Epicuro and Champagne Uncorked On An Epic Night in the History of Phillies Baseball

It is no secret I bleed red...well red and white, that is. And I'm not talking the vino variety, although there has been some speculation that if a needle were to prick my skin, a lightly-oaked Syrah may spill forth. No, I am a die-hard Philadelphia Phillies fan, and our ace Roy Halladay was on the mound, the National League East Championship at stake. 

Naturally, I needed a good wine to accompany me as I watched this epic night in the history of the Fightin' Phils unfold. I chose a Salice Salentino from Epicuro, a terrific value red from Trader Joe's, and a wonderful companion during this two-hit shutout, title-winning performance.

This wine is full of big juicy fruit and earth, not unlike my salt-of-the-earth Phillies. It also has attitude and character, just like outfielder Jayson Werth, who racked up four RBI's on this historic night.

I whipped up some portobello mushroom ravioli topped with shaved black truffle cheese (my new food obsession) to accompany my bottle and ball game.

The combination of woodsy spores and forest-like berries were a great match for a classic finish, as seen in the video below: 

                 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfvrm5swxG0

Thanks to Jayson and Roy Halladay...who uncorked their own piece of baseball lore tonight...and to my Broad Street boys, I'll be seeing you in October!!

Follow me on Twitter @vinochick75 and at mydesert.com/vinochick.

A Burger and Some Wine, From Venice to Bali Ha'i

I'm totally and helplessly in love with old films, specifically those that air on Turner Classic Movies.

So on a recent day off, I decided to treat myself to a bottle of Merlot and splurge on a smoky cheddar bacon patty and sweet potato fries from Grill-A-Burger in Palm Springs.

Turner was featuring a series of films starring Rossano Brazzi, a hunky Italian actor with blazing eyes and a smoldering screen presence. First up was Summertime (1955) with Katherine Hepburn.

This particular Merlot was from Echelon on the Central Coast, and full of blueberries and warm, smoky vanilla.

It was a great match for my juicy, chargrilled burger, and a terrific companion for the intense scenes between Brazzi and Hepburn, followed by his wartime chemistry with Mitzi Gaynor, leading lady in the epic and wondrous musical South Pacific (1958).

"I'm as corny as Kansas in August, I'm as warm as blueberry pie..."

Follow me on Twitter @vinochick75 and at www.mydesert.com/vinochick. 

Have You Any Dreams You'd Like to Sell? A Night of Mac and Wine

It is no secret that wine is my passion, but something else that gets my blood pumping is music; specifically the sweet sounds of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac.

I enjoyed the best of both worlds recently when PS Wine hosted a tasting and screening of the band's 1997 reunion tour concert DVD The Dance. The DVD was courtesy of loyal PS Winers Dale and Tanya; the Joel Gott Zinfandel spicy and full bodied, much like my 'Gypsy' Stevie.

There's something special to me about these classic 70's rockers and a nice glass of vino. Both are smooth and sultry, always hinting at something and leaving you wanting to share in more of their charms...here's one partygoers take on the magic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhuJTm7axh8

 'I can still hear you sayin' you will never break the chain...'

 

 Follow me on Twitter @vinochick75 and visit mydesert.com/vinochick.

Truffle and Wine, So Divine

Sometimes the most memorable meals are those that are most simple: fresh ingredients, an inventive recipe and a little passion go a long way when crafting that special repast.

An impromtu dinner with friends started with sliced Jersey tomatos drizzled with blueberry balsamic vinegar, a dash of salt and pepper and topped with fresh basil and grated Italian truffle cheese.

Their hunger temporarily kept at bay, I turned to creating our main dish as they sipped on a snappy and lemony Pinot Grigio from Contadino.

I seared scallops and shrimp in olive oil and butter, then added garlic, white wine and crushed red pepper. Served over linguini, I topped it all off with that same addictive truffled wonder.

Our wine was an '01 Payva Crianza, a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano grapes. Full of red cherry and cinnamon, it was great match for the earthiness in what has become our favorite cheese. The carmelized flavors of the sea were skillfully extracted by the warm, brandy-like flavors in the wine.

Smiles all around, with a built-in anticipation for our next feast.

Follow me on Twitter @Vinochick75 and on mydesert.com/vinochick.