Ciders for Wine Lovers

"If you are a brave explorer who enjoys testing the fabulous flavors of the 

global culture, then join us on this weekly exploration. These posts will cover 

everything from the latest cocktail craze to the wonderful world of wine." -Chad

Ciders for Wine Lovers

Now that Spring is here and the weather is beautiful, it is time to spend more time outside. One of the most refreshing but little understood categories of beverages is ciders. Much like the Rieslings of the wine world, most people assume that all ciders are sweet. In fact, most ciders are made in a dry style with a super complex flavor that will amaze white wine lovers of Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. 

One of our favorite producers is Farnum Hill out of Vermont. These guys are not just cider makers who buy apple juice (like most of the big cider makers). These are apple farmers who use their ancient apple groves to produce ciders of exceptional quality that are well balanced and dry. If your in the mood to enjoy a Spring evening with a good drink, then pick up a bottle of Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider.

Chad the Tie Guy's Drink of the Week: I love farmhouse ciders because this is the original style of cider simply made from fresh pressed apples and natural wild yeast (used to ferment the sweet apple juice). These ciders are not overly syrupy and sweet like the newer ciders can be but are very easy drinking with a hint of sweetness. This makes the cider taste, well like fresh apples that are juicy but not overly sweet. Think of this as a liquid apple with a little bit of a buzz as a bonus. Enjoy with the gorgeous Spring weather!

Food Pairings: This pairs well with soft cheeses (such as goat cheese) drizzles with fresh honey and topped with toasted salty almond. Try this with a slow cooker pork and sauerkraut topped with crisp apple slices for a real sweet and sour treat!

Cocktail Ideas:

Basic Recipe (aka Kick it Up a Notch): Combine 6oz of Cider with 1oz other flavor

Some Classic Examples:

     Apple Blossom= 6oz Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider + 1oz Elderflower Liqueur

     Irish Apple= 6oz Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider + 1 oz Irish Whiskey 

     Apple Pie= 6oz Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider + 1oz Fireball

     Carmel Apple= 6oz Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider + 1oz Caramel Vodka

Alpine Curative Cocktail

Alpine Curative Cocktail 

As the Winter weather keeps coming and going, there is one thing that always brightens my day no matter how bleak it is outside.... Delicious Drinks! If you are a brave explorer who enjoys testing the fabulous flavors of the global culture, then join us on this weekly exploration. These posts will cover everything from the latest cocktail craze to the wonderful world of wine.

Chad the Tie Guy's Drink of the Week: Absinthe has been talked about in popular culture since it was made famous from its stories of green fairies and artist cutting their ears off (think Van Gogh). However, it's cousin, Genepey Des Alpes, (also made from Wormwood, but without the nasty anise flavor) is made from handpicked herbs and spices from the Alpine mountains. Think of it as an incredibly complex Gin. When you pair this with a quality tonic and a squeeze of lime, this will cure everything from the winter blues to a broken leg from skiing (well almost everything).

ALPINE CURATIVE COCKTAIL RECIPIE

1 oz Dolin Genepey des Alpes

4 oz Fever Tree Tonic Water

Peel of 1/2 of a Fresh Lemon 

Pour Dolin Genepey des Alpes over a large glass of ice. Add in lemon peel and top with Fever Tree Tonic (any good tonic water will work). Sip slowly and savor the aromatics and the sweet flavor up front balanced by the slightly bitter flavor on the finish.

Food Pairings: This is the perfect apres ski cocktail (French for After Skiing). Sip on this while enjoying hard alpine style cheeses, such as our delicious Gruyere cheese served with rosemary and sea salt roasted zucchini, red peppers and black olives along with a fresh toasted baguette from the Market at White Horse Wine and Spirits!

December 21st

Marques de Grinon, Cabernet Sauvignon

Only $39.99

As the holidays approach, we do so much running around and entertaining it is nice to relax and treat ourselves to a nice bottle of wine that we might not usually open. This is the second in our two part wine of the week series looking at really delicious wines that over deliver flavor for their price point. Nobody likes to be disappointed when they open an expensive bottle, so we give you tried and tested wines that we love and drink on special occasions (like finishing the holiday shopping!).

This wine is made by Carlos Falcó Fernandez de Córdova who has pioneered the modernization of vine growing and wine-making in Spain. In 1974, he introduced Spain to the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties. This was but the first step in a series of daring pioneering innovations by the man responsible for the great wines of Marques de Grinon. 

Carlos has created a huge Cabernet Sauvignon  that bursts from the glass with aromas of black cherries, wild berry fruits and sweet spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate and tobacco. It is expansive on the palate, being full-bodied, well-structured with fine, integrated tannins, and outstanding depth.

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is a clear winner for one of the best wines we have tasted this year. Every once in a while we taste a wine that leaves a lasting impression of how delicious it was (most of these are in the upper price limits of my budget). This one was one that blew me away when I found out it was less than $50 AND it was in the Top 100 Wines of 2014. A great wine and the perfect treat for celebrating the holidays!

Grape Varietals:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Region: La Mancha, Spain

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:       RICH RED WINES      

Food Pairings: Try pairing this wine with rich, red meat dishes such as prime rib, osso bucco or filet mignon. For a real treat, try this with traditional spanish wild game meats such as wild boar ravioli or venison steaks if you get the chance.

Cheese Pairings: 

Aged Asiago Cheese- A nice salty, flavorful aged Asiago tang.

Italy $5.49 (8oz)

Moody Blue Cheese- A smoked blue cheese with a sharp flavor 

Wisconsin $7.49 (8oz)

4 Year Aged Gouda- A hard aged cheese with caramel flavors 

Netherlands $8.99 (8oz) 

December 14th

Hilary Goldschmidt, Cabernet Sauvignon

Was $34.99

Now Only $29.99

As the holidays approach, we do so much running around and entertaining it is nice to relax and treat ourselves to a nice bottle of wine that we might not usually open. This is the first in our two part wine of the week series looking at really delicious wines that over-deliver flavor for their price points. Nobody likes to be disappointed when they open an expensive bottle, so we give you tried and tested wines that we love and drink on special occasions (like checking off your holiday shopping list!).

Named for the youngest of Nick Goldschmidt's five children, Hilary Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and elegant. The grapes from this vineyard used to be sold to Opus One to blend into its famed wines. Charming Creek offers the signature taste of Napa Valley and shows unusual concentration for the price. With its long sunny days and porous, free-draining soils, Napa Valley has the perfect growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon vines and Charming Creek consistently yields bold, well structured wines that are complex and rich in flavor.

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is a beast of a Napa Cab with huge dark fruit flavors of blackberry, cassis and plum. The fruit is nicely integrated with a bold oak flavor that is both rich and elegant. This wine is ready to drink and can be enjoyed with a little decanting or stored well for aging of up to 10 years. 

Grape Varietals:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Region: Oakville, California

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:       RICH RED WINES      

Food Pairings: Try this wine with herb-marinated grilled meats along with heavy cheeses, grilled vegetables, and roasted red peppers.

Cheese Pairings: 

Sartori Espresso Cheese- An espresso coffee rubbed sharp cheese 

Wisconsin $7.49 (8oz)

Moody Blue Cheese- A smoked blue cheese with a sharp flavor 

Wisconsin $7.49 (8oz)

4 Year Aged Gouda- A hard aged cheese with caramel flavors 

Netherlands $8.99 (8oz) 

December 7th

Allegrini, Palazzo Della Torre

Was $22.99

Now Only $19.99

This week our wine feature is in honor of our upcoming Italian classes. Last Thursday, December 3rd we had our Exploring Italy class followed by next Thursday's December 10th class, The Wines of Allegrini. If you can't make the class, at least you can enjoy some good Italian wine!

This blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, and 5% Sangiovese is a smooth, full-bodied cru wine made in an innovative ripasso style. After the harvest, the grapes from the Palazzo della Torre vineyard follow two different paths: 70% of the grapes are vinified immediately, while the remaining 30% are left to dry until the end of December. The fresh wine made at harvest is blended with the fermenting juice of the dried grapes. This initiates a second fermentation and renders a more highly concentrated and complex wine. Allegrini affectionately refers to Palazzo della Torre as its “baby Amarone.”

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is one of my favorite "Baby Amarones". I love Amarone wine, but they tend to be out of my price range even for weekend wines. I always turn to this wine when I go out to a local BYOB. This way I get more bang for my buck in wine quality and taste. Drink smart!

Grape Varietals:  70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, and 5% Sangiovese

Wine Region: Verona, Italy

Alcohol Content: 13.8%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:       MEDIUM RED WINES      

Food Pairings: Try pairing this with richly flavored pasta dishes accented with spiced meats such as sausage, chorizo or salami. This is also a great dish to try with a seasonal risotto were the creaminess balances out the nice acidity of the wine.  

Cheese Pairings: 

Di Bruno Asiago- A hard, flavorful, salty aged Italian cheese.

Italy $5.49 (8oz)

Pecorino Toscano- A rich, nutty cheese with butterscotch flavor.

Italy $7.99 (8oz)

Prima Donna- The best of Parmigiano and Aged Gouda.

Italy $8.99 (8oz) 

November 30th

Pederzana, Sparkling Lambrusco

Only $12.99

This week we have one of the coolest (and probably most geeky) wines we have done for our wine of the week series. This is Lambrusco, which a sparkling DRY red wine from Italy. Most of us think of Riunite Lambrusco, which is a sweet red wine (usually drank by our Grandfathers). If you love Prosecco and red wines than this is your new favorite wine that is perfect for every occasion (especially the end of a long work week)! 

This is Tenuta Pederzana's most feminine and elegant wine, in which the freshness and vibrant fruit that one finds in the Grasparossa grape are highlighted to the full. The morello cherry note is joined by an intriguing sensation of wild strawberries and raspberries. The brief maceration at fairly low temperatures has made it ideal for drinking as an aperitif and in summer, thanks to the smoothness of its very delicate tannins which, besides, always leave the palate fresh and clean, making it ready to taste the next mouthful.

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is one of my favorite wines to turn people on to when they want to try something new and exciting. This of the best qualities of Pinot Noir and Prosecco combined to form a dry but fruit forward sparkling wine. It's definitely not like anything you have probably had before but for $13 bucks its well worth the leap of faith. Enjoy!

Grape Varietals:  Grasparossa (100%)

Wine Region: Emilia, Italy

Alcohol Content: 11%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:       LIGHT RED WINES      

Food Pairings: Try pairing this wine with typical food from the Emilia region of Italy such as tortellini, tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce or fried gnocchi. It is also ideal with delicately flavored foods such as herb crusted turkey or pork loin but shines with salmon and lamb. 

Cheese Pairings: 

Drunken Goat Cheese- A mild, soft cheese aged in red wine

Spain $8.49 (8oz)

Gouda Ewephoria- A mild Gouda with a smooth, sweet flavor.

Netherlands $9.49 (8oz)

Emmenthaler- A swiss cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor

Switzerland $8.49 (8oz) 

November 23rd

Blue Quail, Organic Pinot Noir

Only $18.99

As we continue in our wine recommendations for your Thanksgiving dinner, we have a classic pairing: Pinot Noir. However, as you know we don't usually stick to the old boring "classic" wine pairings, so this one has a cool twist. This all organically farmer Pinot Noir is made in the relatively unknown Potter Valley in Mendocino County, California by an old Navy veteran who learned to love wine in the Mediterranean.

This wine is a great Pinot Noir with lovely rich fruit flavors of cherry, cranberry and strawberry with a nice hint of sweet spices and light oak. The soft and silky tannins on this wine make it a great wine with or without food but try this one with your Thanksgiving dinner and you won't be disappointed.

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: Nobody like weak and watery Pinot Noir (which unfortunately is quite common). This is a great example of what makes everybody love Pinot Noir. It is silky and soft with a bright flavor that shines through. Very elegant and definitely making an appearance on my Thanksgiving table! 

Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir (100%)

Wine Region: Potter Valley, California

Alcohol Content: 13.5%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:       LIGHT RED WINES      

Food Pairings: This wine is great with Thanksgiving dinner and other light meats. For a real treat, try this with a balsamic cherry glazed salmon over roasted zucchini gratin. 

Cheese Pairings: 

Di Bruno Aged Gouda- Creamy flavors of honey and butterscotch

Holland $5.49 (8oz)

Cherry Grove Havilah- A flavorful local, hard alpine style cheese

New Jersey $10.99 (8oz)

Emmenthaler- A swiss cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor

Switzerland $8.49 (8oz) 

November 16th

Standing Stone, Gewurztraminer

Only $10.99

As the Thanksgiving holiday gets closer, we have another hidden gem that is perfect for pairing up with your Thanksgiving dinner. With the myriad of different flavors on the table this season from cranberry sauce and green bean casserole to gravy laden turkey it is often difficult to pick one wine that will seamlessly go with everything. This is that perfect wine from start to finish (yes, even with dessert).

This is a DRY Gewurztraminer from New York States famed Finger Lakes Region. Usually done in a sweet style, this wine is elegant and very aromatic. Flavor of peach, apricot, rose petal and lychee (a japanese fruit) burst forth with a clean, mineral driven finish that refreshes your palate for the next sip. This misunderstood grape is often overlooked by average consumers, but the adventurous wine drinker will be greatly rewarded for picking up a bottle of this wine for the holidays. Cheers! 

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is one of the most complex and aromatic white wines. This proves just how amazing the Finger Lakes wine growing region of New York state is. If you steer away from Rieslings and Gewurztraminers because you think they have to be sweet, then try this wine and enjoy this delicious exception to the rule.

Grape Varietals: Gewurztraminer (100%)

Wine Region: Finger Lakes, New York

Alcohol Content: 13.3%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:                OFF DRY  WHITE WINES               

Food Pairings: This wine pairs really well with poultry which makes it a great wine for Thanksgiving dinner. The complex floral flavors of this wine also make it perfect for hard to pair global cuisines such as Thai, Mexican, Japanese and Indian foods.

Cheese Pairings: 

Delice de Bourgogne- A super soft, triple cream with a rich flavor

France $9.99 (8oz)

Bucheron- A mild, soft goat cheese with an edible rind

Frace $6.99 (8oz)

Cypress Grove Humbolt Fog- A soft rind cheese with a tangy edible ash layer

USA $12.99 (8oz) 

November 9th

Isle Saint Pierre, Organic White Blend

Only $9.99

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we offer up another one of our hidden gems that is worthy of your holiday feast. This refreshing but still flavorful wine has a lot of complexity with out making itself seem fussy or fancy. This is a great wine to great your guest with and ease the holiday tension because it is perfect by itself but it has a way of making the food it is paired with taste better. I recommend stashing a case of this one and labeling it "Holiday Survival Kit".

The Isle Saint-Pierre is a small island in the middle of the Rhône river.  In 1927, Parisian wine merchant Pierre Chassaing founded Domaine Isle Saint-Pierre and devoted himself to cultivating vines and raising sheep.  A few vines remains from that time, together with a flock of 200 sheep that provides the manure needed to nourish the vines.  The proximity to the water means that the island enjoys a coastal climate (with a cooling influence from the nearby bodies of water) and deep, well draining sedimentary soils comprised of sand and silt. This allows the current winemaker to farm this island organically without the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides.

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is one of my favorite all around white wines. It is crisp and refreshing while also having a lot of flavor (unlike those one note Pinot Grigios).

Grape Varietals: Chardonnay (70%), Sauvignon Blanc (25%), Muscat (5%)

Wine Region: Rhone Valley, France

Alcohol Content: 12.5%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:                LIGHT WHITE WINES               

Food Pairings: This wine is great by itself after a long day, but it also shines as the beginning to a party. Try pairing this one up with appetizers, salads and snack foods due to it's clean yet aromatic personality. A nice one to serve ice cold!

Cheese Pairings: 

Cypress Grove Lamb Chopper- A creamy, buttery aged Gouda

USA $14.99 (8oz)

Drunken Goat Cheese- A mild, soft cheese aged in red wine

Spain $8.49 (8oz)

Cypress Grove Humbolt Fog- A soft rind cheese with a tangy edible ash layer

USA $12.99 (8oz) 

November 2nd

White Girl, Dry Rose

Only $15.99

Last summer, in the Hamptons, there was a rosé shortage. People were running through the streets, screaming. There was not enough rosé. They were hoarding it in their arms … and we said, ‘never again!’” That's when Instagram superstar Josh Ostrovsky (who you might know as @TheFat Jewish or maybe just the King of Brunch or Whitney Jewston or Jewther Vandross?) says he got the idea for White Girl Rosé.

This wine is pink, however it is NOT SWEET! This DRY rose is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and "Red" Zinfandel that is as dry as a normal Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. This wine has flavors of watermelon, strawberry and floral notes with a crisp, clean finish. This wine is perfect for fall  because it is flavorful and yet refreshing, but it is available year round for those in the know!

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: We love dry roses because they are the best of both worlds. They have the rich, complex flavors of a red wine and the crisp, refreshing finish of a white wine. They are made the same way as a red wine but the skins are removed after a few days leaving the color and body lighter. If you have never tried a dry rose, do yourself a favor and dive right in with this kitschy complement to Thanksgiving dinner!

Grape Varietals: Zinfandel (65%), Sauvignon Blanc (35%)

Wine Region: California

Alcohol Content: 12%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:       D       DRY ROSE       D      

Food Pairings: A crisp, refreshing wine like this goes great by itself but is so versatile that it can go with everything from appetizers and salads to Salmon and Pork. Dry roses like this wine are the perfect accompaniment for Thanksgiving dinner (so if your planning ahead, grab it now before everyone else gets it).

Cheese Pairings: 

Aged Asiago Cheese- A nice salty, flavorful aged Asiago tang.

Italy $5.49 (8oz)

Gouda Ewephoria- A mild Gouda with a smooth, sweet flavor.

Netherlands $9.49 (8oz)

Delice de Bourgogne- A soft triple cream cheese that is like butter!

France $9.99 (8oz) 

October 26th

Orin Swift, Palermo

Was $60.99

Now Only $44.99

This weeks wine of the week is Orin Swift's Palermo. We chose this wine in honor of the Halloween themed label and its dark deliciousness! Orin Swift Wines are made by the young winemaker David Phinney and are known for their bold style, as well as their edgy labels. David Phinney is best known for creating the Prisoner, which is what put him on the map. He does not actually own any vineyards, but instead sources his grapes from growers that can provide the signature style that define all his wines.

This wine has aromatics of cassis, currant, mulled dark fruits, and toasty oak in the glass. Opulent and rich, the wine explodes with concentrated flavors of black cherry, ripe boysenberry, assorted dark fruits, kirsch, and a top-note of dark roasted espresso. A persuasive mid palate persists with freshness and closes with supportive tannins that are velvety and polished.

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is classic Orin Swift. His signature style of super extracted, bold juicy fruit and high alcohol have earned him quite the cult following. A perfect treat to relax with after all the trick or treaters leave you alone!  Pairs great with chocolate!!

Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Wine Region: Napa Valley, California

Alcohol Content: 15.5%

White Horse Wine Color Code System: OOOOOO  RICH RED WINES OOOOOO

Food Pairings: A bold juicy red like this is the perfect partner to some barbecued spare ribs with a nice light bbq sauce glaze or for a cool twist try them with a Chinese five spice rub!

Cheese Pairings: 

Valedon Blue Cheese- A rich and creamy blue cheese with a nice tang 

Spain $7.99 (8oz)

Moody Blue Cheese- A smoked blue cheese with a sharp flavor 

Wisconsin $7.49 (8oz)

4 Year Aged Gouda- A hard aged cheese with caramel flavors 

Netherlands $8.99 (8oz) 

October, 19th

Bodegas Covila, Crianza $14.99

This weeks wine of the week is Covila, Crianza. We chose this wine to feature not only because it is delicious, but we are doing a Spanish Tapas and Wine class at the store on Thursday, October 22nd at 6pm. We will be teaching you how to make and enjoy Tapas as well as pairing them up with great Spanish wines!

Our wine of the week is made from the Tempranillo grape which is indigenous to Spain. Tempranillos are big, bold dry red wines that are similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a Crianza which refers to its age. A Crianza wine has to be aged at least 1 year in an oak barrel and then 1 more year in the bottle. This leads to a well integrated, complex wine that has a lot of vanilla, cedar and barrel spice to complement the rich fruit flavors that come from the grape itself. This wine has flavors of jammy black fruits as well as strawberry and cherry notes with a nice dry, slightly tannic finish. 

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: A perfect wine for the Cab and Malbec lovers. The dark flavors and oak really hit all the sweet spots and all at an affordable price. I'm lovin it!

White Horse Wine Color Code System: OOOOOO  RICH RED WINES OOOOOO 

Food Pairings: A bold red like this works well with any red meat especially those right off the grill. For a real treat, try pairing this wine up with a rosemary salt crusted rack of lamb!

Cheese Pairings: 

Petit Basque- Creamy and sweet with a nutty finish (Spain)

Drunken Goat- Semi firm goats cheese soaked in red wine (Spain)

Crema de Blue- A creamy, blue cheese with a rich flavor (New Jersey)