The Wining Woman

This just in:

The state senate committee has approved direct shipments of wine to New Jersey homes! See article here

On another note, we’ll be offline for about 2 weeks. Please check back the week of February 22nd for new posts.

Cheers,
The Wining Woman

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Zita Keeley’s Wine School – Classes start March 1st.. REGISTER TODAY

I have to admit that I have been cutting back on my wine consumption these past couple of weeks since I’ll be heading out on a cruise and I expect to be imbibing quite a bit. But, after a long day of shopping, then an interview, then the gym my husband and I had a quick bite at our favorite local hangout with a glass of Pinot Noir. I believe the house wine is Mark West Pinot Noir and that’s not bad. I was happy sipping it with my salmon and avocado while my husband enjoyed it with his burger.
The only problem with having one glass each.. we came back home and wanted more. So, I opened the Pinot that we have in our wine fridge.. the 2006 Mueller Russian River Pinot Noir. I have had it before and it’s mmmm.. very nice. It’s color is pretty light (similar even to some Malbec Rose’s that I have tasted) but, the aromas and flavors are intense. Lots of strawberry and cherry with a slight smokiness. These came through on the palate as well with an almost jammy or dried fruit sensation. This wine has been fermented in French oak as well as undergoing malolactic fermentation giving it a very smooth and easy finish. ( briefly., in case you aren’t familiar with it.. malolactic fermentation is a second fermentation where the bitter malic acid (think astringent) is changed into lactic acid (think milk or cream.) That’s a bit of a simplification but you can get the idea.  I don’t know how many more bottles of the 2006 vintage are available but cost is approx: $29.00. There is a 2007 vintage and I am sure it is just as delicious.

Cheers.
The Wining Woman
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Zita Keeley’s Wine School – Register now – classes start March 1, 2010

I love Tawny Port! It’s probably because I love nuts and the more aged the Tawny, the more those nutty flavors. For my birthday, I received a bottle of Borges Roncao 20 year Tawny. That was 1 month ago and the Port.. well, it’s GONE!  Light in color, this wine was definitely not light in flavor. There was intense dried fruit characteristics with nice honey like overtones and that nuttiness I mentioned. The sweetness was balanced and the wine had a full and smooth finish that lingered for quite some time. I realize now that the age does matter on a Tawny and while a 20 year old costs more than the younger Tawnys, they are worth it. Seek out this wine and see what you think. Cost approx: $55
Cheers,
The Wining Woman

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Zita Keeley’s Wine School – March 1, 2010 – REGISTER NOW

Ok.. I should be writing my blog and giving  my latest wine reviews but, I am excited to share the latest review in tomorrow’s Sunday NY Times, Jan 24, 2010 – Metropolitan section. I got a sneak preview online and here’s that link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/nyregion/24dinenj.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Cheers,
The Wining Woman
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Zita Keeley’s Wine School- classes start Mar 1, 2010

I am looking for volunteers for my upcoming television pilot ..yes.. about  wine! Filming will be for one day the last week of January or first week of February (in New Jersey!) If you are interested or know someone who is.. please email me at info@allidoiswine.com.

Thank you,

Cheers.

The Wining Woman

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Zita Keeley’s Wine School now at the Melting Pot – Hoboken

Well, Happy New Year everyone! Hopefully, you had a happy holiday time and are ready for this brand new year.
It’s starting off rather cold here in New Jersey and, in the past, I’ve had my trips down to Florida at this time of year. But, this time I have to tough it out. That is..until February when I am off on a cruise with some fellow wine loving friends.

Until then, it is time to get moving ahead for a great year. Starting with my Winter Wine Dinner at the Melting Pot in Hoboken on Tue January 12th. If you can make it.. we’ll have a great time. But.. you need to call and make your reservation to confirm a place. Contact Hope Webb at 201-222-1440.

We’ll be tasting 4 wines that are being paired with 4 dishes including.. a cheese fondue, salad, main course fondue and chocolate fondue. You won’t leave hungry. I’ll be talking a bit about my wine classes that will be starting up again in March. It will be the 6 week..one night a week… wine appreciation course for all those interested.

Finally, I’ll also be working on the tv show so keep posted for more information on that.

Enjoy this first Monday of the New Year!
Cheers,
The Wining Woman

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Zita Keeley’s Wine School at the Melting Pot

It’s no secret that I love sparkling wine! In fact, for me, a nice bubbly is all I really need. This time of year is ideal for that. Starting with Christmas morning.. the always fabulous Veuve Cliquot Brut was delicious with our brunch.Thank you Steve for bringing that gem along.  The celebration doesn’t stop there either since my  birthday comes right between Christmas and New Years. Most people think this is a bad thing but for me the bubbly just continues to flow. A very nice Charles Heidseick was just the right thing with our sushi platter. Now we move into the New Year.. Many choices are out there beyond Champagne itself. For the budget minded, a nice prosecco or Cava is perfect. I love the Zardetto Prosecco or the Riondo. Both are around $10. Segura Viudas is one of my all time favorite Cavas.. and there is also sparklers from Argentina such as Pascual Toso Brut.
If it has to be Champagne .. that is the sparkling wine specifically from the Champagne region of France it is actually a good time to buy as prices have really come down due to the bad economy,  (the good things that come from this!)  There are some excellent sparkling wines that are made in the same method as Champagne but are really excellent for the budget minded with my favorite still being the Domaine Ste Michelle Brut from Washington State. This still costs around $12.00 bottle.
Whatever you choose, take it easy, pace yourself and enjoy!
Cheers for a very Happy 2010!
The Wining Woman

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Zita Keeley’s Wine School – Dinner at the Melting Pot Tue Jan 12, 2010

Not sure if that’s actually a word but the Sebeka 2007 Shiraz-Pinotage that my husband and I shared last night with our Christmas eve meal was full of deliciousness! A ton of dark fruit and chocolate on the nose with an almost tingly, peppery quality on the tongue and a full and satisfying finish. We actually drank this wine with the entire meal and after.. that consisted of cauliflower soup with shrimp followed by roast beef with sauteed kale and smashed garlic potatoes. The wine didn’t fade or overpower with any of the dishes and continued to be enjoyed after the food was gone. We have decided to return to the store where we bought this wine and stock up. For those of you not familiar with Pinotage, it is a grape that is particular to South Africa and generally has a very intense smokiness. Blended with the Shiraz was a real treat.
Cheers,
The Wining Woman

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Zita Keeley’s Wine School

I am not a big Zinfandel lover but lastnight wanted to have a big wine to share with my husband who was devouring a big T-bone steak! Being in a restaurant, I didn’t want to spend a lot either so decided on the seemingly reasonably priced Zin 91 Old Vine Zinfandel 2006- California.

Old Vines are known for creating big and fruity wines and this was no exception. The color is dark and plum like with an intense nose of plum that carried through to the palate. Good spice and pepper on the palate too with surprisingly good balance.
There’s a great story behind this wine that is represented by the bottle’s label. Showing a man with a lightbulb above his head it seems this represents the original winemaker, Hubert Opici, who on his 91st birthday was remembering how great the Zinfandels were when  he started making wine way back when and the best were from these old Zinfandel vines that were planted in 1891. That was his “aha” moment, when the light bulb went off and he decided to make those wonderful wines again.
For me, this is a terrific and economical Zinfandel choice. While we paid $29 at the restaurant it is available in shops for around $14.00. Enjoy.

Cheers,
The Wining Woman

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Zita Keeley’s Wine School – March 2010 classes

Only one week to go before Christmas is here. I haven’t done ANY shopping yet but realize that it is going to be a sparse year for gifts anyway. For all of you wine lovers out there, the great news is there are many wine bargains to be had. The cost for wines has come down dramatically over this past year. While we attribute much of that to the economy, the fact is that many wines have been overpriced because they received high ratings that led to good marketing that caused high prices and somehow, high demand. Why is it that we function that way? Somehow, we see a wine priced much more than another and think it has to be better. Frankly, there are so many wines that cost $10-15 that the everyday consumer much prefers.
I just received a book to review, “The Wine Trials 2010.” Through a series of blind tastings of hundreds of wines including high end expensive wines, 150 winning wines under $15.00 per bottle were chosen and are listed. The book costs $14.95 so can be a great gift this holiday season! If you can, buy the book for yourself and find those delicious bargains that not only you can buy and enjoy but will make excellent presents for your friends and not make a big dent in your wallet.
Cheers, Happy Holidays!
The Wining Woman

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Zita Keeley’s Wine School – Next session March 2010