Recipe: Parmesan Tilapia with Eclipse Sonoma Dry Creek Chardonnay
The first in Winexpert’s “Impressive Pairings”, Parmesan Tilapia with Eclipse Sonoma Dry Creek Chardonnay!
[yumprint-recipe id=’6′]
A year in review…2015
WOW!
Well, THAT went fast! It’s hard to believe that a whole year has gone by since we took over Wines By Design! We just wanted to take a quick moment to look at the past year.
It’s been a busy year and we’re not regretting a thing… OK, maybe ONE or two things… (Like wishing we had a chiropractor appointment set up for the day after Fresh Juice day!)
One of the best parts of this “gig” has been the opportunity to meet all of the wonderful people who share with us a fondness for the fruit of the vine! We’ve met some wonderful folks. It’s been great to make new friends and we enjoy sharing a laugh or two with them.
We’ve introduced a couple of small changes to WBD: this website, our newsletter, and updating our computer and POS system. We have also recently (re)introduced some favorites from the past. Some of you have been requesting “oldies but goodies” from the RJ Spagnols line. Favorites like: Super Tuscan, Russo Grande Eccellente, and a couple of new blends – Winemaker’s Trio (Red and White) are (back) in the house!
We have a couple of ideas for the upcoming year as well. We’ll share more details as they become more solidified. Hint: A lot of them have to do with additional education about wine: more articles on the website, expanding the “class” concept, and/or having some “guests” visit us/write for us. But we’re not close enough to announce anything yet, so please, be patient!
We hope that you’ve found that we haven’t changed TOO much though; like we indicated last year, “If it AIN’T broke, don’t fix it it“!
It’s been some hard work and sometimes, long hours, but we’re (still) pleased that we have this opportunity to continue helping the greater Rochester area make some of their very own delicious wine!
Remember: You can sign up for our newsletter here!
BTW: We’d love to hear from you too! Feel free to stop by and chat. Or, you can use the contact form (above) to drop us a note if you have an idea or question for the website or newsletter!
From all of us at Wines By Design: Happy New Year!
Marty and Cheryl Zess
Dan and Kathy Hartwig
WOTM! – January 2016
WOTM (Wine of the Month)! – January 2016
Introducing a new column for us! It’s our first ever Wine of the Month post!
Our plan is to highlight one of the kits we have to offer each month. We’ll jump around a little, so make sure to check-in throughout the year.
We’ve had a lot of requests for some old favorites, but along with the old, sometimes you need to bring in the new!
So, without further adieu: Winemaker’s Trio (Red) (from RJ Spagnols)
Winemaker’s Trio has already been quite a hit! A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel, this wine has a nicely integrated balance of tannins and acidity. It features an inviting blend of vanilla, red berries, and black cherry on the nose and it combines the sweet flavors of ripe raspberry, chocolate, and cherry on the palate.
This kit is part of the Cellar Classic Winery Series from RJ Spagnols. Red wines in the Cellar Classic Winery Series (18L) are produced by fermenting grape juice on crushed grape skins, seeds and stems. This allows the winemaker to extract deep color, chewy tannins, tantalizing flavors and complex aromas to produce richly structured wines.
We have found that a lot of people have thought this to be drinkable very quickly. But, of course, with patience (and aging) comes even greater wine!
From the RJ Spagnols website:
| Category | Red |
| Size | 18 L |
| Yield | 23 L |
| Ready Time | 6 Weeks |
| Oak | 2 |
| Body | 3 |
| Sweetness | 0 |
RJ Spagnols
We’ve been asked a lot lately about some of your favorite kits, they may be oldies but they’re definitely goodies: Super Tuscan, Rosso Bravissimo, Rosso Grande Eccellente, to name a few. These kits were from the RJ Spagnols lineup.
As a result, we’re happy to announce that we’re bringing back a few of the RJ Spagnols line for your vinting pleasure! In particular, we’re bringing back a selection of the Cellar Classic Winery Series (18L) kits. We know that some of you have really enjoyed these kits and we’re here to help.
A few kits in our recent shipment:
| Super Tuscan | Full-bodied and dry, this classic Italian blend exudes aromatics of farm fresh raspberries supported by subtle hints of vanilla and earthy tones Fermentation on untoasted American oak shavings and GenuWine Winery Grape Skins adds intense tannins to round out the concentrated nose of blackberries and black pepper. |
| Rosso Grande Eccellente | Deep, dark and rich, this assertive wine is bold in all aspects. A delectable bouquet of sweet ripe berries, spices and farm cherries opens up to the palate, stacked with juicy fruit flavors and firmly structured tannins. Fermented on GenuWine Winery Grape Skins and un-toasted American oak, this wine is sure to create waves of excitement. |
| Winemaker’s Trio (Red) | The Winemaker’s Trio is the perfect blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel fermented on GenuWine Winery Crushed Grape Skins. This new world style red has a nicely integrated balance of tannins and acidity. It features an inviting blend of vanilla, red berries, and black cherry on the nose and it combines the sweet flavors of ripe raspberry, chocolate, and cherry on the palate. |
| Winemaker’s Trio (White) | This Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat blend exudes pretty floral aromas with hints of tropical fruit and lychee. The juicy pineapple, mango, peach, and lychee flavors pair well with seafood, BBQ pork, fresh salads, spicy Pad Thai and peach cobbler. If a cheese pairing is preferred, serve Winemaker’s Trio White with your favorite brie or goat cheese. |
Note: At this time, we are currently unable to get the Rosso Bravissimo, as it has been discontinued.
Store hours: December 2015
From our house to yours: A Very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Just a quick note to let you know that beyond our normal hours, we’ll be closed 12/24-12/26 and 12/31-1/1/16.