At 39 weeks pregnant, there's only so much you can do on a day to day basis. Relaxing is at the top of the list, followed by walking to help stimulate labor and eating right to stay nourished for the big day. To say my husband and I have done a lot of baby preparation is an understatement. We've been together almost 12 years and have wanted to start a family for quite some time. So when we got pregnant, we couldn't help ourselves but to start the baby preparations early. Now, as we wind down to very the end of pregnancy, everything is in its right place. We are ready, and while there's been a lot of serious discussions lately about the kind parents we will be, how to keep the temperature steady for the baby in our old home and just the overall emotionality of transitioning into new parenthood, there's been a few other "less serious" things on my mind as well. Take for instance the restrictions that are placed on pregnant women. I have to admit that as we near my due date, I've started to daydream about all the things I've gone without for 9+ months: sleeping on my back or belly, jogging, sushi and of course… wine! (And beer, too—I'm an equal opportunist when it comes to finely crafted fermented beverages.) Before I was pregnant, I was gifted a bottle of 2000 Chateau Clerc Millon Grand Cru from my former boss, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, when I left my position at Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Although at the time I didn't intend on saving it for almost a year, I knew I was going to want to open it for a special occasion. After not opening it for a couple months and then learning I was pregnant, I immediately logged this bottle in my mind as the wine that I would open after the baby was born. So with lightheartedness and an eagerness to enjoy some of the things I've gone without for 9+ months—granted I know there will be restrictions and a learning curve with enjoying wine and beer here and there, given that I've chosen to breastfeed—here's my top 5 wine and food must-haves that I am looking forward to enjoying once our baby boy has arrived!
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Welcome to the new mvfooddrink.com. With the upcoming transition into parenthood—our first son is set to be born at the end of January—it seemed only fitting that I would take my current wine and food blog and add parenting to the mix! The result is Sonoma Momma—a blog that will detail my life in Sonoma County wine country, including tasting wine and fine dining, as well as the ins and outs of new parenthood. I hope you enjoy this re-envisioning of mvfooddrink.com!
This is a blog about being a wine lover, foodie and momma. When it comes to concerts in wine country, Robert Mondavi has been consistently hosting excellent musical performers for the past 48 years at their iconic winery in Oakville, Napa Valley. What started with humble beginnings, the Summer Concert Series has grown into Napa Valley's most quintessential outdoor concert experience, fully equipped with overflowing wine and goodies to keep all ages satisfied during the show. Hosted on the winery lawn, the Summer Concert Series has been bringing big-name performers to the stage since its inception. Famous artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Patti LaBelle and Buena Vista Social Club have all graced the stage over the years. This year, one of the headline acts was without a doubt the Michael Franti & Spearhead performance on July 22. What I love about this concert series is that guests can bring in picnic supplies to enjoy during the show. While no outside wine is allowed in, the winery tasting room and shop is open through intermission to purchase your favorite wine from the Robert Mondavi collection by the glass or bottle. Guests can also carry in blankets and low-back chairs to mark a spot on the winery lawn, and everyone is encouraged to come early and get comfortable before the show starts. For those who are looking for an elevated experience, tickets can be purchased for a full dinner and wine pairing experience leading up to the show. Dinner takes place in the historic ToKalon Vineyard adjacent to the winery lawn, between the beautifully gnarled old vines, and wines from the Robert Mondavi collection are paired with a gourmet, farm-fresh, six-course meal. On a warm summer night, this experience is about as magical as it gets. Although the Summer Concert Series has come to a close this year, the Robert Mondavi team is already planning next year's lineup and the performer list is usually released in early spring, so we all have something to which we can look forward!
Paso Robles is a California wine region known for its diversity of terroir and wide range of varietals. Once the largest undivided appellation in the state, Paso Robles is now comprised of 11 official appellations; across the appellations, the region sees a maritime climate that shifts to a more continental climate the further inland you go. Average rainfall varies between the appellations at anywhere from 8-30 inches a year, and like all quality-producing wine regions, the diurnal temperature range is wide at 20-50 degrees. This varied terroir makes for a diverse range of varietals produced in many different styles, and Bianchi Winery has successfully mastered the art of producing very agreeable and diverse styles of wines.
Starting with the whites, their Chardonnay brings together the ripe fruit flavors we all know and love from the California sunshine, with the fresh acidity we expect from this classic Burgundian grape variety. The 2013 Bianchi Signature Series Chardonnay brings together fruit-forward aromas of apple and green mango; on the palate, sur-lie aging with bâtonnage gives body with toasty, vanilla oak flavors combined with green apple, kiwi and a touch of toffee. I've always loved the Rhône varietals from Paso Robles and Bianchi's expression of Syrah is no exception. Simply put, the 2014 Bianchi Signature Series Syrah is an easy-drinking and highly enjoyable Syrah that will put a smile on everyone's face. Dusty brambleberry and a touch of molasses make for an aromatic nose, and the palate brings ample fruit. Brambleberry and plum jam synthesize over layers of gentle tannin and agreeable acidity. Open this bottle with a group of friends and it won't last long! From their Bordeaux collection, the 2013 Bianchi Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon jumps right out of the gate with its enticing aromas of sweet tobacco leaf, plum and cassis. Tasting nicely with several years of age, it takes just a bit for the tannins to mellow on this Cabernet Sauvignon, so I recommend decanting it for 30 minutes or letting it breath in the glass for equally as long before enjoying. Lighter in body, but by no means austere, this Cabernet still has vivid fruit flavors of blackberry and cassis, with savory notes reminiscent of sage. You won't be disappointed by this Paso Robles Cab. Spring is all about abundance—baby chicks are hatched, flowers blossom and food begins to bountifully grow from the earth as the sun shines upon the plants. In wine country, the abundance around this time of year is all about new spring wine releases—and by that I mean white and Rosé! You’ve likely noticed that just about every winery recently released their 2016 whites and Rosés, and for those of us who’ve been excited to taste the new vintage, this release couldn’t have come soon enough! In Northern California, the end of 2015 brought winter rains that helped to replenish dormant vines, and was then followed by a steady 2016 growing season with ample sunshine. An early harvest brought in normal-size yields of high-quality fruit. The high quality of the grapes is certainly visible in the new spring releases from Napa Valley’s Stewart Cellars. Their Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc are perfect for springtime sipping, and their Chardonnay makes an excellent match alongside a seafood feast. I enjoy the way the 2016 Rosé has lots of fresh, juicy watermelon and green apple flavors, with zingy acidity and a very refreshing style on the palate. While on the lighter-profiled side, it does have a touch of weight and silky texture on the mid-palate—perhaps even a gentle kiss of caramel underneath. A touch of Meyer lemon shows itself on the finish with some white pepper and clove spice. This wine is lively and thirst-quenching—perfect when the sun is shining down upon you.
And the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is equally as enticing. Full of stone fruit and mineral aromas, with a sprinkling of Meyer lemon zest, this Sauv Blanc is a delight. The palate mimics those aromas in its fresh, playful style. The way the acidity dances across the palate is nicely juxtaposed against the silky texture on the finish. I really enjoyed this fresh and tasty Sauvignon Blanc that finds the right balance between ripe fruit, zippy acidity and a seductive texture. As for the 2016 Chardonnay, it sees ten months in 35% new French oak, so it’s one of those tasty Chardonnays that seeks to be well-balanced—no butter bomb, here! Instead, you get a well-crafted Chardonnay that has the intensity of flavor and texture to pair with food—seafood loaded with an herb butter sauce would be fantastic—while still being bright and fresh enough to enjoy on its own. White flowers and citrus grace the nose, while the palate leans towards flavors of peach, lemon, lime and ginger. Again, the acidity here is nice and crisp, but that is well-balanced by the textural richness left behind by the 35% new French oak ageing. Be on the lookout for new white and Rosé wine releases this spring, and don’t miss a chance to visit Stewart Cellars to stock up on these refreshing spring selections! |
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