Wine Racks Blog

Can you believe 2009 is almost over? Soon it will be 2010. I’m excited about the new year, except I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to wear those New Year’s Eve glasses, where the lenses are the ‘00′ in the number. Oh well, times change! Whether you’re raising a glass of wine, champagne or milk - here’s a list of New Year’s toasts you can say:

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want. ~ Traditional Irish toast

Stir the eggnog, lift the toddy, Happy New Year, everybody. ~ Phyllis McGinley

Here’s to us all, God bless us every one! ~ from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Here’s a toast to the future, A toast to the past, And a toast to our friends, far and near. May the future be pleasant; The past a bright dream; May our friends remain faithful and dear. ~ Anonymous

Cheers to you, Cheers to me, Have a Happy New Year’s Eve!

Beaujolais Nouveau is the most famous of the vins de primeur – wines that are permitted to be sold the same year they are harvested. Released the third Thursday of November, the BoVo seems to go hand in hand with the holiday season. It’s a lighter, fruitier wine with very little tannins.

Now, I know the bum rap that Beaujolais Nouveau gets – it’s immature, just grape juice with alcohol - but I think it’s a guilty pleasure. It’s pretty inexpensive, and since it’s meant to be served slightly chilled along with food, I think it’s a great wine for impromptu winter dinners with friends. In fact, it doesn’t even need a dinner to go along with it! Just load up a serving cart with some good bread, cheeses and a bottle or two! It appeals to the part of me that likes to snack on leftovers directly from the refrigerator, with the door open. In pajamas.

Plus, Beajolais Nouveau is a great choice for when you’re making mulled or warmed spiced wine. Because of it’s light nature, it doesn’t take on that cloying quality that some hot wine drinks have. Try topping off your next party with a few rounds of warm BoVo! You and your guests are sure to be delighted.

Summertime can definitely be a little too warm for a hearty bordeaux or merlot, but just because the weather is warm doesn’t mean you have to give up on drinking wine.

A great summertime wine is Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio, when produced with a little love, can be an utterly charming wine! Unpretentious, with flavors of citrus and stone fruit, light floral notes, and a bracing minerality that just cries out to be enjoyed from your patio.

Pinot Grigio is the Italian name for the French grape Pinot Gris. It’s like a trip around Europe whenever you say it. It’s starting to gain a lot of popularity, and new vineyards devoted to Pinot Gris are popping up from New Zealand to Oregon.

You can find a lot of quality Pinot Grigio for under 15 dollars, which makes it great for BBQs or lazy summer afternoons. Pinot Grigio is best served chilled. If you just bought a bottle, and don’t have time to chill it in the refrigerator, there’s a solution! Take a look at the Vinotemp Electric Beverage Cooler! This easy to use wine cooler plugs into standard outlets and keeps wine, beer or soda at the perfect drinking temperature, between 28.4-46.4 degrees. Wheels make relocating a piece of cake! Two side shelves are great for setting drinks or cutting garnishes, and a hanging basket offers extra storage, perfect for bottle openers and accessories.

So, you’re all set! You’ve got the wine, you’ve got good friends, and good food. What more do you need for a perfect summer day! How’s your summer going? Let me know!