Friday, September 23, 2011

Kosher Wine Tasting

Stop by our store Monday, September 26th or Tuesday September 27th from 1pm - 6pm and try out some of our Kosher wines. We will be having an informal tasting featuring some great "crowd pleasers" for your holiday event including:

MONDAY TASTING:
Rashi Joyvin White

Don't forget to stock up and receive a discount on twelve or more bottles (mix and match).

Monday, September 19, 2011

Rosh Hashanah Gifts & Treats

Check out our wonderful selection of dried fruit and kosher gourmet candies for your holiday. Don't forget we offer free gift wrapping for your gift rounds and on individual wine bottles.

Rosh Hashanah Recipes

With the new year just around the corner, here are a few fun recipes to inspire your holiday meal. 


Apple & Honey Sangria

Ingredients
    * 3 cups sliced Honeycrisp apples
    * 1/2 cup Apple Schnapps
- available in store
    * 1/4 cup Savannah Bee Co. honey - available in store*
    * 3 whole cloves
    * 2 whole cinnamon sticks
    * 2 slices peeled fresh ginger
    * 1 large orange - quartered
    * 2 tbsp sugar
    * 1 750ml bottle Dalton Canaan Red Wine - available in store
    * 1/4 cup club soda

In a large pitcher combine all ingredients excluding club soda and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve over ice and top each glass with a splash of club soda.

*Savannah Bee Co. honey
                                                                                                                                                                        


Peppadew Chicken Skewers 

Ingredients
    * 2 tablespoons olive oil
    * 2 tablespoons Savannah Bee Co. kosher honey - available in store* 
    * 3 tablespoons soy sauce
    * 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
    * 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    * 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves -  cubed
    * 3 cloves garlic - crushed
    * 2 onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
    * 1 cup Peppadews - available in store* 
    * skewers


In a large bowl combine oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Set aside a small amount to brush over the kabobs while grilling. Add chicken, garlic, onions and Peppadews to the marinade and let set overnight.

Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables and discard marinade. Thread chicken, onions, and Peppadews alternately onto the skewers.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes on high heat. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently. 

Wine recommendations: Serve with Barkan Classic Chardonnay or Dalton Canaan White.

*Savannah Bee Co. kosher honey


*Peppadews


                                                                                                                                                                     


Braised Brisket in Pomegranate Juice 

Ingredients for the brisket
    * 3 tablespoons olive or canola oil 
    * Beef brisket, about 5 pounds, trimmed of excess fat, patted dry 
    * 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
    * 2 leeks, washed well and coarsely chopped (include both white and pale green parts)
    * 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
    * 2 large carrots, scraped and coarsely chopped
    * 1 celery stalk celery with leaves, coarsely chopped
    * 2 cups pomegranate juice
    * 2 cups chicken broth, preferably homemade
    * 3 fresh thyme sprigs or 2 teaspoons dried leaves 
    * 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
    * 2 bay leaves
    * Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for the Confit
    * 3 tablespoons olive oil
    * 4 large onions (about 2 1/2 pounds), very thinly sliced 
    * Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
    * 1/4 cup chicken broth
    * 1/2 cup Altoona Hills Merlot - available in store

Prepare the brisket: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large heavy-bottomed roasting pan, using two burners, if necessary, or in a wide 6-quart Dutch oven or flameproof casserole. Add the brisket, and brown well on both sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer the brisket to a platter and set aside.

Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon of fat remaining in the pan, and add the onions and leeks. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat, until the vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and continue cooking until the onions are golden, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring and scraping the pan to prevent scorching or sticking.

Add 1 cup of the pomegranate juice and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until the liquid is reduced by about half. Add the remaining 1 cup juice, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Lightly salt and pepper the brisket on both sides, and add it to the pan, fat side up, spooning the vegetables all over the meat. Cover the pan tightly (use heavy-duty foil if you don't have a lid for the pan), and braise the brisket in the oven, basting every half hour, until the meat is very tender, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. Turn the oven down to 300 degrees if the braising liquid begins to bubble rapidly.

About an hour or so before you are ready to serve the brisket, make the confit: In a 10- to 12-inch heavy skillet, warm the oil. Add the onions, season lightly with salt and pepper, and toss to coat with the oil. Cook, tightly covered, over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally so the mixture does not burn, for 1 hour, or until the onions are very soft and pale gold in color. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, the broth, and wine.

Raise the heat and boil the mixture, uncovered, stirring, until all the liquid is evaporated and the onions turn golden. Taste and adjust the seasoning (it may take quite a bit of salt), and turn off the heat. Cover the mixture and keep it warm. Stir in the pomegranate seeds just before serving.

The brisket tastes best if it is allowed to rest, reabsorbing the juices lost during braising, and it's easiest to defat the gravy if you prepare the meat ahead and refrigerate it until the fat solidifies.

The gravy can be prepared by skimming the fat in the traditional way, if you prefer. If you go that route, though, do let the meat rest in the pan sauce for at least an hour.

Cool the brisket in the pan sauce, cover well with foil, and refrigerate until the fat congeals. Scrape off all solid fat. Remove the brisket from the pan and slice thinly across the grain.

Prepare the gravy: Bring the braising mixture to room temperature, then strain it, reserving the vegetables. Skim and discard as much fat as possible from the liquid. Puree the reserved vegetables and 1 cup of the defatted braising liquid in a food processor or a blender. Transfer the pureed mixture and the remaining braising liquid to a skillet and reduce the gravy over high heat to the desired consistency. Taste for seasoning. Rewarm the brisket in the gravy until heated through

Spread the onion confit over a serving platter and arrange the sliced brisket on top. Ladle the hot gravy over the meat and serve immediately.

Recipe from http://blog.nola.com/judywalker/2008/09/brisket_braised_in_pomegranate.html


Wine recommendations: Serve with Altoona Hills Merlot or Baron Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon.
                                                                                                                                                                      




Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Alfasi

Alfasi Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 - $8.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: Chile

TASTING NOTES: 
Full-bodied, exceptional aromas, dark berry and cherry flavors, with well-integrated oak.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored beef, veal, or chicken dishes, as well as pasta and cheese.





Alfasi Chardonnay 2011 - $8.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: Chile

TASTING NOTES: 
Dry, crisp, and well balanced with apple and pear flavors.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Light flavored chicken and fish dishes or as an aperitif.





Alfasi Merlot 2011 - $8.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: Chile

TASTING NOTES: 
Well-balanced, with plum and mild oak notes, and a velvety-smooth finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored beef, veal, or chicken dishes, as well as pasta and cheese.

Altoona Hills

Altoona Hills Merlot 2011 - $9.49



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: Australia

TASTING NOTES: 
Deep red color, mocha and licorice aromas, with subtle cedar notes.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored beef, veal, or chicken dishes, as well as pasta and cheese. 




Altoona Hills Shiraz 2009 - $9.49



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: Australia

TASTING NOTES: 
Full-bodied, rich and dry, with currant and spice flavors. 
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored meat, or spicy oriental food.

Barkan

Barkan Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 - $11.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: Israel

TASTING NOTES: 
Layers of oak, dark berry, and spice are supported by soft tannins and focused acidity.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Medium flavored grilled or sauced chicken.





Barkan Classic Chardonnay 2009 & 2010 - $11.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: Israel

TASTING NOTES: 
Bright, crisp acidity; wonderful pear and citrus fruit flavors; full bodied, with long finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Light flavored fish or chicken dishes.





Barkan Classic Petite Syrah 2010 - $11.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: Israel

TASTING NOTES: 
Lively blackberry and smoke character; firm, with a bright, clean feel.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Light to medium flavored poultry or fish dishes.





Barkan Classic Pinot Noir 2011 - $10.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: Israel

TASTING NOTES: 
Soft and smooth on the palate, with berry aromas and black cherry fruit. Crisp, fruity, and light.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Perfect with veal or grilled salmon.





Barkan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 - $22.99



Kosher for Passover
Country: Israel

TASTING NOTES: 
Deep ruby black color. Berry compote, cedar, grilled pepper and nougat aromas. A bright, buoyant entry leads to a fruity medium body of ripe cassis and blackberry flavors with a touch of spice, banana custard, and citrus. Finishes with a refreshing, berry and soft meringue fade. Very tasty and satisfying.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored meat or rich sauced chicken dishes. 




Barkan Reserve Merlot 2007 - $22.99



Kosher for Passover
Country: Israel

TASTING NOTES: 
Full flavored with rich body and oak on the nose with berry and cherry aromas. 

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Medium flavored grilled or sauced chicken or fish dishes.

Baron Herzog


Baron Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon "Jeunesse" 2011 - $12.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
Beautiful purple color, soft texture, with fresh berry, cherry, and floral aromas

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full-flavored beef, veal and chicken or rich cheeses.





Baron Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 - $11.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
Lightly oaked, dark garnet in color, full-bodied and with caressing tannins. On the nose and palate appealing wild berry, black currant and licorice notes, all lingering nicely on the finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full-flavored beef, veal and chicken or rich cheeses.




Baron Herzog Chardonnay "Jeunesse" 2009 - $11.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
Bright and exceptional fruit characteristics, was cold fermented exclusively in stainless steel tanks. Aromas and flavors of peach, pear, and citrus are accented by a hint of sweetness.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored fish, cheeses, veal and chicken.


Baron Herzog Chardonnay 2009 - $12.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
Baron Herzog Chardonnay has an emerald straw color with baked pear and lemon aromas. A round, silky entry leads to fruity sweet medium body of baked apple, pear, baking spices, and wildflower honey flavors. Finishes with a round, lemon spritzed apple and praline fade. A touch, too sweet but very pleasant and easy drinking.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored fish, cheeses, veal and chicken.




Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc 2010 - $8.49



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
Ripe and forward, with melon, apple, peach and gooseberry fruits. Light golden in color, medium-bodied and with a fruit-forward nose leading to a round, lightly nutty finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored fish, salads, and Asian dishes.




Baron Herzog Merlot 2009 - $12.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
Medium- to full-bodied, garnet towards royal purple in color, with soft, well-integrated oak and gently mouth-coating tannins. On the nose and palate red currants, wild berries, and notes of espresso coffee. Long and generous.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Medium flavored grilled or salted chicken or fish dishes.




Baron Herzog White Zinfandel 2011 - $8.49



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
Baron Herzog White Zinfandel is semi-dry with a crisp texture and aromas of apple, strawberry and cotton candy.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored fish, salads, cheeses, pizza and chicken.





Baron Herzog Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - $11.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
Baron Herzog Sauvignon Blanc is very light in the mouth and displays aromas of quince, peach, apple, lychee and herbal notes.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Full flavored chevre, lobster, flaky white fish, pork and chicken.





Baron Herzog Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 - $25.99



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
With aromas of blackberry and mild oak, this is a full-bodied, rich wine of unmistakable depth and elegance. Dark fruit tones balanced with a delightful minerality. Exhibits berry, cherry, and earthy flavors characteristic of this region's wines.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Cheeses/ Pizza, Meat, Veal & Chicken.




Baron Herzog Brut - $9.49



Kosher for Passover
Mevushal 
Country: USA

TASTING NOTES: 
This sparkling wine is made from wines produced in California and New York. It has been fermented with special Champagne yeast and given extended contact to enhance the complexity of the wine. It has the aromatic notes of the New York fruit and the lighter, more elegant tones contributed by the fruit from California.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
Enjoy it with food, as an apertif or on those special occasions that call for a quality sparkling wine.