I’ve been so busy writing and working that I’ve got nothing for the blog today (hangs head in shame). So I’m riffing on wine below, while in a complete brain stupor from too much learning of Quick Books at work and too much editing at home. Enjoy!
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Wine. It’s been used as a vehicle for poison – remember all those scenes with the wine glasses switching places? It’s been used as a way to impress (“I’ll have the Chateau LaFitte Rothschild ’64, my man”) and as a way to get a young, lissome teenager easily drunk (Boone’s Farm, anyone?).
When I was younger, red wine, red meat and garlic bread would ease my monthly cramps and put me in a happy place. (Actually, now that I think about it, those three ALWAYS put me in my happy place, lol.) When it’s cold outside, I love a big bottle of red wine to warm me up. Mulled wine is not out of place when it’s snowing or sleeting or even raining outside, no matter where you are in relation to sea level. But … moving on.
As you know, I’m all for the inexpensive, yet tasty, bottle of wine. So what do I do when a respected and revered person gives me a bottle that easily costs – oh, say, six to ten bottles that I normally buy? And is sincerely interested in my opinion?
One genuflects, of course, and with all appreciation. The bottle is resting in my tiny wine cellar *koff koff* and I shall enjoy it this Saturday night, with an appropriate meal around it. Word has it on the internet that it benefits from an hour’s worth of aging. I think I can bring myself to allow it to age that long…but maybe not before taking a tiny sip.
Hopefully I can wrench myself away from editing on Sunday and can find the time to spill the beans on this wine. I’m really looking forward to it – I hope I love it!
Now, the weather is cooling down but the politics are heating up. What to drink while you’re avoiding all the debates, caucuses, rants and missteps leading up to the next election? Why, the 7 Deadly Zins, of course! (Whosoever amongst you be without sin, throw the first stone…man, I so wish ALL our politicians were compelled to follow that! I’m just so tired of rhetoric. What to watch on TV is another post, entirely!)
(By the way, did you get it? Zins? Sins? Politicians? Sorry…I crack myself up…) Anyway, I couldn’t let this post go without at least one wine mention. This unfortunately ISN’T under $10 – according to the sites I checked online, it’s running about $16 – but it’s a good, solid Zinfandel that will go well with any big, hearty meal you’re planning – especially as the weather turns again and grows cooler. And let’s face it – when politics heats up, we all need a little something special to keep our ears deaf to the noise. I truly believe 7 Deadly Zins is that special wine.
However, since I don’t have it in front of me and cannot in good conscience give it any sort of rating, I’ll merely say here that I’ve bought it in the past and I’ve enjoyed it.
And now my ducks, I must get my beauty sleep. Morning and rehab come all too quickly for my taste – but hopefully, in the afternoon, I’ll get the pesky boot off (remember it? No? Here’s a picture…) and I can start, slowly, reminding my body what it’s like to walk evenly on two feet. I was so hoping to just jump back into 
getting into shape – ah, not so. There’s this whole “getting your body used to having two good legs” thingie that my therapist is also helping me with, bless her heart.
Hopefully the change of topic so often didn’t give you whiplash…so, onward. Go forth and drink the fermented grapes, and let me know what you’ve discovered!
~ Until the next time, cheers – and remember to drink responsibly! ~
Demon Soul is available for the Kindle and the Nook! Have you read it yet? Go buy it now, lol!
Hi Christine;
I like sweet wines (probably from my Boone’s Farm days), so I like a smooth Reisling.
What meal are you going to make to go with your new bottle of wine?
Kathy, thanks for stopping by! A good Riesling is the best for me in the summer, when its hot outside. Otherwise it’s not my first choice (thereby leaving more wine for you, lol!).
Regarding dinner, I have no idea what I’ll be making. The hubby and I have been tossing ideas around – but I’m pretty sure it’ll involve either beef or lamb.
Hi Christine,
What can you suggest to a person allergic to wine?
I enjoy it, but I get almost instant headaches. I usually find myself having a
little then feeling the repercussions later. Hence I’m a beer drinker… which is
so NOT sexy. LOL. Hope you get your boot off soon!
Hm. Well my dear, allergic is allergic so I would stay far away from wine, as the headache isn’t worth it. (My guess is the sulfites in wine don’t agree with your body chemistry.)
For those times you need a sexy drink, consider mixing your own – either gin or vodka tonic, with a wedge of fresh lime. It’s sparkly, looks sophisticated in a tall glass, and you can control how much alcohol you put in the drink. I had a friend who always brought her own supplies to a party – it wasn’t until years later that I learned she merely “splashed” the tonic water with the gin so people could smell it – she was not much of a drinker!
Since you can’t drink wine, I shall man up and drink your portion. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it, right?
Hi Christine – I hope rehab went well this morning. Kinda funny you talking rehab and writing a wine column. I know, I know, two different rehabs.
Anyhoo – I used to love Zinfindale, so I look forward to your having tasted this one and reporting back. However, please throw in some under $10.00 versions of Zinfindale too. OH, and by the seven deadly zins – does that mean there are seven kinds of zin grapes in it? I am so under educated on wines –
And for the record – your Smoking Loon Pinot noir suggestion was great! I really enjoyed that wine.
Thanks!
Lynne, rehab went great, thanks for asking! Now all I need is to get this boot off my foot.
I apologize for falling down on the job, and I promise to give you some under $10 Zinfandels next week. Sorry, I didn’t have the 7 Deadly Zins bottle in front of me so I’ll give it a tasty taste soon and let you know why it’s called that.
But I can definitely say I enjoy the Smoking Loon’s Old Vines Zin, and it’s also running around $6 a bottle. It’s heavier than the Pinot but has a similar tasty characteristic. Glad you enjoyed the Pinot!
Just FYI, 7 Deadly Zins has been one of my favs for awhile now. I discovered it during a tasting at a wine bar in Ojai and it’s been on my list ever since. Your blog is always a very tasty read. It’s a pleasure to swing by. I’ve got my fingers crossed that you’re getting that boot off and moving along. Who knows what you’ll be able to accomplish when your progress isn’t being slowed by that monster. Be well. Have a wonderful weekend!
Aw, thanks, Sarah! It’s nice to see you here. I did get the boot off, but I’m in an ankle brace for another month – the bone isn’t healing very fast. I am allowed to walk slowly for exercise, but that’s it…sigh!
This was an enjoyable post. Thanks. Hope that leg heals well. Foot and leg problems are the worst.
DJ I had no idea you were not a wine drinker. I knew about the beer. : ) Have you tried any of the organic wines from the health food store? We have a place down here that sells them and they are very good. A bit more expensive, but if you wanted something to enjoy with the hubs once in a while….