wine of the week

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On our recent trip to Asheville, we ran out of time to visit the Biltmore Estate and decided to definitely save it for our next trip. We’d heard from many people that it takes at least a few hours to tour properly, and with the extreme heat we enjoyed, we figured we would also have needed to build in rest breaks.

That didn’t stop me from tasting Biltmore wine, however. (You know me better than that!)

biltmore estate brut sparkling Before we checked into our house rental, we made a stop at the local grocery store to stock up on breakfast items and celebratory drinks. I was so excited to see that they sold Biltmore Estate Brut Sparkling Wine. Did you know that the Biltmore Estate has America’s most visited winery?

biltmore estate brut sparkling

With the Estate being involved in so many things, I wasn’t sure what to expect of the wine. This sparkling wine was made in the traditional Champagne method, and as such had those yeasty, bread-y notes that I love in Champagne, along with notes of honey, vanilla, and citrus. Lots of tiny bubbles and a celebratory spirit made this wine one that will most definitely stand out in my Asheville memories and makes me want to do a full tasting experience at Biltmore. The tasting notes say it pairs well with seafood, but as a brunch drink, we paired it with salty bacon and eggs. Bacon and bubbly has become my favorite pairing as of late, and I look forward to the weekend for an excuse to enjoy the two.

The Biltmore Estate also has a marathon on property that I may or may not have considered over the past couple of years. . . We’ll wait until after Chicago to see about that!

Tags: Asheville, bubbly, sparkling wine, Travel, wine, wine of the week

Ever flip-flopping temperatures have confused my plants, my wardrobe, and my palate. I’ve been vacillating between crisp summery whites and sundresses and hooded sweatshirts and hearty reds. I really don’t mind an excuse to taste a delicious red wine, especially when it’s a beautiful cool evening that’s warm enough for grilling.

14 Hands Red Blend

I received this 14 Hands 2014 Stampede Red Blend as a sample. A blend that consists of Syrah, Merlot, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvèdre, this wine was all berries with a touch of tobacco, baking spices, and dried leaves. Super velvety, juicy, and bursting with round cherry flavor, it was nice and dry and left a long finish, thanks to the earthier notes.

We paired it with grilled Portobello mushrooms and London Broil over salad, the meat and mushrooms pairing perfectly with the wine. Cozied up in sweaters but enjoying the lush green of our back yard, we savored a bit of both seasons as we patiently wait for summer’s arrival.

Tags: red wine, wine, wine blogger, wine of the week, Wine Wednesday

Rosé nestled in a bed of green grass in the sun. . . it’s what I am dreaming of these days. I’m also dreaming of boat days, long weekends, sandy feet and salty hair, and garden fresh tomatoes and sunsets that stretch on and on.

As I look out the window, I see my slumped over seedlings and gray skies and wonder will we ever see the sun again? The struggle is real.

But we still have rosé, and that’s just a bit of sunshine in a bottle, a trip to France with the pop of a cork, a brief holiday from all of the worries of the everyday.

 domaine de la bastide cotes du rhone

This 2014 Domaine de la Bastide Côtes du Rhône Rosé was a last minute addition to our wine fridge last weekend, and it’s definitely a wine I would seek out again. Much like how I feel about this spring, I didn’t love this wine at first.

We opened it, and on initial inspection thought it had a vinegar-y nose. Once swirled around in the glass, however, that changed, and it was a delightful, dry wine with those chalky mineral notes I love from a rosé. It had some pretty floral notes as well, maybe rose petal, along with bright strawberry, and a nice crisp finish. Not too acidic, and with no overwhelming flavors, this wine is easy like a summer day and perfect for just that.

The price was definitely right. At $13 a bottle, this wine is great for Saturday afternoons on the patio or at the park or at the beach. . . you get my drift.

Signed,

Desperately Craving Summer

Tags: rhone, Rosé season, rose wine, wine, wine lover, wine of the week, Wine Wednesday

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