Category Archives: What to Drink

Cabernet Franc -The Best of the Lot

Cab Franc Grapes on the vine

What can I tell you about Cab Franc? It’s the best and leave it at that.

No, I couldn’t do that now could I?

If you’ve ever been to a winery, to me, Cab Frac is what you smell in the air, even if they don’t grow it. You pop that cork, decant for a half hour and you get that earthiness ( sometimes called crushed gravel), strawberry, raspberry, peppers both bell and chili … I have had some that taste like a mild salsa.

And who doesn’t love salsa?

Cab Franc is grown in a variety of regions and climates: Bordeaux, Tuscany, Egar in Hungary, among many.

In the US, look for North Coast or Sierra Foothills in California, Columbia Valley in Washington or, my home region and the birthplace of viticulture in the US, New York State – Finger Lakes, Long Island, or the great Hudson Valley!

Viala et Vermorel, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Viala et Vermorel, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Red Wine, What to Drink

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Simple Enough … Wine and a Movie? Yes.

This quest started simply enough.

Back in 2014, I heard about Mike Sacks’ book “Poking a Dead Frog: Conversations with Today’s Top Comedy Writers”. In it, Bill Hader lists his “Two Hundred Essential Movies Every Comedy Writer Should See”.

Book Cover: Poking a Dead Frog
Poking a Dead Frog Book Cover

I have to say, it spanned the history of film and was amazing!

Surprisingly, I had seen about 75 of them and the rest got into the Netflix queue … Well, the ones that were there, and started watching.

I then had a realization. These were just comedies and those that claimed to be. What about dramas?

I started poking around and came across the AFI Lists and added those.

Then discovered … WOW … There are a lot of lists.

But there is one thing missing from all these lists. What do you drink while you watch it?

Don’t worry. Your pal Tim’s got you.

So, for this launch, I’m starting with something a little interesting.

A sparkler from Penedes, Spain Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad Cava Brut.

A blend of 67% Macabeo, 33% Parellada gives it a wonderful straw yellow color and a feast for your nose with a slightly smoky biscuit or bread, delicate hints of honey, fruit and flower petals. It will dance across your tongue and you’ll say, where have you been all my life?

Look. I know, it can be overwhelming … Thousands of movies. Thousands of wines. Oooof That’s a lot.

Don’t worry. It will be fun.

What to Drink