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https:// advicesisters.com / archives for advicesisters August 2018

Archives for August 2018

This French Cleanser Will Have You Exclaiming: “Ooh La La!”

August 31, 2018 By: Alison Blackman

collosol eau de lait cleansing milk with bag

French skin care products have a certain "je ne sais quoi" that make them instantly chic. So it's no surprise that Collosol Paris Eau de Lait Cleansing Milk makes me feel elegant, even when I'm doing the routine chore of cleansing my face and removing my makeup. Collosol Paris Eau de Lait Cleansing ... [ Read More ]

Is CBD A Real Alternative to Opoids? I Tried CBD & Here’s What I Found

August 27, 2018 By: Alison Blackman

icon of a pot plant with a cadeuceus clip art

Millions of Americans have turned to CBD oil to help with beauty and wellness. Some devotees say it's a better pain reducer than painkillers like Vicodin and Oxycontin. Is this a legitimate claim and is this "natural opioid" a real thing, or just a fad?    When I met representatives CBD For ... [ Read More ]

Rhone and Provence Wines Channel Mr. Rogers: Won’t You Be My Neighbor

August 21, 2018 By: Alison Blackman

rhone and provence in the french map

  I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you, I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.  So let's make the most of this beautiful day. Since we're together, we might as well say, would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won't you be my neighbor?   Who can forget ... [ Read More ]

Give Pineau (Wine) a Chance!

August 17, 2018 By: Alison Blackman

Surprise There was a famous catchphrase from when I was a kid: Surprise, surprise, surprise. This was used by Jim Neighbors in is portrayal of Gomer Pyle in both the Andy Griffith Show and its spin-off, Gomer Pyle USMC. I have been covering wine events for the Advice Sisters for some time now, and while there is often a particular bottle or even varietal that is surprisingly good or interesting, I am rarely surprised by something completely different and that I was totally unfamiliar with. This changed at a wine dinner that was hosted by the Pineau Academy on June 27. The dinner, which was held at the Michelin starred restaurant, L’Appart NYC, in Battery Park City, was presented by Certified Pineau des Charentes Ambassador, Frankie Marshall. Wait, you say, what is Pineau des Charentes? That is exactly what I said, as I entered the elegant 10 table restaurant. Pineau des Charentes (pronounced Pin-o, just like the wine Pinot Grigio) is a fortified wine produced in the Cognac region of France. It is not exactly a wine since it is not fermented, but rather a distilled beverage. It is made from either fresh, unfermented grape juice or a blend of lightly fermented grape must, to which a distillate like cognac is added and then matured. This is called mutage, and the cognac must be aged for at least one year and containing at least 60% alcohol. It iss added to the grape juice in a 3 to 1 ratio, to stop fermentation. In the AOC which was established in 1945, the same producer grows the grapes, makes the wine and distills it into brandy, presses the fresh grape juice and then blends and matures the result. Maturation occurs in oak barrels, and the production rules ensure that no sugar, colorings, or additives are allowed. The classification of the Pineau depends on the length of time in barrel. Young Pineau is aged for not less than 12 months in oak, old Pineau is aged for 5 years, while very old Pineau need to spend 10 years. Pineau comes in a variety of forms, from light to dark. There are red Pineau’s, white Pineau’s and even rosés. White Pineau generally comes from Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard varietals and is more popular than red. Red Pineau is generally made from Bordeaux grape varietals like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It can be used both in cocktails and can be drunk with food and as an aperitif. Generally tulip stemware is used for Pineau. The dinner at L’Appart NYC was a 5-course meal beginning with cocktails. Ms. Franky put together three Pineau des Charentes based concoctions: the P&T (or Pineau and tonic), Quai des Brumes, pairing red Pineau with Normandin-Mercier, and the Martinelle, a twist on a martini using Pineau. I sampled the P&T and the Martinelle and both were refreshing twists on their namesake cousins, slightly on the sweeter side, and considering that the ABV of Pineau is around 17 percent much lighter. We moved from here to the appetizer course. Passed appetizers were paired with Domaine de la Martotterie, Young White Pineau des Charentes ($17.99). The wine comes from a 3rd generation producer and was made from Ugni Blanc and Combard grapes. Papery up front. It opened to a light fruity mid-palate with honey and some citrus on the finish. Each of the courses was made with the Pineau with which is was paired, and the second course of raw oysters and caviar were prepared with a granite made from Park Young White Pineau des Charentes ($20). The wine was the color of scotch whiskey, with a tropical nose featuring bananas and apples. Again, this wine was papery up front but opened into a fresh apple cider taste. It paired beautifully with the brininess of the oysters and caviar and was a wonderful treat. The third course at L’Appart NYC was a masterpiece. Foie Gras with Cherry and Cacao made to look like giant red cherries. The rich Hudson Valley Foie from Izzy’s farm blended beautifully with Reviseur Old White Pineau des Charentes ($30). With the color of a nice lager beer, the Pineau was creamy on the nose with raisin notes. On the palate the nutty, notes came out when paired with the foie, along with the raisin notes from the nose. Foie Gras is the classic pairing for Pineau and this was truly a treat. We moved to the main, which was a Canadian pork loin and belly, with a glaze made from Chateau Beaulon, Five Year Old Red Pineau des Charentes ($30). This was my personal favorite of the Pineau’s we sampled. Made from the Merlot varietal, the wine was light red in color with black accents. Raspberry and red fruits dominated the nose, and the wine was rich – still papery up front, but with a fruity finish a lot like young port. It paired wonderfully with the rich pork dish. What French meal is complete without cheese, and the L’Appart team outdid themselves with a Chabichou de Poitou (soft goat cheese) with a jelly made from Pierre Ferrand Young White Pineau des Charentes. ($29). Made from Sauvignon and Semillion Blanc grapes, the wine had a golden color and an apple cider nose. Papery up front again, the palate moved to apple cider with a nice apply finish that worked so well with the cheese. The last course was a desert was an almond mousse, covered in chocolate. It was paired with Bache-Gabrielsen, Very Old White Pineau des Charentes served perfectly in a tulip glass. Made from Ungi Blanc Colombard and Folle Blanche grapes, this was an aged product. Orange in color with a smoky nose featuring cassis notes, the wine seemed stronger though the ABV was the same as the other Pineau’s that we tasted. Very fruit forward with a lot of citrus and stone fruit up front, the wine ended with foresty notes. Overall, this was a spectacular dinner in a wonderful environment. It was great to learn about a new product, that is not widely used in the United States. Pineau is not a spirit and does not last once it is open – the shelf life is about 3 weeks. It can be used as a cocktail mixer and is a flavorful substitute for vermouth, but is really a great product for pairing. Every wine and spirts lover should give Pineau des Charentes a try. For more information on Pineau des Charentes visit www.pineauacademy.com photo by Johnm Dunham photo by john dunham

I have been covering wine events for the Advice Sisters for some time now, and while there is often a particular bottle or even varietal that is surprisingly good or interesting, I am rarely surprised by something completely different and that I was totally unfamiliar with. This changed at a wine ... [ Read More ]

Seeking Color Cosmetics? These Will Be Some of Your Favorite Things

August 14, 2018 By: Alison Blackman

collage by alison blackman for advicesisters.com favorite things in makeup feature

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes Silver-white winters that melt into springs These are a few of my favorite things  "That song "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music always makes me feel happy. You'll be happy and singing it too ... [ Read More ]

Get Asked Back! Give Your Weekend Host Gifts From The Grommet for Your Weekend Host

August 12, 2018 By: Alison Blackman

two hands holding out a gift

You've been invited to a weekend home. Send a thank-you note and a lasting gift that is sure to win you another invitation!  Part 1 of this gift guide features 5 great gift ideas from The Grommet, sourced from indy entrepreneurs. Part 2 of this gift guide has ideas from well-known companies. All of ... [ Read More ]

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Alison Blackman

Alison is a beauty/fashion/lifestyle Editor & Writer. She's also a relationship expert, Her focus is providing stories, reviews, ideas. motivation and inspiration about things that help make life easier, more interesting, successful, beautiful & fun.

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