| What is the Best Wine to Pair with Cicadas?
Jan has never actually paired wine with cicadas (nor has she eaten one), but she has heard they taste rather green. She suggests a New Zealand sauvignon blanc because they tend to have an herbal green flavor.
We suggest any wine sipped in the comfort of a screened porch or indoors may be just what is needed. |
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| As many may know, we are discontinuing our virtual tastings for the season. However, for those of you looking for something new to sample on a regular basis, we will be offering two or three featured wines each week that will be available in our Wine Stations. There may be a theme or perhaps I will just pick wines that I find interesting.
Look for a weekly email to announce what we are tasting. Of course, you can call any time with inquiries.
Starting Tuesday June 1st, we will be open until 7:00 daily for those wishing to enjoy the great outdoors. We have comfortable and spacious seating indoors as well.
We look forward to seeing you whether for a quick stop to purchase, a bottle for later or to enjoy a glass or a bottle with friends at the store.
David & Jan |
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| New, Extended Summer Hours! |
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| Our Wine Station machines are an ideal way for you to try a myriad of wines during your visits to Water Tower Fine Wines. These temperature-controlled systems, housing a frequently changing selection of different wines, allow you to taste undiscovered wines as well as old favorites.
Sample any of the 8 wines in 3 different pour sizes: one, two or five ounces. This allows you to enjoy a sip, a glass or to create your very own custom wine flight.
Our Wine Stations are open for you to try any time we are open so you can sip while you shop. Join us for our daily happy hour, 4:30– 6:00 pm, with all Wine Station pours just half price. Sip, sip, hooray! |
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| In honor of Dairy Month, Jan has supplied a quick and infinitely adaptable recipe. Pairing suggestions are based on the cheese chosen.
12 oz. elbow macaroni (cooked according to directions)
2 cups milk
8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. cheese of choice (try sharp cheddar, American, asiago, gruyère,
brie, Parmesan or a combination)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. dry mustard powder
½ tsp. salt
- heat milk over low to medium heat
- add cream cheese to milk; stir occasionally until melted
- add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder and salt
- add other cheese of choice and stir until melted
- stir in cooked macaroni
Options:
- if you like very creamy mac & cheese, eat it right out of the pan!
- if you prefer more solid mac & cheese, place in a baking dish, sprayed with oil. Sprinkle more cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes until it is browned on top
Wine Suggestions:
Chardonnay–A light, unoaked chardonnay paired with a simple, creamy macaroni and cheese is marvelous
Dry Riesling–it seems counterintuitive, but is wonderfully refreshing when paired with the creaminess of brie or a goat cheese
Pinot Noir–a fruity Pinot Noir accents salty cheeses like Parmesan
White Bordeaux–complements a gruyère wonderfully
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| June Wine Days
Consider celebrating June’s special national or international wine days. Below are David’s thoughts and suggestions.
World Lambrusco Day–June 11
Lambrusco is a red lightly sparkling wine from north central Italy. It is often slightly sweet but can be found fermented dry with subtle acidity that makes it great for appetizers or even cut fruit.
It could be a transitional wine to ween someone off of sweet wines; one might even add it to a mixer. We have two different versions in the store for those of you who are curious.
Drink Chenin Blanc Day–June 18
Celebrate Chenin Blanc day with a variety of options. I love chenin blancs coming from South Africa. They tend to feature ripe fruit and lush stone fruit as well as other tropical fruit flavors. All versions are quite food friendly.
Other notable offerings come from Vouvray in the Loire Valley. These can be either dry, sweet or anywhere in between. There are a handful of blends as well available, most notably Pine Ridge’s Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend which continues to be very popular. We would be happy to put together a sampler for you!
International Rosé Day–June 25
Ah, rosé! Jan and I love rosé wine as it is among the most versatile types available. It is extremely food-friendly and a great bridge for those who just cannot give up red wine in the summertime.
Rosé wines do not have to cost a lot either. We have around 60 in the store and the most expensive is $29.99, with many being under $14.99. We will be featuring rosés in our Wine Stations periodically throughout the summer, so please give them a try! |
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| Food for Thought: Undersea Wine Cellar |
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| You may have noticed photos of wine popping up on our online shop. Lauren has been busy taking photos of our wines so you can see a visual of the label. With thousands of labels in our inventory, it may take a while but my goal is to have a great pictorial reference of our selections as you shop from home. |
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| Indoors or Out, We Have the Space! |
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| Stop in for a glass from our Wine Stations or pick up a bottle from our vast collection. We have seating on our tree-shaded patio or in our spacious rooms throughout the store. |
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| Going to a wedding in the next few months? Just say no to the usual mundane and predictable wedding gifts. Instead, give the gift of wine. Click below for ideas; we promise the happy couple will thank you! |
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