Playlist – The Blonde Grape

Stranger Things

August 8, 2016 theblondegrape1 Comment

You may never understand
How the stranger is inspired
But he isn’t always evil
And he is not always wrong
Though you drown in good intentions
You will never quench the fire
You’ll give in to your desire
When the stranger comes along
(Written and performed by Billy Joel)

I am a Billy Joel fan to the nth degree. He is the only artist I actually ever wrote a fan letter to and he is a beautiful talent. So, when I became inspired to write this post due to the new Netflix show, “Stranger Things” and found a playlist with top songs about strangers and he wasn’t on it, I decided I would lead off with it because this song explains the stranger so well and (did I mention) it is Billy freakin’ Joel.

Recently, I started watching a Netflix show that I would normally never watch. It is science fiction, meets a little horror and is in the 80s. But, at the urging of my eldest daughter and the fact that I do the marketing for the best escape room in Colorado, I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave the series Stranger Things a try. I highly recommend it, like a good wine it is a little forward but balances out. It softens up around the edges but has a dry wit that I can appreciate. Much like wine can recall or make a great memory, this show brings back memories from the 80s through the soundtrack, rotary dial phones and the long cords and there is even a pinto. Which makes me wonder if the 70’s didn’t overlap the era a bit in the series but I did wear the hairstyle that Mike’s mom wears. It was my very first haircut and was modeled after The Bionic Woman.

I modeled my 1st haircut after Lindsey Wagner aka Jamie Sommers

Mathew Modine started in the 80s and now in Stranger Things

A Pinto, yes and it was popular

How far did you stretch the cord

Winona Ryder from Beetlejuice to Stranger Things

Now, it just so happens that Winona Ryder starred in a movie called “Dracula” that was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. This talented director also has a very good vineyard with several good choices but how can you resist the direction this is taking, so yes, I dared to be adventurous. I have had several wines that his man has placed his name on from Chardonnay, to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot up to his Director’s Cuts and he has never disappointed and elevates any movie or series watching to another level.

Francis Ford Coppola

B&W version

Paused screen caption

Tying it together and the pic is a little strange. I’ve seen stranger things…

If you are thinking this talented director would play itself with his wines, you are mistaken. He is quite skilled at this craft and the wines are really something to be enjoyed whether watching one of the best movies of all time, The Godfather or an award show like The Oscars, you will not be disappointed and probably give him a golden statue for his vinicultural chops as well. His vineyard offers tours, check it out for yourselves if you are ever in the area. https://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/visit

So, I am having fun with this new series. It is very interesting how the time was not that long ago and I remember it so well. At the same time, it seems so very, very long ago. I mean having to turn the ignition to start a car, no cell phones and yet we still have never learned that when it is dark and raining, do not leave the road. Do not go into the woods, don’t go into the….woods. It is well written and I find myself drawn to this series and may have to give other similar shows a try now and that is saying a lot because until now, this has not been my style. I am more into laughter because to quote Stephen King “You can’t deny laughter; when it comes, it plops down in your favorite chair and stays as long as it wants.” But what can I say, “People are Strange“.

So, be adventurous, try something new and drink what you like. It is your life to live, live it. Cheers!

The Slow Press

August 3, 2016August 3, 2016 theblondegrapeLeave a comment

How many grooves in a 33 rpm vinyl record?

The answer is one. This is a little more insight into me, making it easier to follow my words. My love for music and the business of music is well-known and makes me smarter than I really am, because I can spout any useless information on the topic but can’t tell you why I walked into the kitchen. That’s me.

In this edition, I will introduce you to an interesting blend of style with wine and music. Sit back, relax and open your mind.

To think he was the birth of Kinko’s. Copies in minutes, wow!

Not a button, this required real manpower

They don’t look happy? Do you think they found a typo?

More than words…literary art.

Since the beginning of time as much as we have loved the convenience of speed, we turn to relish the classics that took a bit of time. Whether or not it is actually better, that is a long debate that I feel depends on what you are debating. But, when you hold some of these items that took more than a keystroke to print and disperse, it does cause you to pause. I think the use of the pause button would save a lot of aggravation today. For example, type a text, press pause, read the text or auto corrected text and correct the auto-correction and then push send. Oh, imagine the possibilities. Now, think of Gutenberg if he printed a typo.

I was at an arcade recently with my daughter and found an old video game, Galaxian…like Galaga (but that was being used) and after I put a quarter in the slot, (yes, still a quarter) I had to keep pushing the button to fire. Now, I’m Jane Jetson and “I’ve Got the Push Button Blues.” I actually got tired and I am thinking to myself, damn I’m old. Actually, I am just thinking that I just proved my point remembering a song sung by Jane Jetson. There was also the episode where…I’ll leave it for later.

Maybe this is one of the reasons I enjoy wine so much. It cannot be made well if it is rushed. It cannot mature and become robust if made in a hurry. It can’t go back and bring forth centuries of flavors if the older vines are destroyed so that we can consume a history of the region. You should know, that although I am a slow runner, mid-paced hiker, strong but not speedy cyclist I like fast cars, fast wit and do not like to linger when shopping. But, drinking wine and enjoying the outdoors, I will say should be savored slowly. It is my attempt at controlling time and although I never truly succeed at it, I do create great memories and that works for me.

Enter the Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon. I automatically think of vinyl records but this even echoes my sentiments on the bottle when it prints “never rush a great wine”. This 2014 wine out of Paso Robles, CA is oak barrel aged. Like a vintage recording such as Sammy Davis Jr and Buddy Rich on the album Sounds of ’66, the intro to “Come Back to Me” is a genuineness and beauty that can only be augmented by the tracks on the record such as “What Now My Love”. Now, due to tempus fugit, vintage means more the artists of my youth like the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Journey, and much more. Back to the wine, this Cabernet is dark and the process has been slowed down to be more concentrated, which proves sometimes, slowing down demonstrates the
well-intentioned effort and show the true amalgamation of when art meets craft. Delicious!

Enter perhaps the purest of methods to record an album. It was not done by many but was used most often in the 60’s and 70’s. It is when an album was recorded direct to disc, not first to the tape and then transferred. Thus it removed some of the hissing (a well-loved memory of vinyl) but created a truly honest reproduction and if you pause well enough to listen, you can hear a breath taken. See for yourselves a great article on the process here.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL528G33kVQwI6RkXW-8H8VscOyHOfC5l1

I played trumpet in my youth and had one of his mouthpieces. Too cool.

Although, Sammy eludes to the live recording being pressed to wax during the performance, there is no guarantee but here is an example for you by the great Harry James, and “Sweet Georgia Brown” recorded direct to disc by Sheffield Lab.

So endeth the lesson on this process. Friends, listen to what brings a smile to your face and drink what you like and makes your taste buds happy. Cheers!

We’re Screwed!

July 27, 2016July 28, 2016 theblondegrapeLeave a comment

What did the nut say to the bolt? “Screw me”

bolt-nut-cartoon-belong-together-29340890 — *Found on Google.com credit to Dreamstime.com*

I was drawn to the label, yes, I like good art. This one insinuated travel and I was going to be watching Marco Polo on Netflix and he traveled, are you following me yet? I was perusing several bottles and this caught my eye but also the fact that they had a 90 rating. I got caught in the moment, yes, I was distracted by the allure of travel, the light, yet richness of a Pinot Noir that I missed…I missed…I missed the fact that this bottle was a (gulp) screw top. I am sure I should place some sort of disappointed emoji or an empathetic one, but I am over 21 and I am not going to do so, at least not yet.

Now, to not show that I am ignorant to the trend, I recognize the monetary savings that goes on in the production of wine and using cork. But, But, But…here’s the deal. Wine is not only enjoyed because it brings pleasure to your taste-buds and warms your body or relaxes your mind after a long day. No, wine is not only about linking yourself to history, even to Biblical times when this beverage that changes day by day enlightens your soul. No, it is not only because they use wine to filter water to give your body sustenance should you be stranded in a desert or on an island and need water for life (yes, wine is a purifier to water and if you had to purify water through wine…I want to move to that island). This according to TurtleRunWinery.com fun facts about wine. [On a different note, I like their site, worth a visit while sipping.]

The fun fact states: Did you know that humans originally consumed wine for the express purpose of purifying water? Yep! Blend 10% to 25% wine with water and let it sit for 30 minutes and you can drink that creek water!

However I caution you, that just like skinny pants, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. So, DO NOT EXPERIMENT ON YOUR OWN...WAIT FOR FURTHER DOCUMENTATION, DO NOT EXPERIMENT ON YOUR OWN! Remember, you are not Bear Grylls. and he squeezes elephant dung to make water.

Bear Grylls — *To prove the point of Do Not Experiment on Your Own, He is (for the most part) a spectator sport. I will not squeeze poop to make water.*

I am a gadget girl, so I am not locked into the past. However, one of my favorite aspects of wine whether solo, couple, family/friends or grand gala…the anticipation of the bottle opening, watching it work its way to the top with a gasp for air…that adds excitement…that is Anticipation! That is why, I normally refuse the purchase of a bottle that my wrist can turn to the left and without a gasp, is open. Okay, I know your thinking, why did this blonde link to Anticipation? Because it was more than a Ketchup song…it is one of the key aspects of wine that makes us clink our glasses and celebrate the moment..yes, the moment! Click on the link, it is a really good song by Carly Simon.

So, whether you want to collect your corks to do something crafty, or not, I have to tell you that there are times when you may have to cross over and get screwed. I admit it, most times I would run, again out of principle.

Courtesy of Wine Folly and Simply the Best

Wait! I know what you are thinking! When we open a bottle of wine using a device, it is called a cork screw! Sigh, yes you are right. But, there is still satisfaction on going through the motions and determining whether any cork remains in the bottle. I will not draw a clearer picture to you other than Eric Claption’s great song for the Color of Money…It’s in the Way that You Use It.

So, what I am telling you, should you choose to accept this mission, trust your gut. If you like the story, like the grape, like the company…step outside your comfort zone and give it a try. At worst you are out a few bucks, or need a palate changer. But, you will not be short an experience.

Tonight, I chose to unscrew this:

Left Coast Cellars, Cali’s Cuvee Pinot Noir from 2013. My husband said, you are not paying attention…but, it is not bad. I mean it doesn’t suck and it is much better than expected from a pre-judgmental audience. It was good! It had a multitude of flavors, it was smooth and true to the grape. It is affordable and mostly, it forced me to step outside my comfort zone and taste. I ask you, what is life if you don’t taste it? Friends, drink what you like and celebrate you!

Hace Caliente or It’s Hot!

July 21, 2016July 21, 2016 theblondegrape1 Comment

Global warming or just that time of year called Summer, we are nearing the dog days and it is hot. We are beyond warm, or a little touched by the heat, we are in full flip-flop mode and portable fans.

Now, I don’t always think it necessary to pair wine with food. As I have said before, drink what you like and choose the guidelines if you wish. But, I do tend to make a deciding factor on what I drink based on the weather. To me when it is hot, it is the time to keep the drink a little lighter and sometimes even a little sweeter. Warning: If you make it too light and too sweet you may drink too fast due to dehydration, be careful.

One of my favorite drinks to cool down the heat, is Sangria. There are many kinds, but typically there are three version for you to choose from: a red, a white and a cava (sparkling wine). My favorite place for Sangria and Cuban/Spanish Cuisine is The Columbia in Ybor City, FL (Tampa).

This place is very much a destination place when you visit Tampa, in particular, Ybor City. Known for it’s “Cuban” Cigars, it is hard to get much more authentic than actually going to Cuba. This is a very eclectic neighborhood that is continuously improving and free roaming chickens. Go see for yourselves, believe.

So, back to it being hot, this place alongside it’s great food is known for it’s sangria. The Columbia has packaged a mix to help you in the process and I have used it, and liked it. Now, I didn’t have all the fruit on hand to make it pretty but I can tell you, temps in the high 80s to low 90s and it was refreshing and on point. Pics below don’t do it justice, but the ones after will, I promise:

Due to the Spanish origins, I use a Rioja wine to make the red sangria. Again, we did not have much fruit, so we used limes and grapes. But, I highly suggest you try oranges in the mix. The Cerro Anon Rioja from 2009 was perfect for this blend that had me lounging on my deck admiring the grass that probably needs to be mowed, but it’s hot, so I tell my son, the lawn can wait till manana as I don’t want to hear the rumble of the push engine catching grass. Nor, do I want to hear him whine about mowing the yard, that would get in the way of the only whine I tolerate and that is wine, without an “h”.

Now, if for some reason, you are not experiencing the mercury rising in your neck of the woods, here are some songs that may put that feeling into play for you. In no particular order of heat index, here are some great songs to enjoy your Sangria:

The Heat is On by Glenn Frey

Hot, Hot, Hot by Buster Poindexter

Heatwave by Martha and the Vandellas

Hot Fun in the Summertime by Sly and the Family Stone

When Your Hot Your Hot by Jerry Reed

Summertime Blues by The Who

In the Summertime by Mungo Cherry (1 Hit Wonder)

Some Like it Hot by Power Station

But if you don’t want songs that sing about being hot, or heat or summer, I believe this new song by Justin Timberlake, should be the 2016 song of Summer. What do you think?
Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake

Now, back to the Sangria. My recent trip to The Columbia, we tried the Sangria Cava, which is Sangria using a Spanish sparkling wine. The pictures will show some of the process and I will attach the link and post recipe to the refreshing blend that made one forget for a brief second that all the temps said, 90+, it felt like over 100 on the thermometer.

This was so yummy! The recipe from their website is as follows:

Sangria de Cava (Sparkling Wine Sangria)
Columbia’s sparkling white sangria is great for a fancy brunch.
Ingredients
1 375 ml bottle of Cava (or any sparkling wine)
¼ ounce Torres 5 Brandy (or any Spanish brandy)
¼ ounce Gran Torres Liqueur (or any orange liqueur)
Splash of lemon-lime soda
1 orange
1 lime
Cherries for garnish
Simple syrup*

Preparation
Cut orange and lime in half. Fill large pitcher with ice and combine the wine, brandy, liqueur, lemon-lime soda, the juice of half of an orange and the juice of half a lime. Stir. Add simple syrup to obtain desired sweetness. Slice remaining orange and lime into thin slices. Garnish glasses with orange, lime and cherry.

* To make simple syrup, combine one part water to one part sugar in small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Chill before use. Serves 4.

As I mentioned previously, you can purchase their mix to aid you in the assistance of your perfect Sangria. I suggest you stick to Spanish wines the Riojas, Cavas to make it as authentic and delicious as possible, but as I always say, drink what you like. So, experiment among yourselves. Let me know how it turns out.Click on The Columbia Gift Shop to purchase your mix.

Lastly, my last visit was timed with the timely return of my brother and his wife from Spain and Portugal. My love of wine runs in the family and to let you know how they are using cork in the Mediterranean other than to top off a bottle, I give you the cork shoe. Yes, I am now going to have to get a pair, but for now, here is a picture of cork shoes on my brother’s feet. Salud!