Merry Christmas!
As you remember the wonderful memories of Christmas past and create new memories for this year, have a nice glass of wine as you curl up with a great book. While listening to Christmas music, sitting near the fire, know that my family and I wish you and yours a happy and healthy Merry Christmas.
Here are some quotes from some lovely Christmas books that will be sure to warm your heart.
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“Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart…filled it, too, with melody that would last forever.” ~ Bess Streeter Aldrich, Song of Years |
“Fine old Christmas, with the snowy hair and ruddy face, had done his duty that year in the noblest fashion, and had set off his rich gifts of warmth and color with all the heightening contrast of frost and snow.” ~ George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss |
“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” ~ Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! |
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“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!” ~ Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers |
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“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.” ~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol |
“There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,’ returned the nephew. ‘Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round—apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that—as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
A history of Zinfandel
Zinfandel wine is thought to be one of the oldest types of wine created. It was first discovered in approximately 6000 B.C. Caucasus, a region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. Over the course of the centuries, this grape has traveled from its home region all the way to the United States. Its popularity increased during the time after the Gold Rush, due to the lack of materials, such as metal and wood. Because these grapevines were able to have the “head pruning” technique used, it negated the need for using hard to get materials.
One of the wondrous traits of this wine is its diversity. Depending on when the grapes are harvested, the wine can have vastly different tastes. When the grapes are picked early, the wine becomes light-bodied, fresh, and fruity. It does not stay long in the barrels and it pairs well with light cheeses and tomato-based sauces. Medium-bodied Zinfandels age a little longer and deliver a light spiciness. Both types are excellent with burgers and pork. The full-bodied variety of this wine is made with the ripest grapes, sometimes reaching the point of being overripe, which is really interesting to think about. It turns out, Rosella’s Vineyard and Winery make such a Zinfandel that is big, bold, and full of fruity flavors. It goes perfect with heavy dishes such as beef stew, bouillabaisse, or even chili.
The great thing about these dishes is that you are able to pressure-can them at home. One tried and true recipe can be found in the book, Canning & Preserving for Beginners: The Essential Canning Recipes & Canning Supplies Guide. This book will give you step by step instructions on how to make many wonderful dishes, including a hearty chili (page 142-143), chili con carne (page 144-145), and a hearty beef stew (page 141). Even if you have only canned a little, this book is a great manual! It even has tips on what to do if you live at a higher altitude. There are pointers on how big to cut the ingredients, and how many jars to prepare (though let’s be honest, we’ll always want waaaay more than the recipe suggests…so yeah… more jars )! If you are new to canning, or just want a refresher on how to properly use a pressure canner, make sure to read “Chapter 6: Pressure Canning: Supplies, Instruction, and Safety” (page 87-93). You can find this wonderful book on Amazon and have a great hearty meal with a wonderful Zinfandel wine!!
If you’ve already canned plenty of goodies and are just looking for a really great wine to pair them with, check out my tasting notes page. You’ll see everything Rosella’s offers including a detailed description of each wine and it’s lovely impression on your palate.
~Cheers!
2020 Fall Wine Club Release
Save the Date: September 25-27, 11-5pm
Our September Club Release is Red Wine Blend, 3 for $40. Our pairing is a lovely locally made Branson’s Blackberry Truffle.
Our winery is open 11-5, 7 days a week for pick up. Face masks and Social Distancing still in effect. You can call 541-846-6372 and place your order and pay for curbside pick up by pulling in and popping your trunk for loading.
You can wait on the Crush Pad, exercising Social Distancing, for your pick-up, stretch and see some beautiful country. Your credit cards can be processed hands-free or we can return a sanitized card to you. We are also offering free local delivery, please call to schedule.
However, you choose to receive your wine, you won’t be disappointed. Our Red Wine Blend is a local favorite!
Applegate Valley Wine Trail
