Sips & Snacks in January

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Wine

Riesling

-The history of Riesling-

Serve at 40-45

Riesling is an aromatic white wine grape variety that yields a floral white wine with fruit flavors. The riesling grape originated in the Rhine River region, which runs throughout parts of Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. Common characteristics of riesling wines include light body and aromas of citrus, stone fruit, white flowers, and petrol. Due to its naturally high acidity, Riesling is one of the most popular varieties used to produce late harvest wines.

In general, riesling wines fall into four categories.

1. Sweet Riesling. Most Rieslings have at least some level of sweetness. Due to terroir, German wines like Riesling are usually sweeter. Sweet Rieslings are best between 10 and 30 years of age.

2. Dry Riesling. French, Austrian, and American wines tend to be drier than those made elsewhere, and riesling is no exception. The ideal aging period for most dry Rieslings is five to 15 years.

3. Semi-sweet Riesling. Falling somewhere in the middle, semi-sweet Rieslings are well-balanced wines whose best age is between 10 and 20 years.

4. Sparkling Riesling. Called “sket” in Germany since the late 1800s, sparkling riesling is still a popular option in its home country.

Sweet Spot Riesling

Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Riesling : $17.49

Washington

This selection would fall into the semi-sweet category listed above. I tasted notes of citrus, pear and also had a little floral too. Overall, this is a great wine for the price point. I never would guess this was under $20.

Special Day Riesling

Villa Thanisch Riesling Spatlese : $25.99

Germany

Classic flavors of peach, pear, apple and a touch of honey provides a lovely balance of sweetness with a long finish. This is a sweeter choice than our Sweet Spot choice this month and is more of what I consider a stereotypical riesling; sweet and balanced.

Food Pairing

If a lovely glass of your favorite Riesling was searching for the perfect mate, here is what should be on that list.

Meats: smoked pork, smoked sausage, duck

Seafood: sea bass, salmon, lobster

Veggies/Fruits: apricots, pears

Spices/Herbs: rosemary, ginger, curry

Cheeses : havarti, gouda

Sauces: sweet bbq, spicy

Dessert: apple pie, caramel sauce

Serve my Lobster Bisque as a show stopper with a chilled glass of a less sweet Riesling, like our Sweet Spot choice this month.

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Cocktail

Fireside Old Fashioned

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Mocktail

Per Se Old Fashioned

Per Se Old Fashioned Mocktail

Crafted with a decadent blend of malty tea and warm spices, this sophisticated alcohol-free cocktail delivers a punch. Notes of caramel and chocolate create a smooth, velvety finish that evokes the classic character of a traditional Old Fashioned without the alcohol.

Perfect for sipping and savoring. Get a 4 pack of these for $13.99.

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Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive.

This information is for people over the age of 21.

Pregnant women should not drink alcohol.

-As Noted by Me-