cocktail hour {sauvignon blanc}

Today I'm celebrating white wine, which I especially love during the summer. We had Wild Rock's sauvignon blanc at the beach over the weekend and it was delicious. It's a New Zealand wine and at $16 a bottle it's a great pick if you're hosting a light summer lunch or dinner with friends.

A little review: "Bright and jazzy, a peppermint note riding over the peach and guava flavors, a distinctive style that calls for another sip. Drink now. 15,000 cases imported." —Harvey Steiman

cocktail hour {white wine sangria}

I'm dying for summer to get here and although spring is just a few weeks away, it's still snowy and gray here in Boston. One of my favorites for early summer is white wine sangria... it's really light so it's perfect for a warm day. Here's a fun recipe for 'white wine california citrus sangria' from Michael Chiarello.

white wine california citrus sangria

- 3 bottles pinot grigio

- 1 1/2 cups brandy

- 3/4 cup orange liqueur

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1 orange, thinly sliced

- 1 blood orange, thinly sliced

- 3 kumquats, sliced

- 1 lime, thinly sliced

In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy and orange liqueur. Pour in the sugar and stir thoroughly to mix. Add all citrus slices, combine well. Allow to sit 1 hour before serving so that the flavors can meld together.

Image via the Food Network.

25 days of gifts {day 2}

For the wine lover... gorgeous monogrammed stemless glassware, a vintage (or vintage-inspired) winestopper and a bottle of wine.

glasses and crystal winestoppers - Pottery Barn

doorknob winestoppers - Knobstoppers

cocktail hour

I know, I know... wine is not a cocktail, but sometimes there is nothing better than an ice cold glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.

***

Mommy's Time Out 2007. Garganega 70% Pinot Grigio 30%. Delle Venezie, Indicazione Geografica Tipica. Bottled in Italy.

House Wine 2005. "My house is your house." Cabernet Sauvignon 54% Merlot 30% Syrah 11% Malbec 3% Cabernet Franc 2%. The Magnificent Wine Co, Columbia Valley, Washington USA.

Good Pinot Grigio 2006. Casa Liliana, Valdadige. Delle Venezie, Indicazione Geografica Tipica. Bottled in Italy.  *(tried this - it's pretty good for an inexpensive bottle)

p.s. Love these stemless wine glasses at Crate & Barrel ($2.50 each)