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Waistline-friendly Wines for the New Year!

Egg nog. Christmas cookies. Peppermint-stick ice cream. If you’re like me, you indulged in everything you could get your well-manicured hands on this holiday season. And while that is part of the enjoyment after all, this decadent tradition unfortunately usually relegates January to a month of restraint and, let’s face it,…self-imposed misery.

That sure doesn’t exactly sound like a Happy New Year, does it?

But what if you didn’t have to forego a glass of vino every night? What if there were waistline-friendly wines out there that didn’t sabotage your New Year’s-inspired weight loss plans?

Fellow winelovers, I’m happy to tell you these wines DO exist and, in moderation, you can still indulge your vinous cravings without consuming oodles of pesky calories. But since a glass of wine can range between 100-300 calories, how do you know which ones have the least amount of calories? Here are 3 tips to think of when making your selections:

1.) Go for low alcohol: While that juicy glass of Australian Shiraz might hit your palatal sweet spot, it probably clocks in at around 16% alcohol. Since alcohol has almost twice the calories as sugar (yes, you heard right!), you’ve got a double whammy in that glass just waiting to haunt your midsection through bathing suit season this Summer. For optimal results, pick wines that are 14% ABV or less which, by law, must be clearly listed on the wine’s label.

2.) Opt for dry over sweet: Say buh-bye to wines with high levels of residual sugar (“RS” in wine lingo) left in the finished wine, including Port, Sauternes and late-harvest wines. The low-calorie wines you want to choose now are bone-dry, crisp and refreshing. In general, if a wine you’re drinking tastes overly fruity or sweet (even a supposed “dry” wine like White Zinfandel), banish it from your fridge until you’ve reached your desired goal!

3.) Seek out Cool Climate wines: Since the sugars in grapes feeds yeast during fermentation to produce alcohol, wines made from super ripe grapes will therefore be higher in alcohol and thus, higher in calories. Generally speaking, the wine regions of Europe (aka the Old World) have much cooler climates than the rest of the world (aka New World) and, as a result, their wines are deliciously earthy and lower in alcohol. So if one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to explore different wine regions, this is the perfect time to do it!

Your Waistline-friendly Wines Guide

Sparkling Wines: Whether Champagne, Cava or Prosecco these wines range from 100-125 calories per 5 ounce glass and should be your FIRST choice since they only clock in at about 12.5% ABV and contain the least amount of calories. Look for the terms “Brut,” “Brut Nature” or “Brut Zero” on the label to ensure there isn’t excessive sugar added. If you have any sparklers left over from the holidays – lucky you!

White Wines: These wines should be your second choice when selecting a waistline-friendly bottle and lighter versions generally contain about 115-145 calories per 5 ounce glass. Ideally, the wine should taste crisp, refreshing and bone-dry to ensure minimal calories so opt for wines such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, dry Riesling or Albariño which are generally made in this style. Beware of big, full-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay and Viognier which call all contain higher alcohol and sugars and therefore, more calories.

Red Wines: If you’re a bona fide red wine lover, no worries! While red wines generally contain the most calories due to riper fruit and higher alcohol levels, there are lighter versions to be found that contain around 130-170 calories per glass. Opt for wines made from Pinot Noir, Barbera and Tempranillo grapes from cooler climate regions in France, Italy and Spain respectively. In order to keep calories at a minimum, steer clear of riper, fuller-bodied wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec or Shiraz from warmer climates until you’ve reached your desired goals.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with the fabulous John Favole of WPTV Channel 5, the NBC affiliate here in sunny South Florida, about these wonderful waistline-friendly wines so for some specific recommendations, please have a look:

I hope you enjoy our advice on waistline-friendly wines and best of luck with your New Year’s resolutions. If you’ve made any food and/or wine-related resolutions, I’d LOVE to hear about them. Please let me know in the Comments section below!

Cheers,

The post Waistline-friendly Wines for the New Year! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.

Fabulous Holiday Wine Picks at EVERY Price Point

The travel plans are made, the gifts are bought and, if you're hosting your family's holiday dinner, your menu is probably all set. But what about...the wine? If you haven't given your holiday wines a thought yet, never fear! Whether money is no object or you're hosting on a budget, The Glamorous Gourmet's got you covered with fabulous holiday wine selections at EVERY price point.Sparkling WineBenvolio Prosecco DOC, Friuli, Italy, NV ($15): We were dazzled by this fabulous bubbly made from 100% estate grown Glera. Since the wine's secondary fermentation takes place in steel tanks via the Charmat method (for more deets, please click here), this delightful sparkler has an extremely reasonable price tag! This wine is vibrant, fruity and fresh with notes of citrus, apple, peach and white flowers with enough backbone to stand up to hors d'oeuvres AND the holiday meal itself!Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé, North Coast, CA, NV ($25): This wine hails from the Davies family, California’s first family of sparkling wine! Their Mirabelle sparkler is a multi-vintage, brut sparkling wine made in the same method as Champagne, aka methode champenoise or methode traditionelle. A blend of 61% Pinot Noir and 39%Chardonnay, we love this wine for its sheer value as well as its crisp, food-friendly acidity and depth of flavor, featuring enticing notes of toasted brioche slathered with strawberry butter - yes, it's THAT good!Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve, Reims, France, NV ($65): This classic Champagne is truly the wine insider's favorite! A blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier this delightful sparkler contains 40% reserve wine, a much higher proportion than most Champagne houses, which imparts a sexy voluptuousness to the wine. The result is a Champagne with a deep, golden hue and enticing aromas of freshly baked brioche, citrus and peach. On the palate, flavors of pastry, citrus, red cherries, vanilla and a hint of praline delight all the way through its long, lingering finish.White WinesCharles Smith's Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2014 ($12): While this delightful Riesling from rock-band-manager-cum-winemaker Charles Smith is inspired by his love of the 2003 film, Kill Bill, it is still perfect for your holiday feast! Crafted from 100% Riesling, the grapes for this wine hail from the Evergreen vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA in Washington’s Columbia Valley. The wine has lovely aromas of crushed minerals, white peach, lime leaves and Linden tree that echo on the palate as well as through the long, fresh finish.Patient Cottat Sancerre Anciennes Vignes, Loire, France, 2015 ($20): The Fournier family has been making wine in the Loire Valley'sSancerre region for many generations. This classic incarnation of Sancerre, which is always 100%Sauvignon Blanc, is crafted from 35 year old vines planted on the region's legendary limestone soils. It's fermented entirely in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation or oak, resulting in a wine with delightful aromas and flavors of citrus, white flowers, minerals, passion fruit and a vibrant acidity and that is sure to keep your palate refreshed during any marathon holiday meal!Cuvaison Kite Tail Chardonnay, Carneros, CA, 2014 ($45): Established in 1969, Cuvaison winery is dedicated to the production of vineyard-driven wines that showcase their cool-climate estate in California's Napa Valley. Crafted by winemaker Steve Rogstad, this special, single-vineyard Chardonnay is both graceful and powerful exhibiting aromas of orange blossom, citrus and spice followed by an opulent mouthfeel and flavors of honeyed citrus, spiced pear, vanilla and juicy persimmon. If you enjoy a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay with some oak treatment - this is the white wine for you!Red WinesKing Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2014 ($18): Founded in 1991, KingEstate remains a family owned and operated winery with a focus on organic winemaking. Grown responsibly in the hills and valleys of Western Oregon, the winery focuses on versatile Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs that pair wonderfully with a variety of foods. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines on the planet with its fruity, cherry perfume, medium body and supple tannins that make it imminently likeable. This wine exhibits aromas of bright red cherries and Oregon earth while on the palate, a food friendly acidity and balanced tannins accompany lush red fruit.Cerulli Spinozzi Torre Migliori Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Abruzzo, Italy, 2014 ($22): The Cerulli Spinozzi family in Italy’s Abruzzi region, specializes in working with the region's native red grape, Montepulciano. Cultivated predominantly in central and southern Italy, this grape is known for producing deeply colored, food-friendly red wines with ripe tannins. This delightful selection is 100% Montepulciano with a beautifully intense, ruby red color with violet hues. Fragrant aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, and violet accompany flavors of juicy black fruit and spice with supple tannins and a delicious acidity.Round Pond Estate Kith & Kin Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, 2013 ($35): Established by Boband Jan MacDonnell in the 1980’s, this family-owned and run winery consists of over 400 acres in Napa’s acclaimed Rutherford region. While the family are farmers first and sell off most of their grapes to well-known Napa wineries, in 2002 they decided to make their own wines, starting with their “Kith and Kin” line, named after the Old English expression for “Friends and Family." The 2014 Kith & Kin Cabernet is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Petit Verdot (13%), Petite Sirah (3%) and Malbec (2%) with delicious notes of candied cherries, cassis, strawberries, toasted nuts and tobacco followed by a harmonious mingling of smooth tannins and a lingering finish.Cheers,

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Fabulous Holiday Wine Picks at EVERY Price Point

The travel plans are made, the gifts are bought and, if you’re hosting your family’s holiday dinner, your menu is probably all set. But what about…the wine? If you haven’t given your holiday wines a thought yet, never fear! Whether money is no object or you’re hosting on a budget, The Glamorous Gourmet’s got you covered with fabulous holiday wine selections at EVERY price point.

Sparkling Wine

Benvolio Prosecco DOC, Friuli, Italy, NV ($15): We were dazzled by this fabulous bubbly made from 100% estate grown Glera. Since the wine’s secondary fermentation takes place in steel tanks via the Charmat method (for more deets, please click here), this delightful sparkler has an extremely reasonable price tag! This wine is vibrant, fruity and fresh with notes of citrus, apple, peach and white flowers with enough backbone to stand up to hors d’oeuvres AND the holiday meal itself!

Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé, North Coast, CA, NV ($25): This wine hails from the Davies family, California’s first family of sparkling wine! Their Mirabelle sparkler is a multi-vintage, brut sparkling wine made in the same method as Champagne, aka methode champenoise or methode traditionelle. A blend of 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay, we love this wine for its sheer value as well as its crisp, food-friendly acidity and depth of flavor, featuring enticing notes of toasted brioche slathered with strawberry butter – yes, it’s THAT good!

Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve, Reims, France, NV ($65): This classic Champagne is truly the wine insider’s favorite! A blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier this delightful sparkler contains 40% reserve wine, a much higher proportion than most Champagne houses, which imparts a sexy voluptuousness to the wine. The result is a Champagne with a deep, golden hue and enticing aromas of freshly baked brioche, citrus and peach. On the palate, flavors of pastry, citrus, red cherries, vanilla and a hint of praline delight all the way through its long, lingering finish.

White Wines

Charles Smith’s Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2014 ($12): While this delightful Riesling from rock-band-manager-cum-winemaker Charles Smith is inspired by his love of the 2003 film, Kill Bill, it is still perfect for your holiday feast! Crafted from 100% Riesling, the grapes for this wine hail from the Evergreen vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA in Washington’s Columbia Valley. The wine has lovely aromas of crushed minerals, white peach, lime leaves and Linden tree that echo on the palate as well as through the long, fresh finish.

Patient Cottat Sancerre Anciennes Vignes, Loire, France, 2015 ($20): The Fournier family has been making wine in the Loire Valley’s Sancerre region for many generations. This classic incarnation of Sancerre, which is always 100% Sauvignon Blanc, is crafted from 35 year old vines planted on the region’s legendary limestone soils. It’s fermented entirely in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation or oak, resulting in a wine with delightful aromas and flavors of citrus, white flowers, minerals, passion fruit and a vibrant acidity and that is sure to keep your palate refreshed during any marathon holiday meal!

Cuvaison Kite Tail Chardonnay, Carneros, CA, 2014 ($45): Established in 1969, Cuvaison winery is dedicated to the production of vineyard-driven wines that showcase their cool-climate estate in California’s Napa Valley. Crafted by winemaker Steve Rogstad, this special, single-vineyard Chardonnay is both graceful and powerful exhibiting aromas of orange blossom, citrus and spice followed by an opulent mouthfeel and flavors of honeyed citrus, spiced pear, vanilla and juicy persimmon. If you enjoy a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay with some oak treatment – this is the white wine for you!

Red Wines

King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2014 ($18): Founded in 1991, King Estate remains a family owned and operated winery with a focus on organic winemaking. Grown responsibly in the hills and valleys of Western Oregon, the winery focuses on versatile Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs that pair wonderfully with a variety of foods. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines on the planet with its fruity, cherry perfume, medium body and supple tannins that make it imminently likeable. This wine exhibits aromas of bright red cherries and Oregon earth while on the palate, a food friendly acidity and balanced tannins accompany lush red fruit.

Cerulli Spinozzi Torre Migliori Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo, Italy, 2014 ($22): The Cerulli Spinozzi family in Italy’s Abruzzi region, specializes in working with the region’s native red grape, Montepulciano. Cultivated predominantly in central and southern Italy, this grape is known for producing deeply colored, food-friendly red wines with ripe tannins. This delightful selection is 100% Montepulciano with a beautifully intense, ruby red color with violet hues. Fragrant aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, and violet accompany flavors of juicy black fruit and spice with supple tannins and a delicious acidity.

Round Pond Estate Kith & Kin Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, 2013 ($35): Established by Bob and Jan MacDonnell in the 1980’s, this family-owned and run winery consists of over 400 acres in Napa’s acclaimed Rutherford region. While the family are farmers first and sell off most of their grapes to well-known Napa wineries, in 2002 they decided to make their own wines, starting with their “Kith and Kin” line, named after the Old English expression for “Friends and Family.” The 2014 Kith & Kin Cabernet is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Petit Verdot (13%), Petite Sirah (3%) and Malbec (2%) with delicious notes of candied cherries, cassis, strawberries, toasted nuts and tobacco followed by a harmonious mingling of smooth tannins and a lingering finish.

Cheers,

The post Fabulous Holiday Wine Picks at EVERY Price Point appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.

From the Christmas Kitchen: Rosemary Cashews

Looking for the perfect hors d'oeuvres for guests to nibble while they await your fabulous holiday feast? Try these delicious Rosemary Cashews from one of my favorite cookbooks of all time, Barefoot in Paris by Ina Garten (aka The Barefoot Contessa).Inspired by the bar nuts served at Union Square Cafe in New York City, these delicious, savory cashews are perfect for holiday entertaining. They are insanely tasty, take under ten minutes to prepare and can be made the day ahead and kept in an airtight container. They will prime your guests' palates without filling them up and, coincidentally, pair beautifully with a festive glass of Champagne.While Ina recommends serving the Rosemary Cashews warm, I actually like to make them at least a few hours ahead or the day before. This allows the rosemary mixture to cool and adhere to the cashews better. Go ahead and try it both ways and you be the judge! I must caution you though, they are extremely addictive so only make them when you have a houseful of people coming over so you don't eat them all yourself. Trust me, I speak from experience!Also, if you're looking for a special, homemade culinary gift to give your foodie friends and neighbors for the holidays, these Rosemary Cashews are an excellent choice. Simply package them in a classic Mason jar finished with colorful, festive fabric or paper and tied with a raffia bow and you're good to go.I hope you and your guests enjoy these ever-so tasty Rosemary Cashews and I'd like to wish you all a very Happy & Delicious Holidays!Cheers,  "Rosemary Cashews" Author: Ina Garten | Barefoot in Paris Cashews can be made up to a day ahead of time and are delightful paired with a glass of Champagne! Ingredients

• 1 pound roasted, unsalted cashews
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. ) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. ) Spread the cashews out on a sheet pan. Toast in the oven until warm, about 5 minutes.
3. ) In a large bowl, combine the rosemary, cayenne, sugar, salt, and butter. Thoroughly toss the warm cashews with the spiced butter and serve warm if desired.

3.5.3208

 

Continue Reading >

From the Christmas Kitchen: Rosemary Cashews

Looking for the perfect hors d’oeuvres for guests to nibble while they await your fabulous holiday feast? Try these delicious Rosemary Cashews from one of my favorite cookbooks of all time, Barefoot in Paris by Ina Garten (aka The Barefoot Contessa).

Inspired by the bar nuts served at Union Square Cafe in New York City, these delicious, savory cashews are perfect for holiday entertaining. They are insanely tasty, take under ten minutes to prepare and can be made the day ahead and kept in an airtight container. They will prime your guests’ palates without filling them up and, coincidentally, pair beautifully with a festive glass of Champagne.

While Ina recommends serving the Rosemary Cashews warm, I actually like to make them at least a few hours ahead or the day before. This allows the rosemary mixture to cool and adhere to the cashews better. Go ahead and try it both ways and you be the judge! I must caution you though, they are extremely addictive so only make them when you have a houseful of people coming over so you don’t eat them all yourself. Trust me, I speak from experience!

Also, if you’re looking for a special, homemade culinary gift to give your foodie friends and neighbors for the holidays, these Rosemary Cashews are an excellent choice. Simply package them in a classic Mason jar finished with colorful, festive fabric or paper and tied with a raffia bow and you’re good to go.

I hope you and your guests enjoy these ever-so tasty Rosemary Cashews and I’d like to wish you all a very Happy & Delicious Holidays!

Cheers,

 

 

The post From the Christmas Kitchen: Rosemary Cashews appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.

The Wine Lover's Glamorous Holiday Gift Guide!

There's only one thing more fun then receiving gifts during the Holiday Season. And that's giving the perfect gift to that special someone and watching their eyes light up with glee! If you're shopping for a wine lover who has a penchant for the finer things, our Wine Lover's Glamorous Holiday Gift Guide is chock full of ideas that are sure to delight!1.) For the Red Wine Lover...Round Pond Estate Cab Lovers Gift Set ($180): Hailing from one of our favorite properties in the NapaValley, this gorgeous set of acclaimed wines features 2 styles of Round Pond'sCabernet Sauvignon, the Reserve and Rutherford, to show just how deliciously diverse one grape variety from the same vineyard can be. Specifically for the lover of big, bold Napa Valley Cabs, this gift set is sure to be a favorite as it brings together Round Pond's2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (94 points Antonio Galloni) and the 2014 Rutherford CabernetSauvignon in a beautiful, artisan gift box.2.) For the Art Lover...Cuvaison Andy Warhol Series One Collection ($250 - 2 bottle set): In the early 1980s, Alexander Schmidheiny, owner of Cuvaison Winery and friend of Andy Warhol, commissioned the iconic artist to create screenprints for his Cuvaison wine labels. Done in his signature Pop Art style, the prints have rarely been seen until now! Cuvaison and TheAndy Warhol Foundation celebrate this historic collaboration with this limited edition Andy Warhol by Cuvaison Collection. This first release in a series of three includes exclusive wines from Cuvaison's two Napa Valley estates: a Chardonnay from Carneros and a red Bordeaux blend from Brandlin Vineyard on Mount Veeder. Both the beautifully-crafted wines and collector's box feature original artwork created by Andy Warhol.3.) For the Book Lover...Mark Oldman's How to Drink Like a Billionaire: Mastering Wine with Joie de Vivre ($23): Want to know the mysteries of how the 1% drink? Mark Oldman, one of America’s most popular wine experts, demystifies the secrets of the wine world. Oldman distills his vast knowledge of wines into this easy-to-read, humorous guide, complete with in-depth how-tos on everything from tasting, swirling, and buying wine the same way billionaires do—without the price tag! From detailing little-known ways to hone in on the best value bottles to the secret maneuvers you can do to master wine in restaurants, shops, and at home, How to Drink Like a Billionaire will have you approaching wine with the shrewdness, style, and unapologetic joy of the 1%.4.) For the Holiday Host & Hostess...Magnum of of Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne ($140): This delightful Champagne from Taittinger is definitely one of our favorites with it's lively, festive bubbles and brisk acidity. This special bubbly is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier aged on the lees for almost 4 years more than the legal minimum of 15 months! This extra time in the cellars allows the wine to reach the peak of aromatic maturity, and the result is a delicately balanced Champagne, known for its consistently excellent quality. There's nothing more festive then bubbly around the holidays and you're guaranteed to be invited back year after year if you present your gracious Host and/or Hostess with a magnum of fabulous Champagne - the equivalent of two regular 750mL bottles.5.) For the Collector & Gadget Lover...Coravin Model Two System ($299): This revolutionary gadget needs to be in every wine lover's home since it completely changes the way you drink wine! Coravin's Model Two is the company's most intuitive wine system that gives wine lovers the freedom to pour and enjoy a glass of wine from any bottle, at any time, without pulling the cork! Using Coravin’s proprietary technology, the new Model Two is the best-in-class tool that lets you taste, share, compare and explore wine like never before. Want to sample a glass of your 1982Bordeaux without committing to an entire bottle? Get out your Coravin! It’s the revolution that’s opening up an enriching world of possibilities.Cheers,

Continue Reading >

The Wine Lover’s Glamorous Holiday Gift Guide!

There’s only one thing more fun then receiving gifts during the Holiday Season. And that’s giving the perfect gift to that special someone and watching their eyes light up with glee! If you’re shopping for a wine lover who has a penchant for the finer things, our Wine Lover’s Glamorous Holiday Gift Guide is chock full of ideas that are sure to delight!

1.) For the Red Wine Lover…
Round Pond Estate Cab Lovers Gift Set ($180): Hailing from one of our favorite properties in the Napa Valley, this gorgeous set of acclaimed wines features 2 styles of Round Pond’s Cabernet Sauvignon, the Reserve and Rutherford, to show just how deliciously diverse one grape variety from the same vineyard can be. Specifically for the lover of big, bold Napa Valley Cabs, this gift set is sure to be a favorite as it brings together Round Pond’s 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (94 points Antonio Galloni) and the 2014 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon in a beautiful, artisan gift box.

2.) For the Art Lover…
Cuvaison Andy Warhol Series One Collection ($250 – 2 bottle set): In the early 1980s, Alexander Schmidheiny, owner of Cuvaison Winery and friend of Andy Warhol, commissioned the iconic artist to create screenprints for his Cuvaison wine labels. Done in his signature Pop Art style, the prints have rarely been seen until now! Cuvaison and The Andy Warhol Foundation celebrate this historic collaboration with this limited edition Andy Warhol by Cuvaison Collection. This first release in a series of three includes exclusive wines from Cuvaison’s two Napa Valley estates: a Chardonnay from Carneros and a red Bordeaux blend from Brandlin Vineyard on Mount Veeder. Both the beautifully-crafted wines and collector’s box feature original artwork created by Andy Warhol.

3.) For the Book Lover…
Mark Oldman’s How to Drink Like a Billionaire: Mastering Wine with Joie de Vivre ($23): Want to know the mysteries of how the 1% drink? Mark Oldman, one of America’s most popular wine experts, demystifies the secrets of the wine world. Oldman distills his vast knowledge of wines into this easy-to-read, humorous guide, complete with in-depth how-tos on everything from tasting, swirling, and buying wine the same way billionaires do—without the price tag! From detailing little-known ways to hone in on the best value bottles to the secret maneuvers you can do to master wine in restaurants, shops, and at home, How to Drink Like a Billionaire will have you approaching wine with the shrewdness, style, and unapologetic joy of the 1%.

4.) For the Holiday Host & Hostess…
Magnum of of Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne ($140): This delightful Champagne from Taittinger is definitely one of our favorites with it’s lively, festive bubbles and brisk acidity. This special bubbly is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier aged on the lees for almost 4 years more than the legal minimum of 15 months! This extra time in the cellars allows the wine to reach the peak of aromatic maturity, and the result is a delicately balanced Champagne, known for its consistently excellent quality. There’s nothing more festive then bubbly around the holidays and you’re guaranteed to be invited back year after year if you present your gracious Host and/or Hostess with a magnum of fabulous Champagne – the equivalent of two regular 750mL bottles.

5.) For the Collector & Gadget Lover…
Coravin Model Two System ($299): This revolutionary gadget needs to be in every wine lover’s home since it completely changes the way you drink wine! Coravin’s Model Two is the company’s most intuitive wine system that gives wine lovers the freedom to pour and enjoy a glass of wine from any bottle, at any time, without pulling the cork! Using Coravin’s proprietary technology, the new Model Two is the best-in-class tool that lets you taste, share, compare and explore wine like never before. Want to sample a glass of your 1982 Bordeaux without committing to an entire bottle? Get out your Coravin! It’s the revolution that’s opening up an enriching world of possibilities.

Cheers,

The post The Wine Lover’s Glamorous Holiday Gift Guide! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.