Welcome and thanks for joining me for my first “Wines of the Week” show of 2018! I’m thrilled to be back and after a few weeks of shameless indulging, I think today’s episode is, ahem, extremely relevant. Now that the holiday indulgence is over, it seems the popular inclination is to relegate January to a month of self-imposed restriction in order to lose weight or ‘get fit’ which requires that every enjoyable thing is banished from our homes.
Now that just doesn’t sound like a very Happy New Year, does it?
You see, I’m a firm believer in the motto “all things in moderation” and in keeping with that philosophy I don’t think there’s any reason you have to give up your daily glass of wine to achieve optimal health. What about your spiritual health and well being – shouldn’t that count for something too?
In this episode I share four delicious waistline-friendly wines that are least likely to sabotage your New Year’s fitness or weight loss goals. I’ll also share tips on how to shop for these wines at your local wine or grocery store. Who knows, by allowing yourself this daily indulgence you might not only find yourself losing weight but in a much better mood as well!
THIS EPISODE’S WAISTLINE-FRIENDLY WINES:
1.) Tesoro della Regina Prosecco, Veneto, Italy, NV ($16)
2.) Martin Codax Albariño Rias Baixas, Spain, 2016 ($14)
3.) Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Bordeaux Blanc, Bordeaux, France, 2016 ($16)
4.) Michele Chiarlo Barbera D’Asti Le Orme, Piedmont, Italy, 2014 ($15)
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:
– Waistline-friendly Wine Guide
– The Wines of Michele Chiarlo
For ALL the details on this week’s Waistline-friendly Wines for 2018, please check out my Facebook LIVE video above. Also, to view previous episodes of “Wines of the Week,” please click here. Thanks so much for tuning in and if YOU have any wines you’re looking forward to enjoying while accomplishing those New Year’s resolutions – I’d LOVE to hear about them! Please let me know in the Comments section below.
Cheers,
The post Wines of the Week: Waistline-friendly Wines for 2018 appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
On this special Holiday edition of Wines of the Week on FB LIVE I’m sharing some of my favorite wines AND wine-related gifts perfect for the wine lover in your life. So in this episode I’ve got you covered with creative ideas for everyone from: (1) The Holiday Hostess, (2) The Red Wine Lover, (3) The Collector and (4) The Champagne Lover.
1.) THE HOLIDAY HOSTESS: Nobody wants to show up to a holiday party empty handed but what to bring? Flowers? Another lame candle? How about something sparkling that won’t break the bank? In all the years I’ve hosted holiday parties I’ve always been happy to receive bubbles which are universally appealing and super festive. I especially like these delicious bottles:
Mionetto Prosecco Brut Treviso, Veneto, Italy, NV ($14): Hailing from Veneto region of Italy, this delightful Prosecco is light, crisp and refreshing with notes of white flowers, apples and citrus. While delicious on its own, this wine is also perfect for sparkling wine based drinks such as Mimosas, Bellinis and one of my faves: Rosemary Pomegranate Royales!
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige, Napa Valley, California, NV ($20): Made in the same method as Champagne, this delightful domestic sparkler is a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Gris. It has lovely notes of citrus, apple, vanilla, with hints of toast, honey and gingerbread spice with ith a fine acidity and rich, lingering finish.
And since your Hostess went through lots of effort to create a magical evening (even if she won’t admit it) why not surprise her with one of these stylish and unique accessories:
“Bring on the Bubbly” Flutes ($28 – set of two)
Rose Gold Jewel Wine Glasses ($25 – set of two)
Both sets of glasses are available at Linen Closet boutique in downtown Delray Beach (303 NE 4th Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561)266-0766. Ask for Christina or Carolann & tell them The Glamorous Gourmet sent ya!
2.) THE RED WINE LOVER: This is the time of year to sip and savor those big, bold red wines and what’s better than a Cabernet Sauvignon? I especially adore these two California Cabernets available at two different price points to suit your budget:
Fortress Knight’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, California, 2013 ($35): This wine is an interesting blend of grape varieties including 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. It’s aged in a mixture of French and American oak and has delicious notes of dark fruit, mocha & spice.
Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, Napa, California, 2012 ($60): This wine is from one of my FAVE producers in the Napa Valley who make exceptional wines from the acclaimed Rutherford AVA of California’s Napa Valley.
One potential problem when drinking red wine can be those pesky tannins which can make a wine taste too astringent. In order to tame those tannins you need to aerate the wine and I especially love these two accessories which should be in every red wine lover’s repertoire:
Perfect for the Red Wine Lover: the Vinturi (left) & Riedel Decanter (right)
Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator ($20): This handy aerator is perfect for when you don’t feel like indulging in a whole bottle of wine.
Riedel Ultra Wine Decanter ($170): This beautiful and functional crystal decanter is perfect for decanting an entire bottle of wine. It is easy to use and clean and can also be used in conjunction with the Vinturi for extra aeration!
3.) THE WINE COLLECTOR: People collect wine to observe and enjoy how it ages over time. All types of wine can benefit from aging including sparkling, red, white and even dessert wine as long as it has the right combination of acid, tannin and/or sugar. Here are two of my favorites:
Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy, 2014 ($75): From the famed Ornellaia estate’s younger vineyards, this true, imminently ageable “second wine” is a delicious blend of 50% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot.
Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes, Bordeaux, France, 2014 ($40/375mL bottle): This delightful blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc gets its magical flavor profile from a mold known as “Noble Rot” which shrivels the grapes on the vine which then produce a heavenly viscous sweet juice. Sauternes are some of the most ageable wines on the planet and would be a welcome surprise to any wine collector!
How do you know when those special bottles are ready to open? If ONLY there was a way to sample a wine so you could tell when it was JUST perfect without opening the entire bottle too early or too late. Well, friends, the Coravin is the answer to your vinous prayers. The device’s thin needle allows wine to be siphoned out of the bottle without removing the cork and spoiling the wine. While initially only found in restaurants, consumer models are now available and, for the wine collector, – money well spent!
Coravin Model One (left) and Model Two Elite in Rose Gold (right)
Coravin Model One Starter Wine System ($230): If you’re a budding oenophile this model is perfect with easy to use, convenient silicone, soft touch grips.
Coravin Model Two Elite Wine System ($349): The Ferrari of the Coravin models with a graphite body and chrome clamps and trigger. You can also get it in custom colors to match your home as well as bundle it with other accessories.
4.) THE CHAMPAGNE LOVER: There’s no better time to indulge in decadence than the holidays and if you really want to dazzle the Champagne lover in your life, here are a few of my favorite bottles.
Taittinger Brut La Francaise, Reims, France, NV ($45): I love this spectacular sparkler from one of the few remaining family owned and run Champagne houses in France. This wine is predominantly Chardonnay, the signature grape of the House, which produces a light, crisp and elegant wine with aromas and flavors of citrus, apple and toasted brioche.
Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne, Reims, France, NV ($80): This unique bottle was inspired by King Henri IV and the fabulous wine inside is 100% Pinot Noir. The wine gains it’s gorgeous deep pink color from a 48-72 hour maceration with the grape skins which imparts added body and tannin structure to the wine. The wine has gorgeous aromas and flavors of raspberry, red currant, black cherry and spice.
Pair of Juliska Amalia Champagne Flutes ($150): These exquisite hand blown flutes of lead-free glass are made in the hills outside of Prague by Capucine and Dave Gooding.
Laguiole en Aubrac Champagne Saber ($200): Handcrafted in France, this special saber is used to perform the traditional ritual of Sabrage in which the top of a Champagne bottle is removed as the dull edge of the blade hits the neck of the bottle. This saber come in a beautiful display box and features a stainless blade complete with the “Laguiole en Aubrac” insignia and a beautiful horn handle.
Kate Spade Finer Things Champagne Bucket Bag ($358): If the Champagne lover in your life also happens to like fashion, this whimsical bag is a must! It features a cross-body strap and a silver glitter-encrusted bucket complete with faux Champagne bottle and ice cubes. The bag opens with a discrete magnetic closure and comes with a stylish dust bag as well – FABULOUS!
To view the entire Facebook Live Holiday Episode, please see FULL video below:
The post Wines of the Week: Holiday Gifts for the Wine Lover appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Your favorite cashmere sweater. A cozy fleece blanket. A steaming hot bowl of savory Boeuf Bourguignon. These are definitely a few of my favorite Winter things and you know what makes them ALL even BETTER? A nice, BIG glass of RED WINE!
In my opinion Red Wine is the PERFECT Winter accessory and today’s episode of “Wines of the Week” features some of my favorites that are guaranteed to keep you warm and toasty during the chilliest time of year.
4 Wonderful Red Wines for Winter – 2 STEALS & 2 SPLURGES:
(Please watch full episode below for detailed tasting notes & MORE helpful advice)
1.) Leese-Fitch Firehouse Red, California, 2015 ($12)
2.) Alta Vista Premium Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2012 ($18)
3.) Xavier Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France, 2010 ($40)
4.) Lucia Soberanes Vineyard Syrah, Sta. Lucia Highlands, California, 2012 ($50)
BELOW ARE RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S SHOW:
Wine Atelier Podcast: Red Wine 101: http://bit.ly/2BmzwQo
Quick Coq au Vin Recipe: http://bit.ly/2aZtl7i
Our visit to Pisoni Vineyards in Sta. Lucia Highlands, California: http://bit.ly/2ruvuDJ
For ALL the details on this week’s Wonderful Winter Red Wines, please watch the Facebook LIVE video above. To view previous episodes of “Wines of the Week” on Facebook LIVE, please click here. And if YOU have any favorite red wines you’re looking forward to enjoying this Winter – I’d LOVE to hear about them – Please let me know in the Comments section below.
Cheers,
The post Wines of the Week: Wonderful Red Wines for Winter appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
In the second episode of The Wine Atelier 101 Series, we’ll talk about Red Wine. And I think French writer and poet Henri Murger really captured people’s great passion for red wines when he said, “The first duty of wine is to be red. Don’t talk to me of your white wines!”
In today’s episode, I’ll be going over the process of making red wine, potential health benefits, terms associated with red wines, and many other must-know details so you can dazzle everyone with your red wine knowledge and gain vinous street cred among your wine-loving friends! I’m also answering a question from a red wine-living listener regarding those dreaded red wine headaches – BIG hint: they’re NOT from the sulfites!
Please click the link below to listen to the full episode and all resources promised in this episode are listed below as well. Thanks so much for listening – I greatly appreciate it!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:
Please e-mail me your wine-related questions to: stephanie [at] theglamorousgourmet [dot] com
To sign up for my WONDERFUL Weekly Newsletter (you’ll NEVER hear from me more than once a week – pinky swear!) please click here and follow the prompts.
RIEDEL WINE DECANTER ($37): I love the shape of this practical decanter which makes it easy to pour AND easy to clean. It’s perfect for infusing those young red wines with oxygen or removing older red wines from their sediment. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
MY FAVORITE CAUDALIE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS:
1.) Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser Fleur de Vigne ($24.94): This light, gentle, soap-free cleanser removes even the most stubborn eye makeup while leaving your skin cleansed, bright & refreshed. It is formulated WITHOUT Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs and Triclosan. It also does NOT contain animal ingredients and is NOT tested on animals.
2.) Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($52.49): This highly concentrated, oil-free serum improves the appearance of dark spots, promotes even skin tone & boosts radiance. It is formulated WITHOUT Parabens, Sulfates & Phthalates
3.) Caudalie Divine Oil 100ml/3.4 oz ($42): This delightfully versatile, delicately scented dry oil has a weightless, rapid-penetrating texture that you will fall in love with! It contains 4 natural oils including (1) grape oil, (2) extra-virgin argan oil, (3) extra-virgin hibiscus oil & (4) sesame oil. It can be used anywhere and helps deeply nourish hair, nails, skin or enhance baths & massages. It is subtly, yet divinely, scented with rose, grapefruit, spicy pink pepper & warm cedar to awaken your senses.
4.) Caudalie Lip Conditioner Lip Balm – .15oz ($11): This delightful product features a subtle vanilla flavor and is crafted from grape-seed polyphenols, shea butter & castor oil. It is extremely versatile and can be used for purposes ranging from nourishing & moisturizing lips, reducing furrow & lip lines and moisturizing dry cuticles. I always have it on hand when traveling, especially to dry climates.
STEVE MARTIN “THE JERK” FRESH WINE SCENE:
The post The Wine Atelier Podcast #4: Red Wine 101 appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
The travel plans are made, the gifts are bought and, if you’re hosting your family’s holiday dinner, your menu is probably all set. But what about…the wine? If you haven’t given your holiday wines a thought yet, never fear! Whether money is no object or you’re hosting on a budget, The Glamorous Gourmet’s got you covered with fabulous holiday wine selections at EVERY price point.
Sparkling Wine
Benvolio Prosecco DOC, Friuli, Italy, NV ($15): We were dazzled by this fabulous bubbly made from 100% estate grown Glera. Since the wine’s secondary fermentation takes place in steel tanks via the Charmat method (for more deets, please click here), this delightful sparkler has an extremely reasonable price tag! This wine is vibrant, fruity and fresh with notes of citrus, apple, peach and white flowers with enough backbone to stand up to hors d’oeuvres AND the holiday meal itself!
Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé, North Coast, CA, NV ($25): This wine hails from the Davies family, California’s first family of sparkling wine! Their Mirabelle sparkler is a multi-vintage, brut sparkling wine made in the same method as Champagne, aka methode champenoise or methode traditionelle. A blend of 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay, we love this wine for its sheer value as well as its crisp, food-friendly acidity and depth of flavor, featuring enticing notes of toasted brioche slathered with strawberry butter – yes, it’s THAT good!
Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve, Reims, France, NV ($65): This classic Champagne is truly the wine insider’s favorite! A blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier this delightful sparkler contains 40% reserve wine, a much higher proportion than most Champagne houses, which imparts a sexy voluptuousness to the wine. The result is a Champagne with a deep, golden hue and enticing aromas of freshly baked brioche, citrus and peach. On the palate, flavors of pastry, citrus, red cherries, vanilla and a hint of praline delight all the way through its long, lingering finish.
White Wines
Charles Smith’s Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2014 ($12): While this delightful Riesling from rock-band-manager-cum-winemaker Charles Smith is inspired by his love of the 2003 film, Kill Bill, it is still perfect for your holiday feast! Crafted from 100% Riesling, the grapes for this wine hail from the Evergreen vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA in Washington’s Columbia Valley. The wine has lovely aromas of crushed minerals, white peach, lime leaves and Linden tree that echo on the palate as well as through the long, fresh finish.
Patient Cottat Sancerre Anciennes Vignes, Loire, France, 2015 ($20): The Fournier family has been making wine in the Loire Valley’s Sancerre region for many generations. This classic incarnation of Sancerre, which is always 100% Sauvignon Blanc, is crafted from 35 year old vines planted on the region’s legendary limestone soils. It’s fermented entirely in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation or oak, resulting in a wine with delightful aromas and flavors of citrus, white flowers, minerals, passion fruit and a vibrant acidity and that is sure to keep your palate refreshed during any marathon holiday meal!
Cuvaison Kite Tail Chardonnay, Carneros, CA, 2014 ($45): Established in 1969, Cuvaison winery is dedicated to the production of vineyard-driven wines that showcase their cool-climate estate in California’s Napa Valley. Crafted by winemaker Steve Rogstad, this special, single-vineyard Chardonnay is both graceful and powerful exhibiting aromas of orange blossom, citrus and spice followed by an opulent mouthfeel and flavors of honeyed citrus, spiced pear, vanilla and juicy persimmon. If you enjoy a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay with some oak treatment – this is the white wine for you!
Red Wines
King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2014 ($18): Founded in 1991, King Estate remains a family owned and operated winery with a focus on organic winemaking. Grown responsibly in the hills and valleys of Western Oregon, the winery focuses on versatile Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs that pair wonderfully with a variety of foods. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines on the planet with its fruity, cherry perfume, medium body and supple tannins that make it imminently likeable. This wine exhibits aromas of bright red cherries and Oregon earth while on the palate, a food friendly acidity and balanced tannins accompany lush red fruit.
Cerulli Spinozzi Torre Migliori Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo, Italy, 2014 ($22): The Cerulli Spinozzi family in Italy’s Abruzzi region, specializes in working with the region’s native red grape, Montepulciano. Cultivated predominantly in central and southern Italy, this grape is known for producing deeply colored, food-friendly red wines with ripe tannins. This delightful selection is 100% Montepulciano with a beautifully intense, ruby red color with violet hues. Fragrant aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, and violet accompany flavors of juicy black fruit and spice with supple tannins and a delicious acidity.
Round Pond Estate Kith & Kin Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, 2013 ($35): Established by Bob and Jan MacDonnell in the 1980’s, this family-owned and run winery consists of over 400 acres in Napa’s acclaimed Rutherford region. While the family are farmers first and sell off most of their grapes to well-known Napa wineries, in 2002 they decided to make their own wines, starting with their “Kith and Kin” line, named after the Old English expression for “Friends and Family.” The 2014 Kith & Kin Cabernet is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Petit Verdot (13%), Petite Sirah (3%) and Malbec (2%) with delicious notes of candied cherries, cassis, strawberries, toasted nuts and tobacco followed by a harmonious mingling of smooth tannins and a lingering finish.
Cheers,
The post Fabulous Holiday Wine Picks at EVERY Price Point appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re looking for the perfect dish to seduce your Valentine – look no further. Our recipe for Steak au Poivre à Deux and Roasted Rosemary Garlic Potatoes paired with a deliciously seductive red wine will ensure an evening of endless possibilities! Steak au Poivre is a classic French dish that consists... Read More
The post Valentine’s Day Deliciousness: Steak au Poivre à Deux & Roasted Rosemary Garlic Potatoes! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
This week I’d like to introduce you to the oldest new winery you’ve never heard of: Round Pond Estate. Founded by Bob and Jan MacDonnell in the 1980’s this family-owned and operated estate consists of over 400 acres in Napa’s acclaimed Rutherford region. Historically the family had always sold their grapes to such well-known wineries as Franciscan, Duckhorn and Schramsberg... Read More
The post Wines of the Week: Rutherford’s Round Pond Estate! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
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