I feel like my COVID blog posts have really been a reflection of the current times:
- On a more flexible schedule
- Based on what I’m thinking about each month and a bit more fluid
- More on a “back to basics” theme
I hope you’ve been enjoying the “new” way I’ve been treating the blog, and I hope it’s been a help to you in these interesting times.
If you’re like me, you’ve been missing travel and going to favorite restaurant spots (and not just getting takeout). But, I’ve been happy to find a few ways to “travel” from the comfort of your own home. Like trying new wines and spirits!
Wines I’m trying
I did some online shopping at my favorite local wine store last week, and I’m very excited to try these wines (and 1 port!) soon. And they were all under $20! So, here they are:
- Picpoul de Pinet (Domaine La Grangette)– I recently read about this light white wine being the “white t-shirt of wine,” so I’m excited to try it! Perhaps with a nice pre-dinner cheese plate?!
- Cote Roannaise (Les Originelles, Domaine Robert Serol)– This is a random red that I found on my wine store’s site that just sounded wonderful. French, check. Gamay, check. Loire Valley, check.
- Sauvignon Blanc (Beyond, Buitenverwachting) – I’m a sav blanc lover, but I’ve never had one from South Africa. This one hopped into my online cart, and the citrus tasting notes sound divine! This is also proof that I don’t just buy French wine.
- Cremant d’Alsace (Charles Baur)– I’m pretty picky about my bubbly as someone who likes lighter wine and is not a fan of Chardonnay. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by other French bubbly varieties in the past, and this Cremant is no exception. It’s perfect with or without food and great to share with friends or family.
- Cremant d’Loire (Domaine Cady)– While I was searching for the above Cremant, I came across this Loire version and just had to get it. When we were last in the Loire Valley, we loved starting our meals with a nice crisp white bubbly from the region, so I’m hoping this is reminiscent of that.
- Cotes de Gascogne Rouge (Domaine Laballe)– I think we’ve had a white from the producer of this red, so I thought it was worth a try (and it’s got a nice bottle label). This is another fruity (berry) French one that I think will be a treat as we dive into the fall months.
And a port!
- Fine Tawny Port (Andresen)– We recently had a staycation and nice dinner out at a local hotel and spa, where I rediscovered my love of port to finish out a meal. I was very intrigued by the tasting notes on this one: candied ginger and toasted caramel – yum!
I hope you wine drinkers gain some inspiration for traveling through some new bottles!