Wine Accessories and Glasses

Wine lovers are passionate about good food and good wine. For wine connoisseurs, only the best in unique wine gifts will do. Find great wines and accessories at Thirst for Wine so you can enhance your enjoyment of various wonderful drinks. You are sure to get high quality, yet affordable gifts, that wine lovers everywhere will appreciate.

For a newly married couple that loves wine, give them the Alpine Picnic Backpack for two. It is the ideal wine-and-cheese pack that features a zip pocket on the side to hold wine while the other side has straps to hold a polyester blanket with waterproof backing. It contains everything a couple will need for a romantic picnic by the beach, or in the park.

                                                  It has been discovered recently that lead in glass decanters and wine glasses have caused an unacceptable exposure to dangerous toxins. Long term storage has been known to leach lead into the stored contents, therefore, causing health hazards.

It has been considered that the historic association of gout within the upper classes of America and Europe, was, in part, caused by constant use of lead crystal decanters to store whiskey and fortified wines.

Ravenscroft crystal, which is hand blown in Europe, produces a line of stemware that is individually crafted and is absolutely lead free - it also boosts the bouquet of all wines. Ravenscrofts’ Amplified tasting collection is very similar to Reidel’s crystal Vinum Extreme collection, yet Ravenscroft  glasses and decanters are lead free.

Buying a unique gift for a special someone in your life can more often than not,  be a perplexing decision. There are innumerable aspects to take into consideration. Your relationship to the person,  as well as your budget, can be a major determining factor. Their hobbies and interests, tastes and preferences,  all play a significant role in what would be considered a memorable token of your love and respect.

The perfect gift is not necessarily the most expensive, but rather, the most thoughtful one.

Gift shopping should not be a quick and convenient decision, but requires some time and effort towards  purchasing  something that will bring a smile and add some excitement. For example,  a wine connossieur and gourmet cook would delight at something along those lines. Many internet  stores offer a myriad of handsome wine gifts online all sure to delight the cooking, dining and entertaining experience.

Port wine sippers are unique wine glasses designed specifically so that your hand warms the spirits as you sip slowly through the stem. This method enhances the flavor of liquors and port wines. Port wine is typically heavier, sweeter, and has a higher alcohol content than most wines. Port is usually a sweet red wine, but also comes in dry, semi-dry, and a white variety.

Port is produced from grapes grown and processed in the Duoro region of Portugal. It is then fortified with brandy to stop the fermentation, leaving residual sugar in the wine to boost the alcohol content. The wine is then aged in cellars or caves before being bottled.

Port received its name in the latter half of the 17th Century from Porto, a seaport city at the mouth of the Douro River, where it was brought to market or exported to other European countries.  The Douro valley where port is produced,  is now a protected region,  and is the third oldest wine region in the world,  after Tokaji and Chianti.

Serving wine with a meal enhances the menu,  inspires conversation,  and along with using attractive crystal stemware,  adds sophistication to the dinnertime experience.

Red wines should be opened about one hour prior to serving to allow the wine to “breathe” and mix with the air to develop full flavor and aroma. White wines and champagnes should be opened just before serving. Remember to twist the bottle, not the cork.

Wine often drips when poured, but this can be prevented with care. You can place a fabric-lined ring near the top of the bottle  to catch that pesky drip. You can also purchase a non-drip wine server, or you can also try the “pour and roll” technique which takes a bit of practice. When pouring is complete, pull bottle up and away from the glass and curl bottle slightly to the right or left. This technique appears professional, but keep a napkin ready, just in case.

At many Italian restaurants it is no longer popular to serve bread with butter. Many people prefer dipping their bread in oil and vinegar instead of slathering it with butter. People appreciate the fact that they can control their fat intake by using a little less oil and adding a bit more vinegar. The most popular combination is usually olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

What most people don’t know is that oil and vinegar are used more often than butter in Italy. Unlike here in America, where just about anything is fried in butter, topped or dipped in melted butter, Italians have traditionally used the more heart-healthy alternative of olive oil. So next time you visit your favorite Italian café don’t feel embarrassed to ask the waiter to bring oil and vinegar cruets to your table.