Bon Vivant: (n) a person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes especially with respect to food and drink.

All posts in Porch wine

Love Block Wines with Erica Crawford

Posted in: Bang for Your Buck, Bon Vivant, Drink Well, Entertaining, Environment, Green Wine Practices, Porch wine, Sustainable wine, Wine Recommendations, Wine Reviews, Wine Tasting, Winemakers, Wineries and Vineyards

Confession: I don’t drink a lot of wine from New Zealand. But I’m not one to turn down the opportunity to  have dinner with Erica Crawford- yes, that New Zealand Crawford, at A Rake’s Progress. Truthfully, I was hoping her wines from the Love Block label might surprise this New Zealand skeptic, and that’s just what happened!

The Love Block wines, first produced in 2013, are all sustainably farmed.  This started as a logical extension of a health scare which prompted Erica to take a look not just as what she was eating, but the products she used to clean her home, beauty products, and ultimately what was going into the wines she produced.  I love when vineyards take a sustainable approach, but if the resulting wines don’t taste good it’s a lost effort in my book.

“It’s not always easy, but it is hugely gratifying.” – Erica Crawford

These wines achieve a really high quality level, without sacrificing environmental or health integrity.  (They also happen to be vegan, a request from one of Crawford’s daughters.) As Crawford said, “it’s not always easy, but it is hugely gratifying.” Eventually, they plan to transition the vineyards to certified organic, but want to ensure quality and consistency before making this transition.

Pinot Gris

We started with the pinot gris- a natural start on a somewhat muggy DC day.  I often find these wines can be a bit flabby or one dimensional. However, the Love Block was well balanced with plenty of acid and a beautiful minerality balancing out the melon, pear and passionfruit notes.  Super easy drinking- this is a wine that doesn’t need food to enjoy, but it complemented the array of salads and late summer produce from A Rake’s Progress beautifully. SRP $22.99

Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand is perhaps most famous for its sauvignon blanc, and it’s frankly not a style I’m drawn to.  They’re often “loud” wines- the fruit, the grass, that distinctive cat pee note…it’s all a bit much for me, lacking subtlety in favor of brute force. Not so here. I got plenty of fruit in the form of pineapple, lemon, and tinned yellow peaches, but this was balanced by lovely green, herbaceous notes. If New Zealand and Bordeaux had a lovechild, this would be the resulting wine and I can see it pleasing fans of both old and new world styles of Sauvignon Blanc. SRP $21.99

Pinot Noir

The pinot noir was actually my favorite wine of the trio. It had lovely notes of violet, black raspberry, black pepper and a subtle mushroom note. Silky and smooth, medium bodied, but just enough complexity to keep me reaching for my glass over and over. The family style meal featured everything from smoked trout to prime rib, to roast chicken, and the wine was versatile enough to pair well with all three dishes. Again, this wine straddled old world/new world styles, making it an easy pick for dinner parties or a hostess gift. SRP $29.99

The wines are available for purchase at the following DC stores and online:

  • Bacchus Wine Cellars
  • Circle Fine Wine and Spirits
  • Ace Beverage
  • Burka’s Fine Wine and Spirits

Have you tried Love Block wines?  

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#LanguedocDay

Posted in: Bang for Your Buck, Bon Vivant, Bubbly, Entertaining, Event Planning, Holidays, Porch wine, Rosé, Seasonal Sips, Wine Recommendations, Wine Reviews, Wine Shops, Wine Tasting

The storm clouds in DC have finally given us a break and many people are planning outdoor entertaining for Memorial Day Weekend. What you may not know is that today is also #LanguedocDay.

Picpoult Edit

Wine “days” seem to be a dime a dozen these days, but what I love about this particular one is that it breaks people out of wine ruts and raises awareness about an unsung region in the Southwest of France that offers incredible quality at affordable prices.

 

When Wines of Languedoc approached me about reviewing some of their wines, I was excited- mainly because I happen to love them, but also because they were focused on quality, with only AOP (Appelation d’origine contrôlée) designated wines. Though the region is often known for its bulk wine production, only 10% of wine from the region receives AOP designation, meaning stricter sourcing and production guidelines, but also higher quality wines.

It also gave me an opportunity to invite some friends over to chime in with their own opinions! We took advantage of a gorgeous DC day and threw a garden party.

Ladies with Rose Edit
Wines from the Languedoc lend themselves exceptionally well to entertaining. They’re accessible wines in both flavor profile and price- 2 things that make them prime candidates for any party wine!
The bar set up for easy access for guests to serve themselves. Sparkling water and a carafe of cucumber lemon water keep guests hydrated!

The bar was set up for guests to easily serve themselves and sample all of the wines. Sparkling water and a carafe of cucumber lemon water kept guests hydrated!

On the menu:

Table Spread Edit copy

  • Homemade pimento cheese with ritz crackers- a must for any southern garden party!
  • Crudité platter with hummus
  • Orzo pasta salad
  • Fruit platter
  • Assorted olives, nuts, charcuterie and artisanal cheeses

Don’t forget:

  • To hydrate: I like to serve cucumber lemon water and sparkling water.
  • The bugs:  These pretty citronella candles give off a gorgeous glow while keeping the bugs at bay.
These citronella candles not only give off a gorgeous glow, they keep pesky bugs at bay!

These citronella candles not only give off a gorgeous glow, they keep pesky bugs at bay!

The wines:

All of these, with the exception of the Crémant, are available at Weygandt Wines.  They’ve been kind enough to offer readers 15% off if you mention this post! Stop by to stock up for any weekend entertaining you might be planning.
Cheers!

Cheers!

Montfin Corbieres $13.99

This wine offers lovely red fruit with some earthy undertones. I noticed plum, red pepper and leather notes with medium tannin and acidity.

 

Montfin Rosé $13.99

This easy going rosé was a crowd favorite on such a gorgeous day!  Dry, with notes of white peach and raspberrry.

Arbalète Coquelicots $17.99

This wine showed best after it cooled off a bit. Red fruit, a hint of baking spice and lovely earthy qualities.

Picpoul de Pinet $11.99

Crisp and light with notes of apple, pear and citrus.  This is a warm weather no brainer!

Saint-Hilaire Crémant de Limoux $15

This crémant was both festive and accessible at a fraction of the cost of champagne!  Crisp with notes of pear and soft floral notes.

Have you tried Languedoc wines?  If not, this weekend is a great opportunity to do so.  To learn even more check out L’Aventure Languedoc, a celebration of Languedoc AOP wines throughout June, coming to Seattle and Washington DC. Click here for more information!

cheers

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Outdoor Entertaining Tips from Robert Mondavi IV

Posted in: Bon Vivant, Champagne, Drink Well, Entertaining, Event Planning, Events, Helpful Hints, Porch wine, Rosé, Seasonal Sips, Tried and Trues, Wine Recommendations, Winemakers, Wineries and Vineyards

I recently chatted with Rob Mondavi IV, 4th Generation winemaker, from his beautiful waterfront home in Beaufort, South Carolina.  He had some great tips for outdoor entertaining as we come into the summertime entertaining season.

rosé on the porch

Mondavi pulls inspiration from California wine country, Europe, South America and Southern Coastal traditions, but his tips work well no matter where you live!

Check out some of his outdoor entertaining tips below and click here to see the full interview!

  • Green & Eco-friendly are trends that are easy to incorporate. Mondavi recommends recycled materials with longevity like Trex decking materials.
  • Make sure your guests have a place to set their drinks- you can even incorporate a cocktail rail into decking! Alternatively, set out cocktail tables or garden stools.
  • Plan intimate events, bigger isn’t always better.
  • Serve Bubbly! “It can mark a moment at the party.”
  • When it comes to food, focus on farm to table and sourcing local, fresh products.  I love visiting Eastern Market and Union Market in DC to pick up local, fresh ingredients.
  • Mondavi’s go to porch wine: Chardonnay! Aromatic whites and dry Rosés are also great options that are trending.

What are some of your favorite outdoor entertaining tips?

cheers

 

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Dog Days of Summer Wine Recommendations

Posted in: Bang for Your Buck, Bon Vivant, Drink Well, Porch wine, Rosé, Seasonal Sips, Tried and Trues, Wine Pairing, Wine Recommendations, Wine Reviews

Although we’re coming up on Labor Day weekend, the weather will continue to be warm for the next month or so.  Here in DC, we’re looking at a heat wave!  Here’s what I’ll be drinking:

Sun setting over grape vines, Malibu AVA

Muscadet

A summer favorite, this budget friendly wine from the South of France is light and intensely refreshing.  It’s well-known as a great pairing for seafood and is enjoyable for casual patio sipping as well.

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: 2011 Domaine De La Fruitière Petit M ($13)

The tangy acidity and minerality in this Muscadet will make you a convert to this oft-overlooked variety.

Dry Rosé

Although many drink rosé year round (yours truly, included!), it’s often best enjoyed during warmer months. The most popular region for this type of wine is Provence, although they are increasingly being produced in almost every wine region.  They often have red fruit flavors and a bone dry finish.

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: Montfaucon Domaine Les Gardettes Rosé ($12)

This has been one of my go to summer rosés to enjoy al fresco this summer.  This rosé from the Loire Valley has a wonderful bouquet of peach blossom and raspberry.

Bubbly

I know this is a common recommendation on the Bon Vivant Blog, but if you’re anything like me, any excuse will do to enjoy a festive glass of bubbly!  It’s refreshing, pairs well with a variety of foods, and is perfectly acceptable to drink before noon on your Monday off!

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs ($40) & Biutiful Rosé Brut Cava ($13)

In the wake of the recent earthquake, show Napa some love with this superb bottle of bubbly.  I’m partial to the Blanc de Noirs, but this established bubbly house produces outstanding bubblies from a variety of grapes.

For a more budget friendly option, look to Cava from Spain- equally delicious and usually lighter on the wallet! I like Biutiful’s brut rosé.  Made from 100% Garnacha, this easy drinking bubbly has lovely red fruit notes and a bone dry finish.

Spanish Reds

For those who will be grilling out this weekend, Spanish reds are a great pairing with Barbeque and other grilled meats.  They are slightly spicy, fruit forward, and balanced out with an old world, earthy quality.

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: Ladrón de Guevara ($12-$30)

A spicy Tempranillo from Rioja fits the bill!  Their cosecha will set you back a mere $12, while their Reserva can run about $30.  The younger the wine, the lighter and more fruit forward it will be.  I generally like to drink their middle ground- Crianza, which runs about $17.

California Zinfandel 

This is another classic pairing for those who will be manning the grill this Labor Day weekend.  California comes through again with this fruit forward and zesty red wine. (Just steer clear of the much maligned white Zinfandel!)

Bon Vivant DC’s Pick: 2012 F. Stephen Millier Angel’s Reserve Zinfandel ($20)

This classic producer from Lodi consistently puts out quality Zinfandel with jammy fruit and a hint of smokiness that will pair great with anything char-grilled.

What are your Labor Day Weekend Plans?

cheers

 

 

 

 

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Tried & True: Summer Edition

Posted in: Bon Vivant, Holidays, Porch wine, Tried and Trues, Wine Recommendations, Wineries and Vineyards

Gone Camping…

I’m headed to the mountains of North Carolina today for a camping trip and one of the wines I’ll be bringing with me is a tried and true we order by the case chez Marriott. (Yes, I take wine camping.)

pewsey vale dry riesling

Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Dry Riesling

It’s a wine I’ve poured at a number of tastings and brought to countless dinner parties.  It was even on our Thanksgiving table this year!

Invariably, when I say I’m pouring an Australian riesling an eyebrow or two is lifted, but there’s always a fight over the last splash.

It’s wonderfully bright and acidic with crisp citrus notes, light minerality, and a bone dry finish.  The high acidity makes it extremely food friendly, and it makes an excellent porch wine all on its own! It retails for around $15-$16.

So branch out this summer and give this tried and true a try- you won’t regret it.

What are your tried and trues? Have you ever packed wine on a camping trip?

cheers

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