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White Wine
Can You Match the Wine to Its Region of Origin?
Last week while attending Wine & Spirits Top 100 tasting, I realized that there are tons of wines out there that I'm not all that familiar with.
Since I figured you might feel the same way, I thought it would be fun to put together a quiz. I'll list a varietal and you tell me where it's from.
Come Party With Me: Harvest Party — Menu
In wine making, the harvest is one of the most crucial times of year. It's when the vintners pick the grapes and usually occurs between August and October. Since the harvest is such an important season, many wineries celebrate with a lunch or dinner.
Happy Hour: 2005 Prinz Von Hessen Riesling
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.
Happy Hour: Basil Sangria
From wine spritzers to cabernet caipirinhas, this Summer, I've been all about sipping wine-based cocktails. The one I'm most infatuated with is sangria. I've experimented with tropical fruit sangria and floral liquor sangria.
Fast & Easy Dinner: Steamed Mussels in Tomato Broth
If you think mussels are a fancy and complicated dish only to be enjoyed at French-style bistro restaurants, this recipe will have you thinking again. Mussels are actually incredibly simple and quick to make. All you have to do is simmer them in a fragrant liquid — here it's a combination of garlic, ripe tomatoes, and white wine — until the shells pop open.
Sole Inspired by Julia
Whenever I chat with someone about the film Julie & Julia, it seems the famous recipe for beef Borgignonne enters the conversation. However, when I watched the movie it wasn't this dish that stood out in my mind. It was the sole meuniere — the life-changing fish that Julia enjoyed upon her arrival in France — that I long to taste.
Do You Drink Wine Spritzers?
I've become obsessed with drinking wine spritzers. They're refreshing and light on alcohol. Sometimes I'll open a bottle of wine on Monday and not be home again until Thursday.
Happy Hour: Peach and Mango Sangria
Recently my parents hosted an impromptu barbecue. When I asked if I could make the specialty cocktail, my dad said, "nah, that's too much work." Then I politely reminded him that a specialty cocktail doesn't always involve muddling and exotic spirits.
Fast & Easy Dinner: Cod With Cockles and White Wine
In this flavorful dish, two types of seafood — firm white fish and briny shellfish — are combined, creating a sophisticated meal that is surprisingly uncomplicated to make.
If your local market does not have cod or cockles, consider using another affordable flaky white fish, like halibut, and small clams in place of the cockles.
Serve a lightly dressed salad of mixed greens with herbs on the side and a glass of chilled Rosé.
Happy Hour: 2007 Schloss Schönborn Estate Riesling
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.
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