Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Sparkling New Year


This week we are thinking of ringing in the New Year, celebrating with friends and family and making those dreaded New Years resolutions. What can we change about ourselves?? What is a realistic goal that we can actually accomplish without being miserable doing so?? Well for most it is getting healthier by exercising and watching what we eat and for others it might just be getting organized. For me it would be both, but really I would like to help others enjoy wine. I believe that tasting wine and incorporating another flavor profile like an herb or spice or specific food, really makes the difference by turning that good wine into a great wine.
So as we move towards 2010, I would love if everyone would attempt to try at least one sparkling wine or a wine that you might not ever think of trying. People often think of sparkling wine as something that should be for a special occasion. And I ask, "Why?" Sparkling wines or Champagnes really go with almost everything. We were having ham the other night on Christmas Eve and I couldn't decide what wine to have so I pulled out the Rotari Sparkling Rose from Italy and it was excellent. Paired quite nicely with all the fixin's too. Want to dress up that burger and fries...why not have a Cava from Spain?? And one of the easiest, most enjoyable pairings we can all do this New Years is try potato chips with any type of bubbles!
2010 will be an exciting year here at Corcoran, we will be offering several wine education classes and the first one will be starting in January. We hope to have one or two different classes every month from wine tasting 101 to oak alternatives to sparkling wines.
We wish you and your family a very happy New Year!
Cheers!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Merry Christmas

All of us at Corcoran Vineyards would like to wish our fans and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We have enjoyed the year and look forward to more fun to come in 2010.

Classes will be a huge focus for us this coming year as we look to educate others about oak alternatives and wine making here at Corcoran. And as spring approaches we will start our Wine & Herb classes with Sommelier, Mary Watson DeLauder and winemaker, Lori Corcoran.
Again we would like to wish you a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your patronage.
Cheers!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Mulled Wine Recipe...

Since it is that time of year when we all are getting together with friends and family and usually gathering around the dessert table. I thought it would be nice to give out our famous Mulled Wine Recipe that almost everybody enjoys. It isn't sweet, but it has lots of spice and actually does pair with most of those delicious desserts quite well. I like to use our Cabernet Franc, but have been anxious to try it with our new 2008 Malbec because this new Malbec has lots of spice already...yum!

Ingredients:
2 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
10 whole allspice
10 whole cloves
1/2 cup sugar
Zest of 1/2 orange, plus orange slices for garnish (optional)
One bottle of Corcoran Vineyards Cabernet Franc

Directions:
Combine water, spices, sugar and orange zest in 2 quart saucepan. Stir and cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Simmer over low heat for one hour. The liquid will reduce by half, and fill your home with a wonderful aroma! Strain out spices and return liquid to pan. Add one bottle of Corcoran Vineyards Cabernet Franc. Heat on low until warm (being careful not to boil).
Enjoy -- Cheers!