HomeAmarose

Tag: Amarose

Avatar Wine
CategoriesUncategorized

3 Wines to Help You Through Post Avatar Depression

Well, it’s finally happened: 12 years after the release of the original, James Cameron’s beautifully realized sequel Avatar: The Way of Water is in theaters and on track to become one of the highest grossing movies of all time. It’s a cinematic event to be sure, lovingly crafted by Big Box Office Jim to make you feel for 3 hours like you are actually living in the gorgeous alien world of Pandora, swimming with whales and drinking weird blue Avatar wine. 

Unfortunately, you do not. The crushing realization that happens as you walk out of the theater, this dark knowledge that you will never swim with the mighty Tulkun nor fly between the narrows of the Ayram Alusing, is devastating and well documented. While PADS (Post Avatar Depression Syndrome) can be alleviated by going back to the movies, each visit to the home of the Na’vi will only worsen the symptoms. That’s where we come in. Here are the three best wines to help you forget the entrancing power of Avatar: The Way of Water

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a white wine best served chilled. It’s great for drinking while at the beach or near a different body of water, and maybe if you drink enough of it you’ll be able to convince yourself that Earth’s normal, boring oceans and lakes are any bit as cool as the great reefs of the Metkayina Clan. They aren’t, obviously, but that’s what the chardonnay is for. A good Avatar wine if ever there was one.

Zinfandel

As reds go, a Zinfandel is exceptionally strong and rich. The hope here is that when you drink it, it’s earthy tones and high alcohol content will act like a splash of cold water or a cup of coffee, shocking the system into the present moment and leaving the stunning world of Pandora behind. You are earthbound, Zinfandel will say to you. You will never be an 8 foot tall blue demigod. Leave your dream behind.

Rosé

Maybe the best way to cast aside your obsessive desire to abandon your pathetic human form and take up the powerful body of a Na’vi warrior is to replace it with a new obsession.  Pandora is not real, and thus you can never actually fulfill your fantasies, but Rosé is, and you can enjoy a glass whenever you like. So do yourself a favor. Rip off the bandaid and instantly replace it with a new one. Build up your Rosé stash, and watch as the amount of times you wake up in cold sweat wondering why you don’t have a tail drops ever downward. Looking for a good Rosé brand? Crack open a bottle of Amarose today.

amarose
CategoriesTips

5 Appetizers To Pair With A Perfect Summer Rosé

It’s the end of July, and summer is in full swing! If you’re anything like us, the warmer months are filled with delicious summer wine, and especially delicious rosé. Our 2021 Amarose is crisp and refreshing and perfect for the muggy August weather. But it’s no fun to drink wine without a good pairing. A tasty summer rosé calls for a tasty summer appetizer, so here’s the five best apps to pair with Amarose this summer!

1- Charcuterie

Really? You might be asking. Charcuterie? I’m looking for new and novel foods to eat with my light and crisp summer wine and you’re suggesting charcuterie? Don’t worry. More exciting options are coming up. But the classics are classics for a reason.The salty meats and soft cheeses of a good charcuterie board go perfectly with a rosé, especially a fruity, dry Provence style rosé like Amarose.

2- Street Corn

One of the greatest imports from Mexico of the last twenty years also happens to go perfectly with a nice summer rosé. Slathered with sour cream, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime zest, Mexican street corn is a perfect summer appetizer. Traditionally served straight off the cob, it can also be repurposed into a salad or a dip depending on what best suits your appetite. Pair it with a chilled glass of wine (preferably Amarose) and you’ll be in heaven.

3- Grilled Pineapple

    Most of the items on this list are very salt-forward– Appetizers that will maximize the refresh-factor of a crisp summer wine. But salt isn’t the only way to go! There’s nothing that says summer more like the smoky sweetness of grilled pineapple strips. It might not be the best pairing for a sweeter wine, but with a Provence style rosé like Amarose that leans more toward the dry side, it’s a perfect fruity appetizer for a summer evening.

4- Smoked Salmon

It’s well known that fish pairs well with rosé, and that’s true of appetizers as much as it is of entrees! Savory, creamy smoked salmon tastes great on a piece of bread with a little bit of cream cheese, and crisp summery wine is all you need to move your appetizer game to the next level.

5- Cocktail shrimp

    That’s right. It’s seafood week. Two in a row to end the list. I can’t be stopped. If you’re looking to pair your crisp summer rosé with an appetizer both salty and sweet, there is simply no better choice than jumbo shrimp and some cocktail sauce. Much like charcuterie, cocktail shrimp is a classic for a reason. The delicate seafood flavor compliments a light summer wine perfectly. Your taste buds will thank you!

    If these appetizers have inspired you, the first and most important ingredient is a glass of Amarose! Head on over to our ‘shop’ option and pick up a bottle or two!

amarose
CategoriesUncategorized

Lodi Rosé: Your New Obsession

To those in the wine world, both Lodi, California and rosé wine carry certain connotations. Some consider Lodi to be cheaper and less prestigious than other wine regions, and likewise rosé is sometimes considered less refined and less complex than other wines. Not only are neither of these assumptions true, but when combined, they take the best of each and combine them to create wines that are just as (if not more) delicious as reds and whites from Napa, while still having a lighter impact on your wallet. Lodi rosé will change the way you view wines– and here’s why.

Lodi’s Climate

    One of the reasons that Lodi, California is perfect for growing wine is its climate. Our tradition of winemaking comes from Europe, and Lodi’s climate is nearly a perfect match for places like southern France and Spain, areas that boast some of the best wine in the world. When you import Mediterranean grapes to America, there’s few places that can grow them better than Lodi. Not only that, but Lodi’s equivalents in the Mediterranean are also some of the preeminent producers of rosé. Lodi’s dry air and scorching summers ensure that the grapes used to make Rosé from Lodi is just as bold and full bodied as their European counterparts.

Rosé’s Diversity

    Rosé’s detractors in the wine world often deride the wine for its sweetness. And they’re not wrong– many rosés are overly sugary in a way that takes away from their natural flavors. However, Lodi rosé tends to be a fair sight more dry, while still maintaining that light, summery feel that makes the pink wine what it is. And if light and summery is a problem for the wine snobs, so be it! There’s nothing wrong with a refreshing wine.

    Lodi rosé is delicious, and it’s also diverse. Rosés from Lodi can have notes of mineral, citrus, apple, raspberry and more, ensuring that no two rosés are the same. If you’re looking to jump into the world of Lodi rosé, our professional, unbiased opinion is that you start with our very own 2021 Amarose. Fruity and floral, one sip of this crisp, dry Lodi rosé is sure to make you a lifelong fan. Pick up a bottle (or a few) right here!

amarose
CategoriesUncategorized

Summer Wines

No matter how much we might wish otherwise, Time keeps marching steadily forward, and it is almost the summer.  Of 2022. I could have sworn it was 2019 three months ago. But whether your mental clock is, like mine, firmly stuck three years in the past or fully functional and up to date, the fact remains that summer is here, and that means it’s time to replenish the wine rack with some tasty varietals perfect for the warmer weather. Without further ado, here’s five wines you should be drinking this summer.

5- MOSCATO

Sweet and fruity, Moscato is a perfect wine for a summer day. It’s got a lighter alcohol content than many wines and a floral aroma that calls to mind blooming gardens and blue skies.

4- CHARDONNAY

Chardonnay is a quintessential white wine that pairs well with chicken, cheese, and seafood. If you’re on the coast this summer and looking to enjoy the day’s catch, it’s hard to find a wine varietal that would serve you better.

3- PINOT NOIR

Despite red wines being generally considered a winter drink, the Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for the summer months. With less tannins and a lower acidity than other reds, the Pinot Noir can be enjoyed with almost anything.

2- SAUVIGNON BLANC

If you’re looking for the opposite of Pinot Noir’s low acidity red, try a high acidity white with Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a flavorful wine that goes well with herb-heavy meals and refreshing green salads.

1- ROSÉ

When it comes to summer wine, you really can’t beat rosé. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with notes of fruit and flowers that are sure to put you in a carefree summer mood. This is an unbiased recommendation. I have no narrative to push. Incidentally, you can get delicious rosé shipped right to your house through the link on our website!

amarose
CategoriesTips

Response to ‘Millennials Aren’t Drinking Enough Wine’

About once a month for the past five years, there’s been an article released by a major publication saying something like ‘Millennials aren’t eating enough eggs,’ or ‘Millenials are killing the housing market,’ or ‘Why aren’t Millennials buying enough blood diamonds?’ Mostly you can dismiss these articles as quota-fillers written by bored journalists, and if you read a little deeper you can learn that all millennials really did to push all these great American industries to the brink of collapse was enter the workforce during a recession.

That said, The New York Times did publish an article recently that IS incredibly worrying. Deadly serious. Something that should cause every living person born between 1981 and 1996 to quake with fear. I am of course talking about Eric Asimov’s article ‘The Wine Business Sees a Problem: Millennials Aren’t Drinking Enough.’

Asimov cites surveys that show millennials favoring other beverages like beer and cider over delicious, classy wine. And listen, to an extent I get it. Beer is tasty! Cider is fun! But my god, are you really going to push wine to the curb? 

In the past few years, we’ve been asked to make a lot of sacrifices for the national good. Stay inside! Buy less gas! Work from home! What I’m asking isn’t even a sacrifice. I’m telling you to drink more. This is a gift!

You don’t even have to stop drinking beer or cider. Have a beer! Then have a glass of wine. Uber home. Have some wine in the back of the Uber. Maybe that wine is some delicious Amarose. Have another glass! It’s fine! You’re helping the economy!

amarose
A vineyard in California with a beautiful sunset
CategoriesTips

You Should Be Drinking More Rose

It is a scientific fact that wine is good for you. Not only that, there are actually no adverse effects to drinking wine. It’s a miracle beverage. 10 out of 10 scientists agree. There’s no need for you to open a new tab to verify this information, the fact that  we’re saying it here, on the internet, with no cited sources should be enough for you.

            There’s a problem in the world of wine, however. Red wines get a lot of love as a healing tonic, and white wines also have a sizable lobby behind them, but there are comparatively few people out there who understand where to fit a delicious pink rosé.

            The common attitude is that rosé is a spring drink, something fun and flirty that should be consumed before the start of summer. That’s partly right –rosé is fun and flirty– but it not only can be enjoyed year round, it should be! Keeping a few bottles of rosé around throughout the year allows the taste to mature and will give you a different rosé experience in every season.

            Rosé also boasts a wide array of health benefits. It has a low calorie count compared to other wines, making it a perfect choice if you’re on a diet or if you just want something a little lighter than the average fare. Rosé will also help bring down bad cholesterol and contains a respectable dose of antioxidants, which, if I’m doing my research right, means that rosé will make you live forever.

            So put down the reds and the whites for a minute, and pick up a glass of rosé. Your body will thank you.

amarose
CategoriesWineducation

Lodi Wine Country

If you ask for an opinion of the central valley from residents of California, travelers who might have visited on their way up or down the west coast, or really anyone with even a basic understanding of California geography, you will get largely the same story: The central valley is a boring, never-ending stretch of land on either side of I-5 that makes long-haul truckers long for the cornfields of Nebraska. For long stretches there is nothing but gray-brown landscape and overcrowded truck stops, the only reprieve from the misery coming in the form of the occasional tumbleweed, or perhaps a herd of cattle.

But those in the know are aware that the central valley contains more than a few hidden gems– places like Lodi Wine Country, where Amarose wine is made. Lodi is an ideal place for a winery, with a climate measurably cooler than the scorching heat of the southern central valley and sandy soil that is excellent for cultivating the complex, versatile flavor that makes Amarose so delicious.

Lodi is just east of the Bay Area, a short drive from San Francisco, Oakland, or Berkley, and just south of Sacramento, the state’s capital. The proximity to the sea and the many tributaries of the San Joaquin Delta have driven wine production in Lodi for more than 100 years and lend a pastoral beauty to the land that is absent in the popular image of the central valley.

Wine from Lodi tends to be bold and complex, with unapologetic fruit notes and a distinctively pale color that sets it aside from other California wines. Amarose exemplifies the best of the Lodi wine region– delightfully drinkable and versatile, with bold bursts of flavor and an instantly recognizable pale-pink color that lets you know that you are in for a treat.

amarose
rosé cocktail
CategoriesWineducation

2020 Rose Still Rocking

If, like us at Amarose, you have a Google Alert running for any mention of the word ‘rosé,’ you probably saw Lettie Teague’s recent article for the Wall Street Journal entitled ‘Why Last Year’s Rosés Are Your Best Bet for Drinking Now.’ In the article, Teague gives a worrying prognosis– due to a series of complications concerning the strange, terrifying monster described by leading economists as the ‘Supply Chain,’ this year’s rosés are not only going to be more expensive than the previous years’, but also slower in finding their way to the desperate, rosé-crazed public. 

But worry not: this story has an upside. New rosé might be priced through the roof, but last year’s batch is not only more affordable, it also tastes better! While rosé is traditionally billed by the wine industry as a spring wine, sold and consumed after minimal aging, letting a bottle sit in the cellar actually develops the flavor, just as it does with red wine.

By now you’re probably wondering: year-old rosé? Where can I find that? Your tastebuds long for a wine that’s fruity and refreshing, but also complex and mature. Luckily, Amarose has your back. Our 2020 rosé remains as crisp and refreshing as it was when we first rolled it out– only now with an even more nuanced flavor profile, thanks to over a year in the cellar.

So as the weather starts to warm up this spring, snag the last remaining bottles of the 2020 Amarose vintage through our website, and let your taste buds thank you later. Who knows– maybe if you buy enough Amarose, the ‘Supply Chain’ will have pity on us and bless us with another 100 years of prosperity! Possibly! I’m just a wine blogger. I don’t really know how this works.

amarose
CategoriesWineducation

Why the type of glass you choose to drink your wine from matters

Picture this: You’re having a wine aficionado over for a drink. The conversation is flowing, and you decide to pour yourself a glass of wine. The nearest bottle is a nice red, the nearest glass a champagne flute. “What does it matter?” You think. “A glass is a glass” But as you pour the wine you hear a choked gasp and a thump. Your guest is dead, killed by second hand shame.

While it’s unlikely (but not impossible) that using the wrong type of wine glass would result in the death of your friends, there are concrete, proven reasons why you should drink certain types of wine in certain types of glasses. 

When it comes to red wine, you’re going to want to use a glass with a wide, open bowl. The reason for this is that reds need contact with air in order for the flavors in their tannins to activate. If you drink red wine from a small glass you won’t actually be getting the full, authentic flavor. Make sure to give your glass a swirl as well before taking a sip!

White wines are the opposite. Their flavor isn’t affected by air contact, so it’s best to use a smaller glass that can direct the aromas directly into your nose and mouth. These types of glasses also work best for rosé wine.

The world of wine glasses doesn’t just stop at red vs white– There are nearly as many varieties of glasses and there are varieties of wine, and each pairing is perfectly fitted to match the specific flavor needs of the wine-drinking experience. Sparkling wines, for example, are served in champagne flutes because the long, thin bowl helps keep the carbonation fresh. Cabernets have tall bowls so the full-bodied wine does not linger on the tongue for too long. 

The list goes on. No matter how impressive a wine’s pedigree, the drink is never complete until the wine is matched with the perfect glass. That’s not to say that it’s a crime to drink wine out of the wrong glass– just make sure your wine snob friends aren’t around when you do it.

Erica Neubauer
Add to cart