"Do You Hear What I Hear" traditional Christmas Carol

Of course you won't hear what I hear! Every person has a special way of hearing! My hearing, as one sided as it is, ahem, is very unique. Yes, I have the fortunate ability to deny those annoying words said at the most inopportune time..."MOM"! However, I would like to think that I also have a sort of "bionic" ear! Not the million dollar man kind of hearing, but a Vanderbilt type of hearing! Just the word "Vanderbilt" denotes some sort of magic! So that is what I will call my hearing... magical! The real magic would be if I could hear out of both, but one is better than nothing!

In this traditional Christmas song, the night wind, the shepherd boy and the mighty king all seem to lead us toward a wonderful message of praying for peace. I think this is one of my favorite Christmas songs. http://xmasfun.com/Lyrics.asp?ID=16 I think I can even sing this song really well, after a few drinks. Which leads us to our wine of choice! (Don't ask me how, but just about anything can lead to wine!)

Guadalupe Vineyards of San Fidel, New Mexico is a small vineyard near my hometown. Back in the day, I attended Saint Joseph's Mission School which is located in the same area.(You can donate large amounts of money to help with operating costs! Here is the number 505-552-6362)

This award winning vineyard is not a large one, it isn't an old one, (planting started in 2000)but it is a really good one! At the foot hills of the Zuni Mountain this land benefits from some volcanic soil content and great water, the moderate temperatures are perfect for white wines! This small (approx)200 case vineyard is loved by those in the area who enjoy a fine wine! The 2007 Riesling is a great sipping wine, a perfect companion for Kiah's baked salmon, and is also yummy with just olives, cheese and bread.

I am not a big white wine drinker, but this one is pleasing to taste, with hints of citrus and apple. It isn't a flabby wine, meaning that it has a nice body and when you swirl it in your glass, it clings nicely! (like a nice dress) If I had to walk in to a wine store and buy a bottle of Riesling, this would be my first choice. (yes a domestic wine)! However... this wine is not carried in stores. You can order from the website however. (vinoshipper.com) Please note, because this is a very small winery they sell out fast! All they have left right now is Riesling, although I will say the Gewurztraminer isn't too bad either! But again.. currently sold out! The price for this one is around 25.00 a bottle, so unless your last name is "Madoff" you might want to buy a bottle or two and save them for a special occasion. IF you don't like champagne, it would probably be a good choice for a New Year's toast! Don't forget to check out their website!

They only do private tours, you won't find the big road signs pointing to the vineyard you have to call Senor Antonio and get a time. Well worth it! I promise!

So you are probably wondering how a grape can taste like an apple, or have hints of chocolate(red wines) well that all has to do with the acidity of the grapes, its alcohol content and the tannin! The tannin which belongs to a class of compounds called phenols, comes from the skins and seeds. In reds, the tannin creates the unique components of wine. The "TQ" (what I call the Tannin Quality) can make or break the taste of a wine. When the grape is tasted off the vine, the winemaker has to distinguish both the sugar content of the grape, as well as the ripeness of the tannin! In other words, you have to not only love grapes, but have exceptionally trained taste buds!

Riesling which is our variety today, is usually considered to be the most noble and unique grape variety in the world. The reason for this is how temperamental the grape is to grow and master. Flavors found in this variety range from fresh ripe peaches and apricots to melons.