Triple J - Like Father; Like Son

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. and Chicago Mayoral hopeful Jesse Jackson Jr. ("Triple J"), said he was "deeply saddened" about a relationship with a Washington D.C. restaurant hostess, but called it "preposterous" to contend that he asked a fund-raiser to approach former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich with an offer of $6 million in exchange for President Obama's former Senate seat. Triple J also had no comments regarding reports that he used campaign funds to fly Washington D.C. restaurant hostess/swimsuit model/social acquaintance Giovana Huidobro (a Rachel Uchitel wannabe) to Chicago, allegedly at the Congressman's request. In separate statements, both Triple J and his wife, Chicago 7th Ward Alderman Sandi Jackson (who by the way, looks a lot like Latoya Jackson) asked that their privacy be respected with regard to the restaurant hostess/swimsuit model/social acquaintance. Triple J's action also inadvertently let slip a secret formerly known only to players like himself and Tiger Woods - that restaurant hostesses are available to be flown in for "social acquaintance" purposes. Who knew that this was possible? I sure didn't. I thought hostesses just greeted customers and led them to a table. And how do they find the time? Besides her hostessing duties, Ms. Huidobro found time to fly to Chicago to visit with a Congressman, do a swimsuit photo shoot, and get interviewed by the FBI - what time management skills! Triple J; it sounds like you got a keeper!

Demarie Roero Arneis (2008) Piemonte

A big jam donut with cream on top from Azienda Agricola Demarie, a multi-generational producer who farms 14 hectares of vineyards in the heart of the Roero region of Piemonte. Beautiful sparkling straw-yellow in color. Fresh, floral, fruity nose. Full bodied and smooth. Crisp acidity. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. A terrific varietal that is worth looking for as a change of pace from the ubiquitous Pinot Grigio.

Terra di Vulcano Aglianico del Vulture (2007) Basilicata

A red pencil box from Terra di Vulcano, one of two product lines (albeit the lower-end) of Azienda Agricola Bisceglia, a winery founded in 2001 by Mario Bisceglia. 100% Aglianico, grown in the Vulture DOC, near the ancient volcano of Mt. Vulture (great name!) in Basilicata. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Inky-red in color. Strong nose of spicy darkness. Utterly smooth and well-balanced; belies its low price. A very pleasant full-bodied red.

Cantina Terlano Terlaner Classico (2009) Trentino-Alto Adige

A crisp, northern Italian white wine from Cantina Terlano, an Alto-Adigeon co-op that was founded way back in 1893. Today, the co-op (one of the smallest in the province) has 100+ members that naturally farm over 150 hectares. Together, they produce about 1.2 million bottles of wine annually. The 2009 Terlaner Classico is a proprietary blend of 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Yellow/green in color. A nose that is more citrusy than peppery. Brilliant acidity. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Hock bottle. Opened at a family Labor Day party and after singing a few tunes on a karaoke machine ("Paper Roses" among others and not my key by the way) I forgot whether or not the cork was synthetic. A very nice wine.