A Tasty Riesling

Johann Falkenburg Riesling is from the Mosel region of Germany.  It is a light-bodied crisp Riesling wine that exhibits nice fruit notes -- some citrus, some pear, and slight notion of  apricot - with a touch of sweetness.  Served chilled, it is very enjoyable.  It paired nicely with a hot apple dessert. Our over-sized blue bottle of their 2009 vintage came from a local Sam's Club.

New Weingarten in Belleville, IL

The Weingarten is situated on land that was owned in the 1800's by George Wilderman and his family. Naming their business  the "Weingarten," [German for wine garden], to reflect the strong German heritage of the Belleville area, Shannon, Jeff, and Kevin are serving a variety of wines and brews from around the globe.There are wines from Australia, California, Washington, New Zealand and, of course, Germany. This gives wine enthusiasts a change to compare the same types of wines from different areas. 

Currently, the Weingarten is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for tastings and private events. THey serve some unique pizzas, tasty salads, several hors d'eouvres, and yummy desserts. For more information, check out their website:  www.theweingarten.com

Crowning Selection of Wines

There is a magical quality about good wine.  Get people together and open a bottle.  The practice of wine tasting is a great way to become familiar with your wine likes and dislikes, but it also coaxes out the friendly, social side of people.  Any awkwardness fades as we enter into the shared experience of the distinct tastes and complexities of this classy beverage. The love of good wine enhances culinary experiences, fosters pleasant conversation, and provides memorable sippings of handcrafted wines. Nice Wines are not just something to drink before, during, and after dinner. Enjoying wine is a unique form of self-enrichment and a celebration of the artfulness involved in creating a fine wine.

Occasionally wineries get out and about for wine tastings around the area.  This past Thursday The Wine Girls were treated by Brian and John, both passionate, knowledgeable employees of Crown Valley, to a wine tasting at the new Catch 22 Restaurant in Belleville, Illinois.  We ordered several different appetizers that paired nicely with the wine choices of the evening. If you enjoy seafood, the staff at Catch 22 can tantalize your taste buds!
 

Crown Valley is a large enough winery that is can offer both wines made from locally grown grapes and wines that are made from grapes grown in other regions. Among the wines we tasted, were a Meritage and a Norton.  The Meritage (rhymes with “heritage”) was an impressive dry red made from a blend of five different grapes brought in from other areas of the country; The Norton wine was made from grapes grown at Crown Valley and aged some 55 months in French & American Oak barrels. Both excellent reds. With their extraordinarily long list of available wines, one can visit any one of their tasting rooms and sample new wines every time.

Crown Valley’s main winery sets regally overlooking a vineyard and a herd of buffalo (yum!) not far from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.  It is picturesque and inviting, offering guests a gift and wine shop, a grand tasting bar, and tables inside and out.  Enjoy live music from a variety of artists most weeks and try a homegrown buffalo burger from the snack bar!

Thanks to Crown Valley Winery and staff for a great evening and some wonderful wines!

A Wonderfully Complex Malbec!

Notice the vivid purple color and the aromatic, somewhat spicy nose. After you let it breathe for 30-45 minutes, drink in the bold,complex fruit flavors - plum, blackberry, perhaps currants.  Linger over the long, smooth finish with the right amount of soft tannins -- this Malbec has it all! 

From the Mendoza region of Argentina, Zarpado has produced a 2008 Malbec that is not only reasonably priced, but also so enjoyable to drink you will buy it by the case like I did. I discovered this wine at a Sam's Wholesale in the St. Louis area. Since it was a "one-time buy,"  I am now on the hunt for more of this great Malbec.