Tag Archives: wine

Pork Chops with Lenore Syrah

wood_grilled_erPhoto by Chip Riegel

Syrah is, in my mind, Washington’s grape and the Lenore is a great example why.  Brimming with dark and brooding fruit flavors and a little bit of a smoky flavor, this is a perfect pairing with Edible Rhody Magazine’s grilled pork chops and rich Soffritto .

Treat yourself to a perfect pairing with this delicious recipe.

fallwines-lenore-vert-1Corvidae Wine Co. Lenore Syrah

WOOD-GRILLED PORK CHOPS OVER CANNELLINI SOFFRITTO WITH RADICCHIO

by Chef/Co-owner Brian Kingsford, Bacaro, Providence

INGREDIENTS

Brined Pork Chops

1 cup dark brown sugar

1 cup salt

2 tablespoons fennel seed

2 tablespoons black peppercorns

3 sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme and sage

6 cups hot water

6 (12- to 14-ounce) double cut pork loin chops

Soffritto

½ pound pancetta, diced into ⅛-inch cubes

Olive oil

2 cloves garlic

2 onions, finely diced

3 carrots, finely diced

2 celery stalks, finely diced

3 sprigs thyme

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 (14-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained

¼ cup chicken broth

Kosher or sea salt

1 small head radicchio, stemmed, chopped in thin ribbons, rinsed and dried

Honeyed Onions (for garnish)**

Extra-virgin olive oil (good quality)

¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar, best available**

½ cup stemmed and chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS

To prepare the brine, in a large bowl or nonreactive container add brown sugar, salt, fennel seed, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme and sage to 6 cups hot water. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Add pork chops and additional cold water until chops are fully submerged. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 12 hours). Discard brine after use.

On the day of preparation, preheat grill or prepare coals and preheat oven to 450°. Mark chops on the grill on both sides, about 5 minutes total. (Alternatively, sear chops in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat, searing evenly on all sides.) Once chops are marked or browned, place in a roasting pan and roast until pork chops reach 130° (using an instant-read meat thermometer placed in the center), checking after 20 minutes. Let rest for at least 8 minutes before serving.

Meanwhile, prepare the soffritto. Sauté pancetta over medium heat in 1 tablespoon olive oil until fat is rendered. Add garlic and stir until mixture is fragrant. Add vegetables and thyme, and sauté until vegetables are softened. Add cannellini beans and chicken broth, making a thickened stew-like consistency, adding more broth if too thick. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and add butter. Season with salt to taste.

To serve, divide radicchio among 6 warm dinner plates. Ladle soffritto over radicchio and scatter the honeyed onions. Place chops atop vegetables. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil and fresh parsley. Serve immediately. Serves 6 as main course.

Honeyed Onions **

¼ cup local wildflower honey

¼ cup good-quality red wine vinegar

1 onion, halved and thinly sliced

 DIRECTIONS

Combine honey and vinegar in saucepan on low heat. Add sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until onions are softened. Can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Bring back to room temperature before serving.

Quick-Aged Balsamic Vinegar **

¾ cup light brown sugar

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

 DIRECTIONS

Place brown sugar in a small saucepan with about 2 tablespoons of water. Apply heat just to melt the sugar and water to a thickened consistency. Add the vinegar and stir. If needed, reduce very gently over a low flame until desired thickness is achieved. (The balsamic will thicken once cold as well.) The longer heat is applied, the less the flavor resembles an aged balsamic vinegar, so try not to scorch or overheat.

Top Spring Wines!

springtablewines-blogheader Spring’s arrival brings to mind new ​beginnings: the snow banks are melting, the days are getting longer and the sun is making itself known. Just as you pack away your bulky, winter jackets and unearth your light, spring coats – your wine choices gravitate away from hearty reds that pair well with comforting stews and towards delicate, white wines that complement fresh salads and grilled fish served optimistically outside. Here are our top picks for the season! springtable-terraprima Terra Prima Blanco – Mostly Xarel-Lo, an incredibly aromatic Spanish grape with vivid lemon flavor and a bright acidity. Winemaker Carlos Esteva actually defeated a proposed mining operation next to the winery to preserve the region’s rich limestone soil. springtable-chateaupesquieterrasses Château Pesquié ‘Terrasses’ – Grenache and Syrah lend a bright raspberry and strawberry flavor with an underlying spice note and a smooth finish. Great pairing for goat cheese. springtable-borgopg-600 Borgo M Pinot Grigio – A remarkably dry Pinot Grigio, notes of honeysuckle and melon are woven through this complex yet completely approachable wine. springtable-cheverny Domaine du Salvard Cheverny Blanc – Loire’s best secret, the village of Cheverny is located two hours from Sancerre and has similar limestone and chalky soil which creates mineral, dry focused white wines. Blended with a touch of unoaked Chardonnay, this wine is Sancerre’s cousin at a very attractive price. springtable-saintpeyrepicpoul Saint Peyre Picpoul de Pinet – Long time staff favorite, such intense acidity that will match vinaigrette dressing, pair beautifully with oysters and all sorts of shellfish dishes. Super thirst quenching, also pairs well with all sorts of rich, soft cheeses. springtable-chateauvitallispouilly-fuisse Chateau Vitallis Pouilly Fuissé – Rich, dry with a hint of minerals, Pouilly-Fuissé is a wonderful pairing for lobster and grilled bacon wrapped scallops. springtable-ilcasolare Fattoria San Lorenzo ‘Il Casolare’ Rosso – A blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, light with bright acidity, great slightly chilled. Substantial enough for pizza or pasta, soft enough to pair with take-out sushi or cioppino.

PAIRING IDEA: Il Casolare Rosso & Cioppino

Cioppino, a kitchen sink of a spicy, seafood stew was created by Italian and Portuguese fisherman in San Francisco and is a perfect addition to our spring recipe line up. Stop by your local fish market, pick up some cod and mussels and enjoy this flavorful and hearty stew! Feel free to use this recipe from Serious Eats as a jumping off point, adding shrimp, scallops,  crab, catch of the day special at your favorite fish monger.

springtable-birichino

Birichino Malvasia – An interesting Greek grape relocated to Santa Cruz, California, this wine boasts an amazing aroma of honeysuckle and elderflower. Dry with a lovely pear note, this will pair well with spicy pan fried noodles.

 

The Ultimate Drink List for Your Super Bowl Party!

Looking for fun drink ideas for your Super Bowl party? Something that excites beyond the standard cheap beer? The pros at Bottles have created a game-day-ready drink menu that includes Washington state wines, New England craft beers, and crowd-sized cocktail recipes featuring craft spirits by New England distillers. We’ve even created a handy printable list for these items. Download, print it out, and stop by Bottles for everything you’ll need.

——> Download & Print the Drink List <——-

New England Cocktails spirits Looking for Super Bowl cocktail recipes?  Here’s our list featuring local New England spirits that can be made the morning of game day. Large-batch cocktails allow your guests to focus on what really matters — football, with no empty drink glasses! Nervous about ratios? We’ve done the math for you. You’ll need a large pitcher, punch bowl or swing top bottle to display your mixology handiwork, and don’t forget the ice. Give the bottle a quick shake as you serve these spirited Yankee cocktails over ice. Stop by Bottles for these stellar local spirits, grab your favorite pitcher and get pouring!

Rhody Russian:

Ingredients 1 bottle Loyal 9 Vodka 1/2 bottle of Dave’s Coffee Syrup 15 Dashes of Angostura Bitters 2 Liters Club Soda

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl. If making this ahead of time, add the club soda just before serving. Serve in glasses full of ice. Makes 15 cocktails Sons of Liberty Spirits Company is located not too far from Providence in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. They handcraft delicious, American Single Malt Whiskies and a line of premium craft vodkas. Drink local! Dave’s Coffee Syrup is also handcrafted in Rhode Island — coffee beans are hand-roasted in small batches, cold-brewed and simmered with natural cane sugar. An awesome addition to cocktails!

Issac’s Punch:

Ingredients (makes 15 cocktails) 3/4 Bottle of Bully Boy White Rum 1/2 Gallon of Apple Cider 7 1/2 oz Simple Syrup 7 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl and serve in a glass over ice. Bully Boy is a Boston distillery that makes hand-produced, small batch spirits with loads of New England character. Learn more about Bully Boy Distillers >

Boston Cocktail:

Ingredients 3/4 a bottle of Greylock Gin by Berkshire Mountain Distillers 3/4 a bottle of Apricot Brandy 7 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 12 Dashes of grenadine

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl and serve in a glass over ice. Makes 15 cocktails. Berkshire Mountain Distillers (BMD) are the creators of Greylock Gin, which is the star of this cocktail recipe. Established in 2007, all BMD spirits are handcrafted in small batches in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Washington Wines wines For those Seahawks fans lurking in New England, we had to choose some wines for Washington. Here’s a selection of our yummiest Washington state wines in the shop!

Kung Fu Girl Riesling – Insanely refreshing and yummy!  Not your momma’s too-sweet Riesling — this one’s bone dry! Drink by itself or with something spicy like Buffalo Chicken Wings.

Vino Pinot Grigio – Wanna know a secret?  This wine is better than your Super Bowl guests deserve.  While they’re watching Katy Perry during halftime, sneak a glass in the kitchen.

Eve Chardonnay – A lighter style Chardonnay — polished with pretty pear, apple and cream flavors. Great with 7 layer dip!

Velvet Devil Merlot – Wickedly rich and smooth — perfect with your ribs or sausages.

Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon –  Dark and spicy with plum, currant and chocolate flavors. Scored 92 points from Wine Spectator! It may be the best thing from Washington (including the Seahawks).

Milbrandt Cabernet Sauvignon – Dark, velvety and complex with layers of dark fruit and dried savory herbs. A staff favorite! Pair with nachos and Seahawk Chowdah.

New England Craft Beers beers Go Pats! Some of our favorite craft beers for Super Bowl 2015, all made in New England! We’ve chosen a range of styles to please any crowd.

Cambridge Brewing Remain in Light – Made in Boston! A light, snappy, crisp pilsner.

Cape Ann Fisherman’s Navigator – A toasty, malty, warming brew from Massachusetts! Cape Ann’s winter seasonal doppel-bock.

Otter Creek Citra Mantra – From Vermont, and a hoppy, citrusy, and super refreshing Indian Pils Lager.

Newport Storm Wham! Bam! Van Damme – Powerful! Boozy! Malty!

P.S. Not sure how much beer or wine to get? Use our party math guide! 

Enjoy your parties!

Cheers!

The Bottles Team

3 Warm Drink Recipes for Chilly Nights!

It’s that time of the year again, and these cold, brisk nights are perfect for warm & cozy drinks. You’ll love these 3 classic winter cocktail recipes! It isn’t winter without at least one spiked tea or cocoa! Our mulled wine recipe is also a great alternative for punch at any party or gathering!

Grab these awesome printable recipe cards we’ve made too! Add em to your home bar collection, or stick em on the fridge for subtle reminder to drink to stay warm during this icy season!

winter-cards

—-> Printable Cards! <—–

Whiskey Hot Toddy

warm-drinks-tea

Ingredients:
A cup of hot black tea
1 oz Evan Williams 1783 
Juice of half a lemon
1 spoonful Royal Rose’s Cardamom Clove Syrup

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a mug and stir to combine.

Historically, dropping some whiskey and a splash of lemon in your tea turned an afternoon tipple into a salve for the common cold. The warm tea soothed your sore throat and the vitamin C in the lemon juice provided support for your ailing immune system.

Royal Rose’s Cardamom Clove Syrup provides the experience of infusing a handful of spices Ina Garten-style over a warm stove for hours without any of the work. Our friends at Royal Rose have lovingly made this syrup so on a chilly day when your nose is runny and you feel under the weather you can add a drop of Cardamom Clove into your toddy, and head back to bed.

Infused Hot Cocoa warm-drink-hc

Ingredients:
A cup of your favorite hot cocoa
1 oz Bittermens New Orleans Coffee Liqueur
1 spoonful Royal Rose’s Three Chile Simple Syrup

Directions: Combine all ingredients in your favorite mug and stir.

Bittermans New Orleans Coffee Liqueur tastes of Brazilian coffee beans and organic French chicory root that New Orleans coffee is famous for. A touch of vanilla and some Belgian chocolate syrup makes this liqueur perfect for hot cocoa.

Three Chile Syrup is hand-made with fresh poblano, jalapeño peppers, and dried ancho chiles. As a savory blend of sweet and spice, it’s a fantastic mixer for vodka, mezcal, and whiskey. Also, try it as a delicious marinade for meats and veggies!

Make a batch of this Infused Hot Cocoa, grab a blanket and settle in for a glorious evening of Netflix.

Mulled Wine

Ingredients:
A crockpot
1 Bottle Dry Red Wine or White Wine (not too minerally or tannic)
½ a cup Sugar
Cinnamon sticks, Cardamom, Cloves, Star Anise to taste
Sugar/Simple Syrup (1/2 cup to 2 cups)
Lemon peels & Orange Slices

Directions:
Make sure the crock pot is large enough to hold a bottle of wine and pour it in. Turn it on low and add the desired amount of spices. Be careful with the Star Anise because it is very powerful. Add about ½ a cup of sugar to start with and as the wine mulls, taste it along the way & add more if needed. Last but not least, add the slices of oranges & lemon peels for that last little kick of zest. Heat it till warmed & the wine has taken on the desired amount of flavors from the spice. Serve in ceramic or glass mugs for a true European experience.

Read more and check out our how to video here too!

Enjoy and stay warm!!

hot-group-2

Cheers!

The Bottles Team

9 Overachiever Wines Under $15 and Pairings!

There’s no need to have a less-than-satisfactory glass of wine, even if you’re on a budget. Lucky for you, the wine experts at Bottles are always on the hunt for the best wine bargain—wines that deliver great quality at a little price.

The catch is that oftentimes, wines that fit into this category are off the beaten path. You may not be familiar with the growing area, or recognize the grape varietal. We’ve scoured the store and selected 9 overachieving wines that are under $15. You may have never heard of them, but trust us, they are worthy of your attention. Delicious and interesting, come discover your next go-to wines!

Download and print out Overachiever Wine Check List, so you check check them off as you try them! Really, why not try them all at such a bargain! Tell us what you think about them with #overachieverwines at @Bottles_PVD Twitter and @bottlesfinewine Instagram!

—-> Overachiever Wine Check List <—-

PAIR WITH CHICKEN

furmintEvolúció Furmint
Tokaj, Hungary
Steely, dry and very crisp white wine bursting with citrus, green apples, white flowers and mineral notes.  Great with goat cheese, but especially great with roast chicken. Try Edible Rhody Magazine’s Herb Roasted Spring Chicken!

bombardCantina Santa Maria la Palma Cannonau di Sardegna ‘Le Bombarde’
Sardinia, Italy
Made from Cannonau (a.k.a. Grenache), this is a highly polished and very characteristic example of the staple red grape from Sardinia. Pretty aromas of cassis, herbs and red flowers with flavors of red berries and a bit of smoke.  Try it with a heavily spiced chicken recipe, like this Cayenne-Roasted Chicken recipe.

alvaerezAlvarez de Toledo Godello
Bierzo, Spain
From the Northwest corner of Spain, this crisp, unoaked beauty has flavors of melon, peaches, baking spices and a hint of wet stone.  Impeccably made and great for nearly any occasion or meal, but especially suited to a lighter chicken recipe. We’re loving this recipe for Feta-Stuffed Chicken Legs.

PAIR WITH VEGGIES

molinoMolino a Vento Nerello Mascalese
Sicily, Italy
A beautiful red from one of Sicily’s more popular native grapes.  Intense aromas and flavors of wild berries and dried herbs.  Great with spicy foods, but would really shine with a rich vegetarian tomato based pasta dish. Give this a try: Rigatoni with Zucchini, Tomato and Basil.

ricotoRicitos de Oro White Garnacha
Navarra, Spain
Estate grown, hand harvested white wine from 40 year old vines.  Lovely bright flavors of tart citrus coupled with hints of fennel bulb and fresh herbs.  Great with salads and vegetarian cuisine, like Warm Salad of Fingerling Potatoes.

chateaurChâteau Jouclary
Cabardès, France
One of our long time favorites!  From Southwestern France, right in between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.  A blend of mostly Merlot and Syrah with a little Grenache.  Dry and smooth with engaging flavors and aromas of red flowers, black olives and pepper.  Great with so many different foods, but try it with your favorite veggie pizza or this recipe: Roasted Garlic Ricotta, Ramp and Wild Mushroom Flatbread.

PAIR WITH PORK

flaseFalse Bay Pinotage
South Africa
Pinotage is the signature red grape from South Africa and is a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. False Bay makes an excellent example and has aromas and flavors of dark ripe fruits, dry cocoa and a hint of eucalyptus.  This is a rich wine but has soft tannins making a great pairing with lean pork dishes. We’re into this Pan-Seared Pork Chops recipe by Edible Rhody Magazine!

Cormons ‘Melograno’
Collio, Italy
Pure bright fruits flavors of tart cherry and fresh raspberries, medium bodied and soft, delicate tannins. Perfect for grilled porkchops or roasted pork tenderloin.

joaoFrei João
Bairrada, Portugal
Made from Touriga Nacional, Baga and Syrah, this wine has a deep ruby color and intense and complex aromas of black fruits and spices.  On the palate it shows an excellent structure, good balance, round tannins and a remarkable persistence. Pair with the richest pork dish you know. Roasted Pork Belly works!

Cheers and Enjoy! 

The Bottles Team

Let’s Get Punchy! 3 Holiday Punch Recipes

For me nothing says holiday festivities quite like a big ol’ batch of punch! Many fine parties have begun around a punch bowl. By serving punch, you’ll not only satisfy your unquenchable guests but also save yourself the crazy expense of trying to have a full bar at your shindig.

Even better yet, you can prepare most of these ahead of time! Mixing everything except the bubbly components (if your recipe calls for it!) allows the flavors to marry together. And that makes for some mighty fine punch!

The Long Hello

Fun, easy, and bubbly! This is a great budget friendly punch that will still have a major wow factor among your guests, and is full of classic holiday flavors.
Source 

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups of Apple Brandy or Calvados
1 cup St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
10 dashes Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters
1 bottle of Sparkling Wine or Champagne (750mL)
Freshly grated nutmeg
To make an ice mold:
Using a Bundt or tube pan, place pear and apple slices in a circle on the bottom of the container. Slowly add water to submerge the fruit & freeze. Ice ring can be made 1 week ahead.

Directions
Stir Calvados, St. Germain, bitters, and 1 cup of water in a punch bowl. Add ice ring (let the mold sit at room temperature for a few minutes to loosen), then sparkling wine. Ladle punch in glasses and grate nutmeg over each glass. Serves 16.

The Old Gunwhale

Near and dear to my heart, the Old Gunwhale is a personal favorite of mine. I have made this punch time and time again, each time with a wonderful reception from guests. Despite how simple it may seem, I find that the sum is definitely greater than its parts!
Source 

For the chamomile syrup:

8 oz. water
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons dried chamomile, or 2 chamomile tea bags

Ingredients
10 oz. Bourbon
8 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice
6 oz. Chamomile Syrup
1 bar spoon Fee Brother’s Cranberry Bitters

Directions
In a saucepan, place the sugar, water, and the chamomile tea bags or dried chamomile tied in a piece of cheesecloth. Bring the mixture to a boil, let it cook for a few minutes, then remove from heat to cool to room temperature.

Combine the chamomile syrup, bourbon, grapefruit juice, and bitters in your serving bowl. Add ice cubes. To serve, ladle into a glass filled with ice. Serves 10.

Kentucky Cardinal

This is my wildcard recommendation! In the mood to throw all caution to the wind? Then this gem of a punch recipe may be overkill as far as ingredients go, but if you are looking for a wildly delicious punch, then look no further!
Source

Ingredients

1 bottle of Red Wine (shiraz or a similar fruity wine)
1 cup rye whiskey
1 cup brandy
1/2 cup sweet vermouth
1/4 cup Carpano Antica
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup Moscato d’Asti
4 cups sparkling water
Ice Block
Orange twists for garnish

Directions
Combine red wine, rye, brandy, vermouth and Carpano in a pitcher. Slowly stir in the sugar until dissolved. Refrigerate for a few hours until cold. When serving, place ice block in punch bowl and pour chilled mixture over. Top with moscato and sparkling water and serve. Garnish each glass with an orange twist. Makes 25 servings.

A note on serving vessels: Don’t have a Baccarat crystal punch bowl? Kidding, fret not my dearies! Honestly, if you have a punch bowl by all means utilize it! However for the rest of us, I have to say that a stock pot works darn well in a pinch.

Cheers!
– Jackie Blackwell

 

 

 

 

Stocking Stuffers Under $20 at Bottles

Star Wars ice cubes? Rhode Island themed beer mugs? How about an absinthe gift set? Who says grown-ups can’t have fun gifts for Christmas! Check out this list of stocking stuffers for under $20 that will please and amuse folks that enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails.

Stocking Stuffers

Vodka: A Global History by Patricia Herlihy – Learn about the history of vodka in this book with Patricia Herlihy, a Brown University professor and our favorite vodka expert around town!

Star Wars Silicone Ice Trays – Choose from a Death Star, Boba Fett, or Han Solo in Carbonite.

Lucahdor Bottle Openers – A mini wrestler applying a famous lock hold on your beer bottle!

Absinthe spoons, glass, and sugar cubes – All the accessories you’ll need to enjoy Absinthe the traditional way.

Wine Monkey – Heading to a get-together? Slip a Wine Monkey onto your bottle of Bordeaux and you’re covered.

Mystery Nips – A variety of liquor nips – it’s a surprise what’s in each box!

Wine Aerating Pour Spout – An aerating spout that draws oxygen into the wine, bringing our its full flavor.

Greeting from Rhode Island Beer Mug – A hefty beer mug etched with our very own ‘Greetings from Rhode Island’ design.

What Cheer Metal Flask – Original design by Bottles, and hand-engraved by our master engraver

Dapper ’Staches Drink Markers – Keep your party classy and your drinks distinguished. Simply apply one to your glass.

Cheers!
The Bottles Team

Top 9 Holiday Wines!

holiday-vert1 The Holidays are busy times for all of us, with numerous family gatherings, parties, and special dinners to attend or even host. The wine experts at Bottles are here to take the stress out of the Holidays by helping you select great wines for any occasion. Need a handsome hostess gift? Having a few people over to your home? Choose from our top 9 Holiday wine picks – they are sure fire bets to please any wine lover, novice or expert.

laetitia

Laetitia Chardonnay, California – Mouth filling and spirited fruit flavors of Bosc pear, pineapple and ripe lemon.  Great to sip on as an aperitif or with warm appetizers.

sonoma-cutterSonoma Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, California – One of the most iconic wines from California!  Great balance between lively acidity and rich flavors of Golden Delicious apple, white peach, a hint of vanilla and a touch of butter.

Cheveau Pouilly-Fuisse ‘Les Vieilles Vignes’, France – Made from 50 to 70 year old vines!  A powerful wine of great depth and length.  Only 1200 bottles of this elite cuvée are imported into the U.S.

gruetGruet Brut, New Mexico – Brilliant with ultra fine bubbles.  A wonderful, fine aroma dominated by green apple and grapefruit flavors.  A true classic!

perrierPerrier-Jouët Grand Brut, France – Delicate, elegant and balanced with striking freshness of the floral and fruity fragrances of lemon and bergamot orange coupled with richer notes of butter, vanilla sugar and hazelnuts.

ruinart

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, France — From one of Champagne’s oldest houses and is bottled in the traditional bottle shape from the 1800s.  Impressive power and elegance with exotic ground spice, orange zest, anise and jasmine flavors and aromas.  An invigorating finish and an excellent gift for anyone, including yourself!

chateau-vaisinerieChâteau Vaisinerie St Emilion, Bordeaux, France – Smooth, lush and voluptuous wine – a really special treat for yourself or any wine lover.  Mostly Merlot with a little Cabernet Franc blended in for an expressive nose and flavors of ripe bramble fruit, wet crushed stones, cedar and graphite.  Excellent with prime rib, roast lamb, or rib eye steaks.

chateau-mathelineChâteau La Matheline Bordeaux Superieur, France – Impressive wine at an unbelievable price!  From a great vintage and from just outside the famous St Emilion region.  Big, ripe flavors of dark red currant, cherry and raspberry fruits coupled with cedar, tobacco and dark chocolate.  Great with lamb or roast beef.

chateau-blaignanChâteau Blaignan Medoc, Bordeaux, France – A new top pick for staff and customers alike.  Almost half and half Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a little Cabernet Franc for added perfume and complexity.  Pronounced notes of blackcurrant, black cherries and a hint of spice with a rich, smooth body and velvety tannins.

holiday-horizontal2

Happy Holiday! (Good luck….)

Cheers, 

The Bottles Team

Butternut Squash Recipe Paired with Chardonnay!

squash-seeds

If you’re looking for an easy and yummy Thanksgiving side dish, look no further! We just love this Roasted Butternut Squash recipe by Chef Jonathan Dille at The Grange, featured in Edible Rhody Magazine. Prepare the day before, and warm it up when you’re ready to serve. Now, what wine to pair with this dish? It’s especially delicious with Aviary Chardonnay!

The Aviary Chardonnay is not the big oaky/buttery type, but more restrained with flavors of ripe apple and pear.  The rich body of the Chardonnay will stand up to the beautiful flavors of the squash and meld perfectly with the seed mixture.

aviary-web

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH FRESH CRANBERRIES & TOASTED SEEDS
Chef Jonathan Dille, The Grange, Providence

This is a quick, easy and delicious dish for Thanksgiving. You can prepare it the night before and simply warm it up the next day.

1 medium–large Butternut squash, washed, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
1 tablespoon safflower oil
2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
1 cup fresh cranberries
¼ cup sunflower seeds, hulled
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup poppy seeds
¼ cup pepita seeds
¼ cup maple syrup

Preheat oven to 400°.

Toss squash cubes with oil and salt. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash is soft and lightly browned. Remove from oven, add cranberries and let cool. Once cool, place squash into a baking dish for reheating the next day.

To reheat, preheat oven to 425°. Mix seeds together in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the seed mix evenly over the squash. Drizzle dish with ¼ cup maple syrup or to taste. Bake for 20 minutes, or until seeds are toasted. Serves 6.

Enjoy!

Cheers, 

The Bottles Team

3 Thanksgiving Drink Menus – Free Printables!

Printable Thanksgiving Drink Menus

You’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first, second or twentieth time. Your friend who makes an incredible oyster stuffing is coming for dinner and your cousin who spent two years in Italy will be there. You stare at your beers, wines, and cocktails and feel a twinge of doubt. Will your family like these? Does this pair well with turkey? What about dessert? 

Here at Bottles, we have answers to all these questions – what cocktails, wines, and beers to serve that will delight your friends and family. We’ve put together 3 Thanksgiving drink menus that differ according to the size of your group: An Intimate Gathering, Mid-Sized Party, or a Large Group.

Click below to download and print the shopping list and 3 drink menus!

Download & Print the Shopping List  >
Intimate Gathering Drink Menu >
Mid-Sized Party Drink Menu >
Large Group Drink Menu >

Small

INTIMATE GATHERING (for 5-8 people)

BEER

Leipzinger Gose – A German beer brewed with salt and coriander, this sour style is incredibly refreshing and will pair beautifully with turkey.  4.8% ABV

Saison Dupont Cuvée Dry Hopping – Every year, Dupont’s Master Brewer makes a special dry-hopped version of this benchmark Belgian saison – delightful with stuffing! 6.5% ABV

St. Bernardus Tripel – Belgian yeast creates a banana and herbal flavor that makes a strong beer seemingly light. Great for the main course or even with pie! 8.0% ABV

Unibroue Maudite – Think rich, dark and malty! Maudite is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale with spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg is heavenly with sweet potatoes. 8.0% ABV

WINE

Birichino ‘St. Georges’ Zinfandel – Planted by a bootlegger just south of Santa Cruz in the 1920s, this California Zinfandel has a lighter touch than some of its jammier California counterparts. A lovely balance of acidity and tannin.

Broc Cellars Grenache – A heavenly blend of deep plum, rich raspberry and star anise, this Grenache is a great example of fruit flavors without a syrupy sugary finish. Bright acidity creates a refreshingly smooth wine that will sing with roasted vegetables and stuffing.

Tascante ‘Buonara’ Carricante – An amazing example of tradition in winemaking and sheer gumption. The Carricante grape has grown on the slopes of active volcano Mount Etna for over a thousand years. The volcanic soil provides an unbelievable mineral structure to this white wine that is unlike any other region. Rich and complex with a slight note of salt, I can’t imagine a better white to serve with turkey.

APERITIF – Lillet Citron Cocktail – Quince & Apple’s Citrus Syrup is a wonderful balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory for a cocktail base to wonderfully complement the citrus notes in Lillet.

DINNER FEATURE – Paper Kite Cocktail – While slightly bitter, the spectacularly mellow Henry McKenna Bourbon plays off the vanilla and orange notes in the Aperol and bitters. This whiskey is not for the faint of heart with its devilish jalapeno flavors, high proof and rich finish to impress your guests.

POST FEAST – Lazzaroni Amaro – Serve neat! Amari is a thinking man’s liqueur. There are so many flavors in one bottle – gentian, rhubarb, sandalwood, cloves, dried citrus, all designed to mystify, entrance and delight your taste buds. Nothing can top the glorious sensation of an amari after a leisurely harvest feast with friends.

Medium

MID-SIZED GATHERING (for 12-15 people)

BEER

Two Roads Ol’ Factory Pils – Brewed by a nearby Connecticut brewery, Two Roads, Ol’ Factory Pils is traditional in concept with a twist – dry hops. This will pair well with the bird! 5.0% ABV

Founder’s All-Day IPA – Every holiday needs a session beer, low in proof but high in flavor that will be able to satisfy your craft beer cousins and uncles who just wants an ice cold beer. 4.7% ABV

Lagunitas Censored – ‘Censored’ is a great copper ale with a hoppy profile, molasses and maple flavors that will complement the myriad of flavors on the table.  6.75% ABV

Foolproof Raincloud Porter – Porters are great for lengthy meals and gatherings. They are lower alcohol than a stout, but still rich and flavorful. Foolproof is a local favorite amongst the Bottles staff! 6.5% ABV

WINE

L’Argentier Cinsault – A great value from the Languedoc, I adore this Cinsault for its dark cherry and raspberry flavors with just a hint of vanilla.  Medium bodied with a soft finish, a hint of cardamom will complement the roasted sweet potatoes and pair well with roasted vegetables.

In Situ Pinot Noir – Chile is producing stellar Pinot Noir that is putting California to shame and In Situ is no exception. Dark, rich plum and cherry flavors are met with super soft tannins for a smooth finish.

Dr. Pauly Dry Riesling – Look no further than Mosel, Germany for a dry Riesling that mingles fruit, acidity and mineral together to create a dry and zippy wine. For Riesling skeptics, Dr. Pauly Dry Riesling even has a Dry to Sweet scale on the bottle, reassuring your guests before their first sip that they are about to experience a wine that will balance the savory meal with a refreshing acidity. 

APERITIF – Pomegranate Cardamom Royale – Royal Rose’s Cardamom Clove Syrup is fall in a bottle! It’s handmade in tiny batches in Brunswick, Maine, and when mixed with pomegranate juice and topped off with Prosecco, the resulting sparkling cocktail will kindly remind your guests to save room for dessert.

DINNER FEATURE – Basque Cider & Rye Cocktail – We’ve found a cocktail that can be geared towards whiskey lovers that love a well-balanced, no frills cocktail and also please guests who like cocktails a little on the sweet side. You can also add less fresh apple cider and more tart, hard cider. On the other hand, increase the amount of fresh apple cider for a cocktail to satisfy a sweet tooth. by Jillian Guyette & Robert Luessen, abetterhappiersebastian.com

POST FEAST – Gonzales Byass ‘Nectar’ Pedro Ximenez Sherry – Sherry is a heavenly overlooked wine. Done well, it’s not only sweet, but complex with luscious flavors of caramel, dried figs and raisins. Gonzales Byass ‘Nectar’ is a great example of the dark and rich Pedro Ximenez style. Serve with pecan pie for an out of this world dessert experience.

Large

LARGE GROUP (15+ people)

BEER

Smuttynose Variety Pack – A variety pack is a great choice when entertaining a crowd, saving you from purchasing multiple six packs. Smuttynose does a solid IPA and a nice brown ale called Old Brown Dog. 

Bucket Pawtucket Pail Ale Squealer – Maximize the room in your fridge for pies with a squealer from Bucket Brewery out of Pawtucket. 32 oz of beer in one handy glass bottle, the Pawtucket Pail Ale has a rich malt profile that will pair well with turkey.  6.2% ABV

Narragansett Bohemian Pilsner – Another local favorite, ‘Gansett’s pilsner is light, malty and refreshing. A little heavier than the lager, the Bohemian Pilsner will impress your relatives that remember ‘Gansett from the first time around. 5.2% ABV 

Sierra Nevada Porter – I chose this porter because of its hop friendly status. The dark malts will pair well with all the rich, harvest flavors in the stuffing and side dishes.  5.6% ABV

WINE

Taron Rioja – Spanish reds are here to stay and for that I am thankful! Taron’s take on Tempranillo is a great mixture of spice and fruit. Great with a cheese platter!

Tenuta Sant’Antonio ‘Scaia’ Corvina – Corvina is becoming a new favorite grape from Veneto, Italy. Used in the production of Valipolicella, on its own Corvina is medium-bodied with notes of dark plum and black cherry. Not as acidic as other Italian reds such as Barbera, this will go well with the turkey and hopefully become a new favorite for your family!

Maculan Pino & Toi – From Italy comes this cool blend of Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Toi (Friulano). Expect a dry, medium bodied and extremely refreshing white wine. Lemon and peach flavors are complemented with a bright acidity that will please guests who love Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

APERITIF – Ca’ Furlan Prosecco – There is no better way to welcome a guest into your home than the festive sound of sparkling wine being uncorked, signifying the beginning of a wonderful gathering. Ca’ Furlan Prosecco is light with the slightest hint of peach, tangerine and apple. Greet your guests with a glass of bubbly!

DINNER FEATURE – Rosé Cranberry Sangria Punch – A simple sangria punch can be made the evening before. On Thanksgiving day, just pour into a pitcher or carafe. Punches are great for groups, freeing you from playing bartender and providing a gathering spot for conversations to begin and linger.

POST FEAST – Sambuca – A traditional Italian after-dinner treat,  this star anise based cordial dates back to ancient Rome. After feasts, guests were treated to anise cakes to settle one’s stomach after a long evening of revelry. Serve straight, in a bit of hot coffee or in a tall glass over ice for the perfect post-feast treat.

Happy Thanksgiving!
– Joanna