unWINEd

Sparklings Around the World 

We thought it very fitting that in a time where all the coutry is aglow with twinkling lights and celebrations that we would "sparkle" as well.

Sparkling wine is a wine with carbon dioxide present in levels which render the wine fizzy.  While most equate sparkling wine with the most famous sparkling wine, Champagne, many do not realize that originally, the tendency for still wines sparkle was considered a wine fault and looked at with disdain by winemakers.  It was the English who found the sparkling qualities of Champagne as desirable.

During the winters in Champagnem, the temperaturesx dropped so much as to stop fermentation.  The wine was left with residual sugar as well as some residual yeast which are the ingredients needed for a second fermentation.  These wines would then be sent by barrel to England where they would bottle it and stopper it using cork stoppers as the Romans once did.  THe fermentation would restart once the weather warmed resulting in the build up of CO2 leaving the wine sparkling when opened.

When sparkling wine was deliberately created in the early 1700's, it was known as the "Devil's Wine".  French glass bottles were created by wood fire and as such were less durable and thinner.  The presence of CO2 in the thin bottles would often burst a bottle starting a chain reaction which could wipe out as much as 90% of the product.  Cellar keepers would protect themselves by wearing outfits of metal.  To be in the cellar when such a chain reaction occurred and not be protected proved to be fatal to many.

Many other countries produce a sparkling wine product as well.  In Spain they are referred to as Cava.  In Italy, the generic term for sparkling wine is spumante.  Germany and Austria refer to their sparkling wines as Sekt.  The sweetness levels of these sparkling wines range from extra brut (very dry) to the sweeter "sec" style.

Recipe of the Week....

Brie en Croute

One thing that really irritates me is when you stumble on a fabulous recipe only to find one or two of the ingredients are incredibly obscure.  The wonderful thin about this recipe, is you can alter it with what ever you have on hand!  Make several different flavor combinations for your next party!

Ingredients:

1 puff pastry sheet (thawed and ready to use)

1 egg

1 tbsp water

1/3 cup dried cherries (softened for 1 minute in 1/2 cup hot water, drain and pat dry)

1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

1/4 cup honey

1/2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped

1 13.2oz brie round

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F

Beat egg and water in small bowl.

Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.  Roll sheet into a 14 " square.  Stir cherries, pecans, honey and rosemary in a bowl.  Spread cherry mixture in center of square.  Top with cheese.  Brush edges of pastry with egg and water mixture.  Fold two opposite sides over the cheese.  Trim remaining two side of squares to 2 in from cheese edge.  Fold sides up over cheese and press edges to seal.  Place seem side down onto baking sheet.  If desired, use pastry scraps to decorate top.  Brush with egg mixture.  Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.  Let stand 45 minutes.

Wine & Chocolate Club!

This holiday season we are featuring a new seasonal club!  Due to popular demand, we have created a wine and chocolate club that will run for three months, October, November, December only!  Each month will feature and outstanding chocolate and wine combo certain to make your holiday party a hit! 

Check back for more details!

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