Wine Blog Envy-Biscotti and Vin Santo

Since I am new to this whole blogosphere world I spend sometime reading other wine blogs. What has struck me as interesting is all the envy I am finding out there. For instance last week I read one wine blogger that announced on his posting that it had just been determined by the authorities that be (some blog organization named Alawine.com) his blog was now the number one ranked blog out in the wine blogosphere. There were the usual congrats, questions from others regarding how they could rise to his success, some put downs of other highly ranked blogs and then to my surprise bloggers that openly expressed envy. Some of the envy was even bitter with one blogger stating you never comment on my blog so I'm not ever commenting on your blog again.

This behavior reminded me of both naked male athletes in the shower room taking sneaking glimpses of each other to see who reigned supreme and little children saying you wouldn't let me play with your new truck now hands off mine. Wow, the blatant blogging envy really took me by surprise.

Maybe, it is because there is so much anonymity to writing on a blog and not enough face to face that people feel comfortable dissing each other. Since, I am far from a wine expert or really an expert on anything, it all makes me a little squeamish but I am determined to continue this thing I started.

My goal is to try to share and yes, even inform the readers out there who like myself loves and appreciates wine but is not necessarily that worried about all the technicalities. You know, whether I enjoyed a wine, some sort of description of the wine without all of the endless details of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, anyway you get the idea.

I would like to be able to suggest other blogs (no blog envy here), wines and just plain ordinary enjoyment of relationships, family and everyday life with a sense of humor, some fiction and even some truth.

Ok, lets celebrate with a recipe of Biscotti that I recently made and shipped to my darling, daughter-in-law, Mary Alice.

Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Recipe from Giada Di Laurentis (Food Network)

Makes 2 dozen Preheat oven to 350

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tspn baking powder
1/4 tspn salt
3/4 cup sugar (white granulated)
1 stick room temp unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 tspn ground anise seed (optional or put in less if you wish) good for digestion
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Line a heavy large baking sheet w/ parchment paper. Whisk the flour, baking powder
and salt in a medium bowl to blend. (That is really like sifting it all together, breaking
up and clumps). Using an electric mixer beat the sugar and butter to blend. Beat in the
eggs one at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat until blended. (The batter is quite
thick). Add the ground anise and chocolate chips. (If you don't have a mixer, you can
use your strong arms and beat with a whisk and then a wooden spoon. Remember electric
mixers are a newer phenomenon and people have been making biscotti for years).

Form the dough (flour the board and your hands because it can be sticky. I refrigerate the batter for about 15 min.)
into a 16 inch long and 3-inch wide log. Transfer the log to the baking sheet and bake for approx 30 minutes
or until light golden brown. Important-cool 30 minutes.

Place log on cutting board and using a serrated knife cut the log on a diagonal into 1/2-3/4 inch
slices. Arrange the cookies cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake the cookies until pale golden
about 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool completely.

If you like add some chopped pecans or walnuts when you add the chocolate chips

Now to really enhance the biscotti open a bottle of 2000 Castello Di Ama, Vin Santo and enjoy the honey, almond and dried fruit notes that will complete your entire biscotti experience.

2000 Castello Di Ama Vin Santo-4 aprons-approx $28.00

Wishing you an apron filled with yummy biscotti and glorious Vin Santo to get your day started. Remember envy is just a waste of time and poorly directed energy.

XXOO

Mrs. Reed

Wine Blogging Wednesday Reviews on Pinot Noir not from Napa

Have you ever heard the expression, "If the tree falls in the middle of the forest does it make a sound"? My answer to that age old question is the tree falling generates a vibration that can be noticed even if the actual fall is not heard. I know this is all a bit twisted but my point is in the title to my post.

I am using this very nonsensical title, so hopefully readers out in the blogosphere will hear my vibration. You see, I read that there are certain words that are used a lot in search engines. The most often wine blogging words are right up there. Yes, keep looking, in the title. This is actually all on the up and up, since the only untruthful word I am using is "Wednesday". I am actually composing this post on Friday, but such a small transgression to get my blog noticed.

Here is the review on a Pinot Noir not from Napa. In fact, it is from Burgundy and this wonderful wine is…drum roll… 2006 Chateau de Puligny Montrachet, Monthelie. Really, what a lovely compelling nose that keeps you going back for gentle whiffs of cherries, violets and even a tad of boiled beets. The palate offers some soft tannins, well balanced acidity, with hints of subtle cherries. The finish is somewhat moderate, not particularly lingering but still enough to remind you to take another sip.

2006 Chateau de Puligny Montrachet, Monthelie-3 ½ aprons-approx $30.00

As promised, I have now delivered to you a post consisting of; wine blogging, (not on Wednesday), including reviews on Pinot Noir that are not from Napa. See, I provided truth in advertising. Will my vibrations be heard in this forest? That, my fellow Blogsters, will be up to you.

Mrs. Reed would certainly appreciate some comments. Good, bad or indifferent, just let me know you hear something from the forest.

Wishing you an apron filled with bottles of Pinot Noir from Burgundy and even Napa.

XXOO

Mrs. Reed

The Finger Lakes Wine Region-One Day Trip

Yesterday I received an SOS from my dear daughter-in-law Mary Alice. The note stated: Mrs. Reed, Wally and I will be going in October to Rochester, New York for the wedding of our close friend, Bill McKay (character Robert Redford played in the movie The Candidate. Only this Bill McKay is conservative). While we are in Rochester we would like to visit the Finger Lakes Region for wine tasting. Please advise; concerning wineries that would be worth our time to stop at. The note was signed your adoring and adorable daughter-in-law, Mary Alice.

When Mary Alice makes a request I snap to it immediately. Since I have never personally visited this region let alone any of the wineries I assembled my information through other blogs or previously obtained information regarding the wineries of this region.

Over the years I have read many wonderful comments about Dr. Frank Konstantin and his highly respected Rieslings and Rkatsiteli. Dr Frank is legendary and I would make this winery a priority above all the others because of his well known reputation. Dr. Frank Konstantin is now deceased but my understanding is that his son took over the winery when he retired.

I checked out Eric Asimov's
blog, The Pour for more info about the wineries he and his blog followers suggested.

Here are some of their recommendations:

Shinn Estate-known for their Merlots

Paumanok-Lots of excellent reviews on their Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon

Lenz-Highly respected Merlot

Someone also mentioned a blog called: Lenndevours-A New York Cork Report. It may be worth while to peruse this site.

I also found, fingerlakesweekendwinoblogspot.com, this site may be helpful.

Wolffer Estate appears to be a beautiful place to stop by to try their Chardonnay and Merlot.

If you and Wally find you have consumed enough wine, stop by The Corning Museum to view the excitement of glass blowing.

It should be gorgeous in The Finger Lakes with the Fall Foliage in full bloom.

Please wear your apron and fill the pockets with some of the fabulous wines you will be enjoying.

XXOO

Mrs. Reed

Wine and The Morning Joe=Perfect Balance

The Morning Joe Show and my cup of morning Joe give me the perfect wake up call that I need to get my day started. One is a cup of freshly brewed black coffee and the other is a very entertaining news and conversation show that provides a perfect wake up to my groggy morning.

I enjoy The Morning Joe Show because it is a great balance between the current world topics, entertainment, sports, weather, economy and politics. The show is headed by the very intelligent and affable, Joe Scarborough. The supporting cast of Mika, Willey and Mike Barnacle provide terrific sounding boards for Joe and his opinions. The guests that come on are treated fairly and are able to have an honest discussion without name calling and over the top yelling. Yes, this show is my perfect balance of humor and information offered in lovely equilibrium.

Balance is what allows us to appreciate the individual components of any entity. Whether it is a TV show, person, meal or wine it is the balance that can be the difference between good or great. Dr. Alex and I experienced that balance in a wine we recently had the pleasure of consuming. The 2004 L'Adventure Syrah from Paso Robles presented a beautiful balance of spice, raspberry fruit and soft tannins. Even at 15.2% alcohol, this Syrah was so well integrated that the wine softly warmed my mood.

Yes, I did need some mood warming since Dr. Alex and I were sharing this bottle with my mother, Aunt Clara and her husband, Jacques Cousteau at our favorite French restaurant. Jacques was in a bit of his Jack Torrance mood (Nicholson's character in The Shining). I'm not sure what was causing this dark mood but I did hear Aunt Clara mention something about a problem with The Calypso's rudder.

So, this mood warming, lovely symmetrical, well crafted wine assisted my own personal equilibrium while dining with a rudder challenged sea captain. Actually, Jacques seemed to forget his rudder problems as he continued to drink more and more glasses of this great wine. See, what a terrific wine can accomplish.

Balance is what we all seem to be striving for in every aspect of our lives. When you find something, whether it be people, job, dog, activity or even a TV show and a good bottle of wine you need to embrace it. The Morning Joe and L'Adventure wine are two components that will continue to assist me in finding my perfect daily balance.

2004 L'Adventure Syrah-approx. $40.00.

This wine and producer deserve 4 well starched and perfectly pressed aprons.

Wishing you a good bottle of wine in each apron pocket to keep you balanced throughout the day.

XXOO

Mrs. Reed

Toasting Don Draper on the birth of Baby Eugene

I would like to propose a toast to Don Draper and his newest offspring Eugene Draper. What champagne could possibly be manly and yet elegant enough for a man of almost Olympian attributes? And while I'm at it lets throw in a cigar to complete this 1963 picture of happiness.

Drum roll please; Krug 1959! Michael Broadbent states this champagne offers; deep straw, small bubbles, scent of fresh fungi and walnuts. This was an amazing vintage producing some fabulous champagne. Regarding cigars; if the H. Upmann Petit Coronas were good enough for our President in 1963 than they would definitely be the appropriate cigar for our hero, Don Draper welcoming his new son into the world.

Here's to you Baby Eugene, may you be fortunate enough to someday enjoy the pleasures of a bottle of 1959 Krug Champagne and H. Upmann Petit Corona for good measure.

And as for you Don, with one hand holding a glass out of this world champagne and the other embracing a presidential quality cigar your hands should be plenty occupied to keep you out of all your Herculean trouble.

Hope your apron pockets are filled with out of this world surprises.

XXOO

Mrs. Reed

French White Wines for the Budget Conscious

Hopefully as we begin to approach Fall the summer heat will continue to subside for all us here in "Anywhere." The sunlight is simmering down earlier, new Fall TV shows are now debuting and of course the "youngins" have gone back to school. I continue to try and focus on my wine studies for the certification test I will be taking in November.

Yesterday, I received a desperate email from my son, Wally eliciting my assistance for his next door neighbor, Robbie Douglas. (Robbie was the second son of My Three Sons fame). You see, Robbie consumes a bottle of white French wine every evening before, during and after his dinner. With the current economic concerns, poor Robbie is struggling to continue with this expensive enjoyment.

Wally's email read something like this: Mrs. Reed, SOS, Robbie Douglas is in need of affordable French, white wines. Preferably priced at $10-$20 a bottle. Please email me a list ASAP. This note was signed, your devoted Son, Wally Cleaver. (Fortunately all the formality Dr. Alex and I taught to Wally and Beaver has really taken hold).

Being the dutiful Mother I immediately jumped into action. First I secured my favorite white pearls around my neck, put on my blue taffeta ruffled apron, placed a wine glass on the table with a freshly opened bottle of Schafer-Frohlich 2006 Nahe Kabinett Riesling and began enjoying this 7.5% alcohol wine. No, not French but there is nothing like the lovely fragrance of Petrol to rev up your morning engines. Beginning a bit sweet and then giving way to a peach and citrus palate I knew this was going to be a good morning.

With White Fang by my side we dove into our research for a list of wine suggestions for Robbie Douglas. (I remember his father; Stephen Douglas always had a French infatuation too. Must run in the family with all of those sons running about). I began going to different sources to compile my list. The sources I included were some wine stores that I personally have great respect for as well as some periodicals, including; Food and Wine Magazine and Wine Spectator.

Les Accents Du Vignoble Viognier Vin de Pays Vignobles de France Le Paradou 2007- Plump, with tasty melon and peach with a hint of anise.-$11.00

Domaine De Gournier Viognier de Pays des Cevennes 2007-Peach, mineral and spice flavors with hints of crème brulee on the finish.-$11.00

Quincy Domaine Sylvain Bailly 2005-Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc with hints of grapefruit and a clean finish.-$15.00

Domaine Chon Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Clos de la Chapelle 2007-Showing oyster, sea breeze, fresh lemon and apricot.-$10.00

Manciat-Poncet Macon Charnay 2007-The Chardonnay grape is well represented with pear, citrus and a creamy mouth feel.-$15.00

Chateau Sainte Marie Entre-Deux Mers 2008 Bordeaux-Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle varietals comprise this fresh, crisp white grapefruit dry wine.-$14.00

Domaine Des Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc 2008-This Chardonnay is displaying lime, white peach, minerality and even some sea breeze on the nose.-$15.00

Because Robbie requested only white French wines that is what I have included in this list. I would also like to suggest (although not French) Hirsch Gruner Veltliners that can be reasonably priced and a great alternative. Of course Spain offers amazingly priced Albarinos and Portugal's Vinho Verdes can be a lovely wine for an appropriate paired dinner or even an aperitif. There are so many affordably priced and delicious wines out there to delight your desires.

Robbie, I hope this list provides some guidance for you and your brothers and please remember to give Bub and your Dad a big hug from Mrs. Reed.

An apron that is well made and reasonably priced can fulfill the same needs as an over priced one.

May your apron pockets be filled with a handy corkscrew and a reasonably priced and delicious bottle of wine.

XXOO

Mrs. Reed