Red, White

February 2020 Wines

March 4, 2020

I know February claims to be the shortest of months, but to me it always feels like one of the longest. At least that groundhog finally told us that Spring would be coming early! I cannot remember the last time that happened. Fortunately, I had a few wines to help me make it through the month! Vinaccio Rosso (Tim Manning) Non-Vintage Nerello Mascalese – Rating 1/5 This wine was from Sicily, Italy and sampled on February 5, 2020. I haven’t had many Italian wines, but I regularly hear good things, so this one interested me quite a bit. I was…

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Barnard Griffin Mammoth III

Barnard Griffin Mammoth III paired with New York Strip Steak and Sweet Potato Fries
October 30, 2019

This week’s wine marks a very significant happening for me. The journal that I purchased to log my wine tastings is now officially complete. This wine marks the final entry in that journal and completes a journey that began almost two years ago. I’ve learned quite a bit since I originally bought the journal. I know the difference between Syrah and Petite Syrah. I know never to scoff at a wine blend. I know that Rosé is more than just summer water.  My journey won’t be ending here though. I’ve already purchased a new wine journal from Wine Folly, an…

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Realce Tempranillo

Realce Tempranillo paired with Paleo Steak Tamales
October 16, 2019

Once I found a recipe for paleo tamales, I knew I had to have a Tempranillo to pair with it before I made them. As luck would have it, that’s just what came in my Wine Awesomeness box this month! With the rain season setting in full blast this week in Seattle, some comfort food sounded just about perfect. I’m always excited to try a Tempranillo wine. When living in Texas, it was one of the only varietals that grew well there. It became my go-to for a while, especially when visiting a winery or just trying something new. I…

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Bodegas Latúe Tempranillo

Bodegas Latúe Tempranillo paired with Dark Chocolate
August 23, 2018

Ahhhh, a Tempranillo. It felt like seeing an old friend again. Having recently moved from Texas, where Tempranillo reigns supreme, it felt almost nostalgic to pick up a bottle that was pure Tempranillo grapes, even if it wasn’t from Texas, or even the US. Bodegas Latúe is a wine cooperative in Spain that prides itself on being socially responsible as well as ecologically friendly and sustainable. These values are at the forefront of their winemaking. Their vineyards are in central Spain and the climate provides very little rain. The summers are quite warm, but the winters can be harsh as seen…

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Alaia Marisa Red Blend

Alaia Marisa Red Blend paired with Sweet Potato Chicken Nachos
April 18, 2018

This label appeared so interesting to me. It seemed rather mysterious. Every time I entered my kitchen I felt like it was calling out to me or daring me to open it and unravel the mysteries within. I was happy for a free night to sit down and pop it open finally. Living in Texas, I had had my fair share of Tempranillo wines. However, this Tempranillo was also mixed with Prieto Picudo at 70% and 30% respectively. Never having heard of Prieto Picudo, I started my research there. Prieto Picudo, when bottled solely is considered table wine from the…

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Fall Creek Vineyards Tempranillo

November 12, 2017

This week marked another week for an “Out of the Box” wine. This was a wine that my husband picked up for me while driving home from a business trip. He stopped at the famous Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, TX for lunch and saw that they had set up a cellar shop next door. Since, my husband knows me well, he knew he would have to pick me up a bottle. I knew that tempranillo grapes were popular for growing in Texas, but I was not exactly sure why. The research ensued! As it turns out, Texas is not…