One of the most approachable styles of beer is a blonde ale. Also referred to as Golden Ale, it’s an easy-drinking beer - rounded and smooth. Blonde ales are now brewed across the world; from Belgium to Brazil, France to the US, each having its own slight variation on the same theme, usually centered around ingredients native to that particular country. The few things they have in common are:
Aromas of sweet malt, hops, and fruity esters are low to moderate across the board. The fruitiness is not required but acceptable.
A blonde ale can be anywhere from light yellow to golden blonde color with no chill haze and good clarity
Mouthfeel is medium-light to medium body, pushed by medium-high carbonation.
Balance is on the malty side, with low to medium bitterness leveling the sweet a bit. Finishes a little dry to a little sweet.
Enjoy an iced cold glass of blonde ale in our English Reserve Pint. And, as always, cheers!
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So much beer, so little time…how can a beer lover try them all? A beer flight of course! It’s the easiest way to quickly cover a lot of tasting ground.
History
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, one of the many definitions of “flight” is, “a group of similar beings or objects flying through the air together.” With all the options of beer at a brewery it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Instead of limiting yourself to one or two types, why not try multiple in one sitting? And thus, beer flights were born.
Basics
In order to make a beer flight, you’ll need these three things: a tray, cupware, and last but not least: beer. How the samples get from the taps to you is open to creativity. For this journey, TOSSWARE has created a tray to hold your tasters perfectly. The tasters used in beer flights can typically range in size from 2 ounces to 6 ounces. Personally, we prefer our 4oz taster. It’s the perfect size to sample a variation of beer and fits just-right into the TOSSWARE tray.
There is really no “right” or “wrong” way to drink a flight of beer, however the usual order is lightest to darkest. Generally the lightest beers have a gentler character, then the darker the beer, the more the tastes increase. If a dark beer is sampled before a light beer, much of the light's character will be lost behind the dark one. Try starting with a light-flavored, refreshing beer like a blonde ale, then finish with a strong beer like a stout or porter.
Now that you know about the history and the basics of beer flights, widen your beer knowledge with TOSSWARE.
*Currently, our trays are available for 4oz Tasters and 7oz Pint Minis in bulk quantities. If you're interested in purchasing or customizing on them, drop us a message at sales@tossware.com.
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Imagine a moment too common: you’re enjoying a savory glass of red wine when suddenly, one simple mistake and the glass tips, shatters to the ground or - worse - all over you, losing all of its contents. We all dread that moment when your favorite drink is suddenly all over the place. The shattered glass, milk spills, beer stains, drops of orange juice, all leading to a wave of emotions: sadness, embarrassment, and (eventually) acceptance.
How do we prevent these disastrous moments and accompanying emotions? Shatterproof and spill proof glassware of course. Our drinkware has been designed to eliminate the stress that comes with a mess. Not only are TOSSWARE products made with materials to prevent them from breaking, but we’ve also picked a selection to have the flexibility of being used with or without lids. We’ve designed our lids to prevent spills while also making our glasses more portable than ever before. With poppable holes to fit straws, these cups are perfect for the on-the-go consumer. Our lids come in three convenient sizes so that each TOSSWARE cup can find a lid that fits. Reference our list below to find the best fit for your favorite style:
Enjoy a glass of whatever your heart desires without a spill or a crack.
Cheers from TOSSWARE!
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Though the name of this card game uses a very familiar phrase – “poker”, Whiskey Poker is unlike traditional poker in that there is no “drawing” from the dealer, but from the “kitty” hand in the center of the table. This game allows up to nine players at any time, making it a great at-home game to enjoy while sipping on whiskey in the TOSSWARE 12oz Rocks. It is described in many late 19th century and early 20th century card game books, but is less well known nowadays.
Objective
End the hand with the highest possible five-card poker hand to win!
Set up
-One 52-card deck of cards
-Chips to keep track of betting; each chip can represent a nominal value as decided upon by the players
-A set of TOSSWARE 12oz Rocks and your favorite whiskey.
Game
Shuffle and deal five cards and five chips to each player. Between the dealer and the player to their right, deal the communal hand, also referred to as the “kitty”, and that will be placed face down in the middle of the table. After players have looked at their hands, the first betting round occurs.
First phase: The players will be given the option to knock, pass, or exchange.
Knock - he is happy with the hand delt to him, and all the other players will have one round to decide what they want to do.
Pass - this allows the player to keep their cards, make no bet and enter into the next round of betting should the hand continues.
Exchange - his requires the player to lay their full hand face-up on the table and take the kitty hand from the center. The discarded hand is now the kitty hand.
Second Phase: After the second round of betting the players will be given the option to knock or exchange
Exchange one card. You discard one card from your hand face up to the table and take a card from the spare hand in exchange for it.
Exchange five cards. You discard your whole hand face up and take the whole spare hand in exchange for it.
Knock. You keep your cards and signal that the play will end before your next turn.
The play continues until someone knocks. The other players then have one more turn. The play ends when the turn gets back to the first player to knock. At the end of the game, another round of betting occurs, and the player with the best hand wins. Cheers to that!
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What You’ll Need
Champagne
Fruits
Juices
Pitchers/Carafes
Labels (optional)
Options, Options, Options
It’s all about having a variety. Spice up your mimosa bar and give your guests multiple flavor options to choose from. Gather a variety of juices - orange, raspberry lemonade, blackberry, grapefruit, whatever suits your fancy. Complement your juices with several generous bowls of seasonal fruits of your choice. Mixed berries, lemons, grapefruit, and strawberries are always a great idea, but do keep in mind the season.
Consider the Flavors
For those of your guests who prefer mimosas on the sweeter side, offer a sweet Prosecco and pair it with a tart fruit juice and top it off with fresh strawberries or blueberries. For guests who’s palates prefer something less sweet, offer a dry sparkling wine. They can pair it with a little splash of orange juice. Or grapefruit juice paired with a dry champagne for more a bitter flavor profile. Top it off with a sprig of rosemary, because a little garnish always makes things more fun. Don’t shy away from offering a surplus of options! After all - that’s what DIY is all about.
Choose Your Glassware
Flutes are a must to achieve the full mimosa effect. Our 6oz stemmed flutes and 9oz stemless flutes are ideal selections for your mimosa bar. Affordable, shatterproof, and easy to clean - the only thing you and your guests will have to worry about is what delightful concoction to create next.
Add a Little Extra
It’s the little details that make a big difference. Help your guests out and label all your mimosa bar elements and ingredients. Set up you station to impress - add some flora or a nice backdrop - and you’re all set to go.
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If you love hands-on dining, then Korean Barbecue is perfect for you. Korean cuisine is all about a balance and contrast of flavors and textures and creating your own taste. This couldn’t be more true with Korean BBQ - from the variety of meats, dipping sauces, vegetables and side dishes to the traditional drink pairing of light, crisp beer and - of course - soju. Though it may seem daunting - we’re here to show you just how easy it is to set up at home. There are no set rules. So feel free to curate your experience to your own taste. But do keep these elements in mind to make sure you get all the necessities.
The Grill First things first - you need a hot plate or grill to gather around. You can use anything from a Japanese binchotan, a portable hot plate, a portable stove, or a simple grill. Use what you have, but keep in mind - it will get smokey, so set yourself up either outdoors or somewhere with plenty of ventilation.
Meats Galore And now for the main event. The meat. To satisfy all your meaty cravings, be sure to select a few of everyone’s favorite meats, cuts and/or marinade. Some favorites include brisket, bulgogi, short rib, kobe, or pork belly. And if you don’t eat meat, don’t worry. Grilled mushrooms, tofu, kabocha (squash) are common delicious alternatives.
Sides & Sauces Sides dishes, better known as banchan, are an absolute must when it comes to Korean dining in general. Typically, these dishes are set in the middle of the table for everyone to share. Side dishes can include kimchi, pickled radish, roasted seaweed, sliced green onion salad, a platter of vegetables and so much more. There are a few options when it comes to your sauces - the most common being gochujang (fermented chili paste), doenjang (fermented soy bean paste), ssamjang (a sweet and salty mixture of gochujang, ssamjang, sesame oil and some veggies), or a simple combination of sesame oil and sea salt.
Wrap It Up Now for the game changer. In addition to cooking your own meat just the way you like it, one of the best parts of KBBQ are the wraps. Here is where creating your own taste comes into full effect. Start with a red lettuce leaf, lay down a perilla leaf and add a slice of pickled radish for a refreshing crunch. Choose a sauce, dip your protein and add it to your wrap. Feel free to top it off with any other side dishes, and there you have it - the perfect wrap.
Don’t Forget the Drinks Last, but certainly not least - the drinks. Because what is KBBQ without soju? Soju is a clear, colorless distilled spirit similar to Japanese sake. It is traditionally fermented from rice, but can also be made with wheat and other grains as well. It is the most popular liquor amongst Koreans, and you’ll rarely find a KBBQ spread without a few (or several) bottles on the table. Our little 4oz tasters serve as the perfect vessel for all your soju needs. Pair them with our 18oz pints for some crisp, refreshing beer and you’ve got yourself the perfect concoction for a soju bomb - if you dare.
You can find every single thing you need at your local Korean market. And we mean everything. From a portable grill and the meat, to all the side dishes (all pre-made) that you desire, to the necessary soju and beer - the market will have it all. And as far as glassware? You know we’ve got you covered.
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It’s the end of a long week. And few things can cap it off like a refreshing glass of beer. Sure, it’s easy to go to your local spot, but why not change up your routine, take control, and allow for some creativity? Host your own beer tasting party at home! With Tossware’s 4oz tasters, you can set up a spread that is guaranteed to impress your guests. It’s the perfect way to gather your friends and start a new tradition. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Have a variety. The key to hosting a successful beer tasting is to provide a variety of flavors to challenge your tastebuds and explore and discover something new. Steer clear of typical brews and venture into foreign territory. Select from the variety of flavors from crisp and clean, fruity and spicy, malty and sweet, hoppy and bitter, sour and tart - and so much more! Pull together an assortment of brews from all over the world and create a form to jot down tasting notes and enjoy!
Have the proper glassware. It is absolutely essential to provide the right glassware. Believe it or not, the cleanliness and the shape of the glass have a significant effect on the taste of any given beer. Lucky for you, Tossware’s tasters provide the ideal universal shape for your brews and are just the right size. What’s more is they are 100% recyclable and shatterproof, leaving you and your guests with no worries at all.
Have something to munch on. Bite sized snacks are a must. Whether it’s between beers or paired with them, little bites are necessary to both complement the flavors and also act as palate cleanser. Bring your favorite snacks together like salami, cubes of cheese, mixed nuts, chips, pretzels, popcorn, wings - whatever suits your fancy.
Last, but not least - pay close attention to presentation. Not only are Tossware’s tasters convenient and mess-free, they will also elevate your spread and impress your guests.
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The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up, and that means rooftop and poolside chillin’ is all the rage. It’s the perfect time to gather up all your nearest and dearest, stir up a bountiful bowl of sangria, and use Tossware’s conveniently shatterproof vino cups to keep things safe and easy by the pool.
Few things come close to soaking up the sun on a rooftop poolside. It’s a simple, yet sweet escape from the hustle of the world below and the perfect way to relax with good drinks and even greater company.
“Sangria” is the Spanish term for a mix of fruit and wine (and - as many do know, is derived from the Latin term for blood) that became widely popular throughout Europe and first came on the American culinary scene when presented at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. Since then, innumerable variations on Sangria have emerged to suit anyone’s palette and has become a go-to party drink for many.
The next time you find yourself contemplating what to do over the weekend - keep it simple, fun, and delicious. Throw a bowl of sangria together, whip up some garnishes, and gather your crew by the pool. And with Tossware’s shatterproof vinos - not only will your party be hazard free, your aesthetics will also remain perfectly in tact.
]]>Sunday: the one day of the week that brunch is mandatory! But that means every decent restaurant in the area has a line out the door. The last thing you and your girlfriends want to do is wake up early after a fun Saturday night to secure a reservation. So, why not bring brunch to you? With Tossware’s stemmed flutes and decanter you’ll be feeling so classy you won’t even notice the difference.
Bring on the avocado toast, waffles and eggs, but most importantly - the champagne and orange juice! It’s never a true brunch without mimosas. Preserve the feel of a classy brunch with our 6oz Stemmed Flutes. And use our 28oz Decanter to properly mix and aerate that bubbly. (The Beginner’s Guide to Decanting)
Fear not - no matter how boozy your brunch may get, Tossware’s shatterproof plastic glasses ensure no cracked glass. 100% disposable and recyclable - our unique plastic glasses will make the cleanup easy and guilt-free.
]]>The game is on and it’s your turn to host this week’s viewing party. All the essentials must be present. Pizza. Wings. Chips. Salad for your vegan friend.. But what about the most important element? Beer.
You can’t have unsightly aluminum cans or plastic red cups ruining the aesthetics of your game day spread. Besides - there’s nothing quite like visibly seeing foam to get you thirsty. Fortunately, Tossware has the perfect pints of all sizes to serve your brew. The high quality, crystal clear polymer not only complements your setup, but leaves you stress free heading into the 3rd quarter knowing there’s no way for your friends to break these cups.
Our latest addition to the pint fam is the new 12oz Pint Jr. - ideal for smaller pours (let’s not waste any of that beer) and perfect for a variety of tastings as you please.
How you serve your beer says just as much as what you serve. So serve up your brew in style. And the best part? No need to wash these cups when you’re done. And they’re 100% recyclable.
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Do bring blankets. You can never have too many blankets! Locate a nice, level area of grass and lay out your spread. This will ensure maximum comfort or something cozy to snuggle under with a friend or your significant other - not to mention a lovely backdrop for all the photos you’re bound to take.
When setting an elegant table, most of us are tempted to go above and beyond. Our first instinct is to put a lot more on the table than what we’re used to having on a daily basis. We want to impress, to create an ambiance and the feeling that this particular dinner or get together is special and should stand apart from the everyday.
Believe it or not, utility should inform every decision we make when it comes to setting an elegant table. Focus only on the things that you will need. One set of utensils for every course, never a spoon or a tiny fork thrown in for whimsy. The doyenne of modern manners, Emily Post, makes it easy for us; utensils should be placed in order of use. Forks on the left, with the accompanying knife on the right. Not serving anything your guest will need a spoon for? Then you just made your life that much easier and can leave out the spoon.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci
We’ve all heard the expression “Less is More”. Embrace the blank spaces between the objects on your table, don’t be afraid to edit and remove things that don’t serve a purpose. Use decoration sparingly, and always choose glasses and stemware that are light, with elegant, crisp lines. Throughout your dinner, it will be your water and wine glasses that are used the entire time, so make sure that they are thoughtfully chosen and have a classic elegance that can work for any occasion.
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]]>Ever wonder why some people take the extra step to decant wine? Or are you already sold on the idea, but don’t really know how to do it or for how long?
There are two big reasons you might want to learn more about using one.
Some wines (especially vintage reds) can produce sediment over time. This will look like gritty or sometimes flaky residue that collects at the bottom of the bottle. Sediment can give wine a bitter taste and an unpleasant, gritty texture. If you store your wine bottles on their side, you should try and keep them upright for a day before serving. This will make it easier to separate the sediment from the wine when you pour it into the decanter.
Once you uncork the wine, wipe the bottle neck clean. Slowly and continuously pour the wine into the decanter, being careful to pour even more slowly once you get near the bottom of the bottle. Holding a light to the neck of the bottle lets you see the sediment, and you can adjust your pour accordingly. You might end up not pouring the last ounce or so, but we promise you’re better off without it.
If you’ve ever wondered why some wine lovers swirl their glasses, it’s because they are aerating their wine or “opening up” the wine. Decanting wine exposes it to oxygen, which can take the edge off and bring out its best qualities. If you taste a newly opened wine and find it to be overly acidic or lacking in depth, it is probably a good idea to decant it. Sometimes cheaper wines can be vastly improved by using a good decanter.
Sometimes letting it breathe is not the way to go when dealing with older wines. For them, too much oxygen (especially from the wide bottom of a decanter) can dull the wine.
For bold reds such as Shiraz, Syrah, or Cabernet Sauvignon, decanting it for up to two hours is encouraged. This goes especially for grocery store table wines, where decanting on the longer side can really mellow the harshness and tannins in cheaper wines.
Lighter reds like a Pinot Noir might only need a few minutes to half an hour. Periodically taste the wine to make sure you aren’t losing flavor.
Surprisingly, some white wines can really benefit from some decanting, especially bigger whites like a Chardonnay with a lot of oak or an assertive white Burgundy. These shouldn’t be out for more than an hour. Another side benefit is that we often drink white wines too cold. Letting it stand at room temperature outside of the chilled bottle can help to bring it to a temperature where we can more fully enjoy its quality.
Get your hands on our affordable yet elegant 28oz Decanter and give this guide a try. Chances are, your wine experience will be better with one, and they dress up a table like no other.
]]>Ringing in the new year with a Champagne toast is a timeless tradition. This iconic drink has a long and fizzy history of celebration! In France, Champagne was one of the most expensive drinks in the 1400's, reserved for the royalty and elites who would take long coronation trips to the Champagne region. The decadent imbibement was even Louis the Fourteenth’s drink of choice. By the mid-1800’s, middle and working class people started to emulate the nobility’s way of celebrating.
Over the centuries many ceremonies shifted from being religious to secular. Champagne toasts started to take over the role of Holy Water blessings at celebrations. Champagne soon became the go-to drink for all kinds of festivities, especially New Year’s Eve. In the U.S., two French brothers made Champagne the ultimate party drink at their 1930’s New York hotspot, Cafe Martin. With 69 imported Champagne options, people flocked to Cafe Martin for the hottest New Year’s Eve party.
These days, it’s hard to imagine celebrating without a sparkling beverage in hand. As you ring in 2018, make your toast extra special with these fun ideas.
1. Start by greasing a bowl or plate.
2. Stir together ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons of water over medium heat.
3. Using a candy thermometer, remove from heat when the mixture reaches 300 degrees.
4. Cool the pot in a water bath to 275 degrees.
5. Use a fork to drizzle the caramelized sugar over the greased plate.
6. Let cool, place the spun sugar shapes onto Champagne flutes, and serve.
This New Year’s Eve, toast to the new year with an extra pop. Grab some Champagne flutes from TOSSWARE and celebrate like the French nobility. With two different sizes and optional stems, there’s a flute for everyone. Whether you’re drinking sparkling apple cider or Dom Perignon, Happy 2018 from all of us at TOSSWARE.
]]>We used half inch ribbon for these holiday champagne flutes. To decorate TOSSWARE’s 9 oz Flute, cut 3 inches of ribbon and hot glue it into a loop. Slide the loop onto the cup. Cut a 4 inch length of ribbon and tie it into a small bow. Wrap a shiny Christmas ribbon around the center of the bow. Add a drop of hot glue on the center of back of the bow and press onto the ribbon loop.*
These gold dipped flutes look so elegant, no one would guess how easy they are to make! Use blue painters tape to create a teardrop shape around the bottom of the flute. Cover the rest of the cup up to the rim with tape. Using a tarp and gloves, spray gold paint onto the bottom of the cups with an even layer of color. Let dry for 15-20 seconds before removing the painter’s tape.
Use white acrylic paint and a thin brush to make an X. Then add one more line through the middle of the X to make a star shape. Add small lines coming out of each ray and dots on the ends for a perfect snowflake! Add 3-4 more snowflakes and white dots of ‘snow’ around the rest of the cup. Snap on a wine stem and your glasses are ready to go. Try serving a dark red wine to make the snowflakes pop.
To add glitter to TOSSWARE’s cups, all you need is a can of spray adhesive and glitter. Carefully spray the base of the cup, being sure to avoid the rim. Quickly sprinkle glitter around the sides of the cup. Let dry. The best part of using TOSSWARE for crafts is that you can decorate the stems too! Snap the cup off of the stem and pour glitter into the base for even more pizzaz.
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Traditional brewing techniques have made a triumphant resurgent in recent years, creating a range of new flavors. With brewing in the hands of the everyman, we’re seeing experimentation like never before.
A great brew begins with a good grain. Barley is the most typical choice, but it could be rye or wheat. The grain is usually malted by soaking in water for almost two days to start its germination process. It is then dried and crushed to expose the center of the grain where most of the fermentable starches are. Next up, the enzymes in the exposed grain must be activated to release their sugars. This process is known as mashing. The crushed grains soak in hot water for a few hours. The syrupy liquid, full of fermentable sugars, is strained from the grains. These spent grains have now served their purpose and the bring the leftover liquid, or wort, to a boil. Once the wort is boiling, hops are added. These conical green plant flowers provide antibiotic, preservative, and flavor properties to the new beer. If you’ve ever spent an afternoon around American craft brewers, you’ll know many are in a love affair with hops! These mysterious plants have been used for centuries both in food and medicinally. The type of hops and point during the boil when hops are added both change the final flavor of the beer.
Typically, the wort is then pumped through a jet nozzle to create a whirlpool in the kettle. This whirlpool brings all of the solid material into the center so that the liquid can be drained. It must then be quickly cooled before the yeast is added. The yeast must be added as soon as possible in order to reduce the chance of contamination.
The yeast consumes the glucose in the wort and converts it into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This fermentation process creates a lot of heat, so the kettle is constantly cooled. The longer the fermentation process, the higher the alcohol content. When the beer has reached the perfect balance, the brew is done! The brewer transfers the beer to bottles, kegs, and eventually to pints and tasters for us all to enjoy.
Whether you own a brewery or want to host a tasting party with your favorite local beers, the pint mini is the perfect companion to a microbrew.
]]>There’s no match for a homemade meal with friends, but too often people opt for the convenience of a restaurant. But a dinner party doesn’t need to be a headache. The secret to the perfect dinner party is planning! When every detail is carefully curated, you can relax with your guests over a lovely meal. Follow 3 simple steps to host your own!
The menu guides everything else at the table. We recommend starting with vegetables, as the colors and flavors will inspire the rest of the of the evening. The advantage to a home dinner party is being able to choose seasonal fruits and vegetables. Head out to the local farmers market and see what’s growing right now. Colorful fruits and vegetables that are in season have the most flavor. Here's a good starting place:
Summer: Bell Peppers, Eggplant, Green Beans, Cherries, Avocados, Figs
Fall: Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Pumpkins, Radishes, Turnips, Raspberries
Winter: Beets, Leeks, Sweet Potatoes, Rutabagas, Celery
Spring: Rhubarb, Peas, Onions, Apricots, Swiss Chard, Strawberries
Colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables make the best dishes. Think pear-spinach salad, sauteed rainbow chard, or a sweet potato, brussels sprout, and pancetta bake. Making the seasonal vegetables the star of the dish makes it a festive meal anytime of the year.
When choosing a wine there are a few elements to consider- fat, acid, and sweetness. Wine contains no fat, which is why it pairs so well with a thick cut of steak.The fruit flavors of a Cabernet prepare the mouth for smoky meat. All wines have an element of acidity, particularly white wines. Limit the vinegar in salad dressings and sauces if you’d like to serve a white wine. Sweetness is the element where more is better! Fruit sauces, desserts, or chocolate should be paired with a sweet Zinfandel or Chardonnay. Keep these in mind as you check out this wine pairing guide.
Red Meat: Cabernet for red meat, Malbec for barbeque flavors, Syrah for spicy food
Chicken: Pinot noir for a chicken mixed dish, Syrah for roasted chicken
Fish: Chardonnay for rich or fatty fish, Sauvignon Blanc for tart fish and lemon sauces
Vegetarian: Champagne for salty foods, Rose for fatty cheesy entrees, Grüner Veltliner for green vegetables, and Pinot Noir for mushroom dishes
Once the meal is decided, it’s time for decorating the table! Print a cute menu using templates easily found online, find fresh flowers in colors that complement your dishes, and pick a neutral tablecloth that won’t detract from the curated elements.
Lastly order a case of TOSSWARE’s vino glasses for the look and feel of real glass. TOSSWARE’s stems will be available in black, white, or clear for the perfectly sophisticated evening.
]]>Italy is a geographically diverse peninsula with a wide range of high and low altitude coastal vineyards that produce over 350 officially recognized grape varieties. This has resulted in thousands upon thousands of delicious regional wines. So kick up your feet and join us for a tour of Italy in search of the very best wines.
Our first stop is in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region on the northeast coastline. The very best vineyards in this alpine region lie in the foothills facing the Adriatic Sea. Cool breezes and direct sunlight make for the perfect growing conditions. White wines are the specialty of this area, with full-bodied Pinot Grigios and distinctive Sauvignon Blancs abounding. The Friuli method, a white winemaking technique that prevents oxidation, comes from this region and has produced some of the most complex flavor profiles in white wine. Look out for a 10-14% alcohol content and steel tank aged Ramato for a classic Friuli wine.
Take a short drive east into the Marche region for a light and fruity afternoon white. Verdicchio is the most popular grape coming out of this area. The name comes from the root verde or green, describing for the green and yellow hues identifying Verdicchio wines. This high acidity wine is made of grapes that thrive on the coastal landscape and thus pairs perfectly with Marche’s marinated raw fish specialty, crudo. After enjoying your fill of seafood, we’ll hop on over to one of Italy’s amazing islands.
Sardinia is Mediterranean island offering clear blue waters, expansive coastlines, and some impressive red wines. The Sardinian specialty is Cannonau wines. This dark grape is one of the oldest grapes in the world. The bright and easy-drinking Cannonau wines coming out of Sardinia are perfect for a breezy lunchtime pairing. A couple glasses of Cannonau, a cool coastal breeze, and a lunchtime picnic of grilled vegetables and pancetta sound pretty close to perfection.
Back on the mainland, we find ourselves in the southernmost region of Calabria. This is where the Greco grapes thrive and become deep, almost amber colored white wines. As a high alcohol, sweet wine Greco is best enjoyed as a dessert wine. Sip slowly and embrace the herbal notes in Greco, knowing the grapes have been grown in this region for over 3,000 years!
The final stop on our Italian wine tour is the island of Sicily. The warm climate here has made it a hotspot for amazing street food and rich red wines! The Nero d’Avola is the specialty of Sicily. This indigenous Italian grape thrives in the southernmost region of this island. A Nero d’Avola wine makes for a dry and full-bodied drinking experience. Best paired with red meats and heavy foods, the moderate acidity will balance the palate during an evening meal at the cobblestone Sicilian street markets.
Whether you’re traveling to Italy or traveling via your glass, try out a few of Italy’s best wines and let us know how it goes! Tag @TOSSWARE in a photo of your favorite Italian wine.
Extra Stout