The Noble Nature of Sipping Wine

When we share wine around a table, we relax and enjoy the moment.  Stress melts away - if only temporarily -- as a sense of well-being and blessedness permeates our souls.  N ext time take note of the character of the conversation -- playful, thoughtful, inspired!

Our senses are awakened by good wine, yes, and the companionship of good friends and family.  And in those moments punctuated by reasons to lift our glasses in shared toasts, we are elevated to a noble state free of earthly burdens and human disappointment. We have an enhanced sense of civility, of refinement, and of the enjoyment of life itself.

So as we savor a few ounces of the divine elixir we call wine, here's to you, my noble friends and family.  And to all the passionate vintners that make these moments possible!  Clink!

A Touch of Tuscany

From the Tuscany region of Italy with a Denomiazione di Orginine  Controllata e garantita (DOCg) rating that guarantees me it is a top quality Italian wine, comes the Toscolo Chianti.  I was fortunate enough to taste a 2010 vintage of this fine medium-bodied dry red wine at a fabulous new Italian Restaurant in Fairview Heights, Illinois – Agostino’s. This is a restaurant I plan to dine at over and over again because of the outstanding quality of the food, the wine, and the service. This family-owned establishment is passionate about giving its customers a great experience at a fair price.

I was with a group of seven last week so I had to choose a wine that would pair well with a number of selections from the menu. This Chianti not only paired well with our dinners, but had amazing aromas, structure, and flavors. We savored the silky texture and dark cherry overtones then caught a touch of acidity and tobacco as it finished prompting yet another sip. This Chianti is created from 100% Sangiovese and is pleasing to the palate. Its flexibility in pairing reminds me of a Pinot Noir. A very nice wine!

Silver Palm's Cabernet

Silver Palm crafts a vintage cabernet sauvignon out of  carefully selected grapes from Northern California vineyards. Their drive to create quality wines is evident in the 2009 Silver Palm Cabernet. They have a nice website that describes the 2010 vintage as "dark ruby in color, with aromas of Bing cherry and cassis. Flavors of menthol, spice and oak with round firm tannins lead to a soft, silky, lingering finish." I have to echo this experience with the '09 Cab.  This soft,subtle, supple cabernet caresses the mouth and tingles the throat with pleasure! (Note the empty bottle!) A friend and I savored each sip as we watch the evening events of the 2012 Olympic games. A great experience all around!