by Christine | Wine Friday, Writing
Today is the beginning of the SoCal RWA Conference in Santa Ana, California. Which means I get to spend the better part of three days with writers and agents and editors while I learn and laugh…what’s not to like about that?
On Sunday, I’ll be participating in a large public book signing, where I’ll be signing copies of DEMON HUNT and DEMON SOUL. I sure hope there are a lot of So Cal peeps down there who like paranormal romance!
So you might be asking yourself, what wine goes with a conference? Well, since I’m not too sure about the hotel prices, I always say bring your own. And since my go-to wine is Smoking Loon Pinot Noir, that’s what I’ll be bringing.
I’m doing a Book Camp this afternoon, then going to a cocktail/reception party tonight. Tomorrow morning I’m doing some volunteer work, then diving into workshops all day. Dinner with friends tomorrow night, woot!
Sunday is my big day – I’m giving a workshop at 9am (against some
incredible speakers). It will be interesting to see how many people show up for my workshop! Maybe I’ll bring chocolate…
Then there’s a luncheon, and finally – from 1pm to 2:30pm – the book signing. So – lots to do! And as I’m leaving here at 9:30am to pick up the faboo Dayle Dermatis, my roommate for this venture, I’d better get packed, don’t you think?
Here’s hoping YOUR weekend will be jam-packed with friends, laughter, good food and good wine.
~ Until the next time, cheers – and remember to drink responsibly! ~
~oOo~
Demon Soul and Demon Hunt are all available for the Kindle and Kobo! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?
by Christine | Wine Friday
It’s been a rough week at Chez Ashworth, culminating in coming down with a nasty cold that’s been making the rounds of the office, so I am way behind in today’s wine blog. Instead of highlighting some affordable wines, I’m pointing you toward two funny but educational videos on wine tasting. The first looks like it was produced in the 70’s but was done in 2008; here’s a live female showing you the ropes.
How to Taste Red Wine
Now, if you prefer your guide to be of the cartoon male type, here you go…
Another Video on Tasting Wine
I did learn a couple things from these videos, namely how to tell the relative age of the wine (which was discussed clearly in the first video).
When was the last time you did wine tasting? I’d love to know!
~ Until the next time, cheers – and remember to drink responsibly! ~
~oOo~
Demon Soul and Demon Hunt are all available for the Kindle and Kobo! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?
by Christine | Wine Friday, Writing
Whither Wine Fridays?
I like Wine. I like Fridays. So it seemed a perfect match, to blog about Wine on Fridays. But…maybe it’s time to branch out in another direction. The question is, which direction?
It’s not like the world is rushing to my door, giving me wine to taste and begging me for my decidedly plebian opinion. Just because I find Smoking Loon Pinot Noir to be tasty and at an under-$6 a bottle a total bargain, doesn’t mean others will find that interesting. Or that they’ll like the wine.
Just because I think some wine labels are ridiculously over-written and seriously in need of a good copy editor who can write while NOT imbibing doesn’t mean there’s an audience for that.
And because I salivate for a bottle of Cristal champagne, and I look forward to those days I can offer guests
that sippage and not count the cost, doesn’t mean others share my lust for the bubbles.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not whining here – I’m just wondering if maybe its time to go in a different direction.
Part of that is my change in diet. Note, I said my change in diet, not that I’m ON a diet. Major difference. I’ve been living in a Crazy Sexy Kitchen world since January 20th, when a lovely woman named Erin Shachory introduced me to Kris Carr and her plant-based way of eating. Personally, I LOVE the term “plant-based” instead of vegan or vegetarian – it seems much less IN YOUR FACE, MEATEATER. But maybe that’s just me?
At any rate, the book has me sipping lemon water after I get up, then getting my greens in with some AWESOME green juice. I’m feeling the love – balancing my eating 60/40, and heaping the salads and the veggie love on my plate. I wake up happier, clear-headed, and I don’t hurt as much. ??? Interesting.
If you’re interested, here’s the book.
The book that Erin Shachory introduced me to. Thank you, Erin!
But this post isn’t about that!
This post is kind of a heads-up that things are shifting at Chez Christine’s – and maybe even the title of the blog (because while I am wicked, and saucy, the blog isn’t so much, am I right?). But we shall see. I’m taking an author branding class with Kristen Lamb, the WANA Mama; she’s helping me to dig into ME and what I want out of this life I’ve got, and I can feel my priorities shifting under my feet. It’s a good thing!
I am swimming in possibilities as well as lots of projects, all writing but not all novels. So things are changing and churning and being utterly fascinating. I’ve been having second thoughts about Wine Fridays for some time now, and I thought I’d clue you in, too.
What do you think? Thumbs up or thumbs down for Wine Fridays? I’d love to know!
~oOo~
Demon Soul and Demon Hunt are both available for both the Kindle and Kobo! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?
by Christine | Wine Friday
In these days of high unemployment and global financial crisis, it’s nice to relax with a bottle of wine that doesn’t break your pocketbook. I’m here to sort out the memorable from the truly awful, and each bottle is under $10.
Leese-Fitch California Chardonnay 2010 13.9% Alcohol by Volume; $9.99 at Vons
On the Labels: (This one has stuff on the front as well) “Established in 1836, the Leese-Fitch adobe has been home to a girl’s school, a hotel, a military headquarters, along with several saloons and restaruants. In 2004, it became the home of the The Other Guys, part of Don Sebastiani & Sons.”
“This wine celebrates our home, the Leese-Fitch Adobe. Built in 1836, this historical landmark in the Sonoma Plaza was named after Jacob Leese and Henry Fitch, brothers-in-law to General Mariano Vallejo, the founder of the town of Sonoma.”
My Take: Ah. What a refreshing label. None of the nonsense about how this wine will make you beautiful, clean your house, and give you a party in your mouth. Ahem. Also, the way the bottle is “corked” is fabulous – which was actually one (okay, the main) reason why I bought the bottle.
My Rating: ~ Drinkable ~ It’s not a big wine; it has no real pretensions to greatness, but you know what? Usually I want a wine that complements the food – not food that must stand up to the wine. So for me, this is an easy -drinking wine that I’ll keep an eye out for, especially when I’m doing a big dinner salad and other veggies as a main meal. Something I’m doing a lot more these days and boy, don’t I feel healthier?
Steelbird Smoking Loon Unoaked Chardonnay, 2011 
California Alcohol 13.5% by Volume; $5.99 on sale at Vons.
On the Label: “Rarely seen was the Steelbird, who fo’ da most part kept to himself, but would swoop in an’ fly the Smoking Loon outta there if he got in a tight spot,” Jake went on, chomping on his cigar. “Mos’ folks figured Steelbird was just an odd duck, but his inner circle knew he was more dependable than anyone else. A smooth operator, never takin’ any chances. He kept his ride pristine – sleek, gleaming and finely tuned. He’d maneuver these impossible routes, fast as lightnin’, without a scratch.”
My Take: This is another arm of the Don Sebastiani & Sons winemaking business, and one of my favorite labels. So when I saw this one sitting on the shelf, I had to pick it up. Especially because, hello! Screw top! I do love screw tops.
Plus, how can you resist a label that has nothing to do with the wines? I feel like I could pull up a bottle and a glass (or sit beside a cask of wine with a pour spout thingy) and listen to Jake all day long. What stories he has to tell!
Regarding the wine, it is surprisingly similar to the Leese-Fitch (and I didn’t know they were made by the same family, I swear, until just a few minutes ago). Kind of bland and unoffensive – and for being an unoaked chardonnay, there is very little of the steeliness in it, which is a plus to me. Steel is not my favorite flavor in wine. But it went beautifully with the double-veggie-stuffed baked potatoes and salad that we had for dinner last night, and that’s all one hopes for with a wine, you know?
My Rating: ~ Drinkable ~ And Hello! Affordable! Plus both bottles are attractive and won’t look like you went cheap if you take it to a picnic.
Thanks so much for dropping by. What wines have you tried lately that have reached Slut status? Or that you wouldn’t drink again even on pain of severe injury? Spill it in the comments!
As usual, this is just my honest opinion and depend upon my mood, the weather, and what cycle the moon is in. Your taste buds will differ.
~ Until the next time, cheers – and remember to drink responsibly! ~
Demon Soul, Blood Dreams and Demon Hunt are all available for the Kindle! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?
~oOo~
My Rating System: Undrinkable, Barely Drinkable, Drinkable, Very Drinkable, and the ever popular Stay away! This is MY wine, you slut!
by Christine | Wine Friday
Today I’m highlighting some wines I bought while in Tehachapi in December. These are not under-$10 wines, but deserve a spot on the blog. You can find my post about my trip here. I love the town so much, I’m actually setting my latest novel there, so I’ll definitely have to go back for more research, right?
Bob and Patty Souza, Proprietors of the Souza Family Vineyard
But back to the wine! For more information on the Souza Family Vineyard, please go here. Bob and Patty have a Cinderella story that many people envy! They grow Zinfandel grapes that have produced award-winning wines.
Quattro Stagioni Estate Primitivo 2007 Alcohol 13.1% by Volume; $25 per bottle at the Vineyard
On the Label: The rolling hills of Cummings Valley, Tehachapi, is known as “The Land of 4 Seasons”, where cattle & horse ranches abound. It is here on the site of the historic Elijah Stowell estate, est. 1888, where ideal conditions have brought forth in its grapes a unique flavor of spices, fruitiness, licorice and a hint of pepper. The Souza Family Vineyard has produced a rich, full-bodied wine of exceptional character. Enjoy with beef, veal, pork and pasta. The end of a perfect day begins with primitivo. From our family to yours…”abbondanza fortuna”!!!
My Take: The 2007 was their first “produced” wine (I’m guessing they had some earlier wine that they didn’t release. Just guessing, though!) This wine was a bit of a disappointment, mainly because I think it had started to turn. It had a slight raisiny flavor which is not my favorite; and I wanted more pepper than I was tasting. But that’s me. As it aired, it mellowed out and got tastier.
My Rating: ~ Drinkable ~ And I’m sure it was VERY drinkable even a year or two ago.
Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Company Estate Primitivo 2009 Alcohol 14.1% by Volume; $25 per bottle at
the Vineyard
My Take: The label is the same, so I won’t repeat it. However – THIS wine is what I had been expecting. Big, bold, peppery, juicy without a hint of the dreaded raisiny taste. I loved this wine and if I could do it over again, I’d have bought two of them. The next time I go, I think I’ll do a vertical tasting and see how the wine has changed over the years. It’s nice to not be distracted by other varietals when going to a tasting room!
My Rating: ~ Stay away! This is MY wine, you Slut! And much deserved!
Thanks, Bob and Patty. I look forward to barging in visiting with you on my next weekend trip up to Tehachapi. Oh, and I’d LOVE to spend a day stalking you at the vineyard with you!
As usual, this is just my honest opinion and depend upon my mood, the weather, and what cycle the moon is in. Your taste buds will differ.
~ Until the next time, cheers – and remember to drink responsibly! ~
Demon Soul, Blood Dreams and Demon Hunt are all available for the Kindle! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?
~oOo~
My Rating System: Undrinkable, Barely Drinkable, Drinkable, Very Drinkable, and the ever popular Stay away! This is MY wine, you slut!
by Christine | Wine Friday
In these days of high unemployment and global financial crisis, it’s nice to relax with a bottle of wine that doesn’t break your pocketbook. I’m here to sort out the memorablefrom the truly awful, and each bottle is under $10 unless noted otherwise.
I came across a couple of bottles of Lambrusco a while ago, and while I don’t remember where I got them or how much I paid for them, I do remember thinking they were under $10 and, therefore, perfect fodder for the blog. (Lambrusco, just so you know, is a soft wine whether red or white – and it has a very slight effervescence to it.) So without further ado, here you go…Lambrusco.
Lambrusco Dell’Emilia Bianco Dolce White Lambrusco Le Grotte; Product of Italy. Alcohol 8% by Volume.
On the Label: “Lambrusco is one of the best selling wines in the world. It is a unique product. White Lambrusco, fruity and fresh, obtained through the white vinification of Lambrusco grapes and the natural fermentation process, this wine comes from one of the oldest grape varieties grown in “Emilia Romagna”, the gourmet region of Italy. Lambrusco Bianco Le Grotte is a soft white wine, light and refreshing and ideal for any occasion. Lambrusco should be served well chilled and refrigerated after opening.”
My Take: Seriously? Okay, at first I was charmed with the idea of getting two bottles of Lambrusco, one white, one red. Because one of the first places Hubby took me to dinner was at The Old Spaghetti Factory in San Diego, and he always ordered a bottle of Lambrusco just to watch the waiters tug at the cork, since it was like a Champagne cork, only not as well-behaved. Which means it takes some serious muscle. But…this wine didn’t live up to my hopes. It had a flavor somewhere between aluminum and sour, unripe grapefruit. It wasn’t bad enough for both of us to agree to pour it down the drain, but I couldn’t drink it. Hubby did. I just sipped, shuddered, and turned to whatever else we had open.
My Rating: ~ Undrinkable ~ As you probably suspected. I can’t think of anyone who would like this wine, as it had a tinny, gag-inducing (in me, not the hubs) flavor that was hard to get rid of. Buy at your own risk.
Reggiano Lambrusco Rosso Dolce Consorzio Vini Reggiani – Reggio Emilia, Product
of Italy Alcohol 8.5% by Volume
On the Label: Lambrusco is one of the best selling wines in the world. It is a unique product, slightly soft red wine, fruity and fresh. Obtained througha natural and traditional fermentation process, Lambrusco is one of the oldest grape varieties, grown in “Emilia Romagna”, the gourmet region of Italy. Lambrusco “Le Grotte” is a ruby red wine, with violet scents. The bouquet is delicate and intense, with notes of fresh strawberries, cherries and raspberries. Lambrusco is a pleasant, well balanced refreshing wine. It is an ideal wine for parties, barbecues or even Italian Pizza. Lambrusco should be served well chilled and refrigerated after opening.”
My Take: Okay. So, my experience with Lambrusco, until this tasting, was with Reunite Lambrusco. (Remember the tag line, “Reunite on ice, that’s nice”? Pronounced ReeYouNeeTee, btw.) Anyway, Reunite Lambrusco is better. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t relieved when THIS wine proved to be adequate to the dinner I had planned – one of sausage, veggies and a side of pasta. It wasn’t a wine I was willing to pour down the drain – a total relief after the white.
My Rating: ~ Drinkable ~ But if you want to try a slightly sparkling red wine, I highly suggest you try the Reunite Lambrusco.
Don’t let my experience with Lambrusco put you off the wine, however. There are also Secco Lambruscos – dry ones – that might be better in both the red and white versions. If you find one, let me know, okay?
As usual, this is just my honest opinion and depend upon my mood, the weather, and what cycle the moon is in. Your taste buds will differ.
~ Until the next time, cheers – and remember to drink responsibly! ~
Demon Soul, Blood Dreams and Demon Hunt are all available for the Kindle! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?
My Rating System: Undrinkable, Barely Drinkable, Drinkable, Very Drinkable, and the ever popular Stay away! This is MY wine, you slut!
