Tag Archives: wine

Great Kosher Wines for Passover

kosherwines_header_vertical-1

Happy Passover from Bottles! We’re excited to feature a great selection of new wines that also happen to be Kosher. Swing on by and shop our newly expanded Kosher wine display for a huge array of great choices from Israel and around the world. Keep reading for a few of our favorites out of the many Kosher wines we carry in store!

alfi_gabrielchardonnay

Arfi Winery’s ‘Gabriel’ Chardonnay has a fantastic balance of acidity and fruit, to create a complex and stunning Chardonnay.

chateaujaumard_bordeaux

Château Jaumard is a classic Bordeaux with firm tannins and a slightly spicy finish.

hai_noahmerlot

Hai’s ‘Noah’ Merlot is a wonderful example of a full and lush merlot with notes of plum and blackberry.

tabor_mttaborshiraz

Last but not least, Tabor’s ‘Mt. Tabor’ Shiraz will complement a roast with a light body but bright notes of raspberries and blackberries.

Happy Passover!

Our educated staff is more than happy to help with all your wine pairing and holiday planning needs. Visit us at 141 Pitman Street, Providence, Rhode Island

Rhode Island Quahogs Taste Great with Vinho Verde

quahogs_vinhoverde

Summer in the winter! We’ve paired Muralhas Vinho Verde with a Rhode Island classic: Quahogs. Known to some as hard-shell clams, or as the mythical town in Family Guy, the Quahog is not only the official State Shell but was once used by the Narragansett Indians to make beads that were used as money, called wampum. Now consumed as a savory local food, Rhode Island is right in the middle of “quahog country” and has supplied a quarter of the nation’s annual catch for years. They are typically served in clam chowder, clam cakes or stuffed.

Muralhas Vinho Verde

Richer than most, and made primarily of Alvarinho, the Muralhas Vinho Verde from Portugal will pair perfectly with a delicious Quahog dish. A predominance of peach and apricot aromas hit the nose with a good structure, well-balanced, smooth and dry palate. According to The Wines & Vineyards of Portugal “‘Muralhas’ wine is one of the most reliable and best known Vinho Verdes in the thousands of fish restaurants that line the coast of Portugal, from Lisbon to the Minho.” One of Portugal’s best co-ops, Adega de Moncao is the single largest grower of Alvarinho and has grown from 25 growers in 1958 to over 1,700.

Stuffed Quahogs

There are many variations on Stuffies within Li’l Rhody; some add green peppers and chorizo, while other swear by chorizo, or add plenty of spicy hot peppers. 

Ingredients
15 Quahogs, shucked then chopped
2 loaves of day-old Italian bread
1 Tbsp oil
2 medium onions
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 Tbsp crushed red pepper
2 Tbsp parsley, chopped
Paprika

Directions
Open Quahogs, placing meat and juice in separate bowls. Save shells. Break bread into small pieces in large bowl and add enough juice to just moisten. Add chopped quahogs.

In oil, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add along with crushed red pepper to bread mixture. Mix well.

Wash shells and separate. Mound stuffing into shells. Sprinkle tops with parsley and paprika. Set in a pan and bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 25 minutes or until heated through. Serves 10-15.

Optional: Add ground chorizo sausage or green bell pepper to onion when sautéing.

source

 

New Year, New Wines! The Bottles Noble Grape Wine Challenge

Bottles is challenging you to drink wine. Sounds awesome, right? If your hand gravitates toward the same bottle of wine each time you shop, well, here’s a chance to try something new. To help you out, the wine pros at Bottles have created of list of under $20 wines at our shop, representing the major types of wines, the Noble Grapes. Make it through this list and you’ll learn how each major varietal tastes, and try wines you might have never considered before.

What is a noble grape? It is an international grape variety that you’ll find in almost all major wine producing regions. Inspired by Wine Folly’s 18 Noble Grapes Wine Challenge, we’ve chosen a great value, quality wine for each major grape. Wine Folly is a website and blog dedicated to helping you learn about wine. Check out their article, “The 18 Noble Grapes Wine Challenge,” to more read about the characteristics of each noble grape.

DOWNLOAD & PRINT
WINE CHALLENGE CHECKLIST

Now, go exploring!

REDS
WHITES
 
Stop by our store to shop all of these wines!
Bottles – 141 Pitman St., Providence, RI
www.bottlesfinewine.com
 
 

9 Winter Wine Picks Under $20

winter wine list

Winter is the time to enjoy hearty beef stews, tuck into your favorite spaghetti recipe, or savor a pork shoulder roast. We’ve paired these classic winter foods with complementary red and white wines. Keep reading for our list of under $20 wines, and stop by our store to shop our winter wine display.

Visit our store and shop these wines & much more! 141 Pitman Street, Providence, RI

Looking for delicious beef, pasta, or pork recipe ideas? Our friends at Edible Rhody Magazine have a dazzling variety of dishes to choose from. We’ve selected three of our favorites: Braised Aquidneck Farm Beef Short Ribs, Linguine and Clams, and Pan-Seared Pork Chops Over Cheese Grits & Pickled Cranberry. CLICK HERE to download and print the recipe card for each, and visit the Edible Rhody website at www.ediblerhody.com.

BEEF

La Flor de Pulenta Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

La Flor de Pulenta Wines Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza, Argentina, 2008

From Argentina, where Malbec is King, this engaging Cabernet has spicy plum and dark cherry notes but also lots of interesting graphite and savory herb flavors and aromas. $18.99

Chateau Fage, Graves de Vayres

Chateau Fage, Graves de Vayres
France, 2010

This beautiful Cabernet/Merlot red blend has a solid core of plum and black cherry fruit flavors, but what really makes it special are the delicious vanilla and mineral elements lurking in the background.  A great choice with rich beef dishes. $11.99

Bousquet Malbec

Bousquet Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina, 2011

Grown at an altitude of 4000 feet, one of the highest in Argentina, this smashing Malbec is 100% organic and delicious.  Dark and intense in color with aromas and has flavors of blackberry, black currant and plum.  Very well made with an excellent balance of powerful fruit and elegant structure. $13.99

PASTA

Palazzone Orvietto

Palazzone Orvietto
Umbria, Italy, 2012

Made from a blend of obscure grapes that are indigenous to Italy, this dry and zippy white is perfect to add a splash to the pan to brighten up a pasta sauce, but even better to drink! $12.99

Zeni Ripasso Valpolicella

Zeni Ripasso Valpolicella
Italy, 2011

Ripasso are often called baby Amarone because they have many of the same flavors and aromas, but at a fraction of the price.  This beautiful example has flavors and aromas of chocolate, mocha, fig, raison and other dried fruits.  Enjoy with rich, meaty, pasta entrees. $17.99

A solid, well built, no nonsense Chianti that’s very dry and a bit rustic – just like inexpensive Chianti should be.  Look for bright and vibrant aromas of black cherry, cinnamon and red flowers.  A perfect match with any red sauce pasta dish. $11.99

 

PORK

Firesteed Pinot

Firesteed Pinot Noir
Oregon, 2011

A delicious lighter style Pinot Noir from the beautiful Willamette (rhymes with Dammit) Valley, Oregon.  Medium bodied red wine with exuberant wild blueberry and ripe raspberry flavors with hints of cocoa powder and espresso.  A really great match with pork dishes, especially ones with rich and flavorful sauces. $14.99

Willm Riesling

Willm Riesling
Alsace, France – 2012

Rieslings are not always sweet – see my video!  This stunning gem is super dry with crackling bright acidity that can cut through the richest of pork dishes.  Loaded with personality, look for flavors of green apple, peach, blood orange and anise.  Lip smacking delicious! $13.99

Chateau Pesquie 'Terrasses'

Chateau Pesquie ‘Terrasses’
Cotes du Ventoux, France, 2011

In Latin, Terrasses means “Lump of Earth” and refers to gravelly vineyard soil, rich in iron and clay.  A blend of Grenache and Syrah, look for an intense aroma of black pepper and red berries followed by yummy flavors of plum, cherry and red currants. A match made in heaven with roast pork dishes, especially with lots of garlic and black pepper. $16.99

 

Holiday Party Idea: Self-Serve Bubbly Bar! Free Printable Sign!

When we think of New Year’s, we think of bubbly! A festive way to ring in the New Year with family and friends is to set up a self-serve sparkling wine bar at home. Let your guests have fun creating their own sparkling cocktails! Your guests can choose a simple Kir Royale, or play mixologist as they combine flavors to create a multi-layered concoction. We’ve even made a free printable sign for you to download and place at the bar for the party!

FREE PRINTABLE BUBBY BAR SIGN >

Click the link above to download and print this Bubbly Bar sign!
After you’ve printed it, simple cut out the sign, fold in half, and place at the bar.

THE BUBBLY BAR SHOPPING LIST >

Click the link above to download and print the list of everything you’ll need. Stop by Bottles for all of these ingredients!

 

What You’ll Need for a Bubbly Bar
  • Ice Bucket
  • Jar of spoons (Pouring the mixers straight into your glass will cause the mixer and sparkling wine to combine too quickly. The best way to create a sparkling cocktail is to turn a spoon upside down and let the liquid slowly run over the spoon into your glass. SCIENCE!)
  • Champagne Flutes (check to make sure you have enough for all your guests!)
 
Our Favorite Sparkling Wines
We’ve drawn up a list of our favorite sparkling wines, Cavas, and Champagnes for you to choose from. Chill them beforehand, and place them at a the Bubbly Bar table.

 

  • Grandial – Light and bright, this Blanc de Blancs Brut is made from 100% Chardonnay that gives this sparkling treat a lovely note of green apple on the finish. $9.99
  • Mercat Cava – Wonderfully balanced and complex Cava from Catalonia, Spain.  Notes of lemon and peach meet with an undertone of minerals to create a spectacularly dry sparkling. $16.99
  • Gruet Brut – Sparkling wine from New Mexico? No way! Thank goodness French winemaker, Gilbert Gruet, travelled through New Mexico in the 1980’s and found European winemakers planting grapes in this inexpensive location. He promptly moved his sparkling wine operation from Bethon, France to Albuquerque, New Mexico! $19.99
  • Meinklang Rosé Frizzante – Bio-dynamic, organic and absolutely fun, this Pinot Noir sparkling style has less effervesce than others on this list but makes up for it in the most splendid strawberry notes. $21.99 
  • Mumm Napa – French Champagne house G.H. Mumm found a new home in Napa Valley in the early 1980’s. Notes of melon and vanilla are abundant in this rich and balanced California sparkling. Classic Californian sparkling, bright. $29.99 
  • Charles Heidsick Brut Reserve – From the house nicknamed ‘Baby Krug’ comes the most spectacular champagne I have had in recent memory. Delicate hints of nectarine and peach first come into play followed by a creamy, honeyed finish. Complex and rich, this is a non-vintage champagne that drinks like a vintage bottle twice the price. A fantastic way to ring in the New Year! $69.99
 
Not sure how many bottles of sparkling wine to get for your party?
 
Meinklang Rosé Frizzante
An Assortment of Mixers
Here’s our hand-picked selection of syrups and liqueurs for guests to mix with bubbly.
 
Giffard Crème de Cassis Noir de Bourgogne – $34.99
A dash of Cassis over a glass of champagne = a classic Kir Royale! While a Kir cocktail is a French cocktail with white wine and blackcurrant liqueur, a Kir Royal is a variation that uses bubbly instead.
Pama Pomegranate Liqueur – $14.99
Add a rosy glow to your glass of sparkling wine! Pama has the complex, sweet, yet tart taste of pomegranates.
Giffard Pamplemousse (Grapefruit) – $24.99

 

100% natural fruit crème that makes a great aperitif cocktail when mixed with bubbly.

Quince & Apple Rhubarb Hops Syrup – $11.99

Quince & Apple Tart Cherry Grenadine – $11.99

Quince & Apple syrups are all natural, hand crafted syrups from Madison, Wisconsin. Quince & Apple syrups rely on the best local produce to create a smooth, not too sugary syrup that can be combined with sparkling wine, liquor or club soda to provide a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink.

Let’s talk Champagne!

Champagne is a region in France, home to some of the best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes in the world that create delicate, complex and heart stopping wines. Buying Champagne to stock a bubbly bar can get pricey fairly quickly, but there are plenty of other sparkling wines made outside of Champagne that will impress your guests with their grace and balance. Featuring sparkling wines made from different countries and different regions is a great way to have an educational moment in the midst of good, old-fashioned bacchanal.

However, as the clock is about to reach midnight, I pull a few bottles of Champagne from the back of the vegetable crisper, underneath the Swiss Chard and grapes (don’t tell my friends about my hiding spot) and pop the piece de resistance as the clock strikes midnight!

Happy New Year!
– Joanna
Bottles Fine Wine

Learn about Dessert Wines

dessert wine guide

Dessert wine? If you’re not familiar with them, and are curious to learn more, then watch this video guide! Eric Taylor, the Bottles wine expert, talks about different dessert wine styles, and gives you an example of a few of his favorite brands in the shop. Great for the holidays!

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more wine guide videos:  http://www.youtube.com/bottlesprovidence

Cheers!

Sparkling Wine Pairing: Huevos Al Plato

Huevos Al Plato - Sparkling Wine Pairing Idea

Nothing else evokes the celebratory spirit of the holidays than bubbly! Whether you have Cava from Spain or Champagne from France, sparkling wines are great gifts, the perfect way to welcome guests, or, of course, enjoyed with food. This Huevos Al Plato provided by Edible Rhody Magazine works as a savory brunch recipe, or a creative holiday appetizer. Pair it with sparkling wine and you’ve got a winning combination!

Wine Pairing: Sparkling Wines
Grandial Blanc de Blancs - Affordable Sparkling Wine for New Years

Grandial Blanc de Blancs, France
Light, fresh and delicious – a perfect party sparkler that is great by itself but also makes wonderful Bellinis and Mimosas.  One of the best values we have seen in a long time!
Mercat Cava - Sparkling wine from Spain
An amazing Cava! While Mercat has a beautiful label the real magic is in the bottle!  Super dry and crisp with millions and millions of tiny yet aggressive bubbles.  Flavors of fresh flowers, green apples and pears with a hint of stone fruit.  A perfect accompaniment with brunch foods like the Huevos al Plato.
Tattinger Champagne - Food and Wine Pairing

One of the World’s benchmark wines!  Subtle in style with loads of creamy apple, apricot, almonds, orange blossom and apple.  A perfect gift, even for yourself!

Huevos Al Plato
Siobhán Chavarría, chef/owner, Flan Y Ajo, Providence
The Spanish culture truly embraces the simplicity of an orange yolked farm-fresh egg. Eggs go far beyond the realm of breakfast, and huevos al plato (meaning literally “eggs to the plate”) is a versatile, simple dish for any season. This wintry version is prepared with Butternut squash and chorizo, combining the sweet roasted squash, runny yolk and hearty chorizo for a warm, harmonious dish.
½ cup Butternut squash (or your favorite)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher or sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried or fresh herbs (we use thyme or rosemary)
2 fresh farm eggs
¼ cup (1 ounce) Spanish chorizo, sliced (or substitute Portuguese or Italian sausage)
Pea tendrils, spinach, arugula to garnish (optional)
Crusty baguette

Heat oven to 350°. Peel squash and slice in half-moon-shaped pieces ó inch thick. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, or until tender. 

Grease a 6-inch cast-iron skillet (or small roasting dish) with olive oil. Crack the eggs into the skillet and add the roasted squash. Scatter the chorizo and add a pinch of salt to the yolks. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the whites are fully cooked. Pay careful attention not to overcook the yolks. Remove pan from the oven and add fresh greens. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy. Serves 2 as an appetizer.
VISIT



Cheers!
Visit our wine store to shop a great selection of wines for the holidays.
We’re located at 141 Pitman St., Providence, Rhode Island.

Hake Chowder Recipe, Paired with Chardonnay

Hake Chowder Recipe with a Chardonnay wine pairing

Soups and chowders go hand in hand with cold winter nights. Edible Rhody Magazine has a warming Hake Chowder recipe that uses vegetables and fish from Rhode Island winter farmer’s markets. Feel free to substitute the hake with pollock, cod, or haddock. Enjoyed with crusty bread and glass or two of Chardonnay, and this food and wine pairing will be one to remember! We’ve chosen a few of our favorite Chardonnays that range from un-oaked to rich and hedonistic for the holiday season.

Wine Pairing: Chardonnay
Donati ‘Sorelle Per Sempre’ Chardonnay, Central Coast, California
An un-oaked Chardonnay!  By not using oak barrels the winery really allows the true flavors of Chardonnay to stand out.  Look for creamy lemon meringue, with hints of grapefruit zest and round luxurious stone fruit like peaches and apricots.  Makes a great party wine because it doesn’t need to be paired with food, but can be delicious if you do!

Stags’ Leap Winery Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California
One of our favorite wines in the store.  Beautifully made with subtle hints of oak and butter – an elegant and retrained style that will please everyone.  Expressively aromatic with flavors of fresh peaches and nectarines with hints of pineapple.  The bright and lively acidity is a perfect pairing with the rich and creamy bacon-laced Fish Chowder.


Chappellet Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California

A rich and hedonistic treat for the Holidays!  Concentrated flavors of apple, custard and citrus zest with hints of vanilla and brioche.  A lovely way to celebrate good times!  

Hake Chowder
Andrew Nathan, chef/owner, The Sea Goose Grill & Raw Bar, Westerly
1 large Spanish onion, diced
¼ pound farmer’s bacon or salt pork, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 bunch kale or collards, washed, de-veined and cut into roughly 1-inch pieces
2 pounds new potatoes (yellow or red), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
8 cups fish stock or clam broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
1½ cups heavy cream
2 pounds boneless skinless hake (or pollock, cod or haddock), cut into 1-inch cubes

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook onion and bacon over medium heat until bacon is browned and onion is translucent, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and kale; sauté until wilted. Add the potato, rutabaga, carrots and fish stock. 

Next, add the bay leaf, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Add the cream and adjust to taste with salt and pepper. When chowder returns to a simmer, add the hake. Stir gently, cover and turn off heat. Allow to rest for 10–15 minutes and then serve. Serves 8–10.
VISIT



Cheers!
Visit our wine store to shop a great selection of wines for the holidays.
We’re located at 141 Pitman St., Providence, Rhode Island.

Learn about Wine: Pinot Noir

Learn about Pinot Noir WineEver want to learn more about Pinot Noir and its different variations, styles, and flavors? Or how to choose the right Pinot Noir for you? What food pairs have with this particular type of wine? Eric Taylor, the Bottles wine pro, can answer all of your questions. Watch the video below and learn about Pinot Noir from the Old and New Worlds and some of Eric’s favorite Pinot Noirs in the store.

Want to learn more wine basics? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/bottlesprovidence

Cheers!

So You’re Having a Party? Amounts of Wine, Beer, or Liquor to Have

Amounts of Wine, Beer, and Liquor to buy for a party

Having a party? Ever wonder how much wine, beer, or liquor to supply your guests with? With the arrival of the holiday season, many of us are hosting parties, and drinks are a must. But, it doesn’t have to be a mystery when it comes to getting the right amount of drinks; just follow our party planning math guide!

Tips & Tricks for Entertaining

  • Survey your glassware situation. How many wine glasses have survived the summer?
  • Chill those drinks! Take white wine out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving, and have 1lb. of ice per person. Are you attending a party? Be a champion and bring ice!
  • Always serve food along with drinks.
  • Have a pitcher or two of water available for guests, and keep them filled!

Stop by our shop, we’re here to help you with your celebration!


Bottles Fine Wine
(401) 372-2030