The Mashing of Mourvèdre

It's harvest season and Enso Winery is working with Mourvèdre! We had a blast destemming with wine makers Chris and Ryan last Saturday -- so you're welcome in advance for making your bottle of wine pure and bug-free. You may remember these rock star chemists from the stellar Resonate unveiling a few months ago (you can now try a glass of the Resonate White at the new Hall of Records on Belmont!) This artisan Mourvèdre will be available from the Enso team Autumn 2011 -- I can't wait!

Varietal Stats

What - Known best for it's velvety, gamey body, Mourvèdre is often described as powerfully animalistic. Also known as Mataró and Montastrell.

Where - Grapes are grown primarily in Spain and for blending with Grenache and Syrah in the Rhone Valley, France.

Why - Wines pair best with hearty, winter meals such as turkey, pork roast, game fowl, and chicken and dumplings, so think Mourvèdre when picking up your Thanksgiving bottles!

Commence Winter Feasting!

The first rain of Winter should not spread gloom, but inspire an exciting shift in activities! We paired a home made spicy chorizo, white bean, kale soup with a 2006 Via Terra Garnacha ($12), and it was so tasty! Just the right amount of weight and savory expressiveness for the start of this cold season.

Of Birds & Crabs

Tradition insists fresh crab marries with a buttery Chardonnay, or perhaps a Sauvignon Blanc or bright Champagne, but we grabbed a bottle of 2006 Kestrel Raptor House Viognier ($20) for our messy afternoon of Dungeness. The lush white wine melded harmoniously to the rich sea flavors of the butter-drizzled crustacean, bringing out its subtly sweet and oaky lemon characteristics. This is an easy drinking wine that shows best with food, so enjoy on a picnic or a sunny Autumn lunch.

Also try from Kestrel: the 2005 Estate Malbec ($40) for a devilishly desirable, gritty black ink seduction sauce. Think: Adrien Brody-- the epitome of class and quirky intellect. Tall, dark, and unassumingly handsome.

Bubbles in the Night

Odom distribution's second annual bubbles party was brimming with exuberant Champagne fanatics. In a bustling room such as this, it's hard to miss how bubbles can brighten smiles, inspire fantastic food pairings (chocolate covered strawberries!), and bring a positive, sprightly energy to any evening.

We shared delicate classics like Veuve, Mumm, and Perrier Jouet, discovered some unique tastes like the perfumey honied-peach of Gavi by Villa Sparina ($20), and enjoyed previous favorites such as Shingleback's beautiful Black Bubbles ($20), which I plan on employing as a fantastic base in homemade ice cream floats for desert this Thanksgiving!