Tag: white wine

Mediterranean Cellars – “Diamonds, Wine and Tradition; What More Can You Ask For!”

 

“The wine doesn’t start in the barrel; it starts in the vineyard.” — Louis Papadopoulos (Southern Living, October 2006)

This quote describes perfectly the experience my husband and I had at Mediterranean Cellars. The memorable moment began in the parking lot of the vineyard. Immediately, we were welcomed by a beautifully spirited (yes, felt this instantly), woman (Katie, the owner). Surprisingly, she recognized me and welcomed me back to the vineyard.

Yes, this was not my first or second visit. My first visit, which was years ago was not pleasant (there’s no need to rehash the experience :\ ). What kept me coming back to the Mediterranean Cellars was its beauty, in particular the grapevine pathway to the tasting room that transferred you to the Mediterranean. In addition, Mrs. Papadopoulos’ interest in the guests opinions of the wines; just that personal touch kept me coming back and the beautiful views.

 

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Background

One cannot write a blog on Mediterranean Cellars without discussing the owners Louis and Katie Papadooulos unique background. Did you know, the owners of Mediterranean Cellars are jewelry designers? YUPPER, DIAMONDS! Louizos E.L.P. Goldsmiths, Inc. is a family own business for four generations. For the past twenty-three years, they sell diamonds at wholesale prices. The jewelry store is operated by their son and located in Oakton, VA, (www.louizoselp.com).

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The Wines

The 2013 Chardonnay, which is the first wine in the tasting have Vidal Blanc flavors. The 2011 Moscato does not possess true Moscato characteristics. The 2013 Viognier, the last wine in the tasting is aged in oak and produces hints of butter and creaminess and taste like a Chardonnay. ???? Perplexed, my mind is flooded with questions; what is the winemaker’s thought process? What is his reasoning behind restructuring the composition, creating flavors that we are not accustom to tasting? I check the wine bottles wondering if they are mislabeled; the Tasting Room Clerk smiles. My senses are like a circuit board that is misfiring. Feeling confusion and delight, I find myself wondering if we are merely part of the winemaker’s experimentation and there’s some hidden camera evaluating each guest reaction to the wine :).

Foot stopping, head swaying from side to side, tongue gracing my lips with every sip. I’m trying to find logic of what I’m experiencing, searching for some form of “traditional” characteristics of each varietal, which only produces more questions. The Tasting Room clerk explains in maintaining the true winemaking tradition, there’s less filtering, which allows the grapes true characteristics to emerge. Hmmm…. interesting. 

2008 Calypso – a rose’ aged in stainless steel and french oak. fruit aromas and citrusy flavors. STAR 

Time for Some Reds:

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2013 Chambourcin – 100% full-bodied red wine with spicy flavors – STAR

2008 Cabernet Franc – aged french oak with plum and spice flavors. Yes, I gave it a STAR.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon – rich garnet color, full-bodied; yes, I’m picking up blueberries flavors. FANTASTIC – STAR

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Then there’s Rechina, known as “Retsina” in Greek. Retsina is only produced in Greece and the U.S. exclusively by Mediterranean Cellars. Mediterranean’s Rechina is refreshing, “mentholing”. Retsina has an unique taste because pine resin is added to the white wine. Folks, this is indeed an unique wine. – STAR

Being red wine lovers, we are very impressed with Mediterranean Cellars red wines!

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Perfect Summation – With traditional European and American winemaking techniques, “the end product is a unique combination of tradition and new ideas, as the winemaker’s spirit and inspiration is experienced in each sip of every wine.”

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If you’re looking for warm hospitality and unique wines, I encourage you to visit Mediterranean Cellars and maintain an open mind. In addition, if they’re not crowded, you can even enjoy a cigar :).

Salute!

 

Mediterranean Cellars
8295 Falcon Glen Road
Warrenton, VA 20186
540-42-1984
website: http://www.mediterraneancellars.com
email: info@mediterraneancellars.com

Stone Tower Winery – Wine with a Taste of Interior Design

 

Even though, it has been awhile since our last visit, Stone Tower Winery is still worth writing about. From the decor that makes you wonder if you walked into a home decor shop to wines that may you question if you are in Virginia.

THE ARRIVAL

Upon arriving to tasting counter, I had to browse every corner of the tasting room and admire the furnishing. I am in decorating heaven. For a moment, I forgot I was at a vineyard because I found myself checking for price tags. My favorite place is the back room with the beautiful iron doors. (exhaling)

I shared my excitement with the tasting clerk on how much I love the tasting room furnishing, they should have a sign on where customers can purchase the furnishing. Smiling widely, I could tell this was not her first time a customer expressed their love of the furniture. She informed us that the owner of the vineyard also own Belfort furniture DING! DING! That is why the tasting room is decorated so nicely. I love Belfort furniture, which is in Sterling,VA (belfortfurniture.com).

 

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courtesy of stonetowerwinery.com

 

Stone Tower Winery
courtesy of stonetowerwinery.com
courtesy of stonetowerwinery.com

 

THE TASTING

2015 Wild Boar Sauvignon Blanc – I will admit I was skeptical. A Sauvignon Blanc produced in Virginia. Hmm…. to my surprise this wine posses true Sauvignon Blanc characteristics. Crisp white wine with red grapefruit and lemon flavors and minerality on the finish. VERY TASTING!

2015 Wild Boar Viognier – BOLD floral aromas; crisp white wine with soft sweet tart flavors; leaves you wanting more. If I heard correctly the grapes are from Orange County; I’m assuming Virginia and not California. Either way the Viognier is REFRESHING!

2015 Wild Boar Rosé – An unique rose with soft tangerine flavors, mild tannins and a long oaky finish. Reminds me of an orange wine. I would sip on this wine. Varieties: 54% Malbec, Norton, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Believe it or not, this is my favorite, thus far, in the tasting. THUMBS UP!

2014 Wild Boar Pinot Noir – BOLD fruity and hint of licorice aromas; earthy and cranberries flavors. Young but has good structure. The grapes are from Willamette, Oregon. GOOD!

2014 Wild Boar Malbec – 75% of the grapes from Napa Valley, CA. Medium bodied with earthy and prunes flavors and firm tannins. My husband picked up blueberry jam aromas and flavors. The smoky flavors in the wine should pair well with a cigar. I recommend laying down, definitely has potential. GOOD!

2014 Wild Boar Sanglier Noble – WOW! My palate is in heaven. THIS IS DELICIOUS! Rich with dark cocoa flavors. A blend of Bordeaux varietals. I agree the Cabernet Sauvignon definitely dominates the other varietals. WINNER! Of course, this was our wine purchase for the day.

Since we practically had the vineyard to ourselves (as you can see from the pictures 🙂 ), we were able to enjoy a cigar with the Sanglier Noble, which paired nicely. 

 

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Stone Tower Winery is a must visit, especially if you need decorating ideas. 🙂 For updated wine vintages visit their website:

Stone Tower Winery
19925 Hogback Mountain Rd.
Leesburg, VA 20175
stonetowerwinery.com

 

SALUTE!

Distasteful Wine = Wine Slushies

 

I do not like talking bad about a wine, so I decided to use the term “I’m not able to appreciate the wine at this moment”. However, there comes a time when a wine is not good. It is not about not being able to appreciate a wine or your pallet is not mature enough. Do not make excuses for wines that are not good for consumption. Yes, you can call me a wine snob and I will nod in agreement. However, I try very hard to appreciate all wines.

Unfortunately, I am having one of those wines this evening. After a very stressful day and working 11 hours on a Friday, I am too tired to go to the store or the Vineyard to pick up some wine. My palate is rejecting every sip, body is physically cringing, trying to shake off the distasteful flavors.

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Crazy enough, I was told the wine won many awards, a Governor’s cup, with that being said you know that I am referring to a Virginia wine. GOODNESS! What other wines were in the competition?! The wine does have a beautiful color and the label is nice. This is the second bottle I have tasted (not this evening 🙂 ) and the experience is the same, UGH! I should have selected another wine. But, I thought it was just a bad bottle; maybe it’s two bad bottles?  I will not reveal the winery because Mama always said (in her southern accent), “If you don’t have nothing nice to say, then don’t say nothing at all.”  Time to head downstairs and select another wine. 

Folks, life is too precious and  time is too valuable to waste on drinking BAD wine. I need to remember my mantra: “Amore Vita (love life)”. Loving life does not mean wasting your time drinking nasty wine.  Better yet, turn a bad situation into something good and make wine slushies or wine popiscles.  Here are a couple recipes:

Blackberry Wine Popsicles from Real Simple 

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courtesy of Pastryaffair.com

 

Wine Slushies by Woman’s Day 

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courtesy of purewow.com

SALUTE!

Mariana Vineyard – 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles – A Wine Worth Writing About

Reflection

We are relaxing after a very busy work weekend, watching “Regarding Henry” and enjoying our Digiorno (must be spoken with an accent 🙂 ) and salad.

Watching this movie, it is difficult not to reflect on your life and how important it is to appreciate the good things life has to offer. Henry (played by Harrison Ford) was shot and went into a coma. He had to learn how to speak and read and his first word was “Ritz”. His caretakers thought he loved Ritz crackers; he even painted a picture of Ritz crackers. Later we find out that Ritz was the memory of the “Ritz Carlton”, where he met his mistress. WOWZER! That sucks! Come out a coma and your first memory is of your mistress, not even your child. :/

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Explosion

To ensure we are enjoying the good things life has to offer, I found this beauty at the bottom of the wine cooler.

I wasn’t going to do a wine review until I took my third sip. After the chill has subsided, I was hit with an explosion of lemon and grapefruit flavors and the words “GOT DAMN THIS IS DELICIOUS!” escaped my lips. A wine that makes me curse is a wine worth writing about.

Mariana Vineyard 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles posses true Sauvignon Blanc characteristics of delicious citrusy flavors of lemon and pink grapefruit; this California Sauvignon Blanc reminds me of a Sauvignon Blanc produced in New Zealand. Mmmm… I love Sauvignon Blanc! 

What is amazing the wine has aged for 5 years and upheld very well! I recall purchasing the wine through a Groupon, which I typically evade. But it could not pass up a deal of $40 for 6 bottles; it was worth the risk.

A great way to end a busy work week and weekend! Now, time to find more Mariana Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Unfortunately, my researched revealed Mariana Vineyard wines are only available through “Wine Shop At Home”.

Salute!

Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar’s Wine Flight

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It’s sunny, hot and too late to drive to a vineyard. Desperately wanting to try something new, I remembered a coffee and wine bar that opened last year called Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar, Gainsville, VA; coffee and wine, my two main indulgences.

Wine Flight

(very small sample of available wines)

Trummer’s offers three wines in their wine flight for under $20.00. After being asked a few questions on my wine preference, which was for whites, nothing sweet and I like sauvignon blancs and for reds, big, bold with firm tannins.

Folks, this is not your standard tasting. The bartender begins to pour full glasses of wine. I whispered to my husband, “I said I wanted a tasting, right?” He nodded, yes. “Well, I’m about to have an expensive tasting”. I was presented with three full glasses of wine. I don’t know if this was an error, but this happy chic wasn’t going to bring it to his attention. 😀

Yes, you “Neggy Netties” could say, “Technically, you’re receiving at least eight wines in the tasting… they’re just doubling up on the pours.” 😛 WELL, I’m not at a winery and was VERY excited that I was getting THREE FULL glasses of wine for under $20.00 😀

MY SELECTION

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Steininger Gruner Veltliner – Reminds me of a Viognier and a dry Petit Manseng, citrusy with a slight oaky creamy finish – VERY NICE! This is exactly what I wanted on this hot humid 81 degree day!

Enrique Mendoza “La Tremenda” – Mmmm… aromas of black licorice and hint of molasses. The taste is Friggin Fantastic! Fruit-forward cherry flavors and the tannins are subtle but present. Every sip is Delicious!! Magnificent! I’m officially in “wine utopia”. If you do not recall from my previous blogs, wine utopia is when your eyes close, head begins to sway and moans begin to escape your lips –YES, THIS IS WINE UTOPIA!

Luberon Grenache – spicy and earthy aromas. If I had this wine before the “La Tremenda”, I would say this is very good. Following the “La Tremenda”, Luberon is nice. 

 

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To top off the wine flight, we are served Trummer’s Truffle popcorn, “Trés Bon!”

 

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You can clearly see which wine I enjoyed the most! One bottle turned into three (3) bottles :). I preached many times, always purchase in “at least” quantities of three’s. The first bottle, you are so excited you want to consume immediately. The second bottle, you share with your friends and the last bottle, you lay down in your cellar (this method is also an excellent way to establishing an cellar). When you need to replenish, you will save money because you only have to purchase two bottles :). 

I’m fascinated by the quaint little coffee and wine bar, Trummer’s.

WHO IS TRUMMER’S?

Besides this sweet elder man, who I am presuming is the manager; tidying-up, staying in the background but has his eyes on everything (the thought of him makes me smile 🙂) Trummer’s is named after the owners Stefan and Victoria Trummer, who lives in Clifton, VA and also the owners of “Trummer’s On Main” in Clifton, VA; formerly the The Hermitage Inn. By the way, Stefan was not that sweet elder man in the coffee and wine bar :). They’re a young couple who has an extensive restaurant background, met in New York and moved to Victoria Trummer’s hometown, Clifton, VA.

I have to mention I like the Trummer’s logo with the coffee and wine rings. GREAT CONCEPT!

(images courtesy of http://www.trummerscoffeewinebar.com)

 

We’re looking forward to having Trummer’s coffee.

If you’re in the Gainsville, VA area, I strongly encourage you to visit Trummer’s and don’t forget to order the Truffle popcorn.

Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar
Address: 14013 Promenade Commons St, Gainesville, VA 20155
Phone:(703) 754-0135
Menu: trummerscoffeewinebar.com

 

Salulte! Sante!

Variety versus Varietal, Do You Know the Difference?

 

“Variety” and “Varietal” are two words that are used interchangeable frequently. Years ago, I read if you are referring to a grape, you say “variety” and “varietal” is used when you are referring to the wine.

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As of today, I continue to read and hear the words misspoken. Therefore, I am updating my research and found the following:

Mary Gorman-McAdams, Master of Wine, a New York wine educator, freelance writer and consultant states:

“…variety is a noun and varietal is an adjective. The word variety refers to the grape variety used to make the wine such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and so forth. The word varietal is an adjective, and refers to the wine. It describes a wine that is made from a single or dominant grape variety. Such wines are called varietal wines…”

Wine Spectator addressed the same question from a reader and advised of the following:

“A lot of folks confuse these terms—most wine lovers don’t know that one word refers to grapes, the other to wine. Varieties are types of grapes, i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, Chardonnay grapes, Zinfandel grapes, etc. A varietal is a wine that is labeled as being made from one grape variety. Typically you’ll see varietals from New World countries, while Old World wines are more frequently labeled by their region of origin. So wines labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay or Zinfandel are varietals.”

 

Cabernet Sauvignon
Bordeaux

 

We have consensus! Folks, do not allow others who misuse the words to cause you confusion. In my opinion, it isn’t that serious and does not require correction when an individual utilizes the terms incorrectly. However, it is important to understand the correct meaning of the words. But not important enough that you lose sight of the wine’s true essence, (negative or positive) and sharing the experience. 

In conclusion, varietals refers to the wines and variety is the grape… wait, did I say that right? 😉

 

Salute! Sante’!