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Christina’s Mulled Wine Recipe

It’s the holidays and what better way to to make your home smell like it than with some Mulled Wine!

 Below is Christina’s recipe. We suggest pairing it with friends by the fireplace and a tasty charcuterie plate.

 mulled-wine

4 cups apple cider (or can use apple juice if you want it a little sweeter)

1 bottle of red wine (suggest cabernet, merlot, or a blend of both)

1 tablespoon – 1/4 cup of honey (depends on your sweet tooth)

2 cinnamon sticks

1 orange – juiced and zested

4 whole cloves

2-3 stars of anise (do to taste)

orange peels/wedges for garnish

Add the apple cider/juice, wine, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, orange juice, and cloves to a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add stars of anise and honey to taste. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. Pour into mugs, add an orange peel/wedge for garnish, and enjoy!

Happy Holidays Winemakers!

Aged Eggnog Recipe

One of the best parts of this time of year is the eggnog.

Sure, maybe not everyone is the biggest fan. But if you do find yourself craving a cold, frosty glass of perfectly spiced nog as you watch the first snowfall of the season, then read on to learn about this tried and true recipe!

And don’t forget that eggnog can make fantastic holiday presents for friends, family, and co-workers! If you make a batch you’re proud of, you can always drop by Musto Wine Grape while our bottles are still 10% off!

Two quick notes:

  1. Yes, this is very boozy. Definitely an adults-only drink.
  2. Yes, this is aged. But if you’d rather not, that’s fine too. (But pssst, it’s better when it’s aged a bit!)

What you’ll need

  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 10 oz half and half
  • 10 oz heavy cream
  • 1 T vanilla extract
  • 1 T cinnamon
  • 4.5 T white sugar
  • 1.5 oz bourbon
  • 1.5 oz rum
  • 1 oz brandy
  • 1 oz Allspice dram
  • 1 oz Cardamaro
  • .5oz Amontillado sherry
  • Nutmeg, cinnamon stick, star anise garnish

Directions

  1. Whisk yolks with stand mixer and then slowly add in the sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  2. One well mixed, turn mixer to slow setting and gently pour in the spirits and half and half.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until they form soft peaks.
  4. Gently fold egg whites into yolk/spirit/sugar mixture.
  5. In its own bowl, whisk heavy cream into whipped cream.
  6. Gently mix the whipped cream into the mixture, so that everything is in one vessel now.
  7. Age in fridge for desired amount of time (30-45 days minimum recommendation for a noticeable change in flavor incorporation and softening of the booze)
  8. When serving, garnish with one star anise, one cinnamon stick, and a dash of nutmeg

You can drink this immediately if you want to, but we recommend aging at least 30 days. There is a distinct difference between just-made eggnog and one that has aged for a month or more, which allows it to develop a much smoother, softer flavor and mouthfeel. You’ll really be blown away by the difference!

Just remember it must be in a clean, sanitary jar. Keep it tightly sealed until you’re ready to drink it. 

Serving Wine at Your Holiday Meal

We all know the holidays can be a stressful time. But planning your meal and wine pairing doesn’t need to be!

If you’re hosting a holiday meal this year, you’re probably looking forward to the moment you get to sit down and relax with a nice glass of wine. But even before then, you’ll need to decide what to pair with dinner, what to have available for your guests as they mill about pre- and post-dinner, and who will like/appreciate what.

Decisions, decisions!

Whites

  • Looking for some bubbles to get the party started? Oregon’s Argyle Vintage Brut is sure to win over the hearts and palates of everyone at the table.

  • With its low alcohol, slight effervescence, and bright acidity, Broadbent Vinho Verde is a wine that will feel light and fresh, even though your guests might not be feeling that way after a huge holiday meal. Low in price, you can easily purchase this wine by the case and keep pouring throughout the night.

  • Any white wine YOU made! We suggest a Pinot Grigio if you made one, it goes with most foods and people always love a crisp but approachable white wine.

Roses

  • Nothing says Christmas wine like a wine that is titled “Christmas wine.” Duplin Winery’s Southern-inspired Muscadine blend is sure to please, from its image of Santa on the label, to the sweet berry and spice notes it compliments any meal with.

  • Charles and Charles rose is made from a blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Counoise, and Cinsault. An easy to drink yet still very well made rose, this wine will pair especially well with turkey, ham, and cheeses.

  • Did you make a Rose of Black Muscat this year? Or maybe one of Grenache? If so, these are delicious options for the holidays!

Reds

  • Pepp Blauer Zweigelt – think sugar plum fairy in a bottle. This little known grape variety is sure to continue growing in popularity as people come to know its medium bodied, bright fruit flavor profile.

  • The Russian River Valley is known for its outstanding Pinot Noirs, and Flowers never seems to disappoint the Sonoma Coast and what its capable of. Pop open a bottle of this to pour alongside the appetizers or the main course: you can’t go wrong with it.

  • Any red wine YOU made! Show off your winemaking skills to your family and friends!

Dessert Wines

  • Switch it up and introduce your guests to some good ol fashioned Hungarian wine this holiday season! Tokaji is a late harvest wine made from the grape variety Furmint. It’s decadent, extremely sweet, completely delicious, and people rarely want more than a small glass of it, so the 500mL bottle that Royal Tokaji Late Harvest comes in should be just enough for everyone to have a taste.

  • Have a taste of local CT agriculture when you pour a glass of Vino Bianco Del Paradiso from Paradise Hills Vineyard and Winery.

 

And when in doubt, just pour yourself a glass and remember:

 

Musto Wine Grape Company is here to help! We are New England’s largest supplier for home winemaking products and services. You can get set up with all of your juice, grape and equipment needs and have you on track to making your own perfect pairing for next fall! Visit juicegrape.com or give us a call at (877) 812 – 1137 to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!

Gift Guides for Winemakers and Wine Lovers

Below is our round up of our 2019 Wine Gift Guides!

Take a look and find something for your favorite wine lover and winemaker.

gift guide- winemaker-wine-wine lover

Gift Certificate

Purchase a Musto Wine Grape Gift Certificate for any desired amount. We are sure your winemakers will put it toward their most desired items in the Spring and Fall winemaking seasons.

Link to product: http://www.juicegrape.com/Gift-Certificate-25-50-100/

 

Top Gifts for Wine Lovers

Looking for gifts for your favorite winos? Check out our Top Gifts for Wine Lovers.

Link: http://blog.juicegrape.com/index.php/2019/11/top-gifts-for-wine-lovers/

 

Top Gifts for Winemakers Under $25.00

Looking for stocking stuffers for your favorite winemaker? We’ve got you covered!

Link: http://blog.juicegrape.com/index.php/2019/12/top-10-winemaker-gifts-under-25-00/

 

Top Gifts for Winemakers Under $50.00

Great gifts don’t have to be expensive.  Give your Winemaker something they will use every season. Maybe they’ll even give you some extra wine as a thank you 😉

Link: http://blog.juicegrape.com/index.php/2019/12/top-10-winemaker-gifts-under-50-00/

 

Top Gifts for Winemakers Under $100.00

Your winemaker works hard every harvest to create delicious wine for you! Why not give him something to upgrade his wine cellar?

Link: http://blog.juicegrape.com/index.php/2019/12/top-10-winemaker-gifts-under-100-00/

 

Holiday gifts for the winemaker in your

More gifts to check out!

Link: http://blog.juicegrape.com/index.php/2019/12/holiday-gift-guide-for-winemakers/

Questions? Still don’t know what to get your winemaker? Give us a call at 877-812-1137 or email sales@juicegrape.com to discuss the perfect gift for your winemaker.

Top 10 Winemaker Gifts Under $50.00

It’s gift giving season and we know sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect gift. Below is a list of our suggested gifts for your favorite winemakers!

winemaker christmas gifts

Bottles:

Every winemaker needs bottles to display their masterpiece. Give the gift of bottles to a winemaker, and you never know, you might get something delicious in return.

Link to product: http://www.juicegrape.com/categories/Bottles_and_Jugs/Bottles

pH Checker:

A great, easy to use and economical pH meter. pH is very important in winemaking and can be difficult to figure out depending the meter. This meter makes checking pH a breeze no matter how experienced the winemaker. For only $25.00 this is a great testing option.

Link to product: http://www.juicegrape.com/ph600-box-milwaukee/

All Grape Pack

100% pasteurized crushed and destemmed grapes as “Mother Nature” intended! A great way for your winemaker to punch up the body or tannins in their wine, no matter if they are using wine juice or a wine kit. Shelf stable, this $19.99 item is a great thing to have in every winemaker’s tool box.

Link to product: http://www.juicegrape.com/Mosti-Mondiale-All-Grape-Pack/

Metabisulfite – WINY

The purest and high quality sulfite. The WINY product is a great sulfite addition pre-bottling. Only $12.00/kg, something not every winemaker would buy for themselves but should.

Link to product: http://www.juicegrape.com/Potassium-Metabisulfite-Winy-1kg/

Winemaking Analytical Services

Musto offers a plethora of testing services for winemakers and their wines. Help your winemaker take advantage of the testing we have to offer! Ranging from $10.00 and up per test, this is a great gift for any winemaker. You never know when you’ll need some winemaking advice.

Link to products: http://www.juicegrape.com/categories/Analytical_Services

PVC Shrink Capsules

Help your winemaker dress up their bottles with colorful PVC Capsules. Only $10.00/100ct bag, these capsules make any homemade wine look like it belongs on the shelf at your favorite wine shop.

Link to products: http://www.juicegrape.com/Racking-Bottling

Auto Siphon

Ever had to siphon wine? If you have then you know that the auto siphon is a life saver! And if you haven’t siphoned wine before, believe us, this will help speed up the process with ease for only $15.00!

Link to product: http://www.juicegrape.com/Siphon-Auto-12in/

Winemaker Magazine Subscription:

Winemaker Magazine is the only winemaking publication your winemaker needs. Articles written by some of the Musto Crush Crew, as well as winemakers from Napa and Bordeaux, this magazine subscription is something we all look forward to each month.

Link to product: http://bit.ly/2XbKILK

Techniques in Home Winemaking Book

Daniel Pambianchi is one of our favorite writers! This is because his winemaking book is our favorite and we still use it to this day. We refer to this as the “home winemaker’s bible”. For only $21.95 this is a gift that keeps on giving.

Link to product: http://www.juicegrape.com/Book-Techniques-in-Home-Winemaking/

Gift Certificate

Purchase a Musto Wine Grape Gift Certificate for any desired amount. We are sure your winemakers will put it toward their most desired items in the Spring and Fall winemaking seasons.

Link to product: http://www.juicegrape.com/Gift-Certificate-25-50-100/

Questions? Still don’t know what to get your winemaker? Give us a call at 877-812-1137 or email sales@juicegrape.com to discuss the perfect gift for your winemaker.

Top Gifts for Wine Lovers!

Here are some of our top gift picks for the 2019 holiday season sure to bring cheer to all wine lover’s far and near!

winel lover-gift boxes-christmad gifts-winemaking-home winemaking-musto wine grape

Insulated Wine Tumblers

insulated wine tumblers-gift-gifts--gifts for wine lovers

  • Keep your wine (or other drink of choice) at the perfect temperature with our new stainless steel insulated wine tumblers, with oh so relatable sayings on them!

  • Link to product: http://bit.ly/Wine-Tumblers

Wine Folly: Magnum Edition

winefolly-wine books-winemaking-winemaker-wine lover-gift-gifts-gifts for wine lovers

  • Whether you are a newbie in the wine world or a seasoned professional, you’ll benefit from having all the information you need at your finger tips with Wine Folly’s Magnum Edition.

  • Link to product: https://amzn.to/34Zd2nq

Corkcicle Air

wine saver-wine chiller-winemaking-winemaker-wine lover-gift-gifts-gifts for wine lovers

  • The perfect tool for keeping your white wines chilled without ending up with a messy, water filled bucket when you’re done.

  • Link to product: https://amzn.to/32K8IXm

Sipski Shower Wine Glass Holder

winemaking-winemaker-wine lover-gift-gifts-gifts for wine lovers

  • Because bathtubs and showers still aren’t wine glass friendly (get with the times, bath manufactures) this little tool will keep your glass safe while you relax with your soap and suds.

  • Link to product: http://bit.ly/33Oe19K

Glass Wine Saver Carafe

wine carafe-wine-winemaking-winemaker-wine lover-gift-gifts-gifts for wine lovers

  • Surpassing the abilities of most wine savers these days, this cleverly designed carafe includes a special float that sits on the surface of the wine so it never makes contact with the air, keeping it fresh for much longer.

  • Link to product: http://bit.ly/2q0Eang

Stainless Steel Wine Chiller

wine chiller-winemaking-winemaker-wine lover-gift-gifts-gifts for wine lovers

  • Thanks to double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that also eliminates drippy condensation, this keeps your wine at a perfectly cool temperature for hours. No trips to the fridge or cooler needed!

  • Link to product: http://bit.ly/2ObVj58

Red Wine Stain Remover

wine stain remover-winemaking-winemaker-wine lover-gift-gifts-gifts for wine lovers

  • A stain remover that works like magic on spills of your favorite vintage, as well as berries, beets and more. Works on colorfast, washable fabrics and is best on stains that haven’t set in yet.

  • Link to product: http://bit.ly/2CEoqZB

BONUS GIFT IDEA

gift certificate-winemaking-winemaker-wine lover-gift-gifts-gifts for wine lovers

Gift Certificate

 

We hope this helped check a few off your list! What are you hoping Santa brings you this year?

Questions? Still don’t know what to get your winemaker? Give us a call at 877-812-1137 or email sales@juicegrape.com to discuss the perfect gift for your winemaker.

 

Are you considering buying a gift? Let us help…

Are you considering buying a gift? Let us help…

sanatas-list

Musto Wine Grape Company, LLC. has gifts for those starting out in winemaking, those who are experienced winemakers, or those who simply love wine or have a special winemaker in their lives.

So, what sort of person are you buying for?

Is this person interested in making wine for the first time or relatively new to winemaking?

Those interested in making wine may want to start out with some of the following:

basic-equipment-kit

A Winemaking Equipment Kit

Winemaking Equipment kits come with many of the basic and reusable items that are essential for making a basic batch of wine.  Kits can be purchased pre-packaged or you can work with a Musto sales rep to enhance the kit items.

A Winemaking Ingredient Kit

Winemaking Ingredient Kits exist for every budget and contain the ingredients needed to ferment and finish wine for bottling and enjoyment.  There are kits available for all tastes.

Basic Lab/Analysis Equipment

While there are many different pieces of equipment that can be purchased for winemaking, few are as essential to crafting consistently good wine as are these items…

Hydrometer
Acid Tiration Kits (we recommend our own Pro Acid Kit!)
pH meters

Professional Books on Winemaking

A Professional Winemaker Led Class At Musto Wine Grape Company, LLC at our Hartford, CT location.

Perhaps the person you are buying for falls into the “Experienced Winemaker” category?

Hydrometer used to measure the specific gravity of wine and beer

Hydrometer used to measure the specific gravity of wine and beer

An experienced winemaker may have been making wine for a period of time and should now have the basic equipment and supplies.  This sort of winemaker is generally looking for items to expand his or her cellar or for items that offer greater efficiency.  To the observer, an experience winemaker might also be one who consistently produces wines that beg you to have another glass.

If your winemaker is an “Experienced Winemaker” he or she may already have those items mentioned for the those who might just be getting started in winemaking. For those who do, you may want to consider some of the following items, big and small.

New Wine Barrels
Stainless Steel Variable Capacity Tanks
Chemical Analysis Meters
Wine Bottles

OR…Maybe the person you are buying for simply loves wine and/or a special winemaker?

wine-snob-sign

Check out our great selection of Merchandise including cool wine themed products for indoors, outdoors. We also have a large selection of stylish jewelry and apparel.

Gift Certificates…The Perfect Gift!

gift-certificate

There may be no better gift option than the gift certificate.  It allows the recipient to apply the value of the certificate to any item that they wish to purchase and at a time they are ready to do so.  Our gift certificates come with a gift certificate holder and may be used for either online or in-store purchases.  Click here to purchase a gift certificate in a convenient denomination.

 

Also, we are constantly running New and Special Deals on All of Our Products –> Check out our Shopping Page for more Information and Coupons!