Holiday

Tasting Notes: Lucky Pairings for St. Paddy’s Day

March 12, 2020 Holiday, Wine

Erin go bragh! Or, at least Erin go dinner, maybe have a glass of wine…🤷‍♀️ (Hey, we could all use a drink these days.) In honor of next week’s celebration of St. Patrick and all things Irish, here are our picks for the best wine to go with your Irish-influenced dishes on any budget:

Dish: Corned Beef & Cabbage

Saint Vincent Methode Champenois Rose NV ($)

Tasty and affordable, this sparkling rose from New Mexico could not be a better buy or a better partner for cabbage, which is famously hard to pair. Bright and fun, its jumps out of the glass with notes of tart strawberries, cherries, and flowers. The finish is dry but lush, with the perfect amount of acidity to make it refreshing.

R.H. Coutier Cuvee Rose Champagne Brut NV ($$$)

While Ambonnay is widely regarded as pinot noir country, in Champagne, R.H. Coutier has done wonders for chardonnay in this challenging, clay-rich terroir. This Brut Rosé is a deeply colored example. It is racy and beautifully made from pinot noir and chardonnay, and offers notes of red fruit, brioche, and the complex soil tones of Ambonnay fruit. The same pairing principles apply here–the bubbly texture of this wine is a great compliment to cabbage, while the pretty red fruit offers an alluring accent to the hearty beef.

Dish: Bangers and Mash

Hudson Rock Chardonnay 2016 ($)

Mashed, baked, or even boiled, potatoes are ideal for the acidity and richness of this Burgundy style Chardonnay. This is an excellent value with aromas of white blossoms, racy acidity, green apple and lemon curd flavors and just a touch of creaminess.

Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2016 ($$$)

Hailing from acclaimed vineyard sites, the 2018 Carneros Chardonnay offers a creamy full body complemented by fresh, persistent acidity. Layers of yellow apple, lemon curd, baked pear, and toasted brioche lead to a balanced and lasting finish of vanilla and baking spice.

Dish: Shepherd’s Pie

Alex Cooper Project Zinfandel 2013 ($)

Rick Cooper and Rodney Alex, together with third-generation farmer Doug Rafanelli and winemaker Guy Davis of Davis Family Vineyards, they produce between 500-1000 cases each vintage of this Zinfandel blend, sourced from grapes grown on a hillside vineyard 365m above sea level. The wine is full-bodied, yet smooth, with notes of blackberry, black cherry and earthy blackcurrant. Rosemary and black pepper round out the flavor notes, balanced by freshness and supple tannins, a perfect match for the bold, savor richness of traditional shepherd’s pie.

A Valentine Of Any Flavor

February 13, 2020 Desserts, Food, Gifts, Holiday, Local

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a greeting card company holiday! Throw out those narrow definitions of who gets to be your Valentine, and choose whoever you like—including yourself. Likewise, Valentine treats don’t always have to be sweet, and we’re leaning into our salty side, too. This Valentine’s Day, we’re continuing our tradition of sourcing our collection from small, often local producers. No mass-produced chocolates in a heart-shaped box here!

For the Valentine who appreciates artistry and detail, these hand-painted chocolate roses from Maggie Louise Confections are sure to spark inspiration. Hailing from Austin, TX—considered by many to be one of Brooklyn’s unofficial sister cities—Maggie Louise Confections was founded by a New Yorker far from home, and each chocolate piece is crafted with singular care.

These Sweeter Cards dark chocolate bars are the perfect edible alternative to a greeting card. Each bar, filled with pockets of salted caramel, is made with Fair Trade Certified™ ingredients, like the cane sugar in their caramel. Small batches of caramel in copper kettles, stirred by hand, ensure the highest quality for the best expression of your sweetest feelings.

The Upper West Side’s own Treat House has stocked our shelves with their whimsical crispy rice treats! Bright pops of color bring the nostalgia, making it a perfect small gift for the Valentine you’ve known since back in the day.

Of course, we’ve also got plenty of classic Brooklyn favorites, like Fine & Raw, Eat Chic, and Raaka! Whatever flavor of feelings you indulge in this weekend—sweet, salty, and everything in between—we’re sure to have just the treats you and yours are craving. Shop our Valentine’s Day collection here!

Who Doesn’t Love a Cheesy Romance?

February 13, 2020 Cheese, Food, Grocery, Holiday, Wine

Romeo and Juliet, Bert and Ernie, wine and cheese — true love cannot be denied. Some pairings are just meant to be. This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re spending time with a special someone, painting the town red with the squad, or fabulously flying solo, we’ve got some ideas for wine and cheese pairings that anyone can fall in love with. Check ‘em out:

Cheese: Manchego (Sheep) & Vermont Creamery Cremont (Cow, Goat)
Red: Chateau Cambon Beaujolais 2018
White: O.P.P. Pinot Gris 2018

Why It Works: Buttery, sweet, and nutty Manchego meshes just as seamlessly seamlessly with the ripe red and black fruit flavors of this biodynamic Beaujolais from one of the region’s finest producers as it does with this pear, apple, and almond notes of the Pinot Gris.

Cheese: Drunken Goat (Goat) & L’Amuse Gouda (Cow)
Red: De Forville Barbera d’Asti “Cascina Buc” 2017
White: Aubuisieres Vouvray Cuvée de Silex 2018

Why It Works: Wine and cheese pairings are often about contrast, and the mild sweetness of the Drunken Goat contrasts with the savory flavor and the supple tannins of the Barbera d’Asti while the Gouda’s notes of burnt caramel and nuttiness snap and crackle against the red and black fruit. The Vouvray’s crisp acidity and mineral core adds lift to the creamy Drunken Goat cheese, while the tart and ripe orchard fruit adds zip to the Gouda.

Cheese: Plymouth Black Truffle Cheese (Cow)
Red: Mas Menut Priorat 2016
Sparkling: Baron Albert Champagne NV

Why It Works: The Plymouth Black Truffle cheese is luscious and mellow, yet earthy and powerful — it’s a flavor that just cries out for something bold or bubbly. The Priorat is bold, full of wild strawberries and rich soil, and the classic Champagne is vibrant and textured, the perfect match for this richly flavored cheeses.

Looking to make these cheesy dreams a romantic reality? Visit our cheese counter for a custom cheese board, or check out our easy guide and build your own with local delivery!

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