As we stood there with Elisabeth, she weaved a web of intrigue around Domaine Saladin’s rosé wine – Tralala! She spoke so glowingly of it, she had a sold on story alone. She was visiting during a warm streak, one of the many we had, and TJ and I were dying for a sip of rosé. Unfortunately, their bottling was held up because the weather was so cold in France. They were ready, they just needed the temperatures to cooperate. 

Our shipment of Tralala may have been delayed, but it was oh so worth the wait. Made from Cinsault and Grenache Noir grapes, this is a saignée method rosé, meaning it has been bled off of a Domaine Saladin red wine. It’s always so shocking to me how different a rosé and the red wine that it is made from can taste. Particularly, grenache is not my personal favorite red varietal, but I love rosé made from grenache. 

The Tralala is bright and fresh tasting. It’s more of a full-bodied rosé but without being too red wine-ish. Its flavors are rich with tons of bright cranberry, strawberry and watermelon. It’s also high in acid, which wakes up your palate and gets you thirsting for more. We drank it the other night with our first burgers off the grill, homemade pickles from Morning Glory Farm, and a tasty Greek salad. It was an easy task to drain the bottle.

Tralala is a bottle that hits on all the important levels – it’s a fantastic wine with a compelling story that tastes of its place. I hope you’ll stop by and pick up a bottle while we still have some in stock! 

It’s hard to admit, but the least inspiring of all the hats I wear at the moment is motherhood. Cue the guilt – my kids are sort of a grind at the moment, cute as they may be. The end of school is coming and they are both bonkers. Noah, always a little prone to anxiety, is freaking out about Kindergarten and has turned into a sulky adolescent overnight. Foot-stomping, eye-rolling, door-slamming and endless tears (ENDLESS) make me wonder what, exactly, is going on inside that little body. He is disobeying at every turn, doesn’t respond when you say good morning, takes 20 minutes to put his shoes on, and is generally acting like the snottiest kid on earth.

Meanwhile, Jason, prone to temper tantrums, has discovered a backbone of steel that no one can bend. Today at school, he misbehaved at “fitness” and wasn’t given a treat out of the treasure box like the kids who did behave. He simultaneously had a temper tantrum, threw sand, screamed, and wet his pants all at the same time. That takes serious talent and conviction. The rest of his time is spent pushing his older brother’s buttons, resulting in – you got it – tears, eye-rolling, foot-stomping and door-slamming. It’s been pretty fun around here. 

It’s hard to admit it when you’re in a phase where your kids are driving you nuts. It’s even harder when the water cooler topic du jour is whether or not you’re “Mom Enough.” I came to grips long ago with the fact that I am, in fact, NOT mom enough. Not only am I not a SuperMom, some days I’m not even sure I am a super mom. Instead, I strive to be a “good enough mother.” Although this phrase sounds like you’re giving up, I find it freeing. It means there are some days when I break out the arts and crafts, and there are some days when I break out the remote control. It means that some days there are two vegetables on the dinner table. Some days there are french fries. Some days I count the tomato sauce on the pizza as a vegetable, just like the FDA. Some days they have clean pajamas on clean bodies. Many, many days, they are a little stinky when they go to bed. I count among one of my life’s greatest accomplishments the fact that I have managed to keep Jason’s frog lovey intact despite: it getting lost in the middle of Boston overnight, having endless amounts of dirt and food ground into it, and having its face burned off in a freak accident. I do not have a back-up frog lovey, but I have been meaning to get one for nearly three years now. 

To me, being a good enough mother means that you must stop and periodically thank the many people that are helping you fill in the blanks. I’d be sunk without the stay at home moms who routinely pick up the slack for me in every way. Daily, I wish I could be more of a stay at home mom and be the one to host the play dates. But for right now, I cherish the women who pick my kids up from school, give them snacks, and let them strew toys all over their houses. I appreciate that they send me texts reminding me to fill out permission slips or get birthday presents. I would literally be lost without them. 

I appreciate – so much appreciate – the pack of young women who have babysat for my kids, each one bringing their own unique spunk to my home. These girls have so much energy for my kids. Even though it kills me just a little, it gives me the greatest joy to hear them giggling together when they share a joke, or to see them from my office window as they scooter down the side walk. I know these women are enriching the lives of my children, and that is such a gift. 

I’m thankful to my family – my parents who stop by and read books, my mom who cooks for us when they’re in town, my sister-in-law who sends me recall notices that she knows I won’t see and acts, in every way, like a sister wife when our families are together. And my cousin, a great mom, who walked the aisles of Brimfield with me on Friday listening as I lamented, all the while making patient recommendations (“have you tried giving choices?”). I may have gotten the flowers and chocolates on Mother’s Day, but all these people need be thanked too – they help me to be a good enough mother.

These days, in the moments that haven’t been so inspiring, I’ve found some love and peace in the natural ebb and flow of being a family. My kids aren’t thrilling me or thrilled by me at the moment, but they’ve started appearing at 6 AM every morning, their arms filled with stuffed animals and their eyes still sleepy, to crawl silently into bed for a cuddle. Sometimes it’s for five minutes, sometimes it’s for thirty. It’s as much time as they need to reconnect and know that they are my world. 

So am I mom enough? Hell no. But am I good enough? I think I am, and I think every mom I know is too, despite the inadequacies we may feel at any given moment as we parent. 

Happy belated mother’s day to every mother I know or who reads this blog. Together, we’re good enough. 

One of my lovely wine friends, who is the international marketing agent for a vineyard in La Clape, is moving out of her Gîte.  A Gîte is a specific type of fully furnished, self catering, holiday accomodation in France.  Gîtes are usually old farmworkers’ cottages or converted buildings or barns near the owners principal residence.  The Gîte in question is located on the vineyard overlooking the Mediterranean.  Jess is leaving the Gîte to get a taste of the more urban life in nearby Narbonne.  So, it will be free in early July.

I’m pretty consistent in knowing a good thing – like wine stores, movies, books, and summer vacations.  So – George, my excellent traveling companion and husband are off to Languedoc this summer to explore Gîte life on a vineyard!  Even though the marriage agreement reads  “For better or worse,” George is totally not into vineyard hopping and winery poking.  He does love hiking through beautiful scenery, exploring old castles, having long, leisurely lunches, eating French bread and cheese, and practicing his French fluency.

George adores the combination of Grenache and Syrah. That means I mustn’t go near Burgundy or Bordeaux.  No Pinot Noir  or Cabernet Sauvignon blends for him.  So – I’m in great shape serving him any Languedoc red wines.  He also enjoys VALUE.  When I bring home some of the Languedoc sparkling wines from the town of Limoux, I don’t know what he enjoys more – the flavor or the price.  The zingy Picpoul de Pinets and the vibrant rosés also put a little twinkle in his eye.

We just ordered our Lonely Planet Guide to Languedoc yesterday.  We also reserved a car in Montpellier.  So – when I do my tastings at Urban Grape over the next few weeks, I will greet each wine with the thought that I will soon be enjoying these delicious wines right from where they originate.  I can’t wait to show you photos after the trip.

Noah reminds me a lot of the dancers in Madonna’s Jump video, and the guys that toured with her on the Confessions on a Dance Floor tour. No piece of furniture is safe, legs are flying everywhere, and I think he’s mere months away from perfecting a back flip off the side of a wall, a la Victor Lopez, one of Madonna’s dancers.

Jason is a straight out breakdancer. I don’t know how he learned it, he just does it innately. And he’s getting better and better. He loves spinning on his back, popping up and freezing. It’s hysterical. I vividly remember trying to breakdance with my cousin to Candy Girl by New Edition. I also remember TJ getting into a breakdancing competition at my friend Robin’s wedding and nearly severing a groin muscle, so perhaps he comes by this naturally. 

Given our passion for breakdancing, it’s only natural that I am pretty excited for the A.R.T.’s Wildstyle Dance Party on May 17th at the Oberon in Harvard Square. Beyond the fact that it’s just plain going to be a great dance party and that I plan on wearing my sequined gold heels, I’m pumped to see The Floorlords perform. The Floorlords are a b-boy dance crew that have been around in Boston for over 30 years. Our very own Mayor Menino even gave them an official day. You know they can reach a broad audience if Mayor Menino is a fan. Don’t believe me? Check out this video.

Even more important than the dance party, the free drinks from Privateer, the food from S&S Deli, the Floorlords, the graffiti artists, and all of the other unique things that will make this a party to remember, is the fact that this is a fundraiser for the A.R.T.  UG just signed on as the official wine provider for the upcoming season, and I’m on the committee for this event. This is an spectacular organization bringing award-winning productions to our town, and we’re thrilled to support them in any way possible. I hope you’ll join me and The Floorlords on the dance floor May 17th (maybe I’ll live out my breakdancing fantasies?!). Tickets are just $50 and can be purchased by clicking here. 

One of the issues that Languedoc is facing is that there are so many (over 20!) sub-appellations in the region. With names like Limoux, Minervois, Picpoul de Pinet, Corbiéres, Saint Chinian, and Faugéres it’s hard to keep the growing regions straight, much less keep track of the grapes that are grown in each region and the terroir characteristics. When we started learning about the Languedoc with the help of wine educator extraordinare JoAnn Ross, we thought we only carried about five Languedoc wines. In reality, we had over 16 on the shelves. So even for us the region is a little confusing. But, the more we learn, the more excited we’re getting about the wines. 

The Languedoc is sometimes called the “Wild West” of France. That’s because this is a varied region that is actively trying to better its winemaking capabilities while redefining, yet honoring, the area’s traditions. The region boasts a perfect combination of soil, wind and sun – all influenced by the Mediterranean Sea to make it one of the most perfect growing regions in France. 

Still confused about the Languedoc and what makes these wines so intriguing? Never fear…we will be making it easy for you to try Languedoc wines all month long. Look for Languedoc-focused blog posts, Tuesday Tweets and Spotlight wines, special tastings throughout the month, and an Urban Sampler dedicated to the very best of the Languedoc. Through it all, please let us know if you’re enjoying the wines. Our hope is that you will discover a passion for a new area – we know we have!
 

A couple hours after we dropped our oldest son Noah off at his very first day of school ever, TJ ended up looking through the windows at 7 Boyslton Street in Chestnut Hill. While I stood in line at the DMV, holding tissues up to my eyes and hyperventilating at the feeling of loss I felt with a child at school for the first time, TJ called and told me he very well just may have found the perfect location for The Urban Grape. In that moment a chapter was ending, and a new one began. We went to look at the space a few days later and he was right. Everything about it was perfect. 

It took us ten months to get The Urban Grape open. It felt like a life time. There were whole months where we lay wide awake in bed, completely petrified about what we were thinking of doing. It was 2010, the height of the recession, and we were leaving the workforce and the promise of reliable salaries to try and start our own business. Now, nearly two years later, we’re doing it all over again and starting a second store in a empty retail spot in the South End. This time, a realtor called us and asked us to move in. We’ve come a long way in two years. 

As we look forward to The Urban Grape South End, we can’t help but feel an incredible debt to our neighbors in Newton. Everyone – from the town agencies, to our landlord, to the businesses around us, to the incredibly loyal clientele we’ve built up – has cheered us on and let us try things on our own terms. From progressive shelving, to pop-up chefs nights, to crazy Saturday tastings, to blind milk-tasting videos with our kids – we’ve tried to do it all and have fun while doing it. The only time we’ve ever heard no was when we asked if we could roast a pig in the parking lot. And, okay, we kind of get that. 

Opening a store in the city was always our dream. But we couldn’t ever have done it on our own. We did it with the help of Newton – a town that we’d never really been to, but that quickly became our home. And because of that, Newton, this Bud’s for you. 

Burrata-stuffed Crimini Mushrooms
          paired with NV Fontezoppa “Voila Blanche” Verdicchio Sparkling (Marche)

Black and White Trumpet Mushroom and Gruyere Tart
          paired with 2011 Jean-Luc Columbo “Cape Bleu” Rosé (France)

Miyataki Mushroom, New Hampshire Bacon, and Madeira Cream on a Cornmeal Johnnycake
          paired with 2010 Stylo “Old Vines” Garnacha (Spain)

Portabella & Morel Risotto with Fig Jam, Sexy Scallions and Truffled Porcini Cream
          paired with 2004 Mauro Sabaste Barolo (Piedmont)

Candy Cap Mushroom Creme Brûlée 
          paired with NV Briada Brachetto D’Aqui (Piedmont, IT)

If you’re confused my a mushroom creme brûlée, don’t be. The Candy Cap is a sweet mushroom! We’ve never tasted anything like this before, so we’ll have to see how TJ does with his pairing.

We can’t wait to see you on May 6th!
 

That said, each time UG is entered into a poll, I get a pit in my stomach. Try as I might to remain a calm, productive human being, within days I am Tracy Flick. 

We all remember Tracy Flick, right? The “wonderfully monstrous,” pathological antagonist in Election. We all have a little Tracy in us, which is what made that movie so good.

My inner Tracy stems from third grade. I decided to run for a seat on the student body council, and though my recollection is fuzzy (buried under years of anguish), I believe I cast my hat in the ring for CLASS PRESIDENT. This was a dubious choice for a girl the entire school had nicknamed “Furfle” (remember that cartoon?) because of my horrific half-grown out perm (why, mother, WHY did you let me get a perm??) and square, gold-rimmed glasses that automatically darkened in the sun and made me look like The Deer Hunter. I was trounced – no, destroyed – in that election, the official end of my political career. I could have been President. Instead I was a Furfle. 

I don’t know if TJ ever had experiences like this. I tend to think not. In fact, when TJ moved to Vermont they probably created a student body just so he could be the President of it. Regardless, these polls bring out a little Tracy in him too. 

So every time UG is entered into a poll, I determine the same thing. “Wonderful,” I tell myself, with regulated breathing in a meditative mantra,”let the chips fall where they may. We know we have a successful business and that’s all that matters. Kumbaya, Namaste and L’Chaim.” And slowly, slowly, like Smeagol turning into Gollum, my inner Tracy appears. 

Yup, there I am. Does this happen to the rest of you? Or do I suffer from a latent competitive gene that will literally some day EAT ME ALIVE?

There are polls we have already decided we will not actively promote (you’ve been spared at least three so far this year), but my inner Tracy cannot rest until we have won the Newton Patch on-line, non-scientific, subject to Editor-review poll for Best Liquor Store in Newton. 

Should you be inclined to vote, here is the link: http://ow.ly/amlrO. Will I turn into Tracy Flick and make you all cupcakes? It’s possible, but we’re trying to keep that at bay.

VOTE UG FOR CLASS PRESIDENT!!!  I mean, BEST LIQUOR STORE NEWTON!

The one thing that we can get excited about is the meal. Ham, biscuits, spring vegetables, mac and cheese…for us, Easter is about the food. And last year, we discovered the perfect dessert – Tyler Florence’s Goat Cheesecake with Strawberries and Basil. 

I spotted this recipe in House Beautiful last year and immediately planned on making it for Easter. You may remember that I blogged about it last year, as it was the absolute hit of our dinner. It’s tangy, creamy, and sweet for a perfect balance. The strawberries and basil on top are the perfect complement to the cake itself. You don’t need a huge piece to be satisfied, but you will find yourself back in the fridge a few hours later cutting yourself another slice. It’s addictive. 

Here is a picture of my cake from last year – it’s pretty hard to mess and makes a spectacular presentation. 

I plan on making it again this year, but TJ has upped the ante. We’ll be pairing it with the 2009 Braida di Giacomo Bologna Brachetto d’Aqui from Piedmont, which for this week is on sale at UG for $12.75 per half bottle (full bottles also available). 

Brachetto is not as well known in the States as it is in Italy, where it is a favorite for afternoon and after dinner sipping. The Brachettos that have made it to the States are often syrupy and cloying – the worst possible expressions of this lovely type of wine. This particular bottle is fragrant and aromatic with a bouquet of mature red fruits and roses. It has a delicate balance and just the right amount of effervescence (oh yes, my friends…Brachetto is bubbly!). Most importantly, when you pair it with strawberries, it absolutely sings. It’s about as harmonious a food pairing as you can find. 

Easter is a wonderful reason to gather with friends and family, to wear your spring dresses and be freezing during the egg hunt, and to eat some seasonally delicious food. I hope you’ll try this recipe and pair it with some Brachetto d’Aqui. If you do, send me a note and let me know how you liked it!

Happy Easter and Passover to our extended UG family!  (Remember we’ll be closed Easter day) 

As pollen invades our nostrils this time of year, a question many allergy sufferers may have is whether wine consumption aggravates their symptoms. According to experts, roughly 8% of the world’s population is allergic to wine. For those millions of allergy sufferers, toasting with vino can trigger a runny nose, stuffy sinuses, and splitting headaches even after just one glass. 

Here are some common wine allergens and solutions for wine drinkers who want to enjoy wine allergen free!

Problem #1: Alcohol

Allergy-like symptoms following ingestion of alcohol are frequently reported. More often the alcohol exacerbates underlying conditions such as asthma and other breathing issues because it opens up blood vessels. Allergic people may get wheezy, headachy or have skin flushes. These symptoms are caused by an intolerance to alcohol, or to the food on which the drink is based (e.g. grapes for wine). 

Solution: Try light bodied wines that are under 13% ABV

Gino Pedrotti Schiava Nera (Dolomiti, IT), 12.5% ABV   $20 
A super light red wine with bright acidity that drinks like a cross between a pinot noir and a rich rosé.

Praia Vinho Verde (Portugal), 10% ABV   $13
Praia, which means beach in Portugese, is refreshing and slightly spritzy with tangy peach and citrus fruits.

Problem #2: Sulfites

Wine contains sulfites, a byproduct of sulfur dioxide, which is naturally produced during fermentation and also added as a preservative. Sullfites cause respiratory symptoms and sinus headaches in a small portion of the population. You can assess your sensitivity to sulfites by eating dried fruit such as apricots, which often have higher levels of sulfites than a glass of wine.

Solution: Organic producers tend to use less sulfites during the fermentation process.

Domaine Isle St. Pierre Cabernet Franc & Merlot Blend (Rhone)   $12
This organic red comes from merlot and cabernet franc which are naturally lower in tannins and alcohol.

Domaine Saladin “Loi” Grenache with Syrah, Carignan and Grenache Blanc (Rhone)   $21
This 22nd generation organic winery run by winemaker Louis Saladin’s daughters Elizabeth & Marie-Laurence add the least amount of sulfites possible during fermentation.

Problem #3: Tannins

Tannins, which come from the skin of the grape and are usually found more in red wines than white wines. Tannins are classified as astringent polymers and naturally occur in coffee, tea, red wine and chocolate. They can cause migraines, joint pain, tiredness, depression and a myriad of other symptoms both subtle and severe.

Solution: Focus on whites which have no tannins, or reds with low tannins such as Gamay, Cabernet Franc or Tempranillo.

2009 George Duboeuf Domaine de la Tour du Bief Gamay (Moulin-A-Vent)  $20
Moulin-A-Vent, one of the best Cru Beajolais, is an intense ruby red wine with floral and mineral aromas.

2009 Durnberg Gruner Veltliner (Austria)   $11
Noticeable apple and white pepper on the palate are fantastic with chicken!