What the heck is a Charbono anyway?

Today was a day of ups and downs.  Thing 1 had to head back to the doctor – turns out she was having an allergic reaction to the antibiotics she was on for strep throat.  Seriously, can either of my kids catch a break these days?  We have been to the doctor more in the past month than we have in the past couple of years!  Anyway, she’s got the goods now and should be mending soon.  *Fingers crossed!!*

We live in a small town (okay, it’s not really small per se, but it is spread out so the concentrated areas are small and it definitely has the small town feel) and this weekend’s event was an Arts Festival celebrating local artists, big and small.  There was even a youth art competition featuring outstanding artists from all grade levels!  Some of the art we saw – from many different genres: photography, mixed media, tapestry, sculpture, etc – would rival professional artists.  There are some seriously excellent artists out here in small town Florida.  Thing 2 is the artist in the family and she accompanied me to the festivities.  In addition to all the fabulous art, cultural presentations and music, of course there was festival food.  We noshed on meat on a stick – seriously, you CANNOT go wrong with meat on a stick – lumpia, and soft-serve ice cream.  Um, the lumpia….totally going back for more tomorrow.  Best. Lumpia. Ever. 

So, how do you top an awesome Arts Festival, lumpia and meat on a stick?  Well, with really good wine and some steak, of course!  The wine we tried tonight was a wine I picked up on that trip to the Aragon Wine Market I made last month.  I wouldn’t call it an “easily accessible” wine but if you do come across it, I would recommend picking it up.  It’s a 2008 Robert Foley Charbono. 

Now, there are some things you should know.  First, Robert Foley is a superb winemaker in Napa Valley.  I have NEVER had a Robert Foley that I didn’t like.  If you’re learning about wine, keep him on your list of winemakers to try – you will not be disappointed.  Second, Charbono is a grape that is not widely produced as its own wine.  No, it is NOT a combination of Sonny and Cher - sheesh people!  Charbono is a grape found in both California and Argentina, produces dark, tannic wines and  is usually blended with other grapes to create lovely wines.  Only a few wineries in California actually make a pure Charbono and one of them happens to be Robert Foley.  Yay for us!  And, as expected, Mr. Foley did not disappoint.  His 2008 Charbono had a beautiful, almost opaque purpliness (yes, that is a word widely used in the wine world. I promise) and had a lovely spice and smokiness on the nose.  In case you didn’t know, the nose is what you smell in the glass – yes, that should be obvious, but if you’re new to wine, it may not be something you would automatically get.  The best way to get the full effect is to pour a small amount in a glass, swirl it up pretty well (this brings out the aromas much like grinding fresh spices) and then shove your nose in the glass as far as you can and take a good whiff.  Ahhh….a precursor of fabulousness to come!

Once you get a taste of this Charbono, you’ll get flavors of fruit, some soil (trust me, not a bad thing – it’s called “earthiness”) and some pepper.  The alcohol content is 14.1% so you’ll get some heat on the finish.  How do you taste heat, you ask?  Well, here’s how.  Once you’ve swallowed, purse your lips a little and breathe in (through your mouth, silly!).  You’ll feel the wine sort of evaporate, if you will, and your mouth will warm up and you’ll taste/feel the alcohol in the back of your mouth.  Really!  It works!  Try it for yourself and then try it with other wines and you’ll see the difference in wines with both high and low alcohol content.  See, learning IS fun!

If you get the chance, try the Foley Charbono and let me know how you like it.  You can pair it with steak – which we did and it was YUMMY! – or other hearty meats or stews.  I can see this going really well with braised short ribs or even beef burgundy.  Oh shoot, now I’m hungry again.

Happy cooking, eating and drinking!