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In getting ready to close out the 2009 year, Orogeny made its way into my life during one of my various after-work trips to "The Palm." And man, am I glad it did!
Stemming from the Greek variation of "Oro," meaning mountain and "Geny," meaning birth, Sonoma's Orogeny very literally brings to life collisions and separations of the Earth's crust which form mountains. The last orogenic episode in Sonoma County formed Green Valley, where the grapes from this wine come from.
Cool story, right? Even better taste! This Pinot is super smooth and has lively cranberry and cherry flavors on the palette, balances with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. Pinot might very well be the best medium-bodied red you can get, and this particular bottle is on the top of our list for the holidays (and all year round!)
Check out some fantastic selections The Traveling Vineyard has to offer:
B = Beaujolais. This French wine region is technically a part of Burgundy, but has a character all its own. Beaujolais wines are made from 100% Gamay grapes - a fun, fresh, fruity red that is wonderful with any Thanksgiving meal, and fruit-forward enough even for white wine drinkers.
C = California. Its an American holiday, so how could we leave out American wine?! Clearly California leads the pack, accounting for a whopping 94% of US wine production. Great varietals for Thanksgiving? Try a Zinfandel on the red side, and a Chardonnay on the white.
Want More Information? Eryn Cadoff, an Independent Wine Consultant with The Traveling Vineyard conducts in-home wine tastings in Northern Virginia and DC. When not at tastings, she's a stay-at-home-mom/taxi to her 3 and 5 year old daughters
Monterey’s exceptional wineries, accompanied by local and nationally recognized chefs, will come together to commemorate The 13th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend, November 13th-15th, 2009. The festivities beckon wine and food lovers from around the country.
The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association web site provides package pricing, individual event prices and hotel recommendations. Additional information can be found by visiting www.montereywines.org/gwe.
Participating wineries include: Bernardus Vineyards and Winery, Boekenoogen Vineyards & Winery, Carmel Road Winery, Chalone Vineyard, Chateau Julien Wine Estate, Estancia, Galante Vineyards & Winery, Graff Family Vineyards, Hahn Estates/Smith & Hook Winery, Heller Estate Organic Vineyards, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Line Shack Winery, Joyce Vineyard Winery, Lockwood Vineyard & Winery, Manzoni Estate Vineyard, Mariposa Wine Company, Marin’s Vineyard, McIntyre Vineyards, Mission Trail Vineyards, Monterey Wine Company, Morgan Winery, Otter Cove Wines, Paraiso Vineyards, Pierce Ranch Vineyards, Puma Road, San Bernabe Vineyards, Scheid Vineyards, Thomas Fogarty and Ventana Vineyards
Pomosa
Pour chilled Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka into a flute. Top with Champagne and garnish with a strawberry.
Even though it's cocktail week, we had to pepper in a recipe or two using wine/champagne (after all, we are loyalists). When you have the time to make your own (versus opting for a pre-made bottle, like Senor Sangria), check out this delicious sangria recipe:
Sparkling Dutch Red Sangria (pitcher recipe)
Combine the first five ingredients. Add Champagne and give a quick stir. Pour mixture over ice and add slices of orange. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick.
Combine in an ice filled shaker; shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Add all ingredients into a shaker and shaker vigorously to ensure the caramel is well blended. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a cholive.