The New Wild West

By Maureen C. Petrosky

If you’ve ever taken a yoga class you’ll know at the beginning of class the instructor usually asks if there are any injuries. Yesterday, I was surprised to hear the guy next to me say, “I got laid off”. I had never really thought of unemployment as an injury. But, I guess it’s the ultimate blow to the ego. Endless numbers of people graduate from college, maybe even grad school, take a job and then ten or twenty years later find themselves holding a pink slip. The economy is depressing but the way I see it, the playing field has blown wide open.

Did you ever hear the saying, “It’s hard to look for a new job when you’re so busy with the one you’ve got”? Well now’s the time, people. Here’s your chance to reinvent yourself. That job that just gave you the boot is a pittance compared to the opportunities that await you. Remember Silicone Valley and the dot com start-ups? Well, this time it’s far more intense. The economic downturn is not just spanning coast to coast; now it’s global.

Which brings me to a quick tidbit on wine history in America—the pioneers of the industry blossomed out of the Great Depression and then had to live through an infestation of vine-eating bugs (a.k.a. Phyloxera). But today, California wines can take on any of the globe’s greatest, sip for sip. There’s a lesson to be learned here—while some of you are wallowing, others are like cowboys on an open prairie, blazing new trails. This is the new Wild West and it’s worldwide. Beauty is in the eye of the optimist. Take your skills, your bruised ego, and go do something that makes you happy. Somewhere in the 9 to 5 you may have lost sight of the American Dream—the one about being anything you want to be when you grow up.

Why am I yammering on about this? Well, many of you know New Jersey Life Magazine has reinvented itself and moved into the world of Health and Beauty. Which leaves me to say farewell to our beloved By the Glass. No worries, you can still read me on the internet. But for now we must make room for something new. Here’s to what’s new in your life!

A Wine Pioneer—While California wine is rich in a history of hardships, here’s just one to taste for inspiration. The legacy of Charles Krug is still carried on by Pete Mondavi. so pick up a bottle and you can sip and swirl while reinventing yourself.

Charles Krug, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, $21 Even unemployed, this intense red will make you feel like a rich man. It’s got great body, luscious fruit, and a finish far from subtle.

The Secret to Savoring Winter

By Maureen C. Petrosky

Oh, you groundhog! Yes, PA’s famed Punxsutawny Phil says six more weeks of winter. While many of you are groaning through another grey day, I’ve decided to grab some wine--red of course--and get back into the kitchen. You see there is so much more to wine than just drinking it. That’s why last night I poured my heart into a pot of Coq au Vin.

Cooking with wine can be just as sensual as sipping it. Yet, the aromas that filled my home from this simple one-pot French fare are those I only associate with winter. You don’t get to spoil yourself with beef stew in summertime, and it’s unusual you’d be slurping butternut squash soup in spring. Both of the aforementioned winter wonders are made only richer and more comforting with addition of wine. Wine is fabulous for deglazing a pan and keeping all the deliciousness of the fond (a chef’s word for the yummy brown parts that stick to the bottom) intact. Also when speaking soup, adding a ¼ cup of wine after you sweat your onions or mirepoix adds depth to the flavor and a richness you just can’t find in other liquids. While you’re used to sipping it, next time the chill is getting to you try stirring it too.

Maybe you’re gearing up for Super Bowl weekend, but it’s easy to ready yourself for something simply divine like coq au vin (a.k.a. chicken and wine). Now grocery stores, like the glorious Wegman’s, make it uber easy to pick up your wine without a second trip to a specialty store. Great bargain buys end the aisles like exclamation points, offering you a chance to add a new ingredient to your typical repertoire. Maybe not on game night but one night soon, indulge in seasonal cooking. Comfort foods like Coq au Vin don’t require a culinary whiz; in fact, most one-pot wonders are suitable for even the kitchen rookie. For under $10 you can find yummy, belly warming red wines to sip and stir into your next dish. So instead of whining over the cold, enjoy the chance to warm up in the kitchen.

My Wine Find-
Vina Zaco, Tempranillo, 2006, Rioja, $9.99- A bottle for the coq au vin and a bottle to drink alongside are equally enjoyed. While Coq au Vin usually calls for Burgundy, this robust, fruity red did the trick and saved me some money. It’s true, you should only cook with what you would drink, just try to save some for the cooking!

Hard Work Pays Off

By Maureen C. Petrosky

I receive, on average, three phone calls/texts a week from family, friends, and colleagues who find themselves in a wine shop with a question. Last Friday night after exiting the movie theatre and turning my phone back on, the incessant buzzing erupted as if there was a true emergency. Upon retrieving messages I found not one, not two, but four messages in regard to the above-mentioned quandary. I am honored to be the “go to wine girl,” especially when those messages are coming from celebrity decorators, TV hosts, and members of a certain family whose compound you’re familiar with. To them I say- Sorry I missed your calls. I have no excuse other than I was watching Alvin and the Chipmunks-the Squeakquel.

Yes, your wine girl was taking the night off. It’s fun to take a break from the serious side of work and just kick back as if nothing matters but you and your popcorn. While I don’t highly recommend sitting through this particular film, I do recommend you take a time- out. I know many of you work 24-7, but the truth is you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow, so take time to stop and smell the rose wines today. With the new year comes promise of new adventures and new experiences. So don’t let another one pass you by. Take that road trip to the North Fork you’ve always thought about, or head to Napa for a long girls’ weekend. If you’re looking for adventure close to home, wine is just the thing. Splurge on something you normally wouldn’t at the wine shop, or next time you’re out to dinner, order a bottle from the Reserve or Library List. A Grand Cru may cost you upwards of $100 a bottle, but you get to taste luxury. Besides, what is it you’re working so hard for anyway? Go ahead, indulge. You deserve it.

One to Splurge on: Tenuta di Biserno, Il Pino, 2005, Tuscany, Italy, $65 This is what they call a Super Tuscan, an Italian wine that doesn’t follow the typical blending rules. In this case, they are using some Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

This is like a giant mouthful of rubies and garnets. This is luxury in a glass. If I could I would wear this wine on the red carpet. Stunning, and suitable for when you feel like you could use a little pampering. This sip is all about balance. From first glance to the final sip she’s worth every penny, and will leave you feeling like a million bucks.

With Age Comes Wisdom

By Maureen C. Petrosky

Lately, I’ve been feeling like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz right at the part when the tornado hits. This year’s blustery winds have required the placement of Chapstick in each of my coat pockets as well as the addition of some serious winter moisturizer. The one thing I know for sure when this type of weather hits- it’s time to break out the big reds. Yet, those chaffed cheeks and less-than-soft lips aren’t my only wintry woes. Those big reds I mention are also the ones I usually lay down for a long winter’s nap, and that nap may go on for years. So do I skip them over again or is it time to start sipping?

Usually I’d say, “Life’s too short to wait for wine”. Probably because I don’t have the patience to wait for wine to age and often our serial moving pushes us to pop those bottles we’ve been saving just so we won’t have to pack them. This New Year’s Eve we celebrated with friends who also love good food, wine, and travel, so we delved into the stash and broke out a vintage Champagne we knew they would appreciate. Upon opening, the cork gave with a slight “POOF” instead of a wowing pop, but the pour proved there was life yet. In general I wouldn’t go any longer than 15 to 20 years on a bottle of bubbles. This one at age 14 had had turned from its original pale straw color to a deep gold, and the aromas were much richer than in its youth. Our guests had also brought something special to share--a 1997 Burgundy Grand Cru. The nose on this redhead was exhilarating. Its aromas were intense and in the mouth it was ridiculously luscious with a finish that massaged the palate. The point being--I’d do it all over again. I’d wait. These aged wines showed wisdom in the glass.

So this year take a few of your faves and put them aside. They don’t have to be vintage champagne or Grand Crus, but just make a few notes on what you love about them now. Then put a couple bottles somewhere cool, dark, and not too dry and add to your list of resolutions not to touch them for at least another ten years. The added element of surprise and sharing this special sip, with good friends of course, in 2020 is sure to be one of your life’s memorable moments. Be patient.

One to age this year-

Rudi Schultz Syrah, 2006, South Africa, $37- I have a friend who actually said she’d bet her right arm this would be even more awesome once it laid down for a while. I agree. This red has the structure and guts you want to see now so that it will still have that same strength- though softened- after aging.

Wine for Writers Block

By Maureen Petrosky

…Or any old block for that matter. I sat down today to tell you something hilarious, something inspiring, something informative, and all of a sudden, STALL. Here’s what I got: Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing…blah blah blah- argh give me something!

Each week I hope the wine blog acts as a little pick me up for your day. If nothing else, it is a perfect reason to procrastinate just a little longer. But deadlines can be scary, so much so, in fact, that they invoke stage fright, or in my case today, writer’s block. This time of year, with the amount of additional items swimming in our heads, it’s a wonder anyone can be productive let alone creative. The luxury in my line of work is that it’s completely acceptable to crack open a bottle any time of day to get the juices flowing. So that’s just what I did. Luckily for you, this is what I found: “Cuvee Syrah, Conference de Presse” Faillenc, ’06.

This may sound totally obscure and something that won’t be available, but I am thrilled to debunk the naysayers amongst you. Corbieres is a region in the south of France that I fell in love with during my visit last summer. I knew this wine, just being from that sun-struck place, would inspire me. Maybe you couldn’t take that vacay this year, or perhaps you’re giving up your holiday bonus and won’t be able to take one next year either. The great thing is you can visit the south of France from the comfort of your couch. This wine is on Balthazar’s wine list (one of my favorite restaurants in NYC) for a mere $37 a bottle. Translation: we can buy it at the wine shop for about $15. Hands down a crowd pleaser full of fruit, earth, and a hint of spice. If your local shop doesn’t carry this exact bottle, look for these other amazing wine places to buy from: Saint-Chinian, Minervois, Corbières, Fitou, or any from the Coteaux du Languedoc or sporting the red and blue emblem and the swords Sud du France. They are “wow” wines with even more unbelievably low price tags, making them perfect for your next holiday party, or maybe to just help you get over that hump! Cheers.

Moveable Feast

By Maureen C. Petrosky

You’ve all heard me ‘wine’ about house hunting, so I thought you’d be glad to know it’s over. These past few weeks I’ve been diligently packing boxes, boxes, and more boxes of stuff destined for our next home. When we moved out of our one-bedroom in Manhattan I never thought we’d fill even the attic of this home, which happens to be the size of said apartment, but drunk on space, we have successfully accumulated more than we could possibly ever need. As an admitted serial redecorator, I am weak when it comes to estate sales, flea markets, and yes, I have been spotted taking other peoples’ trash and transforming it into my own treasure. Which is probably why we have so much stuff—not to mention the twins, who have joined us since the last move. Even with all their gear, and my junk habit, this time I have found myself in an unforeseen predicament.

Ordinarily, I pride myself on being two steps ahead, clearing out the clutter in my life and maintaining an annoying level of organization. But I’ve been had. The above-mentioned boxes do hold many necessities most other families of four possess, but it’s our kitchen that’s creating all of the chaos. Whoever thinks about all of the food? Here we are in the final countdown and I am challenged by the odds and ends that have accumulated in my pantry. We are laden down with tons of ingredients I just don’t feel like cooking. The food pantry down the street isn’t interested, as most items are already open—a bag of flour, brown sugar, rice, grits… and the list goes on. I’ve jumped into manwiches, banana breads, and chili already, but now it’s time to pack the pots and pans. So the rest, I’ve decided, will go to friends and neighbors who I know love to cook, and I’m celebrating this decision with an old favorite sip- Chateauneuf- du- Pape. A tongue twister maybe, but this sultry French red is just what I needed to toast a farewell to the adorable galley kitchen I’ve loved and with a heavy heart I raise my glass to images of the next owner stirring his or her own pots and swirling their own glasses and adding to the love and laughter that has been cooking in this home for almost a hundred years. Adieu 813.

Perrin & Fils Chateauneuf- du- Pape, Les Sinards, $40- Smooth and graceful like a ballroom dancer, this red is silky and finishes with finesse. Enjoy with a celebratory dinner or on the kitchen floor knee-high in boxes and glassware. Either way, this wine is smashingly delicious.

Dinner is Poured

By Maureen C. Petrosky

Last night I had dinner with the editor-in-chief of NJL at a very popular riverside spot in New Hope, PA. The view was amazing, and that was about it. I arrived a little early so I perused the wine list. It should have been a big red flag when I read the listing for the sparkling wine offered by the glass. The wine was a fine choice but in parentheses next to it read (served in a wine glass). This was a first for me. I thought maybe they don’t have flutes, or were they telling the guests they were getting more for their money with a larger pour? Whatever the reason, I couldn’t help but think this was tacky. After my dinner-mate arrived we each ordered a glass of wine, me white, she red. They came to the table filled to the brim. My initial reaction was –YUK. Again, not the actual wine in the glass but the presentation was a total put off. I laughingly said, “Dinner is poured,” not realizing this indeed would be the only palatable part of the entire experience.

I am not opposed to spending $10/ glass but I don’t want to feel like I am being served bulk wine. Quantity is not quality. I want to sip and swirl, not chug. This is not a treat and you aren’t doing your guests any favors by giving them a whopper of a headache before the first course even arrives. Which brings me to the demise of this dinner. An order of Lobster and Shrimp “Spring Rolls” was actually frozen egg rolls that left puddles of grease on our plates. These were followed by a salad of mesclun, gorgonzola, spicy walnuts, roasted beets and pears which had no mesclun, no gorgonzola, nuts that were barely salted let alone spiced, canned beets, and pears that looked to be boiled, all of which were literally swimming in a soup of unidentifiable dressing. The craziest part was the place was packed, which led me to believe that this once reputable dining establishment has gotten extremely lazy with age and no longer cares to put out good food because it draws the numbers regardless. So heed my warning and stay on the Jersey side of the river if you’re hungry. Our final landing at Deanna’s in Lambertville was the highlight of the night. Here you’ll find true hospitality, a bartender who knows how to pour--thanks Armand!--delicious food, and a vibe that will have you grinning ear to ear.

Toasted Head Cabernet Sauvignon, $15- This is a great go-to Cab, and after our repulsive pours from the first locale we were delighted to see that this was on the list at Deanna’s. It’s big, rich, red, and juicy as well as affordable, fun, and lively and proves a glass of wine doesn’t need to be overflowing. A little of this big red goes a long way. Cheers to good bar service and those who still believe in hospitality!

Aging Gracefully

By Maureen C. Petrosky

The oldest wine I have ever set eyes on, swirled, and swooned over was 129 years old. For someone who usually raves over the freshness and energy of wine, you wouldn’t think this ol’ vino would have anything for me to write home about, but here I am giving props to old Lucy. That’s right, she has a name. Many do at Domaine de la Coume du Roy in Maury, France, where the vintages in which a child was born carry their namesake and the original wooden barrel with Lucy’s is still right in place. Even with 129 years in the barrel this old gal has life, body, and structure which was truly, truly amazing. This was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me, but the great news is, there are plenty of other, more recent vintages with just as much if not more pizazz and panache for you to enjoy.

Domaine de la Coume du Roy makes the red Maury fortified wine from 100% black Grenache grapes and a sultry white aperitif of Muscat de Rivesaltes that are both to die for. Even if sweet wine is not your thing, get a little crazy and treat yourself to a taste. It is swimsuit season after all, and either of these makes the perfect pick for a fat- free dessert. Even a girl like me who lives for acidity can’t pass up dessert. Luckily, winemaker Agnes Bachelet knows it’s not all about the sugar and is still pouring up sweet sips complete with acidity and backbone. Enjoy it alone or with a baguette and a hunk of Roquefort for a simply divine culinary indulgence.

La Coume du Roy, Maury, 2004, $29 In an appropriately sized 500ml, bottle this dessert wine rocks with chocolate or cheese and is even fun served with a little chill to it. Serve to your dinner guests with a cheese course or save it for yourself. I can vouch these wines have the stamina to go the distance in the cellar and can deliver even after being opened for up to fourteen months. Go ahead: you deserve it.

Sipping & S’mores

By Maureen C. Petrosky

Warm nights around a campfire, with twinkling fireflies and glowing lanterns, are about as nostalgic as one can get. Add a great glass of wine and you’re off to a great start to making more memories. Yet, swirling wine with a face full of smoke from the fire pit isn’t my ideal downtime. Here’re a few tips to let you enjoy this summer fun and your wine at the same time. A few lessons we’ve learned to avoid a full on smoke- out:

1) Make sure your fire is safely situated away from your home, and that includes your deck.

2) If you do not have a built-in fire pit, avoid placement directly on the grass. A large piece of slate or other rock base is much more visually appealing than an expanding patch of dead lawn.

3) Don’t burn wet wood. This is sure to force you from the fireside and most likely will smoke out your nearest neighbor, not to mention it’s so not S’more friendly.

Maybe you’ll be congregating with friends around a custom fire pit or simply sharing a log while toasting marshmallows with the kids; either way, the light from the flickering flames and smoky aromas from the fire create the perfect ambiance for a toast to summer.

A Sip For S’mores- Willakenzie Estate Pinot Noir, Estate Cuvee, 2007, $22, is a fun pair with warm S’mores. Simply made with Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate, graham crackers and lightly roasted marshmallows, this sweet treat goes beautifully with the Pinot. Together they tasted like chocolate cherry cordials. The chocolate was bitter and the wine had the acidity to take it like a champ- an adult indulgence for the kid at heart!

Real Men Drink Pink

By Maureen C. Petrosky

I hadn’t been out on a double date with my college roommate since college, so meeting her new beau was the perfect excuse for getting together. This may seem like a harmless dinner and drinks, but every couple knows the search for suitable couple friends can be fruitless, not to mention fatiguing. The chemistry must be organic and if at any point it feels forced, the fun of double dating flies out the window. These are very volatile relationships, which is why I was thrilled this meeting at the Philly BYOB Matyson turned out to be a true meeting of the minds.

We came armed with a bottle of red and a chilled white. This should be a rule of thumb for you too. If you don’t go to a BYOB prepared you could be stuck sipping what your friends choose and that could be disastrous. In this case it was the opposite. I was super psyched as we approached the table, because the bottleneck jutting from the ice bucket was one I knew and adored. Aria, Sparkling Pinot Noir, with its ruby-red foil and emblazoned crest was a warm welcome. With a subtle pop we were off to a superb start.

The restaurant had great energy, and amazing food like cornmeal-crusted oysters drizzled with a Piquillo pepper puree, fresh Opah over perfectly cooked risotto, and a beef dish to die for. Yet, it was watching the men engage in easy conversation while happily sipping long flutes filled with pretty pink bubbles that brought a smile to my face. Nothing exudes confidence like a couple of guys throwing back some pink wine in dainty glassware. Between the marvelous food, great wine, and laughter bubbling from our table, we all agreed there’d be a sequel.

The wine: Aria, Sparkling Pinot Noir, $14
These bubbles are dazzling in ruby red and overflowing with fruit, but don’t expect sweet. This is a dry, vibrant mouthful making for a fabulous aperitif as well as a match for many foods.

By The Glass Gripes

By Maureen C. Petrosky

In each issue of NJL, the wine page sports the tag By The Glass. It’s a clever nomenclature carrying multiple meanings in the world of wine, including the ever- popular way to order. I frequently order by the glass and just as often am disappointed. It’s true you tend to pay more for a single glass than you would if you buy the bottle, but it’s not the nickel and dime difference that troubles me as much as the actual wines that end up on the neglected “By The Glass” list. For some reason establishments choose to tout watery Pinot Grigio or house Chardonnay (a.k.a. something oaky from California) for whites and the reds are just as boring. As a wine drinker I find the careless attempts to make a buck insulting. Why bother creating a list at all? I mean, would your cocktail crowd continue to return if they only could be served well drinks? I think not.

Last night my girlfriend and I had an excellent dinner at Café Con Leche in Newtown, PA. It’s a teensy tiny BYOB, and we brought along a Pouilly Fuisse that was divine. Afterwards, we walked to a nearby bar/restaurant for a final glass of wine. This venture turned out to be more like the search for the Holy Grail. The offerings were as expected- Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. We went for the PG and with one sip my friend said, “This is like sugar water.” Not wanting to end on a bad note, we headed to yet another establishment and were offered the same two whites with the addition of Riesling. It sounded so exotic, and she took the bait. I politely requested to taste first and was glad I did. If the last place served sugar water this was straight up simple syrup. In a final attempt to please my palate I asked the server to bring me the driest white wine he had by the glass, to which he actually replied, “No offense but people around here don’t drink wine like that.” No offense buddy, but people don’t want to drink swill either. So get it straight. If you’re offering wine, especially if it’s by the glass, make it a memorable one. If you are so completely sold on Chard and Pinot for your whites, for goodness sake taste them before you put them on your list. You don’t have to be a sommelier to trust that if you want to spit it out then you shouldn’t serve it. Restaurant owners, managers, and bar managers take heed: take as much pride in what comes from your bar as you do in what comes from your kitchen. Believe me, a nice glass of wine goes a long way.

American Idol-Inspired Wine

By Maureen C. Petrosky

I used to be one of those people who didn’t stop reading a book until I finished; no matter how excruciatingly long it took. I would politely drink a glass of wine, even if it wasn’t really my cup of tea, and I would sit through every song of American Idol to make sure I was giving them each a fair assessment. With a huge sigh of relief I can happily say that is all over. I’ve realized life is just too short to read boring books, drink blasé wine, and expose my delicate ears to what Simon Cowell would laughingly call rubbish. So now I give a book to page 100 to draw me in, a bottle of wine gets half a glass -tops -before I select another, and sorry American Idol, but you get less than a minute ‘til I flip.

The point is, you shouldn’t endure anything other than sheer enjoyment, pleasure, and entertainment, for who knows what tomorrow may bring? I know one thing for sure: I don’t want my last glass of wine to be something I would have rather spit out. So here’s one definitely worth finishing:

Calera, 2006 Mills, Pinot Noir $48 I haven’t tasted a Pinot from Calera Vineyards that I didn’t love. The first one I tasted made me fall hard for Pinot and all these wines later I still remember that sip. These Pinots are cultivated in limestone soil, giving them that clean minerality that can cause an immediate Pinot addiction. This red is all glamor. Ruby red, silky smooth, rich in red fruit and with a sensual soft finish, this is one you won’t be worried about storing.

Saving the World One Glass at a Time

By Maureen C. Petrosky

This is not about one of the many popular wine related philanthropic events hosted throughout the year. It’s much more monumental than that. I have figured out a way we can all do our part to help save the human race, and, of course, it has to do with wine.

I’m not sure why it continues to shock me when seemingly normal people turn out to be totally psychotic. Between the lunatic mother who last week turned a darling day trip at Turtleback Zoo into her own “Mommy Dearest” moment or the guy who insisted on NOT making eye contact with me as we inched right next to each other for twenty minutes onto the Parkway- consciously choosing instead to run me off the road- I was bummed out at the declining state of humanity. While each encounter edged me closer to becoming a raving lunatic myself, instead I was stunned into silence, which in turn lead me to my “A- Ha!” moment.

Almost every day, each of us deal with seemingly erratic human beings and if in each scenario you feel your heart racing and your tongue about to unleash a lashing you choose instead to think of wine, then you can make a difference. While being chewed out by the crazy mom for tapping her child on the shoulder (he was standing on my foot by the way) I thought to myself, “They should sell wine at the zoo”. Then I thought, “Actually, I’ll enjoy a glass much more once I’m home.” This thought immediately put me into a Zen state. So next time you’re stuck on the Parkway (which I guarantee you will be in the near future) or someone cuts in front of you in line or maybe someone is just plain being mean at your expense, take a deep breath and think of which wine you will treat yourself with for taking the high road. That’s it. That is all you have to do to put a little more peace on this earth.

My World-Saving Wine- Well, that night at least-
Chateau D’Arvigny, Haut- Medoc, 2005- $16 This lovely red made me think of France instead of my aching feet. It’s perfect for transporting you to that happy place after a stressful day. Good structure, balanced tannins, and a peppery bite in the finish make for a serious sip with a bit of sass.

Wine on a Dime

By Maureen C. Petrosky

Last Saturday night, after an early mass, my in-laws picked up a bottle of wine and headed out for a dinner date. After hearing “We’re booked solid”, “We can seat you at 10pm”, and “There’s at least an hour wait to be seated” from three separate restaurants, defeated, they headed home for leftovers.

This was not New York City; in fact they were right in Union County, NJ. Needless to say, it left them shaking their heads and wondering about this “terrible economy”. You may have seen the New York Times food page with Mario Batali, Sirio Maccioni, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten sporting sandwich boards advertising sales and open tables. Yet try for a table (at a reasonable time) on the highly coveted Friday/ Saturday night slot and you’ll still be lucky to score.

On the flip side, we attended a wedding recently and a friend slid in the pew next to me, with the air that he’d already been celebrating. In response to the typical How are you, he spat, “I got laid off this afternoon”. It’s brutal. Whether you’re looking for work, just trying to enjoy a hard-earned retirement, attempting to buy your first house, or struggling to sell the one you seem to be stuck with, our present economy, or just talk of it, is depressing. The silver lining here: there’s good news in wine, in that there are plenty of great affordable wine to help you get through these times. The number of great wines to be had for under $20 is astounding, and there’re even some gems for $10 and under.

Here’re a sassy red and a lovely bubbly that will turn that pocketbook’s frown upside down.

Borsao Crianza, 2006, $15 This rich red hails from Spain’s Campo de Borja region. The wine smells fabulous, with a nose full of ripe fruit that explodes in your mouth. Great tannin structure, with hints of vanilla and lots of spice make this is a memorable wine. If you only want a sip- no worries, it’s even better on the second day!

La Marca Prosecco Di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene $12.99 Let this bubbly help you ring in spring. One of the best Proseccos out there. It’s medium- bodied, with fun flirty citrus flavors and great minerality for a clean crisp finish.

Both of these bottles can be found at Joe Canal’s, where a free membership gets you an even further discount: this month bringing the Borsao to $12. At Joe Canal’s if you buy a case of mixed wine you save 10% anytime and they email members each week with all of their sale items.

For more wine on a dime, you can find my picks of ten wines under $20 worth a whirl on fineliving.com

For more great wines under $20, see the April issue of New Jersey Life, on newsstands March 31 and online March 18

On the Trail of Brandywine Valley Wineries

By Brianne Harrison

New Jersey and its surrounding environs are not exactly known as a wine-producing Mecca. Mention local wineries, and what you’ll typically get is a smirk or a snide comment. Which is too bad, really, because there are some beautiful wineries with decent wines sprinkled throughout the area. Anyone who wants to explore some of them and sample their offerings should check out Barrels on the Brandywine, an annual event that kicked off last weekend in which the seven wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail throw open their cellar doors to wine aficionados and curious locals alike.

Barrels on the Brandywine, which is being held every weekend throughout March, is a great opportunity to learn about the local wineries, explore their cellars and grounds, and enjoy some of the entertainment and food on offer. This year’s attendees can try some local, organic cheeseburgers, sausages, and cheeses while viewing artwork from local artists at Paradocx Vineyard, pick up some of Tim and Melissa’s famous gumbo at Twin Brook Winery, or, if the weather holds out, pack a picnic to eat on the grounds of Penns Woods Winery. Most of the wineries are featuring tastings of premium wines or debuting new bottles, and Chaddsford Winery is offering discounts on purchases of three, six, and 12 bottles.

A $25 passport is an all-access pass to the participating wineries. The BVWT wineries participating this year are Black Walnut Winery, Chaddsford Winery, Kreutz Creek Vineyards, Paradocx Vineyard, Penns Woods Vineyard, Stargazers Vineyard, and Twin Brook Winery. Passports are only available for sale online until March 7. To purchase a passport, either visit one of the participating wineries or go to bvwinetrail.com. Sante!

Oscar-Worthy Wine

By Maureen C. Petrosky

After the Oscar buzz began, I started wondering: How does the Academy actually choose the winner? Movies, like wine, are so subjective. In my industry every wine ego has their own scoring system, whether it’s numbers, letters, thumbs up or down, how many emblematic little bottles a wine receives, how many glasses are granted, or even star ratings. It’s much more convoluted than just siding with Siskel or Ebert. When it comes to award-worthy wine, what makes up my mind is ultimately the effect of the total package. It has to look great, intrigue me with its perfume, dazzle my palate, and leave me wanting more. I guess the critics award movies the same way. The big difference is I can get through about forty bottles in the time it takes to watch one movie. A lot of wine is spit out before I find the winners. Luckily, I found the perfect pick.

Director’s Cut, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 2007, $23
Francis Ford Coppola delivers an Oscar-worthy wine wrapped up in a little movie history. The bottle is decked in a simple black and white swirled number replicating a Zoetrope (zoe: life, trope: movement) that was used to produce the illusion of a moving picture back in the day. It mentions “uncompromising standards necessary to make great films and great wine”. So true, Mr. Coppola! This Pinot is stunning in a shimmering full-length gown, simple yet sophisticated with just the right amount of bling. Perez Hilton, Tim Gunn, and Cojo would all be swooning over this sassy redhead on the red carpet. Oozing cherries, cedar, chocolate, and smokiness, the fun follows through in your mouth with a smooth and sexy body, great balanced acidity, and a totally tasty finish. At $23 a bottle, this is far from a big budget wine, but it’s definitely worth the splurge.

Happy Hour

By Maureen C. Petrosky

It’s here! The happiest hour of winter; that time between five and six p.m. when those of us who call the northeast home get daylight back for one more precious hour. I’m not disheartened that last week the groundhog saw his shadow and skittered back to his hole, warning us to hunker down for six more weeks of winter. It’s light out past four- thirty, and that means we’re at least half way through. That is reason to toast.

Since plenty of us don’t work a 9 to 5, we find our very own happy hours. I’m sure for stay- at -home moms and dads that precious hour when all the little ones are finally down for the night is happy hour in their house. Maybe in yours it kicks off at 9 p.m. when your husband finally gets in from the day’s commute, or perhaps your cocktail time only comes once a week on Friday night when you can finally celebrate the week’s end. This week mine is that one hour when the sunlight lingers just a little longer.

This Week’s Pick: Charles Krug 2006 Yountville- Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, $27
It’s a red wine that when you sip you can’t help but say, “now that is good”. It’s a medium to full- bodied Cab with finesse. It’s layered with aromas of black cherry coffee and sweet clove. It goes down smooth and is perfect for toasting the end of a long day.