Wine of the Week - Buttonwood 2007 Sangiovese

Found this great little winery on my most recent trip to Solvang.  Buttonwood is another one of those wonderful wineries that you can really rely on; even their worst wines are better than average, and you can expect to enjoy any of the wines you select from them. This dark red wine is surprisingly floral on the nose, smelling mostly like rose petals.  Underneath that is a little bit of dirt and some rich earthiness, the kind of darkness I love in my bold reds. On tasting, you get hit with lively brightness, acidity.  Very delicious.  Then that earthiness comes through.  A great tasting experience, and a delicious wine. 14% alcohol

Quinoa with Italian Veggies

Need a big dose of veggies? This meal is it! Packed with protein from the quinoa and vitamins from the veggies, it's a healthy bowl of goodness.

Ingredients
2 Green zucchini
2 Summer squash
2 Carrots
1 cup quinoa, dry
Olive oil
Italian dressing
Italian seasonings (basil, oregano, etc)

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. 2. Chop the veggies into large chunks. Cook in a few tbsp of olive oil on a stovetop about 20 minutes, or until softened. 3. Top veggies with seasoning. Mix in quinoa, add dressing and serve.

Wine of the Week - Mazza 2010 Bare Bones Rosé

It may be a little on-the-nose to say a rosé smells like roses, but this one does.  Also green apples, and I'd say a little bit of dandelion.
I detected a bit of honey right up front.  The apple scent gave way to a crisp, fresh apple skin taste (with some of the delectable bitterness that implies).  Also a little bit of grass.
This wine has a short finish, but dissolves clean and leaves your palate feeling refreshed.
11% alcohol

Fiery Potato Wedges

I had some potatoes on hand that I planned to make fries out of, but I was in the mood for something spicy. So I thought I'd throw some stuff together and see what happened. Turned out perfectly!

Ingredients
2-3 russet potatoes
Seasonings to taste
Cayenne pepper
Garlic powder
Lemon pepper
Black pepper
Hot sauce

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. 2. Cut potatoes in half length, halve each half, then halve again (so each potato makes 8 wedges). 3. Mix potatoes with seasonings in a large bowl. Spread on an oiled cookie sheet. 4. Bake for 35 minutes and serve. Be careful - it'll plump your lips for sure!

Wine of the Week - Heredad Ugarte 2008 Rioja Cincuenta

Here's an easygoing wine that's a pleasure to drink.  A little watery up front, but fills out in the mid-palate.  There are some subtle spices to detect, but mostly it just tastes like good old red wine.  So easy to drink that I found myself compulsively sipping without even thinking about it.  That might sound bad, but no - this is just nice to drink.
13.5% alcohol