grapeinabottle » Cabernet Sauvignon

Can an Easter wine basket substitute for me?

Rob — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:30:04 +0000

With Easter approaching fast, this 90 Point Geyser Peak Duet – Gourmet Gift Basket appears to be the perfect replacement for my attendance at the dinner table this year. As I will be missing Easter dinner with my extended family this year due to work duties, I thought at least my famliy could enjoy some wine while they celebrate together. This basket will cover hors d’oeuvres, great wine of the red and white varieties, and even dessert with the chocolate biscotti.

so you want to become a vintner?

Rob — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:49:50 +0000

Algodon Wine Estates is now offering a unique opportunity for you to become a vintner through their wine barrel ownership program. For $5,000 to $6,000 USD, you can create about 290 bottles of your own wine from the finest wine county in Argentina. Of course, you have to taste the wine during the aging process so a two night stay at one of Argentina’s finest resorts is included in the package. If 290 bottles are not enough, you may refill your wine barrel for approximately $2,500, which would yield a second batch of wine. Each barrel may be used three times. In addition, you will be guided by Algodon Estate’s winemaker , but you will make all the crucial decisions–such as variety of grape used, and length of time your wine stays in the barrel (aging length). You also get to design your own label. So break open those piggy banks and stock up your wine cellar with your own wine.

Chilean sea bass out, Chilean wine in

Rob — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:05:58 +0000

As we all know by now, it is politically incorrect to order Chilean sea bass at diner these days, due to its association with high levels of mercury and the accidental catching of seabirds like the endangered albatross. Fortunately it is becoming more popular to enjoy Chilean wines, which are becoming more accessible in the US. Wines of Chile will open its first office in New York City in an effort to expand its share of the American wine market. The office, slated to open early in 2009, is designed to “promote the country as a purveyor of high quality lifestyle products, namely wine and tourism, and will serve as a retail space, showroom, event venue, business center, and art gallery.”

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends have been the traditional varieties produced in Chile, but US consumers are now beginning to enjoy Chile’s Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah, while Carmenere, Chile’s unique varietal, has been gaining popularity in the U.S. Save an albatross by passing on the fish and opting for a bottle of Chilean wine.

1 wine cube equals 2 bottles and a good time

Rob — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:43:44 +0000

Today while shopping at Target, Mrs. Grapeinabottle and I stumbled upon the Wine Cube. We both acted as if we weren’t looking at this Target Brand boxed wine, when I finally broke the silence and declared that I wanted to give it a try. I must admit I have never tried a boxed wine before, at least to my knowledge (we often ate at a Chinese restaurant in New York that served free wine with dinner, and I suspect it came directly from cardboard). The 1.5 liter wine cube only comes in a Cabernet/Shiraz blend and Pinot Grigio, but a much wider selection is offered in the 3 liter packaging. We decided on the Cabernet/Shiraz blend and I must say it is a solid drink. This is a smooth wine, with hints of vanilla and spice that finish easy. Mrs. Grapeinabottle and I thought this would be a great choice to serve at large family events, because a lot of wine is consumed and at $10 USD for a 1.5 liter cube, the price is right at $4.50 a bottle.

toast to the cure with chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon

Rob — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:02:36 +0000

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Ribbon Wines has issued two special edition wines to celebrate the month. They are releasing a Chardonney and a Cabernet Sauvignon, which supports the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They are going to donate money from each purchase towards breast cancer research. On October 30th Pink Ribbon Wines is sponsoring a ‘Toast to the Cure,’ an opportunity for breast cancer survivors and supporters to raise their glass in a ‘Toast to the Cure.’ I hope you will participate with us.

is there truth in advertising?

admin — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:24:32 +0000

I will be the first to categorize myself as a skeptic; to most questions, I would normally answer no. Of course, people are always trying to get you to try their product by any means possible. We’ve all gotten the “open immediately; sensitive material enclosed” junk mail, or the new and improved version that is really the same old product with a new label. Tonight, however, I tried a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from Banrock Station that convinced me that there might be truth behind marketing. I purchased this bottle of wine while completing the grocery list my wife sent with me to the store. This task was listed, as get wine PLEASE, no preferences or suggestions. I paced the aisle looking for a nice value along with catchy labeling of course, and found this bottle with the distinction “Wine Enthusiast 10 Best Buys Since 2005” emblazoned on a gold sticker. I was hooked, especially at $7 USD a bottle. I think the Wine Enthusiasts are spot on with this cab. Mrs. Grapeinabottle and I had a glass while dinner was cooking, and it was very smooth and fruity with a hint of oak. I would definitely recommend this wine to all my friends. Of note: this Eastern Australian wine boasts of its wetland conservation in Australia, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Denmark, USA, and Kenya.