Wine Lovin Women

What Are Sulfites And Why Are They In My Wine? Growing up in Oregon I would see the words “Contains Sulfites” on wine bottles and wonder, what in the world is a sulfite and why has it been added? The technical explanation:   Sulfites are compounds that contain the sulfite ion SO2.   The sulfite ion is the conjugate base of bisulfate.   Although the acid itself is elusive, its salts are widely used.   The term “sulfites” is an inclusive term for sulfur dioxide (SO2).   SO2 is a preservative that is used in winemaking and most food industries because of the antioxidant and antibacterial properties. After doing a little research I discovered that sulfites (preservatives) are added either before the crush or after to prevent spoilage and oxidation (browning).   Sulfites protect the wine from not only oxidation, but also bacteria.   In other words it keeps your wine from going bad and turning brown. My research sources also tell me that sulfi...

Spring Release in Walla Walla Spring Release is when the wineries celebrate the season and showcase their new releases.   There are over a hundred wineries in Walla Walla, if you have never been there I highly recommend going even if you don’t care for wine.   This wine growing region has a historic downtown which is so charming with restaurants, boutique shops, cafés, and tasting rooms.   Outside of downtown, you will find beautifully kept historic homes in the residential neighborhoods.  We didn’t save the best for last, we started out with the best and the rest that day was held in comparison.   Saturday morning we set out for Dumas Station which is located out in Dayton, a 20 minute or so drive from Walla Walla, you drive thru some beautiful fields and pastures.   I first heard about Dumas Station from LD, her first time to Walla Walla she came back raving about   “Cow Catcher Red” a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merl...

Flight School A couple years ago LD and her friend Angela were getting together and going to Flight School.    LD kept telling me how awesome this was and that I really needed to join them.   Finally, I asked “what the heck is Flight School?”   Wine tasting….didn’t understand what that had to do with flying so I said, “okay count me in I will give it a try”. A wine “Flight” is a sampling of 3 or more wines as a tasting; usually a small sample of wine….there is no airport or flying involved.    We met up at MorMor Bistro in Poulsbo; they do their Flight School on Friday nights.   What a treat, they give you four pours of wines plus an appetizer sampling for $20.00, what a great value for the food, wine and education.   Yes, education…. Dorian, the Sommelier tells you about the wine, where it is from, the region and more. I have ordered wine Flights at other restaurants, they pour you your wine, give you a sheet of paper that lists the wines ...

Simple White Wine Sangria I have put together a simple Sangria recipe for Cinco de Mayo.  Many recipes out there have a lot of ingredients, I made this one simple and refreshing, enjoy…D 1 bottle dry white wine ( Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) 2 shots of brandy 1 orange sliced 1 lime sliced 1 peach sliced 1 lemon sliced 2 shots of triple sec 1 shot of simple syrup (optional) Club soda Pour the wine in a pitcher add sliced fruits (be sure to wash your fruit before slicing) brandy, triple sec, stir and chill 2 -4 hours.  Before serving, add 1 liter of club soda, taste test to see if you need the simple syrup (you might need if your fruit isn’t that sweet).   That’s it, you are ready to celebrate!

Opening  SAGGI November of 2011 was my first time to Walla Walla Washington and I was going for Fall Release.  I fell in love with Walla Walla; the architecture of the buildings in town, the vineyards in their fall colors and the wine.   Oh how I fell in love with the wines from Walla Walla.  I just opened a bottle of SAGGI 2008 from Long Shadows Winery  that I purchased on this trip.  SAGGI is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah.   What a beautiful blend, so silky smooth and delicate in flavor.   I was saving it for a dinner I thought would do it justice, a meal my kids requested, “Moms Lasagna”.  I served with a crusty French bread with seasoned olive oil for dipping….. I wish I had a red check table cloth and drippy candles on the table to complete the mood. If you go to Walla Walla put Long Shadows on your list of places to visit. I recommend trying some of their other wines, Sequel and Feather are couple...

Olympic Wine and Cheese Tasting 2012 Fairwinds Winery – Port Townsend, Washington Out in the country, this beautiful old barn has been converted for wine production and a tasting room. I started with their Gewurztraminer.   This is not your standard sweet Gewurztraminer.   It was slightly dryer with a hint of sweet.   Yes, I could sip and enjoy this wine and would definitely recommend it. The Merlot/Cab blend was ok but for my pallet it was a bit sharp.   Or so I thought, until I tasted it with the Limburger double cream “Trailblazer” cheese from Back Country in Tacoma, Washington.   Wow, what a great combination.   Shame on me for not giving the wine a chance, especially with food. Their Cabernet Sauvignon was yummy in flavor with a really nice finish.   I definitely would go back for more.   Merlot 2002 – when you taste wine, you will taste the soil the grapes have been grow...

Olympic Peninsula Wine and Cheese Tour April 15 th.   We loaded up the SUV, 6 women and 1 guy as our driver…..here starts our adventure.   I love going out to see the wineries in the Olympic Peninsula.  The drive is beautiful and the wine makers are so personable, friendly and down to earth.  We started our day at Fairwinds, they gave us a tasting of their Gewurztraminer 2009.  I usually don’t go for the sweet stuff, but this was so light more on the dry side.    I purchased their   2002 Merlot and the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2006 Cab/Merlot, these had such beautiful smooth flavor that I can’t wait to open them and pair them up with some delicious food (will tell you later how that turns out).    Camaraderie Winery is a great place to stop if you are on Hwy 101; they have a peaceful surrounding with some wonderful eclectic outdoor conversation areas.   I purchased their 2009 Malbec (I am a sucker for a ...