Chocolates, wine are beguiling gifts
Robust pinot noir tames wild game
My mother–in-law has an engraved wooden plaque in her home that states: “We interrupt this marriage to bring you the hunting season.” After each hunting season we have a freezer full of everything from duck to venison and many opportunities for wine pairing. Consider these tips for easy matches. FOWL Game birds such as duck, turkey, quail and pheasant generally have earthy flavors that are stronger than that of farm-raised fowl. Wildfowl generally goes best with red wines showcasing the same earthy, gamy characteristics, such as a Burgundy pinot noir. Its rich flavors of cherry and...
read moreAged wine isn’t necessarily better
A few weeks ago, my husband and I nervously pulled the cork of a bottle we had tended for almost 15 years. Many occasions came and went with the discussion of whether it was too early, late or the perfect time. Only a small percentage of the world’s wines improve with age so it’s a wonderful moment when pure patience wins over anticipation in the battle of cellaring a bottle. Wine does not have to be expensive to show the benefits of aging. Some Napa Valley Cabernets can gain spectacular benefits in 10 years while some Bordeaux transform after a hundred. Consider these tips on aging...
read morePop cork on New Year’s without maiming your friends
When it comes to opening a bottle of champagne, you’re probably more worried about your toast falling flat than one of your guests. Think again. Ricocheting and rocketing champagne corks are responsible for a surprising number of emergency room visits each year, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. And there’s no quicker way to dampen a party mood than by giving your best friend a black eye or worse, permanent eye damage. There is an art to opening a bottle of sparkling wine smoothly and safely. The primary focus is cork control, because at 72 pounds per square inch, there...
read morePopping the cork on festive sipping
If there is one time of the year when I strive to save time, cut corners and get organized it is the rush of December. My goal is to eliminate the stress and enjoy the celebration. One way to achieve this is by keeping a few entertaining tips and wine recommendations handy. Getting the party started. During hors d’oeuvres is the perfect time to open a bottle of bubbly. Sparkling wine pairs with a wide range of flavors and textures and can handle anything from light and airy sweets to baked, grilled or even deep-fried appetizers. THE VALUE NV Roederer Anderson Valley Brut, California (about...
read morePerfect gift picks for the wine lover
Picking the right gift for the wine enthusiast can be more complicated than just grabbing a bottle of wine. If you’re looking for ideas, here are few gifts that would make just about any wine lover smile. THE VALUES The Wine Wedge (about $10 for a set of two) If you have ever tried stacking wine bottles in your refrigerator you understand why this is a great solution. You can use one wedge to stack bottles against the wall or use two to create a sturdy pyramid of up to six bottles. govinowine Shatterproof Stemless “Glassware” (about $13 for a four-pack) I love this drinkware because...
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