2nd Publication available on amazon.com

For Better~For Worse~~~Happy Ever After~Happily Divorced

WINE STAIN REMOVERS......FOR YOUR TEETH!!!!!

Wine stain removers   for your teeth! Recently my friend showed me an ad in a magazine for wine wipes. We had a good chuckle over this. So I decided to do a blog about this product and in my searching on the net I found there are numerous brands out there. Something for everything & everyone! This product comes neatly packaged for carrying in your purse or pocket. It is a quick fix for removing wine stains from your teeth and mouth they say. I have been around alot of wine drinkers and never upon drinking a glass of wine with them have I noticed their teeth turning red. (or becoming stained) You can read the reviews  and see if perhaps this is something you would like to purchase. Of course it would be a great conversation piece to carry around on a night out! And if you can't wait to get to a place you can brush your teeth then you just might want to have these with you. 

3 Women~Lunch & Wine...........

Lunch time with 2 wonderful friends can be a superb time. Especially on a weekday when you ordinarily do not have people over to your home for lunch. Last minute idea's are sometimes the best. Break out the box of Hardy's Cabernet Sauvignon, serve up some stir fry and offer up some homemade fudge brownies with peanut butter chucks....and the fun begins! This was my plan.It was a grand 3 or so hours we chatted up a storm. Happiness and joy in my home around my table are the best moments in time with my awesome friends. (living room & fireplace tie for this spot) We are 50'ish women, been through a lot, each story different but at the same time similar. At times now going through a lot, allowing it each step of the way to make us stronger. Stronger to share with others, creating a common bond with each other. Still growing and loving every minute of it. Learning from each other....not only where we have been but where we are going and everything in between. Yes, women need women.(we need men too) We are each others support team...even if we just sit and listen. Listening....I hope I do this well. My friends have been a great support system for me this last year. I thank God for them. 
Relaxed...this is how the afternoon ended yesterday. Spur of the moment....box of wine...crystal glasses ....smiles.....laughs....great weather.....yummy food.....friends being friends. Yes this is what our days are made of....moments to remember. Do something spontaneous sometime like we did, when you usually do not entertain. Good times....Good Friends....Good Wine...Life is Good!
The wine? One of my most favorites ...not just because it comes in a box. But our stores are not carrying any more Hardy's red in a box any more...need to ask Hardy's why. Maybe the box is changing? Hard to believe they tell me no one bought it....It always appeared to fly off the shelves in our stores.But until the last drop is out of this one I will enjoy it. A box of Hardy's Merlot is on reserve in my hallway. I love my box wines....love bottled wines too....oh heck, I just love wine! 

WINE GUY TV

Lake Erie Wine & Art Weekend....This weekend!

There are about 23 wineries between Silver Creek & North East, Pa. The annual Wine & Art Weekend will be this weekend April 9-10. Participants from the arts will be from Chautauqua & North East councils. 21 different artists will be at the  wineries to sell,  display and teach. The event is totally FREE from 10am -5pm. no tickets needed to pass on through. Check out the LINK  to see more information on places to stay & other helpful information to make your trip pleasant. If you are in driving distance for an nice day trip possibly this would be a wonderful way to welcome in spring with your special someone or family.

WINE GUY TV

Watch the wine guy from Denver talk on Pinot Noir.......

Why are wine bottles different shapes?

Wine bottles come in various sizes and shapes for specific reasons. The first bottles to preserve the fruit of the vine properly was amphorae bottles.These were used until the Romans started blowing rounded glass bottles. In the 1730's the shape started to change with straighter sides for stacking purposes. In 1821 the modern style wine bottle was born and could now be manufactured by machinery.

The shape of the bottle allows us to notice at a glance what wine may be inside. The Bordeaux bottles have straight sides and are generally used by the wineries around the world who make Merlot, Cabernat and Malbec. Italy & Spain also use these bottles for their deep, rich reds. The color is usually dark green which keeps the sunlight out. Wider bottles with sloping shoulders (Burgundy) are usually for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Gamay. The Rhone style which is similar to the Burgundy is used for Syrah & Grenache. Champagnes & other sparkling wines need to be in a heavy glass with a deep indented well in the bottom to withstand all the pressure in the bottles from the bubbles. It also can be used as a thumb grip while pouring.

The reason a wine bottles bottom is never flat is to relieve stress on the structure of the bottle. It also aids with the sedimentation within the bottle which forms over time.

They have come a long way since the beginning of making wine but still the type of bottles we finally continue to use have been around for many centuries. Man will do what needs to be done when he has a passion for something he loves. And when it is perfected then he (she) sits and reaps the benefits of his labor. In this case what our ancestors strived to do to preserve wine, we all have benefited from it and it is now conveniently processed for us. All we need is a trip to the store.

Gabbriella Conte 3 SITES IN ONE 4 NOW

NEW SITE......CLICK HERE

I have put all my sites on 1 for now. you can still enter each separately if saved in your favorites.

We're Taking a Flight!

Wine flights......growing each week in popularity across the world. It is a great way to be able to have a fine evening out with friends experimenting with several different types of wines and keeping the cost low and still being able to have a pleasurable amount of wine. Most give a choice of 4 or 5 1 oz or 2 oz sampling for $5-$10. I came across one wine bar in Kansas which gives 12...I think that is a bit much even at 1 oz sizes. Flights are tastings of multiples so you can get a real feel for the type you would like to drink. A flight for me on a night out would be sufficient for me to get by the evening on. Remember you mustn't drink and drive. Then the next time you go out for a wine you have a very good idea of the wine you would like to order. It is a great way to educate the public on the fantastic's of wine tasting. Many will not try this but those true wine lover's, eager to learn will jump for joy to this idea. For those bars and restaurants who are truly into this idea they will provide you with pen and paper, but be sure to carry your own. It will soon become an interest to you if you love wine. The gathering of those you enjoy spending time with, learning about the common drink you share. Laughing, talking, remembering wines of before the flight you are on now. The growing you can discuss in the future to where your wine travels have taken you as a group. It is oh such a wonderful feeling to have this human bond and connection with one or more of your special friends. A good wine flight will come with a flyer or some sort of paperwork already prepared to let you know what you have in front of you. This way the only notes needed to be taken are your findings which are personally yours. You may see, taste, smell something entirely different that what someone else may. At times our senses need to be trained for various reasons. I think they should have a "Wine Flight Club" where each week or night of the week a certain "flight"takes off for the evening at a special price.

Consider going on a flight real soon with your friends...we are planning one for an outing. It will be a nice field trip for the group! You can even purchase these flight bars for your home bar at Barnes & Noble and other stores.

Cheers!

Last Blast of Cold Weather? Try Relaxing with a cup of mulled wine!

As the weather turns colder, mulled wine as a flavorful way to warm up. Wine, spices, fireplace, your favorite person, book or pet or all....what more could you want?

There are many, many recipes for mulled wine.

It is a combination of citrus (1 lemon or orange) and spices.

Cinnamon (6 sticks)

cloves (12 whole)

nutmeg (1/4 tsp)

ginger (1/8 tsp)

allspice (1/8 tsp)

Combine the spices and citrus in a dry red wine, such as Burgundy

Add 1/4 cup sugar

Heat this through for at least 15 minutes, but don't BOIL

A clean, large coffee pot is a great method for heating the wine.

Use an inexpensive wine for this recipe. But do not get something you do not like or you

may be disappointed. You do not want to doctor up the wine, but make something you already know is good just more pleasing to you and relaxing. A book or friend in front of the fireplace & you will have the most pleasurable glass of wine this winter! A bonus is the mulling spices make your home smell just wonderful! My mom used to sew mulling bags from cotton fabric with these ingredients in and just boil the bags in water a few minutes and the entire home smelled wonderful for a very long time. Try it! cheaper than candles and safer too!

Salute!

Jacob's Creek Merlot...mighty soft, mighty fine wine!

Last evening I opened my Christmas gift of a bottle of Jacob's Creek Merlot Wine for a friend & I over dinner. I must say it is my favorite Merlot. Smooth, silky & luscious. Also, full-bodied. The tannins are loaded with velvety softness which makes you wonder..."is this really Merlot"? Great taste of plums, cherries, spice, earth & white pepper. Such a balance.

In 1847 a young Bavarian immigrant planted a vineyard along the banks of Jacob's Creek all because he missed the wine he used to drink in his homeland. So he decided to make the wine himself. He had no idea it would do so well and later be named after the creek he planted his vineyard. I admire stories like this. Where would we be in this world without these stories? All because people have a vision & dream & passion & they put that into action & here we are, reaping the benefits of their brilliancy! I am inspired by people like these. His timeline goes back to 1837 when at age 18 he traveled to his new land, worked hard, toiled the soil & let his dream within become a reality! I tip my hat to you Johann Gramp!

Cakebread Wine...over the weekend..YUM!

Over the weekend I uncorked a bottle of Cakebread Cellars wine to share with a friend. A gift from another friend, I was saving it for a special occasion. I have had this delicious luxury several years ago when a friend of mine introduced me to the wines of California. I loved it then & I love it now!

Cakebread Cellars of Napa Valley had their first vintage in 1973. They produce world-class wines. I have been honored to have been given several bottles of their outstanding wine. I remembered well as I lifted that glass to my lips. When you have a luscious wine you can almost always recall the smell & taste even if it has been several years since it hit your palate. It was all I had remembered and more. The color bold & beautiful, deep & dark. Berry scents from blackberries to boysenberries. Touched with earthy scents & violets, soft and gentle. With hints of coffee & mocha. It was grand to drink of this fruit once again. The tannins were soft and silky. It is indeed still one of my favorites & I am touched to have been given this wine once again as a gift. For me it is a special occasion wine I would bring out for my friends....that is if I happen to receive another bottle as a gift! The alcohol content is 15.1% .It is made from 100% syrah grapes seasoned in French Oak barrels. I would love to go to a Cakebread Cellars tasting.....to me it would be like going to the spa...exciting then relaxing and refreshing at the same time!

WINE TASTE @ VINTAGE ESTATE WINE AND BEER, BOARDMAN, OHIO

On Saturday I did a blog on the upcoming Wine Taste @ Vintage Estate Wine & Beer in Boardman, Ohio. Here is an updated email they sent me & you will be thrilled to see the samplings they are having! And don't forget the "live" entertainment!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-to-Use-.html?soid=1102343283220&aid=d3ctp_TNU4k

HOMEMADE CLEMENTINE WINE

This recipe was emailed to me the other day to try. Perhaps I will. My son loves Clementines and has learned to make a fabulous Clementine Cake which is to die for! If the wine is as good as the cake then it should be a spectacular offering to give as gifts. I just may have to try this one!

Homemade Clementine Wine

1 gallon water
24 Clementines
10 Valencia oranges
1 lb extra fine granulated sugar
1 teaspoon citric acid
1 teaspoon pectic enzyme
¼ teaspoon tannin
1 teaspoon yeast nutrient
1 package Champagne wine yeast

Mix sugar and water in large pot.

Bring to boil.

Peel all Clementines and Valencias and save the zest from 10 of the Clementines.

Section the fruit and remove any pith.

Place zest and sections in a nylon mesh straining bag.

Close bag with a tie and mash fruit in a primary fermentation container.

Pour boiling sugar water over fruit and stir.

Let liquid cool until room temperature.

Add citric acid, pectic enzyme, tannin, and yeast nutrient to container.

Cover and let sit for 12 hours.

Remove cover, add activated Champagne wine yeast, and cover again.

Stir daily for 10 days.

Remove bag from container and pour liquid into secondary fermentation container.

Seal with airtight lock lid and ferment.

Skim froth, as necessary.

When froth ceases to form, rack and place into bottles.

Rack again every two months for one year.

Age an additional year before enjoying.

BOTA BOX WINE....OLD ZIN

Boda Box...Old Vine Zin....dark & fruity with spicy scents of blackberries and plums. The acids and the tannins are so well balanced in this wine that it is quickly becoming my favorite these days! I am finding that it goes well not only with a meal of pasta with heavenly tomato sauce but also with New York White Cheddar & crackers, hummus or even my favorite chocolate bar. It is certainly a wine for many occasions and appetites.
The Bota Box is also environmentally friendly. Studies on boxed wines have proven that boxed wines use 85% landfill waste than traditional glass bottles. The box is not only recyclable but it is also green. It is made 100% from recycled paper. The paper layers are held together with cornstarch and not glue. All ink is soy & not Petroleum based.
I just love their comment, if I may copy it.....
So whether you like red or white wine, when you choose Bota Box it doesn't matter because they are both green!
Earth day is April 22, 2011 so Bota Box is doing their part by throughout the month of April they are donating a percentage of all sales to the Arbor Day Foundations restoration program with a minimum goal of $20,000. The also will donate $1 for each person who becomes a fan on their facebook page. Bota Box holds the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine and will remain fresh for 45 days.

REVIEWS & AWARDS

• Bota Box 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel Awarded 88 Points & Best Buy!Wine Enthusiast, 04/01/2011

  There is absolutely no better value in a California Zinfandel than this boxed wine,

• Bota Box Named Best Buy & Value Superstar by Wine Enthusiast Magazine!Wine Enthusiast, 03/01/2011

Melini...my favorite Chianti

Melini Chianti 2008 was a birthday gift to me. It was the perfect accompaniment for a vegetable lasagna and fine green salad with balsamic dressing. There is nothing finer than a great meal with a pleasing wine to be it's companion. The wine was an intense ruby red color. It's fragrance was full of raspberries and spices with a hint of floral. And once it hit your palate it was wonderfully full of the richness of a full bodied dry wine which made you think of fruit and a touch of almond.
It is from the Tuscan region of Italy. A place I yearn to visit. Not only to see my roots of ancestry but to learn of the vine and witness for myself the old vintages. This Chianti was bolder and more balanced than other Chianti's I have had in the past. It has broadened my thinking on Chianti's. Yes, 2008 must have been a very good year for Melini wine making. So on my shopping trip to the wine store Melini is on my list to be a staple on my wine rack. Being Italian and making lots of Italian meals this is just the wine to serve, whether dining alone or with others.

Salute' .....

Benedictine at it's finest!

I recently was invited to dinner at my friends father's home and went searching in my liquor cabinet for possibly finding a bottle of something I could take along. The only item in there without the seal cracked was this bottle of B&B. I have hung on to it for the last 8 years never opening it as it was a very large bottle and very expensive (top shelf liquor) and I did not wish to open only for me to have a glass of brandy by the fire. I had bought this bottle as a gift for the man I had been dating at the time. He had been my first love from high school, we dated for well over 2 years and had thought of marriage. But then he dumped me and we both moved on. 30 years later we reconnected and spent another year and a half in each others company....and I dumped him. (graciously of course) Any how he was the man who introduced me to the pleasures of B&B. It is refreshing and relaxing at the same time. A wonderful drink for after dinner. But I of course still prefer my red wine. B&B goes down nicely as a shot....but this is not the kind of lady I wish to be, although I have done my # of B&B shots. Drinking B&B out of a beautiful crystal brandy snifter is a classic moment and a time in my life I will always remember. Well back the the OLD bottle of B&B in my cabinet......So I decided to give this to my friend's father, hoping all the while he would appreciate it as much as I know other B&B drinkers do. It was a hit! It was the right choice. He was so joyful at receiving this, he handled the bottle as if it were a precious thing to behold. It made my heart smile and be full of joy for making someone this happy over a bottle which I had for 8 years. I know now it went to it's rightful owner. I wish him many happy moments as he savors the fruit from the vine in the bottle.
While dating Mark he educated me on how the cognac was made. I will try to remember now what he said to me and share that with you.
B&B is a French spiced liquor and fine cognac. Benedictine is a herbal liquor made by monks from as far back as 1510. It is composed of 27 herbs and spices. (B&B is great over French vanilla ice cream) In 1930 they started bottling the B&B, a mixture of Benedictine and Cognac together. The history of B&B Cognac Liqueur dates back to the early 1930's at New York City's famous "21" club. During Prohibition, a creative bartender was inspired to combine Benedictine Liqueur with French cognac brandy. The drink became such a popular call that the makers of Benedictine decided to bottle these special ingredients together. When the distinctive presence of cognac is accompanied by the subtle hints of honey, herbs and spices in Benedictine Liqueur, the flavor is a delicate marriage of the best of both worlds. Every bottle of Bénédictine has the initials D.O.M. on the label. Mistakenly thought by some to refer to "Dominican Order of Monks" it actually stands for "Deo Optimo Maximo"; "For our best, greatest God".
If your looking for a smooth, slow drink to romance your special someone for Valentine's Day I would recommend having some on hand along with some special brandy snifter's and settle down after an evening out or meal at home in front of the fireplace and snuggle & sip. But may I also recommend .....just one glass! Save the rest of the bottle for some more romantic times!
You may ask if this is a wine blog then why am I writing about cognac.....well cognac is made from grapes by double distilling the white wines and making it to harsh to be a fine wine.

SO NOW EVEN A BAD WINE CAN BE GOOD ???

I have seen it all! Your key to telling wine's future!(is what they say) Mature young wines instantly know how they will develop over the next 1 to 10 years. When dipped into wine, the patented alloy tip of the Clef du Vin (wine key) replicates the aging process, softening tannins and improving taste. Tested over 10 years by scientists and sommeliers, this wine taste enhancer has received praise throughout the world, and is endorsed by the Wine Enthusiast Magazine testing panel. Brushed steel. I really need to have a more clear understanding of this gadget. Just when I thought I had seen it all then comes along this in my searching. This amazing tool actually emulates the ageing process in your glass of wine, 1 year for every second you hold it in your wine glass. A must have for all serious wine collectors and winemakers. REALLY????? I am left speechless today.......
Cheers !

WINE & SPICE and EVERYTHING NICE !!!

Wine & spice and everything nice! That's what great wines are made of! Spicy in reference to a wine can mean anything from peppery to cinnamon. When I first started sitting in on wine tastings or even a dinner with my friend Paul several years back, I was totally clueless as to what they were talking about. All I knew was I totally enjoyed the wines he had chosen to share with us. And I learned much. I must say until a few months ago when studying more on my own and with a few close friends when drinking I have finally trained my nose to pinpoint that peppery smell everyone was talking about. Now I even taste it immediately. It is amazing how we can train our noses and palates to pick up the scents and tastes. If you would like to start training your senses might I suggest you try this. Upon opening a bottle of your wine at hand gather some spices from your pantry. I am sure you have some cooking spices on hand, perhaps not, if not then you will have to stretch your imagination a bit further and try to remember the smells of the certain spices. Line up 6 wine glasses in front of you.....no you are not going to drink 6 glasses of wine! You are going to then add a small spoonful of each spice into a different glass. Swirl, sniff & smell just as you would a glass of wine. Put into your memory bank the smell of each spice and associate it somewhat with a food you have consumed made with these. Do this exercise a few times and before you know it you will be able to pick up the aromas when given a glass of wine. Doing this with a few great friends can be great enjoyment and conversation when entertaining.
Salute'

RESVERATROL....HEART HEALTHY

SHOWN IS ONLY 1 SUPPLIER OF RESVERATROL...THERE ARE MANY OUT THERE
This blog relates to both my health blog and wine blog today so I am publishing it in both...guess it is just a lazy Sunday morning for me....

Red wine and something in it called resveratrol may be good for you. It is found in the skins of red grapes. For a long time red wine has been thought to be heart healthy if taken in moderation. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of good cholesterol and protecting against artery damage. Too much alcohol consumed can have damaging effects on your health. Still according to the Mayo Clinic doctors agree that something in red wine appears to help your heart. Researchers believe it is the flavonoids or resveratrol which is responsible for this and have heart healthy benefits for you. Antioxidants aren't the only benefiting factor in red wine for your body. It is also the alcohol content.


How is red wine heart healthy? Some studies show that red wine has even more heart health benefits than other types of alcohol while some other studies show that red wine is no better than beer, liquor or white wine. They still have not found that red wine is superior to any of these.


The studies supporting the red wine theory suggest the antioxidants called poylphenols will help protect the lining of the blood vessels of your heart. These antioxidants come in 2 forms flavonoids and nonflavonoids.

• flavonoids....found in oranges, apple, grape juice, onions, tea & cocoa. Red wine has higher amounts than beer or other alcohol.


• nonflavonoids...these appear to keep the arteries from blocking with fatty deposits. Studies though have only been done on mice...not humans. Resveratrol is the nonflavonoid which has drawn the most attention to the scientists.

Resveratrol might be the key ingredient in red wine which helps prevent damage to blood vessels , reduces bad cholesterol and prevents blood clots.

Resveratrol in red wine comes from the skin of the grapes used t o make the wine. Because red wine is fermented with the skin of the grapes longer than white wine this is the reason for higher content of resveratrol in the red as opposed to the white. You could of course eat grapes or drink red or purple grape juice but the content in red wine is higher because of the fermentation process. Blueberries, cranberries and peanuts also contain resveratrol.

How does alcohol affect your heart? Or benefit it?

• raises the good cholesterol levels


• reduces formation of blood clots


• helps prevent artery damage caused by bad cholesterol

Neither the American Heart Association or the National Heart Lung & Blood Institute recommend that you start drinking to prevent heart disease. Alcohol can be addictive and can cause other health issues. Drinking too much increases the risk of high blood pressure, liver damage, obesity, certain cancers, accidents and other problems. Even small amounts can cause heart failure in some people who have unnoticed health issues.

If you already drink red wine please do so in moderation. Moderate drinking is defined as 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled alcohol. The limit for men is higher because men are generally weigh more than women and have more of an enzyme which processes alcohol than women.