Best Ways to Pair Wine with Cigars
Whether we are talking about a warm autumn afternoon or an elegant socializing evening, wine and cigars are some of the best matches for you to have a fantastic taste experience. We already associate cigars with elegance and class and wine is definitely considered one of the noblest and emblematic drinks in the world. Pairing the two of them is a palate-pleasing experience. Consider some guidelines to follow to ensure you enjoy this amazing taste journey.
White wine vs. Red Wine
Select likes with likes when you pair white wine with a cigar. Try a medium bodied wine, like Torrentés, Chablis or Vinho Verde with light or medium-bodied cigar. The flavors and undertones will brilliantly convey. If you like Chardonnay, select a stainless-steel aged wine. Oak barrel Chardonnay will overwhelm a light or medium bodied cigar.
Red wine, like Cabernet Franc, Meritage, and Tannat, has richer flavors and a more fuller body. Fuller bodied wines goes perfectly with medium and even medium to full-bodied cigars. A perfect match for red wine can be a H.Upmann No.2 thanks to the fact that is has a woody undertone that can complement the wine’s tannic composition and bold flavors.
Pinot Noir can be quite challenging to pair. This wine is full of personality. It often proves incredibly delicious but yet very temperamental. A good pair for this wine has to be of equal power and a full-bodied cigar from Bolivar can be the perfect match in the battle of flavors and taste for this specific wine.
Sweet vs. Dry
It is important to consider the flavor palette of the cigar. If the cigar tends to be more on the leathery or nutty side, it is better to pair it with a dry wine because they can balance each other better.
The evolution of the cigar, while it is smoked, is also significant. A drier wine that has wood, leather, earthy, and nutty undertones can sweeten the flavor of the cigar. These wine flavors will bring forward the personalities of both the cigar and the wine.
Semi-dry and sweet wines go perfectly with fruity and floral cigars. They will balance the taste of each other without displaying major differences in terms of undertones.
Old vs. New
A young wine tends to have a higher acidity, which means that it will be an excellent match for a young cigar. The best way to identify a young cigar is by looking at the wrapper. A light color indicates a short aging time, and a deep brown shows many years of aging.
Aged wine has a more intense personality when it comes to the taste. The bouquet is more diverse and the bursts of flavor are more intense. A matching cigar will have a similar personality and this is why cigars such as Maduro are an excellent match. This way the two powerful personalities will manage to compliment each other in the perfect aroma dance.
Pairing wine and cigars are exciting and delightful tasting experiences one can have thanks to the fantastic diversity of aromas and undertones.
Thank you Swiss Cuban Cigars for sharing your knowledge with us in the creation of this blog. To learn more about cigars, visit Swiss Cuban Cigars
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Moscato Love it or Leave It
National Moscato Day: Moscato Love It or Leave It
If there was ever a divisive wine, it is Moscato. People have extreme opinions about Moscato. You either love it or leave it. There isn’t a middle ground. People strong feelings center around the same issue. SUGAR. Those individuals on Team Moscato love its sweetness. They love the honeysuckle, pear and orange bloom flavors. The grape’s natural aromatics and flavors are so sweet and fruity, which influences the perception of a higher sugar level than it is actually present. Anything but Moscato Team dislikes the higher residual sugar in some Moscato. Residual sugar is grape sugars leftover in a wine after the alcoholic fermentation finishes.
Interestingly, Moscato is more significant than its sweetness. There are multiple styles of Moscato. Sparkling is a popular style in Italy. Moscato d’Asti (semi-sparkling) and Asti Spumante (sparkling) are commonly served with bbq, fish and hearty vegetable dishes.
There are drier styles. In Maryland, Xella Winery and Vineyard (Laurel Grove, MD) makes a drier Moscato. “Almost’cato is a re-imagined take on the popular Moscato style wine. This dry white wine is bold with a hint of sweet-tart and granny smith apple to accentuate the natural”, as described by Xella. It is worth a try.
credit: Xella Winery and Vineyard
Let’s join hands today and celebrate National Moscato Day. May 9 is National Moscato Day was created in 2012 by the Gallo Family Vineyards, according to NationalCalendarDay.com. Here are some facts about Moscato:
- Muscat Blanc is the grape used to make Moscato.
- Muscat Blanc is one of the oldest known variety of grapes grown in the world.
- Moscato is now the fastest growing wine on the American market, growing at a rate of 25 percent a year for the last three years, and it shows no signs of stopping. (Vinepair.com)
- HIP HOP stars like Drake, L’il Kim, has influenced the popularity of Moscato.
In observation of National Moscato Day, try a Moscato new to you. You may become a life long Team Moscato member.
Unrelenting Commitment to Quality, Robin Sagoskin
Unrelenting Commitment to Quality, Robin Sagoskin
Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry
It is evident women impact the Maryland wine industry. Women influence the industry in so many aspects. Winemaker, vineyard manager, tasting room manager, and owner/operator are a few are the roles women play. If you think about it, it should not be surprise women play an active role in wine. Viticulture is the science of growing grapes which is essentially is farming. Traditionally in agrarian cultures, women are an integral part of managing and operating farms. Robin Sagoskin, Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard proprietor, speaks to this fact during our Celebrating Women in Maryland’s wine industry chat.
We discussed the prominent role women have in the wine industry like the equestrian industry. Robin’s equine roots run deep. Robin and her husband, Art, established Hidden Hills as a horse farm several years ago. It is a premier boarding facility that welcomes all equestrian disciplines in Frederick, MD. It is home to 14 horses. The vineyard overlooks the pastures and horse facilities. It is quite beautiful and a delightful escape.
It was a natural transition from horses to grapes. The worlds can be very similar according to Robin. She applied the similarities to develop and to grow the vineyard. Robin also has a talent for business and finances. She began her career in the financial sector. We discussed how wine can be intimidating, but Robin takes the challenge head-on. If she can handle a 1,000-pound horse, then the wine industry is a piece of cake. She is unafraid to say she doesn’t know and ask questions. She is naturally curious and eager to learn. Robin surrounds herself with the most knowledgeable people and a team that is equally passionate about customer service and wine. She and her team are committed to providing their customers a quality experience. This may explain why Hidden Hills has achieved success in a short period. Hidden Hills is one of Maryland’s newer vineyards in the acclaimed Linganore AVA. She attributes Hidden Hills success to her talented team.
Our chat with Robin took place in Hidden Hills tasting room. You feel at home when you enter the tasting room. Maybe it’s because Robin and Art converted a portion of their home into the winery tasting room. Or perhaps it’s because the staff is extremely welcoming and you are treated as a part of the family. So much so, Vino 301 guests never want to leave. There are subtle hints of the horse farm in the tasting room. As you watch the video, you may notice the saddle in the background.
Coming this summer, Hidden Hills is moving the tasting room to another building on the farm. Robin promises the newer and larger tasting room will be equally as inviting. She never wants to lose that feeling and quality of service. Can’t wait to visit the new location! Knowing Robin it will be just as spectacular, if not more than, as the current tasting room. Please enjoy our discussion.
We love to hear from you. Who do you know who is making an impact in Maryland’s wine industry?
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Bringing Old World Charm to Maryland, Maureen Heimbuch, Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry
Bringing Old World Charm to Maryland, Maureen Heimbuch
Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry
Have you ever played the game, “How many Maryland wineries you can name?” It is fun to compare notes with your friends. Boordy Vineyards and Linganore Winecellars are usually the wineries names. Thanksgiving Farms is rarely mentioned. But a winery you should know, especially if you love Bordeaux-style wines.
Thanksgiving Farm (Harwood, MD) is a hidden gem outside of Annapolis, MD. If you drive by the entrance quickly, you will miss it. It is tucked behind another farm. A striking image is unveiled once you drive beyond the neighboring farm. Lush vines and a historic home emerge. Located in Southern Anne Arundel County, the vineyard and tasting room have old world charm. Maureen and Doug Heimbuch are the proud proprietors, grape growers, and winemakers.
Operating and managing a vineyard is a second career for Maureen, like many women in Maryland’s wine industry. Her career began as an attorney in New Jersey. Her analytical and interpersonal skills developed in the legal professional easily transferred to her burgeoning winemaking career.
While Maureen leaves most of the winemaking tasks to Doug, she is a significant contributor to their end product. From the very beginning, they decided they were making traditional Bordeaux-style wines. Maureen discusses how she was influenced by old world French wines. Thanksgiving Farm grows noble grapes such as Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. They are known for their Meritage vintages. Meritage is a term used to identify American handcrafted wines blended from the traditional “noble” Bordeaux varietals. She expresses her desire to bring that history and quality winemaking to Maryland.
We also discuss Thanksgiving Farm notable Franc Blanc and what was the impetus. Franc Blanc is a white Cabernet Franc wine. Cabernet Franc is traditionally a red wine. They decided to try making it as a white wine because they were not making white whites. Franc Blanc was a surprising success.
Our chat with Maureen took place in Thanksgiving Farm’s tasting room. Thanksgiving Farm tasting room is one of the most stately tasting room I have ever visited. The mahogany panel walls remind me of a formal parlor or sitting room. Although the tasting room is well appointed, it is not stodgy. It is an inviting and intimate setting. It is like the television show Cheers, “everyone knows your name.” When you visit once, you will never be forgotten. You will always be greeted by name. Thanksgiving Farm’s tasting room is an extension of Maureen’s and Doug’s home. They want you to feel as welcome in the tasting room as you would in their home. Please enjoy our discussion.
Stay tuned for more videos in March. We love to hear from you. Who do you know who is making an impact in Maryland’s wine industry?
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Influencing the Business, Janna Howley Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry
Influencing the Business, Janna Howley
Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry
Have you ever attended a Maryland wine festival? Have you ever read an article about legislative changes in the beer industry? Have you ever sought information about starting your own vineyard? If you answered yes to any of these questions, more than likely you interacted with Grow and Fortify. Grow and Fortify is the back office, advocates and event managers for Maryland’s agricultural producers, startups, operators and growers. They represent and support several non-profit organizations, like the Maryland Wine Association. In plain English, Grow and Fortify help craft beverage business owners thrive so that businesses can focus on producing great beer, wine, and spirits we love to enjoy. Janna Howley is the Chief Operating Officer, COO, for Grow and Fortify. She is the business behind the business.
Janna and I first met years ago when she worked for the University of Maryland Extension. I was in search of agri-tourism resources. Agri-tourism was relatively new back then. It was novel. Not a lot of people understood it or knew anything about it. Janna recognized the potential and value of bringing people to Maryland’s farms like Maryland’s vineyards. Vineyards are working farms. People sometimes forgot that fact. During her time with the Extension program, Janna positively influenced the public’s perception that farming is exciting and fun.
Fast forward to today, Janna influences on a larger scale. Her, along with the team connect agricultural producers to organizations and resources which assist operators and growers develop their businesses. This is not just a job for Janna. She speaks with enthusiasm about the services her organization provides. It is infectious. Partially, we talked about the seminars they host for potential, dreamy-eyed growers. The support available to startups is inspiring. Within minutes of our conversations, I wanted to go out and buy a tractor, vines, and start growing grapes. But seriously, the support Grow and Fortify offers has had a positive impact on the wine industry and, may attribute to some of the growth in the industry.
Our chat with Janna took place in her kitchen. It felt like I was catching up with a good girlfriend. Thanks for making me feel so comfortable, especially since I had production issues and annoyed with myself. I have to apologize for the video quality. You’ll notice Janna, and I go in and out of frame. My usual camera did not have sufficient memory. So, I used my camera phone as a backup. A very friendly Target salesperson later told me I did not insert the correct memory card. Ughhh… Thank you, Janna, for being a good sport and putting me at ease. You are awesome! Please enjoy our discussion.
Stay tuned for more videos in March. We love to hear from you. Who do you know who is making an impact in Maryland’s wine industry?
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Make A Way, Jo-Ann Romano, Romano Vineyard and Winery
Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry
Make A Way Jo-Ann Romano, Romano Vineyard and Winery
When I was Howard University graduate student, I learned several invaluable lessons. The lesson which stuck with me the most was Make A Way. When there is not a way make a way. Sometimes you have a dream that has never been realized by anyone. No precedent. No one can conceptualize your vision. You have to forge your own path to make your dream your reality. This is exactly what Jo-Ann and Joe Romano did. They are the owners of Romano Vineyard and Winery (Brandywine, MD). Romano Vineyard and Winery is the first commercially operated winery in Prince George’s county.
During our Vino 301’s Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry chat, Jo-Ann discussed how the vineyard became a reality. Prior to the winery’s opening, zoning regulations and laws did not exist allowing a winery to operate in Prince George’s county. Unintended, the Romanos became visionaries when they pursued their dream. They convinced others to share their dream and the possibilities. They worked with elected officials, the Maryland Grape Growers Association, the Maryland Wine Association and other organizations to help rally their cause. The Maryland Grape Growers and the Maryland Wine Association are tremendous resources. Almost all of the women I spoke with often referenced these organizations. These groups helped them develop their businesses and provided educational assistance.
Eventually public policy was codified for wineries to operate in the County. Amazingly, this was less than 10 years ago. Now there are three other wineries in Brandywine. The wineries formed a wine trail, known as the Legacy Wine Trail. Jo-Ann could not have imagined their dream would lead to these incredible events. She is truly a trailblaze. Thanks for bringing wine to my favorite County.
There is an old saying, “good wine starts with good grapes.” Jo-Ann is responsible for the good grapes. She is the vineyard manager. The vineyard manager is responsible for maintaining the vineyard to produce a healthy and abundant grape harvest. She loves it. Notice how her face lights up when she talks about it. Jo-Ann spends a lot of time in the vineyard. Oh, by the way, she still has a full-time job. Can you imagine? She works all day at the office and in the evenings, she works in the vineyard. I assume, Jo-Ann’s vineyard chores are not considered work to her. It is a labor of love.
Our chat with Jo-Ann took place at Romano Vineyard and Winery. Fortunately, the March weather cooperated and we were able to sit near the vineyard for our visit. Please enjoy our chat.
Stay tuned for more videos in March. We love to hear from you. Who do you know who is making an impact in Maryland’s wine industry?
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Powerhouse Winemaker, Lauren Zimmerman
Powerhouse Winemaker, Lauren Zimmerman
Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry
Last month I attended a ceremony honoring the 2018 Governor’s Cup Competition winners. The Governor’s Cup Competition is Maryland’s wine competition recognizing the state’s best wines. Port of Leonardtown Winery was among the wineries of distinction honored at this reception. Port of Leonardtown Winery (Leonardtown, MD) won top honors – Best in Show for its Barbera Reserve 2015. Port of Leonardtown Winery didn’t stop there. Their wines took home –not one, not two, not three, but SEVEN gold medals in 2018. A first in Maryland winery history for a winery to win seven gold medals for seven of the eight wines entered in the competition.
Who? Who is the person behind this history making event and leaving lasting impressions on Maryland’s wine industry? It is powerhouse winemaker, Lauren Zimmerman. She is making finely crafted wines. She answered the question asked for centuries: “Is wine making a science or an art?” Her wines clearly demonstrate it is an art. Winemaking starts with the science of fermenting grapes, but Port of Leonardtown wines end with priceless art. In every glass is complexity, dimension, and passion that tells a story which only an artist could convey. Please do not mis-interrupt my statement to imply technical skill is missing, which is frequently hinted when people describe female winemakers. It is a given these wines are technically solid.
Lauren has been mastering her craft for 14 years. Her youthful appearance makes it hard to believe she has been in the industry for a stretch of time. She literally started as a child and developed a love for all aspects of wine.
Our chat with Lauren took place at the newly renovated Port of Leonardtown Winery tasting room. It is a great place to visit. Bring your friends, family, even your pet with you when you go wine tasting. There is a park directly across from the tasting room. The Winery is opened daily. We recorded the video in barrel room. Hence, why we are wearing the coats in the video. It was a special treat to be in the barrel room. Visitors do not often have a chance to enter the processing area.
Our chat with Lauren was a perfect way to begin the weekend. Please enjoy my chat with Lauren.
Stay tuned for more videos in March. We love to hear from you about who you think should be celebrated this month.
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Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry
Celebrating Women in Maryland’s Wine Industry
March is Maryland wine month and women’s history month. What an outstanding duo! Vino 301 recognizes some of the women who make Maryland wines phenomenal. We chat with several women who work in the wine industry. We visit tasting rooms, barrel rooms, and even board rooms to discuss their roles in the industry. It’s exciting times in Maryland. Maryland wine industry is experiencing record growth. We seek these phenomenal women insights how they foresee the future of the industry.
Celebrating women in Maryland’s wine industry is video series. The series begins with Lynn Basignani, co-owner of Basignani Winery (Sparks, MD). Basignani Winery is among the original 13 vineyards which established Maryland’s wine industry. Basignani started as a passion project and grew into a labor of love. Lynn and Bert, winemaker and co-owner, have operated Basignani Winery for since 2016. Bert is the master vintner, but Lynn is the heart and soul behind the tasting room and events. She is very modest about managing a successful business.
Our chat with Lynn takes place in Basignani’s quaint and inviting tasting room. The walls are aligned with vintage wine bottles from all over the world. We discuss how she got started in the business and how her role evolved over time. Lynn shares with us her favorite wine they make and their brick oven pizza. OMG! You have to go to Basignani for their brick oven pizza. A perfect Friday night is sitting on Basignani’s lawn, a glass of Lorenzino Reserve and their mushroom pizza. That is good living!
We also talk about Basignani’s newest project, its wine club. Their wine club replaced their case club. We talk about why it was important to make this change to the wine club and building a better relationship with their loyal customers. If you are fan of Basignani’s wines, you can visit or contact them to learn more about their wine club.
Our chat with Lynn was a great way to start a winter Saturday morning. Please enjoy my time with Lynn.
Stay tuned for more videos in March. We love to hear from you.
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2019 Maryland Wine Festivals
Complete Guide to 2019 Maryland Wine Festivals
credit: Maryland Wine Association
2019 Maryland Wine Festival season starts in April with Decanter at Laurel Park. Decanter is the perfect marriage between Maryland wine and horseracing. Dust off your wide brim hat or your seersucker suit; and it is off to the races for some great Maryland wine. Decanter is the first festival in 2019, but definitely not the only wine festival. Vino 301 has assembled a list of over 30 wine festivals for you. Below is the complete guide to 2019 Maryland Wine Festivals. The list is downloaded .pdf.
Along with the complete list, here are some helpful tips to know about Maryland wine festivals.
WEATHER: Rain or shine wine festivals will happened. Rarely are festivals cancelled because of the weather, sometimes rescheduled. Make sure you wear and bring weather appropriate gear with you. Remember your rain boots for those mudding fields. Conversely, festivals are usually held in large open fields without protection from the sun. Do not forget the sunscreen.
BRING YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE: This sounds like an obvious thing to do. However, you would be surprised by the number of people who are turned away because they did not bring identification. Be prepared with photo identification showing proof of age.
credit: Carroll County Times
OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGES: Most festivals have several food vendors available for you to purchase food. Check with the festival organizer if you can bring outside food. Also, check whether grilling is permitted. Outside alcoholic beverages are never allowed. Event staff will confiscate outside alcoholic beverages. We have witness security confiscate cases of beer, wine coolers especially at Linganore’s Carribean festival. It is not worth the trouble leave the alcohol at home.
PETS: We love your pets, but the event organizers may not. Review the event guidelines before you bring your pet. Keep in mind, festivals are crowded and may not be the best environment for your pet. Use your best discretion when determining to bring your pet. If pets are permitted, be respectful of others. Leashed your pet, do not leave it unattended, and please, please clean up after your pet.
Happy festivals hopping. Here is your complete guide.
2019 Maryland Fesitivals Wine Guide
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Easy Holiday Punch Recipes
Easy Holiday Punch Recipes
As much fun as it is to host friends and family, entertaining can be overwhelming. I am always looking for ways to make things simpler to avoid the stress. Serving a holiday punch puts the merry back in the holidays. A good holiday punch eliminates the fuss of setting up a full bar. Here are three easy holiday punch recipes you can serve at your next festive gathering. Cheers!
Apple Cider Bourbon Punch
Vino 301 served this punch at one of our client’s holiday party recently. It was a big hit!!! We served the punch cold and rimmed the glasses with a cinnamon sugar mixture. For an additional surprise, a splotch of caramel was added to the bottom of the glass. The Apple Cider Bourbon Punch can be served warm too. The warm punch will melt the caramel adding a new flavor element. If you serve it warm, remember to keep the heat low. You do not want cook away the alcohol.
Ingredients
3 Cinnamon sticks
9 Cloves
1 Star Anise
4 cups Apple cider
1 cup Orange juice (no pulp)
1 cup sugar
½ cup Bourbon or to taste
Optional
Orange slices
Cinnamon sugar mixture
caramel
Directions:
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine all ingredients and garnish with orange slices. Before serving rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar mixture, and place a dollop of caramel in the bottom of the glass for an added treat. Serves 10 – 15 people
photo credit: delish
Ornament Punch
This cocktail reminds me of a Christmas tree decorated with all of the lights and ornaments. It sparkles, and has traditional red and green colors…hence the name Ornament Punch. This recipe calls for sparkling wine. Remember, it is okay to select an inexpensive wine. Select a dry sparkling wine.
Ingredients
2 Granny Smith apples, chopped
1 c. whole fresh cranberries
1 c. green grapes, halved
1 c. pomegranate seeds
2 c. sparkling white grape juice
1 bottle sparkling wine (e.g., Cava or Prosecco)
DIRECTIONS
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine apples, cranberries, grapes, and pomegranate seeds. Pour over sparkling grape juice and champagne and stir, then serve. Serves 8 – 10 people
photo credit: bon appetit
Ginger Spritz
If you are not keen on serving a punch, have a signature cocktail. Set up a self-serve cocktail station. The Ginger Spritz is a simple four ingredients recipe. It has my new favorite aperitif, Lillet (lee-lay). Lillet is made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. It is flavored with herbs, citrus, spices and fortified with citrus liqueur (17% ABV). Lillet goes a long way. You do not need generous portions. Also, it should always be served chilled. Try Ginger Spritz recipe courtesy of bon appétit.
INGREDIENTS
1 thin slice peeled ginger
2 oz. Lillet Blanc
3 oz. sparkling wine (e.g., Cava or Prosecco)
Splash of ginger beer
DIRECTIONS
Place ginger slice against the inside of a rocks glass, fill with ice, and add Lillet and sparkling wine. Top off with ginger beer and stir gently to combine. Single serving.
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