While we often hear about wines that are highly allocated and impossible to find, it’s not every day we hear the same about…gummy bears? Pouncing on the white hot rosé trend are the confectioners at high-end candy boutique, Sugarfina, whose Whispering Angel Rosé-infused gummy bears are undoubtedly the most coveted sweet of the Summer.
Yes, you read right, the über-popular Provencal Whispering Angel rosé that captured our palates a few years ago (please click here for more info) is now infused in delicious gummy candies! The rosé-infused gummy bears and roses join Sugarfina’s existing line of alcohol-inspired candies which also includes Champagne bears, Peach Bellinis, Cuba Libres and Pale Ale Pints, however the rosé line seems to have taken off into the sugary stratosphere. The company’s initial release of the “Rosé All Day Gummy Bears” in June 2016 sold out in under two hours and a second batch of “Yes Way Rosé Gummy Roses” released in early July was also – POOF- gone in a flash!
“The wait list is currently over 12,000 people,” says Annie Worthington, PR Representative for Sugarfina. So will there be enough gummy love to satisfy everyone? The company is currently pre-selling their “Yes Way Rosé” 2-piece Bento Box ($20) which includes the two aforementioned candies encased in separate, super-chic Lucite cubes (approx. 3.5oz each – see photos in this post) tucked into a signature pink and blue keepsake box. The Bento Box can even be gift wrapped with a handwritten note just in case you’d like to send one to your bestie. The “Rosé All Day” Party Pack ($50) is also on pre-sell and includes 6 small “Rosé All Day” gummy bear cubes. The Sugarfina website promises delivery of these items, “3-4 weeks after the end of the pre-sale.”
But do these rosé-infused gummies really live up to all the hype? As a Certified Sommelier, Wine Judge and longtime lover of both rosé and gummies I would have to say “yes!” The beautiful, rosy pink gummy bears and roses have faint aromas of red berries and citrus while on the palate, flavors of strawberry, lychee and rose petals are gratifyingly sweet. A lively tartness balances out the sweet while also stimulating the taste buds, which keeps you reaching for that next gummy. The Lucite cubes also keep the candies perfectly fresh and, once opened, they come apart easily and have a heavenly chewy, gummy texture. The flavor really does mirror the Whispering Angel Rosé, but do NOT expect to feel a buzz when eating them! While the candies are infused with the wine, all the alcohol is burned off during the cooking process, so these are officially NON-alcoholic candies.
So if you’re a fan of Whispering Angel Rosé or you feel like indulging in some glamorous gummy bears or BOTH (like me!), go ahead and jump on the candy bandwagon so you too can “Rosé All Day!” If you’re in South Florida, Sugarfina has a location at the Aventura Mall that’s celebrating its 4th Birthday on August 5th. Of course, you can also just pop over to their website to place your order as well. If you’ve had a chance to sample the Whispering Angel Rosé-infused gummy bears I’d love to hear what you think, so please feel free to speak your mind in the Comments section below.
Bon appétit,
The post Whispering Angel Rosé-Infused Gummy Bears are Summer’s Hottest Sweet appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Plan on satisfying your appetite in style this Summer? If so, here are Top 6 Summer Foodie Phrases you need to know:
1.) Salade Niçoise [SAL-ad nee-SWAZ]: Niçoise literally means “in the style of Nice” which is where this super chic salad originated (pictured above). While it typically consists of fresh, traditional flavors such as tomatoes, oil-packed tuna, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives and anchovies dressed with a simple vinaigrette, this delicious salad’s global appeal has led to many variations. Today, a piece of seared rare tuna is often used instead of canned. Other accoutrements are also added including potatoes, haricorts verts, capers and/or roasted red peppers. This delicious flavor combination is also frequently used to top meat or fish and one of our all-time favorite Summer recipes is our Swordfish Niçoise. For wine lovers, nothing pairs more perfectly with this lovely salade than a glass of Provençal rosé – Sante!
Ceviche served in a Martini glass
2.) Ceviche [seh-VEE-chay]: This classic Latin American dish which originated in Peru is a MUST for seafood lovers! Ceviche is made from a combination of fresh, raw seafood (i.e. shrimp, sea bass, mahi-mahi, etc.) which is chopped and then “cooked” in citrus juices. The citric acid found in lemons and limes “denatures” the proteins in the fish, much like the application of heat although the two processes are somewhat different. The high acid of the citrus also creates an environment that is inhospitable to many pathogens, making the fish safe to eat as well. In addition to the citrus juice, ceviche is also given delicious flavor by adding garlic, onion and/or cilantro and is usually spiced with red chili peppers.
Tomato-based Gazpacho is always served chilled
3.) Gazpacho [gaz-PAH-cho]: This quintessential, tomato-based Summer soup originated in Andalusia, Spain hundred of years ago. In addition to tomatoes, gazpacho also includes raw vegetables such as onion, garlic, bell pepper, cucumbers and parsley which are chopped and blended together using either a traditional mortar and pestle or blender. Some older variations of this ancient dish also include bread although it is not commonly seen today. The soup is then seasoned using vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper and always served chilled. Gazpacho is a refreshing treat that’s the perfect foil for a hot Summer day.
Steamed Mussels with delicious Bread & Aïoli
4.) Aïoli [ay-O-lee]: This sumptuous sauce’s name literally means, “oil and garlic” in the Catalan and Provençal languages. Aïoli is a mayonnaise-like mixture of olive oil and garlic which is particularly popular in the coastal Mediterranean towns of France, Italy and Spain. It is traditionally served alongside dishes such as steamed vegetables, poached seafood, shellfish and hard-boiled eggs. It beautifully enhances a dish’s flavor with its garlicky goodness! While the Spanish maintain aïoli should not include eggs which results in a more paste-like consistency, Provençal versions often do which gives the sauce a richer, creamier texture.
Strawberry Pistachio Semifreddo
5.) Semifreddo [se-mee-FRAY-doe]: This Italian, semi-frozen dessert will quickly become a staple in your kitchen this Summer! Semifreddo, which literally means “half-cold” in Italian, is a heavenly mixture of sugar, cream and eggs. The texture is somewhere between ice cream and decadent frozen mousse, however, semifreddo is not churned like ice cream which is where the main difference lies. Semifreddo is made with whipped cream that is then frozen into a pan or mold and then sliced prior to serving. This deliciously divine Strawberry Pistachio Semifreddo is our Summer favorite!
Chef Michelle Bernstein’s Mexican-style Corn with Lime, Ancho & Queso Fresco
6.) Elote [eh-LO-tay]: I don’t know about you, but if there’s one thing I CRAVE all Summer long…its corn. And the epitome of corny deliciousness can be found in Elote, aka Mexican street corn. In this dish, ears of corn are typically either boiled or cooked on the grill and then slathered with a combination of mayonnaise, crema (sour cream), lemon or lime juice, salt, pepper, butter, cheese (such as Cotija) and either chili powder or smoked paprika depending on how you roll. We especially like Chef Michelle Bernstein’s recipe for Mexican-style Corn with Lime, Ancho and Queso Fresco but feel free to use your artistic license and make it your own for a savory Summer treat!
I hope you enjoy our Top 6 Summer Foodie Phrases and we’d love to hear about your favorite Summer dishes. Please let us know in the “Comments” section below.
Bon appétit,
The post Our Top 6 Summer Foodie Phrases appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Miami is known around the world for its legendary nightlife, beautiful people and international flair. Recently these factors converged on a balmy, South Florida Summer evening at a glamorous event hosted by Champagne Taittinger. The Champagne house fêted its friends at El Tucán, a chic, modern day cabaret and supper club that pays homage to the glitz and glamour of 1940's Cuba. Part Moulin Rouge, part CopaCabana, it's easy to see why El Tucán is one of Miami's hottest hot spots.
The Champagne Taittinger event was truly a feast for the senses! The lively reception featuring endless Champagne poured from large format bottles and paired with a variety of passed hors d'ouevres. Guests also mixed and mingled with the exotic Tucanette feather dancers prior to the show. Once seated, we enjoyed an elaborate, multi-course dinner paired with a variety of Taittinger cuvées including the Brut La Française, '08 Brut Millésimé, Nocturne, Nocturne Rosé and the '05 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs AND Rosé. While all the selections were fabulous and incredibly food friendly, the duo of Comtes de Champagne, the house's esteemed tête de cuvées, were truly the epitome of grace and finesse.
For dinner, dishes such as Tostada de Atun con Trufas, Tiradito de Lenguado Crudo and Fillet de Lomo al Cafe Cubano delighted both the eye and the palate. The cheeky, and at times fabulously risqué, burlesque dance numbers were sensuously executed and interspersed with numbers by other amazing performers. An incredibly flexible gymnast dazzled us with his rippled muscles and nimble contortions. Stunning female vocalist, Yoli Mayor, channeled Adele with her powerful, sultry voice. And Grammy Award-winning pianist, producer and composer, Marlow Rosado, and his wonderful band delighted us with their Cuban-inspired beats (see video below). Minutes after they began to play we were on the dance floor where we happily danced the night away!
Next time you're in the mood for an evening of glitz, glamour and fun, be sure to check out Miami's El Tucán. From the food to the wine (preferably Champagne) to the entertainment - I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed! Many thanks to Champagne Taittinger for a supremely special evening.Santé,
Miami is known around the world for its legendary nightlife, beautiful people and international flair. Recently these factors converged on a balmy, South Florida Summer evening at a glamorous event hosted by Champagne Taittinger. The Champagne house fêted its friends at El Tucán, a chic, modern day cabaret and supper club that pays homage to the glitz and glamour of 1940’s Cuba. Part Moulin Rouge, part CopaCabana, it’s easy to see why El Tucán is one of Miami’s hottest hot spots.
The Champagne Taittinger event was truly a feast for the senses! The lively reception featuring endless Champagne poured from large format bottles and paired with a variety of passed hors d’ouevres. Guests also mixed and mingled with the exotic Tucanette feather dancers prior to the show. Once seated, we enjoyed an elaborate, multi-course dinner paired with a variety of Taittinger cuvées including the Brut La Française, ’08 Brut Millésimé, Nocturne, Nocturne Rosé and the ’05 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs AND Rosé. While all the selections were fabulous and incredibly food friendly, the duo of Comtes de Champagne, the house’s esteemed tête de cuvées, were truly the epitome of grace and finesse.
For dinner, dishes such as Tostada de Atun con Trufas, Tiradito de Lenguado Crudo and Fillet de Lomo al Cafe Cubano delighted both the eye and the palate. The cheeky, and at times fabulously risqué, burlesque dance numbers were sensuously executed and interspersed with numbers by other amazing performers. An incredibly flexible gymnast dazzled us with his rippled muscles and nimble contortions. Stunning female vocalist, Yoli Mayor, channeled Adele with her powerful, sultry voice. And Grammy Award-winning pianist, producer and composer, Marlow Rosado, and his wonderful band delighted us with their Cuban-inspired beats (see video below). Minutes after they began to play we were on the dance floor where we happily danced the night away!
Amazing singer Yoli Mayor has been called the “Cuban Adele”!
Next time you’re in the mood for an evening of glitz, glamour and fun, be sure to check out Miami’s El Tucán. From the food to the wine (preferably Champagne) to the entertainment – I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed! Many thanks to Champagne Taittinger for a supremely special evening.
Santé,
The post A Glamorous Evening with Champagne Taittinger at Miami’s El Tucán appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Whether you're hosting a party at home, spending the day at the beach or traveling to your favorite vacation spot it's time to select some fabulous Fourth of July wines!Since Summer celebrations often involve groups of friends and family, opt for wines that are refreshing and delicious that won't break the bank. Lets face it, it's hard to contemplate an aged Bordeaux while tending to burgers and dogs on the grill AND supervising kids doing cannonballs into the pool! From a lively, Italian sparkler to a juicy, Australian red, here are five fabulous Fourth of July wines for $15 or less:
Mionetto Prosecco Brut, Treviso, Italy NV ($12): This Italian sparkler is made from 100% Glera grapes using the Charmat Method. This method allows winemakers to produce a delicious sparkling wine without the hefty price tag. Fermentation in stainless steel preserves its fresh, fruity notes of citrus, pear and green apple and crisp, dry finish. Prosecco is the perfect sparkler to enjoy on its own as an aperitif, or as a nice complement to a variety of Summer fare. It is best enjoyed fresh and young and will not benefit from additional aging. It’s also the perfect sparkling wine to use as a base for Mimosas, Bellinis or other sparkling wine-based cocktails like our Fourth of July Pomegranate-Aperol Royale!Mason Cellars Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc, California, 2014 ($12): From Sancerre to
White Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is one of our Summer staples due to its crisp, refreshing nature and Summery citrus notes. So we were happy to discover Mason Cellar's Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc - a delightful wine at an amazing price! The high elevation of the Mason Vineyard in Lake County’s Kelsey Bench and arc of rich, red volcanic soils, provides a unique growing region for ripe Sauvignon Blanc year after year. This wine opens with aromas of fragrant orange blossom, ruby grapefruit and white peach. On the palate, notes of lime zest and passion fruit really pop. As if that weren't enough, this humble little Sauvignon Blanc came in at number forty on Wine Spectator's 2015 Wines of the Year!
Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand ($15): Since oak adds weight and flavors of baking spices to wine, we mainly indulge in oaked wines in the Fall and Winter months. UN-oaked Chardonnay on the other hand, is light, crisp and fruity and perfect for Summer! The grapes for this Chardonnay from Kim Crawford are from selected vineyards in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand. The grapes were allowed to attain maximum ripeness and picked at just the right time to create a lovely, fruit-driven wine with notes of stone fruit and pear, coupled with delightful citrus character. A secondary malolactic fermentation also imparts a generous mouthfeel that will still appeal to Chardonnay lovers.Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain ($14): Spain is a wonderful place to 
discover amazing value wines. While you may be familiar with Rioja and Ribera del Duero, a region called Jumilla is also home to many vinous gems like this one from Bodegas Juan Gil. This wine is made primarily from Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre and Mataró), a red wine grape that was harvested from very old vines. Chalky, rocky limestone soils that are poor in nutrients make the vineyard ideal for growing Monastrell. This wine was aged in French oak for 12 months. The result is a wine with a deep, purplish-black color and heady aromas of ripe currant, red berries and smoke. Rich, juicy flavors of crème de cassis and blackberry persist on the palate along with supple, ripe tannins.
Ravoire & Fils Domaine Fontanyl Côtes de Provence Rosé, Provence, France ($15): If there is ONE wine you should stock your fridge with this Summer it's rosé. No, I'm not crazy and I haven't been drinking. Ok, maybe I've been drinking, but you need to trust me here! Provence is the birthplace of dry rosé which should NEVER be confused with White Zinfandel, a purely American invention known for its poor quality (read more here). This bottle from Domaine Fontanyl is made from a blend of grapes (i.e. Cinsault, Grenache, Tibouren). It gets its color from the juice remaining in contact with the skins for a few hours to impart its glorious, hallmark rose-gold hue. This wine has notes of cherries and red berries and is incredibly food friendly. So if you haven't already, please take a chance on rosé this Summer. I promise you'll be glad you did!Yalumba "Y Series" Shiraz-Viognier, South Australia, Australia ($14): We love Shiraz's 
juicy lusciousness for Summer and this wine makes us like it even more! The addition of Viognier, a fruity white grape, tames the wine's tannins and imparts beautiful, floral aromatics while accentuating the wine's fruit flavors. The practice of blending Shiraz (aka Syrah) and Viognier dates back hundred of years in France's Northern Rhone wine region and is nicely represented by this Australian gem. Yalumba's Y Series offers wonderful value wines for those who adore Australia's bounty of delicious wines. This medum-bodied red is a deep crimson in color with notes of violet, plum, blueberry and dark cherry as well as plush tannins and a delightful finish.We hope you enjoy our Fourth of July wines all Summer long! Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!Cheers,
Whether you’re hosting a party at home, spending the day at the beach or traveling to your favorite vacation spot it’s time to select some fabulous Fourth of July wines!
Since Summer celebrations often involve groups of friends and family, opt for wines that are refreshing and delicious that won’t break the bank. Lets face it, it’s hard to contemplate an aged Bordeaux while tending to burgers and dogs on the grill AND supervising kids doing cannonballs into the pool! From a lively, Italian sparkler to a juicy, Australian red, here are five fabulous Fourth of July wines for $15 or less:
Mionetto Prosecco Brut, Treviso, Italy NV ($12): This Italian sparkler is made from 100% Glera grapes using the Charmat Method. This method allows winemakers to produce a delicious sparkling wine without the hefty price tag. Fermentation in stainless steel preserves its fresh, fruity notes of citrus, pear and green apple and crisp, dry finish. Prosecco is the perfect sparkler to enjoy on its own as an aperitif, or as a nice complement to a variety of Summer fare. It is best enjoyed fresh and young and will not benefit from additional aging. It’s also the perfect sparkling wine to use as a base for Mimosas, Bellinis or other sparkling wine-based cocktails like our Fourth of July Pomegranate-Aperol Royale!
Mason Cellars Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc, California, 2014 ($12): From Sancerre to
White Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is one of our Summer staples due to its crisp, refreshing nature and Summery citrus notes. So we were happy to discover Mason Cellar’s Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc – a delightful wine at an amazing price! The high elevation of the Mason Vineyard in Lake County’s Kelsey Bench and arc of rich, red volcanic soils, provides a unique growing region for ripe Sauvignon Blanc year after year. This wine opens with aromas of fragrant orange blossom, ruby grapefruit and white peach. On the palate, notes of lime zest and passion fruit really pop. As if that weren’t enough, this humble little Sauvignon Blanc came in at number forty on Wine Spectator’s 2015 Wines of the Year!
Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand ($15): Since oak adds weight and flavors of baking spices to wine, we mainly indulge in oaked wines in the Fall and Winter months. UN-oaked Chardonnay on the other hand, is light, crisp and fruity and perfect for Summer! The grapes for this Chardonnay from Kim Crawford are from selected vineyards in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand. The grapes were allowed to attain maximum ripeness and picked at just the right time to create a lovely, fruit-driven wine with notes of stone fruit and pear, coupled with delightful citrus character. A secondary malolactic fermentation also imparts a generous mouthfeel that will still appeal to Chardonnay lovers.
Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain ($14): Spain is a wonderful place to 
discover amazing value wines. While you may be familiar with Rioja and Ribera del Duero, a region called Jumilla is also home to many vinous gems like this one from Bodegas Juan Gil. This wine is made primarily from Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre and Mataró), a red wine grape that was harvested from very old vines. Chalky, rocky limestone soils that are poor in nutrients make the vineyard ideal for growing Monastrell. This wine was aged in French oak for 12 months. The result is a wine with a deep, purplish-black color and heady aromas of ripe currant, red berries and smoke. Rich, juicy flavors of crème de cassis and blackberry persist on the palate along with supple, ripe tannins.
Ravoire & Fils Domaine Fontanyl Côtes de Provence Rosé, Provence, France ($15): If there is ONE wine you should stock your fridge with this Summer it’s rosé. No, I’m not crazy and I haven’t been drinking. Ok, maybe I’ve been drinking, but you need to trust me here! Provence is the birthplace of dry rosé which should NEVER be confused with White Zinfandel, a purely American invention known for its poor quality (read more here). This bottle from Domaine Fontanyl is made from a blend of grapes (i.e. Cinsault, Grenache, Tibouren). It gets its color from the juice remaining in contact with the skins for a few hours to impart its glorious, hallmark rose-gold hue. This wine has notes of cherries and red berries and is incredibly food friendly. So if you haven’t already, please take a chance on rosé this Summer. I promise you’ll be glad you did!
Yalumba “Y Series” Shiraz-Viognier, South Australia, Australia ($14): We love Shiraz’s 
juicy lusciousness for Summer and this wine makes us like it even more! The addition of Viognier, a fruity white grape, tames the wine’s tannins and imparts beautiful, floral aromatics while accentuating the wine’s fruit flavors. The practice of blending Shiraz (aka Syrah) and Viognier dates back hundred of years in France’s Northern Rhone wine region and is nicely represented by this Australian gem. Yalumba’s Y Series offers wonderful value wines for those who adore Australia’s bounty of delicious wines. This medum-bodied red is a deep crimson in color with notes of violet, plum, blueberry and dark cherry as well as plush tannins and a delightful finish.
We hope you enjoy our Fourth of July wines all Summer long! Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!
Cheers,
The post Red, White & Bubbles: 5 Fabulous Fourth of July Wines! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Our latest Wine Word of the Week is phylloxera, a big word that refers to a tiny, sap-sucking root louse that loves to feast on the roots of vitis vinifera grapevines. By feeding on the grapevine however, the flow of nutrients to the plant is cut off, causing it to eventually die. Since the 1800's, phylloxera's predilection for these "vinifera" vines, which produce such well known wines as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, has had a devastating impact on the history of the world's fine wine industry.Phylloxera was introduced to the vineyards of Europe in the mid 1800's when two English botanists unknowingly brought back infected vine cuttings from America. Since the pesky louse originated in America, indigenous grapevines were naturally resistant. However, Europe's vinifera vines had no natural protection and an epidemic quickly took hold. The first signs of infestation manifested in France's Southern Rhone in 1863. The louse subsequently spread like wildfire and, by the late 1800's, almost 90% of Europe's vineyards and it's grape growing industry had effectively been destroyed.
Ironically, the source of the problem also turned out to be its salvation. After experimenting with a few different methods, it turned out that grafting vinifera vines onto naturally resistant, American rootstocks was the best way to combat the scourge of phylloxera. Thankfully, the resistant rootstocks offered protection without affecting the taste or development of the vinifera grapes as other experimental methods had. Phylloxera also had a significant impact on the vineyards of California where it also became important to graft vines onto the most resistant rootstocks available. While the debate continues as to which rootstocks are most ideal, the practice of grafting continues to this day.While phylloxera has found its way into most wine regions of the world, a few have managed to remain untouched. These include Chile, due to its geographic isolation; the island of Santorini in Greece because of its sandy, ashy soils which the phylloxera louse hates; and most of the continent of Australia. Needless to say, these regions continue to be vigilant about preventing this pest from infesting their grapevines.I hope you enjoyed our latest Wine Word of the Week! To see previous installments, please click here. If there’s a wine word you’d like to learn more about, please leave it in the comment section below!Cheers,
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