Super Bowl Sangria

Sangria, it’s not just for summer, it’s for Super Bowl sipping too! With the big game quickly approaching, you need something that will keep you going so you don’t get too tipsy from high alcohol drinks or too full from all those party foods and filling beer. Back in Tampa, when we hosted a cook out or a party that was going to last awhile, I would make up a big batch of Sangria. I find cutting the alcohol with fruit or club soda, you can stay in the game for the long haul. I recently received a sample of Eppa Super Fruit Sangria. Antioxidants, real fruit juices, just 8.5% alcohol and only 120 calories, you really can have you wine and drink it too!

Pomegranate and blueberry are the dominant flavors up front with blood orange bringing up the rear. I found it a little sweet so I added some cinnamon which really cut the sugar down.

The Sangria is a blend of Mendocino Cabernet and Syrah. The Cabernet provides the structure and depth while the Syrah brings fruit flavors to the party. The grapes are then combined with antioxidant-rich juices from pomegranate, blueberry, Mediterranean blood orange and Acai. Red wine is naturally rich in antioxidants but the addition of these super fruits raises the glass so to speak to nearly twice the amount of just straight red wine.

At this time, Eppa Super Fruit Sangria is only available in Florida found in local retailers. For the rest of you, why not make your own Sangria. You can even play around with some super fruit juices for the antioxidant benefits.

Sangria is a popular Spanish wine “punch” typically served in casual social gatherings during the hot summer months. Traditional Sangria is made with wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and brandy.

2 bottles of red or white wine

1 apple sliced
1 orange sectioned
Half a lemon
Half a lime
Cinnamon (to taste)
Seltzer or club soda (optional)
1-2 cups Pomegranate juice (optional)
Combine in a pitcher, pour over ice, enjoy

For a southern twist, add a little Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon Cranberry Moonshine. That will put a little giddy up in your glass, however does defeat the purpose of enjoying a lower alcoholic beverage.

For more traditional Sangria, try the following:

1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup orange juice
1 bottle dry red wine
1/2 cup triple sec
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1/4 cup white sugar (optional)
maraschino cherries
2 cups carbonated water (optional)

Before leaving Tampa, one of my favorite things to do with friends was meet them at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. The food was ok, but what I went for was the ambiance and Sangria! Amongst the colorful tiles, the fountain (if you were lucky enough to get in the main dining room), the Spanish accented wait staff, and a lovely pitcher of Sangria on your table, you’re taken away to another place. Until you step outside and just about get run over by one of the fuel tankers coming from the Port! Cheers!

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Italian Wines, Don’t Forget About It!

Tenuta Ca’ Bolani Friuli Aquileia DOC Pinot Grigio and FeudoPrincipi di Butera, Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT

 

 

Reason number 202 why moving to the NE Georgia mountains was a good move; the ability to easily travel by car to other states. This past weekend my husband and our cat Daisy made the trek to Nashville. I was amazed we were able to get there on just one tank of gas. Granted the trip took 4.5 hours since there’s no interstate cutting across Georgia but when we lived in Florida, it would have taken us 4 hours just to get out of the state. Oh the possibilities, spring in DC, summer in Boone, fall in Williamsburg, Christmas in Ashville. Now if I could just drive to Europe, well until that’s doable, I’ll just have to drink some Italian wines here on my own soil. Two recent samples Tenuta Ca’ Bolani Friuli Aquileia DOC Pinot Grigio and Feudo Principi di Butera, Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT can take me away even while sitting on my couch.

Tenuta Ca’ Bolani Friuli Aquileia DOC Pinot Grigio 2010

Floral and tropical aromatics, flavors of under ripe white peaches and chalky minerals. Finish is full of tart citrus.

Region – Cervignano del Friuli, Udine, Italy

Varietal – 100% Pinot Grigio

Alcohol – 12.5%

SRP $14

Located in Italy’s north-eastern region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Named as a DOC in 1975 the region encompasses 17 communes (townships) in the province of Udine. Known for its ideal growing conditions, Aquileia was founded in 181 BC and is still intact today. The terroir provides the wines with a clay and mineral flavor. Close proximity to the Adriatic Sea provides for a maritime climate, allowing for sunny days and cool nights to wash over the grapes, resulting in fresh and fruity wines.

Feudo Principi di Butera, Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT 2008

Nose is full of spice, cassis and vanilla. Flavors are dry and fruity. Good structure and balance between cherry and spice. Medium bodied with a long and dry finish. I often find Old World Wines a bit too dry for me but this was just the right balance.

Region – District of Buterain the Province of Caltranissetta in the Riesi DOC Sicily (now that’s a mouthful)

Varietal – Nero d'Avola

Alcohol – 13%

SRP - $15

Feudo Principi di Butera estate tends to 334 acres of vineyards located in Sicily. The hills, sunny days, altitude and nearness to the sea are ideal conditions for growing premium grapes. The estate which once belonged to the Branciforte and Lanza di Scalea dynasties, took the name from the first Sicilian Prince Ambrogio Branciforte. Branciforte was named Prince of Butera by King Philip II of Spain, in 1543.

I was just thinking about travel and where are those flying cars we’re all suppose to have now? I also want one of those conveyors you get on and it takes you through the shower, does your hair, makeup and dresses you. Ah, now that would be living!

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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James Oatley TIC TOK Cabernet Sauvignon, Mudgee Australia

We all have clocks; internal ones, the kind you hang on the wall or wake up to and the ones that are more in our mind. I recently saw a friend post a comment on Facebook about her 20^th high school reunion and how could it have arrived already. Many of us view time as an inevitable and unstoppable measure of periods in our lives. It can be viewed positively as the “good times” we had or in a less positive light as the time that is slipping away. Mostly I only view my time in the slipping away sense when I’m crazy busy and can’t seem to get everything done in the day. Then there’s those days when I watch the clock and wonder if it’s a respectable time to open a bottle of wine. Today is one of those days but since it’s still too early, I’ll just have to think about the bottle of James Oatly Tik Tok Cabernet Sauvignon I had recently. I do feel like time is ticking by on me getting this blog finished so forgive me if it’s a short one this week.

Aromas of black cherry and cassis.  With aromas carrying over to the flavors, the wine is fruit forward with complexity, balance and soft tannins. This isn’t a bold and in your face cabernet but a more subtle wine. This makes the wine feel more sophisticate than your average $15 bottle.

Drink Now to 2016
Alc/vol 13.5%
RS 0.47 g/L
pH 3.56
TA 5.91 g/L

SRP - $14.99

The 2010 Cabernet is a cross-continent blend of cabernet sauvignon grapes grown in Mudgee North Western Australia (66%) and Frankland, WA (28%). Bob Oatley is credited with bringing Australian wine to the rest of the world. His success with his Rosemount Estate Chardonnay, launched Oatley into wine stardom. He also is credited with helping to stock American retail shelves with Australian Shiraz. Having learned agriculture, international trading and markets while working the coffee and cocoa trade market, Oatley’s reach continues to span continents. Robert Oatley wines opened a Petaluma, CA office in 2008, bringing those tasty and affordable wines to the US.

I’ve done a few blogs on James Oatley wines, for more info, click here.

I have a lot of those “good times” memories and maybe that’s what many of us are trying to recapture. While I no longer find dancing until 5:00AM or playing drinking games until the wee morning items very appealing, there is a comfort in knowing I can still enjoy “good times”. Those times now are spent sipping wine while overlooking the countryside at a local winery or exploring the little towns in the NE Georgia.

While time may be passing by, you’re never too old to grab time by the reigns and take charge. My only complaint is there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on my plate.

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Un4seen Red Wine 2009 and Un4seen White Wine 2010

Unforeseen, the mere mention of the word puts me on alert. Something unexpected looming, just waiting to pounce when I least expect it. There it is, the unforeseen, an unexpected event requiring a reaction from us, be it good or bad. I consider myself rather brave but I have to admit, when it comes to the unknown, I get butterflies in my stomach. I’m a list maker, a planner and when things don’t go just as I expected, I don’t always know how to react.  I have to admit, I don’t always know how much I’ll like the wine samples sent to me but the wine I’ll be discussing here was (you have been warned, here comes the pun) an unforeseen welcome, Un4seen Red Wine and Un4seen White Wine.

Un4seen Red Wine blend 2009

It took awhile for the aromas and flavors to open but after about 20 minutes in the glass, a personality began to develop with scents of earth, red fruits and spice. Flavors were faint but after some swirling hints of plum, cherry and spicy black pepper emerged. Medium bodied with a silky mouthfeel and well structured tannins. I typically find Petit Verdot to be a very perfumey wine but not pick up the notes in this wine. May have been an off night for me.

Varietal - of Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot

Appellation - California (Lodi, Clarksburg)
Alcohol – 13.9%
TA – 6.1 g/L
pH – 3.6
RS – 6.2 g/L
SRP - $10.99

As you can see the Un4seen Red is a blend of four varietals, each harvested and fermented on their own, then blended. The blend of the four varietals creates a harmonious flavor combo with great complexity as each sip brings out new flavors and aromas.

Un4seen White Wine blend 2010

Tantalizing aromas of honey and tropical fruits. Flavors burst through with apple and mango. Finish is lush and full of perfumed floral notes. It’s like summer in a glass. Something many of us can use this time of year.

Varietal - Chardonnay, Semillon, Viogner and Moscato

Appellation -  California (Lodi, Clarksburg)
Alcohol – 13.9%
TA – 6.1 g/L
pH – 3.53
RS – 7 g/L
SRP - $10.99

A blend of Chardonnay, Semillon, Viogner and Moscato

Seems like every time I turn around, there’s another change affecting me. The dismissal of co-workers or contacts that have a vast and very important knowledge of what we do. The passing of my 19 year old cat, Katundra, who was with me through most of my 20’s and all of my 30’s. While I contemplate what the future may bring for me after all these changes, I know it’s up to me to rise above and continue moving forward. So maybe it doesn’t have to be such a foreboding word. Maybe it’s a positive change in our path; an unforeseen fortune, an unforeseen adventure, an unforeseen opportunity. Hmm, fortune, adventure, opportunity; I like the sound of those words.

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.
http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Clif Family Winery The Climber Red Wine 2010

Happy New Year! Every year after the ball drops, we vow to change bad habits, focus on the things that are truly important to us, spend more time with our families, etc. In essence every year we single out all the things we feel could use a little tweaking and vow to make a change. Many of these resolutions don’t last 3 days; most others will be a distant memory before we find ourselves gorging on Valentine’s candy. So why do we do it? Is it the hope that we can become something other than we are now or is there some kind of internal trigger set off at the stroke of twelve every January 1^st that says, you must make changes? As I contemplate a better approach to the New Year’s Resolution, I can’t help but notice my choice in wine last night, need not change one bit. Clif Family Winery The Climber Red Wine Blend, was a perfect start to a new year and new wines.

Aromas full of cherry and blackberry. Raspberry and vanilla combine with firm and well structured tannins. A hint of black pepper in the finish rounds out the flavors.

Varietals - 50% Zinfandel, 36% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Sirah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot
Alcohol - 13.9%
SRP - $14

I bet the Clif Family is hoping to see another year like 2010. A wet spring was followed by a long, cool growing season and some late heat spikes that helped the grapes reach full maturity. While the weather was a bit like a rollercoaster, the unpredictable weather resulted in subtle yet elegant wines. For more info on Clif Family Wines, click here.

Last week I read an article by a local columnist challenging us to make a big change this year, one that would surprise even our closest friends and family. Since I made a huge change last year by moving from Tampa, FL to NE Georgia I’m racking my brain trying to figure out what I could do to top that one. I think it’s important to take a chance, and not become too complacent in your current life or situation. Too often, I hear people complain about their lives yet they never make an effort to change it. Many people didn’t know my husband and I were even considering the move until 6 weeks prior to loading the truck and setting out for our new adventure. While we had each other to offer support through the stress and uncertainty, all you really need is belief in you.

When we began talking about moving, I pictured myself living another way. One outside of a subdivision, away from miles and miles of asphalt but instead surrounded by acres of land. It was exciting and frightening at the same time. Whether it’s giving up smoking or breaking away from a relationship that is no longer working, start with small steps, and then few bigger steps until you see yourself reaching your goal. “You are what you are and you are where you are because of what has gone into your mind. You change what you are and you change where you are by changing what goes into your mind.” – Zig Ziglar.

Hmm, maybe I can find a resolution or two to work on after all….

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Bubbly Report 2011

Can you believe it; the Holiday Season is coming to a close. It seems like we spend so much time working up to those festive nights, only to have them fly by at the blink of an eye. While I advocate picking up a bottle of bubbly any time of year, there are many people who only bring it out for special occasions, New Year’s Eve being one of them. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to find a good bottle of bubbly and this time of year, many retailers have specials on sparkling wines, so it’s the perfect time to stock up.

Sparkling Wine info:

Classification: Extra Brut (extra dry), Brut (very dry), Extra Dry/Extra Sec (dry), Sec(semi-sweet), Demi Sec (sweet), Doux (very sweet)
Suggested Serving Temperature: 40-45ºF (to achieve this temperature, remove from fridge 30 minutes prior to serving. Or, if chilling from room temperature, place in ice bucket for about 30 minutes)
Wine Glass: The flute — the narrower the opening at the mouth, the longer the bubbles will last.

 Avissi Prosecco

Produced in the Veneto region of Italy, I think this was one of my favorite samples this season. Delicate floral aromas combine with crisp and clean fruit, honey and floral flavors. Deliciously dry, the wine is made to drink young which means as soon as it hits the shelves, you can begin enjoying. Per the website, the name Avissi comes from the delightful fizzy sound the bubbles make as they happily rise in the glass. That description alone makes me want to seek out another bottle. SRP - $18.99

Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blancs Méthode Champenoise Brut 2007

100% Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley, the grapes are harvested at a high acidity and fermented at low temps. Aromas of honey and lime while flavors are full of floral, apricot and a hint of yeast. Nice acidity and well balanced. Who can resist the romance and opulence the Biltmore Estate represents. While I may never live like a Vanderbilt, I can enjoy the wonderful wines the estate produces. SRP - $24.99

Yellow Tail Bubbles Sparkling White

Touted as the go-to Sparkling white, as annoying as I find those new “go-to” commercials, I must admit, for the money, yellow tail Bubbles is a good option for a go-to sparkler. Abundance of fine bubbles and hint of floral in the aroma with crisp, tropical semi-sweet flavors make this a good option for NYE celebrating. The makers of Yellow Tail realize, sometimes you have to end the party a little early or maybe you’ve partied a little to hard and it’s time to hang up your glass. If you find yourself unable to finish a bottle of Yellow Tail Bubbles, never fear! The “cork”, called a Zork, is a re-sealable enclosure that allows the wonderful sound of the popping cork, yet allows you to seal and maintain gas pressure so you don’t lose any of those wonderful bubbles. I’ve used the Zork and stored sparkling wine for up to two days in my fridge and had ample bubbles.  SRP - $8-$12

Looking to mix up your sparkler, how about a “champagne” cocktail. Below are a few recipes sent to me using yellow tail but you could substitute your favorite sparkling wine.

Blackberry Fizz (served at Madison & Vine, NYC)

2 large fresh blackberries (or 1 oz. blackberry puree)
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz. simple syrup
2 oz.  Yellow Tail sparkling wine
1 oz. Lillet Blanc
1 oz. Gin
Directions: In a mixing glass muddle the blackberries (or add the puree), along with the lemon, simple, Lillet, and Gin. Then add ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled champagne flute and top off with the sparkling wine.
Garnish: blackberry on rim of glass

Ginger-Passion Sparkler (served at Bookmarks Lounge, NYC)

1/2 oz. ginger liqueur
1 oz. passionfruit juice
4 oz. Yellow Tail Sparkling Wine
Directions: Add ingredients directly to champagne flute.
Garnish: candied ginger on rim of glass

Food Pairings:

Hard cheese, both strong and mild make a beautiful pairing. My favorites are cave aged gruyere and clothbound cheddar. Both can be found at specialty cheese shops and Whole Foods.
Pair with Brix Chocolate for Wine for a special treat. Pair with the Smooth Dark Chocolate, which is best suited for sparkling wines.

So another year comes and goes. For a change, I look forward to what the new year will bring. For me it will be continued improvements to our new home, a wine room in what is now a plain and dull partial basement, Americana chickens and their colorful eggs and the hope of meeting new people who may become lifelong friends. One change I do not look forward to is the inevitable passing of my 19 year old cat, Katundra. The time is near, I know but in the meantime, we keep her warm, comfortable, well fed and very loved.

This New Year’s raise a glass to both old friends and new friends who we may meet in the New Year and to the memories of friends and family we may have lost this year.

Cheers!

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2011© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/
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Wine Tips for the Perfect Holiday Celebration

This Christmas my home won’t be filled with friends and family but nonetheless will be filled with lots of Christmas spirits. I’m not only referring to the happy and joyful feelings we carry around this time of year but of those fun and delightful libations. For those of you who will be doing a lot of entertaining this year, here are a few tips to help keep the drinks and party flowing.

Wine Temps

Everyone knows you serve red wine at room temperature. But what everyone doesn’t know is this refers to room temps between 54-65 degrees, not 75 degrees. White wines should be served a bit cooler at 41-50 degrees. I must add a note here, please do not store your red wines in the refrigerator unless this is a wine refrigerator. Standard kitchen fridge temps are kept just above the freezing mark. While your wine will not freeze, much of the flavor will be lost. If you do not have a wine fridge you can use chill packs that store in your freezer until you’re ready to use. Then you place over your bottle of wine. I typically keep one on for about 20 minutes, any longer and I find the wine becomes too cold. You can also do a quick chill in a bucket of water and ice. Again, just long enough to chill the wine not make it ice cold. The same method can be used for your kitchen fridge, just remember to pull the wine out after about 30-40 minutes. If you find the wine is too cold in the glass, cup your hands around the bowl to warm the wine.

Wine Order

If serving an array of wines through a dinner course, wine order is important. Serve dry wines before sweet wines and light wines before heavier. If serving both whites and reds, whites should precede the red wines. You can serve sparkling wines with either the appetizer or with the dessert, just be sure you’ve done your homework on pairing the weight and sweetness level of the wine to the dessert.
If you’re hosting an open house with appetizer and serve yourself foods, you have more leeway. Personally I say let guests drink what they want but if you want to offer some tips, start with colder wines (sparklers, rosés, whites) with the food and move to warmer wines when mingling. Maybe offer up a nightcap of Port to warm the bones before heading out in the frosty air.

Sparkling Wine

Celebrating with sparklers this season? Be sure to include a little bit of everything. Spumante for the sweet wine lovers, Prosecco (Italian) – fruity and dry, Cava (Spanish) -  light and fruity, Champagne (French but can only be called Champagne when from the region of the same name) – demi-sec (sweet) to brut (dry). I’ll cover more on these wines in my blog next week. 

Clean Up

At the end of the night if you should find your good linens with red wine stains, soak the stain in white wine, pour salt on the stain and rub gently. Use a sponge or cloth to then take up the salt and the wine. You can also purchase products made specifically to remove wine stains. I have used them in the past and they really do work.

Perhaps the most important responsibility as a host or hostess is to recognize when a guest has imbibed a bit too much. Nothing will put a bigger damper on your holiday or others than to learn of a friend or family member who has been jailed or worse because they drank too much and got in their car to drive. Have a few cab company numbers on hand. Or maybe one of your guests will volunteer to be chauffer to those who have had too much. I certainly wouldn’t want to shuttle a bunch of drunken people around but who knows, maybe someone will get a kick out of it.

Am I sad I won’t be with my family for Christmas this year, yes a little. It will be the first time I’ve been away from my family at this time of year, ever! But I have to look at it this way, it will give my husband and I a chance to start our own traditions and do things our way. We’ve already decided for Christmas Eve we’re doing it party style and each of us will be making two hors d'oeuvres to bring to our “party”. Christmas Day, we’re braising pork belly, something I know my family would not have any interest in eating.

Whether celebrating the season with many or a few, take the time to appreciate all you have and what the New Year may hold.

Cheers!

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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