Rosé All Day !

                                           Looking for a gastronomic Rosé?   Look no further.

If you’re looking for summer in a bottle, I’ve got some quality Rosés for you.  There are three countries represented in this lineup, as well as a variety of different grapes to sample.   Two are from France’s Provence region---at the moment, the world's most famous area for Rosé production.  Another option in the mix is a “volcano” wine grown on the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily.  The last one is from California’s Anderson Valley in the northern wine region.  These are all serious Rosés.  All are about $20 and are superbly crafted wines.

Listed in alpha order….

                                     Provence's Tavel wine region is known for Rosé

Chateau d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé

This version is a full-bodied, almost opulent Rosé.  In some ways, it’s more like a light wine red than a Rosé.   A bend of seven grapes (heavy on the Grenache, the main grape of nearby Chateauneuf du Pape), expect summer strawberries mixed with an interesting array of earth flavors such as lavender and herbs.

                      Chateau la Coste features wine, food, and overnight lodging in Provence

Chateau la Coste Rosé

Another Provence-based Rosé, this one is an equally well-crafted wine.  Also Grenache based, this wine has received numerous international awards.  It’s a complex wine with intense red berry fruit and peach layers.  Want a gastronomic wine to welcome summer?  This is it!

                     Mt Etna's terroir is one of the most unusual of any of Europe's wine regions

Graci Etna Rosato Rosé

Grown in the mineral-laden soil of Europe’s most active volcano, this Etna Rosé is a great way to kick off a summer party.  Offering an interesting blend of stone fruit, citrus, savory herbs, and minerals, it's made from a native grape unknown outside of Sicily (Nerello Mascalese).  Indeed, it's a magnifico way to greet summer.

                            Sonoma County is home to the best of California's Pinots

Long Meadow Ranch Pinot Noir Rosé

The only California Rosé in the group, this wine is another internationally awarded Rosé.  A cut above many others in the state, this one offers succulent red fruit such as raspberries and cherries with a touch of citrus.  A perfect aperitif, it can also pair beautifully with a dinner of salmon, pork or chicken.

Have a Rosé-all-day summer!

Not Your Mother’s Deviled Eggs

Summer is just around the corner.   My childhood memories of summer meant family trips to a nearby park---which just happened to be the first county park in all of California.  Mooney’s Grove, an enduring park dotted with grand old oaks, historic buildings and a lagoon with boats, always meant terrific fun with my brother and sister in what seemed like the world’s best spot for “hide-and-seek.”  But, it also meant mother’s deviled eggs (and an old-fashioned freezer of her homemade vanilla ice cream.)

To this day, deviled eggs remain one of my favorite comfort foods.  I have them for lunch as a special treat, and on occasion serve them as an appetizer topped with shrimp, smoked salmon or even simply pickled red onions and chives.  I always make more than I need for the purpose of leftovers, however, there is rarely one left.  Seems everyone loves deviled eggs.

The inspiration for this recipe came from having three avocado trees, and my love for a little spice.  Replacing mayonnaise with the avocados & a little Greek yogurt also made make this version more healthy.  

Ingredients:

6 hard boiled eggs, peeled

1 Tablespoon Greek yogurt

1 Tablespoon Sriracha 

1 small avocado

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt & pepper

Chopped chives, green onions or cilantro

Dash of smoked paprika

 

Instructions:

Cut cooked eggs in half and remove yolks.  Mix yolks with all ingredients except chopped herbs.  Fill cooked whites with yolk mixture.  Top with freshly chopped herbs & finished with smoked paprika. 

Bon appetit!

Are You Worth You Salt?

   2 spots are available on our September Mallorcan tour where we'll visit a gourmet sea salt producer
 

Salt and history have been inextricably linked for millennia.   As far back as 6,000 BC salt has been an important part of countless civilizations.   The Egyptians used salt for religious offerings while building the pyramids.   The Phoenicians were using salt as a form of currency in extensive trade throughout their Mediterranean empire more than 1000 BC.   The Romans paid their wages in salt, hence, the origin of the word “salary,” which literally means “salt money.”   

Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient and medieval times as people depended upon salt to preserve food.  Historical evidence shows that salt mining was carried out even in the Neolithic age.   If you’re looking for a fascinating read during the pandemic, look no further than Mark Kurlansky’s book, Salt:  a World History.  Who would have ever thought such a common item as today’s table salt could have influenced the establishment of historical trade routes and cities, provoked and financed wars, and even inspired revolutions?

        A Mallorcan Michelin star chef  is now selling premium sea salt with the island's wild herbs

Even today in the poorest countries of Africa, salt is still largely regarded as a currency for trade.  Undeniably, the history of salt has left an indelible mark on cultures around the globe.   Come with Wine-Knows to Mallorca island September 24-October 1st to see a fascinating millenniums-old method for producing sea salt.

www.WineKnowsTravel.com

Seville & Granada in Your Glass

            Your table is waiting on Wine-Knows' October tour to Granada & Seville (only 2 spots)

In the past twenty years Granada and Seville have catapulted their way onto the list of the most beloved cities of Europe, garnering top awards from both Travel & Leisure  and Conde Naste.   In addition to stunning Moorish palaces, spectacular cathedrals featuring a mix of Gothic and Arabesque architecture, and seductive medieval quarters reminiscent of a northern African casbah, both Granada and Seville also have much to offer the wine lover.   Their wines are on the rise and are worthy of far greater attention then they have received.

                            Granada is a treasure trove for history, art, architecture & foodies

Granada and Seville's dry wines, typically out-shadowed by the Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines of the north, have stepped up on their quality spectrum.  These two southern cities belong to the Andalusian wine region.   Robert Parker gave his first 90-something point score to an Andalusian dry red wine in 2006, and the awards have kept coming.  Prices are real bargains considering their caliber.

      Centuries-old wineries are upping their ante with technology & university prepared winemakers 

Below is a list of four red wines from Andalusia that are especially noteworthy.  If you're coming to Granada and Seville with Wine-Knows this October why not order a few bottles online to get you in the mood for what to expect?  If you have not signed up, we still have two spots available!   

                               Seville is an intersection of food, wine, & culture  

    ~Huerta de Albala, Taberner---this Syrah masterpiece resulted in Parker’s first recognition of the area’s quality dry wine potential.

   ~ Cortijo Los Aguilares, Tadeo---made from Petite Verdot, this Bordeaux grape translates into an elegant wine in Andalusian soil.

   ~ Bodega Irving, Shiraz---a powerful multi-layered wine.

Viva Seville & Granada!