For Valentine's Day tomorrow or any day you want to make special, try pairing wine with chocolate for a delicious (and romantic) snack.  But not any ol' chocolae/wine pairing will do.   Here are some tips to get you started:

Match lighter, elegant flavored chocolates with lighter flavored wines.  By the same token, if you want a stronger chocolate, the wine should also be fuller-bodied.

White chocolate pairs well with a Sherry or Champagne -- stick to something sweet.

Milk chocolate pairs nicely with Reisling or Sauvignon Blanc (for white wines) and Merlot and Pinot Noir (for red wines).

Dark chocolate is probably best with a red, such as a Cabernet or Zinfandel.

Whatever you choose, pairing your wine and chocolate is much like your wine and cheese.  Try a little bit of everything and see what you like and what you don't.  Like wine-tasting itself, you need to experiment.   And how much fun is it to experiment with wine and chocolate??

As always, don't forget the appropriate wine glasses for a truly memorable wine/chocolate tasting experience!

CHEERS!!

Does wine really get better with age?  "Better at what?" is the question. 

If a wine is truly a "good wine" (meaning somewhat rare and pretty expensive), then YES!  It will definitely improve with age.

But if you're like most of us who consume anywhere from $10-$20 bottles of wine that we buy at the liquor store, supermarket, or corner wine bistro, chances are the shelf life is not as long as you might think.  You'll want to consume it within a year or two.

To find a well-aged white wine (if you have the money), try a German Riesling or French Sauternes; for reds, look for a French Bordeaux or vintage Port. 

Age is wine is tricky.  Sometimes a wine needs a decade or more to really flourish and present their best.  Other times the wine you've saved for that special occasion will not be savored - it may have already turned to vinegar!

Regardless of the wine's age, make sure it's always served in the appropriate glassware to bring out the best in it!

CHEERS!!

Do you think beer is the only choice of alcoholic beverage to be served at your Super Bowl party? Not so!  Take a look at these basic wine and food pairings for some ideas to add some class to your big party!

Nachos and a smooth Chardonnay
Spicy Chicken Wing and a fruity white Table Wine
Salty Chips and any Sparkling Wine
Pizza and an earthy Chianti
Burgers and Hot Dogs and a California Red (Merlot is my favorite with "beef")!

These are some easy pairings that will allow you to enjoy the wine AND the food.

Don't forget, when entertaining for ANY occasion (including the big game) have your best entertaining accessories on hand to make the party a sure fire WIN!

My favorite for the big game?  Check our our "Quarterback" cheese and cutting board.    Sure to be the talk of your party.

CHEERS!!  From AWineBoutique.com

We've all heard that a crucial component of the entire wine drinking experience is the smell of the wine.  That's why we stick our noses in the glasses and savor the aromas before we take our first drink.

What might you smell when you have your first, second, or third sniff?  With a good, complex red with a bit of age on them (think a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir), clear your mind, close you eyes, take a sniff or two and sip, sip, sip!   Do you smell old leather? Cookies baking in the oven?  Furniture polish or even your childhood dog?  As strange as it may sound, these aromas do come up when you taste wine.  That is one of the most pleasurable parts of the experience. 

The more you taste, the more perceptions you'll come up with.  So sniff, sniff, sniff and enjoy!



CHEERS!!  AWineBoutique.com

So many people love good cheese.  And while there are so many different cheeses to select from, there are just a few good rules to follow when serving cheese at your party.

1.  Plan to have no more than five different varieties of cheese.

2.  Make sure there are a variety of different textures for your guests to choose from (hard, soft, crumbly, etc.)

3.  Select cheese from different types of milk (i.e. goat, sheep, cow, etc.).

This will keep things simple and allow your guests to really taste them and determine which they like best.

Some other important items to note for your next party:

-  Plan to have about 5 oz per person
-  Serve your cheese on a cheese platter or serving tray.
-  Nice wooden cutting boards look great and also show the cheese nicely.  Some cheese boards even have cheese markers for you to write the name of the cheese to make it easy for your guests to know what they are about to consume.
-  Serve your cheese at room temperature.   Make sure you take them out of the refrigerator about 1-2 hours before you'll be serving them.

If you want to serve the cheese alone, great!  If you want something simple to accompany them and not take away from the cheese itself, I suggest simple fruit (like grapes), nuts, chutney, fresh figs, or assorted (plain) crackers or baguettes.

Don't forget to pair your cheese with at least two wines - - a red and a white! 

For your wine and cheese shopping needs, visit us at AWineBoutique.com.

CHEERS!!

I've heard that there are about eight to ten thousand varieties of grapes grown today.  It's odd that they come in just two colors - red and white (which is actually more of a pale, yellow/green).

So how is something like a Rose' wine made?  Are there pink grapes growing somewhere we don't know about?  No.  Rose' wine is made by removing the red grape skins from the fermenting juice after a short period of time.  The "leftover" skin produces the pinkish color.  You could blend a white and red grape for the same effect, but it's really not the same.

Rose' has traditionally been a summer or warm-weather drink, but that's not the case any more!  So if you like the lighter Rose' wine - drink up!   Below is a link to an article I stumbled across on the most popular Rose' wines.  CHEERS!!

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/09/15/top-10-rose-wines/

For your Rose', red, or white wine glassware needs, check us out at AWineBoutique.com!

If you are just venturing into the world of wine, it can be very overwhelming.  No need to let it frustrate or confuse you.  There are a few simple tips to keep in mind so you can actually enjoy the experience!

Despite what you may read, the best way to serve both red AND white wine is at room temperature.  If you serve your white chilled, it can mask the wine's flows and strengthen the tannins (which can taste astringent).  Whatever the most potent flavors of the wine - vanilla, oak, grapefruit, etc., the flavors are more obvious served at room temperature.

Let your red wine breathe (using a decanter works) for two to three hours before serving.  Use an aerator to speed up the oxidation process and bring out the flavors and smells.

It is best to sniff your wine before sampling.  It primes your palate.  Then take a small sip and let it sit - hitting every part of your mouth. 

When at the liquor store, do not buy the wine from a display near the counter. Either those wines aren't selling (not a good sign) or they are aging too quickly.

Good wine does not have to expensive.  Try a California wine (many, many to choose from) if you're just starting out and your budget is under $15. 

For all of the best products to introduce you to the world of wine, check us out at AWineBoutique.com.   http://www.awineboutique.com/

CHEERS!!!

Is decanting wine necessary?  There are hundreds of lovely wine decanters out there, and you might think they look great on the dinner table.  But do you really need a wine decanter?

Actually, decanting wine is really on necessary when there is heavy sediment at the bottom of the bottle.  This usually occurs when the wine is very old.   If the wine has been laying on its side (which is should be) then you might want to stand it for a day or so before consuming.  This should let any sediment settle.

If your wine is not very old and somewhat inexpensive, there probably isn't a need to decant.  However, it certainly cannot hurt.  If you plan to consume it in a short period of time and prefer the look of a nice wine decanter (versus the bottle), then go ahead and pour away!

Remember, don't leave older (and more expensive) wines exposed to the air for too long - they might end up losing all of their flavor. And isn't that the point of buying a great wine?

CHEERS!!  AWineBoutique.com

It's January!  That means the temps are about as cold as they will get this year... And for those of you that live in states that get snow, it's time to hunker down with your favorite bottle of vino!

What are some of the best cold weather wines to sip on those frigid January evenings?  Here are a few for you to try that come highly recommended.  And don't forget the appropriate glassware to enhance your wine-drinking experience!  http://awineboutique.com/category_1/Glassware-and-Carafes.htm

- 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Chateau Chabiran)

- 2007 Vintage Port (Taylor Fladgate)

- 2009 Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel

- 2009 Maison Bleue Chardonnay

- 2009 Azo Petite Chablis (Burgundy, France)

Enjoy your wine, stay warm, and.... CHEERS from your friends at http://awineboutique.com/index.htm

Happy New Year from your friends at AWineBoutique.com.  http://www.awineboutique.com/.

Celebrate safely tonight and any night when there is alcohol involved.  But this blog is not about the usual "make sure you have a designated driver" speech... This is about protecting your eyes from serious injury when you pop your champagne.

According to Dr. Monica of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the number of eye injuries on New Year's Eve is on the increase - because of accidents with the champagne cork!  A flying cork can reach speeds of up to 50mph, which is strong enough to shatter glass (imagine what it could do to your fragile eyes!).

For your safety, follow these steps published from the Academy of Ophthalmology:

Chill champagne to 45 degrees Fahrenheit or colder before opening. The cork of a warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly.

Don't shake the bottle!  Shaking increases the speed that the cork will fly from the bottle!

Be sure to point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and any bystanders and hold down the cork with the palm of your hand while removing the wire hood on the bottle.

Place a towel over the entire top of the bottle and grasp the cork.

Twist the bottle while holding the cork at a 45-degree angle to break the seal.

The "body" of a wine is sometimes called its "heft".  It really means the weight you feel in your mouth when you drink it.

For the novice wine-drinker, some of the terms you could use to describe the body are:
Big, chewy, fat, fleshy, full, light, soft, syrupy, thick, velvety, watery or weighty.

To find just the right wine takes some sampling (which is the fun part).  Sounding like you know what you are talking about takes even longer.  But, the more you sample, the more experienced you will become.  Find your own terms and follow your heart.  You can't really be "wrong" when you give your opinion about the "body" of a wine you are sampling.

Be sure to have the appropriate glassware to enhance your wine-drinking experience.  Check out all of our glassware and carafes at AWineBoutique.com.  Many items are NOW ON SALE!

CHEERS!

Wine clubs are becoming very popular since many of us don't have a lot of extra time to browse for wine. Plus, with the internet becoming the main form of shopping for so many people, it's nice to shop from the comfort of your own home.  And of course that includes shopping for the wine accessories and glassware that go along with that wine purchase! 

If you want to receive newsletters on wine, get member discounts, and occasionally receive free samples, then a wine club may be right for you.

The downside of course is that you don't get to sample the wine first.  And since online retailers want to make sales, the "easiest" way to do that is to sell wine that is pretty "mainstream". 

If you have any interest, there is A LOT of info on the internet, in wine magazines, and in wine stores.  Do some research and decide for yourself!

Happy browsing and don't forget http://www.awineboutique.com/ for your glassware, corkscrews, decanters and more! 

CHEERS!!

If you are considering buying a wine refrigerator in the near future, good for you!  Today there are a large variety of wine refrigerators and wine coolers to choose from at all sizes and price points.  Here are a couple tips to help you out:

• If you have or plan to have a large, expensive collection of wine that you want to keep for years to come, a wine cellar may be a better option for you.  A wine refrigerator is usually best for wines under maybe $20 in price range - and those that will be consumed within a year or two.  Keeping your wine in a good wine refrigerator until opened will preserve the quality of your wine.
• If space is a consideration, opt for a wine refrigerator that can be stored on top of your counter or under your counter.  Many fridges today are made for small kitchens, bar areas, etc. 
• If you don't actually have a "collection" of wine, maybe a wine cooler/chiller is right for you!  They work well for smaller events or dinner parties; plus they make a great decoration on your dinner table.

Remember:

•  Keep the bottles on their sides until opened.  The cork needs to stay moist.
•  Try to find a room in your home that is vibration-free - - no jostling of the wine bottles!
•  If possible, place your wine refrigerator in a room that is relatively consistent in temperature, such as your basement.

For a large selection of wine refrigerators, coolers or chillers, visit AWineBoutique.com
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $150.00.

Happy Shopping!

CHEERS!!!

If the supermarket isn't quite the place you would choose to buy your wine, the independent wine store is what you want.  If you want something a bit more "special" and want the service that goes with it, then look for a wine store that specializes in, well... wine!

The staff at these types of establishments are well versed in what makes a good wine.  They can recommend not only a vintage, but also the "right" glass to serve it in. 

Most of these stores let you sample the wine before you buy - something your local supermarket does only with big sales.  They also usually deliver for free (depending on where you live) and may lend you glassware and accessories for your big party. 

Check with them in advance... And it's always a good idea to build a relationship with your local, independent wine store.  With the amount of competition in today's market, they will value your loyalty as much as you value their expertise.

For all your wine party entertaining accessories and glassware needs, check us out at http://www.awineboutique.com/

CHEERS!!!

When we think of purchasing a bottle of wine, what is most important?  Many of you would say "flavor".  It's the grape that tells you the most about what kind of flavor the wine will have.  With hundreds of grape varieties out there, how is it possible to learn everything about grapes?

There are really about 8-10 "main" grapes that provide the flavor. The "main" whites are:  Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Semillon, and Chenin Blanc.  Check out AWineBoutique.coms selection of "white wine glasses" to get just what you need to taste these great grapes!  http://awineboutique.com/category_11/White-Wine-Glasses-All-Purpose-Glassware.htm

The "main" reds are:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah/Shiraz. For a great "red wine glass", view our variety here:  http://awineboutique.com/category_9/Red-Wine-Glasses.htm

 The more you taste, the more you'll learn. So drink up and CHEERS from AWineBoutique.com.

We all know pretty much any food tastes better when you're sipping wine, but what about cooking with wine?
I ran across this fantastic recipe from About.com (Southern Food) and had to share. it was fabulous!  http://southernfood.about.com/od/chickenbreastrecipes/r/bl50831a.htm

At AWineBoutique.com we have a large assortment of items available for entertaining.  One of our most unique items is our Wine Chicken Cooker.  http://awineboutique.com/item_27/Wine-Chicken-Cooker.htm

When you cook with wine, it's usually as a marinade, as part of a sauce, or just to enhance the flavor.  So many different types of wine work when you're cooking, so feel free to experiment!  My personal favorites is a dry white, like a Sauvignon Blanc (as called for in the recipe above from Southern Food).

So plan your next chicken dish around your favorite wine and see what happens.  And don't forget to put some to the side for sipping while you cook!  Bon appetit - and CHEERS from AWineBoutique.com!!!

http://awineboutique.com/index.htm

If you have wine-loving friends and family, giving a gift of wine is a sure thing.  When you gift someone with wine, they have an opportunity to try something new that they might not have purchased for themselves before.  This is a great time of year to experiment with different blends, regions, and price points.

Or... because it IS the holidays, why don't we celebrate every day!?!?

Most people drink "still" wine (no carbonation) and save the sparkling wine (such as champagne) for special occasions.

But why?  There is no right or wrong when it comes to gifting someone with wine - - every day is a special occasion.  So give the wine-lover in your life a special bottle of the bubbly!?  And don't forget to buy some great champagne flutes to go with it!  http://awineboutique.com/item_194/Personalized-Champagne-Flute-Set-Of-4-Glasses.htm  Giving someone special a nice bottle of champagne - and encouraging them NOT to save it for New Year's - shows they are important to you.  CHEERS!

http://awineboutique.com/index.htm 

We've all heard it before - drinking wine (especially red) can be healthy for you.  The key here is moderation.  What is an "average" serving size?  About two glasses for men, one for women (sorry ladies).  And that one glass means about 5 oz. 

Red wine contains chemical substances that fight oxidants with antioxidants.  The skin of the red grapes are packed with resveratrol - a disease fighting component.  If you drink a glass every day with your meal, it is believed (although many dispute) you will live a longer, healthier life.

With the holidays upon us, we want to be healthy, right?  So now is the time to stock up on your favorite wine (again, red is best if you are truly drinking it for the health benefits), pour some into your holiday glass and CHEERS!

AWineBoutique.com is proud to have our beautiful, hand-painted Christmas glassware now on sale.  Choose from the 8oz size,   http://awineboutique.com/item_111/Christmas-Trees-Design--Hand-Painted--Wine-Glass--8-oz..htm  our "grande" 16oz size,  http://awineboutique.com/item_131/Christmas-Trees-Design--Hand-Painted--Grande-Wine-Glass-16-oz..htm  and pair with the matching bottle stopper!  http://awineboutique.com/item_150/Christmas-Trees-Design--Hand-Painted--Wine-Bottle-Stopper.htm

If you want just the basics when it comes to wine tasting, read on!

Our sense of smell is much keener than our sense of taste, so you really want to "smell"  your wine at a wine tasting.

Some experts have said (although it's debatable) that we don't really even taste wine - - it's really just a very aromatic, fragrant liquid. 

Whether that is true or not, there are a few basic steps to wine tasting:
1.  Sniff, sniff, sniff
2.  Swirl it around in the glass (don't spill!)
3.  Take a sip and swish it around a bit... Then swallow

Do you still taste it a couple moments after it slid down your throat? If so, that is a good thing (and maybe the right wine for you!)

If you need accessories for swirling, swishing and tasting, check out http://www.awineboutique.com/

Take a look at our aerators for the best "swirling" options around!  http://awineboutique.com/category_16/Aerators.htm


CHEERS!!!

Long "Black Friday" lines at the checkout got you down??  Why wait??  Do your holiday shopping online!  A Cyber Monday special for the intelligent online shoppers out there...

http://awineboutique.com?code=CYBERMON

Save 15% off your order of $35.00 or more at http://awineboutique.com/

We have an amazing selection of gifts for the wine lovers on your list... Or treat yourself this holiday season and pick up something special, just for you!!

Happy Shopping... and CHEERS!