Drinking

Hello Wine Lovers!

I was on my way home the other day stuck in Chicago's construction traffic (We have two seasons... winter and construction) and was anticipating dinner and a cocktail and wine when I finally arrived home, and it struck me. Why not talk a little about my favorite cocktail... the martini. I figured this was a blog about wine and how wine fits into our lifestyles so I certainly know for me a cocktail fits into my lifestyle as well.

First let me start by saying you can't just drink a martini to be drinking one, you have to lead up to it. It is similar to making love to a beautiful woman, it takes all day, flirting, teasing sending her texts getting her to anticipate... and then make love to her. The martini is much the same way. You have to think about your day leading you back home to enjoy one! The right music should be playing, the correct lighting and atmosphere, the correct companion to enjoy it with, and most of all, your undivided attention and relaxation.

Oh and by the way, the classic martini is not some "Cosmo" sweet tasting thing that the girls drink on girl's night out. A true "broad" drinks a martini period. (One of the many reasons I married my beautiful bride) There are two stories of the martini here in America. One is the importing of vermouth from Italy named Martini & Rossi and a bartender mixed gin with it and called it the martini, approximately in the late 1800's.

The second is of the bartender's name was Martini and he tended bar at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City in 1911. I don't care which story you follow... just follow one; it makes for fun dinner conversation. The "Classic" martini is always made with gin and is stirred and not shaken. You may know a certain spy with the last name of Bond who liked his shaken and not stirred. (As I do) Some believe when you shake a quality gin or vodka you actually bruise it. A shaken martini is know as a "Bradford" and I will bet you the farm the next time you are in one of your favorite watering holes and order a "Bradford" the tender will not have a clue. The classic garnish is a plain old olive. I know there are plenty of different takes on this classic drink, but I got to tell you the original classic is the best! Remember, take the time to really enjoy one of these little babies and you won't be sorry.

Cheers!

J

A Tastey New Zealander

What's Up Wine Lovers!

Can you believe summer is over? The Labor Day weekend is here and summer will start to wind down and bring fall colors, cool weather, the smell of firewood burning, football and hearty food. Hearty food brings us big tannic wines that make us feel warm inside. Big over the top Cabernets, juicy Zinfandels, big Sangioveses from Tuscany and powerful Syrah's. That is why I am talking about today's entry, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough Region, Arona. Arona is a girl's name meaning "Colorful". This wine is bright and exuberant with a touch of pineapple and passion fruit with the typical intensity of a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, and a perfect match for the name. This wine is a perfect wine to celebrate summer winding down, perfect for the patio or as an aperitif before dinner. This will set you back $8.99 a bottle at your favorite wine shop, not a big investment and a pretty good pop for your buck. I would suggest you go buy a few bottles to keep you company for those last days of warm weather.

Have fun this weekend and remember to celebrate Labor Day!

Cheers!

J