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