{WNIMKW} Hello Old Friend…

Editor’s Note: This is another installment in one of our ongoing series, What’s New in My Kitchen Wednesdays, where we rotate writing a personal story woven in with a review of a beloved product in our kitchen, in our glass or on our plate. This week, its that time of year again…Leslie ordered a case of something perfect for the winter season. -Christina

—————-

Thank you to Sand Castle Winery, in Erwinna PA, for this one. Or, really, I guess, to my sister who got married near Erwinna and discovered this incredible treat, Sand Castle Winery’s Alpine Spice, NV, Estate Grown. This, technically, is not new in my kitchen; but it’s something I only bring out this time of year, so it feels new! Hello old friend…

This wine is a new idea for most people who I’ve shared it with…it’s flavored with mulling spices (a “secret blend of herbs and spices”, according to the website), and it is served warm, like cider. I have seen wines like this served at parties before, but they generally are made from a dry red wine; this one is a blend of Riesling and Chardonnay, and it is sweet and delicious.

I have been getting this wine by the case each fall for several years now. I guess twelve bottles may sound a little crazy, but a small mug of this on a bitter cold Upstate, NY winter night is, for me, absolute perfection. I just bought some of my own mulling spices in hopes of copying the secret blend, but it sells for $17/bottle on Sand Castle Winery’s website, so if you’re interested, give it a try!

(I received nothing from Sand Castle Winery for this review…but, in case you’re reading, Sand Castle, another case would be nice… )