Just two Rieslings purchased, destined both to compete with each other and to complement one another. The first, also first in tasting order, was a white wine from Germany - J.L.Wolf Wachenheimer Riesling Kabinett Pfalz 2008 - a classic, a choice that never disappoints; the second - a New World wine from South Australia's well-known producer, Penfolds Rawson's Retreat Riesling 2008.
The first associations with Australia are undeniably heat, red earth, kangaroos, koalas - and also wines, as these are widely represented on supermarket shelves in Latvia too. How many are truly quality wines is another question. Because the development and spread of Australian wines in the world has been explosive, to the point of claiming the prestigious fourth place among wine-exporting countries.
Beer tasting or evaluation is very similar to tasting other drinks, including wines. Assessed are: the bottle, beer colour, consistency, aroma, flavour, and finally the finish. Although taste is a personal matter, we tried to be as objective as possible in our descriptions. The result revealed the most and least drinkable beer.
Initially South Africa was of interest for just one attraction - the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Now another significant aspect has appeared: wines. Although winemaking traditions there are not as ancient as in the good old Europe, South Africa today has claimed an important place and accounts for around 3% of the total global wine market.
Chardonnay is the world's most popular white grape variety. It adapts easily to different climatic conditions and soils, and readily lends itself to various transformations and the wine maturation process, which is why it has gained popularity among grape growers, winemakers, and consumers alike.
This month we are fans of Sicily, as it is one of those places on the world map where one would someday love to go. Initially, hearing the word Sicily, one associates it with the mafia, the Corleone surname, the constantly active volcano Etna, sunshine, and the sea. But one wants not only to see Sicily but also to taste it - which is why this is specifically about Sicilian wines. They brought new discoveries and even falling in love with one wine that comes from the very foot of the Etna volcano.
Inspired by the latest wine event dedicated to food and wine pairing, and having received the recipe from Larisa, I made a chocolate cake. It is wonderfully simple with a heavenly dark chocolate flavour, yet at the same time slightly fiddly in the baking process. I made it twice to achieve a smooth brown surface without cracks. What I like is that there's no need for flour.
Continuing to review the collection and sweet memories - four more drinks from three distant lands. Those already tasted and those still waiting their turn.
If you're planning a trip to distant lands and wondering what to bring back home - something for the heart and soul, to let the family taste the flavour of that place - I'd be happy to share our experience from travels to various countries. So then, let's get to the home bar audit!
Nothing brings the Christmas feeling closer than the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread. For several years before the holidays we have a tradition of baking homemade gingerbread cookies, first cutting out all kinds of shapes from the dough. This year, of course, the top pick will be large and small rabbit figures (after all, the Year of the White Rabbit is approaching). But this time it's not about that. I offer a dessert made from the already-baked gingerbread cookies - a lovely treat for guests on the third Sunday of Advent.
