Monthly Archives: October 2009

Decanting Wine

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Merrill

– For red wine, it ranges from traditional to decent but any wine can be decanted. -With decanting, it interacts with the air helping release bouquet and flavor. -Older wines may have left a deposit in the bottle and need decanting. -A … Continue reading →

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Recipes from the Wine Cellar

Posted on October 28, 2009 by Merrill

Bonarrigo Chicken Marsala -2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each) -½ cup of all-purpose flour -¼ cup of olive oil -3 tablespoons of chopped garlic -1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms -3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley -½ cup … Continue reading →

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How to Taste Wine

Posted on October 26, 2009 by Merrill

Observing the Wine -Look at the wine in the glass. Closely examine the color and clarity. Using a white napkin is a good way to check the color of the wine. -Tilt the glass and swirl. This helps with increasing … Continue reading →

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The Wine Bar at Messina Hof Winery

Posted on October 23, 2009 by Merrill

Attached to our historic Guest Center, the Wine Bar is the newest addition to the Messina Hof family. Perfect for winding down at the end of the week, a night out on the town, or a light midday snack. The … Continue reading →

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Helpful Tips with pairing Chocolate and Wine

Posted on October 21, 2009 by Merrill

Make sure to pair the right wine to complement the right chocolate! – Good chocolate needs acid balance as does good wine. – If the chocolate is heavy with bold dark flavorings pair it with a bold dark red wine like Port. … Continue reading →

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Cooking Class

Posted on October 19, 2009 by Merrill

Learn how to cook like the chefs! Join us on the first Sunday of every month in welcoming chefs from around the state. Learn new recipes, tricks and ideas from the experts. Each complete meal with be enhanced with an … Continue reading →

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Wine Serving Tips

Posted on October 16, 2009 by Merrill

Too often at home and in restaurants, wine is served at the improper temperature.  Red wines should be served at 65 degrees F.  In hot climates like Texas, room temperature is often warmer than 65 degrees, so putting them in … Continue reading →

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Holiday Wine and Cheese Pairing

Posted on October 13, 2009 by Merrill

The most frequently asked questions that I get at the holiday season involve what cheeses to serve with what wines.  Many people entertain this season.  Wine and cheese pairings are easy, fun, and educational.  The problem is that most people … Continue reading →

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Why do Wineries plant a Rose bush at the end of the row of grape vines?

Posted on October 12, 2009 by Merrill

The rose bush and grape vine share a close relationship. Some places that vineyards are planted are humid and the vines are susceptible to diseases. Fungus is a main concern to the vineyard which is due to humidity. Black spots will … Continue reading →

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White Port Fish Sauce

Posted on October 9, 2009 by Merrill

Experimenting with wine in cooking is so much fun.  Sometimes great things come out of getting home late and creating a dish on the fly with the ingredients available to you at the moment.  Try this sauce on your favorite … Continue reading →

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