THE RED LIST: From Cute to Clever to Couture

From couture to clever to cute, here are a few more delights on my hot list this month:  

The Spring 2011 collection from Christian Dior.  Inspired by the drawings of Rene Gruau, stunning, sublime and yet wearable, too.  The New Look in a whole New Way.  (See the runway show, here.) .... Someone at Swanson Vineyards has a delightful sense of humor, adding clever names and bold, witty packaging to tasty wines.  The series includes choices for various holidays, but the "Expensive" Christmas Wine remains my fave .... When my 10-year-old niece, who devours books like candy, spied Henley: A New York Tail by Julie Muszynski amongst a stack of review titles in my office she immediately snatched it up.  We both agreed:  thumbs up for the cute tale of a prince of a pup living the good life in New York City.  With charming illustrations and interactive elements.  Yes, you could call it Puppy Love.

Christian Dior collection first spied on Nicolette Mason.  "Expensive" wine bottle image by John McJunkin courtesy Swanson Vineyards.  Henley: A New York Tail available through Glitterati Incorporated and Amazon.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/wine
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PLUS DE VIN

Last Sunday's "Cheap Wine & Chevrion" post generated so many great suggestions on this blog and on the Local Wine Events Facebook Page that I thought I'd compile them into an easily printable list.  So here's plus de vin--more wine.  Have fun searching out--and enjoying--these inexpensive finds (most under $10) recommended by Style Maniac readers all over the world.


HOUSE REDS
Alamos Malbec
Astica Cuyo Merlot
Concha y Toro Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
Fetzer Cabernet
Marietta Old Vine Red/Lot 51
Ménage à Trois Red
Mendoza Station Malbec
Misterio Malbec
Tapeña Garnacha

HOUSE WHITES
Bogle Chardonnay
J.Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay
Ménage à Trois White
Sweet Freedom

also Barefoot and Martin's Vineyard wineries

"Paris Wine Shop," above, has the look of a painting, but it's actually a photo.  Thank you, David Thomas (dthomas9678 on Flickr) for letting me share it here.  And, of course, take care and drink responsibly.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/wine
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CHEAP WINE & CHEVRION

During a family trip to Paris my husband and brother-in-law stopped in a store to pick up a few nibbles.  They emerged laden with armfuls of wine--none of which cost more than five bucks.  We sampled them, along with creamy goat cheese and hot baguettes, in a stone-vaulted alcove of our Left Bank hotel before heading off to dinner each evening.  Since then we've been on an ongoing quest to find good wines at a great price.  Our current House Red, Concha y Toro's Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot certainly fits the bill at $6.89 a magnum.  J.Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay, our House White, costs a bit more (about $9.50 a bottle) but the luscious buttery taste beats out wines at triple the price.  As an accompaniment nothing's better than sublime  Chevrion goat cheese and Sarcone's bread from our wonderful South Philly Market.  Mmmmm.

What's your house wine?  Share your secret for a great wine at a good price in the Comments section below or on the Facebook Page.  And check back all week for more tips on tasty and affordable wines, food finds, and stories that transport us back to Paris.
The Checkered Tablecloth by Pierre Bonnard.  Image via metmuseum.org.Source URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/wine
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RED RED WINE

Definitely one of my favorite things ... especially when shared with people I love, gathered 'round a roaring fire, snow falling outside (like tonight!).  Happy New Year.

FAVORITE: Rich, velvety luscious red wines and lots of loveSource URL: https://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/search/label/wine
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