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Summertime Chilled Dessert Includes Champagne

August 8, 2015 – 11:18 am

033115aWhat’s a day without a sparkling wine whether it’s champagne, cava, prosecco or any sparkling wine? Occasionally sparkling wines are used in recipes, too!

Below is a recipe from the Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry Commission for Red Raspberry Champagne Granita. It’s a chilled dessert and seems perfect for a hot summer day! Enjoy.

Later I plan to try to create this with my ice cream maker.

Cheers,
Kathy

Red Raspberry Champagne Granita

Notes: Preparation Time: 1 1/2 hours. Freezing Time: approximately 5 hours. Serves 6

Ingredients

•1 cup sugar, divided
•¾ cup water
•4 cups frozen red raspberries, thawed and divided
•1 ½ cups fresh grapefruit juice
•1 ½ cups dry Champagne (if non alcoholic granita is desired substitute 1 ½ cups lemon lime soda such as Sprite or 7-Up)
•½ cup fresh lemon juice
•¼ cup Framboise (or other raspberry liqueur)
•1 cup fresh red raspberries (optional garnish)

Preparation

1. Combine ¾ cup sugar and ¾ cup water in a small heavy saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil 1 minute. Cool. Refrigerate syrup until cold, about 45 minutes.
2. Puree enough raspberries (about 1 cup) in blender to yield ½ cup of puree. Transfer raspberry puree to large bowl.
3. Mix grapefruit juice, Champagne, lemon juice and chilled syrup into raspberry puree.
4. Pour mixture into 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan.
5. Freeze granita mixture until icy at the edge of pan, about 55 minutes.
6. Using a whisk, mix to distribute frozen portions evenly.
7. Freeze again until icy at edge of pan and overall texture is slushy, about 40 minutes.
8. Whisk again to distribute frozen portions evenly.
9. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until mixture is solid, about 3 hours. (Freezing time may differ with individual freezer temperature).
10. Meanwhile, mix remaining red raspberries with ¼ sugar and ¼ cup Framboise in a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
11. Using fork, scrape granita down length of pan, forming ice flakes. Do this for the whole pan, leave in flakes, cover with plastic wrap and return to freezer or serve immediately. (Granita can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time.)

To Serve

Divide raspberries in liqueur between six martini, wine or champagne glasses. Top with granita, garnish with fresh raspberries if desired and serve immediately.

Nutritional analysis

Value per serving: 304 calories, 1.7 calories from fat, 2.60 g protein, 61.34 g carbohydrates, 0.19g fat, 6.85g sodium.

Recipe provided by the Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry Commission.

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

The Arnaldo Caprai Winery Sagrantino Quote Contest

August 7, 2015 – 4:28 pm
Arnaldo Caprai winery in Montefalco

Arnaldo Caprai winery in Montefalco, Italy

While numerous wineries keep up with social media including having an easily accessible website and perhaps use Facebook and Twitter. Arnaldo Caprai, a renowned Italian winery in Montefalco, in the Umbria region of Italy is taking social media a step further.

Arnaldo Caprai winery recently announced a contest. The goal is for wine lovers to come up with and submit a quote of 140 characters or fewer that describes beauty. Share with Arnaldo Caprai “what beauty means to you.”

Wine enthusiasts have until September 21 to post “what beauty means to you” using only 140 characters or less. Share your sentiment on Twitter or Instagram and use the hash tag #mysagrantino25. The tag line can be a motto, quote or inspirational. According to the email I received, “The best tweets or Instagram posts will be selected and printed on the corks of the Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni—the flagship wine of Arnaldo Caprai—literally traveling the globe as messages in a bottle.” The winners of the contest will have their quotes printed on the wine labels for the 25th Anniversary Sagrantino wine.

Wine produced with the Sagrantino grape tends to have high tannins. The dry

Sagrantino wine at Arnaldo Caprai

Sagrantino wine at Arnaldo Caprai

red wine pairings include game, aged cheeses and braised meats. For the wines made in the Passito version, pair with dark chocolate or dry fruit. I would suggest that if you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, you should give well made Sagrantino wines a try.

Arnaldo Caprai offers visitors a great experience. If you are visiting the Umbria region, Arnaldo Caprai is one of the wineries you should take time to visit.

We visited Arnaldo Caprai as part of the International Wine Tourism Conference in 2012. The article with photos are available online.

Remember to submit your “beauty” quote with the hash tag #mysagrantino25. What could be better than you’re favorite quote reaching around the world?

Cheers!
Kathy

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

August Events at Local Wineries

August 6, 2015 – 6:21 pm

111113aBelow is a list many wine events through August. Some are quite unusual and deserve special intention including vineyard carriage rides, Ameritage blending competitions and Trivia Night. However, you will want to check out all of the wine-related events. As you travel this summer, discover the local wines in the area you are visiting.

Cheers,
Kathy

Friday, August 7

Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run, Virginia
Event: First Friday in Old Town Warrenton! @ Scoti
Website Info

Saturday, August 8

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Vineyard Carriage Rides
Website Info

Sunday, August 9

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Website Info

Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run, Virginia
Event: Ameritage Blending Competition
Website Info

Monday, August 10

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Website Info

Tuesday, August 11

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Wednesday, August 12

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner!
Website Info

Thursday, August 13

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Jazz at Sunset 
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Brushes & Lushes
Website Info

Youngberg Hill, McMinnville, Oregon
Event: Linfield Music Programs Benefit
Website Info

Friday, August 14

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Texas Legato, Lampasas, Texas
Event: Texas Wine Down
Website Info

Saturday, August 15

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Information

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Vineyard Carriage Rides
Website Info

Sunday, August 16

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Website Info

High Rock Winery, Hanover, Pennsylvania
Event: Wine at the Hamptons, New Oxford, PA
Website Information

Monday, August 17

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Website Info

Tuesday, August 18

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Wednesday, August 19

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Thursday, August 20

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Jazz at Sunset 
Website Information

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Brushes & Lushes
Website Information

Orfila Vineyards & Winery, Escondido, California
Event: Trivia Night
Website Information 

Friday, August 21

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Saturday, August 22

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Information

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Vineyard Carriage Rides
Website Information

Sunday, August 23

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Website Info

Monday, August 24

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Website Info

Tuesday, August 25

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Wednesday, August 26

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Thursday, August 27

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Jazz at Sunset 
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Brushes & Lushes
Website Info

Friday, August 28

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Winey-Margarita Party
Website Information

Saturday, August 29

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Event: Wine Dinner! 
Website Info

Grand River Cellars, Madison, Ohio
Event: Vineyard Carriage Rides
Website Information

High Rock Winery, Hanover, Pennsylvania
Event: Wine Tasting in the Park, Spring Grove, PA
Website Info

Orfila Vineyards & Winery, Escondido, California
Event: 22nd Annual Grape Stomp
Website Info

Sunday, August 30

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Website Info

Youngberg Hill, McMinnville, Oregon
Event: Salem Concert Band
Website Info

Monday, August 31

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City, Michigan
Event: Wine and Food Pairing Tours! Make reservations.
Website Info

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Seven Tips for Summer Wine Tasting

August 5, 2015 – 4:40 pm

As you enjoy wines this summer, keep these tips in mind.

  1. Whether tasting wine at a winery or drinking a glass of wine at a restaurant, remember to drink as much water as alcohol. Staying hydrated is an important part of enjoying wine.
  2. The ultimate wine experience involves the wine plus friends, family and food.
  3. No matter what type of wine you enjoy throughout the year, be sure to try some different types of wines during the summer. I suggest looking for white, light-bodied, crisp wines or try rosé wines when they are available. When we write about individual wines, we frequently will compare a summertime wine as paired with a “rocking chair on a porch” or a 3P “patio, porch, pool” wine. What wine would you enjoy on a patio with a few appetizers?
  4. Bubbly wines are great for the summer. Look for sparkling wine, cava, prosecco and champagne.
  5. While imbibing wine, enjoy it with food. Wine and food help to create an experience.
  6. Be sure to enjoy a glass of wine with a friend or two.
  7. If you are planning to purchase a bottle of wine, have a cooler in your car. A bottle of hot wine will be spoiled when you reach home. And no it’s not a wine fault. That’s why some wineries will not ship wine during the summer months. Another way to think of it is by answering this question, “What would happen if you left a box of chocolate in a hot car?“

Hope everyone is having a great summer.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

Attending the 2016 IWINETC in the Penedés Affords an Opportunity to Become a Placomusophile

August 4, 2015 – 7:49 am
Cava placa, the Penedés region just outside the city of Barcelona will host the 2016 IWINETC.

Cava placa, the Penedés region just outside the city of Barcelona will host the 2016 IWINETC.

This is not a negative. The word placomusophile refers to a collector of placas or chapas, those metal coverings that are affixed to a wire cage holding a cork in a bottle of sparkling wine. This piece of metal protects the cork from the wire cage. The use of metal coverings dates back to 1844 when Adolphe Jacquesson filed for a patent. Placing words on the metal appeared in the early twentieth century. The term placomusophile has been used since the 1980’s. Placa is the term for the metal piece affixed to a wire cage or muselet. In the Penedés region of Catalonia, Spain, the term chapa is also used. Why would someone collect these?

The next time you open a bottle of cava or champagne as well as the many other sparkling wines produced throughout the world, look at the wire cage for the placa. Some of the metal caps that I’ve seen on sparkling wines produced in the United States are all black or silver. It is the French and the Spanish that took placa design to another level. Cava and champagne producers are often creative in the image put on the metal. Some of these are so creative that they are collected by placomusophiles. What do collectors do with their collection?

Champagne Morize Père et Fils placa collection

Champagne Morize Père et Fils placa collection

Collectors often trade placas with other collectors. Some collectors showcase the placas in display boxes. On a recent trip to the Champagne region of France, after the 2015 International Wine Tourism Conference, we observed several champagne tasting rooms that had placas in a visual design. Champagne Morize Père et Fils had a large cutout of a cork covered with placas. The same is true for cava producers in Spain. One cava producer even sells the placas they produce to collectors while others prefer that you purchase the cava to get the placa.

The many different designs of placas attracts collectors. Some placas have grayscale photos of family members. Others show the producer’s logo. Vallformosa in Vilobí del Penedès offers advice on its placa, “Sip Beautifully – Act Responsibly.” One of my favorite champagne placas is from Champagne Bonnet Ponson. I like the shiny gold, black and red colors encircling a black on gold image in the center. My champagne placa collection is limited to ten placas, collected at the 2015 IWINETC in Reims, France.

My cava collection is much more extensive, a result of two trips to the Penedés and visits to 28 cava producers. Of the 66 cava placas, I have two favorites. One is from a bottle of Kripta Brut Nature by Agustí Torelló Mata in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Colors range from white to gold with several shades of blue. There is an image of a woman with golden colored grapes for hair. Another favorite is a placa from a bottle of Mestres 2008 80th Aniversario. This multi-colored placa shows a collage of images including the model the producer used for their 1920s Coquet.

My favorite cava placas

My favorite cava placas

Collecting placas has the appeal of tracking your wine journey. They also offer talking points and can be traded with other collectors. Attending the International Wine Tourism Conference in Barcelona in April 2016 may afford an opportunity to trade placas as well as begin a collection.

Cheers,
Terry

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

Why You Should Register In Advance for the International Wine Tourism Conference

August 3, 2015 – 10:02 am
A panel discussion at IWINETC 2014

A panel discussion at IWINETC 2014 in the country Georgia

The International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) has just announced that early registration is now available for the 2016 annual conference scheduled for Barcelona, Spain. Anyone who registers during Early Bird Registration will receive a great price on the tickets. Of course, only a certain number of  tickets are available at this special price, so it’s probably a good idea to register soon.

Currently the cost for a one day ticket includes access to conference talks, exhibition area, coffee break, and lunch. (Early Bird Price is 195 euros plus fee and IVA.)

The cost is 345 euros plus fee and IVA for the two day conference ticket and includes all of the above for two days plus a two day winery visit program.

We have attended the International Wine Tourism Conference for several years and have discovered it to be a delightful way to network with people from many areas of the world who are involved in the wine and tourism industries. Writers will also find the conference to be worthwhile attending.

The IWINETC is a one-of-a-kind conference. The Barcelona location of the conference in 2016 promises to be a wonderful experience.

IWINETC registration is available online.

Cheers,
Kathy

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

Corks & Canvas: An Event to Help Others

August 2, 2015 – 11:25 am

The upcoming CORKS & CANVAS event takes place August 27, 2015 at Twin Palms Center for the Disabled in Boca Rotan, Florida. The fun event will benefit the disabled.

The “Cork Popping, Paint Dropping Extravaganza” is at the Waterstone Resort and Marina. Participants can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wines with members of the community and local artists. Corks & Canvas includes local art displays with the option to purchase, live and silent auctions and raffles.

If you are planning to be in the Boca Rotan area in late August be sure to consider attending the event and showing your support for the Twin Palms Center.

The Twin Palms Center for the Disabled benefits those with developmental delays. According to the organization’s website,  “The MISSION of Twin Palms Center is to improve the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with developmental challenges. We also dedicate this program to educating our community on the talents and abilities that these individuals possess.”

Tickets for Corks & Canvas are available online for $60; at the door the tickets are $75.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

National Watermelon Day: Monday, August 3

August 1, 2015 – 10:30 am
Try Strawberry Watermelon Soup for National Watermelon Day!

Try Strawberry Watermelon Soup for National Watermelon Day!

If you missed July’s National Watermelon Month you can still celebrate National Watermelon Day on Monday, August 3. Now you might reasonably ask yourself why National Watermelon Day doesn’t occur in July? My guess is that someone was too late to celebrate the National Watermelon Month of July and decided to name August 3 as a special day for watermelon. In any event, on Monday why not celebrate with watermelon? If you want more than just a cold slice of watermelon check out the ideas below.

Messina Hof Strawberry Watermelon Soup

Ingredients for Soup Base

Watermelon puree
Strawberry puree

Directions for Soup Base

1. Mix and chill
If you need a little sweeter add a small amount of simple syrup to your taste

Ingredients for Crème Fraiche

2 c heavy cream
¼ c buttermilk

Directions for Crème Fraiche

1. Mix together and cover.
2. Allow to sit overnight on counter. It will naturally thicken on its own.

For the soup add 2 tbsp dry basil and ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese.

Recipe provided by Messina Hof Winery & Resort in Bryan, Texas.

Texas Legato Sangria

Ingredients

2 cups Texas Legato Sweet Surrender (a Merlot)
2 cups cranberry Juice
2 cups Sprite
1 ½ cups orange juice
Add any fruit you enjoy

Notes from Texas Legato

We paired this during our Picnic Road Trip with watermelon and goat cheese. Fresh goat cheese is available 1/4 mile on CR 111 at the Bradley Goat Farm. This is great on a hot day as a pool side cold beverage or to take on a picnic.

Provided by Texas Legato, Lampasas, Texas.

Fruit Salad in Strawberry Wine Syrup

Ingredients

1 c Duplin Scuppernong
½ c water
¼ c Duplin Winery Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves
¼ c sugar
1 T honey
2 c watermelon (Large dice)
2 c cantaloupe (Large dice)
2 c honeydew (Large dice)
1 c grapes
1 c strawberry (halved)
1 T fresh mint leaves (minced)

Directions for Vinaigrette

1. In medium saucepan, whisk together the Duplin Scuppernong, water, Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves, sugar and honey.
2. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30-45 minutes.
4. Fold chopped melons, grapes and strawberries into strawberry wine syrup.
5. Garnish with some minced fresh mint and enjoy accompanied by nice glass of Duplin Scuppernong.

Provided by Duplin Winery, North Carolina.

How are you planning to celebrate National Watermelon Day?

Watermelon Fun Fact: Watermelon is 92% water.

Cheers!
Kathy

 

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

What’s in a Wine Name?

July 29, 2015 – 3:15 pm
St. Michael's Winery Home of the Go

St. Michaels Winery
Home of the Gollywobbler

Paul Vigna from Pennsylvania wrote a great post for pennlive.com  recently, What’s in a name? The Story behind Gollywobbler Braveheart and others. In addition, he wrote about questions and answers with Michael Kaiser of WineAmerica about wine names.

In his blog Vigna looks at wineries from eight wineries in Pennsylvania and Maryland and the unusual names they have chosen for wines. For instance at St. Michaels Winery in Maryland a wine is named Gollywobbler while at Orchid Cellar Meadery also in Maryland they produce a mead with the name Lumberjack. Read Vigna’s article to discover why some wines have unusual names such as Russian Kiss, Tears of Gettysburg, Zafferano, Braveheart and Detante.

In his Q&A with Michael Kaiser from WineAmerica  Vigna posed questions about TTB requirements for wine labels. In his post, On fanciful wine names and why the TTB rejects some he asked some general questions about wine names but also asked about the criteria used to approve or reject a name or label. Kaiser responded with some of the things that the TTB looks for on a wine label including alcohol content, brand name and class/type of wine. Most interesting is the list of reasons why a name might be rejected which includes “Anything implying health benefits” and “Anything with a government stamp or seal.” Read his blog to discover more reasons why a wine name might be rejected.

If you enjoy wine, you are likely to enjoy Paul Vigna’s blogs about wine names.

Cheers,
Kathy

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

It’s the Little Things You Do That Tells a Sommelier What Wine to Suggest

July 28, 2015 – 3:16 pm

Sometimes it’s the little things that count when a sommelier is about to suggest a wine. A writer for the Washington Post, Dave McIntyre relates a wonderful experience he recently encountered in Charlottesville, Virginia. In the Washington Post article, “Why the sommelier watches how you attack the bread basket” he recounts visiting the restaurant, Fleurie, with his own bottle of wine only to find that it was oxidized. McIntyre discusses the pros of relying on a good sommelier to help with choosing a wine.

At the Fleurie restaurant, Erin Scala is the sommelier and has some definite ideas of the proper way to judge or read what the customer may like to enjoy in the evening. According to the article, McIntyre describes how Scala reads the customer by carefully observing how they eat the bread. Another clue for Scala to observe is if the diner orders ice with water. Do you know what picking up your napkin, leaving your wine glasses in the correct order or not moving your bread plate mean? Find out by reading McIntyre’s article. It’s fascinating to discover that it is the little things you do that can determine what a sommelier can learn about your wine preferences. You will also learn how Scala feels about Beaujolais.

Cheers!
Kathy

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

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