- Wine 101
- Wine Trivia Challenge
- Health & Fitness
- Recipe of the Month

February 2007

2 -- Groundhog Day
4 -- Super Bowl Sunday
11 -- Thomas Edison Day
12 -- Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
14 -- Valentine's Day
19 -- President's Day
21 -- Lent
22 -- George Washington's Birthday

"Will you be my Valentine?"

Happy Valentine!

In French the term "petit(e) ami(e)" represents what Americans would call a Valentine: a girlfriend or boyfriend with whom you have a physical and emotional connection. "Petit" has a connotation of sweet or cute in that case and not small obviously. It is less serious than lover but encompasses the many faces of modern day relationships between men and women. If you have such a person in your life and plan on surprising them we have prepared 2 packages for you, one for HIM, one for HER.

For a relaxing example of how men and women see things differently, read this paper by Dave Berry, a humor columnist. It will surely put a grin on your face!

With more women coming into economic and political power all around the globe, let's pray that their wisdom will be heard and their compassion enacted in our daily life. We need more than ever the balance of their love that this Valentine event reminds us to honor.

Some sweet words from a child's mouth: "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8

Our Valentine Specials for $69 and FREE SHIPPING!

My dear girl, there are some things that just aren't done, such as drinking Dom Perignon '53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That's just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs!
-- James Bond in Goldfinger

Chilling Your Bottle of Wine the Right Way

When it comes to chilling wine in the freezer, most wine experts agree: "Just say no." While you didn't do anything illegal or immoral (depending on who you talk to) -- you also didn't do your bottle of wine any favors.

Most connoisseurs agree the best way to chill a bottle is to put it in a bucket of ice and water. Fill the ice bucket up about three-quarters full of ice and add water. Bury the base of the bottle in the ice and allow it to chill for about 30 minutes.

Of course, you can always chill your bottle in the refrigerator, but it will take three to four hours to chill to the appropriate serving temperature. Leaving a bottle of wine in the refrigerator for more than a few days may produce a "corked wine."

If you're tempted to "pop it in the freezer for just a few minutes," try to remember that wine makers go to great lengths to keep wine at a standard temperature, to keep the light away from it, to keep vibrations to a minimum. To cause a sudden chemical reaction by warming or cooling your wine too quickly just minutes before consumption doesn't make any sense. Just keep in mind temperature swings in either direction are harmful to the wine.

The key is to plan ahead. Buy your wine in advance, keep it in a dark, cool place, and chill it appropriately. The bucket of ice and water method is proven and will leave you with wine at its best.

TOP

Remember gentlemen, it's not just France we are fighting for, its Champagne!
-- Winston Churchill

Wine Trivia Challenge

Question #1: What is the grape used for Chablis?
a.) Chenin Blanc b.) Sauvignon Blanc c.) Chardonnay d.) Viognier

Question #2: What is the main grape used to make Chianti?
a.) Dolcetto b.) Nebbiolo c.) Sangiovese d.) Barbera

Question #3: What grape is used in making Condrieu?
a.) Chardonnay b.) Sauvignon Blanc c.) Viognier d.) Roussane

Question #4: What grape is used to produce Gavi di Gavi, an Italian white wine?
a.) Vernaccia b.) Cortese c.) Soave d.) Pinot Grigio

Question #5: What grape was used to produce the wine referred to, inaccurately, as "Napa Gamay"? a.) Valdigue b.) Pinot Noir c.) Zinfandel d.) Grenache

TOP | ANSWERS

It's no longer a question of staying healthy. It's a question of finding a sickness you like.
-- Jackie Mason

4 Reasons to Consider Cross Training

Cross training is probably a term you've heard, but decided it's only for professional athletes. In realty, cross training is something you should consider if you've been faithfully following a fitness routine but have hit a "brick wall."

Following are four reasons to consider cross training:

1. Prevent Injury -- Doing the same exercises over and over stresses joints and muscles. Give them a rest and work the same muscle group in a new way.
2. Gain Strength -- If you normally do cardio-based workouts, try a sculpting routine. If you usually run or jog, mix it up with resistance training.
3. Prevent Boredom -- Spice up your fitness routine with something new. You'll not only work other parts of the body, you'll most likely enjoy the new experience.
4. Continue Progress -- Most training routines plateau between four and 12 weeks. By cross training, you make more consistent progress.

TOP

The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later you're hungry again.
-- George Miller

Raspberry-Marinated Salmon

Serves 4
• 3 tbsp. raspberry vinaigrette dressing
• 4 salmon fillets (4 oz. each)

Preparation
• Pour dressing over salmon in resealable plastic bag or other container; seal tightly. Refrigerate 30 to 45 min. to marinate.
• Preheat broiler. Remove salmon from marinade; discard extra marinade.
• Broil salmon, 2 to 4 inches from heat, 10 to 12 min. or until salmon flakes easily with fork.

Wine Pairing
• Pinot Noir is a classic match with salmon. Try this recipe with a Bourgogne Pinot Noir Guy Chaumont 2004!

TOP

Veronique's Wine Club

We'll deliver 3 bottles of fine wine made from organic grapes to you each month! Talk about convenience and fun! We'll expand your wine repertoire by selecting three bottles of wine and shipping them directly to your home. Only $47/mo.

Each month, you'll try some of the best wines we carry. And, as a welcome gift with your subscription, you will receive an extra bottle of wine, FREE!

Click here for more information.

TOP

Wine Trivia Answers
#1. c. Chardonnay
#2. c. Sangiovese
#3. c. Viognier
#4. b. Cortese
#5. a. Valdigue

This eNewsletter contains information, facts and opinions from various individuals and organizations. This eNewsletter is provided on an "as-is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. I/We are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Consult with your doctor, fitness consultant, attorney, accountant, or other professional advisor when necessary.