Time to celebrate May Day is coming! Can you think of a better occasion to party than to celebrate the end of winter and the start of summer times? (Almost) everywhere else in Europe, people have a bank holiday on the 8th of May to see military demonstrations, commemorating the liberation. Great ? but isn?t it better to have a spectacular free first Monday of May, (this year, the 5th), and dance and drink good wine for mother earth instead of sleeping in front of a tank?

This happened for some of us too thou, in Scotland, where people have been asked to commemorate the liberation once, in 1995. Good! Once is ok. Now, lets look at our childern dance maypole, while we can  “Morris dance?, make floral garlands, having fun and drink good wines !

Here is a good selection for you to enjoy you day off properly:

 5. Monte Real Reserva 2007

Monte Real Reserva 2007

Monte Real Reserva 2007

 4. Château Haut Marbuzet 2006

Château Haut Marbuzet 2006

Château Haut Marbuzet 2006

3. Alión 2009

Alión 2009

Alión 2009

2. Borsao Selección 2012

Borsao Selección 2012

Borsao Selección 2012

1. Chateau de Selle Rosé Coeur de Grain 2012

Chateau de Selle Rosé Coeur de Grain 2012

Chateau de Selle Rosé Coeur de Grain 2012

On several occasions, we have presented the benefits of wine on health. The wine is good for your health, but only if consumed moderately, and included in a varied diet as the traditional Mediterranean diet. This time, a new research by the Universities of Brock and McMaster in Ontario (Canada) reveals that the white and red wines could also stop the spread of lung cancer. Red wine is supposed to be more effective against the disease.

Canadian scientists have found some evidences. But the study is still at a preliminary stage. The evidence shows that the two types of wine have an effect on cancer cells. But it is the phenolic content that seems to be the key to greater efficiency. Red therefore appear more effective than white varieties.

So far, there seems to be evidence that red wine has beneficial effects on health problems such as obesity and heart disease, but the progress made by Brock and McMaster can be a giant step in the fight against the malignant lung tumors. And who knows if it does not work against other cancers?

Currently, the research (forthcoming in the prestigious Cancer Cell International) is limited to exposing cultures of cancer cells grown in the laboratory, but if the results are confirmed, it is expected to plan a new round of research with laboratory mice. The doses used are those which correspond to moderate wine consumption. 1 or 2 drinks per day, to see if the wine actually has an effect on slowing the growth of cancer cells. If this is the case, then scientists will return in a more advanced phase of clinical experiments.

Today we recommend you:

Mcguigan Estate Shiraz 2012

Mcguigan Estate Shiraz 2012

Zandvliet Shiraz 2009

Zandvliet Shiraz 2009

American bourbon, american whiskey or simply bourbon, it is a drink that comes in the category of distillates and is considered as a part of the whiskeys family. This is a very aromatic beverage with a hint of caramel flavor, which makes it easily distinguishable from Scotch or English whiskey.

Under U.S. law, the American whiskey label is only applicable on drinks prepared with corn at 50 % to 70 %. The rest is filled with wheat, barley or malted rye. Aging is usually only two years, and may spend about 5 years in oak barrels.

The history of American bourbon

The history of American bourbon goes with American history. It all began in 1774 in the village of Fort Harrod (now Harrodsburg – Kentucky) , the inhabitants of this village have started planting corn fields. Crops have been so good that they had surplus. It is at this moment that they began the development the Bourbon.

1977

From 1777, the National Congress headed by George Washington established the famous stars and stripes flag. They asked for more alcohol to their armies. The first commercial distillery appears in 1783 in the city of Louisville – Kentucky, owned by Evan Williams. Two years later, in 1785, the country’s authorities are beginning to encourage the development of American bourbon.

The Governor of Virginia Thomas Jefferson, offered 15 acres of land for planting corn to those who wanted to settle in Kentucky (the area was inhabited by Indians). Many people came and began to cultivate maize. The results were way higher than that needed for a family; they started making bourbon, which quickly became popular.

Bourbon name is of French origin. The French had played an important role in the War of Independence. In honor of the French royal family, the Bourbons and the King of France Louis XV, part of Kentucky was named Bourbon. The drink then took the name of the place where it was produced.

The Congress of the United States, in a resolution adopted in 1964 declared bourbon as a distinctive product of the United States. The official name became Bourbon Whiskey. Another story says that the creator of this drink was the Baptist minister Elijah Craig, but it is without historical documentation.

You want to taste this American drink? We recommend some of the top rated:

• Maker’s Mark Bourbon 6 Years: A balanced and easy to drink bourbon. It has the aroma and slightly sweet taste of caramel, very tasty.
• Bourbon 12 Years Old Virginia: The aging is present. In addition to the typical aroma of bourbon, you can add the coal, and leather, which comes from its development in barrels. Beautiful.
• Wild Turkey Bourbon: One of the more traditional bourbon. Developed in Kentucky, the birthplace of Bourbon. This is probably the most popular Bourbon and most consumed in the United States. A reference.

Which one do you prefer? How do you drink it? “On the Rocks” ? Plane?

Breaded Artichokes with Spanish sauce are part of Spanish cuisine. This simple dish is very healthy and it?s easy to cook for 4 people. Ideal to have in mind when making a family lunch.

Furthermore, artichokes are famous for the fibers, carbohydrates and protein they provide. It is highly digestive, so it works as an alternative treatment for diseases such as rheumatism, and problem of problems gallbladder stones.

Ingredients:

• 12 Artichokes
• 1 Carrot
• 1 onion
• 1 Leek
• Half a glass of red wine, a fruity young red wine like Cariñena wine
• 30 grams of flour
• 600 ml of beef broth
• Water
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Parsley
• I beaten egg 

Preparation

Step 1:
To prepare the Spanish sauce you must chop the onion, leek and carrot and put it to fry in a pan with olive oil.

Step 2:
Season, add the flour. Then pour the wine, you make it boil to get the alcohol to evaporate and then add the beef broth gradually, stirring constantly.

Step 3:
Add salt and cook everything prepared before for about 30 minutes over medium heat.

Step 4:
Triturated in a blender, strain your Spanish sauce and reserve to continue.

Step 5:
Peel the artichokes, and cook in a pan with water, salt and a few sprigs of parsley for 10 or 12 minutes. Now drain and leave them to warm.

Step 6:
Remove surface leaves of the artichokes and cut them in half, then season them to finally pass them in flour and beaten egg with salt and fry in a pan with hot oil.

Step 7:
Drain artichokes dipped in a plate with paper towels and place on a dish and prepare to serve.

Step 8:
Serve the Spanish sauce in a bowl and place the artichokes on top, you can decorate with some parsley leaves chopped very small.

And to drink with it? Today we recommend:

Sandeman Armada Cream

Sandeman Armada Cream

Azpilicueta Reserva 2007

Azpilicueta Reserva 2007

Saint George’s Day (the patron saint of England) is an important day in England. And even if it?s not an official national holiday, and if this year Saint George’s Day will be a Thursday, it does not prevent you from having a good time!

Many pubs will show the flags and garlands of St George?s crosses. Inside, customers will be singing the National Anthem (God Save the Queen). You may choose to go to the pub, but you can also prefer to have a more intimate celebration with family and friends, at home. Here are some typical English drinks that you may serve for your little party:

Pimm?s 

Pimm?s is a very famous liqueur in England. Pimm was the son of a farmer who bought a bar in London and started to serve a very special drink in order to facilitate the digestion of its customers. He invented such a good recipe and it received so enthusiastic return that he began a large-scale production in 1851.

Whisky:

The first written mention of Scotch dates back to 1495. But historians believe that Whisky has been distilled in Scotland for hundreds of years, long before that. Today, whisky in general is an absolute classic in England, and is one of the most sold drinks in bars and pubs.

Beer:

How can we talk about English drinks without mentioning the beer, one of the oldest beverages produced by humans, with references dating back to the 5th millennium BC? But it is definitely in England that its contemporary?s roots can be found. It is the first alcoholic drink to be produced in Britain. You may find bitter, brown ale and stout beer. Choose your favorite!

Cider:

In England, cider has the highest per capita consumption in the world. Its production and consumption is not reserved to England, of course. In fact, cider is mostly associated with the West Country, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Still, it is a very popular drink in the hall country.

Of course, don?t forget to eat while drinking! You might accompany your great drinks with typical English drinks like English breakfast, Roast Beef, Yorkshire Puddings and a Cream Tea before bed!

Want some recommendation to buy typical English drinks? Here they are:

Sidra Tareco Natural 75cl

Sidra Tareco Natural 75cl

Brahma

Brahma

The hair loss problem worries many people. Yet research on the subject has just done a nice surprise to many wine lovers. Scientists have discovered that drinking two glasses of wine a day makes hair grow.

This news had already been assumed ten years ago, while students thought they had found wine by analyzing traces of eighteenth century alchemist?s potions to grow hair.

During all these years they have worked with patients reporting significant hair loss. They administered them a particular quantity of wine. A deluxe treatment, especially if it?s free! By cons, studies show that for best results, one should not choose any wine nor any quantities.

Red wines promote the growth of a good amount of hair and of considerable thickness, especially red wines from Ribera de Duero and some Australian wines. In contrast, only a slight down for German white wines, and nothing for French white wines of Bordeaux. The cause: certain chemical components of the soil in which the vine grows. By blending these elements with vine, a chemical reaction starts and promotes significant irrigation in the region.

The problem: To be able to grow hair, bottles must have spent many years in the cellar and be in good condition. So if we want to have a lot of hair, we have to invest. Also, drink only two glasses a day, the first on an empty stomach and the other after eating salty foods.

We expect the final list of wines that grow hair. But we can say without too much risk that Spanish wines will be in it! Good reasons for not “pulling out hair!”

Need 2 wines for baldness? Here they are:

Westend Pokerface Cabernet / Merlot 2011

Westend Pokerface Cabernet / Merlot 2011

Château Romassan “rouge Reserve” Domaines Ott 2009

Château Romassan “rouge Reserve” Domaines Ott 2009

It would be a mistake to say that every great wine have a great label. Also, a flashy label doesn?t certify the quality of the drink. However, an innovative label can lead you to try some new and interesting options you wouldn?t have thought of.

Casei de Advocatura Wine (Lawyer?s house): This wine has a grey label simulating a pinstripe suit with a striking red scarf, creating a sober and elegant style. An ideal gift for your family lawyer.

Advine: Advine is a brand of Australian wine that offers a great Shiraz. The label represents a lovely oil painting with floral details. It is supposed to reflect the Dutch heritage of Andrew Leembruggen, a great winemaker.

The Argonaut, 8 arms (original photo): This wine label is probably one of my favorites. It represents an octopus on a white background. It is a reference to the Aristotle’s theory: He claimed that the female octopus travels in his shell and uses its 8 arms to paddle and move.

Csetvei Winery: Designed by Kira Koroknai, this label is a minimalist way of underlining the Winery Csetvei strong taste. It is easy to admire this wavy black and white lines.

Vi Novell 2012: Both for meat lovers and for those who feel overwhelmed with the theme of marriage, this design will be attractive. The label represents several strips of bacon surrounding the body of the bottle. The Celler el Masroig is already known for the originality of the label they create.

Bitch Fest Student Spotlight: The Bitch Fest is an ideal wine to enjoy spontaneous. The design of the label requires to spin the bottle in order to clearly read the white letters.

Torello Malvarel-I 2012: Its label refers to the production process: from the vines selection to the bottling machine through the torelló with creativity.

Minima Moralia: Brandient is the creator of this wine. It came from Singapore and is available in 6 different mixtures, every one of them having an original and artistic black and white photography design.

Today I will recommend 2 wines, will you chose them according to the label? 

Zandvliet Shiraz 2009

Zandvliet Shiraz 2009

Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap Cabernet Franc 2009

Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap Cabernet Franc 2009

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced with the Champagne method. It has an appellation of origin from the Champagne region in France.

The champagne is usually white, but it is also pink, made from different types of grapes, red for most. Most of the time, Champagne is associated with special celebrations like weddings, award ceremonies, or the feast of the New Year.

Regarding the champagne method, there are two fermentation steps: first in tanks and the second in bottle. To restart fermentation sugar is added during the second step and if necessary, yeast. Cocktails based on Champagne have the charm and elegance of this drink mixed with the delight of novelty.

Among the most popular cocktails with champagne, you can find:

Strawberry Champagne Mojito

Strawberry Champagne Mojito is a colorful fusion of citrus and strawberries, mint and sugar syrup with champagne.

Ingredients:

Two or three strawberries
Mint leaves
Few drops of simple syrup
Champagne

Preparation:

Serve very cold champagne with the other ingredients chopped to release their juice.

Mimosa

This is probably the most famous champagne cocktail, it is very easy to prepare and has a delicate flavor.

Ingredients:

Orange juice
Champagne

Preparation:

Fill 1/ 3 of a large glass of orange juice and the rest with champagne.

Rossini

Rossini is made with strawberries and champagne. This cocktail is a favorite for Valentine’s Day and romantic occasions worldwide.

Ingredients:

Two or three strawberries
Champagne

Preparation:

Serve very cold champagne with the other ingredients chopped to release their juice.

8 Hours

8 Hours cocktail is an interesting mix of Angostura bitters, cranberry juice and Champagne.

Ingredients:

Two or three strawberries
Third cranberry juice
2/3 Champagne

Preparation:

Champagne served very cold, and the other ingredients in the proportions indicated. Finish with a few drops of Angostura.

Many reasons to enjoy a champagne cocktail! This is especially a good excuse to open a bottle of this delicious drink…

Today we recommend you:

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve

Prosecco is a sparkling wine from Italy, which generally can be dry or extra dry, produced from grapes Glera Prosecco or white wine.

Glera or Prosecco grapes are grown in different regions of Italy, but to be used in this drink, they must come from the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto. These grapes are grown in other parts of the world such as Brazil, but the wines produced from these grapes can not be called prosecco.

Prosecco is known to be one of the main ingredients of Bellini, and some people use it as a cheap and excellent quality substitute to champagne.

In the 1960s, the prosecco was so soft that it was difficult to distinguish it from Asti Spumante produced in Piedmont, but gradually the production techniques have evolved and with them, the quality of prosecco we currently consume.

Unlike the Champenoise method for champagne, for prosecco, according to the Charmat or the Italian method, the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks.

Introduced to the U.S. market in 2000, Prosecco went on to become popular around the world with its original DO Prosecco Valdobbiadene – Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco di Conegliano and Prosecco di.

Types of Prosecco

Prosecco wine is mainly produced in sparkling versions: Spumante and Frizzante Gentile (slightly sparkling)

The non-foaming version of prosecco (calm or tranquillo) is made with grapes Glera, but only 5% of the total annual production.

Have you ever tasted the prosecco ? Today we recommend you:

Foss Marai Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry

Foss Marai Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry

Voveti Prosecco

Voveti Prosecco

What best seafood than lobster to accompany a good wine? One of the most delicious and delicate dishes, even if it is not suitable for all budgets (unfortunately). But if you get the chance, you should try at least once in your life. And if you can cook it at home, with our help and perseverance, imagine what money you can save! Today, we will teach you some recipes for succulent lobster and red wine!

Lobster and red wine

• 1 kilo of lobster
• 1 small glass of red wine
• Saffron
• Mint leaves
• 200 grams of onion
• Half zucchini
• Pinch of salt
• Pepper

Preparation:

Step 1:
In a hot pan put mint, onions, zucchini, sea salt and pepper.
Step 2:
It is now time to cook the lobster aside for later use.
Step 4:
Now add the remaining ingredients: lobster, red wine, and saffron.
Step 5:
Add salt, lower the heat, and stir regularly with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking.

If you liked this recipe, you can also try the warm lobster salad with a red wine sauce for 4 people.

Warm lobster salad with red wine sauce: 

• 25 grs. of butter
• 75 ml . of orange juice
• 280 grs. of virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 100 grs. of red wine
• 50 grs. of soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons fresh herb leaves or mixed salad
• 2 shallots , julienned
• 500 grs. of crawfish heads
• 50 ml . of cognac
• 100 grs. of noodle
• 1 slice of bacon into strips
• 20 grs. of zucchini julienne
• 250 ml fish stock or lobster coral
• 3 lobsters

Preparation:

Step 1:
The first is to cook the lobsters in boiling salted water for about 6 minutes.
Step 2:
Peel and coral
Step 3:
Season the lobster with vinaigrette.
Step 4:
For the red wine sauce, you must cook the shallots and place heads crushed and degrease with alcohol.
Step 5:
It is now time to put the juice and fish.
Step 6:
You can now cook for 1 hour and mix with the oil and lobster.
Step 7:
Season the ingredients and cook pasta
Step 8:
Skip bacon and vegetables and mix with pasta and herbs.
Step 9:
Mix all ingredients and place on a bed of salad leaves
Step 10:
Now put the lobster and wine sauce, and enjoy!

These red wine dishes have body and may be accompanied by a young aromatic red as Borsao 2012 selection. But for who prefers a classic pairing with white wine, here are two gems that will enhance the flavor of the lobster:

Bach Extrísimo Semi Dulce 2011

Bach Extrísimo Semi Dulce 2011

Quinta do Cardo Touriga Nacional Reserva 2009

Quinta do Cardo Touriga Nacional Reserva 2009