Pairings

Summer Wine & Cheese Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Wine & Cheese Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Cheese, Pairings, Wine
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 d... Read More
Memorial Day Grill & Beer Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Grill & Chill Pairings – Memorial Day Cookout Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Pairings
When it comes to Memorial Day celebrations, we tend to think of firing up the grill and throwing a couple of extra delicious M’s in front of Mmmemorial. And for good reason; Memorial Day is the 2nd most popular day to cook up some backyard BBQ in America! (the first being Independence Day)Grilling up hotdogs and hamburgers is an American tradition, but what you wash it down with can make all the difference in the world. The right beer can elevate subtle flavors while the wrong one can diminish... Read More
Moscato Food Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Meals for Moscato – Moscato Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Pairings, Wine
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 typeStill Moscato – made with Muscat Blanc grapes but also other Muscat varieties, like Muscat of Alexandria.Pink Moscato – made with mostly Muscat ... Read More
Tv/Movie & Drink Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Sip & Stream Week 6

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Pairings, Spirits, Wine
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’... Read More
Sip & Stream - TV, Movie & Drink Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Sip & Stream Week 5

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Pairings, Spirits, Wine
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 PrimeA 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 ch... Read More
Tv/Movie & Drink Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Sip & Stream – Week 4

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Pairings, Spirits
We’ve got some real cinematic treats in week 4 of our Sip & Stream series!The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel • Amazon PrimeIt’s the late 1950s and Miriam “Midge” Maisel has everything she has ever wanted — the perfect husband, two kids and an elegant apartment on New York’s Upper West Side. Her seemingly idyllic life takes a surprising turn when she discovers she’s been suppressing a hidden talent — stand-up comedy.Pair it with: Cocktails from the 1950’sRum... Read More
Sip & Stream - TV, Movie & Drink Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Sip & Stream – Week Three

Spec’sology Blog, Beer, Drink Recipes, Pairings, Spirits
Here we are in week 3 of Spec’s Sip & Stream pairing suggestions, and we’re still finding things to watch. It really is amazing how much entertainment is at our fingertips in this digital age of convenience! Anyway, let’s get to mixing up some deliciousness.Castle Rock • HuluThe Stephen King multiverse is the setting for this psychological horror series that takes place in Castle Rock, Maine, which is a location familiar to fans of King’s work. An anonymous phone call lures dea... Read More
Tv/Movie & Drink Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Sip & Stream – Week Two

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Pairings, Spirits, Wine
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 • NetflixBased on Harlan Coben’s novel... Read More
Sip & Stream - TV, Movie & Drink Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Sip & Stream – Week One

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Entertain, Pairings
Soooo, here we are stuck at home wondering how to keep ourselves entertained.…running out of ideas already? Luckily for you we’ve put together beverage and boredom pairings to keep you entertained. We’re pairing the latest, trending shows and movies with themed drinks so you can get your social on without leaving the couch.Love is Blind • NetflixLove is Blind is the ultimate combination of social distancing meets the dating game. According to Netflix – “Nick and Vanessa Lachey ho... Read More
National Pi Day - Wine and Pie Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Pairings As Easy As Pie

Spec’sology Blog, Pairings, Wine
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 f... Read More
Wine & Chocolate Pairings - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

Divine Chocolate & Wine: Sweet Valentine’s Day Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Gifts, Holidays, Pairings
Your significant other isn’t the only thing that can sweep you off your feet this Valentine’s Day! Chocolate and wine have been having a discreet love affair for centuries and we think you should get in on the action. If paired correctly, chocolate and wine can be the ultimate power couple. Check out our pairing list and get ready to indulge!Chocolate & Sea Salt + VerdejoWhite wine goes wonderfully with salty foods and the combination of this Spanish Verdejo with a sea salt milk chocolat... Read More
Cigar & Spirit Pairings, Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer foods

Easy Cigar & Spirit Pairings

Spec’sology Blog, Entertain, Pairings, Spirits
“Shall we retire to the study for cigars and brandy?” You’ve heard this before in a movie and they always make it sound so relaxing, but what happens if you have no idea what you’re doing when it comes to pairing a cigar with a fine spirit? Well, you either get it wrong and everyone notices, or you get it right and everyone notices. Either way, people are going to find out whether you know what you’re doing or not and, depending on the company, judge you accordingly.  So, instead ... Read More