New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a knock-out grape.  She simply doesn't seem to disappoint.  I have yet to try a Sauv Blanc that has tasted like something else.  I believe this is why it is one of the white wine drinkers' darlings.

I have had my share of average Sauv Blanc's over the years.  This grape's "classic" home is in the Loire Valley in France (on my list of 'must see' places).   However, New Zealand really has made its' place on the map by its outstanding, great quality wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape.  It has the right climate, the right about of rain, cool evenings, good soil - that all lend themselves to perfect grape growing conditions for this variety.

My trip around the world continues as I selected a Sauvignon Blanc wine from New Zealand to review.

Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2011 $23.99

This is a bit pricier than some of New Zealand's SB selections but, my goodness, it is worth it!  The wine is light + bodied with a medium amount of acidity so it doesn't attack your tongue like some SB's do!  This is a mellower, more refined wine.  There are nice notes of lemon, tangerine and lime on the nose as well as some nice herbaceous notes.  The taste is really outstanding - crisp, clean, lingering yet subtle.  It had me at the first sip!

Many people that I know, myself included, tend to stick to what they know when it comes to this grape.  I would suggest that this lovely bottle deserves your attention and your respect.  The price point does not break the bank and it tastes really beautiful and juicy.  This is a bottle of wine to show up to a dinner party with and be proud of what you have contributed to the table.

In my ranking system - this lovely gets a "Hell Yes" from me!

Enjoy!
XO
C

A Cheap and Cheerful Taste of Spain

To begin - a thank you to all of you who have taken an interest into my fledgling blog!  I really appreciate the encouragement and enthusiasm and comments!

Yesterday, I took my husband and daughter shopping with me to the local B.C. liquor store to pick up a few selections for my 'research'.

The B.C. Liquor Board produces a great publication called "Taste" - it is a beautiful magazine on food and wine.   I figured this was a great starting point for some new discoveries as I have been known to be a B.C. focused wine drinker.  I am a HUGE fan of B.C. wine and I will no doubt post many entries on some of my favourites.

However, this blog is a way for me to get out of my comfort zone and explore new regions, new wine varieties and wine making methods.  So - the next four wine entries will have an international flavour instead of one close to home.

My first selection is a Spanish wine.  Campo Viejo Rioja 2008 $16.99

 This is an amazing find in this price point.  Rioja wine is made with the tempranillo grape.  This specific wine has a blend of rioja, grenache and mazuelo grapes and it made for a beautiful cherry red colour.  It has a pronounced aroma and it tastes like black cherry, red strawberry with a hint of sweet vanilla and spice.  This rioja wine was very easy to drink.  Its' medium body would pair nicely with a tapas themed meal or something nice and light as the wine is not overpowering in any way - even a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch of meat and cheese sandwiches and soup would work well!  ( This is what I had and it was amazing:  Portuguese buns, mortadella, aged cheddar and tomato sandwiches with a carrot and orange soup.)

I would buy this wine again in a heart beat.  This falls into my "Hell Yes!" category - especially at this price point!  Wow - I am really quite pleasantly surprised by this wine.   I think it is a great example of what a Spanish rioja should taste like and I have no problem recommending it to bring along to an easy, casual dinner party with friends.

Would love to know your feedback on this wine when you try it!

Enjoy.
XO
C

Intro to my love of wine

Thank you for taking time to read my new blog. I have to give a shout out to my husband David who suggested the idea to me.

At the ripe age of 19, I was legally allowed to drink.  I live in British Columbia and 19 seemed like a long way away.  My first real introduction to wine was not too long after my 19th birthday as my Mom had purchased a bottle of Lindeman's Bin 65Chardonnay.  It felt like heaven in my mouth.  I didn't know anything about palate, the makings of a 'good' wine, why wine was different than beer or cider (beverages I sampled before my 19th birthday) and most importantly why I loved it.

There began my love affair with wine and since then - it is my chosen beverage to share with friends and loved ones.  There is something about wine than encourages people to come together and enjoy.  I firmly believe that this is a life that is meant to be enjoyed and I believe that wine makes living better.  I do not mean drink a bottle a day - but a glass of wine with dinner - to me - is a part of appreciating the fact that I am alive.

My hope for this blog is that I can inspire a few of you to enjoy a new wine or educate you on some wine knowledge that you do not already know.  I tend to keep my price point between $16 and $30 CDN.  I may blog about more affordable wines or more expensive wines but really this seems to be my buying range habit.

Thanks again for reading.  I will talk about a new bottle of wine each week and will provide some tasting notes as well as my overall impression of the wine....my categories will be "Hell Yes!" "If you are in the Mood" or "Strongly dislike."

Have a great day - and please remember to enjoy this life we have been given.
XO

C