Archive for July, 2009

Jul 29 2009

Summer Afternoon Affair: Pinot Grigio

Published by admin under Desserts, Food, Pinot Grigio, Sandwiches, Soup/Gazpacho, Vegetarian, White Wine

It is a lazy summer afternoon in Napa Valley.   The sun is warm, and the breeze is gentle.   Tasks mount on many a to-do list, but there is an undeniable sense in the air that no one is in a hurry.   Below, the blades of grass are soft between your bare toes and above, the [...]

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Jul 26 2009

Find the Beauty in Your Life: Elyse, La Peche

Published by admin under Cheese, Chenin Blanc, Dessert Wines & Ports, Desserts, Viognier

Living in Napa Valley, it is effortless to find beauty as it seemingly greets your eyes and senses at every turn.   The vineyards are lined with richly aromatic rose bushes, the sunlight dances upon the grape leaves and the air is perfumed with the scent of ripening grapes.     
Pablo Picasso once said, “I do not [...]

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Jul 22 2009

For the Love of Bubbles

Published by admin under Desserts, Mexican Food, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine/Champagne

Ah, Bubbles…  tiny, floating and rising to the top with grace and speed as if to greet or announce impending celebration.    This may sound like a description of Champagne, and it would be if I were sitting in France and drinking one of its vintages.   But instead, since I am located in Napa Valley, what [...]

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Jul 15 2009

Romancing the Senses: Pinot Noir

Published by admin under Chicken, Food, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Salad

Driving through the Carneros Region of Napa County easily triggers feelings of romance.    Despite the sun’s warmth on your skin, you are cooled by gentle maritime breezes, the air is tinted with aromas of ripening grapes and for as far as your eye can see, you are surrounded by rolling hills populated by endless vineyards.  [...]

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Jul 08 2009

As the Sun Warms, Reach for Albariño

Published by admin under Albariño, Appetizers, Chicken, Food, Mexican Food, White Wine

Twenty years ago I spent my first summer studying in Mexico.   I found the people warm, enlightening, generous in spirit and gifted at taking time to enjoy that which matters most:   family, daily life, that which they have and that which surrounds them.    It was an easy lifestyle to embrace:  so I returned the two [...]

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Jul 05 2009

An Ode to “White Whales” and How to Capture Them

Published by admin under Wine Education

 
I sit here on a quiet late evening.     The windows of the house are open; a cool summer night breeze is gently floating in and keeping me company.    My neighborhood is silent as if to imply that the whole world is soundly sleeping and completely unaware of what I am doing.   
In my wine glass [...]

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Jul 01 2009

Free Your Taste Buds: Discover Cabernet Franc

Published by admin under Beef, Burgers, Cabernet Franc, Cheese, Desserts, Food, Potato, Red Wine

As the 4th of July approaches, there is a spirit of independence and celebration in the air in Napa Valley.   The first sense of freedom came when our heat wave broke on Monday evening, which sent the triple digit temperatures of the weekend packing.    As Napa Valley residents seem to breathe a collective sigh relief, [...]

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