David

  • February

    By

    Sex!

    Got your attention, didn’t we?  For Valentine’s Day, check out this Michigan sparkling wine!  

    From the winemaker:
    “A brut blend of Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Riesling and Muscat grapes, this wine has ripe red fruit aromas, soft fruit flavors and a smooth, rounded finish. The grapes are hand-picked and carefully whole-cluster pressed. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, then blended with reserve wines and fermented a second time in a closed tank [the cuve close method]. The wine is then filtered, dosaged, and bottled.”

    Can’t get enough Sex? Buy a case and enjoy Sex on a regular basis; 10% case discounts apply.
    Love Traditions from Around the World
    Since we’ve been restricted from visiting many countries right now, we’ve gathered some international traditions and suggestions on how you you may incorporate them in a uniquely local way. 

    Greece


    Aphrodite, the goddess of sex and fertility, was thought to have bathed–and met Adonis-in a pool in Cyprus. Legend has it that anyone who dips into this pool will be rewarded with three things: finding true love, boosting fertility, and the gift of eternal youth.  If you are staying local this Valentine’s Day, you can try your luck with a bottle of  Xinomavro and a hot tub.

    Great Britain

    Made famous (and now banned) on the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris, love locks have gained momentum and can be seen in various bridges throughout the world, including the U.S., Italy, Germany, and one of our favorites, Tower Bridge in London.  Adoring couples take a lock, write or engrave their initials on it and lock it to a bridge.  They then throw the key into the water, signifying their undying love. You may not be able to visit Tower Bridge, but if you have a padlock, a fence, and a good British sparkling wine, you can recreate this in your own Cincinnati back yard.

    France
    The famous Père Lachaise Cemetery reportedly holds the remains of two star-crossed lovers, Abélard and Héloise. Abélard, a 12th-century scholar and theologian, fell in love with his student Héloise, over two decades his junior. Forbidden love, a child, a secret marriage and eventually both joining the clergy round out the tale. The couple continued to write letters until Abélard’s death. Couples visit the tomb and leave profound love letters, sometimes soaked in tears.  Since Paris is off-limits right now, visit Spring Grove Cemetery and send a heartfelt text to someone. You can drown your sorrows with Champagne after. 
    Italy
    Speaking of letters, Juliet (of Romeo and Juliet fame) receives a myriad of letters at Verona’s Casa di Giulietta each year. Thousands come to place letters in the walls of the building, hoping to receive love advice. Additionally, over 50,000 people throughout the world mail letters to a volunteer group called the Juliet Club.  Luckily for you, the post office is right down the street from Water Tower Fine Wines; pick up a hearty Italian wine before you swing by the Mt. Washington Post Office to mail your missive.

    Bulgaria

    Bulgaria celebrates Valentine’s Day and another holiday on February 14.   San Trifon Zartan is celebrated in Bulgaria, which is a “day of winemakers”.  A “King of the Vineyard” is chosen and goes to each house in the village, sampling wine with friends and family.  You need not be a couple to participate in an evening of tasting wonderful local wine. Gather your friends, (in your bubble or virtually), choose a “king” and drink some Bulgarian wine. 

     

    We have wines representing over 20 countries so you can create your own unique celebrations this Valentine’s Day and beyond.
    Our Wines
    Jan’s Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner
     
    I am recommending something different than the usual Italian dishes which are the go-to for many Valentine’s Day celebrations.  Below is a recipe for chicken mole, a savory chocolate recipe.  I recommend pairing with zinfandel.  The dish is slightly spicy with a hint of sweetness; spicy and fruity zinfandel that is perceived as sweet will complement this dish very nicely. This is a recipe we have used many times; it is from 365 Great Soups & Stews by Georgia Chan Downard and Jean Galton.

    Jan
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     Chicken Mole

    2 TBS blanched almonds
    4 skinless, boneless chicken breast (approx. 1 LB)
    3 TBS flour
    1/4 TSP salt
    1/4 TSP pepper
    2 TBS oil
    2 large shallots, minced
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    2 TSP unsweetened cocoa powder
    2 TSP chili powder
    1 14 1/2 ounce can crushed tomatoes, juices reserved
    2 TBS minced cilantro

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    • Place almonds in a small skillet. Cook over med heat, stirring frequently until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.  Grind in a food processor until finely ground (one could also use almond flour)
    • Dredge chicken to lightly coat with flour; season with salt and pepper
    • In a large casserole, heat oil over med-high heat; add chicken and cook 3 minutes on each side to brown 
    • Transfer to a plate
    • Reduce heat to medium; add shallots and garlic to casserole and cook, stirring frequently until softened, 1-2 minutes
    • Add cocoa powder, chili powder, and cumin; cook stirring constantly, 1 minute
    • Stir in tomatoes with their juices and the almonds; bring to a boil
    • Reduce heat to medium-low, add the chicken back to pan; cover and cook stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender with no trace of pink, 20-25 minutes
    • Transfer sauce to blender or food processor and blend until smooth
    • Return to the casserole with chicken; add cilantro; cover and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors
    • Serve with rice and/or beans
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    Volume Sometime Speaks Volumes…
    One sparkler is good, but a display of fireworks is better; don’t you agree? Celebrating with one bottle of wine with your love on Valentine’s Day is wonderful, but consider declaring your love on a monthly basis.  Purchasing 12 bottles (we, in the interest of love, will supply a 10% discount!) to proclaim your affection and devotion to your love is a wonderful way to set apart a special day each month. We can help you pick out wines for each month; mixed cases still get a discount.
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    Homemade Soup Day is February 4

    Soup and a complimentary wine make for a sublime end to a hard day.  Paired with Jan’s focaccia, dinner will be something to anticipate all day.

    Below are Jan’s suggestions for a great soup and wine pairings.  No judgment if you pick up soup at a local restaurant or have it delivered. Stop in to see our selection of wines to complement your soup choices.

    Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice + California Chardonnay
    The creamy butter in the soup complements a buttery wine

    Hearty Beef & Barley + Merlot or Cabernet
    The beef is the perfect counterpart to the tannins in the wine

    Black Bean with Ham + Shiraz
    You need a robust wine to complement this hearty soup

    Curry Pumpkin Soup + Riesling
    Curry and spice will counterbalance the sweetness of the wine
    Tying the Knot
     BAGELS

    Jan’s bagels are lovingly crafted and taste INCREDIBLE.  They also freeze wonderfully, ensuring you can have some on hand between baking weeks. 
    Order by calling 513•231•9463 by Wednesday for pick up on Friday.