I promise I am not spending my days drinking. But I have been fixated on consumption of the liquid sort lately.
I have a favorite wine shop, and it's called Elvino*. I like it because the people there are knowledgeable AND friendly (not always easy to find), and the shop stocks a range of interesting wines at all price points. Oh, and there is zero pretention. You can say, "I want a wine with a good story," and they won't kick you out of the shop.
In my head, a good wine shop is a place where you can pick up something new and fun without emptying your wallet. It's also a place from which you emerge feeling excited and better informed. For me, this is that shop.
I'm looking forward to try these two wines: the 2010 Pelješac from Croatia and a vinho verde tinto from Portugal. My internet sleuthing tells me Pelješac is a wine-producing peninsula (as well as the name of the wine) and Dinga? Vinarija the name of the winery. I've never tried Croatian wine, though I have been curious about it thanks to Anthony Bourdain on No Reservations. As for vinho verde, I was a little disappointed not to try it while in Portugal, so here's my chance. "Verde" refers to the young age of the wine, not its color. I am assuming "tinto" means the same in Portuguese as it does in Spanish and that this is a red wine.
A wine snob I am not. Only a curious learner who's grateful for other down-to-earth people willing to teach me.
* I have no idea. I assumed the name was El Vino, but I have seen the shop referred to as Elvino so frequently that I don't know if that is correct or just a widely repeated typo.
** Update **
I just tried some of the Pelješac. I expected it to resemble a fruity pinot noir, but it was something in its own category. "Wow...whoa, that's different," was my initial reaction. It's fairly light, but the texture is still somehow velvety. The first thing I noticed was a round, warm, berry flavor that reminded me of Ring Pops. Yes, Ring Pops. I'm pretty awful when it comes to wine vocabulary. I also thought of dimly lit and dusty vintage stores, jelly candies, and cherries.The lady at the wine shop said one of the two wines above reminded her of church incense, and I can't remember which one. But it might as well be this one--it's a little smoky, a little sweet. Just like incense. After the first taste, you notice the subtle tannins. It has a pleasant finish.
Wow. I like this wine.
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