Robert Sinskey Vineyards

Food For Thought...
While you drink my wine!

How is it that Bob Dylan is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature at the same time “The Joker and the Thief” make their run for the presidency? The times they are a changin’ but could they be any more schizophrenic? On one hand, we are living in enlightened times and, on the other, we are living in unenlightened times.

I find it interesting that the media has become the villain in this election cycle. This neglected, under-appreciated and disparaged prong of our democracy is absolutely necessary for a healthy government “of the people, for the people and by the people” with checks and balances intact. It is only when the public has a voice and is educated by a free and engaged press can its citizens make informed, intelligent decisions.

I have seen investigative journalism correct the most abusive forms of power in my lifetime - changing the course of the Vietnam war in the court of public opinion through stories and photographs in the daily papers. Photojournalists were revered and allowed multi-page features on the war in Time, Look and Life magazines. Every evening, the nightly news brought graphic film clips of the war into our living rooms that were created not by embedded, but independent journalists. News Anchor, Walter Cronkite did more to end the war in one night than any other singular event when he signed off with:

“But it is increasingly clear to this reporter that the only rational way out then will be to negotiate, not as victors, but as an honorable people who lived up to their pledge to defend democracy, and did the best they could. This is Walter Cronkite. Good night.”

It was investigative journalism that brought the Watergate break-in to light, connected it with Richard Nixon and, as a direct result of their work, ended his abuse of power and his presidency.

A healthy press is necessary for a healthy democracy. Unfortunately, we have become conditioned that we do not have to pay for our news. Without funding from the people, news organizations must depend on advertisers who, in turn want eyes on their products. Once a news outlet is more concerned with demographics than content, it is no longer an unbiased press. Journalism should enlighten its readers/viewers and not just pander to or preach to the choir.

“"There must be some way out of here”
said the joker to the thief
"There's too much confusion”,
I can't get no relief
Businessmen, they drink my wine,
plowmen dig my earth
None of them along the line
know what any of it is worth.”
All Along the Watchtower
Bob Dylan
 

I am not a journalist; rather, I am a peddler of pleasure. I don’t know how to change the world, all I can do is offer food for thought while you drink my wine.

Fragrance, Texture and Balance

Muscat is fragrant wine that is delightful with food. Its texture, with a pleasant kiss of bitter on the finish, lifts the balance of the wine just high enough to make it a good mate for a dish such as this Roasted Delicata Squash with Apples, Goat Cheese and Pepitas. Delicata has a slight floral fragrance when roasted which is delightful with the floral and lime zest notes of Muscat. Apples provide a sweet tart note, which plays nicely into the finish. It’s a simple dish to make, but it’s a simplicity that’s packed with flavor.

Until the next wine…
Maria

EAT: Roasted Delicata Squash with Apples, Goat Cheese and Pepitas

Muscat is an enigma to many. It is one of the most popular varieties worldwide, but most are only familiar with the sweet, sparkling Moscato. Even though the sweet rendition captures mindshare, there are over 200 varieties of the Muscat family of grapes. RSV selected one known as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains to plant in the Scintilla Sonoma Vineyard. Known for its tiny berries when compared to other varieties of Muscat, it also produces some of the most distinctive dry and sweet wines worldwide.

RSV chooses to night pick the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, whole cluster press the fruit and ferment dry in stainless steel barrels to capture its vibrancy. Since the wine is fermented dry, it has a slight bitter note and bright acidity to balance the expressive fruit for an incredibly friendly wine for the table.