Not your mother's Rose...

Should we even admit it? Do we dare?

We like pink wine. No, don't get scared, this is not your mother's White Zinfandel. Nor is it like the wine coolers you drank before you were of legal age.

These tart, dry pink wines are delightful on a warm summer evening, perfect with a backyard barbecue, and lovely with an appetizer of grilled vegetables. (Kerry makes some killer grilled tomatoes, you'll have to ask her for the recipe.)

We have sampled (read: consumed) two varietals of pink wines this season. The first is Crios Rose of Malbec, from Argentina. Yes, it is made with the same grapes of a traditional Malbec. The processing (with or without the grape skins) account for the color of the wine. I found the wine to be pleasantly tart and have a nice, dry finish. Robert Parker, Jr. gave the wine 89 points and said, "The 2007 Rose of Malbec is medium pink with an expressive bouquet of strawberry and cherry. The wine is medium-bodied with lots of glycerin giving the wine a smooth palate feel. Dry in style, the wine has rich flavors, excellent acidity, and a lengthy finish. Drink this remarkably food-friendly wine over the next 1 - 2 years. All of the Crios wines are outstanding values"

The second pink wine we tried was Nine Vines Rose made up of a Grenache and Shiraz blend. Again, this wine utilizes grapes traditionally used to make red wines. Again, this is a light, tart, dry wine. The Wine Spectator gave the wine 89 points and said, "This wine has raspberry and strawberry aromas on the nose. On the palate, zesty fruit flavors of red currant and raspberry from the Grenache combine with spicy cherry of the Shiraz to produce a crisp, refreshing wine with a long, full finish."

The Nine Vines Shiraz Viognier, a red, is another interesting blend and quite a tasty combination of grape varietals. It's a nice, lighter red that will be great to enjoy all summer long.

So, if you are looking for a new wine to try, be adventurous. Go pink--you might be surprised with what you find.

I've got a secret!

Actually it is more like a confession. I confessed to Rachel the other day and she was supportive as a good friend should be. She promised to help me and guide me. Now it is time I tell all of you.... I don't know if I can....well here it goes...............

I can't read sewing patterns!
I know, who would expect this from such a crafty person like me? I am willing and able to attempt any crafting medium and I love to sew. But the patterns?
When I try to read one, my mind wanders and I can't seem to grasp what they are talking about. I can't figure out which way the fabric is supposed to go and they are always pinning things. I am anti-pinning! How can I sew without pinning? Carefully and if it absolutely requires pinning - then I won't make it. How does Rachel put up with me? I don't know because these are surely the least of my annoying habits.
So here is how I do sew, I need to see the fabric laid out or I need to look at a pre-made item. I can then turn the pieces visually in my head and figure out how to sew them together. Rachel is also a huge help. She is usually the one to figure out the construction of our fabric creations. I'll tell her what I am thinking of and she will show me how to make it. It's all about the visual directions, with actual pieces of fabric not drawings.

I feel better. The next time I go fabric shopping, I can hear the exchange now:

Grandma behind the counter: "So deary, what are you making and how many yards will you need?"

Kerry: "I can't read a pattern! I am making tissue holders, 10 yards should cover it."

Grandma: "Good for you honey!"

Sewing Illiterate and proud!