Last night I kissed goodbye my 8 year old. Tucked in the sheets around him. Turned out the lights and finished my evening. This morning, I kissed hello my 9 year old. We talked about the wonderful memories we have of each age ... I realize how we die to each day, emerging anew with advancing experience.
So it is we celebrate with cupcakes! For this and any special occasion, I recommend Frost Me Sweet in Richland, Washington. Not only are the cakes delicious and delightful, but the company is environmentally conscientious. They are a green business with a sweet story!
On another occasion, you might enjoy the Bistro menu at Frost Me Sweet. It includes a variety of small plates and local wines! This is a perfect spot to visit after a stroll along the Parkway. Or before a show. The Richland Players are at it again. My Three Angels will entertain us in November.
Linger, laugh, live it up in Tri Cities.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Yummy Wine ... Better Defined
I am still ruminating over the education event ten of us attended at Goose Ridge Estates winery. Hosted by Steven Womack, we were guided through the winemaking process from seeds of the vines to bottling. Variations in the process for whites versus reds were outlined. And we got to taste Malbec grapes off the vine.
Then we sauntered indoors to gather around the barrels. Here Steven poured a splash of white wine for each of us, handing it over with the firm command "don't drink it yet." First we were told to look at the wine. The rim color if greenish for whites or purplish for reds will indicate younger wines versus golden amber or burgundy brown shades, respectively. Swirl the wine and watch the "legs" drip down the inside of the glass. These indicate alcohol levels - more legs, more alcohol.
Next we were instructed to take in the aroma. Swirl the wine to release molecules that provide the aroma or bouquet. And then, with your nose about 1/2 inch above the rim, sniff with mouth slightly open. This provides the fullest scent intake without overwhelming the senses to the point one cannot smell at all. Take a quick whiff for initial impressions and then a deeper smell before you sit back and evaluate. The flavors you find are from the grape, the barrels, and the fermentation process.
Now, we are finally ready to taste. We are looking for a balance between sweetness and acidity; agreeably proportionate fruit, acid, and wood flavors. Take an initial sip to awaken your senses. Taste it more fully; swish it in your mouth to cover taste buds. Draw in some air and consider the characteristics. And finally ponder the aftertaste - how long does the flavor last in your mouth? what are the flavors you recognize?
Declare your conclusions about quality and maturity. More importantly, tell us whether you liked the wine!
There are lots of opportunities to gather over wine for education, entertainment, or for pure enjoyment. Daily communion in Tri Cities.
Then we sauntered indoors to gather around the barrels. Here Steven poured a splash of white wine for each of us, handing it over with the firm command "don't drink it yet." First we were told to look at the wine. The rim color if greenish for whites or purplish for reds will indicate younger wines versus golden amber or burgundy brown shades, respectively. Swirl the wine and watch the "legs" drip down the inside of the glass. These indicate alcohol levels - more legs, more alcohol.
Next we were instructed to take in the aroma. Swirl the wine to release molecules that provide the aroma or bouquet. And then, with your nose about 1/2 inch above the rim, sniff with mouth slightly open. This provides the fullest scent intake without overwhelming the senses to the point one cannot smell at all. Take a quick whiff for initial impressions and then a deeper smell before you sit back and evaluate. The flavors you find are from the grape, the barrels, and the fermentation process.
Now, we are finally ready to taste. We are looking for a balance between sweetness and acidity; agreeably proportionate fruit, acid, and wood flavors. Take an initial sip to awaken your senses. Taste it more fully; swish it in your mouth to cover taste buds. Draw in some air and consider the characteristics. And finally ponder the aftertaste - how long does the flavor last in your mouth? what are the flavors you recognize?
Declare your conclusions about quality and maturity. More importantly, tell us whether you liked the wine!
There are lots of opportunities to gather over wine for education, entertainment, or for pure enjoyment. Daily communion in Tri Cities.
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