I am back!

It's been a while.
I took some time off. And me and my husband went to Italy! It was wonderful trip!
We traveled to Venice and enjoyed the Carnival!
The we took a train to Verona, Turin and Milan.
There are some pictures I want to share.
Memories!

Brussels sprouts salad

This is one of my favorites!

Main ingredients are mushrooms-I had dried mushrooms and Brussels sprouts

 also leek and pancetta.

cut sprouts, mix with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at  430F for 10-15 min.

meanwhile I cooked pancetta in olive oil

 cut mushrooms and leek. My mushrooms were dry, so I soaked them for a while in hot water.

 add mushrooms and leek to pancetta.

Sprouts are ready!

 Now mix everything and enjoy!:0)

Virtual travel and tasting-Loire Valley, Anjou.

Centuries ago, Anjou-Saumur was considered to be the heartland of the Loire and the source of the
regions‘s most exciting wines. During the 13th and 14th centuries, Anjou was one of the most popular wines in England. And then in Holland and Belgium. 

Historically this region was famous for its white wines, made mostly of Chenin Blanc grapes.
Also grapes used are  Sauvignon, Chardonnay. 
And red grapes are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grolleau.
 The Anjou appellation area includes  Anjou-Villages, Anjou Rouge, Savennieres, 
Sweet wine appellations Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume.
 Cremant de la Loire are very famous for sparkling wines made mostly from Chenin Blanc.
Sweet wines are made from  botrytized grapes.

  The broad spectrum of wine styles is produced in Anjou.
Today Anjou is more and more known for its rose style wines and wines based on Cabernet Franc.


I have 

Les Vignoles Terroirs Et Lieu Dieu De Loire Saumur Champigny 2009, Ac, Cabernet Franc

 
Very stylish and elegant wine.
Garnet color in the glass.
Lovely aromas of raspberries, spices.
 Light tannins and smooth acidity.
 Medium bodied, medium finish with floral notes.


And I want to pair it with chicken and liver terrine with hazelnuts.

Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2011, Elqui Valley

Carmenre.
Chile.


In the glass dark red color.
On the nose dark fruit, tobacco, earth.
On the palate dry, firm tannins with balanced acidity, medium to full body. Chocolate flavour with hint of cedar and tobacco. Plum, ripe red fruit. Smooth, long finish with leather aromas.

Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley

Chardonnay

California

$19.95 at LCBO (393892) 

In the glass clean, healthy, light straw color.

On the nose floral, citrus.

On the palate dry, medium body, hazelnut, butterscotch, light oak. Balanced, medium finish with vanilla flavors.

Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2011, Adelaide, South Australia

Shiraz

South Australia, Australia

$21.95 (611210) 

Dark purple red in the glass.

On the nose lovely aromas of  blackcurrants, dark berries, and hint of coffee.

On the palate dry, medium bodied. Soft tannins, rich flavours of dark red fruit, plum, spices, vanilla.

Soft tannins, vibrant acidity. Rounded finish with chocolate flavors.

Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2011, Igt Toscana

Tuscany, Italy

$21.95 at LCBO  (145920) 

 A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet franc, and Sangiovese.

Dark ruby red in the glass. Clean, healthy.

On the nose red fruit, cherries, baking spices, hazelnuts.

On the palate dry, medium body, strong tannins, supporting acidity. Flavors of cranberries, pomegranate, currant, plums.

Spicy hints of cinnamon and oak in the end. Nice finish.

Better to decant.

Very elegant wine!