The definition of decanting is simply, moving the wine from one container to another. There are a number of reasons for doing this.
The first is to separate any sediment in the bottle from the wine. Any sediment left in the bottle will tend to give the wine an astringent, bitter flavor. This is especially true of older wines. Wines over ten years in age will have an excess of sediment.
The second reason is to create a swirling effect to expose the wine to oxygen. This enables the wine to be exposed to air and allow the tannins to be broken up and make the wine more”lively”. It also releases the aroma of the wine.
For new wines, the process is easy. Put the bottle in an upright position for a few days allowing any sediment to settle and pour it into a decanter-a glass receptacle. Even with a new wine, the longer it is exposed the better the taste and aroma will be. New wines benefit more because the process of aging has not had time to take effect.
Because of the aging effect, older wines do not need to be overexposed to oxygen and could be ruined. Older wines- depending on the type of wine-should be consumed immediately after decanting.
If you do not have time to let the wine sit for a few days, you can hold the bottle in front of a flame so that you can see the sediment and stop poring. Always wipe the neck of the bottle to remove any extra sediment. What is left may be strained into a separate container.
Clear crystal with no pattern is a good choice for decanters. Make sure they are clean and free of any wine residue. Do not use soap and clean after use with crushed ice and coarse salt.
References: NY Magazine & Cellar Raiders
As hard as it is to imagine; there are only 33 days left of the year 2012 and already the trends have begun in the wedding industry for 2013.
If you are in the process of planning a 2013 wedding or perhaps are anxiously waiting for that special gift this Christmas and the plans have already begun before the ring… take a look at these fabulous trends for 2013. I can assure you they will get the wheels turning to make your wedding day a spectacular event.
1. PATTERNS, GINGHAM, AND LACE OH MY!
Incorporating patterns, lace and bold prints will be the hot trend for 2013. Do not be surprised to see more gingham; polka dots and lace shape the table settings, bridesmaids’ dresses, and even the ties on the groom and his groomsmen.
- Virtual Guests – Technology continues to trend…
Many may be surprised that the virtual-streaming of weddings are going to be a wide spread epidemic in 2013 with the advancement of technology. There are always battles in our lives where some of the most important people in our families are unable to attend the wedding. With the opportunities of the internet; brides and grooms will be bringing the wedding to those that are unable to attend via Skype and live streaming of the wedding.
Not only is the live streaming available, there are now several applications for cell phones to become wedding cams… ditch those disposal cameras on your dining tables and have your guests download the wedding application.
- Localized Weddings
The trend continues in 2013 for brides and grooms to really want to customize their wedding to their home town. More weddings will want to incorporate local brewed beers and local wines as well capture the local farms in their menu selections. This is a great way to make your guests feel part of the home that you are so proud of.
- Mini Menus
The trend started slowly in 2012 with the idea of mini menus for your appetizers, desserts and even late night snacks for your guests and continues to be popular in 2013. Mini menus that will continue to soar include late night snacks of mini sliders, French fries and mini milk shakes; to the s’mores bar; to even the multiple mini individual cakes for your guests. If you go with this trend, just make sure to ask your caterer to order enough to go around to all your guests!
- “Lounge Space”
Another trend that started to rise in 2012 that will continue to soar in 2013 is the “lounge space” for your guests. This is the groom’s ideal spot for the night because it is a place to sit and socialize and relax while not having to dance or stand the entire night. This gives guests the opportunity to take a break from the dining tables and engage in conversation in a comfortable atmosphere.
FALL is here! This happens to be my favorite season of the year, followed closely by Spring. When fall comes the sun is still hot yet, the air is cool. The breeze is refreshing with a lot less humidity than the summer months. All around us you can see things happening. Not only does the grass start growing from it’s dormant stages again, but the leaves change to beautiful colors, the autumn harvest vegetables are plentiful and the wildlife is planning for the winter.
The region around Bridgeville is just amazing when it comes to fall. The Apple orchards, right up the road, are ready for picking (you can even do self pick)! Growing up my family used to go to the farm and pick apples then come home and make applesauce – usually enough to last the whole winter. We also have locally grown pumpkins arriving through the fall season, another family fun idea to is go pumpkin picking. Last year when my family went we saw many Heritage Shores Residents doing the same thing.
Lastly, the fall leaves always leave an impression on me. I’m always amazed at how they can be so vibrant in color, from bright reds to bright yellows and oranges. If you check out www.visitdelaware.com you can find many trails and “off the beaten path” routes to catch the spectacular views, find the perfect farm to pick apples or pumpkins, maybe even grab a hay ride!
Happy Fall!
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Color Combos
It appears that a few questions always follow once you have become engaged which include:
1. What is the date you have selected?
2. What are your wedding colors?
For some reason everyone wants to know what wedding colors you have chosen. The wedding colors have become one of the most popular topics of conversation for weddings and it one of the most important decisions in the wedding planning process.
The most recent trend seems to be thinking “outside of the box” when it comes to colors. Brides are really trying to push the envelope and go for the bright and bold color scheme. This is a great way to make a statement and customize your wedding to your personality but it is also extremely important to pick the perfect wedding combo.
The following are some perfect wedding color combos this year:
Aqua & Chartreuse Garnet & Tangerine
Lavendar, Cream & Chocolate Fuchsia & Navy
Lemon & Celadon
Come on……..
Its wine it’s supposed to be FUN!!!
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Pouring Wine: Be sure to only pour about ¼ of a glassful. Give it a good swirl.
Color and Appearance: Note the overall color, the depth or opacity of the color and the clarity.
Wine Aroma or “The Nose”: Take a good “whiff” of the wine (don’t be afraid put your nose right in there). Start by naming the fruit aromas next try describe the other aromas as in earth, wood, smoke, etc. Does it entice you to take sip?
Wine flavor or “The Mouth”: Take a sip….let it linger in your mouth. Is it sweet or dry, is it light bodied or a BIG full bodied wine. Are the noticeable tannins (the drying, astringent feeling you get in your mouth)
Finish: Pay attention once you have swallowed. Does it linger attractively on your palate or does the flavor die away quickly.