Showing posts with label wine tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wine tips. Show all posts

Monday, June 30, 2014

Wine Review: Spice Up Your Summer Party with Lolailo Sangria



Lolailo Sangria isn’t your typical red wine as it is more akin to red fruity spiked punch. With distinct strawberry and raspberry flavors and almost no aftertaste this sangria is soft and light. It contains half the alcohol content of other wines and has a higher sugar content that adds to its sweetness. Imported from Spain the wine is for sipping, light drinking, or for mixing with cocktails. You can also consider blending with a smoothie.

Sangria has been around for centuries. As far back as ancient times such wines mixed with mint, ginger or other spices (1). The Spanish and Portuguese drink these wines mixed with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, brandy and a variety of fruit. It became more popular in the U.S. with rising interest in citrus drinks and wine varieties.  

Most people can conjure Sangria in their home kitchen. It is simple to make by mixing red wine, brandy, club soda, fruit and sugar. Popular red wine bases include Rioja, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, and Sangiovese (2). You will only need a container big enough to handle the mixture and a few simple tips to enhance flavor. 

As a light wine it is often associated with summer, sand, and waterfront parties. Light wine is for hot months while heavier wines are for winter. Lolailo’s Sangria conjures up that image in their label trying to align their brand image to the wine’s core drinkers. The incorporation of spicy red colors, fruit, and the tango dancer all add to the image. 

Sangria mixes well with hot and spicy foods (3). Pairing with chips & salsa, Thai, kabobs, burritos, chili and anything else made with heavy spices. If you are hosting an event in the summer you can make a whole Spanish theme out of it by brewing your own pitchers and providing Mexican foods. Don’t forget the Tango Music!
Sangria Recipe
Source: Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Trisler Wine Bar-Eloquence Just off the Trolley



Trisler Wine Bar, known as Mission Valleys first and only wine bar it offers music and a laid back atmosphere. It isn’t a large wine bar but does have a particular charm about it. Clean and located within an upscale shopping district and luxury apartment complex it is a popular spot for professionals in the area. A nice place to sit, relax, listen to the tunes, and talk with residents. 

With their large wine selection they offer an opportunity to taste different kinds of wine beyond Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their selection includes both red and white wines. Bordeaux’s from France, Zinfandel’s from California, Malbec’s from Italy, and Rieslin’s from Germany are just some of their offerings. There are others on the menu that you may want to try. 

Of course it can be difficult to enjoy a glass of wine without a nice appetizer to go with it. Cheese is generally a favorite with wine. In the spirit of light eating Promenade Cheese Platter, Brie with Caramelized Onions, and Smoke Salmon are some of the offerings you may enjoy. Sip your wine and enjoy the light menu.

According to Eatocracy there are five rules for pairing cheese and wine (1). 1.) white wine goes with cheese, 2.) go light or old red, 3.) light wines with light food, 4.) cabernet with salt cheese, 5.) blue cheese and sweet wine. Picking the right cheese with the right kind of wine is important to ensure that you are meeting the right palate mixture.

Trisler’s beauty is its simplicity. Simplicity is known to go with eloquence which focuses on being ingenious, simple, and neat. It is the type of place people frequent after work to enjoy the atmosphere and varied musical schedule. Walk in and sit a few moments before going back home. You might want to jump off the trolley line for a half hour before heading off to your final destination. 

8555 Station Village Ln,
San Diego, CA 92108