Ballet of Angels: I hear a Symphony!

Every once in a while I have to remind myself to try something different, something new.  I am very comfortable with my request to taste a or a number wines before selecting something that fits my mood for the evening and/or the meal.  To request to taste is not a put-on, it is an availability that I take full advantage of. 

So when I visited one of my favorite hotspots in Los Angeles near the airport, Truxtons, I grew giddy at their "new" selections of wines.

Truxton's  your Neighborhood Cheers!

The Chile-glazed wings weren't available tonight, a bummer for me because I love a good hot wing, just the right amount of spice, enough sauce that the wing is not drowned in it, but provides for great flavor.  They were sold out so I opted for the Ancho Honey Glazed Shrimp--Yummy-- and the Bob's Tossed Cobb sans guacamole, yes I am the only Californian I know who is unable to stomach avocado or guacamole, no matter how good it is for you. 

Now my husband opted for the Stone Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, he's a die-hard Red guy, but I was in the mood for a White.  Here, I'd had several Pinot Grigios as well as a good French Burgundy.  However tonight I noticed a new comer, Ballet of Angels. 

Ballet of Angels

It was billed as fresh, crisp, light with a smart hint of citrus.  I was curious.  I am a fan of citrus but not so much so that my tongue is bitten and left bleeding.  I felt trepidation about the billing because the wine called for semi-sweet.  I was already having an appetizer with a sweet glaze, I didn't need the wine to compound the sugar, so I asked and I tried.

Was my tongue in for an awakening.  Ballet of Angels was more crisp than semi-sweet and layered perfectly with pear and grapefruit.   Grapefruit is not always the common citrus but is delightful when properly layered.  Now, Ballet of Angels can be a great sipper poolside but is better when paired.  My Ancho Glazed Shrimp and Ballet of Angels, perfect combination.

Sure this wine can handle the spicy, but sweet/spicy is its best mate.  The flavors created a symphony (Diana Ross and Supremes Style).  I did the happy food dance.  (Don't worry, my husband is used to this!) 

Not only did I enjoy fabulous company, my husband, but a great meal enhanced by another great find Ballet of Angels.  And it hails from New England!  Go figure!

Stop by Truxton's.  Peruse the great wine and the fantastic menu, chock full of marvelous entrees, mouth-watering sweet treats, great company, chic cocktails and of course, Wine!  Tell them Wine With Toni sent you, you'll have a great time, where everyone will know your name!

BTW, Ballet of Angels fits well within our median price range....Cheers!

The Right Stuff Baby! It's All In The Vessel

All Aboard!  It's time for the Vessel to chart you toward a great experience in wine!

Some call it stemware, some are stem-less.  There are those named for instruments while another manufacturer contoured and named them "grape varietal specific". Simply put it is the glass or in some Wine Circles, the Vessel.  If you're thinking, a glass is a glass is a glass, is a glass, think again. The Vessel can make or break your experience in wine (pun intended).

Riedel Pinot Noir/Burgundy & Merlot Vessels (glasses)

Basketball Wives Season Finale Uses the Wrong Glass! Ugh!

Basketball Wives Miami

For the most part whenever I've watched Basketball Wives, they are often seen drinking wine, at a trendy Wine bar like Wine Depot in Miami or indulging in a tasting.  I relish the fact that camera angles are riddled with with shots of fine stem and stem-less vessels that will engage even the novice. 

However on the finale, I was really shocked to watch Ev pop champagne only to place the bubbly in an all purpose wine glass.  Good Night Nurse!  She might as well have used a dixie cup!   I get the novice who doesn't distinguish a difference or reason for the appropriate glass.  However, these ladies have traveled the world, are always shown drinking wine and try to portray fabulosity in a number of different areas; only to use a dollar store, less than fabulous glass for champagne and a celebratory drink at that. 

all purpose wine glass

I am a reformed wine snob, true enough but some things in life and in wine must remain sacred.  Using the appropriate glass is one of those sacred cows.   Glasses are an important factor in tasting and enjoying the wine.  I am not a fan of all purpose because the rims are thick(usually too thick), the glass is heavy and hides the flavor of what I'm drinking.  Now truth be told, I'd take this glass over a plastic cup or a rock glass but only because I am in a situation with no choice.

Basketball Wives, however, have choices.  Maybe if the women focus on using the right glass they won't be so quick to throw them. 

The Basketball Wives of Los Angeles are up next.  Maybe they will have to show the Miami Wives how it is done!  Though somehow I doubt it! 

Cheers!

Happy Winesday--Alaska!

As I head toward Southern California's best kept Wine secret, Temecula Vineyards, I thought I'd re-visit SoCal's almost polar opposite, a spot that specializes in great wines from around the world and gorgeous gourmet food and "Wine Flights."

The place is called Orso and it sits in the middle downtown Anchorage, offering spectacular service, a chic atmosphere and my favorite, Fine Wine.

Orso Restaurant and Bar Anchorage, Alaska

I knew I was in for a good time when I peeped the appetizer  menu that featured melt in your mouth, Marsala Glazed Tenderloin Tips, Rosemary-Sherry Olives and the best Calamari I've tasted this side of the Pacific.  After we ordered up a bunch of food, we were ready to take flight, a wine flight that is.

Daily Wine Flight Menu

A "Wine Flight" is the tasting (approx. 2ounces) of usually 3 or more of the same grape and/or region but varied brands of wine. The regions and/or grapes can vary, however there should be one continuum as to make a comparison.    Our night featured the Syrah and Argentine Flights.  With the Syrah Flight we tasted, RockBlock Sono '07, Porlupine Ridge '08 & Campuget 1753 '07.  The Porlupine was my favorite of the three.  On the Argentine Flight, we tasted varied grapes: Vistalba '08, LaPosta '08, and Nieto '07.  Now I've always been a fan of Argentinian wines so this flight out of the two was my favorite.  And while the Visatalba and LaPosta ran side by side in terms of delectability, Vistalba narrowly won me over.  One friend preferred the Nieto while the other raved about the LaPosta.  You see or better yet, you taste?  It is all about what you like.

Marietta, Gil & Me

We also got to taste some other familiar favorites.  Marietta had us try Torrontes, (for the first time), I loved it!  And she tried her namesake, Marietta Old Vine Red, a fruit forward sipping wine, that I love to kick back with. 

Marietta Old Vine Red at Bev Mo

Some surprises about Anchorage?  The New Zealand regions of wine is a heavy favorite.  All in all, we had a great time and whenever you are in Anchorage, check out Orso for great fun, good times and great wine!  Cheers!