wine

Mulled Wine - Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

National Mulled Wine Day

Spec’sology Blog, Drink Recipes, Wine
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 sprea... 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
Top Winter Wines - Spec's Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods

Best Wines to Enjoy in Winter

Spec’sology Blog, 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 ot... Read More

6 Easter Spring Wines with Pairing Options

Entertain, Pairings, Spec’sology Blog, Wine
Easter dinner brings about the questions of what wine to pair with ham, or which one goes with lamb, or what pairs with both? Instead of trying to pair with the meal, what about pairing with the season?Thankfully it’s Spring, and that means Rosé is arriving fresh from the fields with its juicy zing that pairs perfectly well with ham and lamb, as well as lighter opening dishes. But it’s not just Rosé that can enliven your Easter dinner, as you’ll see we’ve provided several options that ... Read More

Best Organic Wines – Sommelier Tested, Mother Earth Approved

What makes a wine organic?An organic wine is made from grapes that are grown under the rules of organic farming, which usually means they don’t use artificial or chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides.It also has to do with added preservatives in the wine itself. The only effective preservatives that make the wine last longer are ‘non-organic’. The most widely used preservative is sulfur dioxide. The regulation of this varies by country. For example, wines made in the ... Read More
valentine's day gifts

Valentine’s Day 2019 Gift Guide

Spec’sology Blog, Gifts
Whether you’re a new couple full of swoon and lust or you’ve been together so long you finish each other’s sentences, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love of every kind. So, if you’re looking to add some vino to your vigor, we’ve got the gift guide to help you turn your flights of fancy into flights of wine for a delicious evening of spirited displays of devotion and delight!Capriccio Sweet Sparkling Nestled at the foot of the Andes and surrounded by distinctive landscape, the... Read More

Bordeaux for the Holidays!

Entertain
‘Tis the season…to have some great wine! (Specifically Bordeaux, if you’re like us.) Now, some of you out there reading this may already be familiar with Bordeaux, and if so, please do yourself a favor and go buy some more. You know you want to. This article is for those of you that want to try something new this holiday season. Here’s a quick rundown for you.  You like red blends? Bordeaux is for you, it’s one of the original red blends!  You like Caberne... Read More

Fall in Love with Bordeaux!

Entertain, Holidays, Wine

The cooler temperatures of Fall are upon us and that means it’s Wine Weather! And if you haven’t already heard, Bordeaux is the way to go. Take a look at our top 20 Bordeaux selections, all under $20, to expand your wine horizons and keep your wallet full.
Château Ampélia, Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux 2015
Owned and operated by François Despagne, of the famed Ch. Grand-Corbin-Despagne. The wines of Château Ampélia offer the freshness and mineral character that come from the li... Read More

Cheers to Bear Dalton’s Green Sangria!

Drink Recipes, Wine

Congratulations to Bear Dalton on his recent win for judges and peoples choice recipe at the 2016 Women of Wine Sangria Showdown! Want to celebrate with him? Well he happened to share his recipe…
GREEN SANGRIA

Ingredients:

Dow’s White Port
Minute Maid Lemonade
Schweppes Tonic
Lime Juice
Basil
Cilantro
Green Seedless Grapes, frozen
Red Seedless Grapes, frozen
Cantaloupe, cubed, lightly salted &  frozen

Directions
Chop approximately 2/3 cup of fresh basil
Chop approximately 2/3 cu... Read More