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

All posts in Seasonal Sips

Thanksgiving Virginia Wine Pairing Guide

Posted in: Bon Vivant, Guest Posts, Helpful Hints, Holidays, Seasonal Sips, Virginia Wine, Wine Concierge, Wine Pairing, Wine Recommendations, Winemakers, Wineries and Vineyards

Virginia wine is making its mark. And if you’re not on board yet, here are 6 outstanding Virginia wines that will change your mind, perfectly suited to complement your Thanksgiving Feast. Get all the details and tasting notes in my guest post on The Hill is Home!

Breaux Vineyards. Fall, 2013

Breaux Vineyards. Fall, 2013

There’s something for everyone- from the bubbly lover to dessert wines- from just a few of Virginia’s esteemed wineries, including Thibaut-Jannison, Breaux Vineyards, RdV, Stone Tower Winery, Tarara Winery and Linden Vineyards.

Taste makers around the country are singing the Commonwealth’s praises, most recently at the Virginia Wine Summit.  Food And Wine Magazine Editor, Ray Isle, was recently the keynote speaker, where he praised both the gorgeous scenery and outstanding wines right in DC’s backyard.

Have you tried Virginia wine yet?  If not, consider one of my Thanksgiving pairing recommendations or contact me for a custom excursion into DC’s wine country.  I promise you won’t be disappointed!

For more wine pairing guidance this Thanksgiving check out my recommendations here!

cheers

Read More

Did you know: 5 Facts about Tempranillo!

Posted in: Bon Vivant, Helpful Hints, Seasonal Sips, Wine 101, Wine Facts, Wine Pairing

Lately, there seems to be a delegated day (and a corresponding hashtag) to just about everything- in case you didn’t mark it in your calendar, today is #TempranilloDay.

In light of this most important holiday I wanted to share 5 fun facts about this popular grape:

  • While Tempranillo is most closely associated with the Rioja region of Spain, it is also grown domestically in California, Arizona and Texas.
  • Spanish Tempranillo is categorized into 4 age categories: Cosecha, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. Typically, younger wines are more fruit forward and lighter in body, while older Tempranillos develop bolder, more earthy and nuanced characteristics.
  • Younger wines should be consumed while young, while Reservas and Gran Reservas (the latter is only produced in outstanding vintages) are more suitable for aging.
  • All Tempranillo is high in acid and medium bodied, making it an extremely versatile pairing wine. Try it with roasted pork or charcuterie for a can’t miss pairing!
  • Tempranillo is the most widely planted grape in Spain.

What’s your favorite Tempranillo?

cheers

Read More

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

 

 

 

 

Read More

It’s Chic to Drink Pink!

Posted in: Bon Vivant, Events, Porch wine, Seasonal Sips, Upcoming Events

Sip and Shop Pink{tini}!

When warm weather hits, there are few thing I like better than a refreshing glass of dry rosé!  And if you’re anything like me, adding in a dose of fashion never hurts!

Rosé wine at Linden Vineyards, VA

Rosé wine at Linden Vineyards, VA

So if you care to combine both fashion and wine vices, join me this Saturday, June 7th from 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM at Pinktini Fashion Boutique on Capitol Hill!  I’ll be pouring a custom flight of rosé for people to enjoy as they celebrate the boutique’s six month anniversary sale and celebration.

After all, it’s chic to sip and shop pink!

The event is free, but registration encouraged at sipandshoppinktini.eventbrite.com.

I hope to see you there!

cheers

Read More

Sona Creamery & Wine Bar

Posted in: Bon Vivant, Restaurant Reviews, Seasonal Sips, Tried and Trues, Wine Pairing, Wine Recommendations, Wine Reviews

Sona Creamery and Wine Bar

No matter how busy Sona is, there has never been a time when owners Conan & Genevieve O’Sullivan don’t stop to greet me with a smile. 

The Capitol Hill outpost has just celebrated 100 days of being open to the public and has already cultivated a devoted group of regulars.

Happy hour lasts from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM every day, featuring generous $6 pours of bubbly, white, rosé, and red wines. 

My favorites are the Chardonnay from Macon- crisp with apple and pear notes, and refreshing minerality- and the recent addition of a French rosé- aromatic with red fruit and a classic, Provençal blend perfect for spring sipping.

Happy Hour Wine!

These two Pacific Northwesterners made the cross country move to be closer to family, finding DC to be nothing but “kind, open, and welcoming,” words that aren’t generally used to describe this town

When Conan used those words to describe their DC initiation I was surprised, because they’re the exact words I would use to describe Sona and it’s affable proprietors.

Conan and Genevieve O'Sullivan, always quick with a greeting and a smile for their guests.

“This is our dream,” said Gen, of opening Sona.

They’ve put together a team that works seamlessly, “dividing and conquering” the crowds that come in for a bite to eat or a glass of wine.  Even though they seem to have come as a package deal, the managerial team is actually just a fortuitous conglomeration- and it’s one that clearly works.  “These are people I would want to hang out with,” says Gen.

Frank D. Paris, III churns out impeccable small plates to accompany the wine.  He shows off his affinity for swine, which makes frequent appearances on the outstanding menu.

Chef Frank D. Paris, III churns out impeccable small plates to accompany the wine list. Here he shows off his affinity for swine, which makes frequent appearances on the outstanding menu.

Originally from Virginia, this Mid-Atlantic native has spent plenty of time in the real south (no, VA doesn’t count, Chef!).  These Dixie culinary influences are consistent throughout the menu, most notably (and deliciously) in the Pig Ear and Pimento Cheese Crostini- a dish I have trouble not ordering each time I come in. The Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese and Turkey Burger are other menu standouts, although I haven’t tried anything that I didn’t enjoy immensely.

Pig Ear and Pimento Cheese Crostini.  Trust me, just try it.

Pig Ear and Pimento Cheese Crostini. Trust me, just try it.

Turkey Burger

DC’s best Turkey Burger. Available at lunch until 5:00 PM.

In approximately 2 weeks, diners and sippers can enjoy patio seating, and more wine dinners are in initial planning stages. While the wine list currently focuses on by the glass selections, there are plans to introduce a reserve bottle list- the result of careful listening to what their patrons want.

After the recent loss of Cowgirl Creamery’s DC outpost, Sona will be the only creamery in Washington, DC.  It’s a process that has taken years of planning, permitting, engineering, and consulting with veteran cheese makers from France, Canada, Holland and across the States.

Cheese making vat

Cheese making vat

For now, they are working on the last step- the boiler installation process; no small feat that involves engineers, permits, and precise science.  Once it has been installed they’ll start the cheese making process immediately.  Some cheeses, like Chevre, take a mere 24 hours, while aged Goudas can take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years to produce.

For now the temperature and humidity controlled cheese cave houses wine.

For now the temperature and humidity controlled cheese cave houses wine.

When I asked, “Why cheese?”, Chef Frank was quick to quip “because you can’t raise a pig in a vat.”  Conan, laughed, adding, “we fell in love with the process….It’s 80% process and 20% magic.”

Cheese Selection

Just a small selection of Sona’s cheese offerings.

When they’re not dividing and conquering, you can see the team laughing and joking together in rare down time like old friends.

It’s a place I like to do the same, taking friends and family members to enjoy what has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.

Have you tried Sona yet? If you’re on the hill, be sure to stop by in honor of National Small Business Week- you won’t regret it!

cheers

Read More