Tag Archives: winter

Top 9 New (Winter) Wines

Even though the weather can’t make up its mind about what season we’re in, we’re drinking like it’s winter. Because we live in New England. And it’s February. And winter foods make such great wine partners. Here are the new bottles our wine Manager Kate brought in to pair with Taco Tuesdays, winter feasts, and everything in between.

Girasole Montepulciano d’Abruzzo  Italy

During the cold months, a sturdy Montepulciano hits the spot for a couple of reasons: It’s dark, comforting and easy to understand. And it needs nothing more than a good book and a roaring fire, or your favorite pizza and a binge-worthy movie at home. This fellow doesn’t want any aging, rather it is meant to be consumed young and fresh. Its flavors of bright, red fruits like cranberries and Bing cherries, have a lovely peppery finish. $9.99

Alphonse Dolly Chardonnay France

Chardonnay is a good winter white because it doesn’t need to be served super cold. Dolly’s Chardonnay tastes like apple pie, lemon curd, and toasted nuts. It’s creamy and satisfying, especially with a good homemade soup or roast chicken.  $12.99

Rosa del Golfo Primitivo Italy

Basically, Primitivo is Italy’s Zinfandel. The grapes in this wine are grown way down in the heal of the boot where it’s very, very hot. They develop lovely lush flavors of dark cherries, blackberries, and little spice from some gentle oak aging. This wine loves Sunday roasts, lamb, or any other meaty braise or stew.  $13.99

Valdelana Agnus Spain

A classic, awesome value wine from Spain. This family-run vineyard has been making wine since 1583, and their centuries of experience shine through in the wine. Enjoy this rustic and slightly spicy Tempranillo with all your favorite winter foods like stew, chili, steak, and roasted vegetables. $13.99

La Val Albarino Spain

A brand-new, single vineyard, killer Spanish white from Rias Biaxas, the birthplace of Albariño! Albariño is a dry Spanish grape that has flavors of citrus zest, orange blossoms and tart apples. It doesn’t see a lick of oak aging, so it’s light and easy-drinking and will pair perfectly with cheese platters, seafood, and healthy winter salads. $14.99

Garsea Ribera del Duero Crianza Spain

Once again proving that great wine doesn’t have to be expensive, we present this elegant Crianza. It’s predominantly Tempranillo, with a little Tinta de Pais (a light table grape) from very old vines. Juicy, fruity, elegant and refined, it makes a great choice for pizza or taco night with the fam. Also makes a killer mulled wine! $14.99

La Guardiense Janare Greco Italy

Some of the most interesting and un-sung Italian whites are from the region of Campania. Greco is the house grape for everyday drinking in Naples, Positano, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. It’s an ancient Roman grape that makes a richer style of wine. Think flavors of peaches, lemons, and pine nuts. Excellent with seafood, fresh pasta, and fresh sauces to brighten your winter mood, like pesto or a garlicky tomato sauce. $14.99

Tre Monti d’Albana Italy

We are super excited about this new addition from Tre Monti, one of our favorite organic vineyards! Tre Monti is in the vicinity of Bologna and Parma, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, known for its crisp, dry whites. Tre Monti makes this fun, frizzante wine with natural yeasts and minimal intervention. It’s a little cloudy, fresh, unique, and fruity, and perfect for mid-winter weekend celebrations, especially when served with creamy pasta dishes. Pass the Parmigiano! $18.99

La Boutanche Weiss Germany

Natural wines continue to be all the buzz in the wine world these days. They’re the bottles made with naturally occurring yeast and minimal intervention from the winemaker. This blend of Muller Thurgau, Kerner, and Riesling grapes is made by a well-known German winemaker, Andi Knauss. It’s a good ol’ fashion fruit cocktail of kiwi, lime, pineapple, and peaches in a bottle. La Boutanche already has a cult following in LA and NYC, so we are happy to host them here in little Rhody! $19.99

Cheers!

prices subject to change

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Melissa’s Winter Wine Picks

“This winter I want to share with you the wines that I grab when I am looking for comfort. Like the crackers you still buy when you don’t feel great. The crackers your grandmother fed you when you stayed home from school in January, that immediately made you feel better. Each of the wines are from vineyards I know well, having visited nearly all. Several of them I’ve brought into Rhode Island for the first time, and are available exclusively at Bottles. Each has left a mark on me, and I think lots of them will do the same for you. I encourage you find me to learn more about each, and to let me know what you think!” -Melissa Principe, Wine Director

Dei Rosso di Montepulciano, Italy
Dei is one of the very first vineyards I spent time at in Italy. The owners were just in the process of plotting the land for their new tasting room and winery expansion. It was not a huge winery and I can still smell the cellar where they age their wines. They produce one of the best olive oils I have ever had in my life (unfortunately, they don’t sell it outside of the vineyard). This wine is dirt and roses all at the same time. Amazing. $19.99

Villa Giada “Suri” Moscato d’Asti, Italy
I introduced you to this winery and wine last week, though because I love it so much, I’m including it here. It’s made by my friend Andrea Faccio, who owns Villa Giada. His mom happens to make amazing biscotti, and though we can’t get them here, I suggest dunking any well-made version into this wine for an authentic Italian experience. On sale through February 11, 2018: $12.99 (compare to $16.99)

Tikal “Natural” Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina
I picked this wine because not only is it outstandingly-well made and easy to drink, but because I think a lot of us try to be healthier in the winter – at least the first few resolution-filled months of it. Tikal is hand-harvested and biodynamic. It’s made from 60% organic Malbec, 40% organic Syrah, 100% of which will change your life for the better. I met winemaker Alejandro Kuschnaroff when I visited Tikal in April 2017 – and I’m not the first nor the last to report that this talented man bears a striking resemblance to our most common representations of Jesus. Which may or may not have any bearing on your decision to buy this wine, but there it is. $23.99

Barros Ports, White, Tawny & Ruby, Douro Valley, Portugal
One of the 2018 goals of the Bottles Wine Department is to get more of you turned on to good Port. If you’ve never experienced one, you’re starving yourself and you don’t even know it. The Ports made by Barros are my favorites, and at this excellent price, you can afford to purchase without ever having tasted one before. Grab any Bottles staff member for a quick primer on these different styles, how to store, serve and enjoy. And stay tuned for upcoming Port tastings in store. $13.99 each

White Knight Prosecco, Veneto, Italy
My pick for winter bubbles is this stunner. It’s perfectly crisp and light, with a creamy mouthfeel, and balanced acidity. The bubbles are soft with an aromatic nose of apple and pineapple. I serve it to start all of my cold-weather dinner parties. Also, because it’s so light, I serve it to myself after a long day of studying. I could make some White Knight puns here, but I’ll spare you. Just buy it and enjoy. $14.99

Mayu Carmenere & Syrah Blend, Elqui Valley, Chile  
I was recently asked what my favorite pairing is. This is the wine, and I love it paired with … drumroll please … The Chicago Blend. For those of you not from Chi-Town, the blend is a mix of caramel corn and cheese popcorn. And the wine is a blend of 55% Carmenere and 45% Syrah – two big grapes that can stand up to all that flavor. The pairing is ridiculous. It’s totally goofy and it totally works. Particularly with all of the binge watching we’re all doing to escape the cold. (PS – you all told me winters here wouldn’t be as bad as they are in Chicago. Thanks for nothing.) $14.99

Mayu Pedro Ximenez, Elqui Valley, Chile
Wait..what? A still Pedro Ximenez??? Isn’t that the grape that’s usually used in sparkling Cava! Yes, yes it is, you smart thing you. And it is yummy and delightful and perfect and you should drink it. It has beautiful fruit and floral flavors, all evened out with good minerals and acidity. Branch out and try something new in 2018. Then be sure to find me and let me know what you think – I’d really love to know! $14.99

Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California
I love Dry Creek Vineyard! It was one of the first vineyards to go completely 100% sustainable! Oh…and the wines are stunning. I could drink their Chenin Blanc all day. But, we are talking Zinfandel here, and their Zin has some serious chops. It has a stunning depth and richness, with a long finish on the palate. There’s a pepper spice to it, too, that is not the norm in California Zinfandel, so if you’ve been a skeptic before, try this one. Scrumptious. $19.99

I truly do hope that you’ll give a few of my go-to wines a try and will let me know what you think of them. Enjoy!

prices subject to change

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Local Wine that Pairs with Winter Vegetable Soup

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It’s hot soup season here on the east coast. Time to put up a big batch each week to nourish, warm, comfort and sustain your family throughout the upcoming cold New England winter. This version, from Bacaro’s Chef/Owner Brian Kingsford, relies on a homemade vegetable stock fortified with Parmigiano Reggiano rinds which lend the soup a rich, complex flavor that only the king of cheeses can bring.

To match the soup’s deep flavors, our Eric Taylor chose a local gem from Johnston’s Verde Vineyards. It’s made from St. Croix, an American grape bred for flavor and to withstand harsh New England winters. The resulting wine has soft tannins, silky texture and lively but dry red berry flavors that play beautifully with the earthiness of the root vegetables, and the nutty, complex flavors of the cheesy broth.

Winter Root Vegetable & Farro Soup
from Chef/owner Brian Kingsford, Bacaro, Providence

A note from the chef: “While you could use store-bought vegetable broth for this soup, it just can’t compete with the good flavor of homemade broth, enhanced by the Parmigiano-Reggiano rinds. And it will contain far less sodium too. Simply make the stock in advance, refrigerate (or freeze) and then make soup at your leisure. At the restaurant we drizzle the soup with a quality extra-virgin olive oil: Zisola, a robust oil from Sicily.”

Ingredients
1 small sweet potato
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 parsnips, peeled and diced
1 medium white (Macomber) turnip
1 small sweet onion, such as Vidalia
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 bunches kale
1 cup farro
Kosher salt
2½ quarts (10 cups) Vegetable-Parm Stock*
Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving
Quality extra-virgin olive oil for serving

Method
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed stockpot. Add the sweet potato, carrots, parsnips, turnip and onion and sauté on high heat for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly caramelized. Rinse kale under cool running water. Trim the tough stalks from the leaves and slice leaves into ribbons. (Use stalks for Vegetable-Parm Stock.)

Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add the farro. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add kale and simmer for 15 more minutes, or until both the kale and the farro are tender. Add salt to taste. Ladle soup into bowls, and garnish with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

Serves 8.

*Vegetable-Parm Stock:

Ingredients
1 pound sweet onion, peeled and chopped in ½-inch dice
5 carrots, peeled and chopped in ½-inch dice
½ pound fennel, trimmed and chopped in ½-inch dice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces (1 cup) crimini mushroom, cleaned and roughly chopped, including stems
1 stalk celery, roughly chopped 1–2 medium (½ pound) turnips, such as Macomber
Kale stalks from soup prep, roughly chopped (optional)
1 tomato, cored and roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
7 whole black peppercorns
3 pieces Parmigiano-Reggiano rinds
6 quarts (24 cups) water
Kosher salt

Method
Preheat oven to 400°. Toss the onion, carrots and fennel in olive oil and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until the vegetables start to caramelize, approximately 15–20 minutes. Remove from oven and place vegetables in a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot.

Meanwhile prep the mushrooms, celery, turnip, kale stalks, tomato and garlic and add to the pot with the bay leaf, black peppercorns and Parmigiano-Reggiano rinds with the water.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cooking uncovered until liquid is reduced by half. Strain out solids from the stock. Season with salt to taste. This recipe should yield roughly 2½ quarts (10 cups) of vegetable stock.

Bon Appetit, and Cheers!

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Top Holiday Wines for 2016

There’s a lot of eating that will be done over the next 30 days, what with the festive observances of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and Day, and myriad other wonderful winter celebrations. And if you’re reading this blog, stakes are that you’ll be drinking wine with those feasts. Here are our picks for the bottles that pair beautifully with holiday menus of all tastes and styles.

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Domaine de Grisy Bourgogne Rouge (Pinot Noir), Burgundy, France
What a great value for a red Burgundy, full of the traditional tart cherry, mushroom, and forest floor aromas and flavors. It’s a superb option for your holiday cocktail party, and is also incredibly winter-food friendly. $21.99

Gracciano, Rosso di Montepulciano, Italy
An elegant Rosso with cherry, raspberry and eucalyptus notes, balanced by earthy tannins. It wants to be on the table during your traditional Italian feasts. Mangia! Mangia! $16.99

The Fableist Merlot, Paso Robles, CA
A big, ripe merlot that’s ready to party. It’s silky with notes of black tea, blueberries and a saturated minerality, and has hints of sweet plums, warm cedar planks, and freshly ground spices. We’ll be opening bottles of this to enjoy while eating pizza, stringing popcorn and watching Die Hard. Do the same! $24.99

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Penya (Grenache, Carignan and Syrah blend), Cote Catalanes, France
You say you’re making a roast? Welcome to your new best friend. It’s a rustic country wine, loaded with herbal, spice and blackberry flavors that go terrifically well with roasts of all stripes, from pork to lamb, to vegetables. $13.99

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA
An overflowing glass-full of black cherry & currant, blackberry jam, violets and herbs. Serving a big steak with bordelaise or hearty beef stew? Need an impressive gift? Justin’s your guy. And, it’s on-sale! $24.99 (compare to $34.99)

Ampeleia ‘Unlitro,’ Costa Toscana, Italy
A newcomer to our shelves and one that we can’t stop drinking. It has notes of cherry, roses and juniper, and a bright, “alive” quality that makes it refreshing and extremely pleasant to drink, especially when paired with roast chicken. It’s uniqueness means it’s a great gift for the hard-to-please wine lover, too. $19.99 (1L)

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Domaine de Bel Air, Pouilly Fume, Loire Valley, France
Need an impressive gift for the boss, or a special wine for a crowd? This stunning French white is incredibly expressive with white peach and lilac aromas, and citrus/herbal flavors. It’s a rounder and very elegant expression of Sauvignon Blanc.  $22.99

Saint Peyre Viognier, Languedoc, France
We love this soft, full-bodied white for its floral, peachy and tropical notes, and for its versatility. It’s special enough for fancy holiday occasions, and low-priced enough to drink on a weeknight, say, while you’re wrapping gifts.  $12.99

Oyster Bay Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand
A beauty from down-under that’s best enjoyed under a down blanket in front of a warm fire with a big bowl of popcorn. It’s lush with ripe apple fruit flavor, and rich with a creamy body. That hallmark Kiwi “crispness” can be found in the finish. $14.99

A toast to you and yours from all of us at Bottles!

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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!

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—-> Printable Cards! <—–

Whiskey Hot Toddy

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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!!

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Cheers!

The Bottles Team

Your Heirloom Eggnog Recipe

Christmas parties call for one classic drink: Eggnog. There are plenty of good pre-mixed eggnog options, but don’t you think there’s something special about food and drinks lovingly made from scratch? Edible Rhody Magazine has provided us with an easy but delicious homemade Eggnog recipe that will please all you guests. You’ll just need a few basic ingredients, brandy, rum, and a blender.

We recommend that you adjust this basic recipe to your taste buds. Don’t like nutmeg? Try using cinnamon, clove, allspice, or a combination of these spices. Need variety in your life, and want to explore other liquors other than brandy or dark rum? Applejack, bourbon, or madeira are interesting flavor twists. Experiment, enjoy, and create a tradition!

Your Heirloom Eggnog

by Chris Amirault, Cook & Brown Public House

INGREDIENTS
2 large, fresh farm eggs
3 ounces (by volume) white sugar
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3 ounces brandy
3 ounces dark rum
6 ounces whole Rhody Fresh milk
4 ounces heavy cream

DIRECTIONS
Beat eggs in blender for 1 full minute on medium. Sprinkle in sugar while blending for another minute, then add remaining ingredients while blending thoroughly. Chill completely in the refrigerator and serve with additional nutmeg grated on top. Serves 2 generously, or 4 in moderation.

VISIT

Cheers! Swing by Bottles for all your cocktail ingredients! www.bottlesfinewine.com