Ciders for Wine Lovers

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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

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)