice: Matua Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on February 8, 2024 by The Rambling Vine

Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Happy February, readers! It is the month of love and I have some LOVELY wines to share with all of you. Get excited! But first, a confession….

I was going to do a Part I of a Valentine’s Day series on pairing wine with chocolate – specifically white chocolate – but while the white chocolate truffles I selected were delicious, they did not work great with either the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir I paired them with. Phooey, and those pairing recommendations came directly from a well-known wine blog (yikes). I have integrity, which means I cannot tell a lie and give you a bad wine and chocolate recommendation. Thankfully, these poor pairings gave me a REALLY great idea for a white chocolate and wine pairing, but I’m out of wine dollars for the moment so we’ll save this idea for Valentine’s Day next year.

Stay tuned for a different wine and chocolate pairing coming up before Valentine’s Day! ❤

But in the mean time, I need to go ahead and just share this Sauvignon Blanc with you already because I’ve known about it for a while and it’s a crime to withhold this knowledge from you any longer. And wouldn’t you know it? February 6th was Waitangi Day, a national holiday in New Zealand that marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the country’s founding document. Ha, whaddya know, bro?

So in honor of the glorious wine-producing nation of New Zealand, I present to you, Matua Sauvignon Blanc! This pretty bottle retails for about $11 at my local grocery store, or $14 on wine.com (if you purchase through this link or the one below, it supports the blog, thank you very much). The balance and flavor profile for the price is amazing! A typical Sauvignon Blanc, it offers mouth-puckering acidity, light body, refreshing citrus and mineral flavors with a touch of tropical fruit.

Check it out….

Is he sticking his tongue out or salivating because the wine is so good?

Matua Sauvignon Blanc:

An excellent price point (which is important these days)
From Marlborough, NZ – the global epicenter for New World Sauvignon Blanc
13% ABV
Pale straw color with a greenish hue
Powerful, scintillating aromas erupt out of the glass: passionfruit, kiwi berry, sugared grapefruit peel, macadamia nut, fresh cut green grass
Flavors of citrus, lime, gooseberry, and some tropical fruit (melon)
Tart, lively acidity that refreshes and plunges you into pure enjoyment, without being searingly zingy, it also boasts a juicy, full mouthfeel even with its light body
Word from the winemaker: “This classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is deliciously pure, bursting with ripe lemon citrus notes and hints of passion fruit and basil. The palate is fresh and vibrant with concentrated blackcurrant leaf and a touch of classic cut grass and green melon. So refreshing, you’ll be left wanting more.”

While I wouldn’t recommend pairing this with white chocolate, it will go great with seafood, chicken, and grilled vegetables. But honestly, it’s so good you should just drink it on its own and not mess with greatness.

I shared this with a friend whose favorite wine is Sauvignon Blanc and she loved it. I hope you do, too! Let me know what you think.

Kia Ora, Bros! 🙂

Love Sauvignon Blanc? I have a review of another fantastic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc here.

Deux Bordeaux de Costco: A Tribute to My Father

Posted on January 26, 2024 by The Rambling Vine

Happy New Year, my Rambling Vine readers! I apologize for my long absence. I miss chatting about wines with you, so I’m picking up right now where I left off, because life is short and there are too many definitive wines to be tasted and told about.

This past summer was beautiful and filled with many wonderful things, but it also brought me a life-sucking case of pneumonia (I had rattling lungs while I was writing my last couple posts early in June), followed by the sudden and unexpected passing of my father in August, and then bronchitis a few days after that. It was all I could do just trying to physically heal, grieve, do even a fraction of the bare minimum, and help support my stepmother who was immediately forced to make some big life changes.

It has been devastating and rough and traumatizing.

I have never been quite as physically and then emotionally sapped as I have been these past few months. But God is faithful and He is seeing me through this. I am doing better even as the reality of my dad’s loss is really starting to set in.

I thought in honor of my lovely dad I would share with you a couple of Bordeaux wines – one that my dad gave to me as part of my Christmas present one year, and one I picked on a whim at Costco. Both wines are 2020 vintages and were bought at Costco, where my Dad was a huge customer. I smile when I recall how much he loved Yellow Tail Australian Chardonnay, but also the expensive Napa Cabs he got me a couple different times that I barely shared with anyone else because they were so mind-blowingly, earth-shatteringly good.

So, the first one from my Dad was the 2020 Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Supérieur. Apparently Bordeaux Supérieur wines do have higher standards for quality above regular Bordeaux appellation wines. This was an outstanding wine that did not taste like its price range; I was shocked when I learned it retailed for only about $7/bottle. It’s possible this low price is due to high supply and lower demand. If you can find this and you like it, it’s WELL WORTH buying by the case.

$6.99/bottle from Costco (approximately, price may vary)
14% ABV
60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot
Aged in French oak for 12 months
“deep ruby in color, with a good tannic structure and supple palate. The nose is complex with black fruits, black currant and woody notes.”
According to Vins de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur wines are more concentrated, complex, and powerful than most AOC Bordeaux

The Bordeaux blend I took a chance on and that paid off was the 2020 Dame de Boüard from the Montagne Saint-Émilion region. Blends from this Bordeaux appellation use Merlot heavily but also Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

$12.59/bottle from Costco when I purchased it in 2023
Deep, dark, gorgeous opaque ruby
Aromas that explode out of the glass: smoke, spice, meats, black currants, red plum, blackberry, blueberry, chocolate, licorice/anise, incense/something sweet. I may have picked up a little bell pepper from the Cabernet Franc in the blend.
Dry, warm from the 14.5% ABV
Medium body, not a lot of midpalate structure – decanting/aerating helped
Light tannins (very muted and in background)
Moderate acidity
Enchanting and lush
The back label calls these wines “delicious, appealing, elegant wines with lovely balance and rich silky tannin.”

As you can see, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy excellent Bordeaux. There are many incredible wines to be had at a great deal. The main thing to keep in mind with affordable Bordeaux is that poor vintages happen (years with bad weather). My husband and I had a $10 Bordeaux blend we loved (basically, it was the only one we could remember!) that was amazing certain years but then from another year it was nothing to write home about. Probably worth chatting with your wine steward or doing a little online research before purchasing.

I loved both of these wines and would happily uncork them again. They remind me of my Dad, and how much we both enjoyed having a nice glass of wine with a great meal, usually grilled steak or salmon from Costco.

Dad, you are so missed. Every time I try a great wine I think how much you would have loved it. There were still too many wines we had yet to enjoy together here on earth. But I know that even your absolute lifetime favorite doesn’t compare to heaven’s stores. Until we meet again. ❤

Give ‘Em the Old Razzle Dazzle: Razzamatazz Dazzles Your Taste Buds

Posted on July 3, 2023 by The Rambling Vine

Here in Washington, we are in the throes of beautiful summer weather. I imagine many of you are planning or already taking some vacations. We had planned a trip to Oregon this week which was going to include some wine tastings, but that had to be postponed due to me being diagnosed with pneumonia. Groan and groan. I am hoping to be able to make the trip sometime later once I recover.

In the mean time, you’re probably on the prowl for refreshing wines that enhance your summer moments. Let’s take a look at a breathtakingly gorgeous travel destination that also fits the bill for wine tasting, and one winery’s irresistible “summer” wine with a jazzy name.

I love the musical Chicago. It’s my all-time favorite. I’ve danced a fair amount of the choreography, saw it once live at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, and five times at the movie theater. One of my email addresses even includes the phrase, “all that jazz.” Me, obsessed? Nah. 😉

“Give ’em the old razzle dazzle” is the resounding battle cry of shyster courtroom attorney Billy Flynn, flanked by sequined and feathered showgirls. But Billy’s brand of razzle-dazzle is used to sidetrack one’s vision with a false optical illusion.

This wine, however, tastes as good as it looks; pure razzle dazzle for your taste buds! No deceptive trickery here.

Razzamatazz is a dessert wine concocted by Icicle Ridge Winery in Peshastin, WA, which is right next to Washington’s favorite Bavarian village, Leavenworth. Peshastin is in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and is home to numerous orchards and farms, and the fruit grown in these parts is sensational. Leavenworth is home to many wonderful wineries (including an additional Icicle Ridge Winery tasting room in the heart of the town), but venture just a few minutes outside town and you can enjoy world-class views as you sip the wines at IRW’s log cabin tasting room. This is one of the most beautiful and scenic places I have ever tasted wine – add it to your wine tasting bucket list! Learn more about Icicle Ridge Winery here.

Wish I was there right now! Icicle Ridge Winery Log Cabin Tasting Room, Peshastin, WA

Few dessert wines taste as truly refreshing with authentic raspberry flavors as Razzamatazz. Fresh raspberry juice is blended with Riesling for the ultimate Washington summer wine.

This is a well-orchestrated wine that is sweet, thirst-quenching, zippy, and delicious. In the glass, this perfectly balanced wine does everything you need it to do… the sweetness from the excellent Riesling is complemented and balanced by the juice of fresh, lush, tart raspberries. A glass of this just for dessert would be incredible.

The only trouble with IRW’s dessert wines is they go down super easy so be prepared and buy at least a couple bottles. But I can’t think of a better summer treat that shows off our beautiful WA vinicultural accomplishments than this wine. This wine also pairs exceptionally well with Fourth of July fireworks displays.

Razzle Dazzle ’em! 🙂

Think Pink: International Rosé Day + Delish Salmon Recipe

Posted on June 23, 2023 by The Rambling Vine

Summer greetings, and Happy International Rosé Day! Take time to stop and smell the roses and rosés. 😉

Earlier this month, I was very confused, but then some quick Googling cleared everything up (Googling usually has the opposite effect): in June, there is not only a National Rosé Day but also an International Rosé Day, which is today. I briefly panicked because I’d been planning to share this particular rosé with you for some time, and was afraid I had missed my window of opportunity. Oh, the agony!

As a Washingtonian, I suppose picking a Columbia Valley Rosé isn’t very international of me, but for those of you not in the USA it qualifies. I’ll admit, I’m starting to enjoy rosé more and more, but I even had to create a blog post category for rosé 11 years after starting The Rambling Vine! So while I haven’t covered it much in the past, this one is worth mentioning, because it’s delicious AND the first type of rosé I’ve had using this particular grape. I’m all for distinct and uncommon wines.

I’m also sharing a favorite recipe that is the ultimate easy, yummy, and gorgeous summer meal. It is charming with the wine.

For those not in the know, rosé is a style of wine, not a wine made from pink grapes. 😉 Sorry to break the news. Red wine grapes are harvested, crushed, and the grape skins are allowed to soak with the grape juice for varying periods of time before being separated in order to impart anywhere from the lightest hint of pink to deep fucschia colors. Rosés generally taste more like white wines but I’ve had some that really straddle the line between both red and white wine in terms of their body, tannin, acid, sweetness, and fruit profile. They truly run the gamut of styles.

Common grapes used to make rosé wines include Sangiovese, Barbera, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc (this is just a few examples).

This rosé, however, from the lovely Pine Lake Cellars of West Seattle, is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Columbia Valley AVA, and is the only rosé I’ve ever had made from this grape. Cabernet Sauvignon is the “king” of the red wines, and the ultimate steak dinner pairing. It was so interesting to taste this grape as a rosé wine!

I had to let it outside, it was begging

You can purchase this wine at the Pine Lake Cellars tasting room in West Seattle or through their website, which I’ve linked below. If you’re in the area, check out their cute, stylish tasting room that has food for purchase and is kid and dog friendly. They also feature outdoor covered and heated seating areas. My sweet friend treated me to a tasting here a few months ago and we had a stellar time.

Fair warning: they are running low on this rosé, so if you’d like to try it, get on it. A different rosé of Syrah will be showing up soon. I sincerely hope Pine Lake Cellars revisits this particular Cab rosé in the future. In the mean time, I look forward to trying the Syrah rosé.

Pine Lake Cellars Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Columbia Valley

$25/bottle
ABV 13.8%
Serve slightly chilled
In the glass: color is pale copper pink, like traditional ballet tights (you dancers know what I’m talking about)
More medium-bodied, unctuous, mouth-filling, hint of sweetness, yet still with crisp, refreshing character
Nose: light cherry, honeydew, watermelon, rhubarb, tarragon (?)
Mouth: tangerine, plum, black currant cream, celery/fennel, gummy peach candy on finish
This is a lower acid rosé

And here is one of my favorite easy summer recipes that goes “swimmingly” with the wine. 🙂

Copper River, baby!

Salmon with Strawberry-Scallion Tapenade
Recipe courtesy of Jamie Vespa, RD of Dishing Out Health
With my adaptations | Yields 4 servings
*Get that Copper River Salmon right now if you can!

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup diced strawberries
⅓ cup pitted and chopped green olives (I recommend Castelvetrano olives)
¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley (or a mix of both)
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tsp. lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari
4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 (6-oz.) skin-on salmon fillets or one salmon side to feed 4
¾ tsp. kosher salt, divided
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium bowl, combine strawberries, olives, scallions, herbs, vinegar, soy sauce, 2 Tbsp. of the oil, and ¼ tsp. each salt and black pepper; toss to combine. Set aside.
Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Blot salmon fillets or side dry with a paper towel, place on baking sheet, and coat flesh evenly with remaining 2 T olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Place salmon in oven once preheated. Cooking time will vary depending on cuts of fish, but for a side of salmon I find 16-18 minutes is just right. Smaller pieces will take way less time. I prefer cooking fish in the oven to save time and especially to avoid oil splatter on the stove. Salmon should be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Transfer salmon to a serving platter and spoon tapenade over top.
Perfect with fresh bread, arugula salad, and Pine Lake Cellars Rosé! 🙂

Let me know if you try this wine and/or make this recipe.

Cheers to pink food and drink (and even a kitchen sink)! 😉

Hats Off to the Grads: Convocation Red Blend + NW Wine Academy

Posted on June 20, 2023 by The Rambling Vine

I was driving around last Friday running errands and was amazed at how busy it was everywhere I went! It was the kickoff for Father’s Day weekend/Juneteenth/summer tourism season, the last day of school for many schools, and a booked up day for graduation ceremonies.

Here is the second part of my “dads and grads” series for June, with a focus today on graduates. I’ll introduce you to a truly unique red blend that is perfectly befitting a graduation, and uncover a lovely hidden gem near West Seattle for wine tasting. Ready?

Some weekends the urge to go wine tasting is so great, we pull the kids in the car and go off on a quest for our favorite beverage. I generally don’t like to take the kids to too many wine tastings; if unequipped they get bored and rightly so. But at the same time, when it’s just us, there’s no childcare, and Mom and Dad just want to get out for one measly half-hour tasting, I see nothing wrong with taking the kids and expecting them to practice the patience we are teaching them (of course every family is different and it won’t work for all ages and stages of kids).

Where better to practice than an institution of study… specifically wine studies! 🙂

Not too long ago on one of our weekend wine forays, we stopped by the tasting room of South Seattle College’s Northwest Wine Academy. Years ago at an old job, I sampled some of their wines at an event held at South Seattle College, and remember being so impressed I made a mental note to do a tasting there sometime. I’m just sorry it took me so long to get there!

Northwest Wine Academy offers classes in wine making, wine marketing & sales, and food & wine pairing, all taught by renowned and experienced wine industry professionals. Students can take a class or two just for fun/enrichment or earn a full-on degree or certificate. Learn more about their classes here.

And, most fun, the wine you get to enjoy is made by the students, and it’s REALLY GOOD!

While the tasting room doesn’t have a ball pit, arcade, or jungle gym for kids (that would be an amazing tasting room – I wonder if that exists somewhere?), it DOES have plenty of spacious tables to spread out at, and there is a large outdoor patio with tables that is especially great for wiggly children or those who wish to sip wine al fresco.

There are also snacks available for purchase. I think I recall seeing things like crackers, snack bars, salami, and cheese.

Another plus in my book is the ample free parking – no crazy packed wine country weekend parking nightmares here (ahem Woodinville).

At the tasting room, your tasting fee is only $8 and you get to pick 4 wines from a fairly extensive list of wines available. The pours are very generous, too (basically 4 full glasses of wine), so if you’re a lightweight make use of the dump bucket. Or just plan to be there a really long time. 🙂

The wines are very interesting and delicious, and all are made by students under the supervision of their professional winemaker teacher. For my 4 wines, I picked the Duet White (Muscat Ottonel and Riesling), a Rosé of Merlot and Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Convocation Red Blend. My husband tried the Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon so between the two of us we sampled all the reds. There’s my little lineup below….

Wine tasting at Northwest Wine Academy, South Seattle College

We went home with the Syrah and the Convocation Red Blend, which I thought would make the perfect bottle of red wine to gift your (21+ age graduate)! 🙂

Northwest Wine Academy Convocation Red Blend Washington State

$19/bottle
64% Merlot, 26% Blaufränkisch (which is also known as Lemberger), 10% Mundy Red field blend (a field blend is where two or more types of grapes are grown together in the same vineyard and then harvested and fermented together)
13.5% ABV
Really pretty deep ruby with a little crimson/garnet
Blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, nice background spice and some kind of herbal note (thyme/rosemary/sage?)
Lovely and sophisticated nose – perfect for the accomplished and erudite graduate in your life
Approachable yet refined
Plenty of tartness and mouthwatering acidity
Strong tannic finish that makes a lasting impression
Winemaker tasting notes: “Aromas of black currants and cloves with hints of tobacco. Medium body and acid with lingering black cherries on the palate.”

What I like about this blend is it’s a sort of triptych of an academic journey: the Merlot represents the old-fashioned/classic/traditional, the Blaufränkisch is like the unique individuality a student brings to their education, and the field blend represents the unknown future/element of mystery. Not sure if that was what the winemakers intended or not, but it seemed symbolic to me.

Before or after your wine tasting, wander over to the Campus Arboretum, which is home to numerous specialty gardens, including rose, tropical, conifer, perennials (among many others), and the Seattle Chinese Garden. All gardens are open every day from dawn until dusk, and are free admission. Gardens are managed by students of South Seattle College’s Landscape Horticulture Program.

Here is the complete listing of gardens and walking map.

South Seattle College Campus Arboretum Walking Map

Walk around in a beautiful and peaceful setting as your kids run around exploring and as you metabolize your wine. 😉

DO NOT MISS THIS PART OF YOUR VISIT!

Building in Seattle Chinese Garden at South Seattle College

Check out the Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room for a special tasting experience for your grad or dad and for enjoyable Washington wines. Your purchases support the next generation of winemakers! And that is an important investment as anything.

Congratulations, graduates! Put your feet up and sip some NW Wine Academy wine, you’ve earned it! 🙂

Tasting Room at Northwest Wine Academy, South Seattle College

A World “Two-Er” for International Drink Chenin Blanc Day

Posted on June 16, 2023 by The Rambling Vine

Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Happy International Drink Chenin Blanc Day! Yes, there is literally a holiday for every single variety of vitis vinifera known to man – and if there’s not one now, there soon will be (I think wine bloggers and grape growers are secretly in cahoots behind this plethora of random boozy holidays). But hey, observing these wine holidays is keeping me on track here at The Rambling Vine – it’s kind of like a liturgical calendar but of the vinous sort.

OK, so why the hype over this white wine? you ask.

If you don’t already have one, pour yourself a glass of Chenin Blanc (or other wine at hand) and allow me to fill you in….

Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile white wine grapes in the world that can be made into numerous styles, and that can match a terrific variety of food.

This grape, in particular, can do everything and do everything beautifully (a quadruple threat) – sparkling wine, light/lean/dry white wine, rich/aromatic/off-dry white wine, or sweet dessert wine. It’s one of the ultimate people-pleaser grape varieties, offering something for every taste and occasion.

Today, let’s go on a world “two-er” of Chenin Blanc (you’re used to my agonizingly bad puns by now, hopefully… if not, my apologies). 🙂

I’ve got two lovely Chenin Blanc wines for you to try: a Vouvray hailing from Old World France (birthplace of Chenin Blanc) and a Steen hailing from New World South Africa. I drank these at two separate times, the South Africa one most recently, but to really memorize the similarities and differences between the two styles open up both bottles together and do a comparative tasting. Have a Chenin Blanc showdown!

Wine #1: Bougrier ‘V’ Vouvray Chenin Blanc

$16/bottle at Total Wine & More
Serve slightly chilled
ABV 11.5%
This is Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, which is in the Loire Valley in France
Medium body, lower acid, slight sweetness
Peach, pear, apple, quince, cream, hazelnut intertwined with elegant minerality
Recommended accompaniments include Fontina cheese and fruit

Wine #2: The Royal Old Vines Steen Chenin Blanc South Africa

$17/bottle at wine.com
Serve slightly chilled
ABV 12.5%
This is Chenin Blanc from the Riebeek Valley in Swartland, South Africa
Pale straw color
High acid, dry, medium-bodied
Guava, apple, pear, gooseberry, citrus, honey, floral
Recommended accompaniments include light summer fare, salads, antipasti, seafood

I feel like I enjoyed the Vouvray a touch better than the Steen, but both are very refreshing and delicious wines worth trying. The Steen was just more acidic and dry but that means it can work well as a companion to food.

Round up one (or both) of these bottles with some nuts, cheese, crackers, fruit, and charcuterie, and you’ve got the formula for the easiest summer dinner ever.

Chenin Blanc strikes me as a sort of odd love-child between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay (which it is NOT actually, I’m just painting word pictures) – crisp acidity, light/medium body, and the gooseberry aromas of a Sauvignon Blanc but the apple/pear/tropical aromas and sometimes creamy texture of a Chardonnay.

If you haven’t tried one yet, consider this your invitation to explore.

For another great option, don’t forget my recent review of Mexican Chenin Blanc that I really liked. 🙂

Here’s to the many styles and locales of Chenin Blanc!

How about you? Are you imbibing some Vouvray, Steen, or other form of Chenin Blanc today? Do tell!

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