Famiglia Meschini

Sometimes all you need is a cheeseburger, fries and a…. Cab.

Teresa Meschini — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:58:23 +0000

Savvy Wine Lush, Gushes over Famiglia Meschini Cabernet with a Cheeseburger.

FAMIGLIA MESCHINI CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA

Cost: Average price $14
Where buy now: Byerly’s Ridgedale, Solo Vino, Sorella Wines & Spirits, South Lyndale Liquors, Swirl Wine Bar, Thomas Liquors
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Vintage: 2008

Famiglia Meschini Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

Sometimes all you need is a cheeseburger, fries and a Coke. What if I told you you could swap that Coca-Cola for a Cabernet?

This week’s pic is an homage to steak and cab, but in a good, down home kinda way. I was recently up in the Cloquet area, about two hours north on Hwy 35, and home to the “World’s only Frank Lloyd Wright designed gas station!” (Yawn) My in-laws live up there and many years ago, they introduced me to a hamburger joint that’s been around since 1960: Gordy’s Hi-Hat.

Gordy’s food is a real treat, and since it is only open Spring through Fall, it has become a righteous annual rite. The place doesn’t look like it’s been touched for decades, just the way I like it. Phenomenal hand-pattied burgers, crispy fries, amazing Wild Alaskan Cod fish sandwiches (don’t get me started about the malts and shakes!). When I go, I usually throw all caution to the wind and get a double cheeseburger w/ fried onions. This trip, I only got a single. To go. Boy, that was stupid.

Since we ate a late brunch, it was time already to head back to “Da Cities”. But we HAD to make a stop at Gordy’s, so I got a cheeseburger to go. That puppy made it all the way back to town. As we were driving, I could smell nothing but the greasy goodness that was an all-beef patty, fried onions, cheese and melty condiments. You know what I smelled? I smelled America, folks, and it couldn’t have smelled any sweeter.

Once home, I raced to unpack the car. For the entire ride, I had one wine in mind to have with my delicious spoils. Famiglia Meschini Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva.

Why pair a smooth Cab with a greasy burger? Because it’s brilliant.

Years ago while on a business trip, I ate dinner at a hoity-toity Chicago steakhouse called Gibson’s. I dined with the president & CEO and a writer from the Boston Globe. I was really young and wanting to do the “right” thing. But on that night, I just didn’t crave steak tartare or a filet. I needed a cheeseburger and fries. So, that’s what I ordered. The Boston Globe writer said, “You know what, that sounds good,” and she had the same. Sometimes, right is just right. Nowadays, I typically choose to drink a Cab alongside a good burger. It’s nostalgic for me.

Oh yes, the wine. Silly me. I’ve waxed poetic about Famiglia Meschini in a previous review. http://www.thesavvylush.com/white-wine-of-the-week-|-white-wine-reviews/famiglia-meschini-premium-white-blend.htmlFamiglia Meschini

I just love that they are doing this as organic as possible. Making wines they like, importing and selling it all themselves. Again, this equals savings to you and me! The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva is a triumph. Upon opening the bottle, scents of black cherry, oak and history come pouring out. This Cab isn’t super dense or thick, it’s just lovely. It has the usual characteristics of a Cab: bold, dark cherry fruit, slight oak presence and full bodied. And, at a price of around $13.99, it’s even more wonderful. If you’re a fan of Cab’s and enjoy the likes of J.Lohr or Liberty School, I implore you to give this one a try.

Red wine, red meat-damn son, let’s eat!

Book Clubs and Wine – can’t have one without the other.

Teresa Meschini — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:38:28 +0000

Sometimes it’s the book that you are just dying to dissect, discuss and debate. But, if you are like me, it’s also about the friendships and the wine. So many people have declared Famiglia Meschini Torrontes as the ”perfect book club wine”. It’s light and fun and has just the right amount of bubbles. To good books and wine. Salud!

Nothing sweeter than this artwork.

Teresa Meschini — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:56:01 +0000

Nothing sweeter than this artwork.

My kid’s school was studying Argentina for their annual “Carnaval” celebration and Famiglia Meschini made the hallway. What a great honor it was to see our crest. Thanks Kids!

Malbec-Syrah with Thin Mints… A match made in heaven.

Teresa Meschini — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:51:25 +0000

Love my creative foodie friends.

Our foodie friend, DeeAnn McArdle of Unleash Your Inner Foodie just came up with the fabulous pairing of Famiglia Meschini Malbec-Syrah with Thin Mints.

The spice and red cherry notes of the malbec-syrah blend matched with those delectable chocolate peppermint delights.

Give it a try before those cookies disappear. You won’t be disappointed!

Melting March Snow

Teresa Meschini — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:53:49 +0000

fast melting snow,

spring’s symphony warms up,

steady drip from the rooftop,

icicles giving way to their true nature,

robins know, long before us,

off in the distance, rebirth draws near

by don iannone

Part of the Famiglia

Teresa Meschini — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:50:25 +0000

Our Famiglia grew last year when we decided to add from the top by welcoming our 17 year old nephew, Franco, to the fold so he can finish high school and work on his music. Franco is a gifted musician, a great kid and a wonderful complement to the brood. If you’re nearby this weekend we would love to see you at his concert.

Famiglia Meschini is proud to partner with Abriendo Caminos to help Argentine Students

Teresa Meschini — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:45:19 +0000

Famiglia Meschini is proud to partner with Abriendo Caminos to help Argentine Students

These Argentine students either ride on horseback, bicycles or walk to a school. Forget computer labs, gymnasiums or state of the art classrooms this school has neither electricity or water in rural northern Argentina. Two years ago, with the goal of helping disadvantaged children in their home country some friends of ours decided to set up Abriendo Caminos MN, a non-profit organization, whose mission it is to support underprivileged rural schools in Argentina and their educational, nutritional, health, and logistics needs. They believe that education breaks the circle of poverty and opens the door to a brighter future.

Come join us for an exciting evening of great food, awesome wine (provided by yours truly) and tantalizing tango.

February 18, from 6:30PM to 8:30PM (+21).

Location: Elixir Loung www.elixirmpls.com
Address: 322 N 1st Ave Minneapolis, MN 55401
Parking for your convenience in Ramp C Down town Minneapolis http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/parking/ramps/parking_c

For more information about the Pantaleón Palacios School Project www.abriendocaminosmn.org

See you there!

Messi Makes Wine

Teresa Meschini — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:06:29 +0000

For those of you who don’t know who Leo Messi is, you must have just woken up from a coma. He’s being labeled greater than Pele and better than beloved Maradona. I, personally, can’t help but root for the underdog and Leo’s story does tug at your heart strings. He moved from his native Argentina to Barcelona as a child to have his growth hormone deficiency treated. Leo is a little guy but, only in the physical matter. His courage, skill and heart are big. MercoPress announced that “An Argentine winery will be launching next April a line of Sauvignon and Chardonnay with the brand name “Leo” in honour of the brilliant player and striker of the world’s currently greatest team Barcelona, Leonel Messi.” Go Messi. There is plenty of room in the wine business for superstars.

Torrontés joins the aromatic wine starting line-up – three reasons why you should give it a try

Teresa Meschini — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:38:55 +0000

See what others are saying about Torrontes.

January 18, 2012 by lovewinewithme

I was absolutely blown away the first time I tasted Torrontés. It had a nose of tropical fruit and flowers, not too dissimilar to that of a Gewürztraminer; but with slashes of refreshing citrus. It was intense, crisp, and richly perfumed. My experience was all that and then some. I had not been this excited about an aromatic wine since I learned how to pronounce Viognier properly! So, if you’ve been thinking about making the plunge, but haven’t yet, here are three more reasons why you should:

1. Bang-for-buck: Torrontés is generally made in stainless steel tanks and is intended to be guzzled young in order to capitalize on its fresh fruit characters. Translation: it is inexpensive to produce meaning you can expect great value for money.

2. Impress your friends with a little wine trivia: At1683 metres above sea level (5522 ft.), Torrontés shines its brightest in the world’s highest wine producing region, Cafayate, Salta in the northern reaches of Argentina’s Andes mountain ranges.

3. It’s becoming trendy and winning awards: Torrontés based wines took two top accolades at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2011: International Trophy Dry Aromatic under 10£ and International Trophy Dry Aromatic over 10£. In the same competition Torrontés won an additional eight awards, plus five more were commended.

For those interested in developing their palates, I recommend tasting a Torrontés against aromatic wine varieties of a parallel character. Try varieties that contain the same (low) level of sweetness so that the sugar content does not interfere with the way you perceive the sweetness of the nose, the acid levels, or the texture of the wine.

Recommended wine varieties for comparisons with Torrontés are:

Riesling: Typically displays a green apple, lemon/lime, and floral nose, developing honey, toast and kerosene characters as it ages. While it consistently has high acidity, its sugar content can fall anywhere from bone dry to sticky sweet. It is also typified by its light body and low alcohol. Its homes are in Germany and the Alsace region of France, but there are great examples being produced in Austria, Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys, Canada’s Niagara region, and New Zealand’s South Island.

Gewürztraminer: Typically displays intense floral, tropical fruit and spice aromas. Rose and lychee scents are very common, along with notes of stone fruit, musk and ginger. It is generally dry to medium-sweet with low to medium acidity. This can give the impression of high alcohol and an unctuous texture. It is one of the few varieties permitted to be grown in Alsace and it is also produced extensively in Germany; that being said, many a cool climate wine regions are having success with this variety.

Viognier: This medium to full body wine is known for its intense bouquet of dried apricot, flowers, stone fruit, and musky perfume. It generally has a high alcoholic content and a medium to full body. It is the most predominant white grape of the few produced in northern Rhone; however, curious oenologists world over are yielding good results.

I am certain that once white wine lovers wrap their laughing gear around Torrontés, they won’t be able to put the bottle down. Get ready world! Torrontés is the next hot trend in summertime wines, and will soon join Malbec as being synonymous for great Argentinian wine!

Can you spare a dime?

Teresa Meschini — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:59:14 +0000

About 5 days into our recent family trip to Mendoza I was horrified to discover that our son was “borrowing” my tooth brush as he had forgotten his (ick!). We marched to the closest store to buy him one and instead of change back he received candy. This suited him just fine but got me thinking, ” I they trying to get us to buy more toothbrushes?” Guess it’s a nationwide problem.

Global News Blog

Change needed as Argentina coin shortage grows

The Argentina coin shortage is growing as inflation makes a coin’s metal worth more than its face value.

A shortage of coins in Buenos Aires has spawned a black market for them in the Argentine capital.

Reuters

Despite Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s promise more than a year ago to introduce electronic bus tickets in Buenos Aires, the vast majority of the capital’s bus lines still only accepts coins. This would not be such a big deal if not for the fact thatArgentina has had a coin shortage for more than three years. The crisis has turned normally mundane tasks – like buying a newspaper or a snack – into a big hassle.

There are various theories about the origin of the crisis. Some claim people are hoarding coins because inflation is making the metal worth more than the coins’ face value.

Bus companies run side businesses selling change to companies for a fee, and a black market in coins has sprung up. Government advertisements urge people not to hoard.

It may simply be a sign of exasperation, but people here seem to agree that the situation is getting worse. People like Estefania Franceschi, a journalist, is fed up with being offered candies instead of change.

“Banks only give you up to 10 pesos in coins,” explainsDaniela Zeitune, a psychologist. “You can get change at the main train station, too, but if you’re working, you simply don’t have time to join the long queues.”

Zeitune’s husband, a doctor, has befriended the man who services the vending machines at his hospital, and so he often gets a fresh batch of coins.

The situation is also leaving buskers and the homeless short-changed. Alita Casal, a postgraduate student, says, “People sometimes hesitate handing coins to street musicians and beggars because they are afraid to run out.” Some enterprising performers now offer change back to passersby.

Though one Chinese-owned supermarket chain has come up with an innovative solution – giving out vouchers whenever they run out of coins – it is clear that Buenos Aires is in need of a lot more change.