Wines#6: Verrazzano Rosso 2007

Recently I've discovered really nice italian wine from Tuscany. It comes from Chianti region. The full name of this wine is Castello di Verrazzano Rosso 2007. I've also found a few nice words about this wine on wine.com webpage: "A dynamic and adaptable red wine which has retrieved the old tradition, now in disuse, of mixing red chianti with white grapes: the body and fruity taste of sangiovese and canaiolo combined with the softness and fluidity of trebbiano and white malvasia create a pleasing wine suitable even for contemporary gastronomic creations. Light-bodied, harmonious and round on the palate, with flavors of red fruits, black currant and plum."
My personal opinion about this wine is that it's really light, tasty, has some plum and other wild fruits in it and it definitely needs to be open at least half an hour before drinking. It's for sure worth its price and in Poland you can buy it only in Winnice Południa - my favorite wine store.

Short visit to Kazimierz Dolny and Naleczow

This weekend I had also opportunity to visit Kazimierz Dolny and Nałęczów - two polish beautiful cities. Of course weather in general isn't very convincing, but I had luck and Friday/Saturday were really sunny and nice. Here you can find some pictures from my short phototrip.

1. Kazimierz Dolny


2. Nałęczów

Lublin changed dramatically

Today I had a chance to visit Lublin for the second time in my life. It was tough decision, because when I was there last time in 1996 (it means over 13 years ago!), the visit in this city was the worst experience in my life. First of all I was hungry and there weren't ANY open restaurants or bars (exactly ALL were reserved for weeding parties). Second I had to use public transportation - it was stinking with alcohol and was full of drunkards. Third the whole old town was a big puddle and I got stuck in the mud up to my knees! Then I had decided not to visit this town anymore in my life.
But people are changing and places are changing. Besides I was very close to Lublin and had good opportunity to check what changed. And I must say it was good decision. Now this city shines! It's beautiful, has a lot of really nice restaurants, pubs, bars and its old town is in many parts perfectly renovated and in others still under renovation. Lublin has that atmosphere and something mysterious. It's very good place to take nice pictures if you've enough patience and luck for weather. My pictures are not perfect, but I'd like to share some of them with you, just to show you that's worth visiting!

1. Streets of old town


2. The castle

Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands Guide

Today I came across recent edition of Lonely Planet guide in very nice American Bookstore in Warsaw. This book was published in Aug 2009, so it's really fresh and up-to-date. That's why I've decided to buy it. Nobody knows Ecuador and Galapagos Islands like Lonely Planet. Their books give us the tools required to create own adventure, whether we want to rummage around colorful handicrafts at Otavalo's market, climb active volcano Cotopaxi, swim with Galapagos penguins or visit Vilcambamba. This guide is also packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, so I hope that with it we will make the most of our trip. Also the price was low, because I've paid only 79 PLN and original price is about 23.99 USD, so not bad!

Wines#5: Shiraz from Australia

My good colleague has nice audio equipment. We've been trying to meet for at least a year or so, but finally I've visited him two days ago. His audio setup really rocks! I felt like in the concert hall listening to SACD version of different pieces. But in the hall you can't drink alcohol. Music is much better when accompanied with some very good wine. And I had such wine - it was 2006 Shiraz from famous Australian winery Brown Brothers.
I will not invent any own descriptions, because it's perfectly described on producer's webpage, so let's cite them: "Showing the vibrant magenta colour of youth, this medium-bodied wine has fantastic lifted aromas of red berry fruits, dried herbs, pepper and an alluring floral note. These aromas follow through to the palate which has generous juicy fruit and a fine tannin structure. This supple medium-bodied Shiraz drinks well now but cellaring for 3 to 5 years from vintage will add complexity."
It's not easy to buy this wine in Poland, but if I come across, I'll definitely buy some bottles. The chance is that this shop can have it for 72 PLN - I must check it. I also recommend you to try this amazing wine!