Girl Talk

Seems it doesn't matter how old we are, we still need our girlfriends to talk to about anything and everything.  Feeling a little down, I called my girlfriends, and one of my buddies was free to meet me for a splash.

The wine you choose will sometimes match or contrast your mood. I notice that I do this with guests in my home also. I can pick up on the 'mood' of the evening and choose wines throughout the night that seem to 'fit.' It sounds odd, but it works, and I have not heard any complaints; well, at least, not yet.

On this particular evening, I met my buddy at a local wine bar/restaurant called "Cin-Cin." I needed a lift, so the logical wine choice: bubbles! Sparkling wines always lift my spirits. Cin-Cin has some wonderful wine choices from all over the world. I chose a traditional Champagne: Laurent-Perrier, Brut (non-vintage). This champagne has bright citrus and mineral aromas and a crisp, clean flavor and mouthfeel. My mouth, now joyously showered in bubbles, I could not help but smile and forget my troubles. =)

Feeling better, I talked with my friend about life, relationships and career over a plate of broccolini flatbread. The flatbread is covered with aged cheddar fondue, roasted garlic, goat cheese, chili flakes and lemon infused olive oil; just lovely. I finally shut my mouth long enough to allow my dear friend to speak, and she decided to order another plate to share: the 3-cheese arancini with fontina, aged white cheddar and grana padano cheese, pancetta bolognese, hazelnut pesto and wild arugula. A mouthwatering delight! This dish was bolder and so was my mood so I wanted a wine to match. Oh, what the heck, let's go with the premium pour! I like a Napa Valley Bordeaux blend now and then, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. (yes, I know... I just put the words "Napa Valley" and "Bordeaux" next to each other in a sentence; and, if I was speaking aloud, I would be uttering them in the same breath ... wine snobs: please don't fret). I decided on the 2008 Blackbird "Arise" from Napa Valley's Oak Knoll district. It carried a hefty 'by the glass' price tag, but I wanted to see if it was worth it. It was dark, inky ruby/purple; almost opaque. Lovely smells of black currant, plum, cassis, mild herbs, vanilla, cedar and tasting much the same. I don't think I would pay that high price by the glass again, but still, in my opinion, it was very good.

Yes, we still need our girlfriends, no matter how old we are. They allow us to vent, remind us to be grateful, make us laugh ourselves silly, boost our confidence and, of course, share in good food and wine!

Here's to finding the perfect wine for your mood... Cheers!