Tipsy

Self-Control?

by Jay

In celebration (again) of the spring that's snuck up on us here in Buffalo, I spent about a half hour reading through the Chambers Street Wines website yesterday with the intention of putting together a case. I loves me some weird wines and I simply can't get these babies up here. I even managed to stick to the $20 and under range, but with tax and shipping, it came to $210. I failed. I couldn't go through with it. But now, at 5:36am, I'm wondering if I didn't make a huge blunder. I mean, we all know I'll spend that eventually on wine, so why not just cut to the chase? Why not just have what I really want sent instead of what will do for now? 

Basically, I'm cranky because I have to go to work and I'm venting here instead of trash-talking my students. I suppose that's healthy for my job, but it's probably not so healthy to be obsessing about a case I didn't buy in the pre-dawn hours. 

Retail Rant...rage and wine.

By Bridget

This is my first "blog", so please be gentle. I am a manager of a liquor store here in Buffalo, I am blessed with working nights and weekends. I wear a silly polo shirt and go home covered in filth and God knows what else after 8 hours of dealing with "the great unwashed". My job has a lot of stupid and ridiculous moments that make me feel like shanking a bitch, but then I remember why I do it: I really, really, love wine. And I get dental. 

After suffering the usual indignities that go along with any retail job, I get a big, fat perk: I get to taste and learn about some amazing and beautiful wines. And then somehow, it is all okay. Wines from obscure regions in particular tickle my fancy. I am a big fan of the underdog, the unloved wine with an inch of dust on it, just begging for a chance to be paired with a lovely meal. For example: HUNGARY!

No one in Buffalo is asking for Hungarian wines, so I try to sell the crap out of them, because they rock. Monarchia Cellars Olivier is elegant, with floral notes and a bit of spice, reminiscent of Vouvray or Gewurz. The grape varietal is indiginous to Hungary, trust me, it's yummy. There is also Nyakas Pinos Gris. I call this the Poor Man's Alsacian. It has all the elegance and acidity, but won't clean you out financially. A great crisp finish, this wine would be perfect with seafood or grilled chicken. I have been meaning to try it with sushi. Finally, there is Takler Regnum. This one takes the cake. It's like a Bordeaux style blend with a gnarley attitude. Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Kekfrankos (indiginous varietal) make up this cheeky blend. This wine is full and lush, with loads of deep fruit. If you kids find these wines, please snatch them up, you won't regret it.

Give Hungary some love, y'all.