This Casa de Ermelinda Freitas Valorosa 2010 is intriguing. First of all, we just don’t drink many Portuguese wines. Second, it is very fruit-flavored (dark, blackberry fruit) without being sweet or fruit-bomb-y. A very pleasant, surprising wine. I think Melody will enjoy the other bottle of this when she comes home.
This is where Melody describes what she is cooking. I’ll just say that this big Valoroso should go well with my hamburger.
A dreary day in Michigan with gray skies and rain. . .and a Monday. Ucky. I felt low on energy all day. But, the work day ended and now we are home together and everything is AOK. I had nothing planned for dinner tonight but threw together a few stray ingredients: a lone chicken breast from the freezer, a pint of fresh pea pods from the vegetable co-op, a bunch of fresh asparagus, a fresh tomato from the co-op, some basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese. I did a quick stir fry of the chicken and vegetables and tossed with thin spaghetti, olive oil and parmesan cheese and it was delicious. The trick was not to overcook the pea pods. Their fresh crunch added just the right touch.
We had this colorful meal with this French Grande Reserve de Gassac 2009, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Smooth and easy-to-drink with a sharply-pungent finish. This would go very well with a chocolate brownie, which is waiting for us if we choose to indulge.
I ordered this Kíona Washington State Proprietary Blend 2002 as part of a case of reds. This one was on sale for R9.99. It’s made from 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc.
It’s an interesting tasting wine and it is growing more complex as it breathes. The nose is reminiscent of tree sap with spice. The taste is very fruity with cherries and raspberries. The tannins are firm and the finish is very long. We are very much enjoying this Washington State wine.
It is a Saturday evening and we have had an active day. I started my day with an 8-mile run and I also worked in the yard, did laundry, and took Trigger for a couple of long walks. (It was a gorgeous autumn day in Michigan.) I am roasting a fresh chicken that I purchased from a local farmer. I also made a fresh apple cobbler from an old recipe that I have had for years (the crunchy part is made with oatmeal). So dinner is smelling pretty yummy and I think this wine was a good choice for roasted chicken.
Our son Tommy is working tonight so it is just the three of us (if you include Trigger). I’m looking forward to Tuesday. I want to watch TV all night!!
It is a Wednesday evening; the sun is shining and it is a beautiful evening. Tom chose this wine for us tonight. We’ve had this before and like it very much. This California red is a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon (predominantly Merlot). It is delicious! I will have to see what I wrote the last time I blogged about this wine. Tonight, I taste a luscious blend of vanilla and cherries with velvety tannins.
I am marinating chicken which I will soon grill (along with marinated peppers). I also have some fresh spinach and green beans (thank you Michelle Bowersox [my neighbor who brings me vegetables from her food co-op]) which I will steam, along with brown rice. Tom chose a good wine for this dinner.
