Wine cocktails? Yes, maybe

 

A press release about wine-based cocktails? 

My finger hovered for a moment over the "delate" button. 

But then I gave it some thought. 

I enjoy a kir royale, which is certainly a wine cocktail. And a Bellini? Yes please, and also a wine cocktail. 

So why not some cheap and cheerful cocktails made from affordable Aussie wines? 

Tony Allen, the wine and grape commercial manager at Rewild Wines has put some thought into a couple of drinks that any wine-loving mixologist can put together at home. 

Here are a couple of his favourites: 

Mimosa with Rewild Prosecco – serves eight 

# 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled Rewild Prosecco

# 2 to 4 cups chilled pulp-free orange juice 

Method: While holding your wine flute at a slight tilt, fill the glass about halfway with Prosecco. Fill the rest of the glass with orange juice and serve. Or swap out the OJ for freshly squeezed watermelon juice and add some fresh mint leaves. 

Red Sangria with Rewild Merlot

# 1 bottle (750ml) of Rewild Merlot

# 1 lemon, cut into wedges, 1 orange, cut into wedges, 1 lime, cut into wedges

# 2 tablespoons sugar

# Splash of orange juice or lemonade

# 2 shots of gin or triple sec 

# 1 cup of raspberries or strawberries 

# 1 small can of diced pineapples (with juice)

# 4 cups ginger ale

Method: Pour wine into a large jug and squeeze the juice from the lemon, orange and lime wedges into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds) and pineapple, then add sugar, orange juice and gin or triple sec. Chill overnight then add ginger ale, berries and ice just before serving. 

The Rewild range includes pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, moscato, rosé, merlot, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, fiano, prosecco and a red blend and is available from Dan Murphy’s stores and select BWS stores for $9.99. 

See rewildwine.com.au/

A taste of Provence that's perfect for summer drinking enjoyment

Here's an unusual - but delicious - little taste of Provence for enjoying over the summer months.

An intriguing blend of Vallée de la Durance peaches, peach tree leaves harvested in autumn, cane sugar and Lubéron white wine, RinQuinQuin a la Peche is a very stylish Provençal aperitif.

All you need is some ice cubes.

Distributed by Cerbaco in Australia, it is made by the Distillerie et Domaines de Provence in the village of Forqalquier, a delightful commune situated between the Lure and Luberon mountain ranges. During the Middle Ages it was the capital of Haute-Provence..

With its narrow streets, churches, fountains and squares, the town is popular with tourists and hosts a market every Monday. The surrounding region is knowns for producing a wide range of botanicals and fruits, which the distillery harvests.

Founded in 1898, Distilleries et Domaines de Provence has been making aperitifs and Provencal liqueurs for over 125 years. It now sells its products to 78 countries around the world.

The RinQuinQuin Peche, which features several different varieties of peaches, comes in 750ml bottles and has an ABV of 15% - around the same as a bottle of wine. The name RinQuinQuin, meaning "a refreshing drink", comes from a word in the local dialect - requinquilhar - 'to cheer up'

Think sweet citrusy/peachy fruit with a bright but rich finish. Drink solo, or add to cocktails. 

Other drinks produced at the same distillery - and distributed by Cerbaco - include the impressively tart/bitter Gentiane de Lure, made from an ancient recipe that features a melange of Lubéron white wine, sweet fortified wine, alcohol, sugar, infusions including sweet and bitter oranges, and extracts of gentian roots.

The distillery is also famous for its Pastis Henri Bardouin and range of absinthes, vermouths and other fruit liqueurs and aperitifs, including the exotic Farigoule de Forcalquier Thyme Liqueur. .A range well worth exploring for any adventurous drinker.

For more details see https://www.cerbaco.com.au/