McBride Sisters "Rosy Sister©" Truvée Rosé + Tanqueray 10 Cocktail

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We just launched our Truvée Rosé! 

And its available nationwide in store across the United States!  

We're absolutely thrilled with how well this 2015 Grenache Rosé from the Paso Robles region of California, has developed - its an absolutely stunning wine.

And like we do, every time we release a new wine, we get our friends together, taste them on the new wine and get their feedback (Which is always great). During our little soiree, we got onto the topic of Summer time fun, vacations, BBQ season, the beach, pool time, and then a long discussion about the perfect cocktail. This sparked an idea with Robin, she said "Lets make a Truvée Rosé wine cocktail!!". So we did some experimenting and what we've crafted is delicious!  

We focused on keeping the ingredients simple and matching the aromas and flavor profile of the Truvée Rosé: Strawberry, raspberry, citrus and white florals, so we used small batch gin (Tanqueray 10)  that has been fermented in botanicals, ruby red grapefruit juice, simple syrup and a light garnish of an aromatic flower. So please enjoy our McBride Sisters recipe:    

McBride Sisters "Rosy Sister"© Rosé Cocktail 

Truvée Grenache Rosé, Paso Robles, California - 12 Ounces 

Tanqueray No. 10 Gin - 6 Ounces 

Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice - 12 Ounces

Simple Syrup - 1 Ounce (or to taste) 

Aromatic edible flowers - Garnish 

Serving size - 6 

Drop the Elitist Attitude but Keep the Wine Slang

If you ask us, wine is about connection and celebration. We gather and toast accomplishments, unwind from long days with close friends and gift it to show our gratitude for the ones we love. But hold up, then why is it wine is also associated with pretentious behavior and an elitist attitude? One of the big problems we see is wine language. 

In our effort to keep wine a pleasurable experience for all, we bring you a breakdown of common wine slang starting the series with a free glossary of terms to help you navigate the basics of tasting wine.  Ok, time to breakdown the BS!

SWEETNESS:

Wine’s sweetness comes from residual sugar (RS) that stays in the wine after the alcohol is created during fermentation. Typically, sugar is not added to wine to make it sweeter. There can be any level of sugar remaining from bone-dry (dry meaning no sugar) to super sweet.  

ACIDITY:

Acidity is what makes lemons sour and your mouth water, but it’s also what makes wines racy, vibrant and refreshing!  The acids in the grapes determine the level of acidity you detect in the wine. It’s presence is necessary to balance the overall taste, especially of sweet wines.

TANNINS: 

Tannins are found in red wines and come mostly from the skins of red wine grapes.  You have to think of tannins as more of a feeling than a flavor. High tannins can feel mouth-drying or gritty and can create a bitter sensation in the back of your mouth. Wines that are high in tannins are also usually served with food.  Softer tannins can give richness and body to the wine.

ALCOHOL:

Higher alcohol wine will have more of a “burn” as it goes over the back of your tongue. We refer to this feel as a wine being HOT! Sweeter wines (more residual sugar) tend to have lower alcohol content. 

BALANCE:  

A wine is considered well-balanced when all of these characteristics are in harmony and do not overpower each other. It may be the last on our list, but this feeling is exactly what we seek when we are tasting wine! 

Have a #wine related question for us? Leave us a comment and check back every #WineTipTuesday on Instagram and Twitter! 

 

 

Valentine’s Day Food and Wine Pairing | ESSENCE Magazine Feature

What do Valentine’s Day, food, wine and ESSENCE Magazine have in common? They’re some of our favorite things!  For those of you who didn’t catch our feature in the February issue of ESSENCE Magazine, here are our food and wine pairings for you and that special someone this Valentine's Day and beyond. 

Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken 

Seduce your special someone -or enhance your own palate- with perfectly golden fried chicken. Add a glass of sparkling wine. The saltiness of the food harmoniously accentuates the fruit flavors of the champagne.

Oysters

Oysters with horseradish and chives 

Research suggests that the rich amino acids in shellfish like oysters can have a lingering effect on your libido. Pair your oysters on ice with an eco.love chilled Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. This style of wine is bursting with passion-fruit, nectarine and citrus flavors, while also being a dry wine - not a lot of sugar.  

Figs

Figs with goat cheese 

Some scholars believe the forbidden fruit Eve gave to Adam was actually a sweet, pulpy fig. Try this succulent treat with an eco.love off-dry Riesling for a nice balance of peaches, florals, ginger, honey, a touch of sugar and great citrus flavors that keep you asking for more! 

Chocolate

The Aztecs were believed to be one of the first to use cocoa beans to increase sexual desire. To turn up the heat, combine chocolate-covered strawberries, pineapple or bananas with a sweet wine, like a Port Wine or a Moscato.

*Article as seen in Essence Magazine 

What Are You Serving With That Turkey?

…we’re talking wine of course!

Crisp air, big sweaters, football games, and turkey! It’s officially the last month of autumn, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Whether you’re heading out of town this year or opening up your home to family and friends, there isn’t a better time to begin planning your Thanksgiving Day feast then now. From the turkey and yams, to the cranberry sauce and stuffing, with so many different textures and tastes, it’s important to choose wines that are complementary to each bite. So, exactly which wines should you serve during your Thanksgiving meal?

Although sparkling wines are extremely popular during the holidays, let’s take a look at some red and white wine options that are sure to make your turkey day pop.

Red Wine Options

Pinot Noir: A traditional favorite for Thanksgiving, Pinot Noir is lighter in body and softer on the palate. Its earthy notes along with those red berry fruit flavors pair really well with turkey, stuffing and gravy.

Syrah/Shiraz: The peppery notes of Syrah will pair exceptionally well with the herbal notes found in your stuffing, also drawing out those savory flavors from the turkey.

Red Blends or Zinfandel: For the spice and slightly sweet flavor dishes, pour up a robust medium to full bodied red to balance out the taste.

Alternatively, a great white can too serve as the perfect contrast to balance out all those flavors from your Thanksgiving spread.

White Wines Options

Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp citrus-based flavors and herbal undertones are a perfect pairing for turkey and winter salads.

Chardonnay: The creamy, buttery, nutty, vanilla flavors from a California Chard, will go great with a big helping of mashed potatoes and gravy.

Riesling: Whether dry or sweet, this white wine will work well with dishes that are spicy, salty or full of sugar. The apple, apricot, and honey notes against those sweet potatoes are enough to send you straight into a food coma.

Pinot Blanc: With a touch of warm spice, this highly aromatic white wine pairs deliciously well with turkey and gravy.

But, no matter what ends up on your table, just remember that Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude…so raise your glass and give thanks! 

Cheers!

Five Reasons to Visit Wine Country in November

If you’ve ever gone to the wine country over the summer or during the September and October harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere, then you know just how busy it can get. Millions of wine lovers all across the globe travel to the vineyards during this time each year just to see the grapes in full swing. However, if you don’t love long lines and hot weather, November is the month for you!  Here are 5 reasons why:

1. No Crowds

Wineries can get extremely crowded during peak season, and one of the busiest times to schedule a tour. November draws in much smaller crowds as the harvest is over, and people begin to prepare for the holidays. Not only is this an excellent time to visit due to low tour demands, but the staff may be able to give you a little extra one-on-one time as well.

2. The Weather

You can avoid summer heat spells! The weather is typically sunny, but brisk. The mornings are much cooler, and the afternoons are warm, but by the time evening arrives, it can get chilly. You’ll be wearing a coat and scarf in the morning and taking it off by noon. November is the perfect month for layers, and a great time to don your chic autumn wine country wear! 

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3. Beautiful Scenery

Two words: fall foliage. In November, the views are absolutely breathtaking. There aren’t too many places in California where you can see the color changes as drastic as in the wine country. So before the winter sets in, grab your camera and head to wine country for some incredible photo opps (and selfies of course!).

4. What Traffic?

During the month of November, not only will you discover a more peaceful environment, great weather and beautiful scenery, but the traffic flow is substantially low compared to traffic in the high seasons; and nobody likes traffic!

5. Show Me The Money

Visiting the wine country doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. For all those wine enthusiasts out there on a budget, November is one of the least expensive times of the year to visit, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing wine tasting experience and want to avoid premium hotel pricing.

Still, no matter what time of the year you decide to plan your travels, the wine country is beautiful all year round!

Wine and Halloween Candy Pairings [Adults Only]

The title is self-explanatory, so we won’t mess around. Here you go!  

1. Pop Rocks and Moscato -- Remember our rules on wine and food pairings? In case you forgot, the combination of sweet watermelon pop rocks and the slightly sweet Moscato with orange blossom and grape flavors, pair perfectly. These two combined will create an explosion of fruit salad and sweet smelling flowers in your mouth! 

2. Sour Patch Kids & off-dry Riesling

Sweet and sour pairs exceptionally well and the Riesling flavors echo the candy. Just imagine a high paced, back and forth, ping pong match of flavors in your mouth! Starting with grapefruit, then peach, the green apple, then hibiscus, then Meyer lemon - match point! 

3. Nerds & Chenin Blanc (demi-sec) 

Slightly sweet Chenin Blanc has flavors of pear, peach and passion fruit. With that in mind, we’re loving the sour peach nerds enhancing this wines stone fruit flavors. The sour components from the nerds balance the sugar and create a harmonious experience

4. Candy Corn & Sauternes -- You either love it or you don’t, but what’s Halloween without the candy corn, right? Sauternes will pair verrrrry nicely. Sometimes things don’t have an explanation, they just work, case in point this candy corn and Sauternes pairing. 

5.   Reese’s Peanut Butter & Tawny Port (Fortified Wine) -- A popular delicacy amongst the wine elite. The creaminess and sugar from the peanut butter cups pair perfectly with the berry flavors of the port. Just think PB&J excellence. 

McBride Sisters Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The weather is starting to cool down and it finally feels like fall is here. Which of course, is the perfect time to start making delicious comfort foods. Here is our recipe for an upgraded, gourmet, grilled cheese sandwich, that goes perfect with our McBride Sisters Truvée Chardonnay - Cheers!

 McBride Sisters Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipe

• 1 tablespoon butter for the skillet + more for spreading on your bread slices
• 4 slices Brioche bread 
• ½ cup La Tur Cheese 
• 6-8 slices prosciutto
• ½ of any sweet, crunchy apple; such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala or Jonagold, thinly sliced using a mandolin slicer
• Serve with Robin's Grenache jelly and pair with the McBride Sisters Truvée Chardonnay

 Instructions

1. Butter one slice of bread on both sides and set aside. Using a cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet, heat one tablespoon of butter in your skillet over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely and then lay your slice of buttered bread into the skillet and top with a ¼ cup of the grated La Tour Cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt until it’s almost entirely melted, for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Next, lift the lid and top the melted cheese with the prosciutto and apple slices and cover again with the lid for a minute or two. Butter one side of the second slice of bread with the apples and flip your grilled cheese to begin toasting the other side. You do not need to cover the pan again since your cheese is already melting nicely. You can flip a couple more times if desired until you have nice, golden brown toasty bread on both sides.
3. Repeat everything for your second grilled cheese sandwich. Serve with Robin's Grenache jelly and McBride Sisters ‘Truvée Chardonnay.’ Enjoy!

6 Easy Ways to Upcycle Wine Bottles

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure…”

As eco-conscious business owners, we strongly believe in sustainable practices. Everything we do impacts the earth, but as individuals, we also have the power to control the impact we create.

One cool way to think green (even with a bottle of red!) is through upcycling. It’s a creative alternative to recycling and repurposing empty wine bottles can be fun and a great start to preserving the environment.  Here are 6 easy ways to do so:

1. On display. For those special bottles that you can’t seem to let go of…let alone alter, just fill each one up with sand and use them as bookends.

2. Oil and vinegar. Feeling really creative? Go ahead and give your bottle a chic new makeover, but this time refill it with that leftover oil or vinegar that’s lying around your kitchen.

3. Create a vase. To turn a wine bottle into a flower vase, just rinse, decorate and add the flower. It really is that simple! 

4. Hold a candle. Empty wine bottles make the most beautiful candle holders too! Let the wax drip down the neck of the bottle for added dramatic affect. 

5. Don’t forget the cork! Did you know that wine corks can help your potted plants grow? When broken up into tiny pieces, they help your plants retain moisture and resist mold.

6. Customize your coasters: Cut corks in half lengthwise. Glue them to a circular cork sheet and sand the edges for a smooth finish. Then pour yourself a nice glass of wine and relax. Cheers!

Tried some of these yourself?  Have your own creative ideas for upcycling wine bottles?  Show us your best shots on IG or Twitter: @McBrideSisters #WeReWined

6 Tips For Hosting The Perfect Wine Tasting

A great way to learn about wine is to host a wine tasting party and what better way to do so but in the comfort of your own home. All you need is good wine, great company and an open mind. From the perfect theme to what food you should serve, these six tips will help ensure your tasting is a success. So grab a few bottles, invite some friends over and get to sipping!

1. Pre-Prep

Before your guests arrive decant any bold red wines that need air. You should also decide on what kind of aperitif you’re going to serve, a.k.a. the party starter wine. Make sure you have enough glassware to accommodate each guest and spit buckets for those who prefer not to get tipsy. It’s also a good idea to double up on bottles. A party with no wine is a dull one. So, don’t run out!

2. Choose a Theme

It could be a specific wine variety from different regions, a medley of dry white wines or rich bold reds, but each wine should connect in some way. Limit your selection to six different wines; you don’t want to overwhelm your guests (or their palate). It’s okay to mix reds and whites, but make sure you serve them in order from lightest to darkest.

3. Keep the Party Light

The best wine tastings are usually small and intimate. It’s a lot easier to pour to a smaller crowd and it’s much easier to actually engage in conversation with each other.

4. Set the Scene

Avoid scented décor that might interfere with the wines’ aromas and use a white table cloth; it’ll help show the color of each wine more clearly. If you’re feeling creative, customize your coasters to fit the theme. And don’t forget the music!

5. Prepare Snacks

You’ll also need a little something something to nibble on, so choose appetizers that are easy and won’t confuse the palate like crackers, cheese, fruit, bread and cured meats. Need more ideas? No worries, check out these essential wine pairings that will change your life!

6. Show Your Guests How to Taste

You got the hosting down, now it’s time to be the teacher! Demonstrate how to properly see, swirl, sniff, sip and savor. Bottom of Form

Give each guest a chance to take notes and share their thoughts with the group. Then, do it all again!

5 Essential Wine Pairing Rules That Will Change Your Life!

Please think outside the bottle! Play with new ideas to figure out what tickles your palate best. Get creative and let your imagination run free. There really are no food and wine pairing rules, only guidelines because there is a huge variation in personal preferences when it comes to flavors. What might seem like the “perfect pairing” to one person may be ordinary or not the bomb to another! Pairings should take into account the preferences of the individuals and the basic interactions of food and wine. 

The general rule of thumb when pairing wine with food is that white wine goes with fish, and red wine with red meat. If you’re a new drinker, then it’s not a bad rule to follow, but for (almost) every rule there are exceptions, especially in the culinary world.

So, here are some basic rules from a couple of vintners to help guide you along the way.

1) Sweetness in Food

So you know that champagne toast with your wedding cake you envisioned? BIG MISTAKE! Sweetness in food increases the perception of bitterness and alcohol in the wine and it decreases the body and fruitiness. The sweetness from the cake will make the dry champagne taste bitter and awful. Try a Sauternes desert wine instead. Its a sweet wine with great acidity that will compliment your cake perfectly!

2) Acidity in Food

The McBride Sisters have a serious problem when it comes to goat cheese … we eat absurd quantities because it’s so decadent and delicious. It happens to be quite acidic which increases the perception of body, sweetness and fruitiness of wine and decreases the perception of acidity. So what do you drink with it? Goat cheese pairs perfectly with the passion fruit, peach, gooseberry and grapefruit flavors of our Sauvignon Blanc (shameless plug). This is probably one of our favorite food and wine pairings

3) Salt in Food

Fried chicken and champagne are a match made in heaven! We believe that may actually be a quote in the bible (don’t hold us to that). The saltiness from the chicken increases the perception of body in the wine and decreases the perception of bitterness. The chicken makes the wine taste more fruity, rich and less acidic. This is one of those “drop the mic” pairings, that’s hard to beat.  

4) Bitterness in Food

The idea of wine and chocolate seem so right together (like your high school boyfriend), yet are so disastrously wrong (ditto). Bitterness increases bitterness in the wine. The sweetness of the chocolate intensifies the bitterness of the tannins and decreases the fruitiness and body of the red wine. So how do we solve this? Try peanut butter cups and a tawny port,  the creaminess and sugar from the peanut butter cups will mix perfectly with the berry flavors from the port. Just think peanut butter and jelly … bomb right?  

5) Chili Heat in Food

Trying to figure outa wine that would pair perfectly with a spicy Pad Thai? Chili heat increases the perception of bitterness, alcohol and acidity in wine and decreases the perception of body, richness, sweetness and fruitiness. This is a tough one, but Riesling has got you covered, no worries! All the great fruit flavors and a little sweetness from a nice off-dry Riesling is your answer and pairs perfectly. Add curries and anything else for that matter with chili spice onto your list of foods to pair with an off-dry Riesling.   

Now that you have the general guidelines, tell us…what are some of your favorite food and wine pairings?

Chardonnay vs. Sauvignon Blanc…

It’s hard to manage two BFF’s. Favor one more than the other and drama is guaranteed.  

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are a similar situation. It’s hard to say which we love more and no doubt are two of the most popular white wines in the world, with each wine taking on a different style and approach. Without playing favorites, here are our favorite styles and characteristics of each variety.  

Tropical fruit, rich, buttery and nutty  

Considered the “Queen” of white grape varieties, the style of Chardonnay we love is smooth and rich with dominating fruit flavors of apple, peach, melon and balanced with good citrus and acidity. Winemakers particularly love Chardonnay for its blank canvas quality, which is perfect for discovering new ways to deliver varying flavors and styles. It is one of the few white wines that age well in an oak barrel, which can add unique creamy, buttery, nutty, vanilla-like flavors. Though not as popular as the oaked version, unoaked Chardonnay is quickly developing a following amidst the Chard drinkers who prefer the wine’s more stripped-down crisp fruit driven characteristics (no oak), somewhat similar to a Sauvignon Blanc.

Still, regardless of different variations and styles, Chardonnay tends to be made in a bolder, richer style influenced by oak. The best and priciest come from Burgundy in France, in addition to more affordable and high quality options from Russian River and the Central Coast of California. Chardonnay pairs deliciously well with a wide assortment of foods, especially creamy dishes, soft cheeses, and richer fish such as salmon and swordfish.

...Or crisp, dry and zesty?

 By contrast, Sauvignon Blanc is more refreshing, higher in acidity and lighter than Chardonnay with aromatics ranging from fresh cut grass, gooseberry and grapefruit to fruitier notes of peach passion fruit and melon. Though some Sauvignon Blanc wines see the inside of an oak barrel, it’s less likely for it to have as strong of an oak influence as Chardonnay.

Sauvignon Blanc is produced in a variety of styles with the best made in Marlborough, New Zealand and Sancerre, in France. This wine is the perfect to enjoy underneath the sun, also making it a great choice for any barbecue. Because of its great citrus flavors, the wine pairs well with foods such as grilled summer vegetables, fish, seafood and sushi. It is also a great wine for green salads in vinaigrette dressing and other tart foods.

Whether you prefer the crispness of Sauvignon Blanc or the rich tropical taste of Chardonnay, both are exceptional white wines certainly worthy of a pour.

To learn more about our eco. love Sauvignon Blanc and Truvée Chardonnay; please visit the ‘Wine’ section of our website. Cheers!

7 Wines You Need To Know

The surprising thing about wine is that there are 1000’s of varieties, but only a few are grown commonly around the world. Whether you’re an expert or just beginning your journey, exploring different types of wine is an essential part of figuring out what you like. Let’s be honest, half the fun is in the drinking…ehem, learning right? So let’s take a look at seven common wines you need to know.

Cabernet Sauvignon --- one of the more popular full-bodied dry red wines recognized for its deep color, bold tannins, blackberry, blueberry and eucalyptus aromas. Cab is best enjoyed with a great lamb or beef dish, and is for the drinker who has a love for big substantial drinks e.g. Johnnie Walker Blue

Pinot Noir --- This is one of our favorite varieties, why you ask? It’s simple, this wine can be paired with nearly everything in perfect harmony. Its dry, medium body, medium tannins and has fruity aromas of black cherry, sweet spice and vanilla that WERK! Our eco.love Pinot Noir is our go-to, everyday drinking wine.

Syrah --- the red wine responsible for some of the darkest full-bodied dry red wines in the world and can also be found in our very own, Truvée Red Blend. Known for its blackberry, plum and peppery aromas and flavors, Syrah is a perfect accompaniment to smoked meats and pairs well with feta, white cheddar and Manchego cheese.

Zinfandel --- the most widely planted red grape variety in California and extremely popular amidst those who prefer a more fruit-forward, jammy style of wine with aromas and flavors of plums, blackberries and sweet spices.  Zinfandel pairs deliciously with spiced barbecue dishes and curry.

Chardonnay --- arguably the best old world white wine grape, this wine has a wide range of aromas and flavors from fresh citrus to peach, nectarine and melon. Depending on the winemakers style, there can also be strong oak and butter flavors to no oak at all. Our Truvée Chardonnay tends to be on the crisper side with aromas of peaches and nectarines and with some French oak barrel aging, that adds additional layers of creamy, nutty, vanilla and spice aromas and flavors. This style of wine can be paired with nearly every savoury dish you can imagine!

Sauvignon Blanc ---  This wine packs a punch, especially when made in New Zealand. The aromas are filled with layers of tropical fruit, citrus and floral aromas like our eco.love Sauvignon Blanc which showcases flavors of nectarines, peaches, passion fruit, and grapefruit with delicate floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom. This wine is like a cocktail, less the calories and perfect for happy hour, grilling season and of course shellfish and seafood.

Riesling --- a highly aromatic and fruity grape variety that produces wine known for its crisp aromas and sweet flavors. Our Riesling features floral scents on top of citrus, white peach, root ginger and spice flavors that can easily enhance the best fish or pork cuisine. But if you have something else in mind…go for it! Riesling is an extremely versatile and food-friendly wine.