Tag: wine

White Magic

March 14th is a day of many celebrations. Most often, I’ve taken the opportunity to revel in Pi Day, a time to break out the rolling pin and start throwing down dough. At the same time, it’s also White Day, the affectionate counterpoint to Valentine’s Day, where gifts of love are reciprocated. This year, I’m paying homage to both, all in one pie pan.

Pi Day, Meet White Day

What happens when you combine a nerdy fixation for irrational numbers with the romance of of a holiday all about returning affection? You get a creamy, sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that I like to call White Velvet Pie. Blending together silky white chocolate, crisp white wine, and the satisfying cookie crunch of a graham cracker crust, it’s light yet luxurious, indulgent but never unctuous, and as smooth as the most poetic love note.

Originally inspired by the Bottle of Wine Chocolate Pie, I wondered what might happen if we shifted the color spectrum to lighter hues. I’d pick white wine over red everyday when it comes to drinking, and wouldn’t white chocolate better let those delicate nuances shine? Since those creamy cocoa butter chips are already so sweet, I was able to dial the added sugar way back. A touch of vanilla, almond, and lemon seals the deal, and yes, you can really taste the wine, so don’t cheap out on a bad bottle!

Why White Velvet Pie?

White Velvet may not be a “thing” like Red Velvet, but if it ends up going viral one day, you heard it here first. White Velvet Pie is made for the dreamers. It’s made for the moments when you want something a little bit refined without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a celebration of all the things that make White Day so lovely: the art of giving back, the sweetness of love, and the subtle joy of sharing a simple pleasure. Vegan, of course, gluten-free with the right graham crackers, and no-bake, it’s a dessert for everyone—of drinking age.

For Pi Day enthusiasts, it’s a way to elevate the humble pie, creating a dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious. If you’re going to bring something to the table, it might as well be something that plays on both the geometric and the romantic, doesn’t it? The ratio of white chocolate to wine is almost as perfect as Pi itself.

Slice or Spoon?

More than just a pretty face, White Velvet is smart and versatile. You may have some extra filling, or you my choose to forgo a crust entirely to create a soft custard or parfait. Served chilled, it’s a more decadent texture than the semi-frozen pie, which eats more like freshly scooped ice cream.

Garnish with a dollop of whipped coconut cream, fresh berries, and sprinkles for that extra sparkle, or nothing at all. Even naked, this simple dessert shines.

The Final Slice

White Velvet Pie is where elegance meets ease, a dessert that dances between the worlds of Pi Day and White Day with grace. It’s the kind of pie that feels special without requiring an entire afternoon in the kitchen. Whether you’re indulging solo, impressing friends, or wooing that special someone, this creamy, crisp creation is your ticket to a memorable March 14th.

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Hannah (BitterSweet)12 Comments

Sip Happens

Glorified far beyond its modest beginnings as the fruit of the vine, wine has fallen victim to classism, elitism, and pretension. Buying a bottle sight unseen can feel as confounding as taking the bar exam without having attended a single lecture, and potentially just as expensive. Setting aside the rites and rituals, pomp and ceremony that seem like exclusive insider information, it doesn’t need to be that way. Wine is for everyone, which is the ethos and inspiration behind Sixty Vines. Succinctly named for the sixty wines on tap, this Texas-born establishment is changing the wine landscape, quite literally, for the better.

Having just sprouted last month in The Domain, this is thirteenth location of the thriving restaurant group. Commanding a massive open space with high ceilings, walls of windows, and long communal tables, the use of space feels downright luxurious. Outside, you have the option of dining al fresco on the dog-friendly patio, perfect for the whole family.

The benefits of offering wine on tap are multi-fold. There’s no risk in trying something new and getting stuck with a lackluster, pricey full bottle. Never had an orange wine before? Curious about the difference between a Malbec and a Merlot? This is the place to find out. If you go in completely blind, with no prior knowledge of wine whatsoever, you’ll be graciously guided without judgement all the same.

If you’re like me and want to try a little bit of everything, customized tasting flights available in 2.5-, 5-, or 8-ounce pours are much more feasible without getting a wicked hangover later. Kegged wines are also much fresher than bottles that are repeatedly opened and exposed to air. From a sustainability standpoint, one keg holds the equivalent of 26 bottles, which adds up to much less material going into landfills.

Just as wine shouldn’t be reserved for the elite few, neither should the wine bar experience itself. Thoughtfully rounding out the drink menu with craft cocktails and equally creative non-alcoholic cocktails, every visitor will find something that’s a refreshing change of pace.

This spirit of hospitality extends to all facets of the menu. Items are clearly labeled as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan, but there’s much more room for nuance between those crisply printed insignias. Don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments, as most meatless offerings can be made completely plant-based. Case in point, the Crispy Zucchini is typically dipped in a buttermilk batter, but a soda wash is easily substituted upon request, and request you should. More substantial and meaty than potato chips, they’re crisp indeed, but also tender and juicy, coated in a sweet chili lacquer with blistered shishitos on top for garnish.

Similarly, ask for no cheese on the Hummus and you’re good to go. It’s a two-for-one prize that includes both edamame and beet spreads, although surprisingly, no chickpeas are involved in either. Relying solely on the creamy richness of tahini and glassy olive oil to create incredibly compelling spreads, a touch of cumin rounds out the fresh flavors, as well as the impressively short list of ingredients.

Making the case for carb-on-carb action, the Broccolini & Potato Pizza is the standout entree that immediately told me the chefs had real ambitions for inclusion here. Vegan by default, there’s no red sauce lurking beneath that velvety cashew blanket, despite what the deceptively rich flavor imparted by slow roasted cherry tomatoes may lead you to believe. A thin, gently charred crust supports the tender toppings that blend together harmoniously, ensuring that no one will walk away from the bar hungry.

Wine and all its trappings deserves to be enjoyed without all the ceremony or status. Sixty Vines is making a splash to shift that perspective, creating a space for novices, solo sippers, first dates, happy hours, and larger events, too. Even for non-drinkers, you’ll find plenty of reasons to say “cheers!”

Sixty Vines

3401 Esperanza Crossing
Austin, TX 78758

Hannah (BitterSweet)5 Comments

Wine Not?

Does the moon have an identity crisis, or does it simply have a more fluid sense of self? Not only does it change names every month, but sometimes it goes by multiple names at the same time. Each full moon is known for different attributes of any given season, based on Native American and Colonial tradition. It all makes good sense; September gives rise to the Harvest Moon, as abundant harvests come to fruition.

That’s not the end of the story, though. This very same moon also answers to Corn Moon, Song Moon, Hungry Ghost Moon, Barley Moon, and Wine Moon, among many others. Given how many unique facets of the autumnal equinox there are to celebrate, especially in the Pagan tradition of Mabon (AKA Witches Thanksgiving), it makes good sense that there would be many layers of meaning to derive from such a rich source of inspiration.

Given the conventional approach to focus on the overall harvest, profuse with squashes, apples, and root vegetables galore, I’d like to shine a light on one of the less common September moons. Let’s raise a glass to the Wine Moon, beyond biodynamic farming methods, in the Celtic tradition.

Although this phase marks the time of year when grapes are plucked from their vines, crushed, then stashed away into casks, modern farming has given us the gift of instant gratification. Thus, we can imbibe, or better yet, churn out a sweet ode to the new moon. It’s certainly not getting much cooler yet, so the Mulled Wine Sorbet from Super Vegan Scoops! is a refreshing way to enjoy the heady aroma of citrus and spice, better than merely served over ice.

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Hannah (BitterSweet)4 Comments

Join the Club

In the vast, diverse, daunting world of wine, where does one begin? Easy to appreciate but difficult to discern, simply finding the best bottles is a full-time job. That’s why the best restaurants hire skilled sommeliers, after all! If you’re overwhelmed by the abundance of options, going well beyond the basic choice of red or white, you’re not alone. In fact, you could literally join the club.

WineAccess, my go-to resource for the best bottles shipped from every major wine-growing region in the world, straight to your door, now offers quarterly shipments that promise hand-selected labels that include small-lot gems, impossible-to-obtain rarities, and unbeatable values. These aren’t just top shelf picks; they’re treasures you won’t find on any shelf.

Each shipment comes with six bottles, with exclusive videos highlighting each wine and the story behind it. You’ll get to know the growers, understand their inspiration, and literally taste the fruits of their labor. This connection creates an even greater appreciation for the craft. For anyone who’s ever relished the opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes and see how it’s made, this is the next best thing to visiting the vineyards in person.

Specific themes unite each bundle of bottles, covering many different regions and styles to help deepen an understanding of the wonderful, wild world of wine. My sample box was focused on “Wine Making Techniques,” and how they impact the final style of the wines. Grape variety and quality are obvious factors, but post-harvest intricacies such as maceration, fermentation, extraction, and aging have an influence on the resulting flavors.

For example, the 2016 De Martino Viejas Tinajas Cinsault Itata Valley Chile is notable for its boldly unfiltered approach. De-stemmed but uncrushed grapes are allowed to macerate naturally, without any added yeasts or sulfur. The wine hibernates all winter, undisturbed, to be bottled in the spring, clean and simple. It should come as no surprise that the taste is rich and full-bodied, deeply fruity with notes of dark berries and a hint of savory herbs. That robust character makes a lot of sense, and is even more rewarding to recognize, when you know how it came to be.

On the lighter side of the spectrum, the 2018 Adegas Galegas D. Pedro Soutomaior Albarino Rias Baixas retains the bright, crisp, freshness of the grapes by storing them in stainless steel barrels, rather than oak. Vivid flaxen hues light up the glass, bearing the essence of green apple, citrus zest, and a cool sea breeze.

On top of that extraordinary curated experience, when you join, you’ll get 10% off all purchases at WineAccess.com. In stark contrast to most exclusive clubs, everyone is welcome here. There’s no secret password, no initiation rites, nor silly handshakes. All you need is a thirst for adventure and a love of wine. Once reserved for only the fanciest folk, these worldly wines have never been more accessible. So go ahead, join the club!

Hannah (BitterSweet)7 Comments

Light Whites for Spring Delights

Fearlessly springing forward, onward to brighter days and warmer weather, it’s time to emerge from hibernation at last. Blossoming alongside the flowers, as tender green buds unfurl their fragrant sails into the wind, is the urge to raise a glass in celebration. The crisp, clean, refreshing flavors of white wine are exactly what the season calls for.

Explore the world of nuanced, diverse white wines right at home through the carefully curated selection from Wine Access. Unique, rare, yet surprisingly affordable bottles perfect for the season can be unlocked with the turn of a corkscrew. Whites are my first pick when opting for a sophisticated sip, but I still don’t know the first thing about selecting the best bottle. That’s why this kind of rigorous vetting is invaluable; it’s impossible to pick a dud from this exclusive roster.

What makes a great white wine at this time of year? For food pairings, it should play nicely with delicate green vegetables, mild proteins, and sweet citrus, while still offering some substance and body. It should be cool, but not cold, for those evenings when there is still a bit of a nip in the air.

Starting the party with a bang, a velvety curtain of fine bubbles lifts with the first sip of this NV Langlois-Chateau Cremant de Loire Brut Loire Valley. Crafted like a fine champagne, it unfolds in layers, leading with acidity reminiscent of grapefruit that morphs into notes of tart green apple, finishing with a crisp, mineral bite. Pair with an elegant starter like creamy asparagus and coconut soup to best compliment these bold bubbles. It helps to cut the richness, while harmonizing with the bright citrus notes and subtle vegetal sweetness.

Herbaceous notes of tarragon and the tropical twang of kiwi and pineapple set the 2018 Kinfolk Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley apart from the pack. Pleasantly grassy, yet slightly floral with a hint of jasmine, it’s unlike any other white I’ve encountered. Lingering long after each taste, the surprisingly assertive flavor can stand up to stronger dishes, like the funky blue cheese on a classic wedge salad.

When you want a juicy, luscious white wine that’s as sumptuous in the glass as it is on the plate, look no further than the 2018 Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand. Dazzlingly acidic with a sharp nose combining lemons, lychees, and limes, it’s strong enough to take the heat in the kitchen. Fiddlehead scampi positively sings with this vibrant, fruit-forward infusion. Naturally, those fickle ferns can be a bit tough to find early in the season, so I’m happy to report that it’s just as delicious with your garden variety zucchini, too. Fava beans or artichoke hearts would be equally delicious substitutions, verdant and elegant, ideal for tangling around al dente strands of pasta.

Just like the season itself, this is just the beginning. Wine Access has so much more to offer for every occasion, even if it’s just an evening at home. Revel in the warmer weather and raise a glass to the bounty of spring produce making a triumphant return on the table. For a limited time, you can get 15% off your purchase by exploring this collection, and shipping is included for all orders over $120 or 6 bottles or more. Leap into spring to greet the sunshine with only the best white wines at hand.

This blog post is sponsored by Wine Access but as always, the opinions and experiences expressed in this post are my own.

Hannah (BitterSweet)4 Comments