They say spring comes in like a lion or a lamb
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We've still got a couple weeks until spring is official by the calendar, but it seems to have arrived in Istanbul early. Although if past winter/spring seasons are prologue, then we could well see snow in the city in March. I'm hoping that is not our future this month, but it's difficult to know what the universe has in store! Slightly less murky than our weather forecast is our drinking forecast! So, which wines will we all be hunting down this month? Read on to find out. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Aquarius, this month brings a possibly unique opportunity to turn your creative ideas into passive income streams. We
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This month, Camilla from Culinary Cam has invited us all to share our love for rosé wines - which are not just for summer! - and, since it's February, to put a little romantic spin on things. You can read her invitation here and follow along the discussion on Saturday, February 10 at 8am EST / 11am CST on Threads. I'm not much of a rosé girl myself; but bubbles are a completely different story! So, since I couldn't think of any particularly romantic food options (the dessert I did being the exception perhaps), I decided to go romantic with my wines! Hello, Greek traditional method bubbles. PDO Amyndeon (ΠΟΠ
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Champagne and Fries Day?! Yes, it's a real wine holiday! January 10 also happens to be the birthday of the creator, Anna Maria of Unraveling Wine who created the day to memorialize the celebration of her two favorite things. Schramsberg Vineyards While not Champagne, California's Schramsberg Vineyards makes traditional method sparkling wines in the same style and with the same love and dedication as any Champagne house. Dating back to the 19th century, when German immigrant Jacob Schram first opened his winery, Schramsberg moved into the hands of Jack and Jamie Davies since 1965 when they bought and began to lovingly restore the old property. "They set out to produce sparkling
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So, 2023 is now behind us. Not such a bad year, all things considered. Although there's always hope that the future will be better and brighter. Whether or not you make resolutions, take some time as we say goodbye to the year to reflect on the lessons you learned and how you might apply them and do and be better in 2024. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) January's winter nights are cold and dark, the perfect place for shadows of the past to lurk and taunt you. Embrace the discomfort of facing them head-on. Remember that the wounds you carry are not your identity, but they way you deal
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Every year - well every year that I remember - I like to do a quick review of the wines I posted about during the year that I most enjoyed, that most surprised me, etc. So with no further ado, let's jump into my favorite Turkish wines of 2023! My Favorite Sparkling Wines There weren't many new sparkling wines released this year. And frankly, with the skyrocketing price of most Turkish bubbles, I didn't really drink much. And while the Paşaeli Karasakız Pét-Nat may not be a fair wine to include, as it was a super limited bottling, it nonetheless gets a spot. My Favorite White Wines Over the last few years,
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Time for more bubbles! This one post a day challenge I set myself is going swimmingly. Or maybe all the wine just makes it seem like it is! Riesling is possibly my favorite grape. Riesling bubbles?! Forget about it. Advent day 16 Von Winning Riesling Extra Brut Sekt From the Deidesheim area of the Pfalz, the organic grapes for this non-vintage wine came from chalky, loess-clay soils and red sandstone. The wine, a traditional method, rested for some 24-28 months on the lees before disgorging. Lightly golden with excited bubbles bursting with aromas of warm citrus, golden apple, brioche, and crushed gravel. Bone dry with a creamy mousse and searing acidity. Gotta love
Read MoreHow have I been doing this for over a week and I'm only just now getting to a bottle of bubbles?! This was well worth the wait though. A bizarrely well-travelled wine that went from New York state to Seattle then finally to me in Istanbul. I've had a still Dr. Konstantine Frank in the past, but never bubbles before now. Advent day 10 Dr. Konstantine Frank Brut, 2013 A traditional method sparkling wine blending traditional Champagne grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The wine was disgorged in October 2018, meaning it spent an impressive (more or less) five years on the lees then another close to five bottle ageing. Pale
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For December, Culinary Cam has invited the #WinePW group to talk about American Sparklers (or writer's choice). You can see her invitation here. Many people probably hear American sparkler and their mind goes to one of the big four: California, Oregon, Washington, New York. But I decided to show my home state a little love this month! [caption id="attachment_19657" align="alignleft" width="401"] Star = Leelanau Pen.Heart = my hometown![/caption] I left Michigan shortly after coming of legal wine drinking age and my visits back there have always been so brief, I haven't really had a good chance to dive into the wine. Mostly I rely on recommendations from my most favorite
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Since November seems to have forgot how to be autumn, we'll see what kind of weather December has in store. The seasons here can be such a rollercoaster throwing ups and downs and twists and turns at us. Much like life itself does. And as we approach this final month of 2023, many are taking stock of what happened during the year and making plans and resolutions for the year ahead. Me, I'm ignoring the future. It'll always be there tomorrow. December is all about Christmas and I cannot wait to put up the tree and dive into Christmas music and movies. So yeah, we all have a different approach
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