Ahhhh, the weekend.  It’s that little respite from Friday at 5 p.m. until Sunday night.  It’s a time that we mow the yard, clean the gutters, wash the cars, plant the garden, plant the grass, rewire the outlet, replace the back door, trim the bushes, patch the concrete. . .you get the message?  The weekend is also a time to relax, enjoy the weather, visit family, visit friends, take a road trip and/or all of the above!  After watching Undercover Boss and Shark Tank, we decided that either: A). We were losers. . .or B). We enjoyed a red wine and who cares what’s on television!!  And the award goes to . . .

Daughter #1 arrived safe and sound from her Spring Break trip to FL – this is a good thing because the grand dog has been acting up all day and done some major damage to the grandparents clothing – in a word – – – NOT HAPPY!  We are glad that D#1’s trip was good and relaxing.  Daughter #2 takes off in the morning for a sailing and camping adventure down the eastern seaboard – two totally different adventures – but adventures none the less.  Can’t wait to get a report on how she fared.  Our children are not really the “roughing it” kind – much like Brian, their idea of camping is Motel 6.  Jean grew up camping and while misses the opportunity – never evoked it on the family.  We did purchase a tent years ago – but returned it unopened when a better offer of a hotel came into play.

As we hover around Rome in light of all the goingson – tonight we opened a bottle of 2011 Natale Verga Montepulciano. . . a nice, but YOUNG Italian wine.  Lots of fruit. . lots of earthiness and lots of alcohol. . .Cherry flavors and spice with a mid-palate of fresh strawberries and a finish that is smooth and notable.  For at $10 bottle of wine, you’re going to enjoy the essence of Italian wines. . .very fruit forward; very earthy in their taste and ready to hit the road!  Rated at better than 90 points, this wine surprises many people because of its’ age.  We decided that it was the perfect wine to enjoy with pasta and veggies, sauteed with garlic and seasonings.  Although the wine is young and fruity, it has more ‘structure’ than you’d expect.  And , when you consider that earlier vintages of this label have consistently earned at or above 88 points, you begin to realize the value of what we do.

Who knew that a wine could taste so incredibly delicious and still  be a wine that had roots in the old country.  On the one hand, it’s a wine that can be enjoyed right now, with loads of fruit flavors, that make you (NO, force you) to open another bottle – which we couldn’t because we only had one in the house!   It’s also a good reminder that although we may want to enjoy it right now, perhaps in the months and years of laying down in the rack may do it some good.  We enjoyed with a dish of pasta and vegetables sauteed in minced garlic  – served with bread to soak up the extra “juice” from the dish.  This was a good combination – and nice to sit down to after a little break on the deck, a few errands and bamn – dinner is served.

So, as we wrap up this night – we look forward to a few adventures of our own tomorrow – stayed tune to hear what we are up to!  Until then – remember to enjoy responsible and recycle whenever possible!