NORTH PALM BEACH LIFE - North Palm Beach Life

Get Total-ly Wild With Ferrari

3/19/2025

My shelf is filled at the moment. We have discovered two new Moscatos for my mate who prefers sweet wine. One selection is from the surprisingly, not that bad, inventory at Walmart. The other is from Total Wine, and both are slightly under $10.

Speaking of Total Wine, it has now surpassed Costco as America's largest wine retailer. Interesting as Costco has over 600 locations to 275 for Total.

I guess the District of Columbia must have many Total locations, or at least a generous amount of all sorts of wine retailers as DC residents, allegedly, have the highest per capita wine consumption in this country.The onwer of Total Wine & More is David Trone, holder of an advanced degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

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Apologies to Apothic

2/27/2025

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Did you get a chance to read the last blog post?

If not, you may find it interesting to see what Gerry (pronounced Gary) thinks about
a Moscato from Italy.

Moving on, I continue to taste white wines. Today, it is blend from, Apothic.

Yes, I typically buy red when it comes to Apothic wines, but I spied this blend and was curious. The price was slightly over ten dollars, so even if it meant letting it swirl (see my new rating system later in this blog) down the drain, not much of a loss. But, would it be a winner? Would I continue to purchase for this warm tropical weather in SoFlo?

Let's get to it.

First, I let it completely chill and poured it into a very chilled, stemmed white wine glass. Glass size matters.

Drinking wine of any sort, using proper glasses, is a must in my opinion. When I say proper, I mean stemmed, always. The idea of stem-less wine glasses is a crime against grapes. The shape matters a great deal. Here is a quick refresher on glasses.

Chardonnay-Large bowl for aeration.
Port-Small and narrow to reduce evaporation.
Sparkling-Flutes have a tall, thin design to preserve the effervescence..
Dessert-Smaller, designed for wines with a higher alcohol content.
Rose-You are, pretty much, on your on here. Seems either red or white glasses work fine.

Now, let me share my impression of the Apothic, white wine blend I sipped.

It seems from my research, this wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio.

Although my palette has never been in harmony with Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, I keep an open mind about most things, including wine tastings.

Encouraged by the tasting notes on this wine, I was eager to taste something new and very affordable.

Described by the winemaker as crisp, fragrant, a juicy blend with vibrant character, to be enjoyed on its own or paired with many dishes. A picture was painted of a wine with hints of ripe peach, juicy fruit and green apple. Very enticing.

Setting the scene: A small table overlooking salt water and palm trees, sat my lovely chilled glass, containing the shimmery Apothic white wine, paired with smoked cheese and crackers.

Salud.

Sip.

True-to-form, my palette was not in harmony with this Apothic blend.

Because no one can stop me, I have devised my own meaningless rating system.

On Gigi's Wine Shelf

Chill ?

Swill?

Apothetic White Wine Blend:

Keep sipping, all you wine lovers.

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Moscato -- How Sweet It Is

2/21/2025

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Let’s get sweet. Sweet wine, that is.

If you have ever been judged for drinking a sweet wine like, Moscato, it is not the sweetest varietal on the wine list.

Topping the list as the sweetest wine is, Tokaji Eszencia. Joining Tokaji is Port, Sherry, Mead and Moscato.

As a savory person in both food and drink, I eschew most sweet wines, but today, I bring you words from a bona-fide Moscato sipper. Connoisseur? The jury is still out on that one.

Oh, thanks for coming back to my Mediocre Class on wine. My Gigi’s Wine Shelf blog, the moniker represents my lack of a cellar and my natural ability to shun anything pretentious.

Now, about Gerry (pronounced Gary) and his affection for wine. Before I share his thoughts, let me add he is a fabulous cocktail mixologist, and not that drawn to wine. But, he also has a sense of fun, not to mention propriety, so wine enters the journey along the way.

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A Class in Mediocre Wines

2/10/2025

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How To Stop Worrying And Love Cheap Wine.

The first thing you need to know about my wine preference is, it is champagne. Understand, I mean champagne from the Champagne region in France. Do you know the story of Veuve Clicquot? If not, immerse yourself into their fascinating story while you savor a flute of their extraordinary bubbles. When I am feeling extra-bougie, I opt for their Clicquot Rich, the bottle all silver and shimmery.

Now, understand I am all in on all sorts of sparklings, which are fine for making fruity brunch libations. What about Cava, from Spain? Yes, what about it? We'll get to in another of a Mediocre Class. See, you really do need to come to another one, just for Cava.

The second thing you need to know is, I totally took a movie title and repurposed it for my new blog ramblings. Do you know which one? Well, if you don't I'm sure not going to tell you.

So, pop that cork, or twist that cap, and let's sip.

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Get Total-ly Wild With Ferrari

Apologies to Apothic

Moscato -- How Sweet It Is

A Class in Mediocre Wines

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