It's time for another Cork Poppers post! This time we met at my house and our theme was "Where in the World Would You Like to Be Right Now." That opened up a lot of options for wines from about every country you could imagine and we had a few -- New Zealand, Spain and Italy!
As always, we start with the whites and while my preference always leans toward the reds, I would buy Kim Crawford's Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand, any day of the week. This was very cold, very crisp and very delicious.
Dick and Cheryl brought this one. They would like to be in New Zealand because it is as far away from the US as anyplace could be. The wine is good too! Our group had comments like, "Loved it!" and my own, "Wonderful!" This one could turn me into a white wine drinker!
Dick told us that there was a four dollar price difference between getting this at our area Meijer store (for those not in the area, Meijer is one of those huge stores that has everything from clothing to toys to electronics and food (17.99) and Walgreens (13.99). Who knew Walgreens had wine that good?
Bob was next with another white -- also from Marlborough, New Zealand, a 2022 Oyster Bay Chardonnay. This is (for lack of a better word) a creamier wine. I'm sure it is no "thicker" than any other but it has that feeling to me. (But then, I am in general not a Chardonnay fan.)
Barb called it "warmer." I thought it "less sparkly, more mellow." It was $14 or $15 at our Meijer store. Bob said that based on what he'd seen about New Zealand, "the government and the people would make it a place I'd be happy with."
It was time to switch to the reds, and first up was Kate and Mike's offering from Spain -- Emilo Moro 2022, a Tempornillo.
I said it had a wonderful aroma, and Barb pronounced "This is why you love red!" Rick agreed -- "This merits a second pour," he said. Dick said "This will stain your teeth more than anything," and Mike added, "I don't care if I have red teeth!" (Later, Rick said this was the best wine of the day.)
It wasn't the least expensive of the evening but at $21 from Dusty's (a local wine shop), it was worth it. Kate picked a wine from Spain because "It isn't here!"
Barb came next with Josh Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 from Northern Coastal California (California was far enough for Barb to get away!) She recalled driving down the Coastal Highway on a previous visit and said "You don't get that in Michigan!"
Josh is a very easy wine to get in the US, often available at grocery stores. Because it is domestic, tariffs haven't raised the price significantly (Barb paid $18).
It was very fruit-forward. Kate called it "Very mellow! The calmest wine I've had all day. But Barb said, "I like Kate's wine better!"
Rick wine was the last of them, a Corte Fiore by Lupi Riali, Italy. It features the Aspasstimento grape and was a full-bodied Italian red from the Abruzzo region.
I said it had a terrific finish, while Bob said, "This is very good" and Barb said "I like this!" This was about $15 (Rick couldn't remember) from Cantoro, an Italian market in Livonia. Rick would love to be in Italy now, enjoying music with our friend, Giorgio.
We had a smaller group, due to Snowbirds, but our food table was overflowing! (A better food blogger than I would have removed the wrap on the food before taking photos! Live and learn.)
Bob started us off with crackers and cheese, to which Rick added a fresh baguette. Kate brought smoked salmon, Barb had a huge plate full of wonderful small sandwiches (definitely ready for tea, too!). I had spanakopita and baked Brie. Cheryl brought her signature ham/dill pickle roll-ups. For desserts we had baklava, peanut butter-coconut balls and little ginger cookies.
Nope. nobody left hungry!
But when they did go, they took little party favors. This time I had two chocolate bars and a pair of hand warmers. Given our winter, sustenance and warm hands are a necessity!
Another Corkies for the book!
This week's Cork Popping tasters!
Rick and Bob, Cheryl, Dick
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is arguably our favourite white wine. I have nerve met a New Zealand wine I didn’t like.
ReplyDelete...I'm quite happy to right here at home!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who is in New Zealand right now, and I hope she is getting to drink some of that wonderful wine. I'd pick Italy, since you asked. And why? The food and, yes, it would be nice to be around a lot of people with a larger worldview.
ReplyDeleteWhen my grandfather emigrated from England, his brother went to NZ, so the place has always interested me. My mother kept in touch with Uncle John or his kids until sometime in the 60s, I think.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun theme for a wine tasting party. Looks like everyone ate well too. Love your party favors! Walgreens has wine?? Who knew!!
ReplyDeleteOyster bay is my daughter's very favorite white wine... She also likes Cupcake Savignon Blanc...my DH loves a red wine from South America-- a Malbec by Alamosa... Looks like your gathering was such fun!! Hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of your cork popper get together . Sounds like so much fun! I always buy Kim Crawford's Sauvignon Blanc when my daughter in law visits- it's her favorite. I prefer red red and usually Meomi Pinot Noir- The wine in Florida is much cheaper than in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The bottle of Pinot is at least 6 dollars less .
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of your cork popper get together . Sounds like so much fun! I always buy Kim Crawford's Sauvignon Blanc when my daughter in law visits- it's her favorite. I prefer red red and usually Meomi Pinot Noir- The wine in Florida is much cheaper than in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The bottle of Pinot is at least 6 dollars less .
ReplyDeleteI love your theme this time around. And ha ha- I think New Zealand would be great to visit not only because it is supposed to be beautiful but for the same reasons your friend gave. :) And I like how you had lots of different wines to share. It looks like you always have fun with these Cork Popper meet ups, even if you were missing some snow birds. Hope it's warmed up for you. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteHow fun to get together with your friends and taste all the different wines. All of the food looked great too. I love that you gave out the chocolates and hand warmers to the guests. Enjoy the rest of the week Jeanie.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a marvelous gathering. Your home is beautiful too. The entire event seems relaxed and just an enjoyable time. How thoughtful to give the party favors. Thank you for sharing your party.
ReplyDeleteYou guys had way too much fun and I would have loved being there! Sadly for different reasons we both have to stick to whites (which was more of a sacrifice for Bill than for me) . I have added the Kim Crawford to my list next time we visit our 'Wines are Us" store. (In our snowbird-heavy area, there are two chains of those plus the supermarkets -- these merchants know their customers ;))....
ReplyDeleteOh hello, dear Jeannie, you're such a fun bunch! 😊 What a great idea to "travel" with the help of wine! I'd love to have a sip with you sometime. Edi and I are also more red wine drinkers. To be precise, Edi prefers red wine, I prefer beer (and in the summer I do enjoy a summer white wine – in Austria we call it "ein weiß G'spritzter," which is a white wine spritzer), but if we're already opening a bottle of red, then I'll gladly help him out 😇😂 You've made me hungry too!
ReplyDeleteSo some of you would love to go to New Zealand? I can totally understand that. Have you read my New Zealand travelogue yet? If not, you can find it in my world trip report from last year: https://rostrose.blogspot.com/p/reisebericht-weltreise-2024.html
In Christchurch, we met my blogger friend Marja, and I now regularly check her Facebook page. It would be so wonderful to be able to just teleport there and join in her adventures (and vice versa).
All the best from Austria, Traude
I've had the Kim Crawford and Oyster Bay wines and I like them both. I've never heard of "Josh." Must be a US brand? (Sounds like it!) Anyway, it looks like you had a good time with lots of conviviality.
ReplyDeleteThis made me smile. I love this idea. How fun! I love all the smiles and connection I see
ReplyDeleteSo glad for another delightful night with your friends and (almost) family! I will definitely be on the lookout for that Emilio Moro! And maybe the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for where I'd like to be right now? Someplace with no internet and no interruptions for certain. A pantry well-stocked with snacks, bookshelves well-stocked with interesting books. Someplace with inviting walks. That offers a lot of leeway, though, everything from fishing villages in Portugal, a lace-curtain apartment in Amsterdam, a log cabin hideout near Traverse City, a tiled villa in Mexico City, etc. But really, any place where I don't have to cook or clean would be a welcome change.
Looks like a fun time.
ReplyDeleteGood food, good wine and excellent friends.
Wonderful, Jeanie.
I always enjoy your cork popper get-togethers.
ReplyDeleteWhat better than good food, good wine and great friends.
All the best Jan
this looks like such a fun time...i am glad you always take and share pictures!! i don't drink wine, or any other liquor but maybe i should try. my niece lives in new zealand, she has been there maybe 5 years or more and she loves it. i would come for the yummy looking finger food and i love the snow flake paper plates. i have those too!! cute pictures...happy people!!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, beautiful smiles! It looks like a fantastic time! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGood choices of places to be, and the wines of those places. (Not the US these days). If I did have to be in the US, your house looks like the best place. I love seeing you and your friends!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a fun night wine tasting. Food spread looked good. Janice
ReplyDeleteSo fun!!! And the food all looks delicious, too.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun time with friends and food.
ReplyDeleteI love your Cork Popper posts and this one is no exception. The wine sounds delicious and the food divine. I also had a better look at your living room and I absolutely love it. It's so nice and large and perfect for hosting a gathering.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy this cabinet of wisdom and wine, such a fun way to spend time with friends.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Great global wine choices, thoughtful pairings, and the kind of convivial table where good conversation flows as freely as the bottles
ReplyDeleteOyster Bay Chardonnay sounds like the beginning of a song. Interesting topic. I’d go Spain.
ReplyDeleteKim Crawford is one of our daughters faves..Interestingly Kim and ewrica Crawford sold their wine brand to Canada's Vincoir in 2003 for ap NZ 14.8 million to fund expansion.The sale included the name,the wine stocks and a facility but not the vineyards.The Crawfords continued to manage the brand for several yrs.Constellation Brands aquired Vincir in 2006 turning KC into a top selling Sauvignon Blanc in NA:). Inquiring minds want to know lol..A few yrs ago ,while buying it at an LCBO.. the wine person mentioned the sale etc:). Ok I am done;)
ReplyDeleteGood morning, what a fun group this is-wine good food, with friends
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of cork poppers. Tasting wine with friends is always fun. Looks like a great variety of food and wine plus dessert.
ReplyDeleteHello Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteSounds like another fun evening with your Cork Popper friends.
Good wine and food and friends all makes for a lovely time.
Take care, have a great day!
I can't drink (too many meds--you know how age is), but I sure would have gobbled down those snacks. Looks like a fun event.
ReplyDeleteIf I ever move North, I'm joining the Poppers:) AND what wonderful favors.
ReplyDeleteThe Marlborough area of New Zealand is perfect for Sauvignon Blanc - I liked all of them I had so far. I share your not being a big fan of Chardonnay, although my favorite winery has a very good one that we sometimes drink. I'm also not a super big fan of Josh wines, but that might be because there are so many much better wines made in Northern California. That certainly is the advantage of living in wine country. The Tempranillo from Spain sounds lovely. I'm not familiar with this grape and would love to try it. Your Cork Poppers always is such a fun event and a great opportunity to taste many different wines. The food looks delicious, too - that smoked salmon, yummy!
ReplyDeleteA lovely gathering! I always feel like I learn when I visit your cork popper posts, and as always, I am drawn to the labels and shapes of bottles. Hearing how everything tastes makes me want to take a longer look at our own wine departments here. You have a lovely home Jeanie and I enjoyed seeing what you had all put on the buffet table. Love the idea of your chocolate and hand warmer in that pretty party favor packet. Thanks for the wine lesson :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun evening! I am sure that the food was just as delicious as the wines. I prefer white, but I have enjoyed a few good reds as well.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed sharing your wine corker's evening! What a great theme - I took some notes on the wine selections. I really enjoyed all the fun opinions and comments everyone had :) Nice to take a peek around your beautiful home. I could get lost in your bookshelves. The food looks yummy, too! x K
ReplyDeleteIt looks so cozy! I don't drink wine, but it's like I was kind of there with you in the room. Thank you for having me : ))
ReplyDeleteHow nice with a good wine tasting. The New Zealand wines are always good. There seem to have been quite a few good wines this time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific theme for a snowy week, Jeanie! All the pics look so cheery and the take-homes are such a colorful and thoughtful treat <3
ReplyDeleteP.S. By "take-homes" I meant party favors. Are they always a thing for your group? I don't recall you mentioning them before.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful day my friend.
ReplyDeleteLovely faces and yummy wine -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThe Cork Poppers sound like my kind of group to hang out with. There's a wine club in town, and I know most of the people in it, but they're kind of on the snooty side for me. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day you've had. The last bottle is the one that appeals the most to me and it's red and it's not expensive either.
ReplyDeleteOh what a fun time ~ friends, wine and delish foods I bet ~ hugs,
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you shared this post with FFO. It's just a happy post filled with faces. Have a very lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteThis is the cutest post ever. It's so wonderful that you get together and talk, eat and drink. Wonderful. Truly lovely! Have a wonderful Friday and a wonderful Valentine's Day! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I have tried to think of 4 other people to do this with but everyone lives so far away from us. Ah well, I will enjoy vicariously through your posts!
ReplyDeleteI can almost taste the variety of wines and treats from your gathering. I love how personal you make each choice feel. It’s clear everyone enjoyed both the flavors and the company.
ReplyDeleteThese events are one of my favorite topics to read and learn from! Happy Valentine's Day, Jeanie & Rick.
ReplyDeleteYou all have such fun! Happy Valentine’s today!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun evening! 'Cork Poppers' what a great idea!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun group!! My mom and my favorite wine is that first sav blanc! I always bring a few bottles when we visit them. It’s crisp and light and goes down far too easily! The food spread looks wonderful. I love a snacky meal like that!
ReplyDeleteYour Cork Poppers group meetups always sound like so much fun. The wine and food look great! I love the label on Rick's wine. I'd probably save that one to use as a candle holder or something. And I agree with the sentiment about New Zealand sounding good due to being so far away from the U.S.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great group! And I would definitely have taken the plastic wrap off those beautiful tea sandwiches just long enough for the photos and then cover them right back up. They can dry out quickly, and I'd rather have my sandwiches in the best condition regardless of the photos!
ReplyDeleteThese gatherings always look so fun! And that Corte Fiore by Lupi Riali looks so pretty! I would also like to be in Italy right now. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun theme and some fabulous wines! My husband and I like to go to wine dinner events at a local restaurant where each course is served with a different vintage to match the food. The restaurant sets it up communally so we always meet new people we sit next to at the dinners.
ReplyDelete