Champagne Treats

Barrel Cave has added some new fantastic champagne options (see here) to our collection. Champagne is often an elegant drink option but it can be fun, too! Below is a recipe for a delicious sparkling treat that is essential for a holiday gathering or to bring in the new year!

   

What you will need to make Champagne Treats: 

1 package of Sparkling White Grape Jello Brand mix (3 oz.)

1 cup of boiling water

1 cup of chilled Champagne 

Colored sugar 

Combine the Jello and boiling water in a boil. Stir until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Let set until it comes to room temperature. Slowly stir in the Champagne. Pour into 9x9 tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Once firm, dip the tray in hot water for 5 seconds. Use a thin knife to slice into squares. Sprinkle with colored sugar just before serving. 

Featured Wines for December

One of the best parts of having a great family is getting the inside scoop on some of their favorite products. As you know, at BCW, you’re part of the family. Bill & Kathy have tirelessly tried (and tried again…) each of the wines to ensure that no wines are sold on the site that they wouldn't offer to their own family. This week,we are featuring a few of Bill & Kathy’s favorite sparkling wines (and a port). 

I'll begin with some of the gems of the sparkling wine world:

Graham Beck Bliss Demi Sec

 

Light and delicate. Semi-dry with aromas of honey and citrus. On the palate, the sweetness is balanced by citrus acidity. To purchase,  http://bit.ly/SOqxMs 

Tiamo Extra Dry Organic Prosecco 

Golden straw yellow in color. Fresh and rich fruity aromas of apple and pear with a hint of citrus fruit that fade into the floral bouquet. Fresh and fruity with fine bubbles. To purchase, http://bit.ly/UoKvNJ

Caposaldo Moscato IGT

This sweet Italian white wine from the Veneto region has fresh aromas and flavors of apricots, honey and vanilla. Lightly sweet and effervescent with a clean finish, this is a great after-dinner wine to pair with fresh fruit and cheese. To purchase, http://bit.ly/UGMAac

Shall we move on to the port?

Ferreira Dona Antonia Reserve Port

Medium to deep ruby colour; warm, sweet aromas with dried fig, raisin and hints of spice; sweet, rich, medium-bodied, well balanced palate, with cherry/plum and spice flavors and a long lasting finish. To purchase, http://bit.ly/11HtWBI

Wine Pairing Tips

Holiday parties mean lots of food and socializing. If you’re hosting such a party, cooking and slaving away on fantastic dishes to share is a hassle enough; you don’t need or want the task of pairing wines to add more stress. Luckily for you we have some wine pairing tips to share to make your life a little easier. We have assembled a brief (and general) wine guide for main entrees  If you would like a more extensive pairing list, please visit our new Wine Pairing Guide at http://www.barrelcavewines.com/Wine_Pairing_Tool.html

Wine guide for typical dishes-

Chicken – Chardonnay or lighter reds such as Rioja, Barbera, Grenache, Burgundy
Green Salad – Herby whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc.
Grilled Fish – Light medium bodied whites such as Pinot Grigio
Pasta (red sauce) – Chianti, Zinfandel, Pinot Blanc
Pasta (white sauce) – Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Viognier, Gavi
Raw or steamed shellfish – Crisp, acidic wines such as Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc

Steak – Full-bodied red such as Cabernet, Bordeaux