Cork Poppers Celebrate Wines We Love for Valentine's Day (or any day!)

Our February Cork Poppers gathered at my house (crammed in between Christmas trees and decor because the basement is awaiting its mold removal!). Since it was only a few days before Valentine's Day I decided the theme should be "Wines We Love" and every couple was to bring a particular wine or a type of wine (Pinot Grigio, Malbec, etc.) that they loved. Or from a place they loved. Shouldn't be hard (and it wasn't)!

And of course, the theme was Valentine's Day (which was a bit schizophrenic with several Christmas trees still standing but the ambient light was lovely!

Everyone stepped up to the plate with wines that made for another terrific tasting. 

As people gathered, we started with one of my favorites, prosecco. I had a Evviva Prosecco DOC, which is normally $13.99 but on sale for $10.99 at the local Kroger grocery store. 

Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, a less expensive alternative to champagne for a festive occasion. We didn't really spend any time talking about this one -- it was just a welcoming starter, cold, crisp and effervescent. 

 

But, I heard no complaints and some compliments. I'd get it again.

Dick was up first. He had brought two different whites -- both Sauvignon Blancs. The first was my personal favorite -- for a number of reasons.

Yes, you read that label right. Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvgnon Blanc has only 70 calories per glass and a very low (6.5%) alcohol content. And it was wonderful -- the kind of wine you want to be drinking on a hot afternoon at the lake when you really want another glass (or two) but don't want too many calories or too much of a buzz. If that is you, this is your wine. It's from the Marlborough region of New Zealand and at $13 for a bottle, very affordable.

And I wasn't the only one who felt that way. Barb (above left) called it "delightful," Kate (who much prefers red wine) said "I would definitely get this in the summer," Cheryl acknowledged it would be good with seafood and vegetalbles and I said "I would like this even if it wasn't low cal!" Even red-fan Rick liked this one a lot and I suspect we'll be seeing it at the lake this summer/

Our next wine, also from Dick, was another white -- and one that is easily available nationwide at most grocery stores (at least in my area!). It was a Sauvignon Blanc by Josh, 2022, selling for about $15. 

Barb called it delicious and said she loved it. Kate (red fan) said, "I think they've converted me! I like this!" Dick called it "Sunshine in a glass." 

Cheryl and Kate liked this one more than the first Sauvignon Blanc --It gives you tartness but doesn't dry your mouth," Cheryl observed, while Kate thought it was less acidic. I liked the first one much better as did Rick, Suzanne and one other of our group -- maybe Bob. (We took a vote and some voted twice!)

Then Rick was up with Riparga da Quinta, Colheita Selecciomonde VRA 2019, a Portuguese red bought at a local wine store for $18.50. It was a deep red and Bob said "You know you're drinking wine with this one!" After swirling the glass and seeing the wine drip down the inside of the glass, it was noted "This one has legs!"

"It's decorative," Rick said. This was another very good one 

Barb was next to share and this was another Josh, this time a red blend called "Legacy." It's a mix of Merlot Zinfandel, Cabernet and Petite Syrah grapes. She described it as her new "go-to" wine, fruit forward without being very sweet.

It was very dark and Kate noted, "It's very nice -- a very soft red." Barb reminded us it should have been cooled a bit to 60 degrees. She asked Bob what he thought of it and Kate noted he had chugged it!

Our sixth wine was from Kate and called herensia Respetto. It was $20.99 at a local specialty market. This South American wine is from the foothills of the andes in Argentina. Our group noted it was Medium bold, tannic, dry and acidic.

I liked this one very  much, as did Suzanne Rick said, "I chnged my mind. This is my favorite!"

Suzanne was next with Red Knot 2021, a Shiraz from the South of Australia. It was $19.99 (That a little less than $15 US currency). The bottle was very pretty and rather perfect for Valentine's Day. 

Kate noted "This is very soft," Barb observed it was "very leggy"  and Bob said "It will walk right out of the glass. It's all over in your mouth." This was my favorite -- I called it "spectacular" and Rick said, "You can bring this again anytime!"

Our last wine was a Dreaming Tree Pinot Noir with red crush grapes from Bob. (I didn't get a price on this one.) I felt it was very light, Barb noted it was smooth and said it was good and Kate liked it too. Bob says he buys it by the case, and that's high praise!

Then it was on to the food, although we'd been eating all along. Bob had crackers, cheese and salami, which we enjoyed with the tasting. On the buffet table we had a terrific selection of proteins and veggies. Dick and Cheryl had a very good veggie platter with a wonderful dip and Kate brought her terrific Mississippi Caviar, which is a mix of avocado, tomato, corn, onion, and other good things, served on corn chips. Barb brought meatballs with a hot honey sauce. I had crab dip, deviled eggs, ham sliders and grapes. And of course we had Rick's fresh baked baguettes.

We went light for dessert. I had heart-shaped macarons, going with my Valentine theme and Suzanne brought Nanaimo bars from Canada.

So, grab a glass and try one of these -- or if you have a favorite, let me know in the comments!

And from our house to yours....

 

 

Happy Valentine's Day -- and Cheers! 

 

(One quick note -- Thank you all for the wonderful comments on my last post about the Five Bits of Happy. I loved reading each and every one (I always do!) and if I didn't reply directly, it's because I didn't have contact info for you. Thank you for your thoughtful words and openness.) 

Sharing with:  Rain's Art and Dinner Date     /   Love Your Creativity   /   Elizabeth's Tuesday T-Day    /   Talking About It Tuesday   /   Share Your Style