How do you spell blecch?

We weren't doing anything "special" for Mother's Day -- just some pizza with salad, so I thought something described as an " everyday red table wine" would fit the bill. I purchased this wine some time ago at a wine shop that I've always had great luck with. Good wine, good selection, good price -- haven't been let down yet -- well.... until today.


il vino del lunedi -- Biso Biso Rosso -- The name is Italian and translates into "Monday's Wine" -- well, I couldn't drink this wine on Monday, a Mother's Day or any other day for that matter. The Big Dubya took a sip and said.... hmmm, it's o-kay. I took a sip and thought that maybe it had interacted really badly with a peice of pepperoni. I tried a second sip and it only got worse. At this point, I asked him if he was going to finish his glass -- he said he was, but wouldn't be having a second. I asked what it was he didn't like about it and he said he couldn't put his finger on it -- the first sip was smooth enough, but it's been down hill since.

I took yet another sip and determined that not only would I not be having a second glass, but this glass was going to be poured down the drain.... something I do not do lightly.

The Big Dubya asked me what I thought -- I told him I felt like my toungue was getting a chemical peel -- he laughed and then laughed some more when I cracked a can of Guinness to cleanse my palate. He ended up dumping his glass too. I can't really begin to describe what it was I didn't like about it - there wasn't just one thing wrong with it -- it was just terrible on every level.

Bottom line -- this wine is a stinker -- steer clear!

Welcome Wine-O

I'm thrilled to welcome Wine-O as our newest contributor.

Wine-O is a fantastic addition to The Whinery.

New to the blogging world -- she's a wife, a mother, a successful marketing executive -- and she juggles it all effortlessly. Oh, and did I mention she's an amazing cook? I'm hoping she'll be writing about some of her fabulous recipes too.

Cheers!

Guinness 250th Anniversary Edition

Did I expect fireworks and a little leprechaun to leap out of the bottle as soon as I removed the cap? No. But I did expect something spectacular to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the "dark stuff." And while it was definitely a good beer and worthy of the Guinness label, I was underwhelmed with the Guinness 250th Anniversary Stout.

It pours almost black, similar to the Draught. However, the head, a creamy white on the Draught, was a dirty white and didn't last very long on the Guinness Anniversary. One should expect a more robust head if poured like a Draught, but given this beer's carbonation (not nitrogenation) the pour is more in keeping with other beers - angled glass, pour slowly down the side. The maltiness is noticeable right from the start - it smells like a Guinness. I metioned Friday night when I tweeted my first impressions, the carbonation really does take you by surprise, however, it does mellow in subsequent sips. You can taste the malt and some sweet dark chocolate, as well as some dark fruity undertones, but the triple hops are definitely evident as is this beer's higher alcohol content. Don't get confused, however, this is not an IPA. It's more a watered-down Imperial Stout with less alcohol.

All in all it's a good beer, not a great beer, and left me feeling, "meh." I had hoped for (and expected) something truly kick ass for such a significant anniversary, but was disappointed. I'm not sure I'll pay the $10 for another six-pack of 11.2 oz. bottles - I'd rather pay the $13 for a 8-pack of the Draught cans. And, why 11.2 oz.? Can someone explain this to me? I have pint glasses. Pint. 16 oz. I gave up pony bottles around the same time I gave up drinking Bud. Read: a long, loooong time ago. Note to Guinness: please consider adding another few ounces please. It's only neighborly.

Great Wine, Great Price!

So, I found a website that's right up The Whinery's alley.

They specialize in wines that are under $19.99 -- many under $9.99 -- and some, as low as $4.99!

How do they do it? Great Question --

It's simple really -- they deal in huge volume, and they buy a lot of close-outs. So, although some of their wines may not be available for long.... their selection is always fresh and new.

And, did I mention that they ship all orders over $99.99 for free?

Click the button above (the pretty yellow one telling you Mom would love some wine for Mother's Day) and you can get 15% off your order.

Great wine, free shipping and a coupon -- what more could you ask for?

Cheers!

May's Assignment

The warm weather is here..... and what goes hand-in-hand with summer??? You guessed it -- grillin'.

Whether you are grilling up some veggies, steaks, chicken, fish or just plain ole fashioned burgers & dogs..... this month's assignment is to post about a wine you chose to accompany food cooked on the grill. If you use wine to marinate.... by all means, mention that too -- recipes are always welcome!

If, like myself, you aren't quite sure what kind of wine best compliments grilled food -- don't be intimidated, take the opportunity to ask the personnel of your local wine shop -- in many cases he/she can make a fabulous recommendation.... they are just waiting to be asked.

Extra Credit:
If you are feeling particularly thirsty...... the extra credit assignment, in honor of Mother's Day, is LADIES CHOICE -- select a genre of wine that a lady in your life (wife, mother, daughter, girlfriend, sister) would enjoy -- try to select a label that you haven't tried before.

Cheers!

The Perfect Gift

Mother's Day is coming.... Father's Day too, but let's talk about Mother's Day shall we?

I don't know about you, but I think wine would be the perfect gift.... wine, wine, wine. But, I suppose there may be something a little bit off about a young child(ren) giving the gift of wine -- let's just say... my mother, she absolutely wouldn't approve.

So, how about a wine-inspired gift?

You may remember, a few months back I posted about a cute 'lil company I read about on-line.

Founded by a thirty-something husband-wife team, Little Barrel makes the most adorable higher-end, wine inspired accessories. Neckties, headbands and scarf belts -- all with whimsical, yet still very subtle wine patterns -- and let's not forget their fantastic tote bags & purses -- stylish and functional (the larger size can accommodate 2 bottles of wine, yet not look bulky!).

This couple is so crazy about wine, that they've even started their own blog where they talk about all the fabulous vineyards they've had the opportunity to visit and all the wines they've gotten to try. If you are looking for some really cool wine destinations, great restaurants or even ways to find tastings on a budget -- it's definitely worth checking out -- and you can follow them on Twitter!

I think mothers everywhere (this one in particular) would be thrilled to have a Little Barrel Mother's Day.... and thanks to our fabulous friends at Little Barrel, readers of The Whinery will enjoy 15% off their purchase from now 'til May 11th -- just enter WHINERY at checkout.

Now, get on over there and pick up one of those cute headbands -- and while you are there, check out the ties.... Father's Day is coming and these fun ties will keep any Dad looking really sharp!

Cheers!

Let's Review

Thought it might be a good idea to review our "rules" loose as they may be.

Each month, I post an "assignment" (sometimes I post an extra-credit one too!) suggesting a genre of wine. The idea is to get all of us trying wines that are out of our comfort zone -- expand our horizons. Then you write about it -- what you liked, what you didn't like and whether or not you'd buy it again.

We typically try to keep the wines in the $10ish neighborhood..... but splurges are okay too.

Some assignments may not be your cup of tea..... so, feel free to review something else.

It doesn't have to be a bottle -- can be a glass you had in a restaurant, or at a friend's house -- even a wine you used in a recipe (heck, include the recipe too!).

Beer/Liquor/Cocktail reviews are welcome too.

We have a few couples reviewers -- so, feel free to do a he-said/she-said review!

So c'mon everybody.... get drinking!
Cheers

May's assignment will be posted in the next few days -- so, stay tuned!