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Fabulous Father's Day Gifts for the Wine Lover + a Summer-Inspired Signature Cocktail on WPTV

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. To make the cocktail, cut orange and grapefruit sections into bite-sized chunks.

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

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Wines of the Week: 'Secrets de Fromage' featuring Fabulous Cheeses of Europe!

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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.

FEATURED CHEESE + WINE PAIRINGS

1.) Brie & Palmaz Amalia Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California 2015 ($70)

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.

2.) Comté & Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Brut, North Coast, California, 2013 ($35)

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.

3.) Parmigiano-Reggiano & Fattoria Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, Italy, 2008 ($30)

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.

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4.) Mimolette & Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva Unfiltered, Rioja, Spain, 2011 ($25)

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.

5.) Saint Agur Blue Cheese & Chateau Guiraud Sauternes, Bordeaux, France, 2011 ($35 for 375mL bottle)

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!

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY'S SHOW

- 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!

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A Glamorous Rosé Giveaway: Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne

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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.

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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!!!

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Rosés for Summer Soirées on WPTV

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Many thanks to Hollani Davis and WPTV for the chance to share some delicious rosés that are perfect for sipping and savoring all Summer long!

And as she mentions in the segment, Hollani especially loved the Rosé + Elderflower Fizz I made with the Moët & Chandon Ice Imperial Rosé Champagne, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and lime. When I shared the ingredients, she commented on the increased popularity of elderflower since the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle featuring their now famous Lemon Elderflower Cake.

As a big fan of elderflower myself, I was happy to tell her about my recent post featuring a “make at home” version of this DIVINE cake which you can also find right here ~ Enjoy!

WINES FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO

1.) King Estate Acrobat Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2016 ($15)

2.) Chateau Minuty 'M de Minuty' Limited Edition Cotes de Provence Rosé, Provence, France, ($20)

3.) Chateau D'Esclans Rock Angel Rosé, Provence, France, 2016 ($35)

4.) Moët & Chandon Ice Imperial Rosé Champagne, Champagne, France, NV ($75)

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Wines of the Week: The Rosés of Provence

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I can't think of a better place to kick off Rosé Month on "Wines of the Week" than Provence which is considered the birthplace of rosé! With its balmy Mediterranean breezes, sun-drenched fields of lavender and snow-capped mountain ranges, there are few more gorgeous wine regions on Earth.However, despite its natural beauty, the region's wine has never been considered especially noteworthy. In fact, quite the contrary. Rosé was considered an everyday, "cheap and cheerful" style of wine...until a few years ago.And today, with the popularity of this style of wine hitting the stratosphere, any wine lover seeking to "empower their palate" needs a guide to these pink wines which can vary widely in terms of style and quality. This is why I hope you're here and why you'll join me on this month-long, rosé-soaked journey which we'll begin with four of my favorites from Provence.TODAY'S FEATURED WINES:1.) Château Sainte Marguerite "Love Provence" Rosé Côtes de Provence Cru Classé, 2017 ($24)2.) Château Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé, Provence, France, 2017 ($25)3.) Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Côtes de Provence Cru Classé, Provence, France, 2016 ($50)4.) Château D'Esclans "Les Clans" Côtes de Provence Rosé, Provence, France, 2012 ($75)<span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:- My Fox News article:"The Truth About Rosé Wine"- Our amazing Visit to Chateau D'Esclans- Wine Word of the Week: Saignée  I hope you enjoyed this episode of "Wines of the Week" featuring the first in our month-long series on RoséWine! If you're a fan of rosé please feel free to share your favorites in the Comments section below. To view previous episodes of "Wines of the Week," please click here ~ Enjoy!Cheers,

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A Glamorous Italian Giveaway: 2013 Marchesi Antinori Tignanello Super Tuscan Red Wine!

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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 FIRSTSuper 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 9:00pmEST 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,

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A Glamorous Springtime Giveaway: 2013 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine!

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As I mentioned in my last Facebook LIVE"Wines of the Week"show, I'm craaazy about sparkling wines for Spring!  They're bright, crisp and refreshing - pretty much the vinous equivalent of the season itself. So what better wine to feature in this month's Glamorous Springtime Giveaway than something sparkling?So this month I'm happy to feature a sparkler from one of my favorite producers, the 2013Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Brut, North Coast, California (a $45 value)! If you're a bubbly fan you really NEED to know about these wines. Acquired by Jack and Jamie Davies in 1965, Schramsberg produced the first ever California sparkling wines to match the quality and style of French Champagne. They also pioneered the Blanc de Noirs style in the United States, releasing the first such wine in 1967."Blanc de Noirs" means "white from black" and refers to a white sparkling wine made from red grapes. Schramsberg winemaker Keith Hock keeps the wine's translucent, golden color by immediately separating the juice from the pigment-rich skins. So this delightful wine is predominantly Pinot Noir (85%) with a dollop of Chardonnay (15%) added for length on the palate.I love how the wine's clear glass bottle allows the gloriously golden liquid inside to show through, while the gold foil and elegantly embossed script on the label give it added allure. On the palate, the SchramsbergBlanc de Noirs displays heavenly notes of citrus, peach, caramel and lemongrass along with the hallmark bread dough and brioche deliciousness we love in Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines. You just can't help but be smitten by this wine's richness and charm!A few years ago, I had the pleasure of attending Camp Schramsberg, an experience which immerses participants in the cycle of sparkling wine production. From harvesting grapes in the vineyard to intensive seminars on pairing sparkling wine with food, to honing your sabrage skills - it is a MUST for anyone who loves sparkling wine. My participation really enhanced my appreciation of what goes into making these very special wines (to read more, please click here).To enter The Glamorous Springtime Giveaway for the 2013 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, simply leave a comment at the end of this post sharing your favorite Spring dish or ingredient- OR - your favorite Spring cocktail or wine. Whatever lights YOUR culinary fire! Entering is as simple as that AND for additional chances to win, please go ahead and leave comments on other blog posts. Each additional comment left on a post here on my website will count as one additional chance to win.This Glamorous Springtime Giveaway is open to anyone 21 years of age or older who lives in the continental United States. It starts TODAY, Wednesday March 14th and ends next Wednesday, March 21st, 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’m looking forward to drawing a winner next #WineWednesday and I can’t wait to see your Spring-inspired Comments!Cheers,

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