Since it’s fall and root vegetables are in season now, I thought I would take this time to finally, after a quiet year (of not updating much), get back to my roots.
So here are two visuals of what I consider back to roots that stimulate me. Beet roots and Rosso del Contadino. Both come from the land and from nature. Both are natural. both are delicious
The Contadino 9 continues Cornelissen’s drive to create the best wine he can from the grapes that nature gives him. Thanks to Frank’s careful attention to not disturb nature, she gives him healthy grapes. But if it wasn’t for his intellect and expertise, the wines would not be as wonderful as they are. Because I know, and especially he knows, and despite what many winemakers say, wine IS NOT made in the vineyards. The raw materials come from the vines, but knowing when to harvest the grapes and what to do next can only be decided on by the winemaker.
This is why Frank’s wines taste of the volcano. Deep, salty and bloody. They come from a place that is undisturbed by humanity and they taste that way. So, with all the respect that is due you Frank, thank you. Thank you for understanding nature and how to take what she gives you and produce some of the most compelling wines I have ever tasted.
I was raised in the Bay Area of California and have been enjoying what i believe to be authentically prepared Chinese food for many years. Oh how I long for those “great” Chinese restaurants which are totally absent here in Bergen, so when a friend invited me over for homemade wonton soup, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.
Needless to say, the soup was truly excellent. But there was a surprise waiting to greet me. An old friend whom I had not seen in a couple of years. And I must say, the years have treated my friend very well. You know when you bump into an old friend and you notice how great they look? You notice that they have lost some of that baby fat and they are just glowing…
Let me introduce you to my old friend. The 2007 Contadino 5. Two vintages later, and this ’07 is looking, smelling and tasting better than ever. This bottle hasn’t had the easiest two years either. I know it wasn’t stored under the greatest of conditions. But pay no matter, the wine was still alive and vibrant! A few minutes in the glass and aromas of wild spring flowers and red berries started to jump out of the glass. Even rose-colored rose pedals graced its aromas. None of the “edges” this wine had in its youth were there anymore. They were replaced by sweet, ripe tannins and a ripe acidity that was still keeping this wine on its toes! No signs of oxidation, fatigue or development beyond her two years. A glorious wine that rewarded its consumers for waiting those two years..
….thank you……
