When considering your vinous selections for the most romantic day of the year why not consider something pink AND sparkling? If there was ever a day to indulge in a deliciously elegant Brut Rosé, Valentine's Day would undoubtedly be it! Not only is the color perfect for this most romantic of occasions, but these wines definitely add that level of decadence that makes a special occasion well...special. As an added bonus these wines are also extremely versatile and perfect for either sipping on their own or paired with your favorite aphrodisiac-laden menu.This year I've selected some of my favorite pink sparklers from both the Old and New Worlds at a variety of price points to suit a variety of vinous budgets:
J.P. Chenet Brut Rosé NV, France ($12): This French sparkler is made of 100% Bobal, a grape variety native to the Utiel-Requena region in Valencia, Spain. The name derives from the Latin bovale, in reference to the shape of a bull’s head. This fresh, fruity wine has a delightful pink color and aromas and flavors of red berries, cherries, and strawberries. While it makes a perfect apéritif , this delightfully festive bubbly will also pair beautifully with desserts featuring red berries, fruit salads and/or fruit pastries.
Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé NV ($30): this sparkler is a blend of 51% Chardonnay and 49% Pinot Noir from Schramsberg’s select cool-climate vineyards in Northern California. Flavor depth and aromatic complexity result from the blending of base wine lots aged in barrels and tanks for one or more years. The wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle and rests in Schramsberg’s historic Diamond Mountain caves for approximately 2 years. This multi-vintage Brut Rosé has aromas and flavors of strawberry, candied orange, watermelon and cinnamon with a creamy richness and long, lingering acidity. It is delicious on its own and also pairs well with dishes including grilled salmon, country fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs, Caprese salad, poke tuna or simple pastas.
Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé NV ($45): This wine was crafted to celebrate the life and times of Madame de Pompadour (the great courtesan and mistress of Louis XV) who is credited with introducing Champagne to the court and was an influential tastemaker in the matters of art, architecture and philosophy–famous for her comment, “Champagne is the only wine a woman can drink and remain beautiful.” This sparkler was made using the time-honored Champenoise methods of production applied to fruit sourced exclusively from Carneros. It is a delicious blend of 58% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay meant to be enjoyed at a fairly young age, when the fruity character is still predominant. This wine has aromas and flavors of wild strawberries and roses with notes of peach with lovely fruit and a food-friendly acidity.
Taittinger Brut Rosé Prestige NV ($70): This decadent Champagne from one of the region's most heralded families simply exudes elegance in it's gorgeous clear bottle and gold packaging. A quantity of still red wine (15%) produced from the best Pinot Noirs from Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys is added to give this cuvée its unmistakable color and vibrant intensity on the palate. The high proportion of Chardonnay (30%) brings the elegance and delicacy that underpin Taittinger’s signature style. The bubbles are very fine, a sign of quality in a sparkling wine and it gives off expressive aromas of wild raspberry, cherry and black currant. The elegant palate is rife with fresh, lively notes of red fruit. This Champagne can be enjoyed as an aperitif but would also complement dishes such as pate, charcuterie, or roasted lamb. Wine Advocate, 90 points.
Champagne Bruno Paillard Rosé Première Cuvée MV ($80): Composed of a majority of Pinot Noir, this Champagne is produced exclusively from the first pressing and a percentage of Chardonnay from the North of the Côte des Blancs adds freshness to the final blend. The "dosage" is very low to produce an authentic Brut wine - 8-9 grams of residual sugar per litre. The disgorgement date is on the back label and the minimum maturation in the cellar after disgorgement and before shipment is 3 to 4 months. Aromas of red currant, Morello cherry, strawberry and violet are expressed on the palate. The palate is refined and elegant with a long and delicate finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with dishes including poultry, white meat, mixed salads and cheeses.XOXO,
Thirty Two East, a favorite restaurant of ours here in Delray Beach, which featured the wines of two producers, one Old World, one New, who are dedicated to crafting world class wines from Rhône grape varieties. These two producers also happen to be related and represent a beautiful story of friendship that culminated in the production of some truly fabulous wines!
Our tale of two wineries begins with Château de Beaucastel, located in France's Rhône Valley known for producing wines that represent the best of what the Southern Rhône has to offer. While the focus of the Northern Rhone is primarily single varietal wines (whites are made from Viognier and reds from Syrah) the Southern Rhône is all about blends. Up to thirteen grapes are permitted in the signature red wine of the Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf du Pape, which is comprised predominantly of Grenache. Whites from this region are generally a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc.The Beaucastel family has inhabited this region since the middle of the sixteenth century and was among the most notable families of the small town of Courthezon. In 1909 Pierre Tramier bought the property and Beaucastel then passed to his son-in-law, Pierre Perrin, who considerably increased the vineyard holdings. His efforts were continued by his son Jacques until 1978. Today the estate is helmed by Jean Pierre and François Perrin, sons of Jacques, but Marc, Pierre, Thomas and Matthieu, who represent the fifth generation, are ready to pursue this fabulous family history.
Fast forward to 1985 at which time the friendship between the Perrin family and Robert Haas, longtime importer and founder of Vineyard Brands, results in the creation of Tablas Creek Vineyard. Since the 1970s both families had recognized the potential of California's climate as an ideal place for planting Rhône varietal grapes and in 1987, they began the lengthy process of creating a Châteauneuf-du-Pape style vineyard from scratch in the New World.In 1989 they purchased a 120-acre property in the hilly Las Tablas district of west Paso Robles for its similarities to Châteauneuf du Pape: limestone soils, a favorable climate, and rugged terrain. This is also where the winery ultimately derived its name. The partners imported the traditional varietals grown on the Perrins’ celebrated estate, including Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Counoise for reds, and Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc for whites. These imported vines passed a rigorous 3-year USDA testing program, were propagated and grafted in the on-site nursery, and used to plant the organic estate vineyard. This nursery of clones from Beaucastel cuttings are now used widely throughout the Paso Robles region. The estate currently has approximately 105 acres under vine and works with indigenous yeasts and favors large, neutral oak barrels and casks for aging.Tablas Creek National Sales Manager, Darren Delmore, joined us for the dinner and guided us through the tasting of these special wines. Sampling the wines of California's Tablas Creek and the Rhône's Château de Beaucastel together highlighted the similarities and differences of their respective terroirs. The wines were paired with the delicious cuisine of Chef Nick Morfogen which accentuated the nuances of each wine beautifully!
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Côtes de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles, 2010Like most wines of the Southern Rhône, this wine is a blend of white grape varieties which in this case are comprised of 54% Viognier, 30% Grenache Blanc, 8% Roussanne and 8% Marsanne. All the fruit for this wine is estate grown and features the floral aromatics and stone fruit of Viognier, the crisp acidity and rich mouthfeel of Grenache Blanc, and the structure and minerality of Marsanne and Roussanne. This wine is perfect as an aperitif or paired with dishes such as Moules Marinières or Fish with Fennel. Drink now. Wine Advocate, 90 points.Price: $25
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc, Paso Robles, 2009This wine a blend of three estate-grown varietals, propagated from budwood cuttings from the Château de Beaucastel estate. It is comprised of 62% Roussanne, 26% Grenache Blanc and 12% Picpoul Blanc. Roussanne provides the core richness, minerality, and flavors of honey and spice, while Grenache Blanc adds green apple and anise flavors, a lush mouthfeel and bright acids. Picpoul Blanc completes the blend, adding a saline minerality and tropical notes. Drink: 2012-2016. Wine Advocate, 91 points; Wine Spectator, 89 points.Price: $42
Château Beaucastel, Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc, Rhone Valley, 2010Comprised of 80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache blanc this wine is fermented in 30% new oak barrels with the remaining 70% fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine displays beautiful notes of star fruit, acacia flower and peach which evolve into honey and tropical fruit with a hint of pie crust. The complexity is balanced by a lovely acidity and long, lingering finish. Drink over the next 4-5 years. Wine Advocate, 95 points; Wine Spectator, 93 points.Price: $97
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Patelin de Tablas Rouge, Paso Robles, 2011This wine a blend of four red Rhône varietals: 52% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and 1% Counoise from several of the top Rhône vineyards in Paso Robles. Like many red wines from the Rhône Valley, it is based on the dark fruit, mineral and spice of Syrah, with the brightness and fresh acidity of Grenache, the structure and meatiness of Mourvèdre and a small addition of Counoise for complexity. Drink: 2012-2016. Wine Advocate, 89 points.Price: $20
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge, Paso Robles, 2010This wine is a blend of four estate-grown varietals, propagated from budwood cuttings from the Château de Beaucastel estate: 45% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah and 4% Counoise. The wine is based on the dark red fruit, earth, spice and mid-palate richness of Mourvèdre, with additions of Grenache for forward fruit, approachability and lushness, Syrah for mineral, aromatics, and back-palate tannins, and Counoise for brambly spice and acidity. Drink: 2015-2025. Wine Advocate, 93-95 points.Price: $59
Château Beaucastel, Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge, Rhône Valley, 2010This wine is structured and intense yet lean, thanks in part to the large percentage of Mourvedre (about 30%) in the final blend. Its tannic backbone and resistance to oxidation help Beaucastel age with grace. Grenache (30%) contributes a warming sensation of ripe fruit and a velvety feeling in the mouth. Syrah at 10%, and Muscardin and Vaccarese with around 5% each, add color and spicy aromas while increasing the wines aging potential. 5% of Cinsault is added for softness and its special bouquet. The remainder is made up of small quantities of the 7 other varieties allowed in Châteauneuf du Pape. They add that extra note of graceful complexity which makes Château de Beaucastel such an extraordinary wine. Drink: 2015-2045. Wine Advocate, 95 points.Price: $99Cheers,
This week’s wines were inspired by a recent dinner at Thirty Two East, a favorite restaurant of ours here in Delray Beach, which featured the wines of two producers, one Old World, one New, who are dedicated to crafting world class wines from Rhône grape varieties. These two producers also happen to be related and represent a beautiful story of friendship that culminated in the production of some truly fabulous wines!
Our tale of two wineries begins with Château de Beaucastel, located in France’s Rhône Valley known for producing wines that represent the best of what the Southern Rhône has to offer. While the focus of the Northern Rhone is primarily single varietal wines (whites are made from Viognier and reds from Syrah) the Southern Rhône is all about blends. Up to thirteen grapes are permitted in the signature red wine of the Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf du Pape, which is comprised predominantly of Grenache. Whites from this region are generally a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc.
The Beaucastel family has inhabited this region since the middle of the sixteenth century and was among the most notable families of the small town of Courthezon. In 1909 Pierre Tramier bought the property and Beaucastel then passed to his son-in-law, Pierre Perrin, who considerably increased the vineyard holdings. His efforts were continued by his son Jacques until 1978. Today the estate is helmed by Jean Pierre and François Perrin, sons of Jacques, but Marc, Pierre, Thomas and Matthieu, who represent the fifth generation, are ready to pursue this fabulous family history.
Fast forward to 1985 at which time the friendship between the Perrin family and Robert Haas, longtime importer and founder of Vineyard Brands, results in the creation of Tablas Creek Vineyard. Since the 1970s both families had recognized the potential of California’s climate as an ideal place for planting Rhône varietal grapes and in 1987, they began the lengthy process of creating a Châteauneuf-du-Pape style vineyard from scratch in the New World.
In 1989 they purchased a 120-acre property in the hilly Las Tablas district of west Paso Robles for its similarities to Châteauneuf du Pape: limestone soils, a favorable climate, and rugged terrain. This is also where the winery ultimately derived its name. The partners imported the traditional varietals grown on the Perrins’ celebrated estate, including Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Counoise for reds, and Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc for whites. These imported vines passed a rigorous 3-year USDA testing program, were propagated and grafted in the on-site nursery, and used to plant the organic estate vineyard. This nursery of clones from Beaucastel cuttings are now used widely throughout the Paso Robles region. The estate currently has approximately 105 acres under vine and works with indigenous yeasts and favors large, neutral oak barrels and casks for aging.
Tablas Creek National Sales Manager, Darren Delmore, joined us for the dinner and guided us through the tasting of these special wines. Sampling the wines of California’s Tablas Creek and the Rhône’s Château de Beaucastel together highlighted the similarities and differences of their respective terroirs. The wines were paired with the delicious cuisine of Chef Nick Morfogen which accentuated the nuances of each wine beautifully!
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Côtes de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles, 2010
Like most wines of the Southern Rhône, this wine is a blend of white grape varieties which in this case are comprised of 54% Viognier, 30% Grenache Blanc, 8% Roussanne and 8% Marsanne. All the fruit for this wine is estate grown and features the floral aromatics and stone fruit of Viognier, the crisp acidity and rich mouthfeel of Grenache Blanc, and the structure and minerality of Marsanne and Roussanne. This wine is perfect as an aperitif or paired with dishes such as Moules Marinières or Fish with Fennel. Drink now. Wine Advocate, 90 points.
Price: $25
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc, Paso Robles, 2009
This wine a blend of three estate-grown varietals, propagated from budwood cuttings from the Château de Beaucastel estate. It is comprised of 62% Roussanne, 26% Grenache Blanc and 12% Picpoul Blanc. Roussanne provides the core richness, minerality, and flavors of honey and spice, while Grenache Blanc adds green apple and anise flavors, a lush mouthfeel and bright acids. Picpoul Blanc completes the blend, adding a saline minerality and tropical notes. Drink: 2012-2016. Wine Advocate, 91 points; Wine Spectator, 89 points.
Price: $42
Château Beaucastel, Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc, Rhone Valley, 2010
Comprised of 80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache blanc this wine is fermented in 30% new oak barrels with the remaining 70% fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine displays beautiful notes of star fruit, acacia flower and peach which evolve into honey and tropical fruit with a hint of pie crust. The complexity is balanced by a lovely acidity and long, lingering finish. Drink over the next 4-5 years. Wine Advocate, 95 points; Wine Spectator, 93 points.
Price: $97
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Patelin de Tablas Rouge, Paso Robles, 2011
This wine a blend of four red Rhône varietals: 52% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and 1% Counoise from several of the top Rhône vineyards in Paso Robles. Like many red wines from the Rhône Valley, it is based on the dark fruit, mineral and spice of Syrah, with the brightness and fresh acidity of Grenache, the structure and meatiness of Mourvèdre and a small addition of Counoise for complexity. Drink: 2012-2016. Wine Advocate, 89 points.
Price: $20
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge, Paso Robles, 2010
This wine is a blend of four estate-grown varietals, propagated from budwood cuttings from the Château de Beaucastel estate: 45% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah and 4% Counoise. The wine is based on the dark red fruit, earth, spice and mid-palate richness of Mourvèdre, with additions of Grenache for forward fruit, approachability and lushness, Syrah for mineral, aromatics, and back-palate tannins, and Counoise for brambly spice and acidity. Drink: 2015-2025. Wine Advocate, 93-95 points.
Price: $59
Château Beaucastel, Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge, Rhône Valley, 2010
This wine is structured and intense yet lean, thanks in part to the large percentage of Mourvedre (about 30%) in the final blend. Its tannic backbone and resistance to oxidation help Beaucastel age with grace. Grenache (30%) contributes a warming sensation of ripe fruit and a velvety feeling in the mouth. Syrah at 10%, and Muscardin and Vaccarese with around 5% each, add color and spicy aromas while increasing the wines aging potential. 5% of Cinsault is added for softness and its special bouquet. The remainder is made up of small quantities of the 7 other varieties allowed in Châteauneuf du Pape. They add that extra note of graceful complexity which makes Château de Beaucastel such an extraordinary wine. Drink: 2015-2045. Wine Advocate, 95 points.
Price: $99
To purchase these fabulous wines, please call 561-317-6663. Mention this post and receive an additional 10% discount off the purchase of a case!
Cheers,
An official Happy New Year to everyone and I hope your 2013 is off to a fabulous start! I've been hard at work on my new website which I am very happy to introduce to you right now. I hope you find it useful in enhancing your adventures in food and wine in 2013 and beyond.In keeping with the spirit of the New Year, January is all about starting fresh and setting goals for the year ahead. If one of your goals for 2013 is to explore the world of food and wine, you're in luck - The Glamorous Gourmet and The Wine Atelier have you covered! A couple features of the new website include:1.) Weekly Wine Picks: as the name implies each week I'll be featuring a selection of wines based on a common theme. Whether it's a specific region, season or featured producer the focus will first and foremost be on learning about what's in your glass, where it's from, who made it and how it got there!2.) The Wine Atelier Wine Club: Explore the world of wine from the comfort of your own home with The Wine Atelier Wine Club! Every month, two personally hand-selected bottles will show up on your doorstep with detailed information on the wine region, producer, grape variety and suggested food and wine pairings. All you need is your corkscrew, glass and a sense of adventure!3.) Weekly Wine Facts: Do vinous terms like "Sommelier," "Vendages Tardive," and "Pouilly-Fuissé" get you tongue tied? Well, not for long, my fellow wine lovers! Each week I'll feature a new wine term complete with proper pronunciation and definition to further demystify the world of wine and keep you one step ahead of those pesky wine snobs.4.) Food & Wine Pairings: For those of you who enjoy pairing food and wine, I'll be featuring recipes and pairing suggestions to help you create than magical synergy of 1 + 1 = 3. Whether it's "Fast & Fabulous" recipes for everyday enjoyment or "Menus for Entertaining" there's wine pairings at every price point to suit your budget as well as your occasion.5.) Special Events: Do you enjoy socializing with other wine lovers? Whether it's "The Art of Wine and Food" at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, the upcoming Boca Bacchanal or The 2nd Annual Country Club Chef Showdown I've got lots of fun wine loving events on my calendar for 2013. Check back often for updates!Cheers,
An official Happy New Year to everyone and I hope your 2013 is off to a fabulous start! I’ve been hard at work on my new website which I am very happy to introduce to you right now. I hope you find it useful in enhancing your adventures in food and wine in 2013 and beyond.
In keeping with the spirit of the New Year, January is all about starting fresh and setting goals for the year ahead. If one of your goals for 2013 is to explore the world of food and wine, you’re in luck – The Glamorous Gourmet and The Wine Atelier have you covered! A couple features of the new website include:
1.) Weekly Wine Picks: as the name implies each week I’ll be featuring a selection of wines based on a common theme. Whether it’s a specific region, season or featured producer the focus will first and foremost be on learning about what’s in your glass, where it’s from, who made it and how it got there!
2.) The Wine Atelier Wine Club: Explore the world of wine from the comfort of your own home with The Wine Atelier Wine Club! Every month, two personally hand-selected bottles will show up on your doorstep with detailed information on the wine region, producer, grape variety and suggested food and wine pairings. All you need is your corkscrew, glass and a sense of adventure!
3.) Weekly Wine Facts: Do vinous terms like “Sommelier,” “Vendages Tardive,” and “Pouilly-Fuissé” get you tongue tied? Well, not for long, my fellow wine lovers! Each week I’ll feature a new wine term complete with proper pronunciation and definition to further demystify the world of wine and keep you one step ahead of those pesky wine snobs.
4.) Food & Wine Pairings: For those of you who enjoy pairing food and wine, I’ll be featuring recipes and pairing suggestions to help you create than magical synergy of 1 + 1 = 3. Whether it’s “Fast & Fabulous” recipes for everyday enjoyment or “Menus for Entertaining” there’s wine pairings at every price point to suit your budget as well as your occasion.
5.) Special Events: Do you enjoy socializing with other wine lovers? Whether it’s “The Art of Wine and Food” at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, the upcoming Boca Bacchanal or The 2nd Annual Country Club Chef Showdown I’ve got lots of fun wine loving events on my calendar for 2013. Check back often for updates!
Cheers,
In the constant quest for healthy, weeknight meals that require a minimal amount of time and effort, here's another Fast & Fabulous recipe I'd like to share with you: Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry!
This recipe was inspired by some of my favorite Asian flavors including spicy red curry, creamy coconut milk, and fresh ginger. The shiitake mushrooms, chopped peanuts and dark meat chicken also add delicious texture to the dish that really keeps you coming back for more - Steve will happily vouch for that!
If you're in the mood for wine (c'mon, you know you are!), a white wine with a hint of sweetness like a Pinot Gris or Riesling will work nicely to complement the flavors and keep the spicy heat in check. If you're in the mood for red, however, give a light, fruity Beaujolais a try.
I hope you enjoy this delicious dish and to browse even more of our Fast & Fabulous recipes, please click here!Bon appétit,
"Fast & Fabulous: Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry"
Recipe Type: Main Course
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
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