|
DECEMBER
2003 SELECTIONS
|
 |
The infamous sweet fortified wines of the Douro Region in Portugal have inspired many imitations around the world. One of the key ingredients to making port-style wines is the ability to grow late harvest grapes for the extra sweetness and body. New York is especially famous for it's excellent late harvest wines and so it should come as no surprise that there are some delicious port-style wines available. Here are three:
This premium oak-aged port is made from a blend of 1995-2000 vintages. Bright cherry Aromas mingle with complex and rich spicy chocolately flavors and a warm rich finish. Named after co-owner Cynthia Marie Peterson.
100% Baco Noir. Made from extremely ripe late harvest grapes. This port exhibits an earthy cocoa bean and cassis aroma. The palate is velvety with sweet flavors of cherry and raspberry. The wine's 19.5% alcohol manifests in a long and bracingly warm finish.
Selected Cabernet grapes, aged in small oak barrels for 2 years according to tradition and released as a Vintage Ruby Port. This Port is a must for after dinner with fruit, chocolate, dessert and coffee.
Since the Civil War, New York has been known as one of the finest sparkling wine regions in the world. The first American Wine to win a Gold Medal at a prestigious European Wine Judghing was a sparkler from the Finger Lakes. And nothing says celebration like the fine bubbles, rich mousse and exciting flavors of a well-made champagne. Here are three:
Judged "Best Sparkling Wine" in the 2003 NY Wine & Food Classic in Napa, CA.. Cremant-style bubbly, this full-bodied rose has the fruit and depth to make it a perfect match for any grilled foods. Absolutely delicious!
Deliciously off dry sparkler with the pleasing flavors of bursting fresh grapes. A great party wine.
Delicious and dry, this sparkling wine from Long Island is great. Notes of apple and pear.
Just for the season - just for fun.
Santa's Little Helper! A delicious sweet red just perfect for mulled wine - we'll trow in our mulling slice kit - or for a holiday aperitif. This is the juice that really drives the sleigh!
The kitchen at this charming winery/restaurant came up with this spice wine and we think it's a winner. Cinnamon, lemon zest, vanilla beans, and lemon juice combined with red wine produce this rich spice wine - great as a dinner treat or mulled wine.
In 16th century England, Ipocras, was a drink of the highest nobility. At a time when both sugar and spices were rare and precious, Ipocras was reserved for the use of royalty at the most precious ceremonial occasions. Indeed, Ipocras was the libation presented by the Lord mayor of London to Queen Elizabeth I at her coronation. Ipocras (the name derives from Hippocrates) is very sweet and is generously flavored with several of the spices popular in old England including ginger, cinnamon, and clove. They leave a warm and lingering aftertaste.
|
