Mikaela Desmarais

Although "leftover wine" may be a whimsical idea to some, every once and a while after a birthday, a celebration, or a great wine sale, we may have one or more open bottles lying around that won't last forever. You can hear it - the bottles lifeline slowly ticking away... and of course, you don't want good wine to go to waste! Before you reach to pour that sad half drank bottle of red or white down the drain, reach for pots and pans instead. Here are our top recipes that use leftover wine.

Red - Drunken Pasta


Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large garlic clove, cut into 3 pieces

• 1/2 teaspoon red hot chili pepper

• 1-1/2 cups red wine

• 8 ounces spaghetti

• pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

• 1 tablesoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil.

1. In a large skillet, heat oil, garlic and chili pepper on low heat.  Gently cook about 5 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.  Remove the garlic and add the red wine. Increase the heat to medium.

1. Add pasta to boiling water and cook for only about 3 minutes.  Drain well and add to the skillet, tossing in the wine with tongs until wine is absorbed and pasta is cooked, about 2 more minutes.  Test pasta for doneness. Taste for salt and add what you feel it needs.  Toss with the cheese and parsley and serve.

White - White Wine Mushroom Bruschetta 

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 350 g mushrooms I used a mixture of white mushrooms and chestnut mushrooms, diced

• 2 cloves garlic minced

• 200 g halloumi cut into 1/2 cm slices

• inch Small baguette cut into around 9 x 1 slices

• 100 ml chardonnay

• 50 ml single cream

• 3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

• Salt

• Black pepper

Instructions

1. 
   
   Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, and add the mushrooms and garlic. Cook over a fairly low heat for 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are soft. Then add the white wine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for a further 5 minutes, until there isn't too much excess liquid left over.

1. 
   
   White the mushrooms are cooking, put the slices of halloumi in a single layer in a different, dry frying pan, and place over a medium heat. Cook for around 5 minutes - the halloumi will release some liquid, and once this liquid has cooked off, the cheese will begin to brown. When the underside is nice and golden, flip the halloumi slices over and repeat with the other side (note: this side will cook a lot more quickly than the first side!).

1. 
   
   Place the baguette slices on a baking tray and grill (broil) for a couple of minutes each side, until golden brown and crispy.

1. 
   
   When the white wine has cooked right down, add the cream, and cook for a couple more minutes until the sauce is thick. Add the fresh parsley, and season with a touch of salt and plenty of black pepper.

1. 
   
   To plate the bruschetta, add a slice of halloumi to each piece of baguette, and top with the mushroom mixture and extra fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Bubbly  - Sparkling Berry Chiffon



1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 eggs, whisked
2 cups mixed berries, such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries
½ cup confectioners' sugar
¼ cup moscato sparkling wine
1 ½ cups heavy cream

Instructions

1. Put a strainer over a glass bowl. Put the lemon zest and juice and the granulated sugar in a heavy bottom, non-reactive saucepan over high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low, making sure the mixture is below a simmer, and whisk in the butter and eggs. Cook, stirring regularly and taking care to keep it below a simmer, until thickened, 9 to 10 minutes. Strain into the glass bowl, press some plastic wrap on the surface and cool.

2. Meanwhile, combine the berries, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar and the sparkling wine in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate while the curd cools.

3. Whisk the cream and the remaining 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar together in a large bowl until thick and creamy and just under soft peaks. Fold the cream into the cooled lemon mixture. Transfer the chiffon to a pastry bag; snip off the tip of the bag.

4. Pipe some of the lemon chiffon into the bottoms of the wine glasses, then spoon in some berries with their juices; repeat, finishing with just a few berries on the tops. Serve immediately.

 

The time of being thankful, gathering with friends and stuffing our faces is almost upon us. Sure, Thanksgiving is fun, but it is also a lot of work. Knowing what to cook for all your guests, knowing how to entertain them, or trying to come up with new ideas of creative dishes and cocktails can all be daunting tasks. We want to cut out some of the work for you with some amazing, creative, and most importantly, delicious wine cocktails that will have your guests raving about them until the next Turkey. Be it an aperitif, a dinner cocktail or a nightcap, these drinks are proseccond to none.

Here are our top 3 cocktails to make this thanksgiving.

Spiced Pear Collins
A crisp and woody autumnal cocktail with a hint of sour effervescence.


Image and recipe from SAVEUR[/caption]

For the cocktail:
1 ¹⁄₂ oz. gin
1 ¹⁄₂ oz. pear purée (see below)
³⁄₄ oz. rosemary-clove simple syrup
³⁄₄ oz. lemon juice
Sparkling wine  - we recommend our Riondo prosecco
1 sprig rosemary, to garnish

For the pear puree:
2 pears, such as Bosch or Bartlett, peeled and pitted
1 1⁄2 oz. lemon juice
1 1⁄2 tsp. fresh rosemary
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup water
1 oz. whole cloves
3 sprigs rosemary

Instructions:

1. To make the pear purée: Slice the pears and combine with lemon juice and rosemary in a blender. Blend until smooth; gently strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve and discard any solids. You will have roughly 1 cup of purée. If not using right away, the purée can be frozen in an ice cube tray and then stored in an airtight contained in the freezer to be used for individual cocktails in the future.

1. To make the simple syrup: Combine the sugar, water, cloves, and rosemary in a saucepan over low heat. When it reaches a boil, remove from heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain into a jar and store in the refrigerator until use.

1. To make the cocktail: Combine the purée, syrup, lemon juice, and gin in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Pour into a High Ball or Rocks glass and top with a small splash of sparkling wine or soda water. Garnish with rosemary to serve.

 

Sparkling White Cranberry Sangria:
A fall twist on a summer classic.


Recipe and image from Kitchn[/caption]

Ingredients:
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup rum, like Selvarey or another high-quality white rum
1 cup diced red apple
1 cup diced green apple
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 bottle Chardonnay, un-oaked or lightly oaked, such as McGuigan Signature Chardonnay 
1 cup white cranberry juice, chilled
2 cups club soda, chilled
Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:
In a large pitcher, combine the sugar and rum and stir to dissolve. Add the apples, cranberries, Chardonnay, and white cranberry juice. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, add the club soda and stir to combine. Pour into ice-filled glasses and scoop in some of the fruit. Top each glass with a lemon twist.

Red Wine Hot Chocolate
There is no intro needed for this delicious night cap. Chocolate and red wine… what more could you ask for?


Image and recipe from Kitchn

Ingredients
5 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 quart (4 cups) whole milk
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups fruity red wine, such as Merlot, Shiraz, or Zinfandel - Try the Powder Keg Zinfandel
Cinnamon sticks and additional cocoa powder, for serving (optional)

Instructions
Whisk the chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon together in a large saucepan. Add the milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until hot and smooth, about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt.

Remove from the heat and add the wine. Divide among 8 small glasses or mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick and a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired, and serve.

BONUS COCKTAIL: Don’t have time to make your own creative cocktail? Try our Warm and Fuzzy Mulled Wine! Just heat, add a cinnamon stick and orange slice! We won’t tell anyone.


Image from Watchfit

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping on a Bordeaux, you know that you never indulge in the rich French blend just once. Perhaps it’s a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that called you back for that second glass, or maybe it was the sophisticated label that charmed your dinner guests, but either way, it’s an indulgence we love to take part in.

For those who may not know about these romantic blends, or for those who have not had the chance to say CabernYAY to these historic varietals, here’s three things to know before you’re next Bordeaux.

The price of your Bordeaux
Although many people associate the French Blend with a high price point, there are actually many Bordeaux wines that are priced anywhere from $15 and up. That being said, you will also find Bordeaux as expensive as $300 or more. The reason the prices differ so much are based on a few factors: where they are grown, the winemaking technique and the vintage. Yes, these wines do have a higher price point, but they are also globally known for their outstanding quality.

Choosing your Bordeaux
Another important thing to note about Bordeaux wines is that there are 5 grape varieties in common in red Bordeaux blends: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec. Before choosing your desired blend, there are two questions you must ask yourself when choosing a Bordeaux. Do I want to drink this now; Do I want to let it age? If you would like to drink the wine upon purchase, your best choice is to choose a Merlot blend as they are more accessible and easier to drink when young. If you are looking to expand your wine cellar and let the wine age, pick up a blend that has Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape variety. Due to the structured tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine can smooth out over time.

Serving your Bordeaux
Red blend Bordeaux wine is best served at around 18 degrees Celsius, so put the bottle in the fridge a few minutes before serving to bring it down from room temperature. Due to the richness of the Bordeaux blend, the best option is to serve it with a savory dish, such as steak frites, a Swiss cheese, or a mushroom casserole.

Feeling like venturing out into the Bordeaux world? Want an easy way to select our favourite Bordeaux wines? Check out our special Bordeaux release, on from Sept 29th until October 1st!

Our wine buyers have a tough job. They ensure our shelves (and more importantly your homes) are stocked with delicious, unique, and exclusive varietals from around the world. Putting a wine list together of over 4,000 wines is not an easy task, but someone has to do it!  Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a wine buyer? How they find the hidden gems in such a vast world of wine, how one gets into such a unique profession, or even how much wine you drink as a buyer? We sat down with our wine buyers to ask them these questions and more! 



Who are our buyers, and how long have they been here?
Dave Smith - I've been here since inception. Originally I was managing a wine store in Shaughnessy, and when our store was bought by Everything Wine, I was asked to come up with a wine list for our first store. A daunting task to pick out 3,000 or more wines, but I did it and it worked. Since then, I managed the North Vancouver store, and then moved to head office and became the director of buying.

Lisa Giovanella - I've been with the company for a little under 5 years. I started as a sales associate at our South Surrey location. I then became the events coordinator, supervisor and then moved into head office as an assistant buyer.

How did you get into wine buying?
DS: I fell into wine. I was a manager of a bar in Whistler, and was given the opportunity to take some courses. I chose wine courses. I took classes in Napa Valley - the teacher was so enthusiastic about wine, it made it hard not to fall in love with wine. The rest is history.

LG: By being in the stores and learning about wine through my multiple positions, I began to get really passionate about wine. The more I learnt, the more I wanted to learn.

How many wines do you taste on average each week?
DS: It varies week to week. Sometimes it can be as many as 40  or as little as 10. I would say on average we taste anywhere from 2,000 per year.



What is the difference between a sommelier and a wine buyer? 
LG: A sommelier works in a restaurant and curates a wine list and portfolio intended to be consumed in the restaurant. They are trained in food and wine pairing and do so for the dishes on the menu. It is more restaurant focused. As wine buyers, we do a very similar job, but through a retail perspective, rather than restaurant perspective.

Everything Wine serves people with a very diverse tastes and palates. What is the hardest part about buying wine for such a broad group of customers?
DS: It isn't hard - it's fun! As we have over 4,000 SKUS of wine, it isn't necessarily hard to cater to a diverse group of people with that type of inventory. We have so much variety, and so many options for people to choose from. The fun part is we can pick interesting wines with great stories.

LG: The hard part is selecting the wine, we turn down 90% of what we taste. That way customers don't have to wade through the wines that aren't as great, but rather select from a variety of wines we thought were perfect for Wine Wednesday or are cellar-worthy. Sometimes it can be challenging to find those hidden gems, but we always do!

Do BC wine consumers mimic global wine trends or are we a unique bunch?
DS: BC is very proud of what is produced in its backyard. We have a unique grouping of varietals that we love to drink. Sure, people will reach for new-age European wines, but we also tend to stick  to local wines.

How often do you find a new favourite wine?
LG: Daily, sometimes hourly.

DS: Every so often I have a moment where I taste a wine and think "that's off the charts!", that probably happens a couple dozen times a year. That being said, we taste so many incredible great value wines.

What is the most versatile wine? 
LG: Sparkling wine - it goes with breakfast, lunch and dinner!

DS: I like Riesling. It goes with a ton of food and is pretty diverse.

What do you love most about wine buying?
LG: The opportunity to taste thousands of wines a year. Every time we taste something we learn something new about wine in general.

DS: I agree with Lisa.  It is a very unique job. Not a lot of people get an opportunity to do it - to wade through the choices of wine and continually stoke the fire of why we love wine. There is always more to learn. Also a bonus, the people we get to meet and the places we get to see along the way.

What is in your wine cellar?
LG: The classics - Champagne, Burgundy or an aged Australian wine.

DS: I love wine from Rhone. Also Port, or Burgundy. I'd love to cellar more Reisling as well.

Ciao amici, Hello friends!



Our famous Belle Grove Shiraz and Chardonnay are a great price at $10.99. And a few times a year, we offer it for only $5.99! Now we know what you may be thinking, “A wine that’s sale priced at $5.99 – what’s that like?”, but inexpensive, however, does not always mean bad  – especially when it comes to the wine from the Spanish Hillside vineyards. Many wines from Europe are often less expensive (and  often  tastier) than wines from North America. Why, you may ask? Here’s the top four reasons why you shouldn't fear a budget-friendly Spanish wine!

1. There are perks to being an ‘Old World Wine’
   Old World Wines are wines that are primarily made in Europe, in regions that have a long history of wine-making. These wines are also made with much different practices than New World Wines, that come from hundreds of years of tradition. Unlike North American vineyards that have been open for ten or perhaps twenty years, many European vineyards have been around for centuries – passed on from generation to generation. This is a main perk of Old World Wines, and because of this family practice, many vineyards do not have a mortgage – meaning wines can be reasonably priced for the value of the wine, not the value of the wine + the value of the land. Another perk of working on an old vineyard – old grape vines.
   It may be a surprise that using old grape vines produce delicious grape varietals, but as the vines age and the roots go deeper they produce less grapes that have a more concentrated fruit flavour – creating wine that really packs a flavourful punch and doesn’t break the bank.

1. Wonderful Wine Weather
   Spain is 3^rd largest producer of grapes in the world, and to maintain this type of production the region heavily relies on the weather. Luckily, weather is Spain is far more reliable than the rest of Europe meaning they can maintain a certain level of production and more importantly maintain steady prices.

1. Europeans really love their wine
   The real secret to why European wines can be so affordable yet so delicious – Europeans love their wine, and they drink a lot of it! It is a daily ritual, be it at the end of a long work day, a celebratory glass of pinot, or just simply because it’s a Tuesday! It’s an everyday drink, not an indulgence. Because wine is in such high demand, the cost per bottle is much more affordable!

1. Lastly, our incredible buying team are constantly looking for the best-priced (and most delicious) Spanish wines!

So, to that point… let’s try some Spanish Wine!

The holiday season is here and we have the BEST selection of entertaining wines!

Each year we travel the globe in search of wines that are new and exciting, and we're quite excited with the selection we have in stock. In fact, we're happy to say that this year we have one of the most amazing selections that we've ever had! Here are a few our our favourites that we know you and your guests will love:

Il Padrino Pinot Grigio, Italy
One of our best-selling Pinot Grigio's is back by popular demand and is an exotic example of Pinot Grigio! Fresh clean nose of pear, green apple and white peaches. Coriander and lime notes with a crisp finish. It pairs well with youthful aperitifs, clams, mussels, pasta or risotto dishes. Stock up for all of your holiday entertaining today!

Castillo de Aguaron Cabernet Sauvignon, Spain
This is your go-to entertaining wine! This is a bright, intense Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon that is always a hit at the dinner parties or weddings! Definitely one to try for those new to Spanish wines. There are aromas of ripe dried fruit and rustic dark berries, followed by an intense, balanced and elegant long finish. Pair this up with a great big porterhouse, garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. A fantastic 'meat and potatoes' wine. We LOVE the 'old world style' label on this wine, and know you're going to love this Spanish Cab!

Miraflora Red Blend, Chile
The grapes for this particular wine were harvested from selected vineyards in Chile´s Central Valley. This valley is particularly characterized for having clearly defined seasons with cool, rainy winters and warm summers with high daytime temperatures moderated by cool nights. The grapes are able to ripen fully thanks to the excellent exposure to the sun, dry summers and a lack of rain at the time of harvest. Miraflora Red Wine has a ruby red color. It has aromas of red fruits, with notes of caramel and jam. It is a smooth wine on the palate with a light body. It is pleasant and easy to drink – a fantastic entertaining wine you and your guests will love. This Red Blend pairs well with pasta dishes, red meats and cheese platters. Try something new today!

McGuigan Signature Chardonnay, Australia
Brand new to our stores, this is a fantastic Chardonnay to serve to your guests this holiday season. Rich stone fruit aromas of apricot and white peach are a feature of this wine, nicely complemented with a touch of honey. This is a flavoursome wine with a soft, smooth creamy palate. It has the great sweet tropical fruit and melon flavours of chardonnay with a touch of caramel oak. The flavours integrate nicely in the mouth and result in a lingering clean finish. A versatile wine which makes a great accompaniment to most food, in particular cream based pasta and succulent roast chicken dishes.

McGuigan Signature Shiraz, Australia
The partner to the Chard, this Shiraz is entertaining wine in a glass! Fruit aromas of plum and blackberry are complemented by peppery spice and cinnamon undertones. The well balanced flavours flow through to the palate and come to life as the peppery spice is combined with the smooth plum and blackberry flavours. The firm tannins and influence of oak create good depth and great intensity of flavour. Matched perfectly with grilled or roasted red meat dishes and appetizers, or simply enjoyed on its own when seated fireside wrapped in cozy blanket.

Tierra de Antes Malbec 1.0L, Argentina
This Argentina Malbec is all about parties and entertaining with your family and friends! The grapes are hand-picked. Fermentation takes place in double-jackets stainless steel tanks for 9 days at 24/28'C. The wine is aged for 2 months in oak casks and an additional 3 months in the bottle. This Malbec is fresh and juicy with flavours of dark berries and finishes silky smooth. Enjoy this with medium cheese, grilled veal chops and rosemary roasted lamb. 33% more Malbec per bottles makes this the perfect party wine!

Cubo Seleccion Tempranillo, Spain
90 POINTS ROBER PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE – 2011 VINTAGE
One of our best-selling 90 point wines is back! As said on Robert Parkers Wine Advocate, the “2011 Cubo Seleccion is 100% Tempranillo aged in French and Bulgarian oak barrels for 11 months and 5 months in the bottle. Cedar, fragrant berries, and incense compose the bouquet of this tasty red. In the glass, a hint of milk chocolate adds a note of complexity. Smooth, savory, and well-balanced, it will deliver enjoyment for another 4-5 years.” Tempranillos are generally versatile when it comes to pairing with food and Cubo is no different – try a creamy mushroom risotto while you warm up in this chilly weather. Also delicious with hamburgers and steaks! This is a fantastic entertaining gift wine to take along to your next holiday party. But remember to pick up a couple of bottles for yourself, too!

Painter Bridge Chardonnay, California, USA
Exclusive to Everything Wine, the Painter Bridge Chardonnay is my pick for the California Chardonnay fan. Pale yellow in colour with attractive aromas of pear, apple and white flowers, with a touch of vanilla and honey. The aromas are echoed on the silky textured palate, which is cleansed with fresh acidity and richness. Enjoy as an aperitif or with your favourite pasta, chicken, or seafood dish.

Mirla Bay Pinot Noir, New Zealand
The Christmas season has a variety of elements to it, and one of the most important is finding that perfect Pinot to pair with your turkey dinner come Christmas day. Inspired by the Pacific Ocean that shrouds Mirla Bay with cooling mists, this Pinot Noir is bursting with fresh aromas of cherries and berries. The wine rolls over the palate with a wild berry swirl. Your go-to holiday Pinot to serve with chicken, turkey or pork!

Flock Red Blend, British Columbia
This is a fantastic BC VQA Red Blend that is only available at Everything Wine. Flock is a blend of Okanagan-grown red grapes that shows bright red berries and jam layered over subtle oak toastiness. Flock is a collection of wines sourcing the best Okanagan grapes from north to south. Delicate aromatic cool climate whites from the north and fruit forward, robust reds from the south. Crafted by Matt Dumayne at Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland, BC, this wine celebrates the diversity of our unique cool climate wine region. Flock was made to pair with a wide range of your favourite foods including anything barbequed, braised and roasted or simply to be sipped. A fantastic entertaining wine for the BC Wine fan. Try something new this holiday season!

Flock White Blend, British Columbia
Similar to the Red Blend, Flock White Blend is also a terrific BC VQA wine. It presents fresh, lifted aromatics of flowers and tropical fruit mingle with a lush fruit flavour while retaining delicacy and freshness. Made to pair with a wide variety of your favourite foods including grilled chicken, seafood and light pastas, this is a terrific entertaining wine to serve at any of you holiday gathers as your guests first arrive. It would also be a splendid dinner wine to serve at your Christmas dinners. Enjoy!

Santa Rita 120 Hero's Salute Red Blend, Chile
90 POINTS WINE + SPIRITS – 2013 VINTAGE
We’re so excited to have discovered this incredible entertaining wine, that is not only a new staff and customer favourite, but is the best-priced 90 point wine we’ve ever had! It’s an intense ruby-red coloured wine, with violet hues supplied by Carmenère. On the nose are intense aromas of red and black fruit elegantly intertwined with wood provided by Cabernet. On the palate it is a medium-bodied wine, soft tannins, and a long finish. Ideal to pair with pastas, soft cheese, and tender meats like chicken and veal. We know you’re going to love this amazing, award winning Chilean Red Blend this holiday season!

So there you have it - your holiday entertaining wine shopping list is now complete! Best of all, you can easily order all of these wines online today to either pick up at your local Everything Wine, or better yet, let us delivery to you. As always, we are pleased to be able to deliver to you ANYWHERE in BC. And this is just a small selection of the vast array of holiday entertaining wines currently in stock at Everything Wine. So what are you waiting for... check off another to-do from your list of holiday shopping and place an order today!

Wishing you and your family + friends a truly memorable holiday season filled with parties, laughter, and delicious wines to pair.
Cheers!
- Craig

Hi there! I'm a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my website. I live in Montreal, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin' caught in the rain.)

The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, and has been providing quality doohickeys to the public ever since. Located in Gotham City, XYZ employs over 2,000 people and does all kinds of awesome things for the Gotham community.