Spec’sology Blog - Wine

A key component to any satisfying summer is wine. Red, white, rosé, sparkling, box, bottle or can - summer is all about that wine! Wine is especially great when you can use it to whip up a refreshing cocktail, and that’s exactly what we’re going to show you how to do. Sure, you’ve probably had a spritzer and a sangria, so we’re going to give you a how-to on some rather unique wine cocktails that you’re sure to love! Star Gazer Ingredients 2 oz. chardonnay1 oz. dark rum½ oz. vanilla syrup1 oz. pineapple juice1 lime wedge Directions Fill a cocktail

Before we get started, the most important thing to remember for any pairing situation is to go with what you like. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says, if you enjoy it go for it! That being said, we’ve put together some general guidelines you’re totally free to ignore. If you don’t know much about cheese or wine, just remember to pair by flavor intensity - and keep in mind that age and intensity are directly related. Young fresh cheeses have a high water content and a milky and delicate texture. As the cheese ages, the moisture slowly evaporates leaving

Chardonnay is the number one white wine in the world. There are several reasons for this including the fact that the Chardonnay is a relatively low-maintenance vine that adapts to a wide variety of climates which results in high yields around the world. So, you can choose from the millions of bottles produced annually and get good one for $15 while also spending ten times as much for an elegant one. It’s the 5th most planted grape varietal in the world with over 30 different clones of Chardonnay producing wine. What Makes Chardonnay? Chardonnay the varietal is the result of

Whether you’ve got 5 bottles or 5 cases, knowing some wine storage basics will help keep your wines in good health during the hot summer months. Assuming you don’t have a personal wine cellar under your home, there are some easy tips to keep your wine fresh until you’re ready to indulge. First of all, we’re not talking about long-term wine storage as only a small percentage of fine wines on the market benefit from long-term aging. We’re more interested in keeping them drinkable for a few months at most. Let’s be honest, if you’re buying wine to keep as

Hooray, National Rosé Day! National Rosé Day is on June 13th this year and June is the perfect time to sip and celebrate this refreshing wine. Some facts about rosé: The pink shade of rosé wine depends on the amount of time the grape skins were in contact with the juice, also known as maceration. Rosé may be the oldest known type of wine, believed to have been created around 7000 BC with red and white wines coming a few thousand years later.Rosé is best consumed within 2-3 years of its release and not meant to be aged.Unlike Blush wines

Moscato, famous for its sweetness, is made from one of the oldest wine grapes in the world - Muscat Blanc. Typical Moscato flavors include: Meyer Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Pear, Orange Blossom, and Honeysuckle. But did you know that there are 5 types of Moscato wine? Sparkling & Semi - Sparkling Moscato - the most common type Still Moscato - made with Muscat Blanc grapes but also other Muscat varieties, like Muscat of Alexandria. Pink Moscato - made with mostly Muscat grapes and usually a dollop of Merlot to give it a ruby pink color and light strawberry taste. Red Moscato

We’d like to take a moment to raise a glass to you for doing your part to keep everyone safe! 6 weeks of social distancing and/or isolation is no easy feat so, thank you. This week we’ve got a rowdy Philly bar series, a classy (and a bit rowdy) NYC ad agency, and a Star Wars movie! So grab your shaker and a seat, and let’s kick this off! It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia • Hulu “Always Sunny”, as fans call it, follows "The Gang," the owners of the unsuccessful Paddy's Pub; a group of degenerates who love nothing more

We hope week 5 in our Sip & Stream series finds you well! This week we’re bringing back some old favorites and a new classic that’s sure to pass plenty of time. Downton Abbey • Amazon Prime A six-season period drama that focuses on the lives of the Crawleys, the aristocratic family who lives in Downton Abbey. The series takes as its starting point actual historical events, including the sinking of the Titanic, and the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, then filters them through the characters' reactions. The drama ensues as the characters try to navigate their rapidly changing, post-Edwardian world

Just when you thought you’d exhausted all possibilities for entertainment and started considering wallpapering the ceiling as a good use of your time - Spec’s is here to help you raise a glass and sit on your…couch. In case you missed week 1, Spec’s will be serving up streaming content recommendations paired with a beverage that matches the entertainment’s theme. So, without further ado, let’s get into week 2’s picks! The Stranger • Netflix Based on Harlan Coben's novel of the same name, the series follows Adam Price, who seems to be living the perfect life - two great sons,

New Year, New Wines and Pies! Could there be a more perfect union than wine and pie? The proper wine can turn a slice of pie into a transcendental experience. Pairing is key here as the wrong wine can overpower a sweet pie or just clash in the palate ruining both. Also, be careful with mixing lots of sugar and alcohol as there are rumors, not research, that an abundance of both can lead to quite the unpleasant hangover. But we assume you’re eating more than just pie and wine, so you should be fine. And if you are just

If mulled wine reminds you of Christmas in Europe, you’ve probably been to Europe during the holidays. Mulled wine has become an integral part of the winter holidays in the majority of European countries, each with their own unique take on the hot beverage. Mulled wine made its first appearance during the 2nd century at the hands of the Romans who would heat wine to protect their bodies against the cold winter. As they traveled and conquered much of Europe, their love of mulled wine spread with them across their empire. The current resurgence came in the 1890’s when wine

When it comes to cold weather drinking, folks usually think of hot beverages spiked with alcohol. When it comes to winter, however, it is wine’s time to shine. Unless you’re struggling to survive in a desolate tundra, a hot beverage may not be the best route for enjoying the evening. Curled up by a roaring fire, the last thing one might want is a hot drink that matches the heat pouring out of the hearth. When’s the last time you opted for a hot coco in the middle of summer? Wine, on the other hand, is the perfect complement to