Coincidentally, I had two bad days at work just in time for this Wine Blogging Wednesday. As I told the other Brix Chicks over the weekend, after a bad day at work, I often want something pink with a screwcap for quick access, and chilled to cool me off (or down). Rosé is also easy to pair with most foods, making it an easy choice. So, I was ready for Monday. I had a Spanish Rosato chilling for the occasion, only to open it and find it not suitable at all—too abrasive and acidic like much of bad day at work #1. (And as if a bad day at work and a disappointing bottle of wine weren’t awful enough, I discovered later that the Daily Show isn’t on at 11:00 PM these days—boo!)
Not to be disappointed, Tuesday brought bad day at work #2. In an unusual move, I first hit the gym rather than the couch and remote control after leaving work. And when I came home from a pretty rigorous workout, I decided not to mess around with my wine choice. I grabbed the Rosé out of the box I brought home from Quivira this last weekend and threw it the freezer. (Well I didn’t throw it—that would have been too melodramatic and disastrous even for me after a bad day at work). I know their wines well, and I knew I would not be disappointed. Plus:
Screwcap, check!
Pink, check!
Chilled, check!
The 2011 Quivira North Coast Rosé (Mourvedre, Carignane, Counoise, Grenache, Syrah) is bright, herbal, fresh, and lush, and maybe the best vintage I’ve tasted of this wine. When I tried it at the winery several weeks back, the nose was filled with fresh mint; but this time I noticed more strawberry and basil than mint. Along with fresh strawberry, green herbs, and minerality, there’s a little brown spice in the mid palate and a soft finish. It went beautifully with the salad and leftover chicken I had for dinner last night and the straightforward salty and fatty chicken sandwich I had tonight. And with an easy drinking 13% alcohol, it’s a pretty darn good post-workout recovery drink too.
More than anything, the wine brought familiar and new comfort after a long and frustrating day. One of my dearest friends introduced me to Quivira over 20 years ago. Since then, I’ve shared Quivira’s beautiful zinfandels, Rhone-varietals, and sauvignon blancs with many friends. (I’m a member there, too). Last weekend, Brix Chicks Michele, Xandria, Liza, and I joined Quivira’s farm-to-table dinner to learn about the biodynamic farm, take in the sunny Dry Creek Valley, and feast on exceptionally prepared food from Quivira’s gardens paired with their wines.
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| Brix Chicks Michele, Xandria, and Liza at Quivira |
2 comments:
I love a screw top wine after a frustrating day. I can totally relate!
I love Rose wines in the summer. I am always looking for new roses to try
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