Monthly Archives: May 2010

Effects of Oak on Wine

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Merrill

Oak has an enormous impact and plays a big role in winemaking. Wine is in direct contact with the oak during fermentation or aging process. Oak can have an effect on the taste, color, texture and tannins of the wine. … Continue reading →

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Bordelaise Sauce

Posted on May 24, 2010 by Merrill

Another sauce that is a natural bridge between red and white meats and red wine is the Bordelaise sauce.  The Espagnole sauce is blended with red wine, shallots and herbs.  If you use the same wine that you will serve … Continue reading →

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Mama Rosa meets Christian Artist on Cruise

Posted on May 21, 2010 by Merrill

Mama Rosa met Christian Music Artist and preacher Wess Morgan on the Wine Cruise. Meetings never happen by accident. God brings people together for different reasons and we may never know why. While in the Grand Caymans, Paul, Mama Rosa, and I … Continue reading →

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Production of Champagne and Sparkling Wines

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Merrill

The name originates from the Latin ‘campus’, ‘campania’, or field. This is known today as Champagne. In 92 A.D., Emperor Domitian ruled that all of the vineyards of France were to be uprooted to prevent competition with the wines of Italian … Continue reading →

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Chardonnay Pairings

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Merrill

Tonight we had veal and wanted to drink our Private Reserve Chardonnay.  I decided to create a Lyonnaise sauce by blending the Espagnole sauce with chopped onions, parsley and some of the Private Reserve Chardonnay to taste.  Visit our Wine … Continue reading →

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Special Events on the Cruise

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Merrill

During the Cruise we hosted 3 special events for our attendees.  Red Beret/Red Hat Event, Most Outrageous Outfit Event, and Favorite Wine T-shirt Event.  During the Red Beret/Red Hat event, the red berets looked like a chorus line and Mama … Continue reading →

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Apple Sauce

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Merrill

Apple sauce is not only a great fruit exchange, it is an easy base for sauces as well.  It can be as simple as adding cinnamon and spice and warming it and serving it over chicken.  Or you can create … Continue reading →

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Red Wine Pairings

Posted on May 5, 2010 by Merrill

Messina Hof is blessed to be located in the center of the Brazos Valley, the heart of Texas agriculture.  Only twenty miles from Messina Hof is the Monterey Mushroom Farm.  We feature these local mushrooms in dishes at our Vintage … Continue reading →

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Spanish Wines

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Merrill

Some say the first vineyards in Spain were planted in Andalusia, on the southwest coast, which also might have been the point of entry for the first vines reaching the peninsula.  The Romans kept on producing wine on the peninsula, … Continue reading →

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