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 2013 Schramsberg 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.
The Schramsberg Cuvées are aged in Hand-dug Caves on the Historic Property
“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 Schramsberg Blanc 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!
Harvesting Chardonnay Grapes during Camp Schramsberg
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.
Honing my Sabrage Skills with Instructor Holly Peterson
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,
The post A Glamorous Springtime Giveaway: 2013 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
With the unseasonably warm weather we've been having here in South Florida, I really wanted to share a healthy, delicious Spring-inspired food and wine pairing with you. And when perusing this recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aioli, Fennel, Olive + Spinach Salad from Chef Jennifer Carroll, Top Chef alum and protégé of the legendary Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin, she had me at rosé!
Nothing says Spring like rosé and we adore this incredibly refreshing, food-friendly wine here at Chez Miskew. Thankfully my husband is NOT afraid to "drink pink" (or wear pink for that matter!) and with our preternatural Summer-like weather we can drink it almost year round. Over the years we've even made a vinous mecca to Provence to visit some of our favorite rosé producers and also had the opportunity to sip rosé with Martha Stewart in South Beach.
“It's funny how what began as a humble, everyday wine from the South of France has evolved into a vinous juggernaut that’s now synonymous with glamour and celebrated with such hashtags as #roseallday, #drinkpink and #yeswayrose.”
But back to our recipe which turns a little bit of kitchen time and some impeccably fresh ingredients into a completely delicious sensory experience. I was lucky to score some fresh-off-the-boat Pumpkin Swordfish from my local fishmonger (thanks, Captain Clay!). The "pumpkin" actually refers to the color of the fish (not the flavor!) which takes on an orange hue after the fish eats lots of Royal Red Shrimp found in very deep Atlantic waters. As far as flavor goes, pumpkin swordfish is slightly sweeter than white swordfish but either one will work perfectly in this recipe.
Simply put on some fabulous French music (see my recommendation below) and assemble the marinade for the swordfish which is simply extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, juice and Kosher salt and pepper. Chill the fish in the fridge for an hour while you prepare the rosé aioli and fennel and olive relish.
The relish combines the delightful Mediterranean flavors of Kalamata olives, fennel and radishes brightened by a dash of lemon juice and rice wine vinegar (just FYI, rice vinegar is the SAME thing!). The intoxicating rosé aioli is what pulls everything together though. Made from reduced rosé wine whisked together with shallots, lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, grated garlic and mayonnaise it can conveniently be made a day or two in advance. It’s so delicious you could just spoon this right out of the bowl and into your mouth.
And I did. Many times.
After an hour of marinating, simply cook the swordfish on a screaming hot grill pan (NO need to head outside) for about 3-4 minutes a side, garnish with a generous sprinkle of Maldon sea salt and chopped fennel fronds you're good to go. The texture of the fish combined with the delicious flavors of the salad are truly dreamy and perfect for Spring (or a few weeks before!).
RECOMMENDED WINE PAIRING: As the title of this post suggests, a Provençal rosé like the Chateau D'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé ($24) or Rock Angel Rosé ($35) is the perfect pairing for this recipe. If you can't find either of these wines, any lighter colored dry (NOT sweet) rosé wine will do.
WHY THE PAIRING WORKS: There's something about the way rosé synergizes with the Mediterranean flavors of olives and fennel as well as the garlicky aioli that makes this pairing utterly amazing. The weight of the wine also matches the weight of the fish perfectly and complements its oily texture as well. For an "a-ha" moment, simply take a bite of the grilled swordfish dipped in the rosé aioli on your fork with a little bit of salad and then take a sip of wine!
MUSIC TO LISTEN TO: The French-inspired "Something's Gotta Give" Soundtrack (that fabulous movie with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson?) pairs perfectly with this dish.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aioli, Fennel, Olive and Spinach Salad paired with a Provencal Rosé as much as we did. I'd love to hear what you think in the Comments section below.
Print Recipe“GRILLED SWORDFISH WITH ROSE AIOLI + FENNEL, OLIVE + SPINACH SALAD PAIRED WITH A PROVENCAL ROSE”
Author: Adapted by Stephanie Miskew | The Glamorous Gourmet
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
SWORDFISH
4 1/2" thick 8 oz. swordfish steaks (bloodline trimmed/removed if you prefer)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
ROSE AIOLI
3/4 cup dry rosé wine
2 Tablespoon minced shallots
1 Tablespoon unseasoned rice wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon grated garlic
1 cup mayonnaise
RELISH
1 fennel bulb, cored & finely chopped, fronds reserved
1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, thinly sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
5 oz. baby spinach (4 cups)
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon unseasoned rice wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Maldon sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
) In a large, resealable plastic bag, combine all of the ingredients except the swordfish & mix well. Add the swordfish & turn evenly to coat. Seal & refrigerate for 1 hour (do NOT let it marinate for much longer, otherwise the lemon juice will begin to cook the fish).
) In a small saucepan, simmer the rosé over moderate heat until reduced to 2 Tablespoons, approx. 10 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl & let cool to room temperature. Then whisk in the shallot, vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic & mayonnaise until smooth.
) Making the relish: In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the spinach & fennel fronds & season to taste with salt & pepper. When ready to eat, mix in the baby spinach leaves & 2 Tablespoons of the rosé aioli & toss to evenly coat.
) Heat a large cast-iron or non-stick grill pan & brush grates with oil. Remove swordfish from the marinade & season with Kosher salt & pepper. Grill over moderately high heat, turning once, until cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side.
) Plate the swordfish & garnish with a generous sprinkle of Maldon sea salt, freshly ground black pepper & fennel fronds. Serve with the relish & remaining rosé aioli paired with a crisp, refreshing dry rosé wine.
With the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having here in South Florida, I really wanted to share a healthy, delicious Spring-inspired food and wine pairing with you. And when perusing this recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aioli, Fennel, Olive + Spinach Salad from Chef Jennifer Carroll, Top Chef alum and protégé of the legendary Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin, she had me at rosé!
Nothing says Spring like rosé and we adore this incredibly refreshing, food-friendly wine here at Chez Miskew. Thankfully my husband is NOT afraid to “drink pink” (or wear pink for that matter!) and with our preternatural Summer-like weather we can drink it almost year round.
Over the years we’ve even made a vinous mecca to Provence to visit some of our favorite rosé producers and also had the opportunity to sip rosé with Martha Stewart in South Beach. It’s funny how what began as a humble, everyday wine from the South of France has evolved into a vinous juggernaut synonymous with glamour that’s lauded in such hashtags as #roseallday, #drinkpink and #yeswayrose.
But back to our recipe which turns a little bit of kitchen time and some impeccably fresh ingredients into a completely delicious sensory experience. I was lucky to score some fresh-off-the-boat Pumpkin Swordfish from my local fishmonger (thanks, Captain Clay!). The “pumpkin” actually refers to the color of the fish (not the flavor!) which takes on an orange hue after the fish eats lots of Royal Red Shrimp found in very deep Atlantic waters. As far as flavor goes, pumpkin swordfish is slightly sweeter than white swordfish but either one will work perfectly in this recipe.
Simply put on some fabulous French music (see my recommendation below) and assemble the marinade for the swordfish which is simply extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, juice and Kosher salt and pepper. Chill the fish in the fridge for an hour while you prepare the rosé aioli and fennel and olive relish.
The relish combines the delightful Mediterranean flavors of Kalamata olives, fennel and radishes brightened by a dash of lemon juice and rice wine vinegar (just FYI, rice vinegar is the SAME thing!). The intoxicating rosé aioli is what pulls everything together though. Made from reduced rosé wine whisked together with shallots, lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, grated garlic and mayonnaise you could just spoon this right out of the bowl and into your mouth. And I did. Many times. The aioli can conveniently be made a day or two in advance.
After an hour of marinating, simply cook the swordfish on a screaming hot grill pan (NO need to head outside) for about 3-4 minutes a side, garnish with a generous sprinkle of Maldon sea salt and chopped fennel fronds you’re good to go. The texture of the fish combined with the delicious flavors of the salad are truly dreamy and perfect for Spring (or a few weeks before!).
RECOMMENDED WINE PAIRING: As the title of this post suggests, a Provençal rosé like the Chateau D’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé ($24) or Rock Angel Rosé ($35) is the perfect pairing for this recipe. If you can’t find either of these wines, any lighter colored dry (NOT sweet) rosé wine will do.
WHY THE PAIRING WORKS: There’s something about the way rosé synergizes with the Mediterranean flavors of olives and fennel as well as the garlicky aioli that makes this pairing utterly amazing. The weight of the wine also matches the weight of the fish and complements its oily texture as well. For an “a-ha” moment, simply take a bite of the grilled swordfish dipped in the rosé aioli on your fork with a little bit of salad and then take a sip of wine!
MUSIC TO LISTEN TO: The French-inspired “Something’s Gotta Give” Soundtrack (remember the movie with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson?) pairs perfectly with this dish.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aioli, Fennel, Olive and Spinach Salad paired with a Provencal Rosé as much as we did. I’d love to hear what you think in the Comments section below.
Bon Appétit,
The post Perfect Pairings: Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aioli, Fennel & Olive Salad + a Provençal Rosé appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
My Facebook LIVE "Wines of the Week" series continues with this show on Debunking Wine Myths. But these aren't just any wine myths. These are especially persistent ones that, despite the plethora of wine information out there, continue to circulate. In fact, I've heard ALL of today's featured myths in just the past few months. So I'm very happy to put them to bed once and for all BUT I really need YOUR help to do this.
One of my goals with this show as well as my blog, wine tasting events and podcast is to help you empower your palate and become more confident in the wines YOU personally enjoy. This includes helping to debunk vinous falsehoods by simply sharing what you know in a non-wine snobbish way.
So for that reason, I hope you enjoy today's show and feel empowered to help defeat these myths once and for all next time you encounter them.
1.) Bera Brachetto Piemonte, Piedmont, Italy ($16)
2.) Sartori di Verona Ferdi Bianco, Veneto, Italy ($18)
3.) Domaine Barons de Rothschild Legende Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ($18)
4.) L'Ecole 41 Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington ($24)
- Wines of the Week: Wine Collecting 101
- Episodes that mention delicious Dessert Wines: Valentine's Day Aphrodisiac Wines, Valentine's Day Wine + Chocolate Pairings, + Wine Collecting 101
- Recommended Glassware (1) Riedel Wine Glasses, (2)The One Wine Glasses by Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson, & (3) Zalto Denk'Art Wine Glasses
I hope you enjoyed today's episode of Wines of the Week featuring the debunking of 4 Common Wine Myths! If there's any wine myths YOU would like to see debunked in the future, please feel free to share them in the comments section below.
Hello, Wine Lovers! My Facebook LIVE “Wines of the Week” series continues with today’s show on Debunking Wine Myths. But these aren’t just any wine myths. These are especially persistent ones that, despite the plethora of wine information out there, continue to circulate. In fact, I’ve heard ALL of today’s featured myths in just the past few months. So I’m very happy to put them to bed once and for all BUT I really need YOUR help to do this.
One of my goals with this show as well as my blog, wine tasting events, podcast and upcoming wine course (more on that later) is to help you empower your palate and become a more confident wine lover. This includes helping to debunk vinous falsehoods by simply sharing what you know in a non-wine snobbish way. So for that reason, I hope you enjoy today’s show and feel empowered to help defeat these myths once and for all next time you hear them.
TODAY’S FEATURED WINES:
1.) Bera Brachetto Piemonte, Piedmont, Italy ($16) OR Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto, Piedmont, Italy ($19)
2.) Sartori di Verona Ferdi Bianco, Veneto, Italy ($18)
3.) Domaine Barons de Rothschild Legende Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ($18)
4.) L’Ecole 41 Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington ($24)
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:
– Wines of the Week: Wine Collecting 101
– Episodes that mention delicious Dessert Wines: Valentine’s Day Aphrodisiac Wines, Valentine’s Day Wine + Chocolate Pairings, + Wine Collecting 101.
– Recommended Glassware (1) Riedel Wine Glasses, (2) The One Wine Glasses by Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson, & (3) Zalto Denk’Art Wine Glasses
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode of Wines of the Week featuring the systematic debunking of some Common Wine Myths! If there’s any wine myths YOU would like to see debunked please feel free to share them in the comments section below and to view previous episodes of Wines of the Week, please click here.
Cheers,
The post Wines of the Week: 4 Wine Myths DEBUNKED! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Looking to really spice things up this Valentine’s Day? Then why not incorporate wines that can really heighten the mood for l'amour? But I’m not talking about just ANY wines, my fellow wine lover, I’m talking about Aphrodisiac Wines!
But before you think I’m going to have you ordering some hokey wines from an illicit website, let me stop you. I’m simply talking about using some specific criteria to select some perfectly normal, delicious wines from your local retail store.
Research has shown that red wines rule as far as increasing arousal so these four selections feature three different incarnations of red wine: sparkling, still and fortified. One to two glasses was found to optimally enhance desire, too much more than that can actually have the adverse effect, leaving your romantic encounter, um, LESS than satisfying.
1.) Moët & Chandon Moet Rosé Imperial, Champagne, France ($60)
2.) Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende Médoc, Bordeaux, France ($18)
3.) Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende Pauillac, Bordeaux, France ($50)
4.) Ramos Pinto Quinta do Bom Retiro 20 year Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal ($75)
I hope these delicious wine selections inspire you and your Valentine to get in the mood for l’amour this year and be sure to check out the video below for all the details. Once you know what to look for, you can use these scientifically proven criteria to suss out other wines that might meet the Valentine’s Day aphrodisiac requirements.
- I've got TWO delicious Valentine's Day menus here on the GG (1) Steak a Poivre a Deux with Roasted Rosemary Garlic Potatoes and (2) Mustard Roasted Fish with Roasted Vegetables + Coeur à la Crème with Raspberries for Dessert!
- For more information on Fortified Wine like the Port mentioned in today's show, please click here.
I hope you enjoy my Aphrodisiac Wines selections and I'd like to wish you all of you fabulous lovers a very Happy and Delicious Valentine's Day! xo
Hello, Wine Lovers! My Facebook LIVE “Wines of the Week” series continues with a timely episode featuring Aphrodisiac Wines just in time for Valentine’s Day. As lovers of wine (and each other) why not incorporate both during this most romantic holiday to heighten the mood for l’amour?
Research has shown that red wines rule as far as increasing arousal so today’s selections feature various incarnations of red wine including sparkling, still and fortified. And while 1-2 glasses has found to optimally enhance desire, too much more than that can have the adverse effect, leaving your romantic encounter, um, LESS than satisfying.
TODAY’S FEATURED WINES ( to purchase any of these selections through Wine.com, simply click the name of the wine):
1.) Moët & Chandon Moet Rosé Imperial, Champagne, France ($60)
2.) Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende Médoc, Bordeaux, France ($28)
3.) Domaines Barons de Rothschild Légende Pauillac, Bordeaux, France ($50)
4.) Ramos Pinto Quinta do Bom Retiro 20 year Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal ($75)
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
– Don’t miss my Glamorous Valentine’s Giveaway featuring a beautiful bottle of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne – a $100 value! Entering is SUPER easy and I’ll be drawing a winner Sunday 2/11 at 6pm EST and announcing it on my Facebook Page.
– I’ve got TWO delicious Valentine’s Day menus here on the GG (1) Steak a Poivre a Deux with Roasted Rosemary Garlic Potatoes and (2) Mustard Roasted Fish with Roasted Vegetables + Coeur à la Crème with Raspberries for Dessert!
– For more information on Fortified Wine like the Port mentioned in today’s show, please click here.
I hope you enjoy the Aphrodisiac Wines mentioned in today’s episode of “Wines of the Week” and I’d like to wish you all a very Happy and Delicious Valentine’s Day,
The post Wines of the Week: Aphrodisiac Wines for Valentine’s Day appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.