Cara Mia Pinot Grigio – Review From Corx Wine Bags
I picked up my second bottle of this Pinot Gris from Veneto. It is has a light citrus taste, and it is perfect for a sipping on a summer night or paired with fish. At $7-10/bottle, it is a great buy.
Cheers!
-K
+++++++++++
Pinot Grigio is the quintessential Italian white wine and has been a part of the Veneto landscape in north east Italy for centuries. The Veneto is a diverse region, nestling in the foothills of the Alps, with vines stretching from Venice to Verona and surrounding the shores of the beautiful Lake Garda. The Pinot Grigio grapes for Cara Mia are selected from vineyards on hillside slopes in the northern part of the Veneto. The combined influence of the mountains and Lake Garda give a perfect microclimate for grape growing, with cool nights and days, which are not too hot.
VARIETAL 100 % Pinot Grigio
APPELLATION Delle Venezie IGT
ALCOHOL 12% vol
PH 3.52
TA 6.00gr/l
UPC 8003545999121
“Fresh and thirst quenching.” Disarmingly bright and refreshing, Cara Mia reminds us of why we fell in love with Pinot Grigio in the first place. From her bright citrus nose through her pure and mouthwatering finish, Cara Mia Pinot Grigio is a delightful and sophisticated bottle of wine. Cara Mia is an incredible aperitif to enjoy on the patio as the sun sets, or pair her with elegantly prepared fish or poultry.
Red wine, chocolate sharpen your mind
Polyphenols, plant chemicals abundant in dark chocolate and wines, dilate blood vessels, speeding the supply of blood to the brain.
The theory follows two Northumbria University studies into the effects of polyphenols on the mind. In the first, healthy adults were set a series of tests after taking a capsule packed with resveratrol, the 'wonder ingredient' in red wine.
Scans showed a marked increase in blood flow to their brains after taking the supplement.
"Greater improvements may be seen in the elderly," said doctoral researcher Emma Wightman from Northumbria, because blood flow to the brain naturally decreases with age.
Unfortunately for wine lovers, the quantities of resveratrol used in the study would equate to drinking crates of the stuff. But it is easy to get the same amounts from supplements sold in health food stores.
"And with resveratrol credited with abilities from extending life to burning off junk food," Wightman says. "There is nothing to stop people from stocking up."
"There is research showing quite a lot of health benefits and there is nothing to suggest there are any adverse effects. You are not going to come to any harm," she said.
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Caprese Salad – A Great 10 Minute Recipe
I love Caprese Salad! In fact, I have pretty good discipline...except when this dish is out on the table. Check out the recipe below.
A few additional things to consider...
- mozzarella: Get the BelGioioso fresh mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar at Costco. You will have to buy in bulk, but it is an upgrade over the typical grocery isle products.
- salt: I like the Cyprus Black Sea lava salt - it is mild and has a large flake.
- basil: I suggest going to your local farmers market.
Enjoy the recipe!
Cheers!
-K
++++++++++
Caprese Salad
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
- Serves: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 vine-ripe tomatoes, 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick slices
- 20 to 30 leaves (about 1 bunch) fresh basil
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Coarse salt and pepper
Directions
Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow plate salad with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/caprese-salad-recipe/index.html
++++++++++
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Dry Dock Double IPA
This weekend was gorgeous in Denver; 80+ degrees and low humidity. Fantastic!
Erika and I cranked out some projects, so we decided to reward ourselves with a pizza. We stopped in to Denver Pizza company at Happy Canyon, and our pie still had a few minutes. I ambled over to the liquor store...I felt like something different.
I selected a 22 oz. Dry Dock Double IPA. Let's face it, I'm a wino not a hop head...so I'll leave the ratings alone. Regardless, this IPA is one of the top 5 from Colorado...
Here is a review from the Denver Post:
"Aurora's Dry Dock microbrewery, in business for a little more than five years, is testing the Colorado retail market with the release in bottles of its Urca Vanilla Porter, U-Boat Hefeweizen and this marvelous double IPA. A hazy golden amber with a cream-colored head, Seven Seas is made with seven hops, which dominate the aroma. The piney smell of Cascade hops is balanced a bit with some bittering that's not found in many modern IPAs. It's citrusy up front, smooth in the mouth and throat, with a nice bitterness flowing through and building at the finish, which is quite dry. This is one of the smoothest IPAs to be had anywhere, with an inviting mouthfeel and easy drinkability despite its 9 percent alcohol by volume. It's a great debut." http://www.denverpost.com/food/ci_17186574
Here's some info from the Dry Dock website:
"Dry Dock Brewing started as an idea when Kevin DeLange, owner of homebrew store The Brew Hut, noticed a small, vacant space next door. He had been selling beer-making ingredients for several and would frequently host Home Brew nights to invite brewers in to share what they had created. In 2005, DeLange found used equipment, rented the space, began brewing small batches of beer, and opened the doors. As many locals will recall, this taproom had four taps with only seven bar stools and a few tables; a cozy setting to say the least.
In 2009, we moved to the corner suite of the same strip mall, expanding to seat 200, and have been brewing like maniacs ever since. Winning the Great American Beer Festival’s premier award, Small Brewing Company of the Year, later in 2009, we’ve been able to spread the gospel and pour the beer. Led by DeLange and head brewer Bill Eye, Dry Dock Brewing has become the most popular tap house in Aurora, Colorado." http://www.drydockbrewing.com/about-us
I highly recommend the Dry Dock Double IPA. I look forward to trying their other brews!
Cheers!
Kevin
++++++++++++++++++++
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Fork & Bottle – Wine Resources
Fork and Bottle has a great page for wine resources.
http://www.forkandbottle.com/resources/wineresource.htm
Check it out!
Cheers
-K
+++++++++
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
Pedroncelli Family Vineyard Petite Sirah 2007
I first tried this wine in 2008 when visiting family in Santa Rosa. Great producer who understands the value of great everyday wines!
Cheers!
-Kevin
++++++++++
Opaque purple in the glass. The wine is rich with ripe blackberry, black pepper and chocolate aromas. It contains very deep and complex flavors with a lasting finish braced by medium tannins. It has the structure to age well over many years. Decant if desired.
"This is a great value in a Petite Sirah that shows how well the variety performs in a great vintage in a warmer climate. With 20% Syrah, which seems to add richness and nobility, the wine is bone dry and elegant in mouthfeel, with complex blackberry, black currant, grilled beef, black pepper and cedar flavors. Drink now. "
90 Points
Wine Enthusiast
++++++++++++++++++++
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
Taste of Pearl
Hi. My wife and I attended the Taste of Pearl on Pearl Street in Boulder on Sunday. In general, it was a good event.
Here are my ratings:
- Food - B+ (Happy, SALT, and the Gondolier shined)
- Wine - C (Balistreri & Snowy Peaks were good...didn't drink Guy Drew due to the line)
- Staff - A (the volunteers were fantastic)
- Overall - B
I would certainly go again next year!
Cheers!
-Kevin
Event Details: http://www.boulderdowntown.com/events/taste-of-pearl
++++++++++++++++++++
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
Oregon wineries, Wines and Wine Country
Great resource on Oregon wine regions.
Enjoy!
-K
++++++++++++++++++
http://www.winesnw.com/orhome.html
Oregon wineries are generally small and decentralized within each official wine region of the state. They are often winemaker- or family-owned. Most Oregon wine regions lie in valleys between the southern Cascade Mountains that run through the state
and its Coastal Range to the west.
The northwest portion of Oregon wine country is celebrated for its cool-climate grape varieties, including Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and especially Pinot noir. The Southern Oregon appellation (AVA), starting south of Eugene, includes the Umpqua Valley AVA, the Red Hill Douglas County AVA, the Applegate Valley AVA and the Rogue Valley AVA, all located in the southwestern portion of Oregon State. These regions, along with the vineyards of the Columbia Gorge AVA, are generally higher, much warmer and significantly drier than those of the northwestern quadrant of Oregon State including the Willamette Valley AVA.
It wasn't until early 2005 that the Southern Oregon appellation (AVA) was federally authorized as a macro viticultural area, encompassing the previously authorized regions of the Umpqua, the Applegate and the Rogue Valleys.
The rich variety of "micro climates" in southern Oregon (as well as in the Columbia Gorge AVA at Oregon's north central border) provide distinctive vineyard locations capable of nurturing high-quality Bordeaux and Rhone grape varieties, as well as French Burgundian varieties such as Pinot noir and Chardonnay. The Columbia Gorge appellation, located on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the Columbia River, was authorized as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA) for both states in June 2004.
++++++++++++++++++++
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
2008 Ciconia Syrah/Argones
This is a nice and inexpensive Portuguese Red Table Wine that I found at my Costco liquor store this past weekend. For under $8.00 it is remarkably complex with good structure make this wine well rounded and balanced. If your looking to find this wine nationally reach out to F.B McDonald Imports based in Aspen, CO (970-920-3216).
Cheers!
- Brandon
++++++++++++++++++++
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009
This Columbia Valley Sauv Blanc can be found on deal through out the year at $12-13.
Enjoy!
-K
++++++++++++++++++++
"In 2009 this single vineyard offering includes 11% Semillon, It has wonderful texture, and a mix of light herbal flavors that run through a gamut from celery to lemongrass and up into tart citrus fruit. The acidity is generous but not searing;it penetrates but never overpowers. A quintessential food wine."
90 Points
Wine Enthusiast
++++++++++++++++++++
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
