Happy Memorial Day!

     Happy Memorial Day – the unofficial kick-off to summer! What better way to enjoy the beginning of summer than a bike ride and lunch with my hubby?

Echo Bay (left) and Joel Gott Sauvignon Banc

     It began as a beautiful day for a bike ride. We pedaled our way to Edwardsville looking forward to lunch at our favorite pizza spot, Peel. Unfortunately they were closed for the holiday, but not to worry, we found a shady spot on the patio at Mike Shannon’s Grill – just next door. Mike and I were both in the mood for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. I ordered Joel Gott from California and he ordered Echo Bay from Marlborough, New Zealand. A perfect opportunity to share our glasses and compare this grape from two different growing regions. This is what we discovered:
Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc – California

• Color:  Pale yellow
• Nose:  Lemon and citrus hit me with my first sniff
• Mouth:  Love the bright acidity of this wine with refreshing citrus notes and clean finish. This wine had a slightly fuller body than the Echo Bay.
• Pairing:  Was an excellent pairing with a Greek Island salad and half a Health wrap that we split.

Greek Island Salad and Health Wrap

Echo Bay Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand

• Color:  Pale yellow
• Nose:  Classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with herbaceous notes and zesty citrus
• Mouth:  Bright, crisp and refreshing. Mike described it as thirst quenching.
• Pairing: Another great match with our light lunch, although Mike mostly enjoyed his wine before the lunch arrived.

Steakhouse Salad

Overall results/thoughts:  I would recommend both of these wines. They are perfect for the upcoming summer filled with salads and other lighter fare. Our favorite of the afternoon was definitely the Echo Bay!
     Our relaxing lunch was over and it was time to get back on the bikes. All was going great until we noticed more and more dark clouds to the west. We pedaled as fast as we could and were about a half of a mile from our car when the skies opened up! I think I prefer the refreshing Sauvignon Blanc over the “refreshing rain”!!
     I would be remiss if I did not thank all those who have given so much for us on this Memorial Day. God bless you all and Happy Memorial Day!

Cheers,
Beth

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day-the unofficial last day of summer. After suffering through a late summer heat wave, we woke this morning to a beautiful day! With no special plans for the day, my husband and I decided to load up the bikes and head out for a ride on the bike trails. Cycling does work up an appetite, so we like to stop along the trail for a bite to eat and a refreshing glass of wine!


Today we stopped in at Mike Shannon’s Grill,(www.mikeshannonsgrill.com) in Edwardsville, IL. If you have been to his downtown restaurant this is a more relaxed, casual atmosphere with plenty of Cardinal memorabilia everywhere! The menu has burgers, steaks, salads, and seafood. We were seated at a table on the outdoor patio overlooking a wooded ravine that features a television(surprise-playing the Cards game) and a fire pit for cool evenings yet to come. A perfect spot for a salad and glass of wine before heading back to the trails. My wine of choice this afternoon was a Maso Canali Pinot Grigio, a lovely light, refreshing wine perfect on a warm summer day. The wine was a perfect match for my Greek salad with a lemon feta vinaigrette. The citrus of salad dressing complimenting this light refreshing wine perfectly. I have also enjoyed this wine with the Chevre pizza next door at Peel Wood Fired Pizza (www.peelpizza.com). Another winning combination!

After a full weekend of dinners and catching up with old friends, our Labor Day weekend bike ride was a relaxing end to a wonderful weekend!

Cheers,
Beth