Hi all. It's me again. It's been quite a busy couple of weeks. Still getting settled in, but I am definitley learning my way around Cairo, AGAIN. My dear friend and partner in crime, Kathie, made a fantastic suggestion. I am going to make it my new mission to learn all about Egyptian wine making. I know, I know, I know. I said it was awful and not worth passing my lips. But you know what? Beggars cannot be choosers and after all, they have been doing it for thousands of years, right? So, today I bought my first two bottles.

The first one, Chateau des Reves. a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend. the label claims that it is a product of Egypt, but closer evaluation shows that it is a Lebanese wine. this gave me great comfort. I have heard that the Lebanese do a very nice job. At first, I looked at it in my glass and saw the lighter than I'm use to, ruddy color. Oh please, just a little body... The nose was abit rough. I swear I thought I smelt balsamic vinegar. But I think that was just my nose being fussy. anyhow. I gave it a good chance, and maybe it was just because I have longed for a sip of wine for what seems like eternity, but it wasn't all that horrible. It was pretty smooth for such a youngling. I can't really see a lot of oak in it, but definitley some red berry fruit and a little spice. Not real earthy or aggressive by any means, but it's a start. the alcohol was listed at 13%. God, I miss Washington wines. how much of this do you think I will have to drink in order to get drunk and truly enjoy it??? I bought this wine (51LE, that is roughly $10US) at a famous Pizza shop in Zamalek. It's called Maison Thomas, and it is 1 of only 2 pizza shops in Cairo where you can get real pork products on you pie. I must say that I loved the pizza, enjoyed the mushroom salad and tolerated the wine faily well.

So tomorrow, we will try bottle # 2. Wish me luck.