Relief in a bottle

:: Gramona Gessami 2007 • white wine blend of Muscat/Sauvignon Blanc/Gewürztraminer grapes • from the Penedes region • $16.99 ::

Wish I still had a little wine left to revive my taste buds, but I guess I'll just have to wing this on memory. My overall verdict is that it's very refreshing. Perfect kickoff to spring. (Will spring ever get here?)

The wine is between medium and pale yellow in color. On the nose I get apples... sweet, flowery, fresh-air type bouquet. The taste is mild, sweet, and refreshing. For me the primary taste is citrus, and it has a nice long finish.

I knew the post would be "relief" in a bottle when I took my first sip earlier this week. (Tasted on two occasions, but I guess I was more focused this time.) It had been a long day at work, and I had also had a pretty dramatic couple of days leading up to this glass of wine. Sounds silly, but I suddenly felt immensely better with one sip. One of my favorite poems is Charles Baudelaire's "Enivrez-vous" and I randomly stumbled upon it when browsing photos on Flickr a couple of days ago. The primary message is that it's important to be drunk: drunk with wine, poetry, virtue, or whatever you wish, but be drunk! To not feel the burden of time bruise your shoulders and to not get pushed into the ground, get drunk!

Il faut être toujours ivre.
Tout est là:
c'est l'unique question.
Pour ne pas sentir
l'horrible fardeau du Temps
qui brise vos épaules
et vous penche vers la terre,
il faut vous enivrer sans trêve.
Mais de quoi?
De vin, de poésie, ou de vertu, à votre guise.
Mais enivrez-vous.
Et si quelquefois,
sur les marches d'un palais,
sur l'herbe verte d'un fossé,
dans la solitude morne de votre chambre,
vous vous réveillez,
l'ivresse déjà diminuée ou disparue,
demandez au vent,
à la vague,
à l'étoile,
à l'oiseau,
à l'horloge,
à tout ce qui fuit,
à tout ce qui gémit,
à tout ce qui roule,
à tout ce qui chante,
à tout ce qui parle,
demandez quelle heure il est;
et le vent,
la vague,
l'étoile,
l'oiseau,
l'horloge,
vous répondront:
"Il est l'heure de s'enivrer!
Pour n'être pas les esclaves martyrisés du Temps,
enivrez-vous;
enivrez-vous sans cesse!
De vin, de poésie ou de vertu, à votre guise."

I'm not saying I've been getting "pushed to the ground" at all, but sometimes I get frazzled easily. As indicated in my new year's post, I've been struggling with the passage of time and with letting go of my past lately. If your past suddenly shows up and slaps you in the face, making you feel like months of progress has been undone (at least for the moment), it's not so awesome. And soooo I get "drunk." My drinking has certainly increased this year... a week without 3 nights of drinking and dancing has become pretty rare. I've started feeling like maybe I should slow down a little. Probably should. A little. But then again, I'm just embracing the "enivrez-vous" attitude. I get "drunk" with wine, "drunk" with March Madness, "drunk" with recipes, "drunk" with dancing, "drunk" with this obsession with New York, "drunk" with silly crushes, "drunk" with chocolate...

My point is that maybe I am using these things to escape the burden of something bigger, but maybe that's not so bad. It's relief. In the case of the Gramona Gessami, relief in a bottle!

(That being said, I'm giving up drinking for nine days. Haha. Partly religious. But I think this comes at a good time as I've been feeling all week like I need to find more time to hang out with Andy, to work out, to read and just overall chill.)

On a side note, here's a fun wine fact. All wines contain sulfites, because sulfites are found on grapes and they are a naturally occuring compound that nature uses to prevent microbial growth. Sometimes winemakers add additional sulfites to make the wine age for longer. Decided to look it up bc the wine label said "Contains sulfites" :)

Appreciation in a bottle

:: Potomac Point Vineyard Norton 2006, $14.99 ::

This Norton was another bottle that I picked up at the Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery in Stafford, VA. Thought it was special since the Norton grape (aka Cynthiana) is native to Virginia, and it is apparently also the oldest native North American varietal in commercial cultivation today. I generally think Virginia produces better white wines than red, but this is one that's worth trying... especially if you're a local and can actually hop over to one of the wineries! It's a medium-bodied dry wine that's smooth and fruit-forward; finishes pretty tart and tangy. I noticed the intensity in flavor a lot more when sipping the wine on its own. I would recommend it with food if you prefer something that's not too intense. I had it alongside some chicken sausage in a spicy tomato-spinach sauce (cooked by LG!), and I remember feeling like the wine was really balanced. It's a really rich, almost opaque burgundy in color. On the nose I get ripe plum. On the tongue I get pepper, citrus and jam.

I seem to vaguely remember that the bottle is 100% Norton (too lazy to head over to the kitchen to check), and when I first tasted it at dinner the other night I remember thinking it was a nice straightforward, pure (all Norton), genuine, unique kind of wine. I happened to be drinking and dining at the time with two of my most genuine and straightforward friends, so this is a little shoutout to them. Caroline was visiting me for the weekend; it had been a LONG time since I'd spent so much quality time with her. I knew she and LG would appreciate each other, but I didn't actually realize that they are pretty similar in random ways. They studied the same things in college and seem to take a pretty carefree attitude toward life. They also seem to play a similar friend function for me. This is the part that kind of left me in awe... but maybe we always end up gravitating toward people that have certain types of traits? Do your real-world friends have qualities that are eerily similar to some of your friends from college or high school? But anyway, the point is that I really appreciate the role that each of them plays in my life: they are the friends that are up for whatever, whenever. There's no drama. There's the ability to laugh and put up with me when things don't go to plan (which happens all the time, because I'm ridiculous.) Got to test this out with Caroline when my car ran out of gas and stalled Saturday... whoops! (At least the AAA guy was hot.) And with LG at Inauguration when we ended up out in the freezing cold and unable to get into bars at 4 a.m. instead of trashed and warm as planned. (F* D.C. for making us think bars were open and serving till 5!) And when I tell her I'll be ready at 8 and really she gets to my place, and I make her cook dinner while I continue getting ready... lol.

Ok so it's a bit of a stretch from the Norton grape, but I really did make a mental parallel to the two of them while drinking (with them). It could be the wine talking... haha. I can't compare it to Cab, Zin or Shiraz though. Maybe something like a combination of the three, but the wine is really not like anything else I have tasted. And my friends aren't really like anyone else you will meet! LG and I have been hanging out a lot since the new year, and I love it. Cheers to the good times ahead.

Wow, I'm a little cheesy. (Speaking of cheese, I'm checking out Cowgirl Creamery with Laura on Thurs! Ha.)

Holiday in a bottle

:: Daniel Cellars Spicy Rivanna, produced by Burnley Vineyards, $13.25 ::

When I tasted this wine at the Virginia Wine Festival, I immediately said "Christmas in a bottle!" It's sweet, cinnamony, slightly citrusy. Now that I'm consuming my second glass I realize it's a little too desserty for my taste; would taste just like Swedish glugg warm, I bet, though! I was awed that the wine could be so sweet and could evoke spices SO vividly when I first tasted it, but I was a bit naive I guess, because the wine is essentially pre-mulled with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice, anise, orange peel and lemon peel. I also pick up on tastes of plum and raisin. It's pretty delicious for a glass and would definitely make an appropriate gift for the season, especially for someone that doesn't usually enjoy wine. I don't see how anyone could not like this.

This time around it essentially tastes just like glugg to me: glugg was first introduced to me last New Year's eve at Aditi's place, and since it was such a hit, she's brought it out at quite a few parties. It's especially appropriate and enjoyable during the winter holidays because it's warm and festive. (Note that this wine really is like glugg, because glugg is sweetened and spiced wine served hot, except without the chunks of raisins and almonds.)

It's funny that the wine brings me back to last New Year's tonight, because I feel like after a long couple of weeks, I had finally stopped thinking about last New Year's eve. I've been a little anxious-ridden this holiday season. I love the winter holiday season: I love the crispness in the air, the cheery spirit everyone seems to be in, the partying and entertaining, the gift-giving, the feeling of calm and tranquility I get when looking at winter scenery (bare trees, snow), the cute hats and scarves... plus, boys look so good in sweaters! But back to the point. I definitely enjoyed all those aspects of the season, but I've also felt an enormous amount of jitters about the new year. A LOT changed this year, and while I think the changes have overall been positive for me, it's just overwhelming to think of everything I've gone through. New boys, friends, classes, cat, apartment/roommates, progress at work... Maybe the thing that's been bothering me is that though I've gone through a lot, in the end I'm the same person, I want the same things from life, and I don't clearly see that my new life is getting me to my goals. But I guess the new year is a good time to self-evaluate and change whatever needs to be changed, right?

Also, I don't know when I became an adult! It feels weird to even say it; am I really an adult? But during Thanksgiving, this guy started talking to me at Top of the Hill (one of my favorite bars in Chapel Hill), and then I realized that he was a senior in college: i.e. three years younger than me! People three years younger than me can legally go out to bars?! I still think of myself as the youngest person in any given situation; I was always one of the youngest in my grade, in my group of friends. But as I get older, I obviously meet people that are younger. It's just strange.

Anyway, I think I have a pretty good plan for the year. I decided my biggest problem was not having my priorities straight, so I've organized all my resolutions to fit into nine priorities for 2009! So I'm ready to put my angst aside and take the year head-on. Let's hope it's not all serious; some mischief and dancing should ensue! (Not that old, yet!) Definitely started the year on the right foot.

Comfort in a bottle

:: Indaba Chenin Blanc 2006, produced by Cafe Classics (South Africa), $8.99 ::

My friend Fred brought this wine to my "Around the World in Food and Drink" dinner party. Though I encouraged people to be more creative with the international drinks they were bringing, I forgive Fred for bringing the wine, because I love the label :) Plus (and perhaps more importantly), I don't think I had ever tried a South African white wine before.

I really enjoyed it. It's not very complex or interesting wine, but it's well-rounded and easy to drink. It's crisp, light and citrusy. It has some ripe fruit on the bouquet, particularly bananas... but not in a way that evokes warmth. I actually remember thinking it almost smelled like rain!

All in all, great wine for under $10. I think I've been a little stressed lately (between work, class and personal life), and it was the perfect thing to comfort me. Well, it was either the wine or my new kitten Andy (short for Ampersand)... or maybe a combination of the two made for the ultimate relaxing evening :)

In other wine news, I watched the movie Bottle Shock a few weeks ago. It's no Sideways, but you'll probably enjoy it if you're a wine aficionado. The preview makes it look funnier than it really is, and it may be a little too long, but I liked it okay. It's about California winemakers setting out to produce better wines than the French in the 1960s (and succeeding!). Based on a true story, apparently. Makes me feel better about California red Zinfandels being my preferred kind of wine, haha. Actually it's really funny I've consistently said red zins are my favorite considering the francophile I am! Guess I'm a true American at heart.

Speaking of being American, I'm going to my first professional baseball game tomorrow. Super-excited!

Summer in a bottle or two

Since I haven't written in a while, I'm reviewing two wines together this time around. With DC summer in full swing, I present to you two nice white wines to enjoy in the sun. They are both nice, "summery" white wines, though they have very different personalities. (I think they do anyway; I tasted the Viognier a while ago and am working off my notes, so I apologize if my description's a little muddy.)


::: Richland Reserve Viognier 2006, Potomac Point Vineyard, $20.99 :::

The first wine is from the Potomac Point Vineyard in Stafford, VA; I visited the winery on a road trip to Charlottesville with my friend Aditi in April. It's a great little spot not too far from DC; beautiful setting, decent wines and great service! I definitely recommend it. There's also just something special about getting local wine from the source itself. Getting a bit of the winery and region history makes the experience that much more memorable, I think. I hope to do a little wine touring again soon... Virginia has a lot of reputable wineries, after all. I was kind of on a road trip kick for a bit this summer: between late March and mid June I went to Philly, Charlottesville, New York and Atlantic Beach. I slowed it down a bit after that because an exhausting two week vacation to India got in the way, but next up is Dewey beach at the end of this month! :) It's nice to get away for a bit. Sometimes you just need to be in the middle of nowhere with your girlfriends belting out Shakira, snacking on Bugles and reminiscing about high school (as I did during the Memorial Day weekend at Atlantic Beach).

Anyway, so out of the 13 wines I tasted at the vineyard (for $10) the Viognier was my favorite. I thought at the time that it was the perfect spring/summer wine. I remember it being lighter than it really is, though. "Summer" in a bottle seems fitting, then, because I also remember DC summer being lighter than it really is. The beginning of summer was especially brutal since we had hardly a glimpse of spring before the sun was blazing. I was looking forward to festivals out on the National Mall, to outdoor concerts and to day trips this summer, but it suddenly got too hot for me to want to head out of the house. The wine is definitely crisp, floral and citrus-y, but it's more of a heavier white wine. It even has a warm appearance and scent: it is a dark yellow, almost apple juice color, and it smells of melon and flowers. It's not too sweet, but sweet enough that it's really easy to drink. It has a long finish; makes you feel warm and fuzzy a few moments after you swallow. (I recently learned from my wine book Alpana Pours that heavier whites have often been exposed to oak, and this wine has indeed been aged in French oak barrels in addition to stainless steel.) It is kind of a complicated wine, offering freshness, warmth and depth all at the same time, but it manages to strike a balance.

My summer has offered something similar. Before I left for India, thunderstorms and rain would cool off the air every few days. (In India, the monsoon would do the same.) Summer days can be awful, but summer evenings can be lovely, perfect for mingling on an outdoor patio. I've participated in many happy hours and nights out this sumer... maybe that's why I think summer evenings are "warm and fuzzy" even though they offer a kind of crispness! Highlights thus far have been Clarendon Ballroom (fun but dangerous) in Arlington and Red Derby in Columbia Heights. Sometimes these nights lead to complications and shenanigans, as Laura H. from work would put it, and other times they're just good fun with friends old and new.


::: Terrazzo Esino Bianco 2007, Verdicchio-Trebbiano blend, $9.99 at Best Cellars :::

This wine is more my style of white: light, fresh, lively and fruity! May not be how summer really is, but it's how I like summer to be. The wine looks and feels light too; it is a lot lighter in color than the Viognier. It smells and tastes very crisp. On the nose I get peach, lemon and melon... but not as ripe-smelling as the Viognier. On the tongue I get a little apple and lots of citrus. It's tingly on the tongue, and the finish is like biting into a lemon. You might compare it to a Pinot Grigio, but I think it has more character. I had a glass with some Pad Thai, and that seemed to bring out the apple taste.

(Quick design note: apparently Terrazzo Esino Rosso (red) has the exact same Mediterranean-style label except it's colored in with red; cute marketing technique for customer recognition, I think.)

How I've interpreted the wines may have something to do with my mood as I drink them. After my trip across the world to India and Paris, I'm happy to be back in DC and relaxing. I've taken it pretty easy since I've been back-- I was exhausted, and I'm craving some refreshment, so that may be reflecting in my Terrazzo tasting analysis. I'm settling into my new place, too, and it seems like it's going to work out really well. Feels like a fresh start.

Irony in a bottle

::: The Prisoner, Orin Swift Cellars, 2006 Napa Valley Red wine, $31.95, #17 in best wines of 2007 as ranked by Wine Spectator :::

I thought my next post would definitely be a white wine since spring is finally upon Washington, D.C. but tonight is a cool, rainy evening that seems perfect for The Prisoner.

You would think "prisoner in a bottle" would be an easy title for this one, but I just can't bring myself to wing it that way. I suppose you could say the wine is just waiting to "break away"-- i.e. to unleash its power and flavor-- as it does, but to me it's more than that. To me, it's not a prisoner at all. It's so intense, flavorful and complex that it seems free... full of vitality and energy. It's fruity and full of berry flavors, but has quite a kick all the same (spice, citrus, just a hint of tannin). It's full-bodied with a rich, dark red color. It's a fun mix of different grape varietals, yet has a very specific and balanced taste.

I also found (when looking up the price, bc this wine was a gift-- merci, Diane!) that this wine is a vintage. I didn't know what that meant, and this is what Wikipedia tells us: "A vintage wine is one made from grapes that were all, or primarily, grown and harvested in a single specified year. " In some cases this means higher quality. Anyway, just thought I'd share, since we're all learning :)

But back to the point. Perhaps the wine really isn't free, after all. Why is it named The Prisoner? Perhaps it's like the Macy Gray song says: "I may appear to be free / But I'm just a prisoner of your love." Perhaps it's like me.

Love in a bottle

So it's been over six months since I last wrote. Pathetic, especially since it was my new year's resolution to rev up the blog, and now it's almost April. But I'm inspired anew... so the blog is back with a fresh look and a more personal approach: I haven't worked out the details yet, but I will try to integrate my wine discussion with other things going on in my life. I also plan to post photos. Let's see.

::: Ce Vin Chateau Bellevue La Foret 2005, Negrette grape, $13 at Harris Teeter:::

This was my first experience with the Negrette grape varietal, and it was a pleasant one. I found this wine to be very fruit-forward, with an almost overwhelming taste of plum. The finish is very sour (almost as if you were biting into a lime!), but it doesn't have much of a harsh tannin feel at all. There's a little bit of pepper and spice. It is medium-bodied, with a very rich dark red tint. I snacked on chips and salsa while drinking, which was fine, but I imagine a steak (like the bottle recommends) may go over better... not that I would know, since I don't eat steak. I would definitely recommend it with food though; on its own, the citrus kick is intense! All in all, good wine.

I'm writing this on Friday night, drinking alone... it's been a while since I did that. (Before you get worried, let me assure you that I just had one glass.) It's nice though; it's nice to just be relaxing on my own and having a glass of wine to wind down the day. I really do love wine. Love. Funny thing, isn't it? My friend Aditi sent me the link to love on Wikipedia tonight. I found this line to be striking: "According to many philosophers, the only goal of life is to be happy. And there is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved." Is love really all you need to be happy? I've actually been struggling with this for two weeks. It makes sense if I think about love in more than a strictly romantic sense, though. As in, my love for art, my love for friends, my love for wine, my love for the little intricacies of life all contribute to my happiness.

One of my favorite quotes about (romantic) love is Shakespeare's "Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs; being purged, a fire sparkling in lover's eyes. Being vexed, a sea nourished with lover's tears. What is it else? A madness most discreet, a choking gall and a preserving sweet." So I choose to name this post "love in a bottle," because love has been on my mind, but also because I think the wine leaves you with this "preserving sweet" taste even though the sour ("gall") is very strong.