Touchdown, Wine!

There's been quite the debate over who will win Super Bowl LII. Will Tom Brady and Bill Belichik lead the Patriots to yet another win? Or will the Philadelphia Eagles win their first championship since 1960? 

One thing that won't be up for debate is the MVP of your Super Bowl Watch Party. Spoiler alert, it's wine! 

We've collected some of our favorite recipes for snacks perfect for the big game from Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Southern Living and paired them with some of our favorite wines. 

Photo Credit: Bon Appétit 

Photo Credit: Bon Appétit 

CHIPS & GUACAMOLE: Every good party needs chips and dip and this one will guac your world. A bright white like Marqués de Cáceres Verdejo, a dry Riesling like August Kesseler Rudesheim Riesling, or a zesty New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc like Mohua all pair perfectly. 

Photo Credit: Food & Wine

Photo Credit: Food & Wine

PIGS IN A BLANKET: Few things disappear as quickly at a party as Pigs in a Blanket. The warm sausage and crisp pastry...we're getting hungry just thinking about it. These from Food & Wine are brushed with a tasty mix of honey, mustard, and fresh black pepper to kick things up a notch. Pair with a dry rosé, like La Vieille Ferme or Miraval (both made by the Perrin Family). 

Photo Credit: Bon Appétit 

Photo Credit: Bon Appétit 

PIZZA: Whether or not your team ends up breaking a pizza your heart, you'll want a slice of this pie from Bon Appétit Magazine. Get creative and add your own toppings or stick to classic cheese. Either way, pair with a Barbera or Dolcetto like Massolino produces. 

Photo Credit: Bon Appétit

Photo Credit: Bon Appétit

CHILI: How could we share recipes for the Super Bowl without including a recipe that is served in a bowl? Chili is the perfect antidote to cold weather and bonus- this one is made in a crockpot so you'll spend less time cooking and more time drinking! Try this crockpot chili with South African Ashbourne Pinotage, a Rhône Blend from Famille Perrin like Châteauneuf du Pape Les Sinards, or an Argentinian Malbec (you really can't go wrong with anything from TintoNegro). 

Photo Credit: Southern Living Magazine

Photo Credit: Southern Living Magazine

NACHOS: These are nacho average chips and toppings. These sheet pan nachos are customizable for any taste, fast, and fun. So if the party eats them up (and they will!), you'll be able to pop another round in the oven. This Southern Living recipe is elevated when paired with Thibault Liger Belair Moulin à Vent Vieilles Vignes Beaujolais. 

A few other tips for Super Bowl snack pairings:

Serving anything fried- French fries, fried chicken, fried pickles, etc? Serve champagne. We love Champagne Delamotte Brut  or Blanc de Blancs. 

Serving wings? With spicy dipping sauces or marinades you'll want to go with something semi-dry but a little sweet- like Pichot Vouvray. 

Finally, the meatier the dish (maybe you add bacon and sausage and pepperoni to your pizza...), the heartier the wine. Borgo Scopeto makes a beautiful Chianti that can stand up to hearty meats. 

SANGRIA DAY- December 20, 2017

Wine punch has always been popular- from hippocras in the Middle Ages to Claret Cup Punch in the days of Jane Austen to any number of conceptions today. 

Sangria, the quintessential Spanish wine punch, is traditionally made with red wine, excellent when made with Rioja and other Spanish reds. White wine and sparkling wines can also be used to create refreshing and festive Sangrias. 

Sangria was first tasted in the United States at the 1964 World's Fair in New York. 

Today, December 20, just so happens to be Sangria Day. While at first you might think Sangria Day should be in the summer, just think about how beautiful the traditional red Sangria looks in a pitcher. The colors complement any festive holiday party (and at a party, what is better than a generous helping of an alcoholic beverage?) and the versatility (depending on the wine used) can pair nicely with any number of dishes. 

Not to mention here at Vineyard Brands corporate headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama the weather has reached a balmy 70 degrees, so a cool glass of sangria would be quite welcome. 

Food & Wine Magazine (who has recently relocated to our fine city of Birmingham, Alabama) has a collection of sangria recipes sure to please every taste and party theme. 

We've selected three of our favorites (Red, Rosé, and White- so a little something for everyone) and paired them with some stellar (but won't break the bank) Spanish wines from our portfolio. We've linked the whole collection of recipes here. 

First up is a traditional Red Sangria. What better wine than one from one of the leading figures in Spanish Rioja, Marqués de Cáceres? 

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This Rosé Sangria with a Mixed-Berry Ice Ring is a gorgeous addition to any soirée. The Marqués de Cáceres Rosé has a beautiful pink color that looks as good as it tastes. 

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For something a little less traditional and sure to impress any guests you may have, try this Thai-Basil Sangria. The citrus and basil will be a refreshing palate cleanser after all the heavy flavors of the holiday season. Use Marqués de Cáceres Verdejo to keep the drink rooted in its Spanish origins.

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Marqués de Cáceres: ¡Salud!

It seems for many wine-making families, wine rather than blood flows through their veins. This is especially true for the wineries Vineyard Brands imports considering they are all family owned, including Marqués de Cáceres.

The Forners are a 5th generation wine family who have revolutionized wine growing in the Rioja region of Spain. Founded in 1970, the story of Marqués de Cáceres starts much earlier, in 1920, when Enrique's father and grandfather owned "Vinicola Forner," in Valencia, Spain. 

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The Spanish Civil War forced the Forner's into exile in France. Although the family was forced to leave their home, they were immersed in one of the oldest wine growing regions in the world. While in France, the Forners purchased two châteaux in the Haut Médoc- the Bordeaux region. These two châteaux- Château Camensac and Château Larose-Trintaudon- are now recognized as two of the finest properties in Bordeaux. 

When Enrique Forner returned to his Spanish homeland he was armed with a wealth of wine knowledge and experience. He had learned from the best in France and was ready to establish a bodega. He selected the finest viticultural area Cenicero in Rioja Alta. In gently rolling hills bordered by the Ebro River, the region is as beautiful as it is fertile. 

Forner's first Rioja red wine was a 1968 vintage. Two years later Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres was officially founded, with the reputed oenologist from Bordeaux, Emile Peynaud, as wine consultant. 

Enrique Forner's impact can be seen throughout the Spanish wine industry we know today. Influenced by his time in France, Forner introduced the system of estate-bottling by limiting his source of grapes to those of the immediate area - a departure from the local practice of using more widespread sources of supply. He established the Union Viti-Vinicola, together with a selection of growers who supply the Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres with grapes; this restricted source of grapes gives a consistent style and character to the wine. He along with six other bodegas, the "Magnificent 7", was instrumental in reforming the rules of the Rioja D.O. (Denominación de Origen). This ensures quality and high standards for the wines of Rioja. 

Marqués de Cáceres gained its distinctive name from the actual Marqués de Cáceres in 1974 who became a founder-shareholder of the Bodega. The marquesado has its origins in the XVIII century and was granted by the King of Spain to the Captain of the Royal Spanish Navy Don Juan Ambrosio García de Cáceres and Montemayor in gratitude for his outstanding services to the Crown in the war of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Enrique Forner retired in 2007, and his daughter, continuing the family legacy, took over control of the bodega. Marqués de Cáceres celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010 as a leading brand in Spain and around the world and is available in more than 120 markets.

The Cáceres portfolio has grown extensively since that first red in 1968. Wines include: 

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Marqués de Cáceres White is made from 100% Verdejo grapes from Rueda. Very fresh bouquet with citrus and floral notes. Deliciously refreshing in the mouth with pleasant vivacity and long-lasting flavours.

Marqués de Cáceres Antea Barrel Fermented White, produced from Viura grapes, with a small percentage of Malvasia. This fine wine is elegant and complex, with a bouquet of ripe apples, and a hint of vanilla in the rich fruit.

Marqués de Cáceres Satinela is a delicate, fruity, slightly sweet white wine, made from Viura grapes, with a small percentage of Malvasia. The grapes were harvested late in their maturity, very ripe and concentrated. Aromas of apricot, peach, and acacia flowers.

Marqués de Cáceres Deusa Nai Albariño from Rias Baixas. The name Deusa Nai means “mother goddess”, referring to the bounty of the earth. A fresh and fragrant bouquet with mineral notes and a hint of grapefruit and mandarin orange. With refreshing acidity and good length, ready to be enjoyed now but will continue to develp in bottle.

Marqués de Cáceres Rosé is dry, very fruity, fresh and light, with a delicate pink color. It is made from Tempranillo grapes (80%) and Garnacha (20%) selected from the highest slopes of the Rioja Alta. It is cold-fermented and undergoes a brief maceration, which imparts to the wine its pink color.

Marqués de Cáceres Excellens Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Red A selection of wines tailored to on-premise accounts with limited production, sourced from premium vineyards in Rioja for the Red and Rosé, and in Rueda for the Sauvignon Blanc.

Marqués de Cáceres Crianza, noted for its spicy varietal character, its balance and lingering finish, is made from 85% Tempranillo grapes, with the balance split between the Graciano and Garnacha Tinta varieties. The wine is aged in small barrels of French oak for 12 months and in the bottle for at least 14 months.

Marqués de Cáceres Reserva Tempranillo (85%), and Graciano and Garnacha Tinta (15%). The grapes are selected form vineyards that are well exposed to the sun, and from a considerable portion of older vines, that produce lower yields. The Reservas are aged in barrels from central France for 22 months, followed by 2 years or more in bottle. It is made only in the best vintages, a rich and velvety wine with great depth.

Marqués de Cáceres Gran Reserva from old vines, Tempranillo (85%), and Graciano and Garnacha Tinta (15%), aged up to 26-28 months in oak and up to 4 years in the bottle. Produced only from vintages classed as “excellent” or “very good”.

Marqués de Cáceres MC 100% Tempranillo, this choice wine is made from a selection of grapes grown in vineyards of very limited production. Aged in new French oak for 15 months, the MC has a fresh bouquet that opens out with notes of blackberries, violet and delicate spices. Rich and full in the mouth with good structure, wrapped in delicious, rounded tannins.

Marqués de Cáceres Gaudium (Latin: “satisfaction, joy, pleasure of the senses”) is made exclusively from Rioja’s finest vineyards that are planted with old vines which produce a very limited yield. A rigorous selection of the best grape varieties - 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano - are handpicked to ensure optimum maturity. Aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months and a minimum of 24 months in bottle, thus achieving the elegance which characterizes this great wine. 

Albariño: The Audacious

Far away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid, the art and architecture of cosmopolitan Barcelona, and the sun-soaked beaches of Valencia, there lies the small wine region of Rías Baixas tucked away in the northwestern corner of Spain. Known as “Green Spain”, this hilly area located in the autonomous community of Galicia shares very little in common with the dry, desert-like conditions of the rest of the country.  The climate is decidedly maritime, and rainfall (and humidity) is plentiful here.  Historically, the area is closely tied to the culture of the early Gallic people who settled here.  Today traces of this distinct culture are still observed in the fair skin of the population, the native Gallego language which is still widely spoken, the regional seafood-dominated cuisine, and the traditional dress, music, and dances of the region.  This uniqueness is also evident in the fascinating and delicious wines of the region, especially its distinct native treasure, Albariño.

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Tradition dictates that the ancestor of the modern Albariño vine was brought to the region in the 12th century by Cistercian monks of the wealthy Cluny Abbey located in Saône-et-Loire, France (an area in Burgundy).  Although the translation of the name Albariño (“white of the Rhine”) seems to support this tradition, today many ampelographers believe the vine may be indigenous to the region due to its prolific presence in the wild growing along the trunks of poplar trees and there being no genetic evidence of parentage by vine species north of the Pyrenees.  

Wine production in Galicia and Rías Baixas is well over 90% white and, of that, about 92% is Albariño.  The humidity of the region can be problematic for producing healthy grapes, so several viticultural practices have evolved to allow the grapes to have maximum exposure to sunlight and maximum circulation of air to prevent mildew and ensure even ripening.  The vines are traditionally widely spaced and trained on granite pergolas with a wire trellis called a parra.  The workers often stand on grape bins to harvest the high hanging fruit.  Low yields and temperature-controlled winemaking have revolutionized the style of wines produced in the region in the past several decades.

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Albariño wines display a very unique and exuberant aromatic and flavor profile.  Generally the wines are dry with high acidity and a light body.   There is a very strong botanical element to these wines, which can border on that of many aromatic varietals such as Petit Manseng or Viognier.   The botanical aromas and flavors, along with those of rich stone fruits, citrus, tropical fruits, and the characteristic touch of saline sea spray are characteristic of these beautiful wines, which are perfectly suited to the fresh seafood cuisine of the region. 

A wonderful example of Albariño is produced by the Marqués de Cáceres winery of Rioja legend.  They call their 100% Albariño wine Deusa Nai (“mother goddess”) in honor of the goddess of fertility who was highly worshipped by the early Gallic habitants of the region.  Cristina Forner, owener of Marqués de Cáceres, says that they seek to transfer the magic of this ancient myth and the romance of the Rías Baixas region to this wine.  The crafting of this wine from vineyard to bottle is exceptionally artisanal.  The grapes come from the the O Rosal area (one of three main sub-regions in Rías Baixas) where the undulating, granitic vineyards are very close the ocean.  The harvest is 100% by hand, and the fermentation and less maturation are done in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to maximum the vivacity and freshness of the varietal.  The resulting wine is a pale golden color with a distinct mineral character emanating from the terroir.  Characteristic notes of ocean minerals and sea spray intertwine with deep floral and citrus tones.  Stone fruits, such as pear, white peach, and nectarine, further convey the unmistakable character of the grape.  It is truly a white wine of pedigree and distinction. 

When pairing Albariño with food, the first clue is the native cuisine of the Galician region.  This wine simply sings with fresh, simple preparations of high quality seafood.  Fresh white crab, mixed shellfish platters, ceviche, simple grilled fish, and sushi and sashimi immediately come to mind for the younger wines that emphasize the fruit and freshness of the varietal.  More mature examples with perhaps some oak influence are excellent partners for richer dishes such as seafood stews or scallops.  In pairing Albariño wines, do as the Spanish do and consider them “the Manzanilla sherries of the North”, as both wines contain distinctive ocean notes and pair so seamlessly with seafood.  And don’t forget this fruity, vivacious wine as a wonderful aperitif before dinner!

Albariño is truly a special, distinctive grape grown in a special, distinctive place.  It has the broad appeal of favorite mainstays such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio but with a certain uniqueness of place that really distinguishes it from all others.  And people are starting to catch on.  Albariño has enjoyed a surge in popularity in the US for the past two decades.  This popularity has now taken the grape to vineyards in California in the regions of Los Carneros, Napa, and the Edna Valley and even to Oregon and Washington.  In the end, however, the truest expression of Albariño will always come from its ancestral home in Green Spain.

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Wine Down

Fresh off the Emmys we've been thinking more about what wines our favorite TV characters drink. 

More and more it seems wine is synonymous with strong female characters on TV shows. While Sex and the City made the cosmo famous, the 21st century has ushered in a new generation of wine drinkers. 

We know we aren’t the only ones who see a glass of wine on TV (or during a Netflix binge) and feel inspired to drink like the character. We’ve rounded up a few wine lovers from our favorite shows and wines inspired by their taste and personality.

Image: Buzzfeed

Image: Buzzfeed

Alicia Florrick
In the Good Wife Alicia faces on challenge after another, but through it all she keeps a steady hand while pouring a glass of red wine. A lawyer with a life as complex as the cases she faced, Alicia would enjoy a bottle of Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir- not overly fruity with hints of savory primal character.

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Claire Underwood
First lady turned Vice President Claire Underwood is cunning and plays by her own rules. No doubt she would appreciate MAAL winemaker Alfredo Merlo’s desire to produce “unique, elegant, and intense Malbec wines.” Claire would be right at home drinking a glass of bestial or rebellion.

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 Skylar White
Few characters that grace our TV screens have been through more than Breaking Bad’s Walter White’s long-suffering wife Skylar White. While much changes over the course of the show, one things doesn’t- Skylar’s love for white wine. Pour yourself a glass of Marqués de Cáceres Verdejo or Cono Sur Bicicleta Sauvignon Blanc and cheers to the fact YOUR significant other isn’t cooking up meth.

Image: DailyMail

Image: DailyMail

Cersei Lannister
Plotting, scheming, and downright dangerous, Cersei casually enjoys a glass of wine while blowing up part of a city. So if you too have similarly large plans (though hopefully less destructive) and are looking for the right wine to pair with said plans, pour of glass of Gradis’ciutta Merlot- the intense bouquet, dry taste, and slightly bitter taste will have you thinking of Cersei to the last drop.

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Blair Waldorf
Queen B of the Upper East Side knows the best way to celebrate any success- whether personal or professional- is with a glass of bubbly. Treat yourself like our fabulously wealthy heroine and toast your latest success with a glass of the incomparable Champagne Salon or Champagne Delamotte. 

Drink & Know Things

In the hit HBO show “Game of Thrones,” Tyrion Lannister uttered a line that spawned a thousand memes (and tshirts, Instagram bios, and catchphrases). “I drink and I know things.” Rarely is there an episode where the clever Hand of the Queen doesn’t have a glass of wine in his hand.

This got us thinking. How many other characters are fans of a glass or two of vino? And how can you drink like your favorite character?

Photo: The Telegraph

Photo: The Telegraph

First up, the one and only Tyrion Lannister.
Game of Thrones films in a variety of exotic locations including Croatia, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Morocco, and Malta just to name a few. This current season Tyrion finds himself in the fictional Dragonstone, filmed on location in Spain. So to drink like Tyrion, grab yourself a glass of Spanish red. Our favorites Spanish producer is Marqués de Cáceres. You can't go wrong with any of their wines. Tyrion may prefer red, but Marqués de Cáceres makes a delicious white and rosé in addition to their red offerings. 

 

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: Pinterest

Olivia Pope
Like Tyrion, Olivia is a fan of a generous glass of red wine. From her white wardrobe to clean lines and classic style, our white-hat wearing protagonist is a fan of classic and quality. She isn’t drinking two buck chuck. Complex like her character (and the storylines woven by Shonda Rhimes!), Olivia would be one to pour a glass of Triguedina “The New Black Wine.”

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: Pinterest

Hannibal Lector
Unlike our previous characters, Hannibal Lector is not a protagonist in any sense of the word. (And yes, Hannibal is also a TV character!) He is famed for enjoying Chianti. So if you’d like to emulate any part ofHannibal Lector, let it only be his taste in wine. A glass of Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico would hit the spot quite nicely.

 

Now most TV characters drink red because it looks better on camera (no pesky condensation to deal with like a chilled white wine!) But one of our favorite television characters knows that a crisp, cool white is worth the extra filming hassle.

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: Pinterest

Tami Taylor
When you think football you likely think beer, but our favorite football coach’s wife Tami Taylor from Friday Night Lights knows wine is an excellent choice. She wasn’t afraid to make her love of wine known. A bottle like Mohua Sauvignon Blanc or Famille Perrin La Vieille Ferme Blanc would endear you to Mrs. Taylor forever.

So as Tyrion says, drink and know things. Just be sure you're drinking Vineyard Brands. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will You Accept This Rioja?

If you’re a fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise or been active on social media this week, you might have seen that current bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, along with her three remaining suitors, recently took a trip to Spanish wine country.

It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than rolling hills, medieval villages, and rich vineyards.

Located in northern Spain, Rioja is an easy driving distance from popular cities like Madrid, Bilbao, and San Sebastian.

The Rioja region is one of the greatest wine growing areas in the world. But don't be confused, non-Spanish speakers!  Although at first glance “rioja” looks similar to the Spanish word for red- rojo- the region produces a variety of wines including whites, reds, and even rosés.

The region has been producing wines for over 200 years, but still isn’t as well known to many consumers as other regions. So if you’re more familiar with French wine than Spanish, the Rioja region is often compared to the Bordeaux region of France. High quality wines at a variety of taste and price points abound.

Rioja has the most acreage under vines of any wine region in the world- over 140,000 acres of vines yielding 250 million liters of wine annually.

There are over 500 wineries in the region—ranging from small, more traditional cellars to large commercial producers. 

If Rachel’s quest for love has led you on a quest for love of your own, let us introduce you to a winery sure to win your heart (and your tastebuds)-Marqués de Cáceres.  The story of this winery is practically made for TV (just like the Bachelorette).

The Forner family fled Spain during the Spanish Civil War. Finding refuge in France, Henri Forner and his brother Elysée bought and restored two antiquated and abandoned châteaux. These two châteaux are now recognized as two of the finest properties in Bordeaux.

Once returning to Spain, Henri decided to establish a bodega of his own in Cenicero, in Rioja Alta. In gently rolling hills and bordered by the Ebro River, Marqués de Cáceres is the perfect setting for a storybook romance…is it really any surprise the Bachelorette chose Rioja?

Drawing on his experiences in Bordeaux, Henri Forner introduced the estate-bottling used in Bordeaux—limiting his source of grapes to those in the immediate area. French winemaking techniques and expertise have been applied to native Spanish grapes, producing one of the finest modern Riojas.

Marqués de Cáceres has stayed in the Forner family ever since. Henri’s daughter Cristina is at the helm and leading the winery to new heights and acclaim.

Curious to try the wine for yourself? 

Pick up a bottle and fall in love. Will you accept this rioja? We know we do!