Father's Day is this weekend and you know what that means. It's time to show Dad just how much you love him and appreciate ALL he's done for you.Yep, no pressure at all.
And if Dad happens to be a wine lover, shopping for a special gift can be extra intimidating - but never fear! I've got some wonderful Father's Day gift ideas for you that I also recently shared on WPTV with one of Palm Beach Counties favorite Dads, John Favole! These selections are guaranteed to cinch you the coveted title of The Favorite Child.
When it comes to shopping for wine, remember to keep it simple. This is not the time to be delving into the climats of Burgundy and paying hundreds of dollars for a bottle of wine.
Instead, stick with familiar grape names and wine regions that are similar to those you know your Dad already enjoys. And if there's one thing children usually know, it's what Dad likes to drink, right? So whether he reaches for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or something a little stronger, simply spending a few dollars more for a special bottle can sure make Dad's day and make him feel appreciated.
Father's Day Wine Recommendations: These classic bottle are surefire palate pleasers and are also pretty widely available:
1.) The Prisoner Wine Company "The Snitch" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California ($35): This wine is the latest, limited-edition release from this uber-popular producer. It features Chardonnay blended with a touch of Roussanne for an extra Summery wine with delightfully lively notes of tropical fruit, peach and citrus.
2.) Palmaz Vineyards Amalia Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California ($70): Perfect for the collector, this gorgeous, hand-crafted Napa Valley Chardonnay from the Palmaz family will surely make Dad smile! It's also a fabulous place to visit next time he's traveling out to wine country.
3.) Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($35): For the Pinot-loving Pop, this wine from one of the Willamette's Valley's most notable producers is a wonderful choice. This Pinot delivers classic notes of cherry, earth and spice crafted solely from estate grown fruit.
4.) Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California ($70): If Dad prefers big, bold red wines, this classic Cabernet from renowned winemaker Chris Carpenter is definitely the way to go! Crafted solely from estate, mountain grown fruit, this well-structured Cab features luscious notes of dark fruit, tobacco and spice accompanied by ample, age-worthy tannins.
And if Pop has all the Pinot he can handle at the moment, opt for a wine-related accessory or book instead. Or to zhuzh up a bottle of wine, pair it with one of these vinous essentials:
"The Wine Bible" by Karen MacNeil ($17): This book is a must for anyone interested in learning about wine! The completely revised and updated Second Edition was recently released making it the perfect time to snatch this up for Dad.
"Judgement of Paris" by George Taber ($20): The hardcover edition of this book which depicts the legendary wine tasting that pitted California and French wines against one another is a true classic! And who better to tell the story than Taber who was the only reporter there documenting this monumental event that would change the wine world forever...
The Vinturi Essential Red Wine Aerator ($20): Dad can tame those tannins in his next glass of red wine without having to decant the entire bottle with this handy gadget. It transforms wines from tart and astringent to smooth and supple in seconds!
Riedel Magnum Wine Decanter ($67 - marked down from $80 on Amazon!): Perfect for decanting both full-bodied white AND red wines, this beautiful crystal decanter is as practical as it is beautiful. It's ideal for decanting an entire bottle of wine and will have Dad looking like one sophisticated oenophile when entertaining at home!
Coravin Model One Wine Preservation System ($199): This innovative gadget has revolutionized the way we now enjoy and collect wine. A super thin needle inserted through the cork of any wine bottle allows the user to siphon out a glass of wine without disturbing the wine. It's perfect for keeping tabs on that bottle of Bordeaux you've been aging so no more guessing whether a wine is at its prime or not.
But if Dad's more of a Cocktail Connoisseur, why not surprise him with his own Signature Cocktail? The "Summer Citrus Old Fashioned" is my Summer-infused take on a true classic that is sure to delight him on Father's Day, and quite possibly ALL Summer long.
This delicious cocktail features easy to find ingredients including Bourbon (I like Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon ($20)), Angostura bitters, sparkling water and oodles of fresh citrus and thyme for garnish. It also calls for lemon thyme simple syrup that is super easy to make (and can conveniently be made a day ahead) that will make you look like a true mixologist!
Please click here to watch the full WPTV segment and simply scroll down for the recipe for the Summer Citrus Old Fashioned. Cheers to all you fabulous Dads out there and I hope you have a very Happy Father's Day!!!
Print Recipe"FATHER'S DAY SUMMER CITRUS OLD FASHIONED"
Author: Stephanie Miskew | The Glamorous Gourmet
Makes: 3-4 drinks
Dad is sure to enjoy this Signature Cocktail on his special day and ALL Summer long!
Ingredients
For Lemon Thyme Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup still water
6-7 sprigs of fresh lemon thyme (if you can't find lemon thyme regular thyme is fine!)
For Cocktail:
1 cup Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon
2 cups sparkling water
1/4 cup (or to taste) Lemon Thyme Simple Syrup
6-7 dashes Angostura bitters
1 orange, zested into 1" wide x 2-3" long strips for garnish, and then sectioned
1 grapefruit, sectioned
Thyme sprigs for garnish
Cocktail cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
To make the lemon thyme simple syrup, add the still water and sugar to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
Once sugar is dissolved, remove pan from heat and add the thyme springs. Let steep for about 1 hour. Remove thyme sprigs from the cooled syrup and discard them. Strain the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
To make the cocktail, cut orange and grapefruit sections into bite-sized chunks.
Combine the bourbon, bitters, and lemon thyme simple syrup (to taste) in a pitcher. Adjust flavors to taste and then top with sparkling water just before serving.
Add ice cubes to serving glasses and divide chopped citrus among them. Add an orange twist and a few thyme sprigs to each glass and then pour prepared cocktail over ice and serve immediately!
Pssst. I have a secret to tell you. A secret...de fromage! And if you love cheese as much as I do, I hope you can join me for this special episode of "Wines of the Week" on Facebook LIVE featuring fabulous Cheeses of Europe. Entitled, 'Secrets de Fromage,' this show features an exceptional selection of tantalizing cheeses, as well as a wonderful lineup of wines from around the world to pair with them.
And let's face it, from George and Amal to Beyoncé and Jay-Z, some pairings are truly special. They have a sizzling synergy and are simply greater than the sum of their parts. In this episode, I'm also going to share some tips and tricks to help you create exceptional, 1+1=3 wine and cheese pairings at home. Just be ready for your friends and family to start stopping by on a much more regular basis.
So are you ready to dive in?
Please scroll down for the list of featured wines and cheeses mentioned in this episode, but you simply must watch the video below for ALL the juicy details! Also, as promised, links to all the resources mentioned in the show can be found directly below the list of wines and cheeses.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #1: Pair Cheeses and Wines of Similar Weight & #2: Pair White Wines with Cheese.
GG SERVING TIP: I also love to serve Brie with Braswell's Red Pepper Jelly ($6.95). This delightfully spicy jelly is positively DELICIOUS and the fat in the cheese keeps its heat in check.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #3: Pair Sparkling Wine with Rich, Salty Cheeses & #4: Pair Wines and Cheeses with Similar Flavors.
GG SERVING TIP: Due to Comté's delightful flavor profile, I love to serve it with Marcona almonds and dried apricots.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #5: If it Grows Together, it Goes Together!
GG SERVING TIP: Serve this delectable Italian cheese with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and meaty Castelvetrano olives for maximum deliciousness.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #6: Pair Red Wines with Hard Cheeses!
GG SERVING TIP: This gorgeous, bright orange hard cheese is complemented by a variety of dried fruit such as apricots, cranberries and figs.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #7: Pair Cheese and Wine with Opposite Flavors!
GG SERVING TIP: Serve creamy, salty blue cheeses with a generous drizzle of honey for an over the top sweet and salty experience - YUM!
- Learn more about the wine making term, "Sur Lie"
- Click here to go to my Facebook LIVE "Wines of the Week" playlist where you can search for my Italian Wine Month episodes (why can we STILL not share a playlist URL from Facebook, Mark Zuckerbeg?!?)
- Learn more about the wine term "Terroir" I hope you enjoyed this episode of “Wines of the Week” featuring 'Secrets de Fromage' from Cheeses of Europe.
I sure enjoyed sharing these delightful cheeses and wines with you, and I hope you find these pairing principles helpful next time you're entertaining at home. And I'd really love to know what YOUR favorite wine and cheese combinations are so please let me know in the Comments section below.
To view previous episodes of “Wines of the Week,” please click here and enjoy!
From my recent rosé-infused podcast interviews, Facebook LIVE shows and mouthwatering food & wine pairings (if I do say so myself!), I really hope you've been enjoying Rosé Month here on The Glamorous Gourmet.
I only say that because...it's about to get even BETTER!
It is with great pleasure that I announce the 2018 Glamorous Rosé Giveaway featuring a fabulous bottle of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne ~ an $85 value! This bottle is perfect for Summer indulging like lounging in the pool on your oversize pink flamingo floatie with a BIG glass of bubbles in hand because, as the name implies, this Champagne is specifically designed to be enjoyed over ice!
Moët & Chandon pioneered this trend in 2011 with the release of their Moët Ice Impérial Champagne. This special cuvée was inspired by Summering St. Tropez socialites (i.e. Margherita Missoni) sipping their chic "La Piscine" cocktails by the pool, which consisted of Champagne with frozen Champagne ice cubes. Based on the success and immense popularity of the Ice Impérial, they debuted the Ice Impérial Rosé last year!
Not only is the Impérial Ice Champagne formulated to improve as the ice melts, it also comes with distinctly different serving instructions than traditional Brut Champagne. Imbibers are encouraged (yes, encouraged!) to serve these wines in wide, Cabernet-style wine glasses with three large ice cubes as well as any accoutrements that might highlight the wine's freshness and aromatic intensity. For the Imperial Ice Rosé, suggestions include mint leaves, citrus wedges, ginger slices, cardamom seeds and/or red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries and even watermelon.
And if THAT didn't blow your mind, mixing these Champagnes with spirits and liqueurs is also encouraged! And I'm happy to report, after some experimenting, I've come up with my own glamorous, yet simple cocktail that embodies the free spirit and relaxed elegance of Summer: the Rosé Elderflower Fizz. This glamorous combination of Impérial Ice Rosé with St Germain elderflower liqueur, strawberry and lime = c'est fantastique!
To enter The Glamorous Rosé Giveaway for this fabulous bottle of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne (again, an $85 value!), all you need to do is leave a comment at the end of this post sharing your favorite Summer food and wine combination. It's that simple!
For ADDITIONAL chances to win, simply comment on other blog posts here on my website. Each ADDITIONAL comment on another blog post will count as ONE additional chance to win!
The Glamorous Rosé Giveaway is open to anyone 21 years of age or older who lives in the continental United States. It starts TODAY, Thursday, May 31st and ends next Thursday, June 7th, 2018 at 9:00pm EST when a winner will be randomly drawn. The lucky winner will be contacted immediately to arrange shipment/delivery – the cost of which is also included as part of the contest!
Thank you in advance for your participation and feel free to spread the word! Best of luck and remember, you have to play to win so please leave your comment(s) now. I look forward to announcing the lucky winner next Thursday!!!
It's Week 3 of Rosé Month on The Wine Atelier Podcast and in this episode, I'm excited to introduce you to someone who's had his finger on the pulse of rosé since his first cover story on the subject ten years ago, Mitch Frank, News Editor of Wine Spectator Magazine.I'm also happy to report, his second cover story on the subject, Rose's New Era, graces the cover of the latest issue of Wine Spectator which hits newsstands this week. This issue boasts a gorgeous cover and is chock full of wonderful information about rosé wine, including great recommendations and an interview with the latest celeb getting in the rosé game, Jon Bon Jovi!In this podcast episode, Mitch shares the key factors involved in the meteoric rise of rosé in the years between his cover stories. He also speculates as to where this trend is headed and which factors are crucial to its continued growth and popularity. For those who are new to rosé, Mitch shares his advice on the most helpful and least intimidating way to shop for these wines, and to my own personal delight, he reveals his favorite dish to pair with rosé (hint: he lives in New Orleans so you KNOW it's delicious!). And finally, Mitch discusses his fascinating career path and how he ultimately made the move from covering presidential elections for Time magazine to working for Wine Spectator in 2005.Whether you're new to rosé or a seasoned aficionado I think you'll really enjoy this episode and many thanks to Mitch Frank for taking the time to talk to me. Please pour yourself a glass of something pink, kick back and press the play button above for ALL the details! All resources mentioned in the show are listed below.
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!!
- To share your thoughts on this episode, please do so in the Comments section below.- To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this show on Twitter, Facebook and/or Pinterest.- If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes where you can also subscribe so you won't miss a thing!RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:1.) Our Word of the Day: "Saignée"2.) To learn more about what a "Corked" wine is, please click here3.) Mitch Frank's current WineSpectator.com articles4.) Wine Spectator's Wine Ratings Plus app5.) My recent Facebook LIVE show on "Gateway Rosés" in which I elaborate on my own personal history with pink wine.
The marriage of Meghan Markle, former Hollywood actress and divorcée, and His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales (aka Prince Harry) has caused quite a stir both in England and abroad. And while Meghan may not be what the Royal family had in mind, there's something about the way they've embraced this unexpected, yet utterly charming American that has inspired an intense enthusiasm for this union around the globe.
The gorgeous midday wedding took place in the centuries old St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle (yes, the Miskews got up at 4:30am to watch EVERY moment!). And while the ceremony followed a mostly traditional protocol, there were distinct nuances throughout that were unmistakably Meghan. From Bishop Michael Curry's lengthy message of love to the sheer number of Hollywood icons in attendance (hello - Oprah AND the Clooneys?!?) it was clear a new era had begun. But from a culinary perspective, the most notable difference was the wedding cake.
Since the Middle Ages, fruitcake has been the traditional cake choice at royal weddings. Period. End of Story.
This was largely due to the cake's staying power, the result of a hearty mixture of dried fruit, exotic spices and the addition of rum or brandy which acted as a natural preservative. So from the 1923 wedding of Prince Albert and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon to the 2011 marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton, fruitcake has been an enduring royal presence and tradition...until now!
For their wedding, Meghan and Prince Harry eschewed the traditional fruitcake (YESSS!) in favor of an elegant Lemon Elderflower Cake. American-born, pastry Chef and friend of the bride Claire Ptak of London's Violet Bakery was tapped to create the Spring-inspired marital confection. And in true royal fashion, Ptak spared no expense, flying in Amalfi lemons and organic eggs from Suffolk especially for the occasion. She also incorporated elderflower cordial from the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk because, well, why the heck wouldn't you?
But what the heck IS elderflower anyway and why is it so special?
Elderflower is a small, intoxicatingly fragrant white flower that blossoms throughout the U.K. and Northern Europe in the Spring and early Summer, making this royal cake very seasonally and regionally appropriate. In this recipe you'll use a combination of (1) Elderflower Cordial and (2) St. Germain. Elderflower cordial is a non-alcoholic soft drink made from a refined sugar and water solution and the flowers of the European Elderberry plant. I used Belvoir Elderflower Pressé in this recipe (see photo above), a premixed form of Elderberry cordial that is pretty widely available.
St. Germain, on the other hand, is an artisanally produced, French elderflower liqueur. It is made from hand harvested elderflowers grown in the French Alps that only bloom during a brief 4-5 week period. The delicate flowers are then macerated and their delicious essence is extracted and distilled into the fragrant pale golden liquid. St. Germain is pretty widely available now, especially since it is so delicious when mixed with Champagne! There's something about the way it enhances citrus flavors which is why the combination of lemon and elderflower is so AMAZING!
I was thrilled to discover a foodie application for St. Germain especially since I'm working on a special series of desserts which incorporate my favorite wines, spirits and liqueurs (stay tuned!) and I can't think of a better place to start than with this scrumptious cake!
This recipe offers a very doable, make at home version of this oh so glamorous cake - and you don't even need Amalfi lemons and the Queen's elderflower cordial to make it!
To make things easier, bake the cake layers and prepare the frosting the day before assembling. A few pieces of baking equipment that'll make the process easier include: three cake pans, a kitchen or small postal scale, a standing mixer and/or handheld electric mixer, parchment paper, an offset spatula and a 12-14" cake stand. If you like to bake, you will use these essential items for years to come - I promise! Also, to decorate the cake, I stuck with a yellow theme, using some simple lemon slices and yellow snapdragons from my garden. Just remember to avoid eating any flowers not grown for culinary purposes!
I hope you enjoy conjuring royal elegance in your very own kitchen with this Lemon Elderflower Cake and a glamorous Congratulations to the newly appointed Duke and Duchess of Sussex!!!
Print Recipe
“ROYALLY DELICIOUS LEMON ELDERFLOWER CAKE”
Author: Adapted from The Violet Bakery Cookbook
Serves: 6-8 servings
Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes and strengths in the kitchen! The cooled, cordial-brushed cakes can be made a day or two in advance, simply wrap well in plastic and store in the fridge until ready to assemble. The buttercream frosting can also be made a day in advance, simply stir or use a mixer to smooth out consistency. NOTE: Belvoir Elderflower Pressé can be found at most high end grocery stores like Fresh Market and Whole Foods.
Ingredients
FOR THE CAKE:
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick) at room temperature, plus more to grease cake pans
1 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon, reserve juice for use in frosting)
3 large eggs at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon St. Germain or other elderflower liqueur
2/3 cup whole milk
1/2 cup elderflower cordial (i.e. Belvoir Elderflower Presse)
FOR THE FILLING:
1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup store bought lemon curd at room temperature (can be found with the jams and jellies at your supermarket)
FOR THE FROSTING:
14 Tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
4-6 cups confectioners sugar
7 Tablespoons whole milk
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon St. Germain elderflower liqueur
FOR ASSEMBLY:
Assortment of fresh or crystallized flowers
Lemon slices
Instructions
FOR THE CAKE: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Using 1-2 Tablespoons of unsalted butter, grease the three 8-9 inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds. (If you only have 1-2 cake pans, cover batter and reserve at room temperature. Make sure the pans are cool before you reuse them. A simple rinse in cool water in the sink.) Place the granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer. Use your clean fingers to rub the lemon zest into the sugar until the sugar is aromatic and moist.
Add the butter and beat on med-high speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and light. Meanwhile, in a liquid measuring cup lightly whisk the eggs together with the vanilla extract and Kosher salt. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add to the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated. Stop to scrape down the bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder, then add half of it to the butter mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined, then add the milk and elderflower liqueur. Beat on low speed until well incorporated.
Add the remaining flour and beat on low speed until no trace of dry flour remains, stopping to scrape down bowl as needed. Divide batter equally between prepared cake pans and smooth tops with offset or silicone spatula. If you use a kitchen scale, each pan should contain 10.5 ounces (300 grams) of batter.
Bake pans on middle rack in oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the top of each cake layer springs back to the touch and the edges are lightly browned and pulling away from the sides of the pan. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes and then run a dull knife or offset spatula around the edges to release the layers. Invert onto a wire rack and peel off parchment paper from bottoms. Using a pastry or silicone brush, lightly brush the bottoms of the cake layers only with the elderflower cordial. Repeat 3-4 times allowing a few minutes in between applications for cakes to absorb the liquid. Stop applying the liqueur If the cakes start to break apart at all.
If you need to reuse the pans to get three layers, wash and dry the pan(s) and repeat baking and brushing with the cordial.
FOR THE FILLING: Pour the heavy cream into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with balloon whisk attachment or use a handheld electric mixer. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. (To test, remove whisk attachment and invert, if the tip of cream flops over, you need to beat it longer. If if holds its shape, you're done.
Use a silicone spatula to gently fold in half of the lemon curd by lifting cream from bottom of bowl and folding it over the curd, rotating the bowl as you work. Be careful not to deflate the cream too much in the process. Fold in the remaining curd. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge until ready to assemble the cake.
FOR THE FROSTING: Place the confectioners sugar in a large bowl and whisk to break up any lumps. Place the room temperature butter in the bowl of a stand mixer or electric handheld mixer and beat on low speed, gradually adding in 2 cups of the confectioners sugar. Increase speed to med-high until frosting is smooth and mixture is well combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. On med-low speed, add in the milk, beating until combined.
On med-low speed, gradually add 2 more cups of the confectioners sugar and beat at low speed for at least 3 minutes until mixture is smooth. Add the lemon zest, juice and St. Germain and beat at low speed until incorporated. Continue adding more confectioners sugar to achieve desired consistency which can vary based on temperature of kitchen and softness of butter. The frosting needs to be thin enough to spread but thick enough to not run off the cake. Chilling the frosting in the fridge for 20-30 minutes will help it set up.
TO ASSEMBLE THE CAKE: Place a dab of frosting in the center of a cardboard cake round, cake stand or plate, preferably with no rim. Place one cake layer in the center with the cordial-soaked side facing up.
Using an offset or silicone spatula, spread half of the filling evenly over the entire first layer, making sure to spread it out to the edges as well. Place the next cake layer on top and repeat with the remaining filling. Top with the third cake layer.
Place a small amount of frosting in a separate bowl for the crumb coat. This is the initial layer of frosting applied to the cake which helps to seal in the crumbs. Once the crumb coat is applied to the top and sides of the cake, place cake in fridge and allow it to set up for 20-30 minutes.
Apply the remaining frosting to the cake and decorate with flowers and sliced lemons or however you prefer. Return cake to the fridge and allow frosting to set up for an additional 20-30 minutes. Because of the soft filling and frosting, this cake is best cut and served while still very cool, right out of the fridge. By the time everyone eats the cake it will have softened up and temperature will be just right.
It just wouldn't be Rosé Month without Paul Chevalier. And by that I mean it literally wouldn't be! It's quite possible that without Paul's efforts over the past decade, none of us would have ever heard of a little rosé named Whispering Angel, the pink juggernaut that rocked the wine world and essentially become the poster-wine for the #RoseRevolution.As National Fine Wine Director for Shaw-Ross Imports, Paul's collaboration with Sacha Lichine, son of Bordeaux legend Alexis Lichine and owner of Chateau D'Esclans, launched this brand and rosé in general into the stratosphere of popularity and changed how rosé wine was viewed around the world.In our timely interview, Paul explains first and foremost what makes Provencal rosé so unique. He also shares his thoughts on the rise of rosé over the past ten years and speculates as to where it's headed in the future. He also shares exciting information on Chateau D'Esclans' latest project which involves a partnership with the glamorous Fontainebleau Hotel in South Beach.I'm so excited for you to hear my interview with Paul Chevalier so please kick back, pour yourself a glass of something Provencal and pink, and press play for all the details!RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:1.) Our amazing visit to Chateau D'Esclans in Provence.2.) "The Truth About Rosé" - my Fox News article with more on the Chateau D'Esclans story.3.) "Wines of the Week" on Facebook LIVE: "The Rosés of Provence" 4.) A glamorous Chateau D'Esclans Rosé Brunch Hosted by Martha Stewart and Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the South Beach Wine + Food Festival.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s episode of “Wines of the Week” on Facebook LIVE, I have a SUPER exciting giveaway to announce this month. In keeping with Italian Wine Month, this month’s giveaway features a fabulous bottle of the 2013 Marchesi Antinori Tignanello (a $110 VALUE)! This glorious red wine, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, debuted on the wine scene in 1978 and is widely regarded as the FIRST Super Tuscan wine in history.
As I’ve mentioned before, Tuscany is where I fell in love with wine. And while our entire trip was magical, it was during a special dinner in Florence with my husband that a flight of Super Tuscans (including Tignanello) positively blew me away! But in case you were wondering WHY these wines are SO special (not to mention SO expensive) here’s a little history for ya.
Super Tuscan wines were “invented” in the 1960’s as wine producers became frustrated with the declining quality of wines coming out of the Chianti region of Tuscany. As a result, they started experimenting outside of the strict DOC classification system, planting French grape varieties from Bordeaux such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Free of any restrictive vinous laws, these winemakers started incorporating these non-indigenous grape varieties into their wines, both with Sangiovese and without, depending on the whim of the producer.
In the beginning, these winemakers were laughed at. Yet, once people started sampling these utterly delicious wines, these rule breakers became heralded as great innovators. Soon, the prices of these exceptional wines were eclipsing that of the most well-respected Chiantis. And while these new wines didn’t fit into any existing classifications, they were ultimately given their own in 1992 – the IGT classification, aka Indicazione Geografica Tipica.
And while today the production of Chianti wines has increased exponentially and they are some of my favorite Italian wines to enjoy, the rebellious Super Tuscans are here to stay. In addition to Tignanello, produced by the legendary Marchese Piero Antinori, other notable Super Tuscans include Sassicaia which was invented by Antinori’s uncle Mario Incisa della Rochetta, Solaia, Ornellaia, Masseto and Fontalloro. To put it in perspective, these wines with their unique monikers are essentially the Italian equivalent of California Cult collectibles like Screaming Eagle and Insignia.
To enter The Glamorous Italian Giveaway for this fabulous bottle of 2013 Marchesi Antinori Tignanello, simply leave a comment at the end of this post sharing your favorite Italian food and wine combination – AND – comment on TWO other blog posts here on my website – it’s THAT simple! AND for ADDITIONAL chances to win, please leave ADDITIONAL comments on other blog posts! Each additional comment left on a blog post here on my website (after the initial three of course) will count as ONE additional chance to win.
This Glamorous Italian Giveaway is open to anyone 21 years of age or older who lives in the continental United States. It starts TODAY, Sunday April 22nd and ends next Sunday, April 29th, 2018 at 9:00pm EST when a winner will be randomly drawn. The lucky winner will be contacted immediately to arrange shipment/delivery – the cost of which is included as part of the contest!
Thank you in advance for your participation, best of luck and remember, you have to play to win so please leave your comments now. I look forward to announcing the lucky winner next Sunday!!!
Cheers,
The post A Glamorous Italian Giveaway: 2013 Marchesi Antinori Tignanello Super Tuscan Red Wine! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
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