WINTER 2023

As we settle into crisper weather, it is not too early to start thinking of true chilly temperatures. For those of you who drink different wines dependent on the season, it is never too early to think about something new or different for this season.

While Jan and I often do drink more red wine as the weather cools and menus change to more hearty fare, we still enjoy a nice rosé or  White Burgundy. That said, it is important to drink what you like as many of you never move away from red wines, so there is little transition.

We will be happy to help you find something different to complement your taste; we likely will have an old favorite that would once again work for you. Or if you would like to experiment and try another style or type of wine, we are here to help you explore what is out there.

Jan is always happy to give advice on how to best complement different types of food with whatever type of wine you might choose. We will, of course, offer a broad selection of wines new to the store as well as some old favorites in our Wine Stations, so continue to check our Facebook and other social media resources for information.

David and Jan Lazarus

HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS?  WE HAVE THE PERFECT

 FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

CHICKEN (OR TURKEY) CASSEROLE WITH VERMENTINO

Jan recommends a Vermentino or other white Italian wine to accompany this dish. Vermentinos have a taste similar to Sauvignon Blancs; she suggests that they have enough acid and minerality to offset the richness of the dish while also having enough fruitiness to balance it.

INGREDIENTS AND PREPARATION

Note: with its tang of lemon and bite of Parmesan, this dish adds a freshness to leftovers.   Sub or add celery, water chestnuts, etc.–whatever you have on hand after your holiday feast–to this casserole.   This is an adaptation of an America’s Test Kitchen recipe.  Serves 4.

2 tablespoons butter
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced thin
1 medium onion, minced
2 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 3/4 tablespoon)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
1 ½ cups chicken or bone broth
½ cup heavy cream
10 ounces cooked chicken or turkey, shredded (about 2 cups; see note)
8 ounces asparagus (about 1/2 bunch), tough ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch lengths (you can substitute/add celery if you wish)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (a mix of Asiago, Romano or another hard cheese can be used)
3 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried thyme or another herb of choice
1 cup breadcrumbs
Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400 degrees. Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until foaming subsides. Add the carrots, onion and celery (if using) and cook until lightly browned, about 6 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir until evenly coated. Add the water, chicken broth, cream, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring often, until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Stir in the chicken or turkey, asparagus, Parmesan, lemon juice, and thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture into an 8-inch-square baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake until the top is browned, about 10 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Shop Our Wines

If only Ludwig was born in our era!  With over 2,000 wines to choose from, 10% case discounts (12 bottles) and free delivery in some instances, he may have died without “wine” regret.  Purchasing by the case ensures plenty for yourself as well as having enough on hand for gifts.

Shop Our Wines

NATIONAL CHAMPAGNE DAY

AND NEW YEAR’S EVE

DECEMBER 31

Anyone who has ever visited Water Tower Fine Wines knows we KNOW our bubbles!  With one of the largest collections in the country, we can help you celebrate in style.  We have something for every taste and budget.

Sparkling Wines

CORK

Have you ever given much thought about the cork in your wine bottle?  Here are a few fun facts to ponder the next time you open your favorite wine.
Portugal and Spain produce about 80% of the cork in the world
The cork tree has an average life span of 200 years
Cork is a sustainable product; the bark is stripped but the tree is not cut down
After a tree reaches 25 years of age, it can be stripped of its cork once every 9 to 12 years without causing damage to the tree
Each tree can produce enough material for 4,000 wine corks.

GETTING ENGAGED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?  DON’T FORGET THE BUBBLES!

A celebration is not a celebration until you break out the bubbles! With one of the largest collections of sparkling wine and Champagne in the country, we have something for every taste and budget. Keep a bottle or more on hand for this momentous occasion.

Check out our “Tying the Knot” page on our website for other great ideas for the engagement and beyond.

Tying the Knot

 

Go on.  Try us.  From delicious and budget-friendly wines to truly rare vintages, we have something for everyone on your list. We love talking wine and finding the right bottle for every occasion.  Call us or stop by.

513•231•9463

David is compiling a list of the best-selling wines (by number of bottles sold) at Water Tower Fine Wines.  Soon, you will see if your favorite made the “most popular” list. Look for the final counts in January.

Our Website

YOU HAVE A CARD UP YOUR SLEEVE

Many of life’s cherished moments happen around a gathering where great wine is being enjoyed with family and friends.  Give people in your life a present they will truly enjoy–a gift certificate or Wine Station card from our store.  Certificates and Wine Station cards come in any denomination you choose; the lucky recipient gets to select the perfect wine for themselves.

Keep a few on hand for upcoming events–birthdays, promotions, anniversaries, retirements, and graduations, to name a few.  Our gift certificates and Wine Station cards are a wonderful way of saying congratulations or thank you; having some on hand ensures you are always ready for the next big life event. Call the number below to speak to David about purchasing.

A bit magical, wouldn’t you say?

Gift Certificates

Wine Stations

HOLIDAY AND 2024 HOURS