Wine Win Wednesday: Maryhill Gewurztramier

Wine:  Maryhill 2008 Gewurztraminer

Why it's a win:  This is an absolute favorite among the women in our group!  Immediately on the nose, you'll find the sweet scents of honeysuckle and fresh melon.  On the palate, you're greeted with a symphony of fruity flavors, including pear, green apple, and grapefruit.  This Gewurztraminer offers bright flavors with a crisp finish .  But be careful, this Gewurztraminer has been likened to drinking candy!


Where you can find it: Haggens


Price:  $11

Portland Seafood and Wine Festival

There are few things that go together better than salt & pepper. One could argue peanut butter & jelly. Or perhaps even macaroni & cheese. But if you have the privilege of living in the great state of Oregon, you'll likely argue seafood & wine.

This year a group of Wine and Dine members cruised over to Portland's Seafood and Wine Festival to celebrate birthdays, delicious food and of course, a serious love for wine.

Event: Portland Seafood and Wine Festival
Date: February 3-4, 2012
Location: Oregon Convention Center
Cost: $10 per person at the door, tastings ranged from $1 for one taste and $5 for flights.

Most vendors offered tastings that looked like this:

It was particularly nice to zero in on the medal winners- which almost all lived up to their hype.

A group favorite of the day was Crater Lake Cellars.

With a wide variety of sweet wines, Crater Lake Cellars immediately captured our attention. The best of the bunch seemed to be the Winter Rose. Sweet enough for those who like the hint of sugar yet mellow enough for one (even two) at a meal. Plus, we loved how the labels featured pictures from all around Oregon.

Some other notable wines include:
Seufert's Dolcetto (Excellent every day wine that compliments all types of food)
Maryhill's 2005 Reserve Zinfandel (A rich (and absolutely fantastic) treat)
Hip Chick's Do Wine Bunny Blush and Drop Dead Red (Granted, the guys weren't as into this booth, but the ladies were in love! What a fun idea for Girls' Night Out.)

A very Happy Birthday to Paul and Rachel and a huge thanks for getting us out to the festival. We look forward to attending again next year!

Wine Win Wednesday: Erath Pinot Noir

Wine:  Erath 2009 Oregon Pinot Noir

Why it's a Win:  This classic example of Oregon Pinot Noir is truly a staple in our households.  It's hard to go wrong with anything Erath produces, and their Pinot is no exception.  This Pinot Noir greets you with red fruits and spices on the nose, and has an earthy, light-bodied palate.  It drinks easily and is delicious right off the shelf.
You can see why it's so popular.  In fact, it's Erath's goal to "make the best Pinot Noir in the world for under $20."  I'll drink to that!
  
Rated 88 points by Wine Spectator.  



Where you can find it:  My guess is that most grocery stores in the Northwest carry Erath, but it's most commonly spotted at Costco, Safeway, and Fred Meyer.


Price:  $15-$20

On a more personal note, we've been out to Erath's winery and tasting room before, and we've been fans of Erath since we first discovered the joys of wine tasting in the Dundee Hills.  It's been nice to see Erath's Pinot Noir growing in popularity as we spot it in more and more restaurants and grocery store chains.  The winery is run by some super friendly people and the winemaker used to work at Bethel Heights, and at Witness Tree - two other top notch producers of Pinot in the Willamette Valley.

Red Pepper Shrimp Bisque

This is an incredible bisque and I just HAD to pass the recipe along!  Don't let the ingredients fool you, this bisque is amazing!!

If you're looking for a lower-fat version, try sauteing the vegetables in a spritz of olive oil.  And instead of making a roux with butter and flour, use a mixture of cornstarch and cold water.  The 4 T. of butter and 1/4 cup of flour equates to about 2 T. cornstarch and 2 T. cold water.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. shrimp
• 7 T butter
• 3/4 c. chopped onion
• 3/4 c. chopped celery
• 3 c. cold water
• 2 c. bottled clam juice
• 1 c. dry white wine
• 2 fresh parsley sprigs
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp. black peppercorn (whole or ground)

• 1/4 c. flour
• 1/4 c. Madeira (you can substitute with dry Port, sherry, or Marsala wines)
• 3 T. tomato paste

• 3/4 c. half-and-half

• 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

Instructions

1. Melt 1 T. butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat
2. Add onion and celery.  Cook and cover until tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
3. Add 3 cups cold water and next 5 ingredients (through peppercorn) and bring to boil.  
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer until liquid is reduced to 5 cups, about 30 minutes.
5. Melt 4 T. butter in heavy large pot over medium heat.
6. Add flour and whisk until mixture bubbles, but does not brown.  About 3 minutes.  
7. Whisk in Madiera and tomato paste.  
8. Add soup stock, and simmer until mixture thickens slightly.  About 8 minutes.  
• This part can be prepared 1 day ahead.  Cool slightly, cover, and refrigerate.  Bring soup to a boil before continuing.
9. Mix in half-and-half, and cook until soup is heated through (do not boil.)
10. Melt remaining 2 T. butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.  
11. Add zucchini and red bell pepper and saute until vegetables are crip-tender, about 3 minutes.
12. Add shrimp and saute until shrimp is cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes longer.  
13. Mix soup stock with shrimp and vegetables and simmer for about 5 minutes.  
14. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Shared by Jeff Nickerson and Amber Daubt

Wine Win Wednesday: 7 Deadly Zins

Wine:  7 Deadly Zins produced by Michael David Winery

Why it's a win:  This full-bodied, deep ruby red Zinfandel is loaded with berry, pepper, and earthy characteristics.  The tannins are tight, flavor concentration is good, and finishes strong and smooth.  Aged in oak for 12 months, this Lodi Appellation Zin offers consistency and quality at a great price.  Plus, the back of the label is excellent reading material.


So pour yourself a glass (or two) and raise a toast to gluttony, sloth, and lust.  

Where you can find it: This is a popular Zin sold at most grocery stores, but Costco sells it cheapest.

Price:  $11-$15

“I’m raging with ire, an ocean of fire,
My Wrath is the path to all I desire.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I’m inflated with pride, near-bursting inside,

A self-centered repenter, Vanitys’ bride.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I’m mired in mud, inert as a slug,

Sloth is the cloth that’s woven my rug.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I eat day and night, consuming all in my sight,

A Glutton with nothing but a huge appetite.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

My will I ignore, my Envy’s a chore,

Over zealous and jealous, I want so much more.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I’m ravenous to feast, an insatiable beast,

I concede to the Greed demanding release.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.

I hunger for trust, my craving’s a must,

My sin is the Zin enslaving my Lust.

Oh Lord, forgive me my Zins.”

– Kevin Phillips