Friday, August 31, 2012

This is what happens when you try to write a wine blog and haven't been drinking.

I have not consumed a drop of alcohol in over two weeks.  Perhaps my timing could have been better but it's just a little late summer break to help cleanse the body & mind.  In the spirit of honesty, I do want a drink every single day and openly admit that I have a problem, it's called the LIRR.  Surprisingly, I have yet to cave.

Anyway...I found something interesting to write aside from silly reviews about my cheap frugal wine habits and drunken random day trips to the east end.  The WSJ was kind enough to recommend a free, yes free iPad/iPhone app for those who love wine but are perhaps too short on funds to afford paying the $1.99 average fee. It's called "Hello Vino" and is as user friendly as user friendly can be.  Hello Vino helps suggest a proper bottle of wine based on meal choice, cost, personal taste or region. It will even suggest a meal to go with a bottle you may already have in your rack. Each sub folder custom tailors choices based on your situation by asking  a series of basic questions which the HV app whittles down to a  final list of 3 distinct choices. The suggested wines are broken down into rated wines, random choices & value selections.  Each complete with a general description and average price per bottle.

Did you follow all of that?  I probably just made it more confusing than it really is.

Typically speaking, I like to do a little research before purchasing a bottle or sometimes even enjoy exploring the rows for something that peaks my interest.  Sadly, I am often in too much of a hurry to browse so this app helps take a lot of the guesswork out of choosing the right bottle of wine. It's simple and quick and is sincerely the best free wine app I've seen thus far.  If you're looking for ease, this should be your one and only stop.  But don't take it from me, download it today and see for yourself. 

Although I haven't actually tried the wines they suggest, I'll be back in the saddle soon enough.  It might be perfectly suited to help find the right wine pairing with whatever you're grilling this Labor Day.  Or it might tell you that the bottle of Boone's Farms your sketchy neighbor brought over goes great with a hot dog that was dropped on the ground.  You never know?

Until next time...

Cheers,
ES


 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Last Night's Bottle - Croteaux - 2010 Chloe Rose Sauvignon Blanc

Let me start by saying if I haven't already that there is one clear favorite when it comes to L.I. wines.  The vineyard is Croteaux.  Modeled after the famed region of Provence, these guys have got it right.  From the friendly atmosphere to the quaint tasting room & french styled garden out back right down to every last nail in the refurbished barn, this is by far a must see when visiting the North Fork.  I will stop gushing there as I would prefer it remain a somewhat closely guarded secret among the 5 (or less) people that read this blog and hope it remains that way.

About the wine, it's good.  It's real good...especially if Rose is your thing.  I genuinely believe that aside from the bold reds we have grown accustomed to on Long Island, the production of Rose seems to be on the upswing.  And if it's not, it should be.  Buying the first bottle Croteaux Chloe Rose was originally more of a gimmick purchase for me simply because it's named after my dog.  The fact that the wine is amazing was very pleasant surprise.  For the sake of this being a wine blog and not a dog blog I should probably give you a quick brief of my notes.

My notes: Sweet with notes of ripe citrus and a subtle presence of rose petals.  Dainty, floral & extremely light.  Pleasant & refreshing with a long lasting yet not overzealous mouthful of grapefruit finish.

Simply put, you should all grab a bottle or case and see for yourself.  I sincerely doubt you will disapprove.  If you do, I will take the rest of what you don't finish (at no cost) and save it for myself. :)

In all seriousness, I have thoroughly enjoyed every single bottle of wine I have brought home from here. In addition to the countless hours I've spent lounging in the garden as if it were my own.  If you find yourself venturing east, be certain to make this a stop on your tour.  Although I won't tell you where exactly it is. Some things are better left a secret.

Until next time...
Cheers,
ES