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Happy Hour: 2005 Prinz Von Hessen Riesling

partysugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:15:11 -0700

I love trying new wine, but sometimes it's intimidating and expensive to pick out a random bottle at the store. One great way to learn about wine is to order interesting varietals while dining out. If you enjoy the wine, make note of the name and label, then look for it at your local wine shop. That's exactly how I came across this smooth, deliciously-drinkable 2005 Prinz Von Hessen Riesling ($11). My sister enjoyed it with a sandwich at 'wichcraft and later she spotted the same bottle at Bi-Rite market. She thought it was so good, she gave it to me and said, "Drink this. You'll want to write about it."

She was right! It's the perfect Riesling - it's tart and acidic with notes of citrus and melon. It has a nice buttery color and lingering finish. It's not sweet at all, but it's slightly off-dry meaning it would pair wonderfully with sweet or spicy Asian-inspired dishes. Have you ever purchased a bottle of wine that you first sipped at a restaurant?

Happy Hour: 2007 Schloss Schönborn Estate Riesling

partysugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:15:28 -0700

It's National Riesling week and while you could enjoy a discount on European Riesling at a number of restaurants in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Las Vegas, you can just as easily celebrate by sipping a bottle in the comforts of your own home. I highly recommend my current Riesling of choice, the 2007 Schloss Schönborn Estate Riesling. It's a juicy, drinkable white with a slight sweetness. The aroma is peachy, the taste minerally, and the finish crisp and light. Riesling is an excellent between season wine because it pairs with light salads and heartier dishes. I enjoyed Schloss Schönborn on a warm day at the park and was surprised at how smooth and friendly it was. How do you feel about Rieslings? What will you drink to toast Riesling week?

Happy Hour: Redhead in Bed

partysugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:15:29 -0700

Inspired by Market-Fresh Mixology, I decided to make a cocktail that features one of Spring's most popular fruits: strawberries. When I found this recipe while browsing cocktails on Food & Wine's website, I assumed it would be absolutely delightful.

My predictions were correct: this fruity concoction is light, refreshing, and easy drinking. The pureness of sweet strawberries is the defining flavor, but fresh lime juice provides a balancing tartness. Because the vodka is not overpowering, it's the perfect cocktail to enjoy on a hot day. If strawberries are in season at your farmers market, I strongly suggest you give this drink a try. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! To get the recipe please read more.

Redhead in Bed
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

3 pounds strawberries, hulled and coarsely chopped
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons citrus vodka
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Ice
1/3 cup chilled Riesling

Directions

In a bowl, toss the strawberries with the sugar and let stand, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices, about 10 minutes.
In a blender, combine half each of the strawberries and their juices, the vodka, and lime juice with 1 cup of ice and puree. Pour into a pitcher. Repeat with the remaining strawberries and juices, vodka, and lime juice and 1 more cup of ice.*
Fill 10 collins glasses halfway with ice. Pour the cocktail into the glasses, top each with about 1/2 tablespoon of Riesling and serve.

Serves 10.

*Since I dislike blended drinks, I pureed the strawberries with the lime juice in a blender. Then I combined the puree with the vodka in a cocktail shaker and shook to combine. I strained the mixture into collins glasses filled half way with ice and topped with the Riesling. Delish!

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Happy Hour: 2006 Affentaler Blue Monkey Riesling

partysugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:15:44 -0700

I used to be one of those people who avoided Rieslings because of their overly sweet nature. However, I have since learned, from bottles like this 2006 Affentaler Blue Monkey Riesling, that dry (not sweet) Rieslings are abundantly available.

Crisp and clean, this lush white was smooth and highly drinkable. With a tart, puckery finish and a fruity aroma, the wine was exceptional chilled and delicious paired with homemade pesto.

At only $14.99 the fun bottle, complete with embossed blue monkey, makes a wonderful hostess gift. What do you think of Riesling? Have you sipped a dry varietal?

Happy Hour: Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling 2006

partysugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:27:33 -0800

When shopping for white wine, I usually steer clear of overly sweet Rieslings. However, one Riesling I can't get enough of is Eroica. It's a rich, fruity wine from Washington state that is developed with a complex mix of old-world meets new-world techniques. The grapes come from many different vineyards to make the perfect blend. It's bold but refined with citrus flavors and a slight mineral finish. I love that the wine is named for Beethoven's third symphony, an interesting tidbit that elevates this bottle to supreme sophistication. It would pair well with light appetizers at Thanksgiving dinner; a crisp, thin crusted pizza; or a delicious, raw seafood bar.

Happy Hour: Wolf Blass Riesling

partysugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:03:12 -0700

I'm not exactly sure why, but I usually avoid Rieslings when I'm shopping for white wine. I can never remember if it's pronounced re or ree, and worry that each bottle is going to be sickeningly sweet. However all of these fears and insecurities were blown out the door when I tried Wolf Blass's 2006 Yellow Label Riesling. Produced in Southern Australia, this wine is beautifully crisp and very citrusy. I shared it with the girls in the office and we were all wonderfully surprised and appreciative. It's a dry Riesling that will pair wonderfully with spicy seafood, raw shellfish, or a light pasta. With its affordable price (under $12) this bargain wine is one you will definitely want to try.

Happy Hour: Dr. Beckermann Piesporter Michelsberg

YumSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 13:28:30 -0700

This weekend Jimmy and I headed to our friend's house for a night of poker, wine, cheese, snacks, home brew and more. We all bought in to the game at $20 a piece and I was out way sooner than I anticipated (I had 2 kings and there was nothing but junk showing, what were the odds that the other guy would have 2 aces, especially since another guy had 2 aces in the hand before?!?), which was maddening, but did allow me to take the time to peruse the wine and snacks selection. One of the wines, Dr. Beckermann Piesporter Michelsberg Qualitätswein which was picked up at Trader Joe's for under $5, ended up being super nice and refreshing. It was definitely one of the sweeter rieslings, but nice, not syrupy. It had hints of pears and peaches, but was lacking a mineral/acidic quality. I felt that it would pair well with a spicy dinner, and luckily there wasn't that much left, as I probably would have unknowingly drank the entire bottle. Not worth going out of your way to track down, but if you see it, definitely pick up a bottle (or two).

Definition: Riesling

partysugar — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 11:40:08 -0800

Riesling is a type of white wine and one of the world's finest grape varieties. It's a classic, noble German white grape that produces many great flavorful, wide ranging, crisp wines. Styles range from bone dry to super sweet. Aromas and flavors include apricot, peach, wet slate, minerals, flowers and petrol (when it's aged). The Riesling grape's ability to retain its acidity while achieving high sugar levels is what creates wines with considerable aging potential. Pair with appetizers, desserts, pork, poultry or fish. Rieslings are also able to handle the spice and zest of Asian foods.

Happy Hour: S3x 2006 Late Harvest White Riesling

YumSugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:29:31 -0700

One of my favorite wines at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition Tasting was the S3x 2006 Late Harvest White Riesling ($39). They say S3x stands for S three times - small, sweet sips - but I think there's a bit of a subliminal thing going on. Yet regardless of the name, it was one of the nicest dessert wines I've ever tasted. The odor was super fragrant, full of ripe peaches, and the taste was like little tiny little bubbles of candy.

It was the 2008 Sweepstakes winner and is a rare wine that is only produced when all the right pieces fall into place. One of those pieces being a natural mold called Botrytis cinerea (otherwise known as "noble rot"). But before you get skeeved out by the mold idea, let me tell you what it does. The mold weakens the grape skins and causes water to evaporate, creating crazy sweet juices. These juices then are turned into delicious wine.

If you're a fan of dessert wines - or are looking for one to try - then be sure to look this one up. I went back for a second tasting and can't wait to order a bottle of my own.

13 Under $20 Wines Perfect For Hostess Gifts

partysugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:15:34 -0800

Do you have an iPhone? Then stop what you're doing right now and download the Nirvino (my preferred online drinking community) wine ratings guide. With over one million wines listed by name, price, grape varietal, flavor profile, region, and producer, the wine application is an amazing resource to always have at your fingertips.

Not only does it provide food pairing suggestions, but there's also lots of fun lists to browse. Food Network's Aida Mollenkamp shares her favorite wines to drink while cooking, Sommelier Mark Bright rounded up his top bottles from Whole Foods, and yours truly has even created a list!

I headed to Safeway to pick out the best wines - all of which are under $20 - for hostess gifts. I've tasted and enjoyed these wines and would bring them to a party. Be it a birthday bash at Hog Island oyster farm, an intimate Thanksgiving dinner, or an upcoming holiday soirée, there's a bottle for every occasion. To check out my list, keep reading.