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New Year’s Eve at Iridescence

January 1, 2019 – 11:20 am

Teeling Irish Whiskey started off our New Year’s Eve celebration.

What did we drink to end 2018 for New Year’s Eve dinner? It was quite a plethora. As we were seated at Iridescence Restaurant in the Motor City Casino in Detroit, the men were served Teeling Irish Whiskey while the women were served a champagne from Moët & Chandon. The light gold colored brut champagne had multiple streams of small bubbles rising to the surface forming a circumference mousse. The bubbly mouthfeel had mineral and apple notes. The taste lingered in the mouth. The wine was used as an appetizer.

For the men, the Teeling Irish Whiskey was also used as an appetizer. The whiskey was a light yellow color with a floral and corn aroma. Floral notes, corn and heat were noted on the taste. The Irish whiskey had an extremely long aftertaste lasting several minutes. I added a small bit of water to the whiskey and noticed the heat was subdued a bit.

2011 Perrier Jouët

Appetizers were served and paired with 2011 Perrier Jouët. This brut champagne had a light yellow color with multiple columns of tiny bubbles forming a center mousse. Apple, mineral and citrus were on the aroma and taste. The mouthfeel was crisp. The wine paired wonderfully with Alaskan King Crab on Brioche (hollandaise, celery, lemon vinaigrette) and Osetra Caviar (with smoked salmon, eggs, chives, brioche, crème fraîche). The wine helped cleanse the palate. 

 

 

Alaskan King Crab

2014 Buccella Merlot.

Both Kathy and I had Alaskan Sea Bass for the entrée. To pair with this entrée we had a 2014 Buccella Merlot. This Merlot was delicious. The dark ruby to black colored wine had black fruits on the aroma. The taste was reminiscent of blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, licorice and a touch of leather. The wine had a very silky mouthfeel, with a full body and medium to bold tannins. The fruity finish yielded to spices and licorice.

The evening was a wonderful goodbye to 2018 and a great way to welcome in 2019. We had a wonderful meal at Iridescence and only lost a bit at the casino.

Cheers,
Terry 

By Terry | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

What Are You Drinking for New Year’s Eve?

December 30, 2018 – 9:16 pm

French champagne

As a child I well remember New Year’s Eve as an at home event. Every year in early fall, my mom and dad would “harvest” the grapes from our few grapevines. There were enough grapes for making yummy homemade grape juice. There was never any talk of making wine in those days.

As a result, by New Year’s Eve there were still bottles of the grape juice stored in the cellar of our 1800s home. Mom would retrieve a bottle of the grape juice, and as a special treat, mix grape juice with ginger ale or 7-Up. The sparkles in the non-alcoholic drink were delightful and just a perfect way to celebrate this special day.

Today it seems that many enjoy celebrating New Year’s Eve with sparkling wine or champagne. We enjoy a glass of sparkling wine/champagne anytime but New Year’s Eve also is a great day to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine especially champagne.

For us, the key to drinking on New Year’s Eve, or anytime, is not to drink too much. How much is too much you might ask. I believe that much of it depends on body weight as well as how much food you are enjoying with the drink. Also it is very important to drink as much water as alcohol.

If you will be driving on New Year’s Eve, use a designated driver – someone who will not drink alcohol during the event. Many people will be happy to help you out, and as a thank you, you can also give them a gift of perhaps a bottle of wine to enjoy at a later time.

Layton’s Chance, a Maryland Eastern Shore winery

I would like to thank Layton’s Chance, a Maryland Eastern Shore winery, who sent out an email and also has posted online an article that celebrated the designated driver. In the article, In Praise of the Designated Driver, they write: “This is a person who holds life at such a high esteem that they would rather be entirely sober on Christmas, New Year’s or a random Friday evening gathering (which can be amusing, ask anyone who works behind the counter in the Tasting Room) rather than worry someone they like or love could drive impaired. They volunteer to drink coffee, soda or other non-alcoholic drink so others don’t need worry.” Read the Wine Trail Traveler review article about Layton’s Chance Winery.

Please drink in moderation! Tomorrow, we will write about the specials wines we had to celebrate the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Scone Recipe Includes Bacon & Blue Cheese

December 28, 2018 – 12:15 pm

Scone recipe includes sparkling wine

Make New Year’s Day extra special for 2019. As a special treat for New Year’s Day, create this enticing recipe for scones which includes bacon and blue cheese. The recipe is from J Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, California and also calls for sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. Typically scones are served with afternoon tea; however, I think that the addition of bacon would make it a great item for breakfast!

Cheers!
Kathy

 

 

Scones with Bacon & Blue Cheese Fig Jam

Serves: Makes 32 scones

Ingredients

Ingredients for Scones

2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
3 oz. cold butter
1 egg
½ cup cream
½ cup bacon, (15 slices), diced and cooked
½ cup crumbled blue cheese

Ingredients for Fig Jam

1-1/2 cups J Brut Rose
1-1/2 cups J Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
3 cups water
12 ounces figs, diced
2 cups sugar
½ cup lemon juice
Bouquet Garni: 2 sticks cinnamon, 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon allspice, 2 teaspoons cloves

Directions

Directions for Scones

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add butter and mix well. Add egg and remaining ingredients; mix to combine. Place batter on floured surface and shape into 32 (1/2 inch thick) triangles. Bake in preheated 425-degree oven for 12 minutes.

Directions for Fig Jam

Simmer ingredients in a saucepan for 45 minutes or until thick, stirring as mixture thickens. Remove bouquet garni; refrigerate jam until ready to use. Makes about 16 ounces. Serve with Scones.

Suggested Pairing:

Recipe provided by J Vineyards & Winery, Healdsburg, California.

By Kathy | Posted in Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

A Special Dessert: Riesling Savarin Cake

December 20, 2018 – 1:03 pm

Wollersheim Winery in Wisconsin

Are you looking for a holiday dessert with a difference? Try this recipe for Riesling Savarin Cake from Wollersheim Winery in Wisconsin.

Frequently I enjoy baking a dessert cake with wine added to the mix before baking. After the cake is finished baking, I make a glaze with the same wine added to it. Frequently the wine I use is a fruit wine such as blackberry or raspberry. The results are great and since I start with a box cake, it is unbelievable what the addition of the fruit wine and jello mix can do to upscale the final results.

The recipe below from Wollersheim Winery was created by Executive Chef Paul Short and enjoyed at the 2014 Wollersheim Winery Open House. The Riesling Savarin Cake recipe is undoubtedly not quick and easy but it sounds delicious and I can hardly wait to try it! I suggest reading the recipe thoroughly before beginning.

Cheers!
Kathy

Riesling Savarin Cake

by Executive Chef Paul Short
From our 2014 Wollersheim Winery Open House

Ingredients: Dough

  • 3 ¼ cups bread flour
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ stick melted butter
  • ¼ cup macerated raisins

Ingredients: Baba Syrup

  • 1 quart water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 vanilla beans
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 1 cup Wollersheim Dry Riesling
  • dark rum to taste

Directions:

1. Combine the flour, water, eggs, yeast, salt, and sugar and mix with the dough hook.

2. Mix for 5 to 7 minutes after incorporation to cleanup stage, using medium high speed.

3. Once the dough is developed, add the melted butter on slow speed.

4. Add the raisins.

5. After mixing divide and shape the dough into loose balls.

6. Deposit the dough into appropriate molds halfway up the mold, and let ferment 25 to 30 minutes.

7. The dough is ready to bake once it reaches the top of the mold.

8. Bake at 400°F in a convection oven until golden brown.

9. Boil the water, sugar, vanilla, and zest.

10. Add the rum and wine when the sugar mixture has cooled to room temperature.

11. Soak the babas until no longer dry.

12. Garnish with crème Chantilly and fruit.

MAKES: Makes 22 individual servings

Recipe provided by Wollersheim Winery, Wisconsin

By Kathy | Posted in Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Still Looking for Christmas Gifts?

December 19, 2018 – 3:38 pm

Santa Christmas tree ornament

Wineries can be a source of gifts for the right person. While all winery tasting rooms offer wine for purchasing, some go even further with an array of gifts available for purchase. Shoppers can frequently locate wine bottle stoppers, corkscrews, coasters, and shirts with wine quotes. If you are undecided about what to give someone for the holidays, why not give them a gift card from a local winery? 

In Virginia, two wineries are also offering some innovative and expensive ideas for those who truly enjoy wine. These two wineries are located in Northern Virginia not far from Washington DC.

Wine barrels at Pearmund Cellars, Virginia

An email from Pearmund Cellars in Virginia suggested:  bottles of award winning wine, pre-boxed and wrapped Virginia’s Heritage wine, chocolates made with Pearmund Cellars wine (in a dark chocolate wreath), wine club gift certificates, and Virginia Wine-opoly. The email suggested stopping by the winery to enjoy a glass of wine and cookies while enjoying your holiday shopping. 

If you are curious about the Virginia’s Heritage. The description on the Pearmund Cellars website says, “The blend was aged in 32 wine barrels in the Effingham Manor winery, and bottled in August to produce 10,000 bottles, with the number of bottles representing each of the original 10,000 vitis vinifera vines planted in Virginia by the Virginia Company, 400 years ago. The limited-edition wine is presented in a commemorative box featuring a representation of the 1619 Virginia Company seal to reflect its Colonial roots. The wine bottle label is printed on thin sheets of birch wood and ribbon shavings of the same wood surrounding the bottles as packaging.” $62.00 shipping included.

Pearmund Cellars located in Broad Run, Virginia is just a short distance from Washington, DC. Get away from the crowded stores and stop by Pearmund Cellars.

Another Virginia winery, Vint Hill Craft Winery in Vint HIll, offers alternative ideas for Christmas with an ‘ADOPT A BARREL PROGRAM’ from which one can choose between a full barrel of 288 bottles and a half barrel that holds 144 bottles.

Also  think about the Home Winemaking Class which involves four Saturday sessions at Vint Hill.

The third option at Vint HIll Craft Winery is a gift of the ‘Clandestine’ Wine Club  which entails receiving three bottles of wine in January, April, July and October.

Vint Hill is also offering “The 12 Wines of Christmas” which includes 12 wines for $239.

Of course, why not purchase a bottle of wine, add a colorful ribbon and say “Merry Christmas?”

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Try this Fondue Recipe for Christmas or the New Year!

December 18, 2018 – 5:08 pm

Celebrate the holidays with a fondue!

Looking for a relaxing, fun evening during the holidays? Whether it’s Christmas or New Year’s Eve, you might just want to give this recipe a try. Of course, if you anticipate sharing this fondue with someone who has a big appetite, add some side dishes to share while waiting. Hungry people don’t like to wait for food!

Cheers!
Kathy

J Vineyards and Winery Fondue

Ingredients:

1 garlic clove, halved crosswise
1 ½ cups plus 2 teaspoons J Vineyards California Pinot Gris
2 t Meyer lemon
1 T cornstarch
½ lb Alpine Style Cheese (Gruyere), rind off, coarsely grated (2 cups)
½ lb Triple Cream Brie, rind off cut into ½ inch pieces (2 cups)

Directions:

  1. Rub inside of a 4-quart heavy pot with cut sides of garlic, then discard garlic. 
  2. Add 1 ½ cups J Pinot Gris to pot and bring just to a simmer over moderate heat.
  3. Stir together cornstarch, Meyer lemon and remaining 2 teaspoons of J Pinot Gris. 
  4. Gradually add cheese to pot, starting first with the Alpine style then the Brie. 
  5. Cook while stirring constantly in a zigzag pattern (not a circular motion) to prevent cheese from balling up, until cheese is just melted and creamy (do not let boil). 
  6. Stir cornstarch mixture again and then stir mixture into fondue. Bring fondue to a simmer and cook, until thickened, 5 to 8 minutes, stirring consistently. 
  7. Transfer to fondue pot set over a flame.

The fun part is the items to dip into the cheese.  Below are some traditional items to dip into the fondue and also some interesting unexpected items:

-Bread cubes
-Apples
-Pears
-Bell peppers
-Broccoli
-Cauliflower
-Soft or Hard pretzels
-French Fries
-Roasted cremini mushrooms
-Cubes of roasted beef (tenderloin, striploin, rib eye)

Recipe provided by J Vineyards in Healdsburg, CA.

By Kathy | Posted in Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Alternative Holiday Gift

December 17, 2018 – 1:11 pm

Skip the tie and the socks for those on your holiday gift list this year. That is unless you know someone who just really loves ties or wants socks for Christmas. If you know someone who enjoys cheese; there’s a good chance they enjoy wine as well. So consider a gift of a ticket to the 13th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival. The event is held from March 23rd to March 24th in Santa Rosa California.

SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 23, 2019

  • Farm & Producer Tours These tours take place at various locations. Transportation is by Pure Luxury Transportation.
  • Seminars and Pairing Demos will be held in the morning and afternoon. 
  • Cheese, Bites and Booze takes place in the evening. This is a competition with the pairing of a cheesemaker with a chef and cheesemonger. Together they will create a bite and the bite will be paired with “regional wine, cider, spirits and beer.” Those in attendance will be able to vote for their favorite. 

Sunday, March 24, 2019

  • Bubbles and Brunch
  • Artisan Cheese Tasting and Market Place (“In this banquet for the senses, the Artisan Marketplace brings together more than 100 artisan cheese and food producers, winemakers, brewers, cider makers, distillers and chefs who will offer their hand-crafted cheeses, and delectable products that complement cheese.” In addition, attendees can purchase many of these find products.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased online.

For the right person, this could be a perfect gift.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

2014 Merlot from Kosicek Vineyards

December 13, 2018 – 7:25 am

 

Merlot from Kosicek Vineyards in Ohio

In 2015 we visited Kosicek Vineyards in Harpersfield, Ohio. This winery is family owned and the owner and winemaker is Tony Kosicek. Tony is the 3rd generation to own the vineyards. While there have been vineyards for decades, Tony and his wife started the winery in 2012.

Last night we opened a bottle of Kosicek, the Merlot 2014. This dry wine is certainly aging well and we enjoyed a glass of it just before dinner. The Merlot 2014, with 12% alcohol, was an opaque, dark purple to black color with a dark ruby rim.  The aroma  was mostly black fruit. The taste notes included black cherry, black raspberry, blackberry and leather. The tannins were mild and the wine was medium to full bodied. The finish was long and fruity.

Kosicek winery and tasting room in Ohio

The grapes for this Merlot were sourced from North Fork of Long Island. It is worth noting that Merlot wines are now produced with estate grown grapes.

When we visited Kosicek Vineyards in 2014, we had a delightful visit with Tony. 

Our article about Kosicek Vineyards included details about a delightful cheese available in the tasting room. This was a Gouda cheese produced with the winery’s grape pomace (Cabernet Sauvignon) for aging the cheese. At the time, this very special cheese was only available in the winery tasting room.

Quilt block at winery on the Ashtabula Quilt Trail

On the outside of the tasting room, a large quilt block is seen. Kosicek Vineyards is one of a select group of buildings that participate in the Ashtabula County Barn Quilt Trail. The large quilt square hints of patriotism with its blue, red and white colors, stars and stripes. 

Availability of Wines

Currently, the winery only ships wine to addresses within Ohio. Either order wines through the winery or stop by and visit the winery tasting room.

The red wines available include:

  • Petite Sirah
  • Estate Merlot
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Urban-Cabernet Franc
  • Chancellor
  • 534
  • Concord
  • Dam Red

White wines include:

  • Estate Chardonnay
  • Chardonnay
  • I-90
  • Traminette
  • Riesling
  • Vidal Blanc
  • Niagara
  • Dam White

Special Selection Wines:

  • Estate Late Harvest Vidal Blanc
  • Estate Concord Ice Wine
  • Estate Vidal Blanc Ice Wine
  • Anthony
  • Emma’s Blush
  • Rhapsody

In the tasting room, visitors can order a variety of foods to enjoy with wine. The menu includes: an Artisan Meat Board, Specialty Cheese Plate, Combination Meat and Cheese Board, Wine Cheese Plate, Combination Meat and Cheese Board, Wine Cheese Plate, Bread Dipping Plate, Soft Pretzel Sticks, Flat Bread Pizza Salte, Apple Strudel, and cheesecake.

To learn more about Kosicek Vineyards, read the Wine Trail Traveler article. When visiting Kosicek Vineyards be sure to ask about their specialty cheese.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Recipes for the Holidays

December 11, 2018 – 11:52 am

Celebrate with holiday recipes!

Cooking for the holidays is as important as shopping for gifts.

Many wine lovers enjoy using wine as an ingredient in some of their recipes. The entrée below from the Put PORK on your FORK website reminds me of holiday cooking as it includes lemon slices, dried apricots and figs as well as two cups of red wine.

If you are looking for more holidays recipes, check out the Wine Trail Traveler recipe section and the list of recipes we suggest for Christmas and the holidays. Do you have the necessary ingredients you need for the holidays you celebrate? 

Stuffed Tenderloin with Honey Wine Sauce

Ingredients

2 Canadian PorkTenderloins, well trimmed, about 12 oz each
2 cups dry red wine
1T orange juice
2/3 cup honey
3 lemon slices
1/3 cup each, quartered dried apricots and figs
1 T dried rosemary, chopped  (or 1/4 cup fresh)
1/4 lb prosciutto, thinly sliced

Directions

  1. In a saucepan, combine wine, orange juice, honey, lemon slices, apricots and figs. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  2. Remove lemon slices, apricots and figs with a slotted spoon; discard lemon slices and reserve apricots and figs. 
  3. Cut each tenderloin to, but not through, opposite side. Open like a book and flatten with a mallet to about 1/2″ (1.25cm) thick, pounding long edges together. Sprinkle rosemary, apricots and figs over the surface. Roll up tightly from long end. 
  4. Wrap prosciutto slices around pork, tying in several places with string. 
  5. Roast at 375ºF/190ºC for about 35 to 40 minutes, to an internal temperature of 155-160ºF (68-70ºC). Remove from oven. Tent loosely with foil; let rest 5 minutes. 
  6. Meanwhile, gently boil wine mixture until reduced by half, about 20 minutes. 
  7. Before serving, remove strings from pork; slice 1/2? (1.25cm) thick. Serve with honey wine sauce.

Recipe provided by Put PORK on your FORK.

Cheers,

Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Holiday Gift Guide for Wine Enthusiasts

December 10, 2018 – 10:37 am

A Christmas tree adorns a winery space.

Christmas and other holiday events are quickly approaching. As one of the old holiday songs says, “Soon it will be Christmas Day.” Are you ready for Christmas or any of the holidays you celebrate?

When you are searching for holiday gift ideas for wine enthusiasts take a look through our Holiday Gift Guide Part I and Part 2. 

If you want to give a gift of wine, you can also visit one or more of your local wineries to taste the wines and select wine from your local winery. You will have a fun time tasting wines at wineries at this time of year; many of the wineries are decorated for the holidays. Or perhaps you want to provide a gift certificate for a wine tasting at a winery located near your recipient’s home. Wineries are located throughout the United States, so many people are located near a winery.

Happy Holidays!

Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

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