Drink Up, Chow Down

It’s day 3482 of the lockdown and you’re on your 3 rd  virtual happy hour of the day. What are you pouring? Here are the lockdown lovelies that I’m enjoying this week — all from Spain, and all under $20.  If bubbles are called for (and let’s be real when aren’t they?) I’m a big fan of Cava Vilarnau .  Made with traditional cava grapes (Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo) I find this energetic sparkler to be insanely drinkable with hints of pears, apples, grapefruit, brioche and wet pebbles. It’s big, bright and balanced with a refreshing clean finish. Pair with spicy noodles for a rich contrast. Fancy a big red instead? Meet the Ace Kicker , a juicy blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petite Verdot, Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha. This bold beauty is the perfect pairing to a cheese plate or a creamy bowl of carbonara. Gentle tannins give her a lovely chewy quality while notes of bright red fruit, tobacco, vanilla and dark chocolate round out the profile. A l...

Congratulations, you’re knocked up! If you’re like me and waiting to tell friends and family until well into your second trimester, you’re going to have to get creative with how you hide that you’re not drinking. Here are some ways that worked for me. 9. The trusty “I’m on antibiotics” excuse will only get you so far. Use it just once per social circle (although, you can use it for about two weeks, so that helps.)  8 I’m hungover! This was my favorite. You can use this one a couple times per social circle. (And if you think of morning sickness as a kind of hangover, you’re not even really lying…)  7. I’m driving! Drive everywhere so nobody can question your abstinence. If people are ride sharing, say you have to leave early so you’ll take your own car.  6. I’ll get this round! Offer to buy the drinks. Order yourself a sparkling water in a short glass with lime. Tell people it’s a vodka and soda. Boom. (If they want a sip, say you have a sore throat...

Château Suduiraut After an unforgettable morning at d’Yquem and a fantastic (rich!) lunch in Sauternes, the magnificent Château Suduiraut was next on my list. Other than the great wine, seeing the château itself was my favorite part of the visit. Completely modernized by AXA since their acquisition of the property in 1992, it is a popular conference spot nowadays with its own stellar restaurant onsite. In fact, much of what is served is grown right there in their gardens. Château Suduiraut And what gardens they are! I could happily get lost with a blanket and a book (and, naturally, some Château Suduiraut and local cheese) for hours. While the late spring morning in Sauternes had been fresh and misty, by the afternoon it was hot and still — this microclimate makes the area unique, and is what ultimately brings on the glorious botrytis that makes the area so famous. They generously opened three wines for me: Castelnau de Suduiraut 2006, Sudu...

The illustrious history, the famous fans, the personal invitation! A highlight of my recent trip to Bordeaux was a visit to Château d'Yquem , recognized as one of the most superior fine wines in the world. They graciously opened their cellar doors (and bottles) for me, and it took days for me to stop smiling. The grounds are as spectacular as you’d expect – with its fairytale castle, parts of which date back over 500 years, its lush gardens, and its impeccably cared for vineyards. And its story is equally spectacular. During the Middle Ages, Château d'Yquem was owned by the King of England before passing into French hands, and finally, luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. Château d'Yquem's unique microclimate (its vineyards are at the highest point in Sauternes), famed terroir (clay and gravel over deep limestone), exceptionally low yields (all hand-picked), delicate botrytis (that magical noble rot) and meticulous winemaking ensure a qual...