Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com/media/feedlogo.gif Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com en-us Copyright 2009 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Tip of the Day - Keeping Champagne Bubblyhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/12/tip-of-the-day-keeping-champagne-bubbly/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/12/tip-of-the-day-keeping-champagne-bubbly/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/12/tip-of-the-day-keeping-champagne-bubbly/#commentsFiled under: ,

As the holidays approach, learn how to keep that bubbly sparkling long after the cork has been popped.

Continue reading Tip of the Day - Keeping Champagne Bubbly

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>bubblychampagnepreserving champagnePreservingChampagneproseccosaving champagneSavingChampagnetip of the dayTipOfTheDaySarah LeTrent2009-11-12T09:00:00+00:00Prosecco Pairings for Thanksgivinghttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/10/prosecco-pairings-for-thanksgiving/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/10/prosecco-pairings-for-thanksgiving/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/10/prosecco-pairings-for-thanksgiving/#commentsFiled under: ,


Prosecco pairings for Thanksgiving
Glass of Prosecco Photo: 96dpi, Flickr
Much as you may try, coordinating a dinner party to any sort of timetable might not go as planned. We suggest you pop open a bottle of chilled Prosecco, serve your guests each a glass (ideally in Champagne flutes), and instruct them to chill while you scurry around the kitchen.

Here are some nibbles to go with the Prosecco - a slightly sweet sparkling wine; its grape are grown in Italy's Veneto region - that are easy to whip up and have ready. In picking out a bottle, choose a vintage not more than three years old as Prosecco is best when drunk young.

Continue reading Prosecco Pairings for Thanksgiving

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>proseccothanksgiving dinnerthanksgiving pairingsKristine Hansen2009-11-10T16:45:00+00:00Crémant - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/03/cremant-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/03/cremant-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/11/03/cremant-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

cremant de bourgogne

Photo: Vitteaut-Alberti.

by Kristine Hansen

Generally, crisp and celebratory, wines like cava, brut, Champagne and American sparkling wines probably won't turn any heads if you bring them to an occasion that calls for bubbles. But Crémant, a French sparkling wine, can make a fashionable entrance. Although still a nouveau import to many areas of the U.S. it's tres affordable. Most Crémants are priced under $20 a bottle.

Crémant is produced in seven regions throughout France: Bordeaux, Alsace, Burgundy, Loire, Die, Jura and Limoux. Strict laws from the French government stipulate that the grapes must be harvested by hand and the bottles aged for at least a year. There are also rules for the composition of grapes. And they differ by region. In Burgundy, for instance, at least 30 percent of the wine must be Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Gris.

While traveling through the Burgundy region this summer, in between spreading cheeses on rustic baguettes and reveling in the deliciousness of mustards from this region, we sipped some very good bottles of Crémant de Bourgogne. Fortunately you can buy both of our top picks in the States.

Continue reading Crémant - Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>clotilde davenneClotildeDavennecrémantcremantdebourgognesparkling wineSparklingWinevitteault-albertiWineOfTheWeekSlashfood Editor2009-11-03T16:00:00+00:00What to Drink With ... Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/05/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/05/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/05/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

World's Biggest Burger
World's biggest burger. Photo: Bill Mealbach.
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

There are so many culinary wonders (and occasionally questionable indulgences) in the Slashfood archives, just waiting to be washed down with equally delicious wines. Here are six pairings from our September archive that will make you thirsty...or make you sick. You decide.

With fall officially in full swing, it's time to break out sweaters, hot cider and even our oven mitts after a summer avoiding the stove. Jennifer Iserloh's Ropa Vieja, a Cuban dish of shredded beef in a tomato sauce, would pair nicely with a light, fruity Italian Dolcetto or a sweet and spicy California Zinfandel.

For Southerners who haven't been blessed with a dose of crisp fall weather yet, Gena Knox's Shrimp and Mango Summer Rolls are a lovely way to wind down a warm day, preferably with an off-dry Riesling.

Continue reading What to Drink With ... Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>half-wit winesHalf-witWinesHardeesropa viejaRopaViejasummer rolssustainable caviarSustainableCaviarTwoBuckChuckwinewine of the weekwine pairingGretchen Roberts2009-10-05T15:00:00+00:00Vegan Wine Guidehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/01/vegan-wine-guide/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/01/vegan-wine-guide/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/01/vegan-wine-guide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Vegetarian vineyards?
Vegetarian vineyards? Photo: Tambako the Jaguar.
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

A couple of weeks ago, I gushed about the Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour, a sparkling rosé made with organic grapes and animal-free products. Other well-known examples of vegan wineries include Frey Vineyards and Girasole Vineyards.

What makes a wine vegan? After all, wine is made from grapes, not beef. Where animal products do come into play is during the fining process. After fermentation, most wine is filtered and fined, which is basically removing all the sediment and leftover dead yeast cells and such from the fermentation process. Most winemakers use animal products like egg white or isinglass, but vegan wines are made with non-animal products such as clay.

Want to find out if your favorite brand is vegan? It's not always easy. Winemakers aren't required to disclose ingredients like the information on Oreo cookie labels, so you have to do some nosing around. One great source is the Barnivore Vegan Wine & Beer Guide, a community project listing of vegan and non-vegan wines. Cheers!
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>barnivoredomaine carneros brut roseDomaineCarnerosBrutRosefrey vineyardsFreyVineyardsgirasolegirasole vineyardsGirasoleVineyardssommelierveganvegan wineVeganWinevegetarianwineGretchen Roberts2009-10-01T14:00:00+00:00Five Splurgeworthy Sparkling Wines - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/five-splurgeworthy-sparkling-wines-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/five-splurgeworthy-sparkling-wines-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/five-splurgeworthy-sparkling-wines-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Schramsberg J. Schram
Photo: Schramsberg.
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

As a penny-pinching German, I don't drink expensive Champagne or domestic sparkling wine like it's water, but a couple of times a year (New Year's, wedding anniversary), I overcome my thrifty tendencies and blow big bucks on a great bottle. When I'm spending serious money on wine, I want to know my $30 or $60 or $100 is going to be worth it and not a major disappointment.

Normally our Wine Steals column focuses on $15-and-under everyday wines that are amazing for the price, but in honor of special occasions, here are five sparkling wines that I personally love and am willing to shell out for because, as Charles Dickens said, "Champagne is one of the elegant extras in life."

After the jump, five splurgeworthy sparklers plus a poll: How much are you willing to spend on special-occasion wine?

Continue reading Five Splurgeworthy Sparkling Wines - Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>champagnedomaine carneros brut roseDomaineCarnerosBrutRosenorthshore brasserieNorthshoreBrasseriepol roger brut reserve nv champagnePolRogerBrutReserveNvChampagneschramsberg blanc de blancsschramsberg blanc de noirsschramsberg j. schramSchramsbergBlancDeBlancsSchramsbergBlancDeNoirsSchramsbergJ.Schramsegura viudas reserva heredadSeguraViudasReservaHeredadsparkling winewinewine stealsGretchen Roberts2009-09-21T15:00:00+00:00What to Drink With ... Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/08/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/08/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/08/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

double down sandwich
What wine goes with the KFC Double Down? Photo: KFC
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Being a wine geek, I read through Slashfood posts thinking, "Hmmm, what wine would I pair with that?" Not everyone is as wine-centric as I am, but surely you've whipped up one or more of our delicious recipes (or read about a crazy new food trend with mouth agape) and wondered how best to wash it down.

This month I'm trying a fun little feature, "What to Drink With...," in which I comb through the Slashfood archives and find, er, interesting foods to pair up with wines. I'll start this one off with something easy, Sarah LeTrent's Roasted Broccoli with Shrimp. What do you say to a light, mineral-y Albarino or a California Sauvignon Blanc?

Here's a challenge: Cool and Creamy Broccoli Soup from Brent Ridge. Soup and wine are a tough match -- how do you pair liquid with liquid? Considering the fact that this soup is also a) cold and b) vegetarian, and we've got a real stumper. I'm going to go with Pinot Grigio or possibly a Grüner Veltliner.

More pairings, including Deep Fried Butter, after the jump.

Continue reading What to Drink With ... Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>deep fried butterDeepFriedButtertexas state fairTexasStateFairwinewine of the weekwine pairingGretchen Roberts2009-09-08T15:00:00+00:00Five Great Chardonnays for $15 and Under - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/17/five-chardonnay-wine-steals-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/17/five-chardonnay-wine-steals-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/17/five-chardonnay-wine-steals-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gordon Brothers Chardonnay
Columbia Valley Chardonnay.
Photo: Gordon Brothers
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Chardonnay is one of the most-planted wine grapes in the world (second in whites only to Arien, a Spanish variety, according to Jancis Robinson's "Oxford Companion to Wine"). The grape behind both crisp, acidic Chablis and rich, creamy California Chards can be made into some of the most expensive (Champagne) and least expensive (Two-Buck Chuck) vinos in the world.

As with people, Chardonnay is full of surprises.

After the jump, five Chardonnays under $15 that showcase the grape's full range of flavors -- and a question for my fellow oenophiles.


Continue reading Five Great Chardonnays for $15 and Under - Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>chardonnayfeatfeaturedwinewine of the weekGretchen Roberts2009-08-17T15:00:00+00:00Summer Sparklers - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/10/summer-sparklers-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/10/summer-sparklers-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/10/summer-sparklers-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sparkling wine
Photo: oskay, Flickr
Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

August, in all its hot, humid, waning-of-summer glory, is my favorite month of the year. It may be sweltering and sticky, but August is like the bachelorette party before the wedding: Live it up while you can, because school is gonna start soon.

Which is why sparkling wine is the perfect antidote to impending fall. Light, refreshing, and bubbly, it has all the ingredients for celebrating (mourning?) the passing of Casual Season. (Besides, I'm still practicing Champagne service for my sommelier test. I almost have the silent "pop" perfected, but if you have any tips, I'm all ears!)

So what kind of sparkling wine do you like in the summer? Tyler Colman, author of "A Year of Wine," recommends saving the expensive and complex Champagne for chilly winter and sticking to simpler bubblies when it's hot, and I happen to agree (except for my anniversary on August 26, when Champagne is the only way to go ... are you reading this, honey?).

After the jump, my criteria for smashing, wallet-friendly summer sparklers.

Continue reading Summer Sparklers - Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>cavachampagneproseccosparkling winewinewine of the weekGretchen Roberts2009-08-10T15:00:00+00:00Kir Royale - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/05/26/kir-royale-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/05/26/kir-royale-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/05/26/kir-royale-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kir Royale
Gretchen Roberts has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

I'm opening a lot of sparkling wines these days in preparation for my exam, and a girl can only drink so much bubbly plain.

Enter the classic sparkling wine cocktail, Kir Royale. If you're not familiar with this gem, here's the short history: A guy named Canon Felix Kir, who was mayor of Dijon, France and a hero of the Burgundian resistance movement during World War II, loved to drink his Aligote, a dry, acidic white Burgundian wine, with a splash of crème de cassis, a locally produced liqueur made from blackcurrants. He served the cocktail at official town functions and it caught on.

Kir Royale is simply a Kir made with sparkling rather than still white wine. And did I mention it's gorgeous? After the jump, several versions to try and the basic recipe.

Continue reading Kir Royale - Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>champagnecocktailcreme de cassiskirkir royalewineGretchen Roberts2009-05-26T13:00:00+00:005 Wine Steals to Buy Right Now - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/05/18/5-wine-steals-to-buy-right-now-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/05/18/5-wine-steals-to-buy-right-now-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/05/18/5-wine-steals-to-buy-right-now-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mirassou Pinot GrigioGretchen Roberts has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

With just a week to go until Memorial Day, here are five more wine steals for party hosts and guests.

5. Mirassou Pinot Grigio 2007 ($9). Ripe with oranges, peaches, nectarines and hints of spring flowers, this deliciously inexpensive Pinot Grigio got a surprise 90 rating from Wine Enthusiast.

4. Barefoot Riesling NV ($7). Slightly sweet and tasting simply of green apples and peaches, Barefoot Riesling is a good choice if you like riper, sweeter wines.

3. Hosmer Cayuga Lake Dry Riesling 2007 ($12). Dry and mineral on the nose, the Hosmer Riesling is tart with lemons, limes, green apples and white peaches -- lovely if you like bracingly dry whites. It made Wine & Spirits magazine's "100 Top Values of the Year" list in the June 2009 issue and is one of my absolute favorite New York State Rieslings.

Two more -- including a $7 vino -- after the jump.

Continue reading 5 Wine Steals to Buy Right Now - Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>5 wine stealsmalbecpinot grigiored blendRedBlendrieslingwinewine of the weekGretchen Roberts2009-05-18T11:00:00+00:00Mother's Day Brunch Cocktails - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/05/04/brunch-cocktails-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/05/04/brunch-cocktails-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/05/04/brunch-cocktails-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

mimosa
Gretchen Roberts has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Attention doting husbands and children: Mother's Day is right around the corner. As the mom of two small children whose energy levels are inversely proportionate to their ages, I'm here to speak up for mothers of the world and give you a hint about proper Mother's Day celebratory etiquette.

It's simple, really. We want to observe Mother's Day by shirking our motherly duties and being bona fide adults.

Preferably with our feet up and a cocktail in hand.

This brings me to some easy sparkling wine recipes, in case you're planning to whip up a nice brunch for your lovely wife or mother. For mix-in drinks, don't bother spending megabucks on real Champagne; go with an inexpensive Prosecco from Italy (such as Fantinel) or Cava from Spain (Friexenet and Segura Viudas are good bets).

Three basic but beloved Mom-friendly elixirs after the jump.

Continue reading Mother's Day Brunch Cocktails - Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>bellinibrunchcocktailmimosamothers daysparkling winewinewine of the weekGretchen Roberts2009-05-04T11:00:00+00:005 Wine Steals to Buy Right Now - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/04/20/5-wine-steals-to-buy-right-now-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/04/20/5-wine-steals-to-buy-right-now-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/04/20/5-wine-steals-to-buy-right-now-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pacific Rim Sweet RieslingFor those who just did their taxes and are feeling a bit cash-poor, budget wines may be on the brain. Here are five wines that really deliver for the price.

1. Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling 2007 ($9). Normally I'm not a big sweet Riesling fan, but I brought this bottle to Easter dinner at a friend's house, where some of the diners prefer sweet wine. Sweet Riesling is a knockout with ham, and this Pacific Rim (at right) really delivered. My problem with most sweet Rieslings is their flabbiness, but this brand has an underlying backbone of acidity that perfectly balances the sugar. Riesling is a great spring wine with its aromatic bouquet that recalls the apple blossoms blooming in the northeast. At $9, it's a steal.

2. Graffigna Pinot Grigio 2008 ($13). Pinot Grigio has a bad rep as a wine without much character, but this Argentinian version turns that idea on its head. Its nose has a heady fragrance of flowers and peaches and the wine itself is zingy with a peachy taste. It's a dry vino, but so fruity it tastes almost sweet.

3. Korbel Brut Rose ($11): Lots of wine snobs dismiss Korbel, but I happen to think the Brut Rosé is one of the best sparkling values out there. It's a perfect aperitif, the kind of wine you hand your guests when they're walking in the door and dinner isn't quite ready -- it's like giving them a glass of strawberries to sip before dinner is served.

4. Castello Monachi Salice Salentino 2006 ($13): Hailing from Puglia in the heel of Italy's boot, this blend of 80 percent Negroamaro and 20 percent Malvasia Nero is dark, leathery and earthy with a typically slightly bitter Negroamaro finish. It's a very food-friendly red with high acidity and earthiness that seems to vanish into fruitiness when paired it with a red-sauced pasta dish or veal. Oh, and did I mention that Robert Parker gave this wine 90 points?

Continue reading 5 Wine Steals to Buy Right Now - Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>budgetwinewine of the weekGretchen Roberts2009-04-20T15:00:00+00:00Barefoot Busts Out More Bubblyhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/05/barefoot-busts-out-more-bubbly/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/05/barefoot-busts-out-more-bubbly/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/05/barefoot-busts-out-more-bubbly/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

barefoot bubbly capAh, bottle of champagne, most delightful of ways to waste a spring's day. However, with the season just beginning and the economy showing no signs of improving, you'd best make that bottle of champagne an inexpensive one. How convenient then, that the good people of Barefoot have added a few new varieties to their line of sparkling wines.

Brut Cuvee and Extra Dry have been joined by Pinot Grigio and White Zinfandel, with the Chardonnay getting pretty new blue packaging to match the others' yellow and pink. The colors go with the light, fruity flavors and the pleasant, somewhat pastel buzz you feel after a few glasses. With the bubbly running less than $10 a bottle, you can even stockpile a few for April and May.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>barefootbarefoot bubblyBarefootBubblychampagnecheap champagneCheapChampagnesparkling wineSparklingWinespringwineLissa Townsend Rodgers2009-03-05T11:55:00+00:00Drink Like Hollywood at the Oscarshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/18/drink-like-hollywood-at-the-oscars/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/18/drink-like-hollywood-at-the-oscars/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/18/drink-like-hollywood-at-the-oscars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Moet & Chandon
If you're throwing an Oscar party this year, don't forget the Moet & Chandon. The Champagne house is the exclusive Champagne of the 81st Academy Awards for the first time.

Of course, Moet isn't a suggestion for any of the five menus Epicurious.com developed for each of the Best Picture nominees, but even if you do one of those, the Champagne will make a nice aperitif.

Happy Awards-watching!
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>academy awardschampagnemoetmoet and chandonMoetAndChandonoscarsGretchen Roberts2009-02-18T14:00:00+00:00Champagne Cocktails from Pops for Champagnehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/14/champagne-cocktails-from-pops-for-champagne/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/14/champagne-cocktails-from-pops-for-champagne/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/14/champagne-cocktails-from-pops-for-champagne/#commentsFiled under: ,

Champagne cocktailIf you're planning to toast a special someone tonight, try adding a little chic pizzazz to the old bubbly with one of these recipes from trendy Chicago restaurant Pops for Champagne wine director Craig Cooper. The High Sage Cocktail looks delish to me.

Framboise Cocktail
1. Combine Sugar Cube, a splash of Orange Bitters (soak the sugar cube), 1 oz. of Pasquet Marie-Framboise
2. Fill Champagne flute with sparkling wine
3. Garnish with Orange twist

High Sage Cocktail
1. Combine 1.5 ounces of Hendrick's gin, 1 ounce of sage-infused simple syrup, and ice in a shaker tin
2. Shake and strain over ice in a Highball glass.
3. Fill with Prosecco, 3 to 5 ounces depending on size of glass
4. Stir gently
5. Garnish with cucumber slices and a sage sprig.

Sage-simple syrup:
Combine equal parts sugar and water and bring to boil, lower heat, toss in a few sprigs of sage, then reduce by a third to a half until you get a syrup consistency. It should have a pale green-gold color.

Celestial Fizz Cocktail
1. Combine 1.5 oz. Francois Peyrot Cognac, ¼ oz. Grand Marnier and 1 oz. of fresh Cranberry Juice
2. Top with sparkling wine
3. Garnish with Lemon wheel
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>champagnecocktailspops for champagneGretchen Roberts2009-02-14T14:02:00+00:00If You Want to Drink Like the Rich and Famoushttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/04/if-you-want-to-drink-like-the-rich-and-famous/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/04/if-you-want-to-drink-like-the-rich-and-famous/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/04/if-you-want-to-drink-like-the-rich-and-famous/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


The Luxury Institute has released its annual Luxury Brand Status Index (did you know that even luxury brands have their own status index?) for the wine and spirits category. The index is based on surveys of the wealthy, sampling more than 1,200 American consumers with an average weighted income of $342,000 and an average weighted net worth of $2.9 million. Here are the top-rated brands in each category:

Champagne and sparkling wine: Dom Perignon
Cognac: Courvoisier
Gin: Hendricks
Liqueur: Grand Marnier
Rum: 10 Cane
Scotch: Macallan
Table wine: Opus One
Tequila: Patron
Vodka: Grey Goose
Whiskey: Woodford Reserve
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>champagneluxuryspiritswineGretchen Roberts2009-02-04T14:01:00+00:00Forget Wine Tasting - Have an Experiencehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/23/forget-wine-tasting-have-an-experience/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/23/forget-wine-tasting-have-an-experience/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/23/forget-wine-tasting-have-an-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It used to be that a trip to wine country meant trekking from winery to winery, tasting wine, cleansing one's palate with plain crackers, and then, stomach rumbling, heading over to a restaurant to satisfy the food craving. These days, plenty of wineries are trotting out more than just 1-ounce pours: they're putting out gourmet food, special events, and even live music to lure in and entertain customers.

For serious wine geeks, this trend no doubt annoys. Geeks would rather do what they do best--taste the wine, preferably covering as much ground as possible--and not have to consider that the cost of the live band has somehow worked its way into the case of Cabernet they just bought.

But for people who view wine-tasting and a visit to wine country as a social or romantic event, the wine experience can be a lot of fun. We're talking food and wine pairing classes; sessions with the winery's private chef, who may have been lured away from a top restaurant; music and wine pairings (and there's evidence to show that music does influence what you drink and how you taste it); and more.

More after the jump.

Continue reading Forget Wine Tasting - Have an Experience

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>tastingwinewinetastingGretchen Roberts2009-01-23T14:01:00+00:00Bubbly For the (Inauguration) Ball - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/19/bubbly-for-the-inauguration-ball-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/19/bubbly-for-the-inauguration-ball-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/19/bubbly-for-the-inauguration-ball-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Barack Obama
Tomorrow one of the most historically significant Presidential Inaugurations will be upon us. Whether you're whooping it up or crying tears of sorrow into your glass, we've got ideas for what to drink at your party (or pity party).

If you're celebrating:

The obvious drink of choice is sparkling wine--American, of course. According to Iron Horse Vineyards, their sparkling wines have been served at the White House for five consecutive Presidential administrations, and Iron Horse hopes Obama will do likewise. Their Wedding Cuvee ($38) is a popular choice and widely available, or try the Russian Cuvee ($33), which is slightly richer and sweeter than the regular Brut.

Roederer Estate sparkling wines have also been featured in White House dinners over the years. The Brut NV ($22) is affordable and widely regarded by critics as one of the top sparkling wines in the U.S.

Korbel has been the official sparkling wine for the past six inaugurations, but apparently Obama won't do sponsorship agreements this year and Korbel has to angle for honors with all the other wineries. At home, try Korbel's Brut Rose ($12) or Extra Dry ($12), which, ironically, is a little sweeter.

With any of these sparkling wines, splash in a bit of pomegranate liqueur or blue carucao (but not at the same time!) for the red, white, and blue look.

Another all-American wine is Zinfandel, a big, bold, fruity wine also ideal for celebrating. Try one from Lodi or Paso Robles for even bigger-than-normal flavor (Seven Deadly Zins ($17) is a good example) or a classic from Sonoma like Seghesio ($36).

What to drink if you're not celebrating--after the jump.

Continue reading Bubbly For the (Inauguration) Ball - Wine of the Week

Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>american winebarack obamainaugurationinauguration dayportsparkling winewinezinfandelGretchen Roberts2009-01-19T14:02:00+00:00Spooning Your Champagnehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/13/spooning-your-champagne/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/13/spooning-your-champagne/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/13/spooning-your-champagne/#commentsFiled under: ,


You've probably heard of sabering Champagne with a sword, but spooning it? Check this video out to see how it's done.

(By the way, neither I nor anyone at Slashfood, its parent company, etc. etc. endorse opening bottles this way. Do it at your own risk.)
Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Gretchen Roberts2009-01-13T14:00:00+00:00