Grapes of Life
The Blue Zone research found supporting evidence that drinking wine (in moderation) was linked to living longer: “Epidemiological studies seem to show that people who have a daily drink per day of beer, wine, or spirits may accrue some health benefits. But the secrets of the Blue Zones suggest that consistency and moderation are key.” (Buettner, p. 279)
This month’s Blue Zone concept is Wine at Five. Having a glass of wine with your meal can create more of an event and possibly lead to eating more slowly. I’m fortunate to have a wine expert in my family. My brother Michael has been in the “spirits” business for close to 40 years! There have been many holiday dinners that feel more like a culinary experience where wines are introduced, explained, tasted, and enjoyed with our meal. When Michael learned about my Blue Zones project, he agreed to collaborate and suggest wine pairings that would compliment the plant slant recipes I’ve been sharing each month.
Are you ready to create some healthy culinary experiences?
Pair Kale & Quinoa Salad with Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
Brand: Whitehaven; Country/State: New Zealand; Region: Marlborough; Wine type: White Wine; Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc; Price Range: Approximately $14-$20
Written by Michael Bushey, Wine Consultant, CSS, CSW
Pairing: Kale and Quinoa Salad (makes for a light and fresh meal) with Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
Wines from family owned vineyards are interesting and have stories that allow you to appreciate the wine that much more! Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc is an extraordinary wine that has everything going for it. Excellent fruit flavors balanced with medium weight on the palate and a crisp dry finish. Many “Kiwi” Sauvignons are over extracted with too much grapefruit and not enough body to balance the wine. As with anything in life, balance is a key component to success.
From the winery: Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc delivers layered, nuanced character on a refreshingly crisp palate. The wine opens with classic aromas of bright lemon, ripe tropical fruit and fresh-snipped greens. This smooth, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc carries through the aromatic notes to the palate, adding hints of grapefruit, white peach, pineapple and juicy pear. Superbly structured and balanced with a clean, zesty finish.
The story behind the wine: After sailing the Pacific Ocean in pursuit of adventure, Whitehaven founders Greg and Sue White set a new course when they arrived in the Marlborough Sounds in 1994. It was here at the top of New Zealand’s South Island – amidst the sunny, tranquil bays and stunning natural landscape – that they dropped anchor and established Whitehaven Wines. Note: The anchor on every label represents the decision to drop anchor in Marlborough, NZ to ride out a storm, only to find a lifelong passion in the vineyards.
Pair Fab Cakes with Orin Swift, “Abstract”
Brand: Orin Swift, “Abstract”; Country/State: USA, California; Region: California; Wine type: Red Blend; Varietal: Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah; Price Range: Approximately $38-$45
Pairing: Fab Cakes over Arugula with Orin Swift, “Abstract”
November and Thanksgiving is the biggest wine month/holiday in terms of sales for in-home consumption of “that special bottle.” Dave Phinney is a master craftsman when it comes to creating a wine for a special occasion with a great back story. (See below) For many years, Abstract followed its namesake by showing off an assemblage of Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah. Together, the wine stands on its own as a unique peek into Orin Swift; at the same time, each varietal brings its own characteristics providing a depth and complexity not possible on their own. When blended, they become much more than they ever could be. The art of life coaching is a similar process where individuals are able to dive deeper and blend perspectives to bring about growth and change.
From the winery: Immediate aromatics escape the glass: blueberry, Mirabelle plum, ripe raspberry, Bing cherry and enchanting musk. On entry, the wine is seamless and enveloping with notes of black plum, sweet cassis and blueberry compote on the mid-palate. Textured and long on the finish, the wine closes with a hint of dried lavender and dark chocolate.
The story behind the wine: While traveling with his grandfather to Europe to see ancient artifacts (his grandfather was a museum curator) Dave would take stacks of magazines to read and rip out pictures that spoke to him. The label on Abstract is a collage of some of his favorites. A collage is an assembly of numerous individual images that together, creates a grander piece of art, a statement. Each small piece brings its own visuals and history and helps define the collage; up close, the images speak for themselves, but from afar, they meld away and become one with the others.
Pair Chickpea Coconut Curry with Surrau “Naracu”
Brand: Surrau “Naracu;” Country/State: Italy, Sardegna; Region: Gallura; Wine Type; Italian Red; Varietal: Cannonau de Sardegna; Price Range: $16-$20
Pairing: Chickpea Coconut Curry with Surrau “Naracu”
Once fortresses built by ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean, Naracu (or Nuraghe) can still be found across the island of Sardegna. Cannonau, the island's primary red grape, creates wines with red berry fruit and herbaceous, savory notes. Cannonau and Nuraghe are still found all over the island in different versions. The Surrau Winery was designed and built as a meeting place where meditation, art and wine can come together. Vigne Surrau was created to tell the story of the region and with each bottle of Surrau, one will find the sun, the sea and the calming winds of Gallura. A true example of a classic Blue Zone lifestyle.
From the winery: The Surrau Naracu Cannonau is an open and fresh wine with more typical Mediterranean fruit and mineral expressions of the granitic soil of Gallura.
The story behind the wine: The Demuro Family are native Sardinians and have practiced viticulture for generations on the island. In 2001, after years of working the vineyards with his 11 siblings and while running a successful construction business, Tino Demuro built a winery. He researched the symbiotic relationship between construction and nature. He believed a wine estate could be a place of work that was capable of creating a product of the earth that balanced nature with quality of life while producing a wine that represented the region of Gallura.
“Surrau, in Arzachena, is one of the most interesting new wineries to come onto the scene in recent years.”—Gambero Rosso 2018 (Please note that the winery was built in 2001 and the recognition as a “new winery” came 17 years later…)
The Demuro family picks the best fruits and transforms them into splendid wines. How can you recognize the best parts of yourself and transform them into your splendid self?
Reflection: Do you recognize your “splendid self” or are you constantly thinking you aren’t “good enough” or “talented enough” or “_________ (you fill in the blank) enough?” What thoughts and stories are you telling yourself?
Action: Observe your thoughts and then notice the stories you tell yourself. Make a note of your thoughts and stories. Next, ask yourself if these thoughts and stories are helpful. Will this type of thinking help you create the life you want?