Tag Archives: wine

Wine to be Thankful For!

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This was my view one day last week, as I was out for a run. You see last week I headed home for a week.  Pretty, isn’t it?   My father had to have a hip replacement and I went home to give my Mom and Dad a hand, after he got out of the hospital.

Corner brook autumn

I hail from the west coast of Newfoundland in Eastern Canada in the prettiest spot called Corner Brook.  I love going home…. who doesn’t?  I love seeing family and friends, and Newfoundland has quite the wine selection in its stores, and I love trying new wines.  Here are a couple of new ones I tried last week.

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I was so excited to see this new Zinfandel at the NLC.  I had never tried this one before, and was even happier when it turned out to be so delicious.  This was flavorful, rich and full of raspberry fruit flavors.  There were also notes of white pepper and spice.  My Dad was housebound pretty well the entire time I was home, so to help fill the time I played cards with him….. a lot!  This is a great wine for food, or as I discovered, perfect for playing cards.

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As many of you may know, my Mom is a Chardonnay lover, and this is a beauty we shared one day last week.  I have written about the Chateau St. Jean vineyard before, the Pinot Noir is a staple in my wine rack.  This was my first time trying the Chardonnay and it did not disappoint.  Well-priced at around the $20 mark, this rich Chardonnay had beautiful flavors of lemon cream and mango, and the mild oak gave it an elegance in the finish.

Chateau Merlot

And from the same vineyard, while I was home I tried the Merlot.  Here in Nova Scotia we can get the Pinot Noir and the Cabernet Sauvignon, so I was excited as well to try the Merlot.  Loving Merlot as much as I do, I found it fabulous, and was quite sad to learn I can’t have it again until I return to Newfoundland at Christmas time.  Vibrantly rich with an abundance of cherry and red plum flavors.  Notes of baked pie and chocolate and a rich lingering finish make for the perfect wine to have with pork, or any meat you would like to throw on the grill.

Thanksgiving wine

This weekend in Canada we are celebrating our Thanksgiving.  I know I find it easy to be very thankful for so many blessings in my life.  I have a wonderful family, great friends, a nice roof over my head, food in my fridge and wine in the wine rack. I am very lucky indeed.  Here’s hoping you can find something to be thankful for, and have a great long weekend.

Till next week, Cheers

Darlene

 

 

Wines Dear Old Dad Will Love

Mom #2

Sunday is Father’s Day and my Dad will be 85 years old on his birthday and still looks and feels great.  In a tribute to our Dad’s, here are some wines that I think your Dad will appreciate any day of the year.

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Here is my new wine of the week, and it tops the charts.  Given to me by my good friend Matt Slaney, the Double Decker Red Blend from California is a great wine if your Dad plans to barbecue.  This is a brand new blend for me, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera.   Barbera is very common in Italy, being the 3rd most planted grape, but also grown in California, Australia and now Argentina.  Delicious.  Gorgeous flavors of blackberry, plum and cherry with a hint of oak.  A wonderful wine made by the Wente family of California, who are certified sustainable.  I can’t wait to have this wine again.

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Here’s another fabulous wine I have tried for the first time recently.  I love Meritage wine, as it is Canada and the U.S.’s version of a Bordeaux wine.  The Red Rooster Reserve Meritage is a hardy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from right here in Canada.  And boy, did they get it right.  If your Dad wants a steak for Father’s Day, here’s a great wine for that.  Bold flavors, full-bodied and delicious smoky notes with full fruit flavors.  Roast beef, braised ribs or even wild game… here’s the wine.

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Here’s a new Italian wine that I found to be utterly delightful.  The Tommasi Surani Heracles Primitivo from the Puglia region of Italy.  Primitivo – Zinfandel… you know how much I love Zinfandel.  This is rich in fruit flavors, medium to full-bodied with some spicy notes.   This wine will pair well with anything from pizza to popcorn to whatever you’re serving for supper!

Jacob's Moscato Rose

Remember the sister that didn’t like wine, and then discovered Nova 7.  Here’s another discovery she made, that she thoroughly enjoyed.  And I tried it, and found it to be a great summer drink.  It’s the Jacob’s Creek Moscato Rose.. slightly effervescent, cool summer shade of pink, lots of berry flavors and so refreshing.  For me, a great drink for the patio and a great appetizer wine.

Johnny & Bailey

So here’s another picture of my Dad, this time with my sister’s Westie named Bailey.  They just love each other, as you can tell.  To all the Dad’s, Step-Dad’s, Adopted Dad’s, and Dad’s to the fur-babies, have a wonderful day and thank you for all that you do.

Till next week, Cheers

Darlene