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
10 comments:
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is arguably our favourite white wine. I have nerve met a New Zealand wine I didn’t like.
...I'm quite happy to right here at home!
I 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.
When 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.
What a fun theme for a wine tasting party. Looks like everyone ate well too. Love your party favors! Walgreens has wine?? Who knew!!
Oyster 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
I 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 .
I 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 .
I 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
How 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.
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