23 March, 2015

First Day in Spain - Arrive in Alicante #olewinos



After a spirited game of planes , trains and automobiles, Madrid was a blur as we raced to the train, which in turn sped us to the town of Alicante. Alicante is a charming place where views of the Mediterranean teased us at twilight last evening. We walked the lovely promenade and experienced cava with pan com tomate, a delicious hamachi belly with fresh tomatoes as well as the first plate of  jamon 
Alicante was  abuzz on a Sunday evening as Madrid's soccer team took on Barcelona, a rivalry like the Yankees vs the BoSox. More excitement today 
#olewinos 

16 March, 2015

Discovery: Scheurebe a German delight


Recently on a wine excursion to the always fun Alameda Wine Co I found one of my favorite German discoveries:Scheuerbe. Not always the easiest to find, but well worth seeking out. Pale yellow in color, the perfume is lovely with alien flowers, exotic stone fruits and fresh river rocks in the aromas. The texture has a touch of creaminess and the smooth silken acid sweetness balance. Flavor of peaches, thyme and zingy citrus emerge.  Zippy acid driven finish of peach and a kiss of greeness. With the advent of summer salads this wine will be a great match. At $18.50 a great deal to delight the jaded palates of your acquaintance 

According to the Wines of Germany website, the grape developed in 1916 to be a namesake of Dr. Georg Scheur, gained some popularity in the 1950's when growers in Rheinhessen found it delivered BA and TBA ripeness levels. 

Today the grape presents 2% of plantings in Germany.  So you don't see it a lot, but when you do, grab it.  One of the many benefits of visiting really cool local wine bars are the surprises that you find.

check it out when you can:
Alameda Wine Company
  1. 2315 Central Ave, Alameda, CA 94501

01 March, 2015

A Discount for our readers for the Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting

Spring is in the air which means the return of the 18th annual Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting to the Craneway Pavillion this March 28th, 2015. The Brix Chicks are huge fans of the Rhone varieties and we support this organization in promoting U.S. winemakers who make wines of the 22 varieties originating from the Rhone Valley of France. So if you love a meaty Syrah, an earthy Mouvedre, a fruity Grenache or a floral Viognier you owe it to yourself to go and explore these gorgeous wines from California and Oregon. To whet your palate here is a list of the participating wineries which include some BrixChicks faves (Tercero, Two Shepherds, Quivira, Qupe, Tablas Creek, etc.)


http://www.rhonerangers.org/calendar/2015Wineries

So please follow the link below and celebrate all things Rhone! Hope to see you there.