WINE INTERMISSION

Dear Readers,

As I will be traveling, I will publish my post the following week. I appreciate your patience. In the meantime, relax and enjoy the view.

Have a great week!

Archery Summit - Willamette Valley

CIAO TO ITALIAN RED WINES!

PART I

When I think of Italy, I think of having a romantic dinner, somewhere in Tuscany and enjoying a fantastic bold red Italian wine. But I’m not the only one; Italy is considered one of the most romantic countries in the world. So let’s get romantic today, and review some of the most famous Italian varietals.

Bra - Piedmont

Italy is one of the world’s premier wine exporters, and most of their wines are simple table wines meant to be enjoyed with family on a daily basis. Today, almost every region in Italy produces its own wine. The fact that the Apennines Mountains run throughout the country gives the opportunity to take advantage of the difference in altitude, soil, and climate which provides different options in making wine.

The Nebbiolo grape, which means “little fog”, is mostly grown in the Piedmont Region, and produces the famous Barolo and Barbaresco. These two wines are well known for their powerful bouquet and elegance with notes of wild mushrooms, roses, and truffles.

Barbera has a dark color, and is easily paired with food as its high acidity cleanses the palate. It presents cherries, currants, or blackberries, and is should be aged for several years.

Barolo has aromas of prune, chocolate and violets, and is a wine with a heavy weight which should be aged a minimum of three years in oak barrels giving it a smoky and woody flavor.

Nebiolo grape

Barbaresco is also produced from the Nebbiolo grape, but the maceration is less than the Barolo. This wine is lighter, and should be aged for up to two years. It presents aromas of rose, truffle, and licorice which could be perfectly paired with stews and red meats.

Fall is a perfect season to cook hearty food, so uncork a bold Italian red wine and fall in love again!


A QUICK TASTY LUNCH IN DECATUR
When you are craving for a good, healthy hamburger, go to Farm Burger (www.farmburger.net), burgers made from 100 % grass fed beef from local farms. Great service and very affordable.


TIP OF THE WEEK

Eddie likes to drink the Robert Mondavi
Fume Blanc 2007

FOOTBALL FOR THEM AND WINES FOR US!

Football season is upon us, and no matter where you live, your father, brother, husband, son, or boyfriend will be watching football over the next four months.

Rutgers College Football team - 1882

If you are not into football, then take advantage of these months, and attend as many local wine tastings as you can with girlfriends.

Football time is perfect time for the girls to get out!

At this point, we know much more about wines than last year, so make a commitment to attend local wine tastings, and keep in mind a couple of tips we had already touched on when tasting.

Wine tasting - Noble Rot - Portland

• Did I like the color, and did it showed clarity?

• How was the aroma? Was it strong or really subtle? Did something stand out like citrus or floral notes?

• What happened when I tasted it? How would I describe it?

• Was the wine well balanced?

• Did the wine have a long finish or did it finished quickly?

• Would I pair this wine with a meal?

These simple, yet important questions should help you better understand why you might prefer one type of wine over another. Women always need to understand and feel things, and tasting a new wine is an extremely personal experience.

Let’s celebrate this season with many “touchdowns” and new wines!

Walter Camp
"Father of American Football"

TIP OF THE WEEK

Kara loves to drink the 2008 Smoking Loon Cabernet with family and friends

SAVE THE DATE
Visit: piedmonthospital.org/spiritofwomen.
Registration is required for the “Spirit of Women” an evening of rejuvenation and education. October 21st, 2010. 05.30pm to 09:00pm. Proceeds will benefit women’s educational programs at Piedmont Hospital.