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February 2011 Sent Tuesday, February 1, 2011 View as plaintext

ISSUE 17 | February 2011

Welcome to the Winacea E-newsletter. 
These cold wintry days justify that yearning to curl-up with a blanket, next to a cozy fire, and sip on a fortified wine.  Did I lose you at "fortified?"  A fortified wine is one that has been strengthened by the addition of distilled spirit, such as grape brandy.  Most fortified wines have an alcohol content of 16-20% (woo-who)!  Common fortified wine examples are Port, Sherry and Madeira.  Unlike Sherry, Port is fortified before alcoholic fermentation is finished.  This stops the fermentation process by killing the yeast, resulting in a strong yet sweet wine.  Other less common examples, but definitely fun ones to taste, are Tokays, Rivesaltes, Banyuls, Ratafia, and Marsala.  Try something new this February, or better still, make it part of your Valentine's Day night.
 

 

Red Wine Lentil Soup paired with Barbera d'Asti

Serves 8

Ingredients:  
  4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  2 c chopped onion
  2 c chopped celery
  2 cans (35 oz each) Italian plum tomatoes, pureed, in their juices
  6 c chicken broth
  1/2 c dried lentils
  1 c chopped flat-leaf parsley
  1/2 c dry red wine
  4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  1/4 tsp ground clove
  salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large soup pot and add onions and celery.  Cook on low for 10 minutes, stirring, until veggies are soft.  Add lentils, broth and tomatoes.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add 1/2 cup parsley, the wine, cloves, garlic, salt and pepper.  Simmer for 25 minutes.  Add the other 1/2 cup of parsley and simmer for 5 minutes longer.  Ladle in soup bowls and serve with crusty bread.  
 
 

Recipe adapted from Parade Magazine, September issue 2006. 

Viva la Chaîne!

Winacea's owner and president, Stephanie Davis, just accepted the board position of
Vice Chargée de Presse (pronounced "veese shar jay deuh press") of the Mile High Denver Chapter of the Chaîne des Rotisseur's.

The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs (pronounced "shen day row tea sir") is the world's oldest international gastronomic society, founded in Paris in 1248. The society is devoted to preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table and promoting excellence in all areas of the hospitality arts. Every year the Chaîne sponsors young chef and sommelier competitions that attract contestants from all parts of the world.  The Chaîne Foundation provides scholarships for students in these fields. The society has professional and amateur members in more than 70 countries worldwide. 
 
As Vice Chargée de Presse, Stephanie is responsible for press releases, articles, and written communications for the bailliage (chapter).  If you would like more information about the
Chaîne des Rotisseur's, contact Stephanie at stephanie.davis@winacea.com.
 
Stay Tuned!! Next month's issue will feature wine ande cheese pairings.

Winacea Events
  • Coming Soon
Other Recommended Colorado Wine Events
Fort Collins Wine Fest XXIX Fort Collins, CO (April 22)
Other US Recommended Wine Events
 Zinfandel Festival Paso Robles Paso Robles, CA (Mar 18-20)
  Taste Washington! Seattle Seattle, WA (Mar 26-27) 

How Winacea Nourishes your Wine Thirst

 
-Wine Education-
Increase your wine IQ by attending live classes & tastings, reading wine blog posts, learning new tips & tricks, and sharing what you've learned with others.
-Wine Entertainment-
Join and partake in the "wine-lifestyle" by hosting wine parties, participating at wine festivals & events, watching wine focused films, and reserving your seat at wine dinners.
-Wine Illumination-
Discover wine's health benefits, travel the world's wine regions, create culinary masterpieces with a splash of wine, and develop new friendships through a common passion for wine.

 

Winacea will launch its inaugural membership campaign in 2011! Please stay in-touch for more information regarding the exciting Winacea expansion and exclusive membership.