The Jerez region of Spain is known for Sherry, good Sherry. I have never had Sherry, so no better way to start than with the best. I had purchased a bottle of Hidalgo Cream Alameda last week during my trip to The Spanish Table, so the next step was to figure out what to pair… Continue reading Sherry from Jerez with a side of shrimp
Category: World Tour of Wine
The Spanish Table – Helpful Service and Great Wine Selection
I wanted to continue my way through Spain the correct way (with good wine and food) - so, I headed down to The Spanish Table near the Pike Place Market. I knew they would have a good selection of wine and give me inspiration. I did my research before I went to the store. I… Continue reading The Spanish Table – Helpful Service and Great Wine Selection
Cava, The Penedes Region of Spain and Birthday Cake
I am back on my global wine trail. After many, many weeks of battling colds at my house, I finally feel re-energized (and can smell and taste) and ready to continue my journey through Spain. Last weekend was also my birthday - but I figured I would just make this whole month a celebration! And… Continue reading Cava, The Penedes Region of Spain and Birthday Cake
Chateau Miraval Under New Celebrity Ownership, Oh Jeez
When my husband informed me on Thursday that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie purchased Chateau Miraval, my first response was: "of course they did." I also assume they adopted a village of orphans and found a cure for some rare disease. #BitterMuch? I first stumbled upon Chateau Miraval and their Pink Floyd Rosé during my… Continue reading Chateau Miraval Under New Celebrity Ownership, Oh Jeez
La Mancha Wine Region, the Man and his Wine
By accident, I discovered the wine region of La Mancha in Spain. A while back, I had purchased a mystery box of wine from a company called Wine Insiders (thanks to Groupon). While most of the wines have left much to be desired (sorry Wine Insiders, but it's true), I decided to give a bottle… Continue reading La Mancha Wine Region, the Man and his Wine
Tempranillo from Rioja
Editor's Note: My first stop in Spain is the Rioja region, a large producer of Tempranillo wine. When it came to writing a post on this region, I instantly thought of my brother Seth Nichols, Editor of the Psychedelic Grape. One of his favorite grapes is Tempranillo, so he is the best person to give… Continue reading Tempranillo from Rioja
A Fond Adieu to France with a Grower Champagne Tasting
Before I start my journey into Spain, I wanted to close out my trip through France with my favorite French wine - Champagne. I recently participated in a "Grower Champagne" tasting. Grower Champagne, I learned, is when the Champagne is produced at the same estate where the grapes are grown. The winemaker has complete control… Continue reading A Fond Adieu to France with a Grower Champagne Tasting
Chateau Miraval Pink Floyd 2010 and Ratatouille
I have arrived at my final stop in France: Provence. I had to put my trip on hold for a week - I was suffering from a cold and could not taste or smell a thing. But now I am healthy and excited to continue my journey! I had been looking forward to this stop for… Continue reading Chateau Miraval Pink Floyd 2010 and Ratatouille
Domaine Courtois Cotes du Rhone Paired with Salade Lyonnaise Sandwich
I have arrived in the Rhone Valley and, like all of the French wine regions, there are many sub-regions. I decide to go with Lyon - mostly because it is the gastronomy capital of France. The first order of business is to figure out what to eat. Maybe it is because it is winter or… Continue reading Domaine Courtois Cotes du Rhone Paired with Salade Lyonnaise Sandwich
Silex Noir Vouvray and Fricassee de Poulet
One of the great outcomes of my wine and cuisine research are all the great people I am meeting and the different blogs that I am finding. I decided to make my next stop the Loire Valley, with a mission to try Vouvray. I made a trip to my local Wine store, West Seattle Cellars,… Continue reading Silex Noir Vouvray and Fricassee de Poulet
The Splendid Grape 