Saturday, June 25, 2011

A Wine for Every Day




Clos du Bois, from Sonoma, are affordable, stylish, luxury wines, including Chardonnay and a wide selection of varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, perfect for home entertaining, hostess gifts, picnics or for a night out. Winemaker Gary Sitton is passionate about crafting wines that capture the seemingly unlimited array of flavors and aromas that Sonoma County has to offer; his passion is reflected in every bottle of Closdu Bois.
Priced between $11.99 and $14.99 a bottle, these wines are not only wonderfully tasting, they are eminently affordable. Each makes the perfect companion to a variety of foods.
 

Please remember to always drink and serve responsibly.

Sake Sangria? A Delicious Surprise



Craving Sangria? How about a different take on this refreshing pitcher-friendly drink that counts variety as its main ingredient. Traditionally made with Rioja as the base and nuanced with citrus, strawberries or any other fruit, there have been many variations, including rum, brandy or even vodka. So, why not try a Sake twist? Gekkeikan sakes and plum wines are light, not sweetened and all natural making them an ideal base for sangria. Sake Sangria also pairs well not only with Asian foods but any fare. Here are a few recipes to get you in the mood:
Peach and Plum Sake Sangria
28 oz Gekkikan Sake
14 oz Kobai Plum Wine
2 Fresh Peaches, sliced
2 Fresh Plums, sliced
2 oz Soda Water
Muddle the fruit, add the sake and plum wine and let infuse. Add ice and stir well. Top with soda water.

Summer Sake Sangria
24 oz Gekkeikan Sake
12 oz Gekkeikan Plum Wine
¾ cup fresh watermelon, cubed
1¼ cups fresh honeydew melon, cubed
Muddle ½ cup watermelon with 1 cup honeydew melon. Add the sake and plum wine and let infuse. Add the remainder of the melon, ice and stir well. Top with ginger ale.

Sake Berry Punch
32 oz Gekkeikan Sake
½ cup fresh blueberries
½ cup fresh raspberries
1 bunch fresh mint leaves
4oz simple syrup
1oz ginger ale
Lightly muddle the berries, mint and simple syrup. Add the sake and let infuse. Add ice, stir and top with ginger ale.
For more about  Gekkeikan Sake visit:       http://www.gekkeikan-sake.com/home.cfm

Remember: Always serve and drink responsibly.