A Year In Review

It is mid December, and 2012 is rapidly drawing to a close.  For me, this is a time for reflection of the previous eleven and a half months.  Personally, this year has had its share of struggles and, honestly, has probably been the most difficult year, to date, for me.  With all the challenges 2012 brought, however, I have some really fantastic memories, as well.

This year ushered the beginning of the Stay At Home Winos and our first blog post was published in April of 2012.  Beth, Lisa and I took a big leap in our lives individually, and as a trio.  We took something that was initially a hobby, and brought it to the next level.  Sometimes, we were a little out of our respective comfort zones, but during the times where one of us felt a little apprehensive, the others were there to encourage and support.  This dynamic is indicative of our friendship.  Moreover, we realized individually, and as a group, who represented our biggest fans.  Three men who supported and helped us, offered constructive criticism and "researched" with us, as we embarked on our new path.  To them, I speak for Beth, Lisa and myself when I say, "thank you!"

For my weekly blog post, I wanted to do a year in review.  A "walk down memory lane," if you will.  We covered many wine-related topics since mid April.  Some blog posts required research and taught us a lot of new, useful information.  Some posts were sub-areas in the wine world of which passionate about and some, were simply our own walks down memory lane, where we relived memorable experiences that involved wine.

To Beth and Lisa, I say "Cheers!"

In April we started,
Wow were we green!
We hoped to learn,
New knowledge we would glean!

Beth talked about Rockpile,
A Zinfandel from Cali
And we learned that Rockpile AVA
Was just northwest of Dry Creek Valley!

Mary Jo showed us how not to be shy
And to be honest about what you smell and taste.
Who knew that the smells from your past,
Are upon what your ability to smell wine is based!

In May, Lisa waxed nostalgic,
about her life's journey to becoming a wine snob.
While Beth finally introduced us three,
And discussed what we learn "on the job."

Mary Jo went to Vegas
But her experiences she did share!
While Beth and Lisa's Oregon trip was previewed,
Mary Jo certainly wishes she could have been there!

In June, Beth and Lisa's Oregon trip was covered in great detail,
They enjoyed a "few" great wines.
The more they enjoyed the more they bought!
They probably found it hard to read the signs!

June also helped us learn to pair
Wines and many cheeses!
Beth also shared all our secrets
Of how our wine class ALWAYS pleases!

July started with the laws of wine,
And moved into what sulfites do.
Then the winos had their first big gig!
An outdoor demonstration about BBQ!

We also saw a white from the Verdicchio grape,
That Beth enjoyed in Rome.
And Mary Jo discussed the proper glasses,
That one should drink from at home.

July ended with an in-depth talk
By Lisa about the corkscrew.
Who knew there were so many ways,
To open a bottle that is new.

August discussed white wine,
And Beth recommended three greats!
Beth also talked about serving temps,
But admitted reds are for her, what elates!

Wines' health benefits were touted,
Lisa waxed nostalgic again!
Wine cabinets were brought up,
All the wine from Oregon was in!

In September, washing glasses was the topic,
Who knew soap wasn't good!
Bottle shapes, too many to name,
And why they were different, we finally understood.

Beth introduced us to Carignane,
Bolder than a Zin?
Finally, we learned how to "spit",
Or expectorate, into a bin!

With October, came fall,
And Pinots Lisa hailed!
The Winos second gig was held,
Pork for all was unveiled!

Rioja from Spain, we can't forget,
And Beth talked all about it.
Lisa remembered a trip to Lancaster Vineyard,
And the Pigs and Pinot dinner was a hit!

November came with a knock at the door,
And Mary Jo had a knew toy!
Her beautiful wine cabinet had arrived,
From California to Illinois!

Next barrels were investigated,
And Lisa showed us how-
A barrel can give wine flavors,
Who knew, toast and vanilla, until now!

Thanksgiving was near and Beth remembered,
Grandma Bams and her "Champagne."
Then Mary Jo waxed nostalgic,
And talked about the impression Consilience left on her brain.

December is here and, Champagne again?
This time, the real thing!
Its amazing the details surrounding this drink,
That makes even the shyest people sing!

Last week Beth talked Petite Sirah,
A grape grown in C-A.
But, it was once grown in France and called Durif,
And she highly recommends it with a filet!

So, what a year, is all I can say,
Thank goodness the wine still flows.
I am blessed to be with two good friends,
Together called the Stay At Home Winos!

                                               From grape.com


Cheers to all and Happy Holidays!

Mary Jo

A Beautiful Way to Store Wine!

I have not been a lifelong wine drinker.  In fact, if I were to be honest, I spent the lean years drinking Milwaukee's Best beer and various mixed drinks -- please don't hold that against me.  I was introduced to the wine world in my late twenties and really enjoyed it.  I didn't start with expensive wines and, frankly, it took until my late thirties to truly enjoy good wine.  It was not until I started spending time with Lisa and Beth that I began learning about the history of wine, different varietals and how to really taste wine.  I drank A LOT of cheap wine along the way.  Some good!  Some...not so much.  

My Husband only started enjoying wine when he met me.  We have followed the same general path, in that he did not started enjoying better wines until I did.  I am happy to say, while he also enjoys specialty beers, he and I share a passion for good wine.

As we started to accumulate more wine in our home, we began to discuss proper storage.  We asked ourselves, "did we have enough wine to warrant a wine cabinet?"  We also wondered what size we would buy.  Did we want under cabinet wine storage or did we want to invest in something more?  We discussed this with our Stay At Home Wino friends, as well as others.  Ultimately, we decided, if we were going to buy anything, it would be a piece of furniture.  It would be something that could move with us, if necessary and something that was large enough that we wouldn't one day say, "I wish we had more space in our wine cabinet!"

We began our search on various web sites that sold larger, free-standing wine cabinets.  Beth's husband provided great information as to what we should look for when purchasing such a large item. While there are several companies that sell cabinets, we chose Mr. Wine Cabinet (mrwinecabinet.com). Mr. Wine Cabinet has a wonderful web site, complete with many cabinets to choose from, wine storage tips and testimonials.  I was very happy with the selection offered.

I sent an email with some general questions to John McCabe (john@mrwinecabinet.com).  I was so impressed with the prompt response and the comprehensive information he sent.  He truly went above and beyond in answering my questions and was extremely kind.  I can honestly say that this was true even after the ultimate purchase was made.  He kept in touch and continued to answer questions until the minute the cabinet arrived at our door.  While I have not had any questions since delivery, I know that if I emailed him, he would answer immediately.  This type of customer service is impressive and, honestly, rare in today's day and age.

My Husband and I chose the Riviera Window Wine Cabinet.  This cabinet can be made holding 200 bottles up to 600 bottles.  We chose the 400 bottle cabinet with a cherry stain, lights, locks and casters.  There were several choices of stains available and the lights, locks and casters were options, as well.  All the information about the cabinet was contained on the web site, including how long it would take to make and deliver and how much it would cost to deliver.  There were truly no surprises.  

The cabinets at Mr. Wine Cabinet use a single temperature zone approach.  When I inquired about a dual zone approach for different varietals, John said they didn't recommend a dual zone approach as wine aging temperature is the same for red and white wines.  Dual zone approaches are used in stores due to high turnover of wine.  But since (most) households don't have that type of turnover, it isn't necessary to store at different temperatures.  John has a large wine collection and uses the single temperature approach for his wines.  He says that if he wants a white a little cooler than 55 degrees (the cabinet's temperature) he simply puts it in the refrigerator for a short time before drinking.  The cabinet is also humidity controlled.

The cabinet took exactly the amount of time John said and it arrived and was put into place by the delivery service.  It was even more beautiful than I expected!  It looks amazing and is exactly what we ordered.  The only problem is -- we thought we had a lot of wine until we put it in the cabinet.  It made us realize how much more wine we need!  I won't have any issue with resolving this "problem".

The purchase of this gorgeous addition to our home was seamless from beginning to delivery.  I am so happy to recommend Mr. Wine Cabinet to anyone looking to purchase a wine storage cabinet.  I am confident that John will answer any questions you have and that you will be thrilled with your purchase.  

Mr. Wine Cabinet

mrwinecabinet.com

john@mrwinecabinet.com

(650) 269-6342

Cheers!

 

Mary Jo

Wine Word of the Week

 

Frizzante:  A wine that is slightly fizzy, though less fizzy than a sparkling wine like champagne. Proseccos from Veneto are an example of a wine with frizzante.