04 Feb The Sipping Point Radio 2/4: Luxury Cruising and Foodie Trends in Chocolate
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Sips of the Week:
Banfi Rose Regale Brachetto d’Acqui 2010, Acqui Terme, Piedmont, Italy
Winemaker’s Notes: Festive cranberry in color with a haunting, aromatic bouquet with hints of raspberries, strawberries and hints of rose petals. A fresh raspberry taste, with crisp acidity, enticing the palate with an initial softness, graduating to a round and luscious. A unique and festive sparkling wine and a seductive aperitif. Pairs well with seafood, cheeses, spicy fare and chocolate. Serve chilled. Retails $19.99 Kaesler Stonehorse SGM 2008. Barossa Valley, Australia
Winemaker’s Notes: The ‘Stonehorse’ wines (in this case, a blend of Shiraz, Grenache & Mourvedre) are vinified to make styles that emphasize fruit characteristics with complimentary barrel maturation. The oak is designed to support and add structure to the palate without compromising the drinkability of the wine.
The finished wine spent 12 months in predominantly older oak and has been bottled without fining or filtration. The Grenache contributes soft aromatics and flavors, Shiraz some palate spine and a bit of spice and the Mourvedre lends breadth and depth. Retails $20.99
These wines and more are available at Wells Discount Liquors in Baltimore or at a retailer near you.
Featured Guest:
We talked to Paul Girouard, Regional Director of Crystal Cruises about things to consider when choosing a cruise line. He shared the important questions traveller’s should ask when considering a cruise and how to compare various options.
Wine Sandwich (aka Food Pairing):
We talked to Susannah Siger, Owner of Ma Petite Shoe about the trends in chocolate for 2012. Check out her Chocolate Happy Hours every Friday or attend her VIP Chocolate Event on 2/8…call 410.235.3442 for more information.
Next Week:
Tune in next week for Laurie’s Sips of the Week, we’ll find out all about the Capital Wine Fest and talk to Doni Belau of the Girl’s Guide to Paris about all the hot trends at wine bars in Paris…and so much more!
Wine & Dine with Laurie and Michael:
In partnership with Crystal Cruises and French Wine Explorers, Michael and I will be hosting a group during the Romancing the Riviera Cruise July 25-August 6, 2012 on board the breathtaking Crystal Serenity. We’ll sail our way from Lisbon to Rome with stops in Lisbon, Gibraltar, Barcelona Palomos, Cannes, Monte Carlo, Florence and Rome. Along the way we’ll have exclusive activities for our group that center on our shared love of food and wine. Crystal Cruises is now an all inclusive cruise ship which means your fare includes everything–food, wine, cabin and YES, wine and alcohol are included!! Learn more by clicking here
Check Out These Great Upcoming Events:
Wine Expo at Harford Community College – Feb 26th 3-6 PM Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild presents Rye’s Up Against Cystic Fibrosis – Feb 26 6-9 PM @ B&O American Brasserie…Enjoy samples of Bulleit Rye elixirs handcrafted by BBG members as well as beer, wine and small bites from local restaurants including B&O American Brasserie, Woodberry Kitchen, and Ten Ten. Listen to live music and bid on fabulous silent auction items. www.bmorebarguild.com Wine Dinner at Westin in Annapolis – March 8th …Travel the Riviera course by course with Exec Chef James Barrett and me. Only $65pp all inclusive and you’ll learn more about the upcoming cruise I am leading in July.