"Tis the Season..."

...for presents, family, fun and libations and all this girl wants for Christmas is wine. So I have set out once again to expand my palate and illuminate my taste buds with some international varieties. I have come to love the white grape, Viognier, but I know that there are many other white wines out there. I have now discovered a grape which is a popular white in Spain & Portugal, Albariño. I would say that an Albariño bridges the gap for all those white wine drinkers who at holiday parties have the hard decision of settling between the ever now so popular choices of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. Try something different this year. You can find some very decently priced wines (which is a plus in this economy) with this varietal. In Spain you'll find Albariño from the Rias Biaxas region (northwestern part of Spain) These are very good and have a little more body than ones from Portugal. Portugal's region of Vinho Verde is where you will find Albariño and is very cheaply priced. These are a little lighter bodied but have all the beautiful flavors of lemon pith, lime, and slight flint. So do yourself and all your holiday guests a favor this year, open their eyes to one of the hundreds of varieties that another part of our world offers and let that be your early New Years Resolution.

My "Fieldtrip" to Local Vineyards

The past few weeks I have fortunately been able to experience what it is like on the other side of the bar. A few years ago I had frequented the local wineries A LOT (but I won't say how much, that can stay my secret) Because of work, kids, life, etc. I had let my hobby go by the wayside...but not anymore. I was able to go to some wineries in Loudoun, Fauquier & even Prince William. What a eye opening experience to be able to see what other wineries are doing. Virginia is really upping its game for experience, variety, knowledge & scenery. I was very pleased with the service I got at most places but I will say that some could rethink their customer service. I was disappointed in one "unnamed" place as I had set my itinerary of daily wineries around this one in particular which I felt did not deliver. All in all, though, who can complain all that much when going to wineries. The nice thing about Virginia wineries is that you get a laid back yet informed ambiance. I feel very lucky to have all of this low key culture around me to satisfy my hobby.

Sommelier Class 9/28

Well, I had my first Sommelier class 6 days ago and I am still amazed by the enlightenment. It's amazing what 8 wine loving people in one room will do in a wine learning/tasting experience. The 6.5 hour evening (5 PM - 11:30 PM) covered a lot of information starting from the history of wine to viticulture (the growing of grapes) to viniculture (the making of wine) to the nuances of Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay. Yes, A LOT of information to process but fortunately was presented by an EXCELLENT instuctor of the International Sommelier Guild. I'll have to get use to the "swishing & spitting" so that I can be a responsible NOVA driver. Maybe I will look into asking the company of Girls Night Out to take me to and from my class each week :)