misa en place

Carissimi,

Labor Day has passed, the short week has left me wondering what day it really is, the kids are back on the playground while the principal is on the PA, and though the leaves have not turned (nor will they ever) it is autunno. The evening still feels cozy as we listen to Mimicking Birds and I peruse picture books while the leftovers heat up. The only real work going on is the Epicuro taste-off, which is probably the most enjoyable and most important work I’ve gotten done today

First step in the booged-out Italian wine project, look at this photo:

One of these is things is not like the other...

I have two bottles of the always reliable Epicuro label open: the Aglianico of 2007 and the Salice Salentino of 2005. The Aglianico is my recent favorite (to help me over the urge to open my precious bottles of Chariot Gypsy) and the Salice seemed the next obvious choice. Was not a huge fan of the Nero d’Avola, despite many recommendations.

If you carefully examine the picture above, you will notice that one bottle seems a bit more empty…. The Aglianico is an amazingly drinkable red that also pairs nicely with food that straddles the border between late summer and early fall. Tomatoes, eggplants, late summer squash, and some leafy greens. It is pairing wonderfully with this mac & goat cheese + swiss chard. The Salentino, on the other hand, is less drinkable and might need a more robust pairing with grilled meats or hearty stews. Have to confirm that later when I go kill my own wild boar and make a September sugo.

A presto,
SAC

Carissimi,
It has been a long day of dissertating, which merits a nice glass of wine alongside the piles of books and fitfully scribbled notes per a recent discussion with my professor. The weather is taking a turn and starting to cool down (I hope for good) and the days seem to be shorter. Took a run/hike in Griffith park after a theory-induced headache had set in: the air had a crispness and the light had an amber quality that reminded me that it is already September. Tonight I am enjoying a new Malbec find from Fresh & Easy – the 2008 Ambas Malbec for $4.99.

books and booze

This completely blows my last TJ’s Malbec find (Black Mountain) out of the barrel for just a dollar more. Upon opening I got an immediate whiff of cinnamon spiciness and vanilla, perfect for my spicy margherita pizza con rucola or for the leftover peach/blackberry crisp in the fridge. Very versatile. Best wishes to everyone on the slow transition to bigger reds as the cooler weather begins to taunt us.
A presto,
SAC

Carissimi,

It is almost the end of summer and it is sad to say I have not been keeping up with my vinoblogging duties. Either too busy or too busy drinking. Summer started off with the sensational find of the Chariot Gypsy: glad that I bought almost a case and am now hoarding it in the closet. Problem? I want to drink it all the time. Suitable replacements a must at this point if I am going to make it through that harsh LA winter (hilarious, I know) with a nice stash of damn-good drinking red. Question now? What to drink when it is in the 80s and humid and my red wines have to snooze in the fridge to reach drinkable temperature? I’ve been consistently turning to one $4 wine from Trader Joe’s: a French SauvBlanc – Kiwi Cuvée (2007).

It hails from the Loire Valley and its label says “grassy and gooseberry aromas,” which I have to confirm and “luf.” Since I have recently lowered my purchasing limit to $5, this wine is an excellent value that satisfies my craving for a New Zealand-style SB. I do not know how long the hot weather and wildfires will last but perhaps I should snatch up a case of this in case the Santa Ana winds appear in September.

A presto,
SAC

Carissimi,
Allora, it is true that I spent a good deal of March traveling in the UK and then on to Milano to visit MM herself. Needless to say we partook in a lot of culinary adventures and old favorites, and I drank my way through several lunchtime house wines and stumbled upon a reasonably priced Barolo. Though, I have to say, the standout wines of my entire trip were some amazing Malbecs had in England that either renewed or sparked my interest in them. Upon my return, I’ve tried the $3 Black Mountain from TJs and found it (both times) extremely “bechy.” So tonight, on my whim shopping trip to Whole Foods because they were donating a portion to my favorite public radio station KCRW, I “splurged” on a $7 Vida Organica 2008 Malbec from Argentina. You know, for philanthropy. Which do I prefer? Surprisingly, the Black Mountain has more of that plummy, jammy flavor that I am coming to luf (aka “love”). I have to give credit to MM for the Malbec interest… only in my old age (of 29) have I truly come to appreciate the ‘Bechs.
A presto (ve lo giuro),
SAC

Josh and I made it in for the last day of Carnevale in Venice.  Amazing – like halloween, but more exotic.

SAC and I ventured to Torino – she to visit the Film Museum and I to travel to Eataly, the gastronomic super-store/museum/gorgefest. I found the city to be far more beautiful than I imagined, with snow-capped mountains framing the grand buildings that line old-town Torino.  It’s entirely walkable, with wide cobble-stoned streets and easy to follow maps posted for when you get lost. I can’t wait to go back.

Never let the lack of an electric beater or mixer get in the way of whipping cream. At least when that whipped cream will be used in tiramisu, my all-time favorite Italian dessert that literally means “pick me up”.  I couldn’t agree more.

Recipe to follow.

Cari amici,
Saturday afternoon in idyllic Santa Barbara. Surf, sand, sweat: a nice run in the sun yielded views of both a pelican the size of Alan Iverson and the confirmation of the mythic nude beach (claimed years ago by my 93-year-old grandmother). A stiff glass of Sauvignon Blanc was in order upon my escape from the buff in SB. But the real news is all the fantastic red wines I have imbibed in the last week. Upon her departure to my adopted homeland of Italy, Misa graciously left me with several wine winners. The what-shall-go-unnamed reunion this weekend started with a 2005 Garnacha (Las Rocas de San Alejandro, $8 @ LA Wine Company). Pre-Pad Thai Perfect. New Year’s Eve was celebrated while cooking and quaffing a 2007 Cantine Colosi Nero D’Avola ($11, ibid). And in my scholastic solitude tonight, the Mil Piedras 2006 Malbec ($8) is fueling my long overdue foray into French New Wave film. Luckily I just heard my favorite line: Je suis tre’ fatigue.
Buona notte…

It’s delicious, inexpensive, and just rising to popularity. If you like pinot noir, you will like this pleasantly fruity wine. Check for it at World Market or your local wine shop. More on this to follow.

Cari amici,
My quota of exam-studying having been completed for the day, I opened up a fantastic wine for tonight and one that I will be highlighting for the holidays. I do think I have found my varietal of the season: Zinfandel. Always pleased with the offerings of Novella from Paso Robles, this Zin for 5 bucks at Trader Joe’s has earthy and herbal notes and goes great with tomato dishes. Though I had a very good glass of Zin at Venice Beach Wines the other night (Agent for Change, ‘06), and the combination of great ambience and the fact that part of the proceeds from the sales from this winery go to help non-profit organizations did help overcome my hesitation to spend 8 dollars for a glass, I would rather get a few more bottles of Novella and splurge on the impressive array of meats offered there. I will definitely be pursuing my new passion for Zin in the coming colder (for LA) months and drinking more heavily after having jumped through this next academic hoop.
A presto!