wine subscription – Page 2

Wine Pairing Wednesday: Pick a Red and Gift Wrap

December 5, 2019September 2, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…..

And as wonderful as it is, I am not a fan of gift wrapping. I love the Christmas Season: The Reflection of Christ and His Birth, Christmas Carols, Hot Chocolate in front of the Fireplace, Romantic Hallmark Movies, Christmas Lights, Giving Gifts and all! But wrapping gifts and trying to find that perfect moment to wrap the gift without the others seeing what they are getting isn’t my favorite. This year I decided to take a bit of advice from a past blog post and add a little HOLIDAY CHEER to my wrapping time. Tonight, wrapping hasn’t been so bad. In fact, I found it a little soothing. So once again, my theory has been proven true that WINE MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER!

I hope you are enjoying the beginning of the Season and spending time with those you love and care about. This time passes so quickly and oftentimes we get so wrapped up in the mundane details of preparing that we don’t actually take the time to enjoy. Make those memories while you can because we won’t always have the time to do so.

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy Holidays from my Family to Yours,

XOXO, Smiling Danny

Pairing: Red Wine of your choice, Holiday Music, Gift Wrap and Those you Love.

Salu’d

Wine Pairing, Wine Tasting

Wine Pairing Wednesday: Shrimp and Riesling

November 27, 2019January 17, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

Hi Smileys!

I know you are getting ready for Thanksgiving but I wanted to take the time and send a quick note saying how grateful I am for your continued support these past three years. I have truly enjoyed sharing with you all and look forward to sharing more pairings, experiences and suggestions with you this upcoming year. I hope this Thanksgiving is a time of joy, laughter and great memories with those you love and cherish.

XOXO, Smiling Danny

Menu: Oven Baked Fried Shrimp, Broccoli and Feta Salad, and Sauteed Green Beans with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Garlic.

Wine Pairing: Dr. Loosen Dry Riesling, 2017, Mosel, Germany

Notes: The wine provided a lemon dessert finish to the overall plate versus a dry finish on its own. This wine reminds me of a crisp Chardonnay. Because of the buttery notes in the wine; my green beans became garlic butter green beans. The buttery notes also provided a butter finish to all my veggies on the plate. The lemon notes in the wine added a nice splash of citrus to the shrimp and provided an overall fresh Summer taste to the palate.

I hope you enjoy this pairing as much as I did; especially if you need a hint of Summer on these cold Fall days.

Salu’d, Smiling Danny

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Recipes, Wine Pairing

Wine Pairing Wednesday: Thanksgiving Menu

November 21, 2019January 17, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

Are you ready for Thanksgiving? I know I am. This week I thought I would give some wine pairing ideas for some of our most traditional dishes, spices, and desserts. And for those of you who are Vegetarian or Pescatarian, I added some Fish options as well.

Sauvignon Blanc
- Meat: Chicken, Turkey
- Seafood: Scallops, Oysters
- Vegetable: Asparagus
- Herb/Spice/Sauce: Chives
- Dessert: Sorbet, Key Lime Pie
Chardonnay
- Meat: Chicken, Pork Loin
- Seafood: Halibut, Shrimp, Crab
- Vegetable: Potatoes, Squash
- Herb/Spice/Sauce: Cream
- Dessert: Dessert Breads, Vanilla Pudding
Riesling
- Meat: Duck
- Seafood: Sea Bass, Trout
- Dessert: Apple Pie
Pinot Noir
- Herb/Spice/Sauce: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Clove
Syrah
- Herb/Spice/Sauce: Sage
- Dessert: Rhubarb Pie
Zinfandel
- Fruit: Cranberries
- Dessert: Carrot Cake

Smiling Danny’s Menu Pairing:

Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy with a side of Squash and Green beans.

Pairing: Chardonnay

Dessert: Carrot Cake paired with a glass of Zinfandel.

Smiling Danny’s Vegetarian/Pescatarian Option:

Blackened Halibut with Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash.

Pairing: Zinfandel

Dessert: Apple Pie paired with a glass of Riesling.

Well Smileys, I hope you find this helpful as you are planning your menu’s and planning what to bring to family and friend gatherings. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.

Salu’d, XOXO, Smiling Danny

Wine Pairing, Wine Tasting

Wine Pairing Wednesdays: Soup and Rose’

November 14, 2019January 17, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

Wine: William Chris Vineyards, Malbec Rose’, 2017

Pairing: Homemade Cornish Hen Soup

Notes: The grapefruit notes in the wine paired nicely with the citrus notes in the soup. However, this wasn’t a pairing that blended together it was a pairing that didn’t detract from each other. The Rose’ tasted just like it would had I drank it on its own and the soup tasted just like it did when I ate it alone.

This goes to show us that all pairings do not need to blend together. When it comes to pairing wine, you just don’t want it creating a sour or yucky taste on your palate.

Would I pair these two together again? Of course, especially on days when you are having soup but don’t necessarily want to be warmed up or left feeling hot; the wine provides a nice refreshing taste on the palate and leaves you feeling comfortable as far as temperature is concerned.

Well that concludes this week’s pairing, I hope that you enjoyed it. If I get enough requests, I will post the recipe to my homemade soup on the blog. In the meantime, try this wine with chicken soup or chicken and dumplings and then let me know your thoughts. Also, if you want more notes on this wine and my visit to William Chris Vineyards; check out my previous post: Happy Anniversary in Hye, Texas (Sept 8, 2018).

XOXO, Salu’d, Smiling Danny

Wine Pairing, Wine Tasting

Wine Pairing Wednesdays: Meatloaf and Merlot

November 6, 2019January 17, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

Hi Smileys!

I thought it would be great to kick off a series called Wine Pairing Wednesdays here on the blog. Last Wednesday I posted on Instagram a wine pairing selection so I thought I would post the tasting notes here for us to enjoy.

Wine Pairing:

Dish: Meatloaf, Blanched Green Beans and Homemade Mac and Cheese
Wine Selection: English Newsom Cellars Merlot, 2017
Tasting Notes: This dish paired nicely together offering a hint of sweetness at the end. This time I used tri-colored bell pepper versus green bell peppers in the meatloaf; therefore, the sweetness of the pepper complimented the soft notes of fruit in the wine. Because this Merlot was not overbearing, it allowed my dish to be the STAR of the evening. My hubby loves my Meatloaf so I am happy that the wine didn’t take away from my delicious menu.
Winemaker’s Notes:
- Bouquet: Raspberries and Blueberries
- Taste: Soft fruit notes on the palate with an elegant oak finish
- Pairing Suggestions: Roasted Duck, Turkey, and Vegetables

Hope you enjoy this pairing suggestion and the many ones to come.

Salu’d! XOXO, Smiling Danny

Wine Pairing, Winery Visit & Tour

Leading My First Wine Pairing Class

October 27, 2019January 17, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

This month I was afforded a wonderful opportunity to sample some of English Newsom Cellars’ newly released wines. I was asked to think of some pairings that would compliment the wines and I joyously and humbly accepted the task. After tasting the wines, I made notes of pairings that came to mind and then I came home and tried out my ideas. After reviewing my notes and pairing my suggestions, the pairing menu below came alive and created a culinary experience on our palates.

Wine: White Gold, 2018

Pairing: Prosciutto and Havarti Cheese

I feel a creamy cheese would pair well with this wine. The green apple notes of the wine create a prosciutto, havarti cheese and apple slice hors d’oeuvre on the palate.

Wine: Dry Muscat, 2018

Pairing: Bacon Wrapped Apricot (dried apricots)

The savoryness of the bacon and the sweetness of the apricot remind me of sweet and sour pork (Texas-Style). This is a common Asian dish as English Newsom recommends pairing this wine with Asian dishes. This wine also compliments the different textures of the appetizer. The sweetness of the apricot balances out the dryness of the muscat and plays on the bouquet of apricots in the nose.

Wine: Red Italian Blend, 2017

Pairing: Milk Chocolate Covered Almonds

The wine and the almonds provide a caramel component, creating a nice dessert or after dinner gourmet chocolate. Milk chocolate pairs better with this wine. A dark or an Intense dark may overpower the hint of smoke in the wine.

Wine: Tempranillo, 2017

Pairing: Dark Chocolate and Marshmallow

This pairing reminds me of a campfire smore or a roasted/toasted marshmallow. The deep smoke notes of the wine create not only a pleasurable taste on the palate but an experience of camping or sitting around a campfire enjoying a smore. Should we add a graham cracker? No, it will just take away. These textures mesh well together and provide an experience or reminiscent memory.

Thank you, once again, to English Newsom for having me out and allowing me to lead my first wine pairing class. I enjoyed meeting everyone that came out and look forward to seeing you again and meeting new faces. For those of you who didn’t get to make it out, I hope you try out these pairings, you will love them. This was a fun experience and as mentioned in my last post; it’s all trial and error. Just jump right in and enjoy yourself.

XOXO, Smiling Danny

PS: All of these appetizers I created with items purchased from my local grocer. But if you want to know the exact brands I used, they are listed below:

United Supermarkets, Boar’s Head Prosciutto and Harvarti Cheese, Kraft Marshmallows and Hershey dark chocolate chips

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Event: Harvest Moon Festival at English Newsom Cellars. October 26, 2019

October 22, 2019January 17, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

I’m so excited to announce that I will be at English Newsom’s upcoming Harvest Moon Festival. Stop by my station and try some of their NEW releases along with a few of my food pairing ideas. I know that you will not be disappointed as each pairing will leave you wanting more. In addition to the pairings, they will have a variety of activities and live entertainment for you to enjoy:

Live Music:
1-3 Kelly Hasty
3-5 Tatum Sheets
5-7 Steve Williams and Cary Banks

Food Trucks:
Cast Iron Grill: 1-4
Farm to Fork: 4-8

Activities:
Grape Stomp, Pumpkin Painting, Costume Contest, Washer Tournament and More. The event will be concluded with a Haunted Cellars Tour.

Festival: 1pm – 7pm

Haunted Cellars Tour: 8pm to 10pm

**Saturday, October 26, 2019**

Location: English Newsom Cellars at CapRock Winery

408 E Woodrow Road, Lubbock, Texas.

Visit: http://www.englishnewsom.com for additional information on their Haunted Cellars Tour.

Can’t Wait to See You! XOXO, Smiling Danny

Wine 101

October 14, 2019January 17, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

Buying and learning about Wine can feel overwhelming but it isn’t as gruesome as it may seem. The exploration of wine can be fascinating and adventurous. So, this month I thought I would walk you through the Wonderful World of Wines.

What is Wine?

Wine is:

Fermented grape juice (and all of its sugar) + Yeast = Alcohol

Wine is prepared by adding yeast to the juice of grapes. Adding the yeast will convert the sugared juice into alcohol. This is called the fermentation process. The yeast comes from the natural fungus that grows on the grape skins. Wine is then added to wooden oak barrels or steel vats for fermentation. (pictured left)

Wines are identified by its grape varietal; such as Tempranillo, or by its region; such as Bordeaux. They come in two colors: Red and White. Pink or Rose’ is considered a secondary hue but not a color itself.

They also come in different styles, such as:

Still : no bubbles
Sparkling: contains bubbles
Dessert: sweet tasting
Fortified: extra alcohol added

Common Misconceptions:

The price of the wine determines the quality or taste. No, price is due to a number of factors. There are inexpensive wines that taste just as exquisite as the expensive ones.
Once I buy a bottle of wine I can drink it immediately. No, white wines should be chilled; however, red wines should be served room temperature. Too cold will make the tannins taste bitter and too warm makes it taste like vinegar. Ideally, 65 degrees Fahrenheit is what the experts say.
I must know everything about wine to truly enjoy it or even buy it. Not at all! Grab a bottle, did you like what you tasted? Take note of what you did like and didn’t like. Next time you go to the wine store, share with the Sommelier or Wine Specialist your notes and ask for suggestions. It’s all trial and error.

Smileys, I hope this put a little ease to the caution of trying wine or trying new wines. Take a big leap into this wonderful world and share with me your exciting adventures! I look forward to sharing more with you. But until next time,

Salu’d, XOXO, Smiling Danny

Recipes

Pomegranate Sangria

October 8, 2019November 3, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

One Glass Recipe

1/2 glass San Antonio Winery Sweet Red American wine
1/2 tsp Lemon juice
1/2 tbs Lime juice
1/4 glass Pom Pomegranate juice
Top off with Waterloo Sparkling Water – Strawberry

Give a good stir and Enjoy! (A nice lemon or lime wedge would make the perfect garnish)

XOXO, Salu’d, Smiling Danny

Wine Tasting, Winery Visit & Tour

Labor Day Weekend at Texas Sun Winery

September 1, 2019January 17, 2020by smileydannyLeave a Comment

This weekend I thought I would end the month with a visit to a new winery. So I researched around and found a winery in Midland, Texas.

I arrived at Texas Sun Winery located in this nice and new shopping/eatery strip. The inside was gorgeous; styled in a pueblo type architecture with the feel of a bistro. There they bottle their wine onsite and they also infuse some of their wines with fruit. The food was delicious as they have several flatbreads, panini’s, salads and charcuterie boards. However, the wine….. Well, my guest opted in for their Red Wine flight and I tried a White Cranberry Sangria. The Sangria was a Pinot Gris infused with white cranberry. It was very sweet. Had I known, I would have paired it with one of their flatbreads instead of ordering the Turkey, Brie and Jam Panini. The sight was bubbly and cloudy and the taste was silky, sweet and very light. This was a white wine of course.

The Red Wine flight consisted of five one ounce pours. Usually, when trying wine the Sommelier will pour the wine and tell you a little bit about it. Here they just poured the wine and walked off. You are lucky if you get to hear the name of the wine as they walk away. They do have a wine packet with the names of all of their wines and a little description about the wine but you would have to flip through the stack of papers to learn a little bit about it. I asked one of the Sommeliers where do they source their grapes from, she replied: “all over.” As I browsed through the guide I saw wines from New Zealand, Ohio and California so let’s just say I’m a little confused about their whole wine preparing and bottling process. I attempted to take notes on the flight but like I said I didn’t get to hear the names of the wines we tasted. One of the wines smelled like butterscotch with notes of vanilla and spice. It would have been nice to take a bottle with us but they decided to close early to celebrate their one year anniversary so I was on a time crunch.

Would I go again? Hmmmmm, maybe. I think if you are looking for a venue to meet up with friends, eat something lite but filling, and sip on wine then this is a nice establishment. However, since they have a wine club, I expected a little bit more education during my wine tasting. Their menu looked delicious and they had a nice selection of wines just wished I could have learned a little bit more about their wines and their winery.

Thank you Smileys for your continuous support! Cheers to two years of blog posts.

Salu’d, XOXO, Smiling Danny

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Tag: wine subscription

Wine Pairing Wednesday: Pick a Red and Gift Wrap

Wine Pairing Wednesday: Shrimp and Riesling

Wine Pairing Wednesday: Thanksgiving Menu

Wine Pairing Wednesdays: Soup and Rose’

Wine Pairing Wednesdays: Meatloaf and Merlot

Leading My First Wine Pairing Class

Event: Harvest Moon Festival at English Newsom Cellars. October 26, 2019

Wine 101

Pomegranate Sangria

Labor Day Weekend at Texas Sun Winery

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