With all this talk about recession and economy, it seems like drinking at home is the best and most affordable way to catch-up with old friends, reacquaint yourself with new friends and enjoy some good ol' fashion gossip. Ya, I have my girls... you know your kickass group of girlies who never say no to a bottle of Riesling (or any wine for that matter) and that you love to laugh with. I have to say that I have only recently truly learned what it is like to have great girlfriends over the past couple of years. Yes, I have had lifelong friends, but there is something amazing about having everyone who is truly close to you available to you at the drop of a hat! Most of them are located right in the City and most are within walking distance, and since I am a walker, that makes life (and wine nights) that much better. Even though there are a few who are still miles away. Facebook does offer some great rewards of being connected regardless of geography. Oh ya and don't forget about how one can twitter, blackberry msg, and text their life adventures away as well!
My girlfriends (at the risk of sound like Carrie Bradshaw in this
blog) are all one in a million. My one Girlfriend has declared that there is only a 1% chance on earth of having her personality! 1% .... where did she find that stat... We should all sit down over a bottle of Riesling and study our personalities, I bet after the fourth bottle of wine it might get interesting!! It makes me think of what personality I have and what my worldly percentage is. Right off the bat I can think of one other person with the exact same personality as me...and she is a teacher - a damn good one too! She is even a wine enthusiast and she even loves Rieslings as much as I do!I have to admit though that every single one of my girlfriends from the blue jays way condo dwellers to the queen west dreamers love their wine. Actually that is a pre-requisite to be part of the girls club - must love wine! Our monthly ritualistic get togethers always include wine as an essential part of the catch-up and gossip soiree. And even though white wine is the overarching theme, there are some red wine lovers in the group which creates "wine balance" as I like to call it. I would have to admit that my friends all tend to have their varietal differences, and in each of their own time their
are exploring the repertoire of wines in which they love. However, if I had to put a key varietal on it, I would have to say that all of my friends are Rieslings. They have a sturdy backbone, can have a romantic outlook on life, while balancing the romance with notes of citrus and fruit (that means their independent and realistic if it needed to be explained) and of course each of them have the ability to gracefully age in time.Rieslings are always a hit in our circle. Gewurztraminer is making a comeback too, but only with a few - some of us find it a bit to sweet - wait...does that translate to our personality styles at all?! The balance of acidity and realism that a Riesling offers tends to mesh well with our personal, career and unique lifestyles. I personally, am a Riesling girl. If I were to drink one bottle for the rest of my life it would be Riesling - not to mention that I have two open in my fridge at this very moment ready for whenever the odd gf drops in. They are ready to share at the drop of a hat - maybe even a custom designed hat :P
With all this talk of recession and economy and blah blah blah there is really a simple 'back to basics' type of answer to this year. Although the answer you're probably thinking is "Drink some Riesling" - and that is a good answer, the real answer is that what I do know from much experiences is that when you crack open a bottle of your favourite wine and share it with people you love, no other experience can compare. Getting back to what really matters in life including, friendships, family and the art of simplicity should be something we all look at bringing back into our every day life. Wine is meant to be enjoyed and shared with the ones you love. And I plan to fully exploit that theory with not only my amazing girlfriends, but also with as people as I can.
What if our lives were like those in the Old World, wine, food, family and friends, that doesn't seem so bad does it? So I don't know about you, but I am in for a great lifestyle change! This year I challenge you to savouring your wine, savouring your friendships, savouring your family and also don't forget to savour each and every one of life's little moments.
Now excuse me while I finish making plans with my group o' ladies and try to figure out which Riesling I should bring to our next get together!!
If you happen to love Riesling as much as I do check out DrinkRiesling.com
Here are some of the Rieslings that are turning me on this month:
Fielding Sparkling Riesling
The Grange of Prince Edward County Trumpours Hill Riesling
Wayne Gretzky Estate Riesling
Cave Springs Estate Riesling
Wildass Riesling (From Stratus)
Thirty Bench Riesling
Tawse Wismer Riesling
Relax Riesling
Fielding Riesling
Hernder Riesling
Vineland Estates Riesling (dry & Semi dry)
Creekside Butlers Grant Riesling
Inniskillin Winery Riesling
Peller Estates Private Reserve Riesling
Cheers,
Ange
