Mudpie is a mess. Sometimes I embrace it,  sometimes I try hard to fight it, and probably apologize too much for it. Regardless, a base level of organization would probably be beneficial to our household.  I don’t hold myself to the June Cleaver standard. I like to think of myself as more of a Bohemian domestic goddess. The problem is, the Bohemian side is completely taking over. A friend of mine recently recommended the Fly Lady for assistance with my domestic chaos. Apparently, you can get organized in 15 minutes a day and it all starts with a shiny sink.

I recently spent a week solo parenting while Mudhoney was in Madrid on business. (and doing this and maybe this) Mudpuppy chose this time to learn to climb out of his crib, open the baby gate, climb the fence to undo the latches, and break through any and all baby proofing measures. This in turn incited Mudslinger’s attention seeking capabilities. My spouse did return before I came completely unhinged and knowing that I was desperate for a break, came home early from work and told me just to leave the house and take some time for myself.

Hmm, what to do with my new found freedom? I drove immediately to our neighborhood wine shop. I sure as hell needed a glass of wine, and I was happy to have a little time to peruse the offerings. I immediately picked up a bottle of Giacomo Fenocchio Langhe Nebbiolo ’05. I knew I deserved it, but the more I thought about it, it wasn’t what I needed at the moment. This wine is one of my new favorites and definitely deserves it’s own post. It also deserves to be savored with good company and a good meal. I really just wanted a glass of something. Since Mudhoney isn’t much of a wine drinker and I had plans for the following evening, I began looking around for something I would enjoy and also wouldn’t mind cooking with later in the week.

That’s when I decided on the box of Alandra Tinto. Yes, that’s right. The box. It made perfect sense. I could have just one glass, and since the packaging protects the wine from degradation, it wouldn’t go to waste. I don’t consider myself a wine snob, but my tastes have matured since I last indulged in a box of wine, circa 1995. As I drove home with my purchases, I began to wonder if I would regret my decision. Would this be reminiscent of the swill of my college days? If I liked it, would I really just have one glass, or would it be too easy to consume more?

After enduring Mudhoney’s teasing and the children were in bed for the night, we sat down to enjoy a movie and one glass of wine. I have to say, it was better than I expected. It is medium bodied, slightly fruity, and very drinkable. I have enjoyed it on its own and served it over the past week with a variety of dinners including pasta and antipasto. I have yet to have only one glass. I also have yet to shine my sink.