Hey everyone!

Hope everyone’s Fall is off to a cool and dry start like we’ve been experiencing here in NC…but…judging from the number of weather-related horror stories that have been dominating the news lately, I’m certain that’s not the case for everyone. I would love to think that none of you has been negatively affected by the floods and fires etc….but if you have been, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. For those of us who’ve been fortunate enough to have escaped being impacted by such, I trust you’re opening your hearts and your wallets to help those in need! For not having had a single hurricane make landfall this year, it’s otherwise been a year of major devastation for many areas of our country…and for tens of thousands of families and people.
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Well, so much for watching my usual Monday night television line-up! We happen to have Dish Satellite Service — and they’ve not been able to “agree” with our local NBC Affiliate…so no NBC programming all of a sudden. For me…it’s mostly a big “so what”…but hey, it just seems to me that this kind of impasse amongst the various players in entertainment is beginning to occur far too often. To the extent it continues to happen, it just accelerates the likelihood that we’ll all be watching our favorite television programming over the internet…and a lot sooner than later!! Are we ready for that…he posed…with his tongue not in his cheek!!??

And someone told me the Government shut down!! Really?! Well, you couldn’t prove it by me!! Not to diminish the significance or impact of what’s going on…because truly, there are serious consequences associated with this “shut down.” Plus, I can only imagine that a good number of you are deriving your incomes in some way , shape or form from the Federal sector. But…with all that said…I’m pretty certain there’ll be a silver lining amongst all this dysfufnction and quagmire of political head-butting.

That’s my story…my hope…and my prayer…and I’m stickin’ to it!!

Meanwhile, Rick’s Grape Skinny remains open for business…and as always, I have no subscription fees and my advice is free. Just remember what you paid for it …in case my counsel doesn’t always pan out! On the bright side, I now have an amplified reason to inspect and sample my modest collection of cellared wines…so I’ll see you next month…maybe! :o)

As for my annual Happy Halloween wishes…

Boo!

Wine Snob – EPS Format Rick
Rick Davis
1320 Heritage Hills Way
Wake Forest, NC 27587
(pers. email) rick.davis.nc@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/rick.davis.nc
(h) 919-453-1844
(c) 919-623-8786
Rick’s Grape Skinny…a Free Monthly Newsletter for Those Who Enjoy Learning About All Things Wine!”

Rick’s Grape Skinny
ricksgrapeskinny@gmail.com
2013
“If food is the body of good living, wine is its soul!”
(Clifton Fadiman)

Taste the World of Wine in One Year!
The notion might seem simple enough…but trust me, taking on the challenge of tasting the world of wine in a single year is a seriously ambitious task! To boot, regardless of the nature and scope of the wine world chosen, there will be plenty of Wine Wizards offering a litany of wouldas, couldas and shouldas! But, if you’re game…let’s take on that task and taste a range of vino from around the world of wine. And trust me, if you do this…you’ll know more than about 90% of those who buy and drink wine!!

Where are we Headed?
Great question! I had no idea you were so quick and ready to sip away! We’re headed for a world of wine that’s comprised of 11 countries. Here they are arranged in descending order…beginning with the largest wine producer. For the nosy ones who are wondering why not 12 countries…so we could take on one country a month…it’s because France will consume two months all by itself! OK…off we go!

1. France
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. United States
5. Argentina
6. Australia
7. Germany
8. South Africa
9. Chile
10. Portugal
11. New Zealand

In the spirit of full disclosure, you should know that China is actually the 4th largest producer of wine in the world…but…it doesn’t yet have any iconic wines.

So What Should we Taste?
Wow…another great question! So here are my suggestions – being mindful that these are not all
of the grapes or wines. Rather, it’s a list of those I
feel will enable you to enjoy a representative mix of

each country’s key varietals and/or most noted wines. Be sure to enlist the help of your preferred “wine shop(s)”…and don’t hesitate to assign a price range!

France — The first month, seek to taste the wines of Alsace, Champagne, Burgundy, Jura-Savoy, and the Rhone Valley. The second month, select wines from Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, and Southwest France.

Italy – (Red) Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, Brunello, Amarone, Chianti, a Super Tuscan, Montepulciano, Aglianico, Nero d’Avola, and Lambrusco. (White) Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Fiano, Malvasia, Moscato, Cortese, Trebbiano, Verdicchio, Franciacorta, Spumante, and Prosecco.

Spain – (Red) Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell, wines from Rioja, Priorat, and Montsant. (White) Albariño, Macabeo, Xarel•lo, Cava sparkling wine, and at least two different types of Sherry .

United States – (Red) Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (White) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Try California expressions from Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast…then from Washington, Oregon, and New York.

Argentina – (Red) Malbec and Bonarda (White) Torrontes. Try several expressions of each.

Australia – (Red) Shiraz – Try several expressions.

Germany – (White) Riesling and Liebfraumilch. Try several expressions. (Red) Dornfelder –Eiswein

South Africa – (Red) Pinotage (White) Chenin Blanc

Chile – (Red) Carménère – Try several expressions!

Portugal – Vinho Verde (which can be red, white or blush), a Ruby and Tawny Porto and a Madiera.

New Zealand – (White) Sauvignon Blanc – Try several expressions.
Toast of the Month
“Here’s to wine — to wash me clean
From the weather-stains of care.”
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

The Monthly Bunch!
Spooky Wines

White
Chardonnay
Old North State Bare Bones NV
Clean, Crisp and Ghoulishly Good!
(Yadkin Valley — Mount Airy, NC)/$8-$10
From the little town in North Carolina that served as the basis for the mythical Mayberry — home of Sheriff Andy Taylor and his sidekick Deputy, Barney Fife, this simple, straightforward and stripped down 100% Chardonnay is the real deal. Don’t be afraid to try this devilishly delicious potion. It’s a very well crafted award-winning wine amongst its Mid-Atlantic peers…and it’s a very good vino value to boot! http://www.oldnorthstatewinery.com/

Vidal Blanc
Gray Ghost Vineyards — 2012
Casper’s Fave…and Ghostly Great!
(Amissville, VA)/$12-$15 One of Virginia’s most rewarded wineries, it’s named after the famous Confederate Colonel – John Mosby – who was affectionately called The Gray Ghost…for his ability to slip through enemy lines undetected. And, there is ample evidence that The Gray Ghost did indeed haunt the area where these grapes were grown…so forewarned is forearmed! The cold-hardy Vidal Blanc – a hybrid of Ugni Blanc (aka Trebbiano) and another hybrid grape known as Rayon d’Or — was the first wine produced by the owners, Al and Cheryl Kellert, in 1994. The 11.5% residual sugar “Adieu” version of this succulent wine was declared The Best Dessert Wine in the Country a few years back. This is a wine that you’ll hold in memory for a very long time!
http://www.grayghostvineyards.com

Red
Petite Sirah
Spellbound 2011
So Delicious You’ll Be Howling!
(Lodi, CA)/$13-$16 From 4th generation Mondavi family winemaker, Rob Mondavi Jr., this intensely rich and supple wine is beyond delicious! Made from 100% Petite Sirah this vintage was aged in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak…an approach that preserves the character and soul of the fruit. While this difficult-to-grow-and-tame varietal is normally used as a blending grape, leave it to a Mondavi to break with convention and masterfully craft such a splendid varietal wine. Rob’s objective and focus is to produce the highest quality affordable wines that people will love…and love to drink every day. Certainly for my palate and wallet, his Spellbound Petite Sirah fills that bill completely! http://www.spellboundwines.com/

Merlot
Vampire Vineyards Dracula 2010
Suck-u-lent and Bloody Good!
(Central Coast – Paso Robles, CA)/$13-$16
Talk about a wine into which one can sink their teeth…look no further. In fact, this 100% Merlot is so fruit-forward and yummy…it just may drive you “batty!” With a name that begs the question, “Are you for real?” and a history that is steeped in the blood of many a rock and roll legend – the answer is a definite yes! Vampire Vineyards is indeed for real and they make some seriously good wines. Founder and owner Michael Machat parlayed his world of connections as an entertainment attorney into a brand that today enjoys worldwide recognition and respect. Let a little of this “blood of the vine” trickle down the back of your throat…and you’ll be respectful as well!
http://www.vampirevineyards.com/

Blend
Bogle Phantom 2010
Eerily Rich and Scary Good!
(Clarksburg, CA/)/$15-$18 – A limited-release and fairly unique blend of 51% Zinfandel, 47% Petite Sirah and 2% Mourvêdre, this jewel of a wine is known as “black magic!” The word bogle means goblin, specter, phantom, bogy, boggart, or bugbear…and is arguably of Scottish or Welsh origin. The 2010 Vintage was aged for 2 years in 100% American oak. It’s fairly hard to find each year…so when you see it, get it! You’ll not be disappointed. www.boglewinery.com

Greetings Dear Enthusiasts and Aficionados!

SELLER’S ARTICLES – FOR THE SMART CONSUMER Three Tips for Increasing Your Wake County Real Estate Home’s Value The best way to increase your home’s value before you sell it is to think like a buyer!  Think back to the time when you were shopping for a new home, or analyze your current experience if you are already looking for your next home.  As a buyer, what features did you look for?  What features attracted you to your current home and helped you to decide that it was the right one for you? When you think about the features that attracted you, remember that others will most likely find them attractive as well.  However, if you have owned your home for several years or more, it might be time to update some things in order to meet the growing demands of today’s home buyers. Curb Appeal Draws Potential Buyers to Your Home Anyone who has ever purchased a home will tell you that the first thing they noticed about the home was how it looked from the outside.  And they will probably also tell you that they drove past many homes before they found a few that piqued their interest. This is a commonly known fact among real-estate agents.  Buyers appreciate homes that sparkle on the outside and, once they’re drawn inside, they will be very excited to see what else these homes have to offer. Most of today’s buyers research homes online before they ever make that first drive.  The very first thing buyers are presented with online is a photograph.  Only after the photo has their attention do they begin looking at the details of what the home has to offer. Take a photograph of your home and look at it objectively, from a buyer’s perspective.  Do the lawn and gardens that are visible from the front of the home appear to be well maintained?  Is the roof in good repair? Are there any sagging gutters?  Do you see debris in the gutters?  What about the windows and exterior paint? If any of these items look like they are in need of some TLC (tender loving care), then they probably are.  Apart from the roof, these items are generally inexpensive to address. With only a small amount of time and money, you can improve your home’s appearance significantly. Consider hiring a professional landscaper in order to get your lawn in tip-top condition.  You may decide that your home would be more welcoming if the walkway to the front door were bordered with planters full of beautiful flowers.  If you decide to paint the exterior of your home, look around the neighborhood first.  Try to select a neutral color that will blend in nicely with the other colors commonly used in the neighborhood.  White is almost always a good choice, along with beige, grey or brown. Potential buyers can view your home more easily when it is bright inside.  Often this is quite easy to achieve.  Sometimes you can make your home brighter simply by lifting the shades, opening the curtains or cleaning your windows. Buyers Love New Kitchens and Bathrooms If you purchased your home in the 1970s, you may have loved the orange Formica that covers your countertops.  Likewise, the blue ceramic tile in the bathroom was probably just the right shade to match the towels given to you as a wedding gift.  Unfortunately, a potential buyer might not get quite as excited about the matching pink toilet and sink in the powder room. If you can relate to these statements, then consider updating your kitchen and bathrooms.  Although kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects are significant home improvements, buyers will be willing to pay more for your home when you advertise that it has a brand-new kitchen. Your real-estate agent can offer some suggestions about what buyers want in a kitchen or bathroom, and you can also ask friends and family members what they think would improve your home’s attractiveness. If your kitchen is small, look for a way to enlarge the space.  Removing a wall, or even cutting a wall in half to install an island or breakfast bar, could improve the space. If you decide to replace your cabinets, select light-colored, solid-wood cabinetry with quality hardware.  Consider a hardwood floor or ceramic tiles.  Today’s buyers appreciate natural materials and neutral decors. Don’t forget about the appliances.  Even if you do not plan to sell your appliances with the home, purchase new appliances when you update your kitchen.  Brand-new appliances sparkle, demonstrating your commitment to quality to potential buyers. A quick visit to a local home-improvement store will show you the latest trends for kitchens and bathrooms.  Pursuing a modern look is alright, but you will probably attract more buyers if you maintain a classic look achieved through the use of timeless, high- quality materials. Increase the Amount of Light, or at Least Create the Illusion Real-estate agents everywhere offer one piece of advice for improving the value of a home more than any other.  That advice is, “let in the light!” Potential buyers can view your home more easily when it is bright inside.  Often this is quite easy to achieve.  Sometimes you can make your home brighter simply by lifting the shades, opening the curtains or cleaning your windows.  Consider selecting some inexpensive fabric to use as a flowing drape to replace your normal, heavy curtains.  If your home is still on the dark side, consider applying a fresh coat of paint.  Clean white ceilings alone will probably improve the appearance and value of your home. Reflection provides the illusion of light, so a simple coat of white paint can help to create that illusion. If your walls are dark or covered in wallpaper or paneling, remove the covering in favor of a neutral paint color.  Much like curb appeal, increasing the amount of light in your home is almost always a relatively inexpensive way to boost the your home’s value for potential buyers. Improving the appearance of your home will significantly increase the amount that potential buyers are willing to pay for your home.  The three tips above are the fastest ways to increase the value of your home, and two of them require only minimal investment. By spending a few weekends improving your home in these ways, you can increase the number of buyers who will want to see the inside of your home.  Obviously, you do not want a potential buyer to be excited when looking at the outside of your home, but disappointed when looking at the interior, so consider a fresh coat of paint throughout.  Once the buyer has stepped inside, he or she will be pleased to discover the updated kitchen and bathrooms. A beautiful kitchen alone can sell your home. A modern, yet classy kitchen with the latest features can raise the home’s value significantly. Your realtor is prepared to offer suggestions for improving your home’s value before it is listed for sale.  Even if your home has already been listed, your realtor can make suggestions about things you can do to get more competitive offers. Depending on where you currently live, buyers may be attracted to specific home features.  Your realtor can point you in the right direction and help you prioritize the types of repairs and upgrades that will help you sell your home for the price you want.

Courtesy Jeff Dicks Real Estate Group Keller Williams Realty Raleigh NC

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