Category: Featured
February 18th, 2011 by admin
Hands down, Layer Cake Shiraz from South Australia was the crowd pleaser!
The dark exotic creamy layers of chocolate notes made the wine stand out from the rest. The University of Chicago Grad students from OMSA and LGBTQ couldn’t get enough of this bottle. Cheers to my new wine newbie’s… Kenneth, Madsion, Jimmy, Kasey, Sasha, Rebecca, Fiyinfolu, Sham, Hussein, Emily, Thandiwe, and Marta.
Let’s do this again!
Posted in < $15, Featured, Shiraz, South Australia
January 15th, 2011 by admin
My Chicago Peeps, winter is only half way through, what better way to stay warm than with a glass of red wine in our PJs all cozy at home. Next time you make it out of your warm home through the slushy snow, make sure you pick-up any of the 3 bottles of wine:
- Valley of the Moon Syrah ||Whole Foods||Intense aromas of blueberries and cedar, exotic, and long finish
- Charles & Charles Blend ||Whole Foods|| Packed with aromas, juicy fruits, and very easy finish
- Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir ||Jewel or Binny’s|| Cherry aromas, soft vanilla, and easy to enjoy
Let me know what’s keeping you warm this winter? Yes, you!
Posted in Featured Tagged with: Winter Wines
January 2nd, 2011 by admin
Goodbye 2010 and thank you for taking the ashtray with you! Madrid is finally observing the No Smoking Law in Bars/Restaurants/Clubs as of the 1st. You have no idea what chain smokers are like until you visit Madrid, but that’s no longer the case….let’s see if this last. As I write this blog at my remote office, a bar down the block from my home, I never noticed the red walls. This place always had a thick dense layer of smoke, interesting to see the color of the walls and antique portrait that hang so gracefully. I wonder if the people will look different now that I can see clearly.
I’m keeping my New Year’s Resolution list simple and focused. Like most of my Twitter wine peeps, I’m looking forward to more wine travels and blogging consistently on my adventures. Video has always been something I’ve enjoyed and that’s my intention for 2011, upload at least one a month….wish me luck.
On the wine front, I’m starting off the year by doing it up in Ribera del Duero, can’t wait to find new wines in the region, this I’ll make sure to document in video form. I’m venturing out of my comfort zone and trying new wines that I normally wouldn’t try, even those that have crusty labels and cry out, “don’t drink me!” written all over it. The things I do for love – I’m ready!
Here’s to a Fabulous 2011 that awaits us!
Posted in Featured
December 22nd, 2010 by admin
I’ve recently been asked, what wines NOT to buy at the grocery store?
The words that came right 
out of my mouth were, “my mama taught me, if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.” But wait, as a good techy I always have a way of delivering the bad news in the best possible light. Here it goes… I’ve listed my top bottom 4 wines to buy at the grocery store:
- Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon
- Jacob’s Creek Merlot
- Black Opal Cabernet Sauvignon
- Kanga Reserve Shiraz
Have you tried any of the above wines? If so, tell me about it.
Posted in Featured Tagged with: Article
December 21st, 2010 by admin
Citimaven’s Top 10 Wines for 2010
Thinking of a Holiday Gift? Wines are a great gift idea. I’ve compiled a list of wines that can suite just about anyone. For family, friends, staff, coworkers, and even your boss, these wines are easy on the wallet and can be found at Binny’s near you. Listed prices are for the Holiday Season and subject to change.
1. 2009 Apothic Red ($10) – California Blend
2. 2009 Freixenet Carta Nevada Brut Cava($11) – Spain
3. 2009 Kung Fu Riesling White Wine ($11) – Washington
4. 2009 Estancia Pinot Noir ($12) – California
5. 2009 Artezin Zinfandel ($14) – California Blend
6. 2009 Paco & Lola Albarino White Wine ($16) – Spain
7. 2009 Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere ($17) – Chile
8. 2006 Rutherford Hill Merlot ($19) – California
9. 2007 Domaine Jean Louis Chave Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur ($22) -France
10. 2008 Herman Story Syrah Nuts & Bolts ($34) – California
What made your list this year?
Posted in Featured Tagged with: Wine List
December 3rd, 2010 by admin
I have 100 reasons to have a glass of wine, but the one that keeps me coming back for another is…
…it goes with everything!
Wine is like my favorite comfortable worn-out pair of Levis Jeans that make me feel like home. Don’t get me wrong, I can easily compare my 3″ red hot Manolo heels to a seductive glass of wine. Whatever the attire, wine is sure to follow.
From my first dates to rebound guys, wine has never failed to make my date complete. So what if sexy stemware wasn’t available, a plastic cup also rises to the occasion. From birthdays to funerals, I’m sure you can remember a bottle of wine lingering around. No matter the occasion, wine goes with everything.
We can’t forget the seasons, can we? From the sprouting of tulips to cold icicles in winter, I can always pair a glass of wine to the season. I can recall savoring a juicy melon Albariño to cool down hot nights in Madrid. Even the seasons give you a reason to enjoy a mouthful of grapes.
Here’s to having a plastic glass of wine in my comfy jeans with Mr. Right!
Posted in Featured
October 14th, 2010 by admin
Citimaven participated in a fund raiser for the Rainbow House in Chicago
Rainbow House provides domestic violence services for women and their children in the predominately Latino neighborhoods of southwest Chicago. Services include therapeutic counseling, legal assistance, extended resources, and programs designed to address the immediate needs of survivors as well as to assist women and children in all stages of their recovery. The Education program works with local schools and community centers to teach young people what a healthy, happy relationship looks like.
Donation accepted here
Posted in Featured
September 29th, 2010 by admin
Because that Big, Fat, Nasty wine was so….
…Good! I’m taking this one for the team!
When you find a lusty bottle of wine that commands respect, you give it up! This bottle of Kaleidos wine is beyond words. Imagine exotic cherries dipped in chocolate spices that linger on your tongue. The creaminess of the coffee flavors enhances the earthy minerals. Oh, this is love on the taste buds.
Shut up and kiss me Syrah!
Posted in < $25, Featured, Syrah Tagged with: < $25, Syrah, Wine Review
September 16th, 2010 by admin
I just can’t contain myself when I find great “Every Day” wines for a bargain!
1. Category: Vibrant
2. Wine Type: Blend Tempranillo (80%), Granacha (5%), Mazuelo (5%) and Graciano
3. Country: Rioja, Spain
4. Price: $6.99
5. Notes: Yet another find that has Rioja written all over it. This blend called Antaño has plenty of character without the attitude. You’ll find vibrant rich black cherry flavors finished with vanilla notes with every sip. Can be enjoyed with pasta or chicken dish. At $6.99 a bottle, I’m keeping a few in my stash.
Posted in < $10, Featured, Graciano, Granacha, Mazuelo, Spain, Tempranillo Tagged with: Blend, Spanish
September 14th, 2010 by admin
Citimaven hosted a Spanish Wine Tasting event this month. All types of regions were represented from across Spain: Toro, Rioja, Galicia, and Castilla la Mancha. Each wine told its own story!
Posted in Featured Tagged with: Spanish Wines, Wine Tasting