Latest news with #PinotGrigio
Metro
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Metro
It's unforgiveable to serve this 'offensive' drink to guests at your wedding
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more There are a few things you can be certain of at a wedding. Someone will break down spectacularly during the speeches, the best man will overshare and make things awkward, and possibly the same person who lost the plot during the speeches will get hammered and start an argument. Terrifyingly, if you're planning your wedding, those aren't the factors that will cause you the most anxiety. Nope, they're a cinch compared to choosing the drinks to serve on the day. A 2023 YouGov survey revealed that 42% of engaged couples felt 'uncertain or anxious' about choosing the right wine at their wedding. Many of those cited a lack of wine knowledge or the prospect of 'getting it wrong' as the main fear factors. When you consider, the average wedding now costs £23,250, with catering and drinks typically accounting for at least 25 to 30% of that, the wine choice is central to the day. No pressure intended. To help make this decision a little easier for you, here are three drinks I think it would be an unforgivable offence to serve at a wedding, so given you're not (consciously) planning to make this wedding the dry run for your next one, it will pay to avoid falling into these pitfalls… How many times have you been gasping for a sharpener after a wedding ceremony only to be presented with lukewarm, off-dry bubbles? That's because it's cheap Prosecco, the lazy and uninspiring option. Look, I'm all for saving money, but the fact is there's plenty of other bubbly options that won't leave you feeling like you're wearing a layer of sugary, boozy lip-gloss after the first glass. Don't get me started on oaky Chardonnay as your white option, there's a reason people ditched it back in the early noughties like rats fleeing a sinking ship. No one wants to be sipping (chewing) a glass of something that could have been made by a carpenter instead of a winemaker. At the other end of the spectrum, Pinot Grigio sucks at a wedding. At the lower end (which is where most of us would look, let's be honest) it's a neutral-tasting, yawn-fest. It's the only 'inoffensive' style of wine that's actually offensive. You're basically telling people you've done you're own version of a Calais booze cruise to Tesco to get hold of it on 3-for-2 deal. Nothing wrong with a deal in my book, but at least go for something that isn't the drinks equivalent of off-white wall paint. As a rule of thumb, I'd work on the basis of two glasses of fizz and half a bottle of wine per head. Sure, not everybody drinks, but you'll find someone's second cousin who's more than happy to take their place. The good news? There's a way to nail the wine choices without the need for a château budget or sommelier approval. It's all about the wines feeling like they've been 'considered', that, along with a generous returns policy. And when it comes to other drinks, my tips would include not handing out Sambuca shots before your dad grabs the mike, or letting your cousin create a 'signature' cocktail because he once bartended in Ibiza. But, you already knew that. Here are my top recommendations for wedding wines to avoid Lambrini being your toasting tipple… Taste the Difference Pignoletto DOC Spumante Brut, £8, Sainsbury's Let's face it, Pignoletto isn't a million miles from Prosecco, style-wise. Known as it's 'Italian cousin', though it's from the Emilia-Romagna region between Modena and Bologna. You get similar frothy apple and pear flavours, but this one is zestier, dryer and full of yellow plum flavours. Prosecco, be gone, I'd be far happier to be greeted by a glass of Pignoletto at a wedding. Toast & Honey Brut, South Africa, £13, Majestic Full disclosure, I was anticipating disliking this bottle. Why? The name, mainly. Goes to show, don't judge a wine by its label. It's produced by fourth generation winemakers based at Tulbagh Winery, one of South Africa's oldest and most respected estates. It's rich, dry, toasty, lightly honeyed with a lively streak of zestiness running through it. Exceptional by Asda Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia, £6.98, Asda More Trending The Margaret River is a source of premium wines in Australia, the kind you'd pay a decent amount of money for. Now, I can't quite get my head around the barely-there price for this silky red that tastes of blackberries, damsons and cherries, but I'm not asking questions in case the Asda team realise there's been a typo… The Long Coast Chardonnay, Chile, £7, Majestic View More » At a recent Majestic wine tasting, this was the star of the show for me. Bang for buck-wise, I was shook. The fruit is sourced from vineyards that benefit from the cooling influence of the ocean, along Chile's Pacific coastline. That means the grapes have a longer 'hang-time' on the vine, ripening slowly for mad flavour intensity. This is dry, creamy and stuffed with the most delicious tropical fruit flavours. If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro's Drink Up column is where you need to be. Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven – a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines from Aldi, Tesco and Lidl, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes (or the best wines to drink after sex), and finding out what it's like to go on a bar crawl with Jason Momoa, this is a haven for those who love to celebrate. Stay ahead of the curve as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok chatter to demystify the liquid landscape. Can you really make cheap vodka taste expensive by putting it through a Brita filter? What happens when you put wine in a blender? And, truly, how should we be storing our wine? Read More. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: This is how much water you should really drink every day, according to your age MORE: We tried London's hottest new pizza spot that doesn't 'scrimp on the toppings' MORE: Beloved 90s beer returns to UK supermarkets after being axed in 2003
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Beyond bland: Try these five Italian whites with Pinot Grigio's universal appeal
The benefit of bland, of course, is that it's only offensive to people who really want their wines to taste of something beyond 'crisp easy drinking'. The truth is that much of the time, most wine drinkers are more focused on getting the goss from their fellow drinkers or enjoying the food that they're sharing together — and fair enough. Not all Pinot Grigio is bland, of course, but even the better-made ones with a bit more character are unlikely to be divisive in the way that, say, pungent New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or racy German Riesling or buttery oaked Aussie Chardonnay can be. When you're pleasing a crowd, Pinot Grigio has understandable appeal. However, so do many other Italian varietal white wines, such as the Fiano (see below) featured in Lidl's current promotion, which runs until June 15. Other highlights include Lidl's Langhe DOC Nebbiolo 2022 (€10.99) with its raspberry balsamic character, and clean summery Mithus Vigneti del Vulture Basilicata Rosato 2023 (€12.99). Fiano is an ancient grape variety native to Campania in southern Italy but also grown in neighbouring Puglia, as here. It tends to produce whites with some richness and generous aromas, depending on where and how it's grown, as does the not dissimilar if zestier Falanghina. Italian wines are often a blend of several grapes and so don't always namecheck their grape varieties, but there are many single varietal styles worth trying. These include Carricante and Grillo from Sicily; Verdicchio from Le Marche on the Adriatic coast (due north of Rome); Pecorino from Le Marche and its southern neighbour Abruzzo; Friulano or Ribolla Gialla from Friuli north-east of Venice; and Vermentino from Liguria and Piemonte in the northwest and the islands of Sardinia and Corsica. These are just some of the white wine grapes that produce charming wines across Italy's vast and diverse wine regions. If you're buying any without a recommendation or prior knowledge of that particular wine, its producer and where and how it was grown, the most offensive thing about them is likely that they might be a little light and bland — just as cheap and cheerful Pinot Grigio can be — but they are always worth a spin. Wine of the week I Clivi Friulano San Pietro 2023, Fruili Colli Orientali, Italy, 13pc, €24.50 The grape here is Friulano, a somewhat lesser-spotted varietal from north-east Italy which has been mistaken for Sauvignon Blanc but leans more to refreshing citrus, herb and apple than pungent gooseberries or white currants. This very pretty expression grown on sunny slopes (clivi means 'slopes') evokes fragrant dried apple crisps and fresh almonds or beechnuts. For a more savoury white wine, try the Ribolla Gialla A Tessa, or for a pale smoky red, the Schioppettino (aka Ribolla Nera). Selected independents, including 64 Wine, Pinto Wines; Masseria Metrano Fiano Salento IGT 2023, 12.5pc, €11.99 Aromatic with notes of white flowers and wild herbs, pears and white peaches, with a subtle nuttiness leading to a relatively weighty texture with medium-low acidity but lifted by some refreshing salinity and citrus-peel pithiness on the finish. Pair with caprese or vegetable-based salads. Lidl ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Cantine Belisario Terre di Valbona Verdicchio di Matelica DOC, Marche, Italy, 12.5pc, €17.99 There is a distinctive stony minerality here but also spicy floral aromatics, both due to the higher altitude and more continental climate of the Matelica DOC, further inland then the Marche's better-known Castelli di Jesi DOC. Selected independents including Bradley's, Cork, Cantina Frentana Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2024, Abruzzo, Italy, 12pc, €18.20 Some nice concentration of fruit with fleshy white peach and subtle floral notes lending a slightly exotic character, with a textural quality and pleasant citrus freshness. A versatile food wine that will pair nicely with vegetable-based dishes, fish and white meats. Quintessential Wines, Drogheda Azienda Agricola La Jara Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy, 12.5pc, €16 Delicate yellow fruit aromas lead to a light and pretty mid-palate and clean crisp finish. A lovely example of an organic Pinot Grigio with charm — and watch out too for the semi-sparkling Prosecco Frizzante at a similar price and also in picnic-friendly half bottles (€9.99, Selected independents including Martins,
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
8 Wine Cocktails to Try Beyond Sangria
Wine cocktails are a lighter alternative to spirits-based cocktails. That's because wine has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) in comparison to distilled spirits; respectively an average of 12% ABV opposed to 40-50%. With that said, many wine cocktails also incorporate at least a splash, if not more, of a liquor with a higher ABV to add complexity to the recipe. For example, wine's most synonymous cocktail of sangria traditionally calls for brandy to make it more aromatic; over the years, recipes have evolved to feature rum or cognac. As popular as sangria is as a wine cocktail, though, there are a number of other wine cocktails that are both classic and delicious that offer whimsical ways to switch up your traditional wine night or day drink of choice. Read on to discover eight of the most iconic wine cocktails that will have you rethinking the fermented grape juice as a key bar ingredient. Wine spritzers walked so that Aperol Spritz could run (at least in the U.S.). Wine spritzers are the original wine cocktails as it's as simple as combining soda water and different herbs or fruits to add a lightness and freshness to summer wine. While you can make different variations with red, white, or rosé wine, I love a white wine spruced up with fresh, seasonal herbs. Ingredients: 4 oz unoaked white wine (like Pinot Grigio); 2 oz club soda; 4 sprigs of mint, 2 slices of lemon. Method: Fill a wine glass with ice, add the wine, mint and slices of lemon then stir vigorously to combine. Top with soda water and garnish with an extra sprig of mint, expressing it before adding it to the wine. Blended and frosty, frozen rosé, otherwise known as frosé, has become a phenomenon in the last decade with many restaurants keeping a constant rotating blender of this rosy concoction atop their bars. I love a classic recipe with strawberries but with summer on the horizon, it's a perfect time to experiment with different red fruits like raspberries, pomegranate or watermelon. Ingredients (4 to 6 servings): 1 bottle of Pinot Noir-based rosé (skip the delicate Provencal rose and save that for unadulterated sipping); 1/4 cup sugar, 12 oz frozen strawberries, 2 tbsp lemon juice. Method: Add all the ingredients into a blender and combine until smooth. Either pour immediately into wine glasses and garnish with a fresh strawberry or freeze until ready to serve. The Bellini is a classic cocktail that was reportedly invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy. The slightly sweet, effervescent beverage has become aligned as a brunch staple in the U.S. but in its native Italy, you'll still find it served as an aperitif (before dinner drink) when white peaches are in season (late spring through summer) as that is the original recipe despite variations of peach puree that are now on menus elsewhere around the world. Ingredients: 2 oz white peach puree, 6 oz Prosecco. Method: Rinse then mash white peaches by hand, with skins still on. Try using a funnel and potato masher or fork to achieve the optimal balance of juice and pulp (just never use a blender as it will allow too much air into the juice). Add the peach puree to a fluted glass then top with chilled Prosecco; gently stir and serve immediately. Champagne purists may condemn this wine cocktail but it's become an icon for a reason; the delightful combination of sweet-tart from the black currant liqueur and the dry fizz of Champagne presents a well-balanced sip that perfectly sets the tone for a meal ahead. Ingredients: 2 tsp Crème de cassis; 5 oz Champagne. Method: Measure the Crème de cassis into a fluted glass then top with chilled Champagne; garnish with a black currant or blackberry and serve immediately. If you're looking for a slightly boozier wine cocktail, this gin-infused recipe dates back to the end of World War I when it was reputedly invented by a bartender at Harry's New York Bar in Paris and named for the 75 millimeter field guns that were used during the war. Ingredients: 3 oz Champagne, 1 oz gin, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup; lemon twist for garnish. Method: Combine the gin, simple syrup and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker with ice; shake until chilled then strain into a Champagne flute. Float in the Champagne to the top of the glass and garnish with a lemon twist. Brunch's favorite cocktail is this simple blend of orange juice and sparkling wine. There are varying origin stories, however, Difford's Guide recalls the most widely accepted version; Frank Meier of the Ritz Hotel in Paris created this drink in 1925 and named it after the Mimosa tropical flowering shrub. Despite today's 'only a drop' of orange juice popularized by social media, Meier's version called for equal parts orange juice and sparkling wine. There's no true regulation as to which sparkling wine is the best so feel free to use any dry bubbles you have on hand whether it's Cava, Prosecco or a U.S. sparkler. Ingredients: 3 oz freshly squeezed orange juice; 3 oz chilled sparkling wine. Method: Pour 1.5 oz of the sparkling wine into a flute glass followed by the orange juice; stir briefly then top with the remaining 1.5 oz of sparkling wine. Express an orange zest twist over the cocktail then garnish with a sliced orange wheel. The Kalimotxo, also called Cocavino, certainly isn't for everyone. Still, it is worth a try as it hails from one of Spain's most famed epicurean regions — the Basque region — and dates back to the 1920s. Ingredients: 4 oz Rioja red wine; 4 oz Coca-Cola. Method: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Add the red wine followed by the cola; stir and garnish with a lemon wheel. Wine may not be the main ingredient of this riff on a margarita but as the wine is added as a floater, it is the first thing you taste. A medium- to full-bodied red stands up to the citrus of the traditional margarita so try a Malbec or Cabernet Franc. The contrast in liquid densities presents a stunning display of ruby versus pale lime that is aesthetically pleasing, too. Ingredients: 1.5 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz lime juice, 0.75 oz red wine, 0.5 oz agave syrup. Method: Add all ingredients except for the red wine to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass then slowly float in the red wine by pouring it over the back of a bar spoon; the layers should separate. Garnish with a lime wheel and no salt.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
What to shop this weekend: Coastal-themed buys from £13
Coastal-themed buys to see you through staycations and beyond, from top brands like Wayfair, Jo Loves, Primark and Mary Berry At Home If you're dreaming of sea breezes, sun-soaked getaways and a holiday feel, this weekend's shopping list has your name on it. We've rounded up the best coastal-inspired buys to channel a laid-back, sun-drenched style– whether you're heading to the beach or just wish you were. Think fresh fragrances, nautical stripes and a chilled glass of something crisp to sip in the garden. Top of our picks? Jo Loves' brand new With Love From Como Eau de Parfum, a sunny, sparkling scent inspired by Lake Como that smells like pure escapism. Pair it with a classic Breton top from FatFace for a timeless Riviera look, and pour yourself a glass of Sea Change's eco-friendly Pinot Grigio – the ultimate coastal trio to ease into the weekend in style. Pinot Grigio Sea Change Wine Shop it for £13.90 'Absolutely beautiful' scent from Victoria Beckham hailed 'summer in a bottle' A crisp, citrusy white wine from northern Italy, brimming with zesty lemon and delicate floral notes like jasmine and orange blossom, it's the perfect bottle to chill for a sunny afternoon, whether you're pairing it with seafood or just sipping it solo. Even better, every bottle supports ocean conservation efforts and comes in eco-friendly packaging– no plastic, just thoughtful details like labels made from grape waste and sustainable corks. With Love From Como Jo Loves Shop it for £135 If you're craving a scent that captures the essence of an Italian summer, With Love From Como by Jo Loves is your ticket to the lakeside. This Eau de Parfum opens with bright citrus top notes, leading into a heart of aromatic herbs and spices, and settles into a warm, woody base. It's like a leisurely stroll through a sun-drenched village, with the aroma of blooming flowers and fresh herbs in the air. Breton Top FatFace Shop it for £29.50 A classic Breton stripe is a must-have in any wardrobe, and FatFace's version ticks all the right boxes. Crafted from supersoft organic cotton with a touch of stretch, it offers comfort and a flattering fit. The boat neckline and curved hem add a touch of timeless style, making it perfect for layering or wearing on its own. At £29.50, it's a versatile piece that brings a hint of coastal charm to your everyday look. The Mineral One SPF50 Face Moisturiser Hello Sunday Shop it for £26 If you're after a daily moisturiser that doubles as high-factor sun protection, Hello Sunday's The Everyday One SPF50 is worth a look. This lightweight cream is designed to hydrate while shielding your skin from UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and blue light. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and algae extract to nourish and protect your complexion Ocean Shell Earrings Edge of Ember Shop it for £85 Channel seaside elegance with Edge of Ember's Ocean Shell Earrings. Crafted from 18k gold-plated recycled sterling silver, these drop earrings feature intricate shell studs adorned with unique baroque freshwater pearls, each with its own organic shape. Measuring approximately 20mm in length, they offer a subtle yet sophisticated nod to coastal charm 12 Piece Dinner Set Mary Berry at Home Shop it for £100 Add a touch of coastal charm to your dining table with the Mary Berry Blue 12-Piece Dinner Set from Next. Crafted from durable stoneware, this set includes four dinner plates, side plates, and cereal bowls, each featuring a painted-style blue stripe design. The contemporary blue colour complements a variety of home decors, bringing a fresh and modern feel to your table setting.
Boston Globe
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
A full Rhode Island for ‘Real Housewives': Who should they cast and which locations will bring the drama?
Get Globe Rhode Island Food Club A weekly newsletter about food and dining in Rhode Island, by Globe Rhode Island reporter Alexa Gagosz. Enter Email Sign Up When it comes to locations, respondents were split between Providence and Newport, with Cranston coming in third place. We looked into a few more-precise locations: Here are 10 places the producers should consider, and why. Advertisement Twin Oaks Nothing screams 'your blood type is Pinot Grigio' more than Cranston's most famous restaurant. Bonus points: You might get an Allan Fung cameo. Bonnet Shores Beach Club It's not a Rhode Island summer without a brawl over a cabana at Bonnet Shores. Advertisement Camille's It would be like a crossover episode between 'Real Housewives' and 'Mob Wives.' Now that the Old Canteen is becoming a hot dog stand, this is clearly the best spot to film on Federal Hill. Ocean House If the housewives want to get ''Gone with the Wind' fabulous,' then spending some time at on a morning jog. The deck at the Hot Club Where every conversation begins with 'word on the street is.' The best time to film is Brown graduation weekend, but any Friday night in the summer would work just fine. Alpine Country Club They aren't letting cameras in at Rhode Island or Warwick, you have to be a descendent of someone who sailed on the Mayflower to get into Newport or Misquamicut. But Alpine offers the perfect combination of luxury and… Cranston. Bailey's Beach Club There's no chance that every housewife will be a member of this exclusive Newport club, but every member of the cast will claim to 'know a gal' who is a member. Garden City There's no Nordstrom or Tiffany at Providence Place, but the housewives can get into all kinds of trouble at Garden City. And then everyone can stop for ice cream at Newport Creamery. Coast Guard House 'See friends, sea views, seafood… see chaos.' The directors of the show would be wise to call Judge Frank Caprio and ask him to settle any disputes among the housewives. Foxy Lady Whether it's a night out on the town or 'legs and eggs' on a Friday, the housewives have to make an appearance at Rhode Island's most famous gentleman's establishment. Advertisement This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, . Dan McGowan can be reached at
