Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them
~ Lucy Maud Montgomery ~
March 31, 2011
March 29, 2011
Wine school – Italy
Second round of wine school started last week. This time we are taking a closer a look at different countries and what's typical for their grapes and wine. First out was Italy, which still is a little bit of blank area for me. Both grape variates and wine can be a bit difficult to learn as there are so many and there are no specific rules how it should be. Compare that to France where everything is in strict order...
Rotari Rosé 2006
Probably one of the best sparkling wines coming out of Italy. Wins different prizes year after year. Pale orangery pink colour. Fruity notes of wild strawberries and bread. On the palate rather dry with again wild strawberries and bread.
Terredora Fiano di Avellino 2009
Medium golden colour. Subtle notes of mature fruit and flowers with hints of pear, apricot, citrus and honey. Fruity and a bit sweet palate but still dry.
Zecci Classico 2009
Light yellow going towards golden. Notes of pears, citrus and oak. On the palate rather dry with a long finish of mature plums, minerals and oak.
Rocca Guicciarda Riserva 2006
Deep ruby colour. Strong cherry notes with hints of chocolate and tobacco. A rich palate full of fruit and species such as sage.
Barolo Serralunga d'Alba 2005
Garnet-red colour with ruby highlights. Intense notes of vanilla, spices and withered roses. A full-bodied velvety palate of cherries, cocoa and oak. Very long-lasting finish.
A (Alpha Zeta) Amarone 2007
Deep ruby colour. Intense notes of ripe black cherries and plums. On the palate it is full bodied and rich, with cherry, vanilla and coffee flavours. Long finish.
Next wine school is going to be about Spain. Unfortunately I'm in Poland that night, and most likely not drinking Spanish wines. Sigh!
Rotari Rosé 2006
Probably one of the best sparkling wines coming out of Italy. Wins different prizes year after year. Pale orangery pink colour. Fruity notes of wild strawberries and bread. On the palate rather dry with again wild strawberries and bread.
Terredora Fiano di Avellino 2009
Medium golden colour. Subtle notes of mature fruit and flowers with hints of pear, apricot, citrus and honey. Fruity and a bit sweet palate but still dry.
Zecci Classico 2009
Light yellow going towards golden. Notes of pears, citrus and oak. On the palate rather dry with a long finish of mature plums, minerals and oak.
Rocca Guicciarda Riserva 2006
Deep ruby colour. Strong cherry notes with hints of chocolate and tobacco. A rich palate full of fruit and species such as sage.
Barolo Serralunga d'Alba 2005
Garnet-red colour with ruby highlights. Intense notes of vanilla, spices and withered roses. A full-bodied velvety palate of cherries, cocoa and oak. Very long-lasting finish.
A (Alpha Zeta) Amarone 2007
Deep ruby colour. Intense notes of ripe black cherries and plums. On the palate it is full bodied and rich, with cherry, vanilla and coffee flavours. Long finish.
Next wine school is going to be about Spain. Unfortunately I'm in Poland that night, and most likely not drinking Spanish wines. Sigh!
March 27, 2011
Happy 5th anniversary!
From time to time I do run out of topics, but most of the time I have things to write about. Maybe not always interesting for others to read, but it's my blog and my creative corner of the web. Comments are of course more than welcomed and very cherished.
Will I continue for another 5 years? Not sure, but thinking that I kept a diary all my life and been writing as long as I remember wouldn't be surprised...
March 22, 2011
Trying South African wines (again)
OK, I admit it. I'm in love with Australian wine. Spanish and French wine are my favourites from the Old World, but if I get to decided – it's Australian all the way...
Here in Sweden wine from South Africa has become a best-seller, beating Australia as number one on the list. To my horror most of the South African wine is also sold as bag-in-box. Can't get any worse than that in my opinion...
That might be one of the reasons why I find it hard to like wine from South Africa. A rather silly reason I admit, but still. Or the quality isn't really what I would like it to be. My palate has grown used to something else. With South Africa still being a rather young wine country at least when it comes to exporting, a lot of experimenting takes place and many of them make wine especially suited for different markets. Something I that I'm not particular very found of, but everybody needs to make a living.
Unfortunately though I don't like the South African wine coming to Sweden. It's too smoky, has a high alcohol content and is mismatch of way too many wine characteristics. One or two in a bottle is more than enough. From time to time I do try South African wine, thinking that this time I will like it, but I get disappointed each time. It's just not my type of wine.
Last Friday I tried again, having been recommend two different ones by a wine guy on the ferry going home from Germany. We talked wine for quite some time and he said I would love them since I'm a big wine of d'Arenberg wines. Well, he was wrong... And comparing it to d'Arenberg was also wrong. They are beyond compare one of the best Australian wineries out there...
I ended up having maybe a glass and a half before pouring the rest down the drain. That's how picky I've become... So my darling South African friends, the next time we meet please show me some real nice South African wines and restorer my faith in wine coming from your homeland. I know there must be at least someone in South Africa making good wine.
Here in Sweden wine from South Africa has become a best-seller, beating Australia as number one on the list. To my horror most of the South African wine is also sold as bag-in-box. Can't get any worse than that in my opinion...
That might be one of the reasons why I find it hard to like wine from South Africa. A rather silly reason I admit, but still. Or the quality isn't really what I would like it to be. My palate has grown used to something else. With South Africa still being a rather young wine country at least when it comes to exporting, a lot of experimenting takes place and many of them make wine especially suited for different markets. Something I that I'm not particular very found of, but everybody needs to make a living.
Unfortunately though I don't like the South African wine coming to Sweden. It's too smoky, has a high alcohol content and is mismatch of way too many wine characteristics. One or two in a bottle is more than enough. From time to time I do try South African wine, thinking that this time I will like it, but I get disappointed each time. It's just not my type of wine.
Last Friday I tried again, having been recommend two different ones by a wine guy on the ferry going home from Germany. We talked wine for quite some time and he said I would love them since I'm a big wine of d'Arenberg wines. Well, he was wrong... And comparing it to d'Arenberg was also wrong. They are beyond compare one of the best Australian wineries out there...
I ended up having maybe a glass and a half before pouring the rest down the drain. That's how picky I've become... So my darling South African friends, the next time we meet please show me some real nice South African wines and restorer my faith in wine coming from your homeland. I know there must be at least someone in South Africa making good wine.
March 20, 2011
Eat your greens
Remember how mum used to tell you to eat your greens. Well, you know what, she was right...
I didn't start eating vegetables properly until I turned 30. I was finally grown up I guess... I aim for the 5 a day when it comes to fruit and vegetables and most of the time it works. Sometimes I fail miserable. Lately I've been focusing more on my healthy eating and the result has been great. Not only do feel better I've also lost 10 kilos and is almost down two dress sizes. But like I said, sometimes I fail, especially if I'm travelling and really can't plan my meals and/or what to eat.
Last week I went down to our office in Kiel, Germany. On the journey out (went on the ferry) I had the usual steak and baked potato, but said no thank you to dessert. For breakfast I went with American pancakes, maple syrup and bacon. Also as usual since pancakes are something I never do at home. By 11o'clock I was starving and when it was time for lunch we went out for pizza. After the meeting I managed to squeeze in a quick visit to shopping centre, where I of course had a large latte and German waffle with both cream and chocolate syrup since I was starving again. Someone see the pattern here?!
For dinner on my way home I went for schnitzel and chips, which I actually didn't have all of since the size of portion really was for a trucker. To top of things I wolfed down a bag of M&Ms while reading in my cabin. The next morning, of course, pancakes, maple syrup,bacon and also a blueberry muffins since I remember how hungry I had been the day before. By 10 o'clock back in the office I was getting hungry already and that was only 2 hours after I had had breakfast. I found an old banana and apple and then it hit me. For almost two days I hadn't had any fruit, vegetables, grains or anything remotely filling. Old habits die hard I guess, but at the same time thinking back the only vegetables that came with a meal was a couple of cherry tomatoes and some asparagus along with my steak the first night. Rather strange I think. But on the other hand if we are hungry we eat more... And buy more junk food...
On Thursday I was back to my healthy eating habits. Porridge in the morning, fruit midday, sensible lunch, another fruit in the afternoon and home made Spaghetti Bolognese with plenty of vegetables for dinner. I didn't feel hungry at any time during the day, and I hardly never do. Amazing what a difference a day can do and what fruit and vegetables can do. And of course, Mum was right. Greens are good for you.
I didn't start eating vegetables properly until I turned 30. I was finally grown up I guess... I aim for the 5 a day when it comes to fruit and vegetables and most of the time it works. Sometimes I fail miserable. Lately I've been focusing more on my healthy eating and the result has been great. Not only do feel better I've also lost 10 kilos and is almost down two dress sizes. But like I said, sometimes I fail, especially if I'm travelling and really can't plan my meals and/or what to eat.
Last week I went down to our office in Kiel, Germany. On the journey out (went on the ferry) I had the usual steak and baked potato, but said no thank you to dessert. For breakfast I went with American pancakes, maple syrup and bacon. Also as usual since pancakes are something I never do at home. By 11o'clock I was starving and when it was time for lunch we went out for pizza. After the meeting I managed to squeeze in a quick visit to shopping centre, where I of course had a large latte and German waffle with both cream and chocolate syrup since I was starving again. Someone see the pattern here?!
For dinner on my way home I went for schnitzel and chips, which I actually didn't have all of since the size of portion really was for a trucker. To top of things I wolfed down a bag of M&Ms while reading in my cabin. The next morning, of course, pancakes, maple syrup,bacon and also a blueberry muffins since I remember how hungry I had been the day before. By 10 o'clock back in the office I was getting hungry already and that was only 2 hours after I had had breakfast. I found an old banana and apple and then it hit me. For almost two days I hadn't had any fruit, vegetables, grains or anything remotely filling. Old habits die hard I guess, but at the same time thinking back the only vegetables that came with a meal was a couple of cherry tomatoes and some asparagus along with my steak the first night. Rather strange I think. But on the other hand if we are hungry we eat more... And buy more junk food...
On Thursday I was back to my healthy eating habits. Porridge in the morning, fruit midday, sensible lunch, another fruit in the afternoon and home made Spaghetti Bolognese with plenty of vegetables for dinner. I didn't feel hungry at any time during the day, and I hardly never do. Amazing what a difference a day can do and what fruit and vegetables can do. And of course, Mum was right. Greens are good for you.
March 15, 2011
Could it be spring?
Yes, or maybe no, or yes maybe. For the last week or so the weather has changed its mind as many times as there are days in the week. Snow, rain, sunshine, foggy, windy, cold, warm. My Gran would have could it typical April or spring weather. I'm not really sure what to call it other than telling Mr Frost to give it up. Ms Spring is here and she wants to be seen everywhere with happy people who have survived yet another winter.
Visiting Stockholm last week I realized that I should be very lucky for living where I do. Just a 3,5 hour train ride up north and there is still full winter going on. The more snow I saw the more depressed I got. Even in the city centre of Stockholm the streets were still covered in ice and snow. Down here we passed that stage over a month ago.
On Thursday afternoon it started to snow but changed into rain, which according to people living there was the first rain since early November. Good grief! I will never moan about the weather down here again. Or at least not until the next time it's rainy and plain miserable. Probably in a day or two...
Visiting Stockholm last week I realized that I should be very lucky for living where I do. Just a 3,5 hour train ride up north and there is still full winter going on. The more snow I saw the more depressed I got. Even in the city centre of Stockholm the streets were still covered in ice and snow. Down here we passed that stage over a month ago.
On Thursday afternoon it started to snow but changed into rain, which according to people living there was the first rain since early November. Good grief! I will never moan about the weather down here again. Or at least not until the next time it's rainy and plain miserable. Probably in a day or two...
March 13, 2011
New computer, finally
I spent most of yesterday installing programs and customize settings etc. Needless to say I'm very happy with my purchase and almost wonder why I took so long before I made up my mind. Well, I know why. I'm always slow when it comes to buying things I don't know much about. Next thing on my tech list is now a flat screen TV. Yes, I still have an old chunky one... Lets see how long it takes though...
March 06, 2011
Nothing to write about
Everybody who writes regularly knows that from time to time there is nothing to write about. I’m right there now. No food or wine to write about. No books or photos to refer to. My head is just blank. The more I try to come up with something to write about the more annoyed I get because my head is empty. Blank like a new sheet of paper.
A friend of mine who’s an author once told me that if you write about what you’re passionate about the words will come. Not to day... Zip. Nada. For the last 20 minutes I’ve been starring out the window looking at the clear blue sky, but that hasn’t help. Gawd, my life can’t be that boring. There must be something I can write about. I did read a book yesterday and on Friday I tried another wine from Australia.
The book was written by a Swedish blogger and media person about growing up with a very old father. His father was also one of most successful Swedish TV producers back in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, so the family got quite a bit of media coverage. I’m not sure if I liked the book or not. The author is one of those media people you see everywhere and always have an opinion on everything. But somehow the book did struck a chord with me. The feelings of helplessness you get when you realize your parents are getting old and there is nothing you can do about it other than accepts facts.
The wine I tried of Friday night was a Cabernet Sauvignon called Next of kin from Xanadu Wines in Margaret River, Western Australia. I’m not a big fan of Cabernet Sauvignons. I usually find then dull or boring, but when I noticed that the wine came from Xanadu Wines I just had to try it. Almost a year ago I go I attended an Australian vintage tasting where all the wines but one had been stored for 10 years. That evening is still one of my most cherished moments as a wine geek. The Cabernet Sauvignon that night came from Xanadu and probably for the first time I could really tell the difference between Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The hot and spicy contra the cold and fruity.
The Next of kin Cabernet Sauvignon being a more everyday wine didn’t let me down either. Very fruity with cassis, eucalyptus, plums and toasted oak. A full bodied wine with supple tannins and an acid backbone. I matched the wine with sirloin steak and potato au gratin. Together they were really a match made in heaven. Those strict tannins where made soft by the meat and the fruitiness went very well with the creamy potatoes. Mmm...
Well, well... For not having anything to write about I think I written a lot now, and it has all been about what I’m passionate about. Food, wine and books.
A friend of mine who’s an author once told me that if you write about what you’re passionate about the words will come. Not to day... Zip. Nada. For the last 20 minutes I’ve been starring out the window looking at the clear blue sky, but that hasn’t help. Gawd, my life can’t be that boring. There must be something I can write about. I did read a book yesterday and on Friday I tried another wine from Australia.
The book was written by a Swedish blogger and media person about growing up with a very old father. His father was also one of most successful Swedish TV producers back in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, so the family got quite a bit of media coverage. I’m not sure if I liked the book or not. The author is one of those media people you see everywhere and always have an opinion on everything. But somehow the book did struck a chord with me. The feelings of helplessness you get when you realize your parents are getting old and there is nothing you can do about it other than accepts facts.
The wine I tried of Friday night was a Cabernet Sauvignon called Next of kin from Xanadu Wines in Margaret River, Western Australia. I’m not a big fan of Cabernet Sauvignons. I usually find then dull or boring, but when I noticed that the wine came from Xanadu Wines I just had to try it. Almost a year ago I go I attended an Australian vintage tasting where all the wines but one had been stored for 10 years. That evening is still one of my most cherished moments as a wine geek. The Cabernet Sauvignon that night came from Xanadu and probably for the first time I could really tell the difference between Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The hot and spicy contra the cold and fruity.
The Next of kin Cabernet Sauvignon being a more everyday wine didn’t let me down either. Very fruity with cassis, eucalyptus, plums and toasted oak. A full bodied wine with supple tannins and an acid backbone. I matched the wine with sirloin steak and potato au gratin. Together they were really a match made in heaven. Those strict tannins where made soft by the meat and the fruitiness went very well with the creamy potatoes. Mmm...
Well, well... For not having anything to write about I think I written a lot now, and it has all been about what I’m passionate about. Food, wine and books.
March 03, 2011
Quote of the day
All men are frauds. The only difference between them is that some admit it. I myself deny it.
~ H. L. Mencken ~
~ H. L. Mencken ~
March 01, 2011
Cookbooks
I love to read and I love to cook which means I love cookbooks and I have many, many of them. Ranging from my grandma’s old and much stained cookbook from the early 50’s to the RAK Pack cookbook where some of my favourite classical Swedish recipes are featured.
Many of the books are also memories from trips and different parts of my life. Like the cookbooks from Texas which include both chilli recipes and how to make briskets. Or all the Asian cookbooks. Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai are all part of my Asian period. The last couple of years have resulted in a lot of British books (of course). Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Gordon Ramsey and The River Cottage, but also on how to cook the perfect Yorkshire pudding and how to make scones. Or the London cookbook which really shows the diversity of food you can find in London. From eel and mash and bacon sanis, to Indian curry and Ukrainian borscht.
At the same time as my interest in wine has grown the number of books on wine have also grown. Probably one full shelf by now and with three shelves for cookbooks it means that I almost have a bookcase on just food and wine. Call me a geek or rather, call me an aficionado...
Many of the books are also memories from trips and different parts of my life. Like the cookbooks from Texas which include both chilli recipes and how to make briskets. Or all the Asian cookbooks. Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai are all part of my Asian period. The last couple of years have resulted in a lot of British books (of course). Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Gordon Ramsey and The River Cottage, but also on how to cook the perfect Yorkshire pudding and how to make scones. Or the London cookbook which really shows the diversity of food you can find in London. From eel and mash and bacon sanis, to Indian curry and Ukrainian borscht.
At the same time as my interest in wine has grown the number of books on wine have also grown. Probably one full shelf by now and with three shelves for cookbooks it means that I almost have a bookcase on just food and wine. Call me a geek or rather, call me an aficionado...
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