Archive for March, 2010
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
Gold Medal Wine Club offers a Platinum Series Plus! selection each month. Last month’s Respite 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is, in a word, stellar. If there’s any reason at all to join the Plus! program, this bottle might be it, and might be worth it simply for the potential bragging rights.
I attended a party over the weekend and was asked to bring a bottle of wine for all to enjoy. Normally I’m not fazed by this type of request, however, I became worried as the realization kicked in that I’d be in attendance with some really knowledgeable wine folks.
<Insert panic here.>
Now, don’t get me wrong, I always find joy in trying a new bottle. The living, breathing qualities of the life of wine intrigue me, and I’m always excited at the prospect of opening a highly rated bottle. But when it comes to bringing an offering to a party of well-versed wine enthusiasts, my excitement quickly melts away to apprehension. I think to myself, “Don’t appear pretentious by bringing an overly expensive wine, but don’t underachieve either. Above all, don’t let on that I’m nervous about it.” Anyone been here before?
After checking my wine cellar, I decided on Respite 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, a brave choice because I had no idea what food was to be served. With such a hearty Cabernet in hand, I could really hit or miss the food pairing. Also, I’d never tried this particular bottle before. I knew it would be good, Wine Enthusiast recently awarded it 91 Points, but they also pointed out that it might want a few more years in the cellar.
As I walked into the party, I was greeted by eye contact, then bottle contact as my selection was scrutinized. “I’ve never heard of that winery, we must open it up,” my host offered. I smiled and glanced around the room to the tables of hour d’ourves – so many tables of food that a formal dinner had to be out of the question. A selection of various antipasto-type finger foods including cheeses, marinated veggies, breads, tapenades and fruit plates were meticulously displayed, and then I saw, jackpot, tapas portion sized steaks, fish, and meaty lasagna. Hurdle number one, pairing, conquered.
We opened the bottle and without decanting or aerating, the wine was quickly dispersed into wine glasses that seemed to appear out of every corner of the room. Swirl, sniff, “ooh’s” and “ah’s” at the aromas of fruit and red currants, followed by the ever fateful first sips. As each person took a mouthful, the reaction was priceless as eyes lit up around the kitchen island and met my gaze with delighted squints and smiles. And let me say, I also thoroughly enjoyed those few seconds, as the wine filtered through my senses. Delectable. The structure and balance were exactly on par with the high standards of this group, and might I say as well that the Wine Enthusiast must have rated this wine a couple of years ago, because it is outstanding right now.
The rest of the night was highly enjoyable, but it was extra sweet because I had officially stamped a great impression upon the group, achieving credibility and bragging rights on having such great taste in wine. The best part? I didn’t have to find this bottle, it came to my doorstep and all I had to do was add the Plus! bottle to my regular shipment. Plus! wines really are “all that” and more!
If you haven’t done so already, you might consider adding a Plus Bottle to your wine club membership. The wines featured with that program are rare, exquisite, and downright tasty! There’s simply not enough quantity to feature the bottles to everyone, which is why it is offered as an add-on. This extra bottle is available for Gold, Platinum or Diamond Series memberships , and may be included in every shipment or as often as you like. It simply adds that something extra and special to an already great thing. Try it out, even just once in your next shipment. I know you won’t be disappointed, and maybe, just maybe, it will bring you bragging rights at your next party.
Tags: Add-On, cabernet sauvignon, Platinum Series, Respite, wine, wine club, wine of the month club
Posted in Platinum Series, PLUS! program, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
 "Yountville Vineyard" Happy March, and with it, happy spring! We’re really excited about the featured artist for this month, Sandy Delehanty. Sandy offers bright color and a vivacious attitude in her artwork. When we saw this painting, entitled Yountville Vineyard , we couldn’t pass it up and had to post it for your viewing pleasure. Sandy works as a full time artist in northern California. She leads painting trips around the world and also instructs watercolor and oil painting classes. You may view other selections sure to capture your eye on her website.
Tags: Art of Fine Wine, wine, wine art
Posted in Art of Fine Wine, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, March 15th, 2010
 Today kicks off our newest contest, and, boy, are we excited about it! Our biggest giveaway to date, the grand prize is a Seven-Day voyage for two from Rome to Venice, beginning in the Tyrrhenian Sea, travelling through the Ionian Sea and finishing in the Adriatic aboard Windstar Cruise’s luxury, white-sailed yacht. You’ll enjoy days of exploration and evenings of fine wine and dining over the glistening waters aboard this privatised liner where the crew members know you by name.
The cruise takes you to a different port nearly every morning, allowing you to explore each beautiful location every day. And, since Windstar’s yacht’s are smaller and more private than your typical cruise ship, with a maximum capacity of just over 300 guests, they are able to visit some of the more intimate and exclusive ports along the Italian coast and in the surrounding seas.
The adventure begins on July 25, 2010, in one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world, Rome, a city where the rich history of viticulture is intertwined with the very fabric of ancient and modern civilization. You’ll want to make sure to spend a day or more exploring and losing yourself in the city before you set sail.
 After a night’s sail, you’ll wake up the first morning in the port of the idyllic Island of Capri, just off the coast of Naples. With any luck and the most calmed waters, you’ll have the opportunity to kayak through the island’s famed grotto’s to view the spectacularly neon blue waters. If you’re feeling active, the island offers moderate hikes through the town’s outskirts, or perhaps renting a scooter to visit the far stretches of the island and private beaches will be more your style…
The second morning you’ll arrive at the base of one of Sicily’s top travel destinations, Taormina. Located approximately 200 meters above sea level, the town offers an array of visual sensations, mixing history with modernity. You’ll want to visit the town’s medieval quarter and Greek theater, but never be too far from some of the greatest modern shops and restaurants the area has to offer. June through August boasts the Taormina Arte Festival, a celebration of all facets of human creativity, with emphasis on music, theater, movies, dance and canvassed art. You won’t want to miss it!
 Windstar Sailing Past Portofino On Wednesday, July 28, you’ll enjoy a day at sea aboard the yacht as you make your way around the southern tip of Italy. On board you’ll have the chance to explore and indulge in the many on board activities including the luxurious WindSpa – “The most tranquil place on earth, at Sea”, the Fitness Center, Casino, Library or just relax on the Fly Bridge. Actually, the Stateroom in which you’ll be staying is a luxury in itself, with a Queen sized bed, flat screen TV with DVD’s, and Room Service delivered with the same polished quality as The Restaurant, so maybe you’ll want to just stay in for the evening!
Day four you’ll wake off the coast of Montenegro headed to its beautiful port of Kotor, a sea port of the finest calibre with many stories within its borders. This midieval city was constructed sometime between the 12th and 14th centuries, and is a well preserved visualization of life in the middle ages. In fact, UNESCO gave the maritime city the high honor of a “World Heritage Site” – a place that is of such a calibre of cultural and natural heritage of humanity that it is to be preserved under this title.
 Elite destination town of Dubrovnik On Friday and Saturday, you’ll have the opportunity to explore two towns in Croatia, Dubrovnik and Hvar. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Dubrovnik has been nicknamed the pearl of the Adriatic, a place most definitely ”to be seen.” Croatian history is deeply rooted in the city, where much of its language was developed, and has been home and vacation home to many notable figures, including diplomats, nobles, and celebrities. The island of Hvar, alternatively, offers a different kind of splendor, a more rural setting as it is off the mainland of Croatia and is famous not only for its nautical positioning, but for its tranquil beauty. Not to be missed in the town of Hvar is the cathedral of Hvar, the fortress Fortica, famous theater built in 1612 and the Franciscan monastery. You’ll want to lose yourself in the stone lined streets where undoubtedly you’ll find at least a few quaint cafes and family run restaurants.
You’ll say goodbye to Windstar Cruises on your seventh morning as you land in Venice, Italy, where hopefully you’ll still have some energy in your reserves to explore all that this City of Canals has to offer…
We hope you’re as excited about this sea adventure as we are! Enter to win today by visiting Our Entry Form page. The drawing will be held on June 30, so it might be a good idea to start looking at flights just in case… From all of us at Gold Medal Wine Club, GOOD LUCK!
Tags: contest, Croatia, Cruise, Giveaway, italy, Montenegro, Sicily, Voyage, Windstar, wine, wine club
Posted in Contests, International Series | No Comments »
Friday, March 12th, 2010
 One of the great aspects of the Gold Series membership is the wealth of information included with the newsletter, allowing for the member to really learn about all the different aspects of wine.
The Wine Wizard is one such feature of the newsletter. Designed to test your knowledge and hopefully help teach you something about the wonderful world of wine, each Wizard Series posts three question & answer topics. How does your knowledge fare? Test yourself!
1. What is Blanc de Noir?
2. What is the job of the Sommelier?
3. What are the general flavor differences in American and French Oak?
Answers
1. Blanc de Noiris a French term that translates to “white wine from red grapes.” It most often describes a Champagne, made from either Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, or a blend of the two. Occasionally this phrase refers to still wines made from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. In the United States, however, these rose wines usually go by other names, such as Blanc de Pinot Noir, Cabernet Blanc, or White Zinfandel.
2. Sommeliers, or wine stewards, are trained and knowledgeable wine professionals, commonly working in fine restaurants and specializing in all aspects of wine services, including food and wine pairing. Sommeliers typically develop wine lists, train the other restaurant staff, and work along with the culinary team to pair and suggest wines to best complement each menu item. Sommeliers also often work the floor of the restaurant, in direct contact with customers to suggest options within their taste and budget preferences.
3. While both American and French oak contribute tannins and aromas, French oak contains more tannins and flavor components with less “oaky” flavor and smell than American oak. American oak is more intensely flavored, with a more aggressive mouthfeel and immediately apparent aroma. American oak also contains more sweet and vanilla overtones than French oak. When it comes to wine barrels, all winemakers are looking for something different, and there is no right or wrong choice – it’s just a difference in style preference.
Tags: wine, wine fact, wine knowledge, Wine Wizard
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Earlier this year, we sent lucky winners Michael and Stacy Gallagher to Peso da Régua, Portugal to soak up the culture and enjoy some fabulous wines from winery Quinta do Vallado. The seven day, six night adventure included accommodations at the winery’s own bed and breakfast and a night’s dining experience with the world renowned winemaker. The peaceful and scenic town is the hub of Portugal’s premium wine region and specializes in Port as well. It is backed by the Serra do Marão mountains and overlooks the tranquil Douro Valley at the site where the Corgo and Douro rivers converge. Traditionally, this town transported their barrels of wine and port down the river using Rabelos (wooden sailing ships) to the town of Vila Nove de Gaia. Tourists can still experience this journey upon river boats that carry passengers through the locks of two dams to Régua.
The Gallagher’s were kind enough to send us notes about their trip, as well as a few pictures. Here’s what they had to say and show about their experience:
 Our trip to Portugal and Quinta do Vallado was fabulous. Stacy and I enjoyed every minute. We spent several days in Lisbon sightseeing and then hired a driver to tour the country. We went to Nazarre, Batalia, Combre and Porto to name a few places. The castles, monastaries and Port houses held so much history. A thrill to view something six centuries old. The Quinta do Vallado was beautiful. Paula and Rafael were very gracious hosts. The property was spectacular and infinity pool awesome. We also took the train to see a number of different towns. The Portuguese are very friendly to Americans and proud people. Thank you for arranging a great trip. We will never forget it. We highly recommend visiting Portugal and Quinta do Vallado. Attached are a few photos from our trip…
Have a great day and hope to see you in the near future.
All the best,
Mike and Stacy
 Infinity Pool, Quinta do Vallado Think you’d enjoy travelling to an exotic country to sample some of the finest wines the region has to offer? If so, we’ve got great news. There’s still time to sign up for the opportunity to win our Italian Wine Country Trip for two. Visit “Super Italian Giveaway” to enter. We’ll be accepting enteries until March 15 for this seven day, six night stay at the famous Hotel Hermitage, just outside of Florence. You’ll enjoy winery tours and five winery dinners with this adventure. Good Luck!
Tags: contest, Giveaway, international, italy, Portugal, tuscany, Vacation, wine
Posted in Contests, International Series, Uncategorized | Comments Off
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