Cork Screwed!

The Butterfly

2009-12-06T07:41:00.004-05:00

When society feels that it is important to remove a twist-cap from a wine bottle by using a tool to simulate cork-removal... then they shouldn't be drinking wine.

How to Preserve Wine

2008-10-14T12:28:00.006-04:00

If you're left with a half-full bottle of wine and want to save it for later in the week, but find the taste and body might be inferior to when it was first opened, then I suggest looking into a wine preserver.

There are different methods to preserving a bottle of opened wine, in fact, one method involves spraying a layer of argon gas (which is heavier-than-air) that would sit on top of the wine preventing oxidation from the trapped air inside the bottle - but this isn't for me. The most cost-effective method I feel is by way of vacuum.

There are simple manual pumps that float on average of $15 and automatic pumps near $40 that feature an LED display.

I decided to go with a manual pump that best fits by price scale and practicality. So I settled on a stainless steel manual pump by Oneida for $15 at a local Target store. The kit included two plugs and if I wanted to, I could purchase additional plugs (sets of 2) for $5.

Using this pump is quite easy. Just attach the rubber plug onto the bottle opening, place the pump on top and give it about a dozen pumps, and then you're done! When it comes time to enjoy the second half of the wine, simply release the pressure by moving a lever in the plug (you'll hear the air rushing in) and remove the plug with ease.

The packaging claims that the plugs are dishwasher safe, but i would just rinse under running water. The hand pump is nicely manufactured and it carries a nice balanced weight. So it's not some cheap plastic-made product that seems like it's going to break after a few months.

So if you're searching for a good wine preserver without any of the extra thrills, then I recommend the Oneida Wine Saver Pump kit because of it's cost, preservation effectiveness, ease of use, durability, and brand name.

How to Wrap a Wine Bottle Restaurant Style

2008-10-06T09:24:00.003-04:00

When it comes to wine-serving presentation, one commonly overlooked detail is the bottle itself. To put on that touch of class, wrap the bottle in a napkin as shown here from Jason Fitzpatrick (lifehacker.com).

Removing the Foil Trick

2008-10-06T08:48:00.007-04:00

Are you tired of the hassle involved with removing that foil on your bottles? Well check this demonstration by Gary "The Wine Expert" Vaynerchuck of Eat Drink or Die. I've tested this method on a few bottles, and yes! It really does work!

See more recipes and videos at Eat Drink or Die

Lexington & Concord (Rockbridge Vineyard)

2008-09-23T11:59:00.006-04:00

Not much can be said about Lexington & Concord which is bottled and produced by Rockbridge Vineyard located in Raphine, VA (about 20-miles south of Staunton).

It's your basic run-of-the-mill sweet red table wine. It does have a nice and clear deep grape color of which the 91% concord grape composition is responsible for bringing out. It carries a delightful plum aroma with a very light note of lavender.

I'm a bit turned off that this bottle isn't corked - but I really don't know if this would weigh greatly if I had allowed it to age even longer.

The wine was served at room temperature and enjoyed as a cordial. The taste will literally remind you of strong grape juice.

At $10.00/bottle, it's what you'd expect and I wouldn't pay more than that.

2007 Vintage Viognier (Jefferson Vineyards)

2008-09-21T20:47:00.009-04:00

First, I came across a great and informative website called My Vine Spot. I spent a good hour going through past posts of the author's comments on Virginia wines. Definitely check it out.

One such post involved a blind taste test of viogniers. Which the results and reviews were most interesting I'd have to take note. Interestingly, the number one pick was a $6 viognier from California.

In our collection, my wife and I have have an amazing 2007 Viognier from the Jefferson Vineyards in Charlottesville, VA.

Think of a chardonnay, but take out that common crisp bite and replace it with a smooth floral note.

This wine is definitely among my top favorites. With an overall light smooth taste throughout, accompanied by a subtle hint of vanilla peaches, the 2007 Vintage Viognier really stands out. It has a quick finish down the throat and pretty much leaves a small inviting aftertaste. According to the winery, if you let it age for about two years, it'll develop an orange peel element to the taste.

We enjoyed this deep-chilled wine with a rosemary/peach-chutney pork tenderloin with mango couscous. But honestly, probably would match up well with any light dinner or even as a stand-alone.

It's a little on the high end of my "wine-budget" at $24.95/bottle. But it's definitely one of the most well worth bottles I've ever owned. I believe the wines are only sold through the winery (not 100% sure) so if you ever make it to the Jefferson Vineyards... grab a few of these enjoyable bottles, you can't go wrong with it and you wouldn't regret it either.

Ras Ma Tas Apple - Raspberry (Peaks of Otter Winery)

2008-09-10T09:42:00.007-04:00

Wine making isn't always confined to grapes. Just check out the selection at the Peaks of Otter Winery. Specializing in apple-based sweet wines, their wine list holds many favorites of ours.

One such wine we sampled recently is their Ras Ma Tas Apple - Raspberry.

Bottled in an elegant long stemmed blue bottle, inside is a bright-red sweet & tarty wine. We popped open a two-year old bottle and right off the bat, you might as well have been right over a basket of raspberries. The inviting raspberry aroma just beckons you for a taste.

This wine is somewhat overwhelmingly sweet, but is balanced nicely by the tart raspberries tang. It's what you'd expect from a fruit wine. At times I was under the belief that I was drinking strong raspberry syrup and going to suffer from a sugar high. But not the case. The taste lingers for just about the right amount of time and I suffered no sugar high nor crash afterwards. The bottle went very quickly between the two of us since it's only 500ml and priced at $13.00/bottle, I'd think it's slightly a bit more than what I'd spend on a bottle of this volume. $10.00 would have been an appropriate price.

Definitely a sipping wine, I wouldn't pair this up with any meals; however, my wife feels it would be a perfect companion with some ice cream.

Peaks of Otter is home to the annual Horse & Hound Wine Festival held every July on their farm in Bedford, Virginia (right in Roanoke's backyard). This festival is really happening! Featuring about eight other wineries in the area, the festival sports a live band, many food and craft vendors, and a horse and dog show. The Farm not only produces wine, but because apple is their main crop, they produce cider and apple butter. In the fall, you can even head on down and pick fresh apples straight from the trees or select already-picked apples in the bin.

Peaks of Otter wine could be bought directly from the winery in Bedford or at Sumdat Farm Market located in Roanoke's downtown market area.

Cabernet Franc (Grayhaven Winery)

2008-09-09T09:41:00.008-04:00

Nestled right between Richmond & Charlottesville in Gum Spring, VA is Grayhaven Winery, a small family-owned & operated winery that specializes in small batches of fine wine with a hint of South African influences.

My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting this winery earlier this summer and meeting it's owner Max.

He's a really nice person and probably one of the most down-to-earth guys you'd ever meet in your life! He informed us that his winery hosts the South African Food & Wine Festival in July and also a huge Antique & Wine Festival in Oct/Nov.

Because we had arrived the day after the Food & Wine festival, he was fresh out of white wines, so we tasted only the reds he had in stock. My wife, not being much of a red wine fan, totally enjoyed the assortment that Max had to offer that day.

So we bought a few bottles of unique flavor, including a favorite choice of my wife, a Cabernet Franc.

This light to medium-body wine has a wonderful red color and mild cherry-like aroma. On the palate, the light fruit flavor is subtle then very quickly gives way to a light hint of spice that lingers no longer than what it took to appear.

The Cabernet Franc is very straightforward and simple which makes it among my favorite non-sweet reds. Best served at room temperature. We didn't pair it up with any meals, but the winery's website suggests this bottle would pair up nicely with veal or lamb - I'd agree seeing that this bottle would work perfectly against a "heavy" meal.

I believe the price on this was $20.00, which was well worth it since the small-time winery has such a limited quantity in stock. But the flavor definitely has a high price on it's own. In the tasting room are many South African spices, jewelry, and chutneys (we picked up a bottle of the peach - it's amazing!).

If I'm ever back in the Richmond/Charlottesville area, I'd make it a strong point to visit Grayhaven Winery not only to catch up on the whites we had missed but also to round up a few more on his magnificent reds.

Carolina Cuvée (Westbend Vineyards)

2008-08-30T12:21:00.012-04:00

Bottled in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley, Westbend Vineyards really produced a winner with their Carolina Cuvée. This cuvée is a delightful full-bodied red that is a perfect blend of Cabernet, Chambourcin, and Merlot.

[courtesy: Amy C Evans - flickr]

Served chilled. Upon pouring, the dark purple-red color sparks a strong aroma of blackberry and ripe grapes - very inviting! As it slides on the tongue, it brings a semi-sharp fruity taste with a mild lingering spice. This wine worked out well for us as while we enjoyed a few slices pizza. Priced at $12.95/bottle, this wine was well worth the flavor. Definitely packs a nice punch!

Niagara (Horton Vineyards)

2008-08-29T15:51:00.010-04:00

Produced and Bottled by Horton Vineyards (Gordonsville, VA) is a wonderful sweet wine worth it's own weight to sip on a late summer afternoon on the porch. In fact, my wife and I took this exact recommendation and enjoyed a few glasses on our front porch as we watched the world going about it's own.

The winery is located about 20 miles northeast of Charlottesville in Virginia's superior wine region... rightfully so because the flavors are definitely pronounced in Niagara.

Served at room temp. Niagara's aroma brings about a sweet floral/honey hint, which matches it's nice amber/golden color. Upon taste, the sugar level is just right, not too sweet that it makes me searching for a glass of water right afterwards. When drinking, the aroma is quickly overcome by a subtle citrus flavor then followed with a mild peach taste... all the while riding on that honey backbone.

Perfectly priced at $10.00/bottle, this sweet white works out as it's intentions indicate - a light dessert wine. I don't think it would pair up with many meals.... maybe to some tangy chicken dish to offset the "nector" flavor. But because of the sweetness it brings to the palate, I personally would enjoy Niagara just as an after-dinner wine.

Introduction

2008-08-27T14:34:00.000-04:00

Thank you for discovering Cork Screwed!

The founding of Virginia in 1607 marked the founding of wine making here as well. A primary goal of the Virginia Company in establishing Jamestown was to start a successful wine industry in the New World.

And amazing how that directive has grown today.

This entry marks the beginning of hopefully many as a way for for me to express the different wines I come across, winery experiences, festivals, and any other interesting tidbits relating to this small hobby of mine.

I am no means an expert at wine - and I don't want to be one either; I'm just an average guy who enjoys the surrounding regional wine country here in Virginia and North Carolina.

I will predominantly review and post wines relating to this region, however, there may be a few rare occasions where I may want to share a tasting from another region such as a California or European bottle.

More or less, I hope that this site will be a helpful area to find a wine that is particular to this region for you to also enjoy.