Coley is here. Coley is back. Coley is home.
No more breaks until I truly feel tired.
It’s been a while, but I’m here. I took an unexpected month off – not planned, but definitely needed. Shipping wine in October has truly sucked and honestly made me rethink what I need to do in 2021. Thankfully shipping seems to have resumed normalcy, so we shall see how it goes for this month. Anyway, you live and you learn because as much as you want things to be perfect, life happens. Happy to say, though, that all the wine that was in my queue has all finally been shipped. I’ve also been going through a transition at work. I didn’t ask for it, but like with anything in life, we move! (positive vibes here!) Election season, of course, was another shit show to add to the list. But, I’m still keeping myself sane and even managing to keep ties with my partner alive - shout out to love, y’all! Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard and I’m no relationship guru. However, it ends up being rewarding in the end and I’m relieved that what I’m doing works.
I may not have been writing, but I’ve definitely been drinking wine. My partner took me to Salem Oak Vineyards - a small, quaint micro-winery in Pedricktown, NJ about 35-45 min away from Philadelphia. We went on a nice, sunny day and sipped wine while listening to some country music. I purchased a bottle of Sweet Caroline Niagara (2018) to take home and drank it while being a guest on the “ItsPridestined” podcast. The episode should be coming out soon. Finally, I rounded out October by going to the Hamptons for a double birthday bash (Hi Danelsy and Monique!) where we visited the famed Wölffer Estate. I had two nice whites here which I’ll note them later in the newsletter.
For those who are new – Welcome! My name is Cole and you’re probably here because you want to hear my views on things, mostly my thoughts on wine. Because you subscribed, you’re eligible to win free wine every time this newsletter comes out. Super easy, right? This is my way of helping make your world a bit brighter. For those who have been here since the beginning, I appreciate you. Thank you for reading and understanding.
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Holiday SZN!!!
The holidays are coming up so I thought this would be a good time to talk about what wines you should have on your table as you celebrate. Big Rona has us thinking differently about how we are celebrating and your guest list might be a bit smaller this year. Next week, we’ll get into wines you should think about for the dinner table. This week I’ll be sharing some of my favorites to bring over to those safe, friendly gatherings. I deferred to whites here because, if you recall the Wine Palate Life Cycle (click here for a refresher), we want wines everyone can enjoy. You can find all these brands under 20 dollars. Whether it’s a bandemic, pandemic, panoramic or whatever you want to call it, we still stan cost-effectiveness (with good taste).
Prosecco: Prosecco is a perfect aperitif (a drink taken before a meal to stimulate your appetite) as they are often fruity, fresh and uncomplicated. You can also find these in mini packs too. Less hands on a bottle is very vibey.
- Josh (shoutout to our editor here too!)
- Mionetto
- Carletto
- Lunetta
- Zonin
Cava: My go-to. The drier sparkling cousin to Prosecco. You know I hold Cava near and dear to my heart. I will drink it with anything because it’s just that versatile.
- Segura Viudas
- Poema
- Campo Viejo
- Cordorniu
- Bodegas Naveran
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio: Juicy and fresh, yet clean and crisp with vibrant acidity.
- Banfi
- Alta Luna
- Cavit
- Graffigna
Gewurztraminer/Riesling: Ideal food wines ranging from sweet to dry. We love Moscato here too (but for dessert).
- Fetzer
- Chateau Ste Michelle
- Gilbert
- Alsace Willm
Sauvignon Blanc: The approachable, dry, food-friendly wine. Yes, summer is over, but we still drink!
- Kim Crawford
- Sun Goddess
- Whitehaven
- Schug
Let me know what you think and if this helps. The Social Club is coming soon (wait on it) so there is going to be an even easier way for me to help you with wine suggestions.
Cheers!
Coley’s Final Notes!
What I’ve been sipping on lately – Shiraz (2019) by Layer Cake ($13.99) – One of my favorite brands. Truthfully, I feel like the older, 2017 Shiraz was bolder and packed more punch. The 2019 is still very good. But in this instance, newer doesn’t always mean better.
Cabernet Sauvignon (2018) by Excelsior ($6.99) – This South African cab makes me feel like I’m having a fruitcake in liquid form. It’s very fruity with lots of blackberry, plum, and black currant elements. A medium-bodied wine with tannins, plum and cherry finish. I really, thoroughly enjoyed how smooth this wine was. I’m already on my second bottle. Very solid value wine to take with you to your next dinner party. Compliments beef, lamb and chicken!
My latest pickups! – Crianza (2016) by Bodegas Ontanon ($18.99) – I’ve been delving more into Spanish Reds and this one caught my eye. This is a Rioja blend of tempranillo and garnacha (those are two types of grapes). Blackberries and oak transition into a sour cherry vibe. It also has a medium-body and a slight, dry finish. For those who drink Merlot or Pinot Noir, this is up your alley. For those who love tomato soup or roasted lamb, this is a good compliment. Great overall with red meat, ham and cheeses.
Vinho Verde Branco Grande Escolha (2019) by Caso Do Valle ($17.99) – This alvarinho/arinto blend brings a mature feel to this wine. It isn’t as sweet as a regular Vinho Verde, but I know a lot of you guys prefer a lighter, more sophisticated wine. It has a low sugar content wine with citrus and stone fruit aromas. Overall it’s medium-bodied in intensity and acidity. This complements shrimp, vegetarian dishes and most appetizers well. If you want a regular Vinho Verde that is sweeter and an intro wine to this varietal, get one from Gazela ($7.99). You can find this at many liquor/wine stores.
Wölffer Made, Coley Approved – The Grapes of Roth Dry Riesling (2019) and Gewurztraminer (2019). Click here to purchase.
Upcoming Holidays –
National Zinfandel Day (November 18th)
Beaujolais Nouveau Day (November 19th) - For those who are unfamiliar, this is a red wine made from Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France. Under French law, the wine is released at 12:01 a.m., just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. France celebrates the occasion with fireworks, music and festivals. Parties are held throughout the country and other parts of the world to celebrate the first wine of the season.
A Few Random Thoughts:
Teremana Tequila is good, but Casamigos is way better imo. Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon 90 Proof is my staple brown in the house. Sulfites do not give you headaches, but those histamines definitely will.
People paid it forward all month. We would like to thank Michele, Sarah and Mike for their generous donations. Want to sponsor a bottle (or many) – email me! All donations go to newsletter and IG giveaways.
Finally, THE WINNERS OF THIS ISSUE’S GIVEAWAY ARE:
Lauren H.
Marina S.
Dominek P.
Elyse R.
Cornelius H.
I will reach out to get your information and ship the bottles your way! xo.
This concludes the seventh issue of #WineDownWithCole – Stay vino’d up and indulge in a glass.
Discount Links!
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