TOP 7 CHAMPAGNES HOUSES SELECTED BY LES REVUES DE VINS DE FRANCE

Last weekend I selected Champagne Pol Roger for the Bubbles Bar at a huge Tech party in San Francisco, where we also built and filled a Champagne Tower!

Pol Roger is an iconic house that has maintained a level of quality that very few have.  Pol Roger retained 3 stars by Le Revue Des Vins de France in 2015, France’s most important and respected wine publication, and is one of only 7 Champagne houses to be awarded 3 stars. The Houses are evaluated based on the integrity of the entire portfolio and not simply the Tête de Cuvée of the House:

Agrapart
Bollinger
Egly-Ouriet
Jacquesson
Krug
Pol Roger
Selosse

Look for these and other sparkling wine recommendations here:
http://winereview.planetgrape.com/category/sparkling_wines/

Happy Holidays!

A NEW D.O.C. IS BORN: FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA D.O.C.

ENHANCING THE IDENTITY OF THE TERROIR   THE FIRST BOTTLES OF THE NEW DENOMINATION WILL HIT THE SHELVES IN 2017   D.O.C. – F.V.G. Consortium Press ReleaseA long journey that began with plans, ideas and hopes, which lasted several decades, has finally culminated in July with the creation of Friuli Venezia Giulia D.O.C. The first bottles bearing the new denomination will hit the shelves in early 2017 as the 2016 harvest was authorized to be labelled. An organic Pinot Grigio, certified by Ceviq (Certification of quality Italian wines and products) of Udine, has been selected to premier as the first wine of the new denomination.  Thanks to the 1,700 wine growers and producers, along with the vital support of the regional administration which was determined to attain international recognition in terms of image, marketing and sales, the outcome was achieved. In the midst of various denominations which remain the pride and express the authenticity of the region’s characteristics, the Friuli Venezia Giulia D.O.C. will present a unique reality as a substantial, recognizable presence within international markets. The new D.O.C. will be a crucial aid for the Friuli Venezia Giulia producers to approach national and foreign markets, acting together as a team creating an easily identifiable brand that possesses remarkable appeal. The “Friuli Venezia Giulia” label will be a guaranteed endorsement allowing the industry to speak with a single voice, even if there are differences that bring out the beauty of the wine production in Italy. It will provide trade and consumers with an overall picture, which will have an impact from all points of view, of the outcome of production that is complex and all-embracing at the same time.    “Joining the denomination will be voluntary,” underlined Pietro Biscontin, Chairman of the DOC-FVG Consortium. “But the first responses are positive and we are certain that Friuli Venezia Giulia D.O.C. will be a great opportunity to re-launch the Friuli economy, starting with the wine production division. In this regard, we would like to thank the regional institutions, starting with Cristiano Shaurli, the Agricultural Resources Director, for believing in the project and for the commitment in making this dream finally come true.” For information: D.O.C. – F.V.G. Consortium promozione@consorziodocfvg.it www.consorziodocfvg.it

WINTER WINE COCKTAILS

Simple Winter Sangria & Mulled Chardonnay Cider from Adirondack Winery in New York

Simple Winter Sangria

Recipe Date:

November 21, 2016

Cook Time:

00:00:00

Difficulty:

Easy

Measurements:

Imperial (US)

This simple winter sangria is sweet and spicy and perfect all year round! Best of all, you can make it white or red!

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Adirondack Winery Wild Red or Pinot Gris
• 1 Apple
• 1 Pear
• 1 Orange
• 1 Lemon (optional)
• 3 Cinnamon Sticks
• Lemon Lime Soda

Directions

Just about any wine will taste great in this simple sangria made with fresh fruits that you can find all winter long. Wild Red & Pinot Gris are 2 of our favorites … and it’s so easy to make you can try it again and again with different wines to see what you like most!

Microwave lemon and orange for 20 seconds and roll on counter to loosen juices.  Puncture skin slightly all over with fingernails to release oils. Slice into ¼ inch rounds. Core apple and cut into ¼ inch slices. Place lemon, orange, apple and cinnamon sticks into pitcher. Cut pear into slices, or if using canned pears, drain most of syrup out and pour into pitcher. Pour wine over fruit. Muddle contents of pitcher with a wooden spoon and mix. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Top with soda (to taste) immediately.

Citrus Mulled Chardonnay

Recipe Date:

March 1, 2016

Serving Size:

6

Cook Time:

00:45:00

Difficulty:

Easy

Measurements:

Imperial (US)

 

Ingredients

• 1 Bottle of Chardonnay
• 1 Orange, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1 1" piece of fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced thin)
• 3 Whole sticks of Cinnamon
• 6 Whole Cloves
• 1/2 cup Cranberries (optional)

Directions

1. Combine the fruit, water, honey, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in a saucepan and simmer over
medium heat for 10 minutes Stir gently to dissolve the honey.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the Chardonnay to the spice and fruit mixture. Cover the pan and allow the wine to mull for half an hour.
3. Strain the mulled wine through a mesh strainer to remove the cooked fruit and spices.
4. Stir and ladle your hot mulled wine into mugs or wine glasses. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange and serve!

* Not ready to serve? Your mulled wine can also be refrigerated overnight! Before serving, reheat the mulled wine at a low simmer on the stove or in a slow cooker. If you want a stronger flavor, throw in a few more cinnamon sticks, cloves, and another piece of ginger while you reheat. Be sure not to cook the wine too long or too hot, but you may keep it warm to serve throughout the evening.

* If you're not a fan of Chardonnay, or want a sweeter mulled wine, we suggest substituting "White Diamond" or "Prospect Mountain White."

This recipe was adapted from “Cranberry Citrus Mulled Chardonnay” on www.WineMakingTalk.com by Theresa Sinclair. 

For more information on Adirondack Winery:
http://www.adirondackwinery.com/

Check back soon for our reviews of Adirondack wines

SUNNY HOLIDAY CHEER

It’s here! Holiday shopping, festive parties, and the time of year to rock the ugliest sweaters ever made. I have selected some of my personal favorites wines and spirits of 2016 to assist you with your holiday beverages and up your game. These are all value-priced and easy to find online @drync or @eBay wines, or at your favorite shop.

Bubbly Personality

nv Chloe Prosecco Veneto

Crowd Pleaser

2014 Monteviejo Festivo Malbec Valle de Uco Mendoza

Sweetie Pie

2015 Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer Estate Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Your Favorite Wine Snob

2011 Chateau Lafite Monteil Bordeaux Superieur

Hipster Cool

Margerum Amaro Santa Barbara California

Happy Holidays from Planet Grape Wine Review!