RisqueSommelier.com

Nebojsa Zdravkovic - Nude with Flowers, Oil

Following Risqué’s post on “The Luscious Rosé Bud” he felt there was no more appropriate posting than the modern impressionistic GENEOUS of Nebojsa Zdravkovic’s “Nude with Flowers”. The sensitive use of light, transparency, reflection, dimension, COLOR and even emotions tending to loneliness are immediately apparent!! Zdravkovic’s bold brush strokes along with the generous infusions of “play on light” color draw the participant deeply into the passions of the work.

Romance… Longing… Desire… Expectation… are all the emotions conjured by this work for Risqué… Risqué can only think of one thing absent “Dr. Eve… my mind’s a blank” (of Sordid Lives infamy)… A glass of fine Rosé.

“It’s hot, hot summer Sissy” (of Sordid Lives infamy), which motivated Risqué to venture into the deep dark territory of the refreshing and luscious Pink Rosé Bud… Seven of them in particular… According to the UK Daily Telegraph Rosé has surpassed white wine in sales volume in France…. So Risqué postulated, he ought to give this a real run for the (inexpensive) money…. All $15.00 or under (what a value). Risqué shared these bottles with favorite LUSHES and is willing to share his results with you!! Across four Countries, US, two from France, Spain and Italy, Risqué offers his impressions and favorites… in order from favorite to least! Just a little technical detail… Rosé is made form primarily three techniques, Skin Contact or “Saignée”, Bleeding or Blending. A true Rosé is made as a Saignée.

The Pure Pink Ribbon Winner was…

McDowell 2006 Grenache Rosé, Mendocino, CA (BevMo)

Wonderfully French in style… this Saignée traditional styled Rosé, made from mature fruit of 56 year old vines infuses the “likequid” with an intense Grenache varietal character. Full rich lacy flavors dominated with wild strawberry, earthy notes crusted with minerality and fringed with feminine pink flowers carry through the crisply acidic and clean finish What a deliciously spanking pink bargain!!!!.
Alcohol 14.5 ($14)

The Fuchsia Ribbon goes to… A French Contestant…

La Ferme Julien, 2007 Rosé, Cotes Du Ventoux, France (Trader Joe’s)

Obviously French in style, and of course a Saignée Rosé, this delightful effluence is filled with a nose of ripe strawberry, English roses, vanilla and creamy rich caramel… This liquid makes you want to pull the Fuchsia ribbon from your hair and dive headlong into the mouthfuls of cherry, roses and violets across a wonderfully candied lemon peel finish…. Again… Get this Goat… as it is quite a wonderful Summer sizzler!
Alcohol 13% ($5)

Taking the Salmon Ribbon…

Jean Olivier 2006 Cháteau d’ Aqueria Rosé, Travel, Rhone Valley, France (Costco)

Swishing a bright salmon color separates this liquid from its competitors… less pink… more orange but the flavors jump right back into the traditional Rosé segment with intense fruit and floral aromas… across the anxious tongue, rich mulberry and succulent red berries carry the fruit across the palate… bright acidity is the hallmark of this wine which finishes with a deliciously long peppery finish.
Alcohol 13.5% ($14)

The Spanish Red Ribbon is awarded to…

Marqués de Cáceres, 2007 Dry Rosé, Rioja, Spain (Trader Joe’s)

Built upon a sturdy base of Tempranillo, Grenache Noir this wine teases the eye with a beautiful “Sunset” red color and tickles the olfactory with delicious cherry, strawberry and orange aromas with floral hints. Juicy flavors flood the mouth with more grapefruit and berries compound to complicate the palate and provide a lightly tannic finish… dry and clean.
Alcohol 13.5% ($7)

The French sounding “Vermilion” Ribbon goes to…

Clos du Bois 2006 Rosé, Sonoma County, CA (BevMo)

Watermelon best describes the color of this delectable liquid… The French sounding name is echoed in the French style of this bright and juicy Rosé billowing with ripe berries on the nose… The dry flavors echo of raspberries and strawberries with a fine minerality… carrying thought the lingering finish.
Alcohol 13% ($13)

Bubbling Pink Ribbon was awarded this sampling…

Incanto NV Rosé Frizzante, Raboso Rosato Veneto, Italy (Trader Joe’s)

Bubblegum pink describes the Incanto Rosé with similar candied cherry and strawberry esters carrying the nose. The liquid is lightly effervescent with a sparkling crispness that showcases more dry red cherry and ripe summer watermelon flavors. Perfect for a lovely warm terrace brunch cocktail!
Alcohol 11.5% ($6)

Unworthy of any Ribbon…

Braren Pauli, 2002 White Pinot Noir, Mendocino, CA (Origin Unknown???)

Cloyingly sweet and reminiscent of the detestable “White Zinfandel”… which Risqué doesn’t allow his LUSHES to consume… it is not worthy of Risqué’s E-ink review. Pass the crackers please…

All in all…Risqué (besides being a bit LIT!!!) enjoyed his journey through the less than $15 Rosés… Proving… cheap luscious Rosé Buds… can be FUN!

California Winemakers Challenge Mass. Law

Risqué supports the free market, big and small alike. The current Massachusetts law benefits large vintners and discriminate against smaller boutique wineries ultimately penalizing the consumer…

“A court case challenging the constitutionality of a state law that bans some wineries from shipping directly to Massachusetts consumers is coming to a head.

On July 29, a U.S. District Court judge will hear arguments in Family Winemakers of California’s lawsuit. The trade group is contesting a 2006 law that limits direct-to-consumer wine sales in Massachusetts consumers is coming to a head.

Read the rest of this entry »

Hog Island Oyster Company

Non-vintage Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve French Champagne

Now, it seems a bit out of character for Risqué, but given the purveyor, Risqué believes you’ll forgive the déclassé “Hogging Out” reference. Again, while in San Francisco and at the 1 Ferry Building, Risqué took the opportunity to indulge in yet another favorite gastronomique delight… Raw Oysters from the cheery and wonderfully staffed Hog Island Oyster Company.

Now before you go getting all up in Risqué’s petticoats about eating Oysters in months that only have an “R”… these are all sustainable domestically farmed (Tomales Bay… just North of San Francisco) Oysters which are bathed in ultraviolet filtered clean 50 degree water for at least 24 hours before being sent to market making them environmentally conscious, perfectly safe and delicious morsels… Thirty-Six, to be exact, delicious little morsels (Hog Island Sweetwater and Hog Island Kumamoto), bright, briny, firm fleshed and reminiscent of the sea (served with Mignonette), shared with two favorite LUSHES along with several amazing bottles of Non-vintage Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve French Champagne.

This sparkling squealer is a blushed pale golden yellow and awash with a fine effervescence delivering initial bursts of warm crusts of fresh baked bread and a light smokiness. More delicious aromas spring from the bursting bubbles with sweet vanilla, fresh lemons and peaches. Smooth on the palate the ample creamy flavors profuse with acidic tropical fruit, Meyer lemons, exotic candied ginger, wild honey and more warm buttered crusty bread trot through the moderate but pleasing finish.

The combination of the WONDERFULLY fresh Hog Island Oysters and the Heidsieck Brut Reserve proved an attractive combination… obviously! And again… If one can have too many Oysters and Champagne in one’s troth… Risqué and LUSHES swilled their way right into that barn, HOGGISHLY!!!! Hog Island’s Clam Chowder is certainly worth working through the shells for the delicious reward as well! Delish! Also.. Thank You to GREG at Hog Island Oyster Co. for his adorable personality and hospitably and for making Risqué and LUSHES … SQUEAL with gluttonous delight!!!

Alcohol 12% ($75 Restaurant)

Kynsi 2005 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley, Ca

Tonight… favorite LUSHES invited Risqué to drink and dine Alfresco… Our hostess served a delicious cold Summer entrée of Grilled Medium Rare New York Steak tossed with Arugula and Al Dente Penne Pasta dressed with a Balsamic mustard vinaigrette… wonderfully toothsome! The LUSHES paired it with a complimentarily delicious (and one of Risqué’s favorite Wineries) KYNSI 2005 PINOT NOIR, Edna Valley.

The accompanying wine had a lovely dark plum color with tangy cherry, pomegranate and anise nose with spicy Pepper, Rose, blackberry and anise rich, blood orange across the palate with just the right oak and a lingering fruity finish.

The Arugula in the salad and the pepper and tangy fruitiness of the wine paired perfectly and made Risqué quite glad… he had accepted the Invitation!!!

Alcohol 13.8% ($25)

Tsar Nicoulai Café

Charles Heidsieck & Co

Risqué again found himself enjoying a day in San Francisco with nothing else to do but luxuriate!!! So, along with delicious LUSHES he found his way again to the #1 Fairy Ferry Building (how appropriate!). Lunch seemed inappropriate; however, Caviar and Champagne seemed ideal! Risqué and guests settled into a “Connoisseurs” selection of Caviar at Tsar Nicoulai Café with several bottles of Charles Heidsieck & Co’s Monopole Blue Top Non-Vintage Brut Champagne and a bottle of Schramsberg Non-Vintage Blanc de Blancs (of Barbara Walters’ fame).

The Caviar Connoisseur… consisted of 5 – 1 gram portions of Select California Estate Osetra, California Estate Osetra, Hackleback Sturgeon, Paddlefish Sturgeon and the finest Imported Azerbaijan Caspian Sevruga. Each of the caviars were presented with homemade buckwheat blini with crème fraiché and Risqué requested chives.

The Charles Heidsieck & Co’s Monopole Blue Top Non-Vintage Brut Champagne, although not a vintage bottle of bubbles was quite acceptable with the caviar… it’s light golden color yielded a bright and balanced creamy textured liquid with just enough acidity to refresh the palate after each bite of caviar and provide a nutty finish… Yummm…

Alcohol 12% ($75)

Risque’s favorite among the delicious egg selections was of course… the finest of all… the imported Servuga…. Life is a Banquet!!!

2004 Müller-Catoir Haardter Mandelring Scheurebe Spätlese, Pfalz, Germany

Martini House, St Helena, CA

Risqué, while touring Napa, on a very warm Summer day, settled into a lovely lunch, with some of his favorite LUSHES, at one the acclaimed Pat Kuleto’s Restaurants, Martini House in St. Helena. Looking for something light, bright and refreshing, from the Menu, Risqué selected a wonderful Cream of Mushroom Soup with Toasted Croutons and Chives and a Country Style Duck Terrine with Celery Root and Apple Salad in a Creamy Hazelnut Vinaigrette. Charming (and knowledgeable) Wine Director, Rob, recommended the 2004 Müller-Catoir Haardter Mandelring Scheurebe Spatlese.

This pale greenish tinged sparkling light and elegant liquid is saturated with the aromas of stone fruits… bushels of apricots and yellow plums and mouth watering citrus with sprigs of sweet herbal mint. The mouth is flooded with more rich textured delicious ripe stone fruits and honey, balanced against a firm stoney and lightly salty mineral backbone woven with a floral Damask of citrusy acidity through a lengthy finish.

This Spätlese was delectable and filled the bill for Risqué’s cravings for truly bright refreshment but paled to the wonderful company and time spent enjoying the moments with dear friends… Ahhhh, Summer love!

Alcohol 9.5% ($45)

The Social Decline of the Straight American Male?…

Recently I was out on the town with customers. At the end of the night, a client asked me in a hushed voice “OK… you’re gay, right?” After I put her straight (no pun intended) , I asked what caused the confusion.

The reply - “You always seem to look good and really know your way around a wine list, so we just assumed…”

OK, how did we come to a point American culture where positive personal attributes are assumed to be the exclusive domain of gay men? Unless you behave like Al Bundy or Homer Simpson you must be gay? Lookit, I’m not offended about being asked if I was (that part is just like being asked if I’m left-handed). It’s more about frustration that straight males in American society no longer getting any credit for looking good and behaving well.

It wasn’t always so. I submit that many of yesteryear’s “alpha males” would be considered “pretty boys” today, if for no other reason that today they would be…

- Dressed a little too well

- Would be a bit too physically fit

- Would speak with a little too well, exhibiting some wit and intelligence

- Would exhibit a little too much taste for good food, fine wines, a few of the other fine things in life

Not so long ago, these characteristics were hallmarks of a gentleman and a goal shared by all men (straight or gay). Don’t believe me?… pull out an old photo album and check out a party pic of dear old Dad, Granddad, or Uncle Frank from the 1960’s…

I’ll betcha he’s dressed better in it than George Clooney at a Cannes premiere. And some famous examples from the ‘Good Old Days’… Gary Cooper; Cary Grant; Dean Martin.

I believe that we in the US have forgotten that good grooming, social ease, and demonstrable intelligence are not an integral part of one’s sexuality. Unless we get a ‘course-correction’ and set some higher expectations, we’re gonna end up with a single straight male population of socially-inept goobers.

Or (looking on a bright side) maybe I could just start a “mail-order groom” business and take advantage of the situation? My guess I could make a killing.

Just sayin’.

Risqué believes.. “The Straight male has abandoned everything sensible in society… except for the fully subscribing “Metro-Sexual”… and thank GOD for George Clooney! Waiter… “Bring Risqué the wine list… Please!”

Hello all you darling Risque LUSHES! Risqué wanted to inform his LUSHES that this week he is suffering in Napa and Sonoma…please forgive any light posts and know that Risqué does so love his devoted LUSHES.

À votre santé!

Risqué Sommelier

Risqué has just had a delightful day in San Francisco where he had the pleasure of spending the day at the Bliss Spa located at the W Hotel where Bryan, the cute massage therapist alleviated all his built-up tension with his gentle but strong hands, arms and an occasional elbow.

After exhausting the spa services, Risqué made his way to the infamous Michael Mina’s Restaurant bar in the St. Francis Hotel where Boris, the handsome bartender surprised Risqué with the perfect martini (Boris created) to complete his spa experience called “Indian Summer”.

Risqué loved it so much that he couldn’t wait to share it with his devout LUSHES.

Indian Summer

- 1.5 oz. Ketel One Citroen

- .75 oz. Gabriel Boudier Crème de Cassis

- 1 oz. Jorge Odonez Malaga Moscatel 2001

- 2 broken pieces of cucumber

- .75 oz. Fresh lime juice

- 1 drop Fee Brothers Grapefruit Bitters

- Splash of egg white

Fill shaker with ice, combine ingredients and shake, shake and shake. Pour into chilled martini glass and garnish with a slice of cucumber.

Makes 1 martini

Enjoy, my darlings…take a day off for a Spatini and go to the spa and afterwards, indulge in an Indian Summer.