Beer and Wine Archives - Sandi Barrett

Karen Birmingham Rose of Sangiovese Wine Review

The Lodi grown, medium bodied Italian Sangiovese wine is fruit forward and lower in alcohol content, making it the perfect porch wine.

I am delighted to bring you my Karen Birmingham Rose of Sangiovese Wine Review. It may not be spring, but planning to purchase your spring and summer wines in the next few months is a good idea.

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Perfect for a spring or summer porch dinner, Birmingham’s Rose of Sangiovese is crisp, refreshing, and light. It is the perfect compliment to a light meal. Just chill, pour, and enjoy.

The Lodi grown, medium bodied Italian Sangiovese wine is fruit forward and lower in alcohol content, making it the perfect porch wine.

Where You Find The Wine

I am a big fan of Nakedwines.com. They create a marketing and delivery opportunity for small, independent winemakers by offering essentially a group retail outlet. Your Angel subscription will help support dedicated winemakers around the world. When you click on the Nakedwines.com link, you will receive a $100 discount voucher on Angel prices when you spend $159.99 or more on your first order.

Not sure where to start your wine journey, check out this list of gifts for your favorite wine lover.

Karen Birmingham Rose of Sangiovese Wine Review

Details About the wine

This yummy Rose is currently sold out, but according to Birmingham, “I’m finishing up the 2020 vintage, getting it ready for bottling in January. If you want to add this to your spring enjoyment, don’t wait too long after it comes out.”

Chill, pour, enjoy with grilled fish and crunchy veggies for a relaxing summer dinner. Storing wine in a stand alone wine frig is the best way to keep it at optimum temperature. I like this KUPPET 27 bottle wine chiller from Amazon. It’s freestanding – so you don’t have to worry about installing it under the counter.

Wrap up

While this lovely Rose is out of stock you can choose other wines by this talented wine maker like her Lodi Barbera 2019 or her California Petite Sirah 2018

While we are in the throws of winter, I hope this helps you plan for your summer stock. This Karen Birmingham Rose of Sangiovese Wine Review hopefully gets you in the summer-on-the-porch mood.

Don’t forget to check out the great deals available at nakedwines.com. Angels come in all shapes and sizes!

Gifts For Your Favorite Wine Lover

Wine lovers are easy to buy for — they readily consume your gift, sometimes sharing with you! How great is that. This list of gifts for your favorite wine lover includes some of my all time favorites.

The Wine

I love trying new wines and Wine Of The Month Club is a fun way to explore new and exciting wineries. Two summers ago, I had an extended house guest last year, when she finally got her living situation sorted out, she sent me a six month membership to the Wine of the Month Club. I loved every bottle.

One of my favorite vintners is 90+ Cellars. Their Old Vine Malbec is amazing and well under $20 which makes it the perfect upscale wine as a hostess gift or for a small diner party. I like to keep a case on-hand so I have a bottle to give….or enjoy.

Want to add an interesting twist to your wine gift giving, Cratejoy offers over a dozen different wine gifting options. Now that’s what I call a selection. Bring on the bubbly!

The Wine Accessories

My number one Christmas request this year is a Wine Frig. I definitely want one that is free standing, not interested in reconstruction in the kitchen! This one holds 12 bottles, more than enough for a fun party!

Another hot item is this Wine Genius Wine Opener with a Vacuum Sealer. With the vacuum cork sealer, your wine will stay fresher longer. That might ruin your excuse for another glass to finish the bottle before it goes bad. Sorry.

No matter what you choose, your wine loving recipient will be overjoyed at your thoughtful gift. I really enjoyed putting together some of my favorite wine ideas with this list of gifts for your favorite wine lover. Cheers!

Hope you enjoy the journey,

Sandi

PS Check out my Nakedwines.com unboxing on YouTube.

Miller Petite Sirah Review

Of course, a good red wine should be chilled about 20 minutes before opening. Let this wine breath a bit, another 20 minutes, before enjoying a glass with friends

F. stephen miller angels reserve lodi petite sirah

Several months ago, we opened our first bottle of the 2019 Lodi Petite Sirah. I served it with steak and potatoes, a good Saturday-night-at-home meal. My Miller Petite Sirah review in a nut shell: the boldness of the wine was a perfect match for the meal. It was smooth and soft on the palate and provided a dark fruity flavor. It would pair great with a sharp cheese, hearty nuts, and great conversation.

Of course, a good red wine should be chilled about 20 minutes before opening. Let this wine breath a bit, another 20 minutes, before enjoying a glass with friends.

It’s not often I purchase several bottles of a wine after tasting it, but the Miller Lodi Petite Sirah is on the list every time I order more wine.

F. Stephen Miller

Stephen has been making wines for almost 40 years. He told Nakedwines “I really try to make each wine an accurate reflection of what was special with the vineyards that year! Really I try to make honest wines that are easy to appreciate while maintaining varietal integrity for the region they originate from. They are drinking friendly.”

Lodi’s wine

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F. Stephen Miller’s Angel Reserve Petite Sirah is from the Lodi Appellation in California. About 60 miles east of Napa Valley sits Lodi, home to 100 year old vines that produce earthy grapes with a smoky and fruity essence.

Coupon offer

I have the opportunity to share a $100 off coupon good for new customers to Nakedwines.com. Try your first case at a steep discount with this coupon. If you love exploring wines, you will be hooked.

Their service brings more unique wines to the public, dubbed their “Angels.” This gives the vintners a much wider marketing reach and allows them to keep producing great wines.

As a Naked Wines Angel, you will be helping small vineyards move forward with your monthly subscription and you receive a free bottle of wine in your account every order month.

When I opened my first case from Nakedwines.com, I was expecting to see lots of young wines that were still in the aging process. That, however, was not the case. These wines are full bodied and ready to enjoy.

Akiyoshi chardonnay — Well packaged and fun to open!

Here is what I know about wine. Everyone’s palate is different. We all have our own preferred tastes. The opinions expressed here are mine alone. I’m just a girl who loves wine.

Chardonnay Wine Review — Cork by Nakedwines.com

Hope you enjoyed this Miller Petite Sirah Review.

p.s. If you enjoy wine and wine reviews visit this reivew of the Gloria Ferrer Vineyards.

For wines at their best temperature, a wine cooler is key. This counter top model from NutriChef fits into any kitchen or home bar. When purchasing a wine frig, opt for a dual control since your reds and whites should be stored at different temperatures.

Montaria Reserva Lente Wine Review

My goal is to taste the wine, make notes, and then check out other reviews. In this case it backfired a little bit.

Montaria Reserva Lente Wine Review

My goal is to taste the wine, make notes, and then check out other reviews. In this case it backfired a little bit.

Typically I open my red wine when I start cooking, so it usually has about 30 minutes to breath – this one might have had only 15 minutes. When I looked at the makers recommendations, it suggests 1-2 hours of breathing time – oops!

The Montaria Reserva was still lovely although just a bit sharp. This I’m sure would be taken care of if I had opened it sooner. And, of course, by the end of the bottle we were loving it.

Rich and full bodied, it paired well with a spicy bolognese over zucchini noodles topped with Asiago cheese. The current and deep fruity flavor brought me back to Portugal.

Portugal’s wine

Portugal is home to some amazing vineyards. I was lucky enough to visit several in the Alentejo region on my last trip.

Luis Vieira’s vineyard is from the Alentejo (Lente) Region where the plains meet the sea in sun-soaked harmony. Grape and olive groves cover the landscape with a lush green carpet. If you have a chance to visit, please go.

MONTARIA RESERVA LENTE WINE REVIEW — Em in Portugal

The grapes used in this vintage according to Nakewines.com are “Trincadeira for a soft, oh-so-smooth mouthfeel, Aragonez (aka Tempranillo) for its trademark savoriness, and Alicante Boushet for that full, fresh, mouth-filling fruitiness. A little aging in fancy French oak barrels and voilà – Portuguese perfection!”

Coupon offer

I have the opportunity to share a $100 off coupon good for new customers to Nakedwines.com. Try your first case at a steep discount with this coupon. If you love exploring wines, you will be hooked.

Their service brings more unique wines to the public, dubbed their “Angels.” This gives the vintners a much wider marketing reach and allows them to keep producing great wines.

Here is what I know about wine. Everyone’s palate is different. We all have our own preferred tastes. The opinions expressed here are mine alone. I’m just a girl who loves wine.

Hope you are enjoying your journey.

Sandi

p.s. If you enjoy wine and wine reviews visit this reivew of the Gloria Ferrer Vineyards.

Akiyoshi Chardonnay

Here is what I know about wine. Everyone’s palate is different. We all have our own preferred tastes. I’m just a girl who loves wine.

The first bottle out of my Nakedwines.com starter case was David Akiyoshi’s Reserve Clarksburg Chardonnay 2018. Nakedwines.com markets, bottles, and sells wines for boutique wineries. Their service brings more unique wines to the public, dubbed their “Angels.” This gives the vintners a much wider marketing reach and allows them to keep producing great wines.

The chardonnay

David Akiyoshi’s Chardonnay was buttery smooth with a pleasant mellow finish followed by a tartness at the back of the throat. It paired well with the Cotija-Avocado Risotto we served. This well rounded wine would be perfect with a light white fish or creamy pasta.

The Akiyoshi Chardonnay was Sue Lie Aged which is when the wine stays in contact with either the yeast lees or the grape lees. Lees are residual deposits, mostly dead yeast, that are left in the bottom of the aging vat. Done correctly, the lees add a richness and complexity to the wine.

Coupon offer

I have the opportunity to share a $100 off coupon good for new customers to Nakedwines.com. Try your first case at a steep discount with this coupon. If you love exploring wines, you will be hooked.

Their service brings more unique wines to the public, dubbed their “Angels.” This gives the vintners a much wider marketing reach and allows them to keep producing great wines.

Here is what I know about wine. Everyone’s palate is different. We all have our own preferred tastes. The opinions expressed here are mine alone. I’m just a girl who loves wine.

If you enjoy wine and wine reviews visit this review of Payadores a Sauvignon Blanc.

Elixir Crystal White Wine Glasses – for the person who enjoys a nice sip now and again.

Gloria Ferrer Winery Review

When you want to try some great wines and are in Sonoma Valley, be sure to visit the Gloria Ferrer Winery. You will be happy you did.

Gorgeous rolling hills lined with neat verdant rows of trained vines paint a beautiful picture with the bright blue sky anchoring the canvas. We were in search of amazing wines in the Carneros wine region. Here we discovered one of the most beautiful wineries and below is my Gloria Ferrer Winery review of our visit.

The Winery

Acres and acres of grape vines line the road leading to the stunning Gloria Ferrar winery compound. The massive California style wood and stone architecture imparts a feeling of elegant and rustic granduer.

The Tour

Our tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. She escorted us from the anti room, to the barrel holding room where they host lavish parties. Hosting a private dinner with perfectly paired wines would be a luxurious way to entertain friends and family.

We moved on to the bar and tasting room overlooking the production area. As you sip a glass of their world famous Cuvee, you can explore the wine making process. The history of the Gloria Ferrer family and their long love affair with great wines is fascinating.

These grapes from the vineyard’s wines were super sweet and delicious! Harvesting these beauties by hand is a herculean task. At Gloria Ferrer they not only harvest their grapes by hand, they harvest them at night. Harvesting under the star studded California sky adds a touch of romance to the story, but practically, it helps preserve the beautiful grapes.

The famous Ferrer caves where they store the Cuvee in naturally cooled cellars is a special treat. A brunch or luncheon date with the perfect wine pairing on the stunning grounds should be on every wine lover’s bucket list.

The Wine

My favorite wine at Gloria Ferrer was the 2015 Jose Ferrer Selection Chardonnay at $40 a bottle, it is not inexpensive, but for a special dinner with friends – it would be perfect.

If you want to try some great wines when you are in Sonoma Valley, be sure to visit the Gloria Ferrer Winery. The wine tour is like attending a party. You will be happy you did.

I hope your enjoyed our Gloria Ferrer Winery Review. We certainly enjoyed tasting all their spectacular wines.

Here is to getting lost in the journey.

Sandi

Wine Review – Mira Vos

I’m just a girl who loves to try wine – I’m not an expert – for sure!

I’m just a girl who loves to try wine – I’m not an expert – for sure! I hope you enjoy my Wine Review of Mira Vos.

My sister sent my me a six month subscription to The Wine of The Month Club as a thank you. She had a lag in coordinating all her moving dates together, so she bunked with my family for a few months.

This is a great gift because Chris (hubby) and I love to try new wines. The first box arrived this week and the red wine was a Syrah, Mira Vos from Mendoza, Argentina. It is a young wine, 2018, as you can imagine the flavors haven’t had time to develop and as with most young wines, you need to get past the acidic young wine aftertaste.

With the box was the Bunch of Grapes Newsletter containing lots of great information about the wines. We also received a bottle of Payadores from Chile – the topic of another blog once we open it! It is fun to taste and consider how to write the Wine Review of Mira Vos.

The tastes suggested for this wine are cinnamon, tart cherries, raspberry and some floral notes. I definitely tasted the tart cherries and Chris tasted the cinnamon. The color was a beautiful claret. This wine would be great with a dark meat heavy dish like lamb. Since I am basically a vegetarian – I drank it with a yummy Brie and it was fabulous!

The newsletter stated “50% of them (the grapes) received thermoflash winemaking, and the other 50% received tradition viticulture”. According to ADVISOR Wind Industry Network Blog, “Thermoflash, known widely in Europe as “flash détente”, is a process of thermovinification created during the 1990’s in France. It works by heating the must of crushed grapes to a set temperature (usually around 185°F/85°C) then sending the hot grapes to a high vacuum chamber where temperature drops quickly causing some of the liquid in the must to “flash” into steam. The rapid expansion of steam causes the cell walls of the vacuoles in the skins to break open allowing immediate color and tannin extraction while also releasing aromatic compounds.” Wow! That is a process I haven’t seen before. Maybe when we get to France later this year, it will be in use at one of the vineyards we visit.

I enjoyed this young Mira Vos, it’s sharp notes and even the acidic finish. A good wine for a modest budget.

Cheers!

Sandi

The opinions about this wine are mine alone.

Wine Review – Payadores

Payadores, a Sauvignon Blanc from Valle Central, Chile

Payadores, a Sauvignon Blanc from Valle Central, Chile, was the second bottle I recieved in my Wine of the Month Club January 2019 shipment. I hope you enjoy my wine review – Payadores as much as I did preparing to write it!

I’m just a girl who loves wine and these opinions are 100% my own. Everyone chooses a wine for different reasons – type, label, history, etc. Sometimes the wine is a gift, sometimes it’s what you can afford, most of the time it is a fun journey.

My sister was staying withus for three months while in a housing transition. Her thank you gift was a 6 month subscription to the Wine of the Month Club! She knows me well. One of my favorite things to do is try new wines.

According to the accompanying newsletter, Bunch of Grapes, Payadores has “A sweet, bright bouquet; reveals notes of white flower, ripe nectarine, lychee and lemongrass.”

My first sip thoughts were: WOW – so bright, so smooth. second sip found a floral note with an acidic taste. It coated my tounge slightly. I’m not sure I could pull out lychee because I have never had one – hmmmmm! I did get floral and lemongrass.

Wine and Food

I paired it with a recipie from Ina Garten of the Food Network; Roasted Vegetable Soup with Brioche Croutons (and I added a little shredded parmesan cheese). Both the soup and the wine were excellent! The light, bright acidic wine was a nice foil to the full body of the roasted veggies, of course, it was perfect with the Brioche and Cheese!

I would buy this wine again, we have some Sauvignon Blanc drinkers in the crowd. I hope you enjoyed my wine review – Payadores. If you want to try this wine, or give a great gift to your favorite wine lover, check out Wine of the Month Club!

Lost in the Journey

Sandi

Guinness And Baby Guinness

Do you Love beer? Do you Love Guinness? Do you want to learn the correct way to pour a perfect Guinness? Do you dream of going to Dublin?

Do you Love beer? Do you Love Guinness and Baby Guinness? Want to learn the correct way to pour a perfect Guinness? Ever dream of going to Dublin? This post is for you!

We made our trip special with a private Connoisseur Bar tasting, The Guinness Connoisseur Experience – you can view their promo video: https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/connoisseur-experience

We sampled the Guinness Draft, of course, the Guinness Extra Stout, the Guinness Dublin Porter, Guinness Rye Pale Ale, and several others. It was a transporting experience, the dark wood paneled bar, an enchanting Irish storyteller-bartender with a thick brogue, the historical photos, mood lighting, intimate crowd, and the amazing beers!

Guinness and a Baby Guinness - At the Bar — Connoisseur Bar

We had a lesson on how to pour a Guinness correctly and got a chance to give it a try and pour one for ourself. If you love beer, this is a tour for you. We had tastings, a full pour of our own and then a coupon for another Guinness in the rooftop bar. Don’t go on an empty stomach!

Baby Guinness

Let’s talk Baby Guinness’s! You will need some Kahlua (or coffee liqueur) and Bail3y’s Irish Creme, a shot glass and a small spoon.

How to make a Baby Guinness

In a shot glass, pour the coffee liqueur. Invert a spoon and place it over the opening of the shot glass. Slowly pour the Irish Cream over the spoon. The goal is to have the Irish Cream will float on top of the coffee liqueur, creating the look of a tiny beer.

Visit Dublin for a day or two, that’s enough! Go to the Guinness Storehouse, The Temple Bar, and enjoy a small cafe to watch the crowd go by.
Slán is beannacht!