The cranberry mimosa

The cranberry mimosa

Mother’s Day is a special occasion that allows us to celebrate and honor the amazing women in our lives. There are many ways to show appreciation for the special women but one option to consider is a delicious and refreshing cocktail. It’s a thoughtful gesture to treat your mom to something she’ll enjoy so this year, we’re introducing a new recipe that’s perfect for the occasion: the cranberry mimosa.

 

The cranberry mimosa is a twist on the classic mimosa, the popular brunch cocktail that’s typically made with orange juice and champagne. This version adds a festive touch with the addition of cranberry juice, making it a perfect option for this celebration.

 

To make this cocktail, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

 

  • 1 bottle of chilled sparkling wine or champagne
  • 1 cup of chilled cranberry juice
  • Fresh cranberries, for garnish
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

 

To start, fill a champagne flute about halfway with chilled cranberry juice. Then, top it off with your favorite Lebanese sparkling wine. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, and you’re all set.

 

Not only is the cranberry mimosa delicious and easy to make, but it’s also a beautiful and festive addition to any Mother’s Day brunch or celebration. Plus, the cranberries add a pop of color and a touch of tartness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sparkling wine.

 

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate your mom or any special women in your life this Mother’s Day, the cranberry mimosa is the perfect choice, the perfect treat, and is sure to impress.

 

So, go ahead and raise a glass to all the amazing moms out there – and cheers to a delicious and memorable Mother’s Day!

 

March 13, 2023
From Lebanese chocolate artisan: Hoda & Chocolat

From Lebanese chocolate artisan: Hoda & Chocolat

I grew up in an environment where pleasure and beauty combined with good food was the motto. Hoda & Chocolat’s story is a family story. It started in the eighties when my mom and dad decided to share with their family the delicious confectionary they enjoyed creating together.

While traveling for thirteen years in the business world, I kept being drawn towards the marvelous, delicious and artistic world of chocolate and sweets. I ended up giving into my passion and came back to Beirut in 2010 to be an active actor in my family ‘s heritage.

The “Chocolate World” just like the wine universe is an artistic philosophy in itself. It’s about senses, art, precision, balance, feelings and moods; but before going through the marriage of wine and chocolate, we ought to talk about chocolate.

Tasting chocolate engages your senses: first, the sight. A good chocolate should be shiny and glossy; and its color is a significant indicator of its quality. After the gentle touch of the delicate piece, comes the smell: just as is the case for wine, smelling chocolate is the next step toward discovering its aromas and characteristics. Depending on the chocolate you picked, you can enjoy scents of vanilla, caramel, smoked cocoa and so on…

Then, your sense of hearing is solicited: when you take a bite into a good plain tablet, it has to crack. If it doesn’t, then your chocolate contains butter other than cacao butter which is a sign of lower quality. (The French legislation for example requires chocolate to have 95% or more cacao butter to be sold on the national market.)

And finally, comes the taste and texture in the mouth: the chocolate has to melt in your mouth leaving a velvety sensation.

This is when you can start to savor the flavors, appreciate its intensity, balance, or subtle aromas. It should be rich intense with a perfect harmony of sweetness, bitterness and acidity.

In other words, chocolate tasting is a complex and fascinating experience. It requires a keen sense of taste and smell, as well as an understanding of the variety of factors that contribute to the flavor and quality of the chocolate. From evaluating the appearance and aroma to tasting the flavor and texture, the goal of a chocolate degustation is to identify the unique characteristics of each chocolate and determine the quality of the product. Whether you are a professional chocolatier, a chocolate lover or simply someone who enjoys good food, chocolate tasting is an experience that will never leave you indifferent.

As we just went over for chocolate, wine tasting also calls upon all your senses so imagine combining both together for a special tasting experience. It is a sophisticated experience, an explosion of senses, a marriage that brings out the unique flavors and aromas of each. The right combination magically balances the sweetness of the chocolate with the tannins and acidity of the wine, while enhancing the tastes of both at the same time. This type of tasting is increasingly popular as people tend to seek out new and unique food and drink experiences.

The best way to taste chocolate and wine is to take small bites and sips, allowing each flavor to fully develop on the palate before moving onto the next. It is important to note that the temperature of the chocolate and wine can greatly affect the taste and texture. It is therefore recommended to have both at room temperature.

When selecting chocolate for a dual tasting with wine, one has to consider the type and intensity of the chocolate. Dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids is often considered the best type of chocolate for wine tasting as it has a rich and intense flavor that can stand up to the bold flavors of red wines. Milk chocolate is typically considered a sweeter chocolate and is best paired with sweeter wines such as Moscato or Port.

Similarly, when selecting wine for a chocolate and wine tasting, it is important to consider the wine’s tannins, acidity, and sweetness levels. Tannins are a natural component of wine that give it its structure and flavor. Wines with high levels of tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, are often considered the best types of wine for chocolate and wine tastings as they can stand up to the rich flavor of dark chocolate.

Wines with high acidity levels, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, are also good choices for chocolate and wine tastings, as they help balance the sweetness of the chocolate.

Furthermore, the most joyful combination tastings start with lighter-bodied wines and chocolate and then move on to more full-bodied wines and chocolate. This offers a gradual progression in intensity and flavor, allowing each pairing to be fully appreciated. It is also recommended to taste each pairing on its own before moving on to the next in order to fully appreciate how flavors and aromas fully develop on the palate.

In conclusion, chocolate and wine tastings are a unique and sophisticated way to enjoy two of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a chocolate lover, a chocolate and wine tasting is sure to be a delightful and memorable experience for you.

In my view and beyond the fact that taste is very personal and subjective, it also depends on one’s mood or state of mind. So, I won’t go for big statements saying that such chocolate must absolutely go with this or that wine; when both are good quality, I would say follow your gut and take risks as there are great chances for you to be happily surprised.

Taste is a culture and we breed it. Chocolate and wine are art, and we discover them.

February 08, 2023
The proper steps to evaluate wine by the owner of Chateau Musar

The proper steps to evaluate wine by the owner of Chateau Musar

This is for all those who want to taste wine like a pro, develop their palate, and become refined experts.

After having had the pleasure of meeting up with Gaston Hochar in his winery Chateau Musar, we learned many tips on how to taste and evaluate a glass of wine like a specialist.

 

 

Learning how to do the latter can greatly enhance one’s appreciation and understanding of the beverage. Tasting wine is not just about identifying the flavors, but also about understanding the wine’s structure, balance, and overall quality. This knowledge can help you identify wines that you enjoy and make better-informed wine purchasing decisions.

It can also make social situations, such as dining at a restaurant, more enjoyable as you will be able to confidently order and appreciate the wines being served.

For those who work in the wine industry, understanding how to taste wine and evaluate it like an expert is essential for success. This knowledge can be used to create, market, and sell wine. It can also be used to provide professional recommendations, pairing suggestions, and wine education to others. Overall, mastering how to taste wine correctly is a necessary skill for anyone who wants to fully appreciate and understand its beauty along with its complexities.

Mr Hochar, owner and General Manager of Chateau Musar, walked us through the proper steps of tasting wine. According to him, having the ability to do it like a pro requires both knowledge and technique; things he has accumulated with years of experience. Here is the walk through to follow:

To start off, you must examine the wine’s appearance, noting the color and clarity. The color can indicate the wine’s age and variety, while the clarity can indicate if it has been filtered or if it has any sediment.

Firstly, look down into the glass to be able to view the wine’s entire color. Then, tilt your glass so that the wine rolls towards the rim providing you with more clues regarding its weight and age.

Next, you should give the wine a swirl (in a swift motion) to aerate it and release its aromas. Take a moment to take in the wine’s nose, or its bouquet, noting any primary and secondary aromas such as fruit, floral, and earthy scents.

Once you have a good sense of the wine’s aroma, take a sip and let it linger in your mouth to fully experience the taste, texture, and finish. By letting the wine cover all parts of your mouth, prior to swallowing it, you avoid missing any key element. Here, you should be paying attention to the wine’s acidity, tannins, and alcohol level, as well as any flavors or impressions you may have. The trick while you finally give it a taste is to inhale while doing so, in order to have a better encounter and understanding of the beverage in question.

Overall, the key to tasting wine like an expert is to approach it with an open mind, take your time, and use your senses to fully appreciate the complexity of the wine.

Following these steps will enable you to discern what you like, dislike, or appreciate in your wine. Taking your time to fully understand and recognize the components of each wine will help you articulate your feelings towards a certain blend and help you ultimately find your preferred type of wine.

Make sure to check out our Instagram for the full video of Mr Hochar demonstrating the step by step on how to do it!

February 02, 2023
Red wine and chestnuts: the perfect companion for a cold winter night

Red wine and chestnuts: the perfect companion for a cold winter night

Roasting chestnuts on an open fire has long been a beloved tradition, even a winter activity, that evokes both feelings of warmth and nostalgia. It is the heat from the fire and the aroma of the chestnuts that help us forget the cold weather outside. This, along with a glass of red wine, is the perfect combination that creates the cozy inviting atmosphere that everyone yearns for during the cold months. Whether enjoyed at home or at a cozy wine bar, wine and chestnuts are the ultimate comfort food to help you feel warm and happy.

 

Red wine and chestnuts make a perfect pairing as they complement each other’s flavors and textures. Chestnuts have a naturally sweet and nutty taste that pairs well with the tannins and fruitiness of a red wine. The earthly and slightly sweet flavor of chestnuts is particularly well-suited to bolder red wines such as Pinot Noir. A full-bodied red like a Syrah, with its rich and dark fruit flavors, can also be the perfect pair for chestnuts, as it offers a perfect balance of flavors on the palate. These distinct flavors work marvelously well together to create a harmonious culinary experience with their ability to bring warmth and comfort during the cold weather.

 

Chestnuts have a unique and delicious taste that are highly enjoyed on their own. Yet, they add depth and flavor when had with a glass of red wine. The variety of red Lebanese wines available, from bold and full-bodied to lighter and fruitier, allows for a culinary experience that can suit any palate and occasion and is most definitely the perfect way to warm up from the inside out.

 

When combined, red wine and chestnuts are the perfect pairing for a cold winter night. The pairing of both together is a classic and timeless combination that is sure to please.

 

https://www.209lebanesewine.com/collections/chestnut-and-wine

January 30, 2023
The blossoming popularity of avocados (paired with wine)

The blossoming popularity of avocados (paired with wine)

Avocado: Ripe and Ready
Wine: Light and high in acidity
Pair them together and enjoy the deliciousness they exude
The avocado is a very versatile fruit that is enjoyed in many forms, many dishes, and many ways. One way it is highly enjoyed is alongside a glass of wine. It is true that avocados do not have an overwhelming taste, however their subtle yet succulent flavor can be enhanced with the right wine. Given the fact that they have a rich creamy texture, they need a crisp wine that will cut through it and cleanse the palate.
What we suggest you do the next time you have an avocado is pouring yourself a glass of wine containing the following characteristics:
- Light-bodied
- High acidity
- Sweet
- Fruity or floral aromas
Here are some avocado-based dishes that are beautifully complemented with Lebanese wines:
- Smoked salmon and avocado/ Salmon tartar with avocado & Chardonnay
This dry white wine with its high-acid profile and citrusy floral aromas perfectly cuts through the texture of the dish to deliver the most perfect match of food and drink! Be sure to pop open a bottle of Chardonnay the next time you prepare this dish.
Find your selection here:
LATOURBA Chardonnay 2020
Reserve Ammiq Chardonnay 2020
Rowan Blanco Chardonnay 2020
Chateau St Thomas Chardonnay 2019
- Citrus avocado salad & Sauvignon Blanc
A dry white wine that is both fruity and bursting with fresh scents and aromas is the perfect combination to have with your citrus salad. This mix of zesty flavors calls for a palate celebration as the fruitiness comes through and the citrus notes get highlighted. To do so, grab a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and get ready for a ride!
Find your selection here:
Domaine Wardy Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Aurora Cuvee N Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Chateau Oumsiyat Sauvignon Blanc 2020
- The crowd favorite: Avocado toast with poached egg & Dry White Wine. First off, there’s nothing wrong with having a glass of wine with brunch. Second, the way to go here would be popping open a bottle of dry white wine. The crisp acidity of said wine is fresh, sweet, and pleasant which goes perfectly well with all egg-based dishes. The egg, avocado and chilled glass of white creates a flavorful experience that will leave you feeling both satiated and highly content.
Find your selection here:
Chateau St Thomas Obeidy 2020
Chateau Qanafar Blanc 2020
Chateau Oumsiyat Blanc de Blancs 2021
Chateau Kefraya Blanc de Blancs 2021
- Guacamole & Sparkling wine
The perfect dip for the perfect tortilla scoop, and accompanied by the perfect glass of Lebanese sparkling wine. The sparkle in your glass makes for a great party drink and is a great match to cut through the saltiness of the guacamole.
Bottle to try: Batroun Mountains Frizzante Sparkling White Wine 2021
- Quinoa Avocado Salad
Red wine is not to be forgotten here. Displaying red fruit notes, and spicy aromas; the reds are the way to go when combining with grains as it takes the simple dish to the next level. The flavors are quickly enhanced and made even more delicious with the red grapes.
Find your selection here:
Chateau Oumsiyat Grande Reserve 2018
Couvent Rouge Petit Red 2018
Domaine de Baal Petit Baal Red 2019
Iris Domain Red house wine 2015
- Avocado sushi rolls
With the avocado rolls, the rosé is the way to go! Rosé tends to be a great food wine and the pairing with avocado rolls is genuinely heavenly and is a great way to cleanse your palate in between your bites.
Find your selection here:
IXSIR Grande Reserve Rose 2021
Chateau Cana Les Cabires Rosé 2021
Chateau Trois Collines Pinot Noir Rosé Ample 2020
Terre Joie Aromatix Rose 2019
The addition of a light red, an acidic white, or a lovely rosé while you enjoy the benefits of an avocado is enough to highly elevate both your meal and your mood!
Pinot Noir: The ultimate holiday wine

Pinot Noir: The ultimate holiday wine

Pinot Noir has developed a huge fan base among avid wine lovers. In fact, beside it being one of the oldest grapes ever, it is also one of the most planted grapes in the world today.
Pinot Noir, literally translating to “black pine”, was named after the pinecone shape of the grape bunches. It originated in Burgundy, France but is now harvested in many countries around the world (that have the right climate) including our very own Lebanon! Indeed, many wineries produce Pinot Noir: in Batroun, in the Beqaa Valley, in Mount Lebanon and in Bhamdoun for instance.
It is a key variety in the wine world and is very versatile as a grape. While people tend to know the Pinot Noir to make the great reds, it is important to note that it also makes for delicious Rosé when the grapes are less ripe creating a fresh and crisp drink. It also has a lighter body, making it enjoyable for white wine lovers as well. Really, it has the ability to satisfy every and all wine drinkers!
Pinot Noir, due to its acidity, is perfect to pair with foods such as Turkey. This is what makes it the ultimate holiday wine as it flawlessly compliments Christmas dishes. It wonderfully mingles with the savory flavors of the bird and easily enhances our bites.
This holiday season, while you celebrate the festive occasions, have your taste buds celebrate the delicacies of such a pairing! Here’s a list of Pinot Noir wines or Christmas packsyou can purchase from our website to complete your dinner preparations:
Chateau Heritage Pinot Noir Duck Duo Christmas Pack 2021
Lebanon’s Bekaa Heritage Christmas Gift
Chateau Trois Collines Pinot Noir 2019
Rowan Domaine Pinot Noir 2019
Aurora Pinot Noir 2021
Reserve Ammiq Pinot Noir 2021
Chateau Cana Pinot Noir 2014
And Many More...
Enjoy your feast!
December 13, 2022
La Tourba: Le vin effervescent

La Tourba: Le vin effervescent

Sparkling wine is enjoyed around the world for its particular fizzy characteristic and celebratory feel. It’s a glass of bubbly that is usually shared amongst loved ones which only adds to the feel-good sentiment it already provides us!
 
La Tourba vineyard in our beautiful Bekaa Valley of Lebanon have excelled at making effervescent wine.  The process took several rounds and several years, but they were able to perfect it to the point where it has become a staple in Lebanese households.
 
The hard work, dedication and patience gave life to a sparkling 100% Chardonnay (The Unique bottle) and a 100% Pinot Noir Rosé sparkling wine (The Kristina bottle) using the Méthode Champenoise Traditional. The latter entails the secondary fermentation process to occur inside the bottle. Later, more time is spent on aging the dead yeast cells which transforms the aroma, flavor, and texture. The aging process lasts between 18 to 24 months depending on the wine.
 
These wines are a testament to the saying “Good things come to those who wait” since indeed, they always come out to be those delicious, palate-amusing, perfectly bubbly drinks!
Before the bottles are ready to be placed on shelves, there’s the disgorgement (when the yeast used to make the bubbles is removed from the bottle by method of freezing) and finally the dosage (when the final sugar levels of the wine is adjusted). Then, they get corked and are finally ready to go into the world!
 
It is only after all this that consumers get to pour the wine into a glass and relish in the tiny bubbles, enjoy the sensation of it and have their taste buds thank them for such a flavorful explosion!
Food and alcohol: a match made in heaven

Food and alcohol: a match made in heaven

It is no secret that washing down our food with some alcohol is one of the simple pleasures of life.
It adds a little “je ne sais quoi” to our culinary experiences as our palates are delighted with certain mixtures.
 
There are specific beverages that go with specific foods that take us on a unique adventure.
So, here’s a roadmap for the best combinations in order to reach the best flavorful occurrence.


food and alcohol
 
For starters, if you’re looking to jazz up your meal with some champagne; here are some foods that go amazingly well with it:
Oysters, Shellfish, Duck, Spicy foods and Soft and creamy cheeses like Goat Cheese or Halloumi

 

food and alcohol

 
If you’re less into the sparkling wine and usually opt for reds; here are some things to pair it with:
Steak ( a classic favorite, of course), Mushroom risotto, Pizza, Veal and Grilled pork

 

food and alcohol

 
For white lovers, here’s some food items you can indulge in along with your bottle:
Sushi, Poultry (chicken or turkey), Shrimp, crab, and lobster and Light salads

 

food and alcohol
 
Now, there’s a huge community of beer lovers in the world who enjoy the casual six-pack in front of the TV or by the beach while snacking on some chips or popcorn; but there’s more to just that!
Burgers, Chicken wings, Mexican food, Grilled cheese sandwiches, Barbecue and Sausages
Have a beer with any of the above-mentioned foods and we can guarantee that will it only better your meal!


food and alcohol
 
Now onto Vodka… Vodka on the rocks, vodka with a twist, vodka-based cocktail --- however you prefer to take it, it is undoubtedly a perfect accompaniment for the following dishes:
Russian Salad, Smoked fish of all kinds, Dried of smoked beef, Steak tartare and Creamy or salty cheeses

 

food and alcohol

 
Moving onto Whiskey now… Whiskey doesn’t have to be served only after food. Times have changed and people now enjoy sipping their drink along with some food! Here’s a list of some:
Focaccia bread, Dark Chocolate, Shrimp cocktail, Onion rings, Mini quiches and Liver pâté

 

food and alcohol

 
Now gin is popular with a variety of different food options ranging from Indian curries to charcuterie to berries! Pour yourself a Gin and Tonic next time and see for yourself!


food and alcohol
 
Finally, let’s discuss Rum! When you think Rum and food, your mind should automatically take you to Steak for starters! The grilled flavors of the meat along with the wood, caramel essence of the spirit is not something you want to miss out on. It also pairs perfectly well with your Mac and Cheese and really, any dessert at all!
 
We hope this blueprint will invite you to experiment more with alcohol and food and get your taste buds working!
October 13, 2022
Tags: FoodPairing
Your wine preference based on your coffee of choice!

Your wine preference based on your coffee of choice!

Choosing a wine can be a quite difficult task for many of us; we don’t know what to look for exactly or which characteristics or features would be to our liking. Since not everybody is a wine connoisseur and our ability to appreciate different flavors is defined by our palate, each one of us carries a different appreciation for taste.
 
Yet, it seems easier for us to pick out our favorite coffee to the point where it has become almost instinctive every time we order it or make it. There are attributes that are present in both wine and coffee that can help us discover our wine preference.
 
The attributes in question here are:
  • Aroma
  • Acidity
  • Body (how the drink feels inside your mouth)
 
And now… We’re going to take you on a journey to discover your favorite wine:
 
For those who enjoy a straight black coffee, you would like sharp wines that have notes of spiciness and acidity like a Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah or a Merlot.
 
If you’re a Latte or Cappuccino drinker, you should opt for softer wines with low bitterness such as Rosé or Pinot Noir.
 
Short, black and intense coffees like espressos or macchiatos call for bigger and bolder wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay.
 
Lastly, for those who enjoy the Chai Tea Latte; a more refined and elegant palate is at play here so good wines would be the Pinot Gris or the Viognier.
 
Coffee and Wines are similar; give this a try and see if you find your preference! 
Food pairing: Rosé and fresh cheese

Food pairing: Rosé and fresh cheese

Rosé and fresh cheese… once put together, form a beautiful and delicious bond one can’t get enough of. Almost everyone in the world knows this about the heavenly combination, right?
Now, imagine how true it rings in Lebanon specifically with all the amazing local produce we have.
 
The country’s beautiful landscapes and weather have allowed for the nicest wineries to bloom throughout the years, offering its people amazing Lebanese wines.
 
Whether it’s from the Beqaa Valleys or Mount Lebanon or wherever your preference is, any Lebanese rosé should be your #1 go-to when preparing your cheese wheels or your wine and cheese nights.
Food pairing: Rosé and fresh cheese
Food pairing: Rosé and fresh cheese
 
Here’s a few combinations we highly recommend;
  • Feta cheese provide richness that can handle the soft, berry fruit of a dry rosé.
  • Cheddar cheese needs a dry full-bodied Syrah Rosé wine to stand up to its intense personality.
  • Goat cheese is the obvious choice to eat with Cab Franc. The medium-high acidity in the wine goes well with the cheese. There’s good reason as to why they’re always paired together!
Food pairing Rose and Cheese
Food pairing: Rosé and fresh cheese
September 05, 2022