Little Black Dress Wines invites you to host your own wine tasting with your friends! It’s super fun and surprisingly easy – just follow the instructions below, and you’ll be tasting wine like a pro! Evaluate each of the wines in your tasting one at a time – staring with the lightest, and ending with the heaviest – using the 6 S’s:
SIGHT • SWIRL • SNIFF • SIP • SWISH • SWALLOW!
1 Sight
Note the color of the wine – it can tell you a lot!
- A light green color in white whites may indicate a cool growing region, while a rich golden color may tell you that the wine was aged in oak.
- In red wines, an inky purple color may tell you the wines is youthful, a brick red may be mature and brown is a sure sign the wine is old.
2 Swirl
Not a voodoo gesture – by increasing the surface area of the wine, you release the aromatic components.
- More aromas are released when the wine is at room temperature – even white wine! Try cupping your hands around your glass to warm up the wine.
- You can “trap” the aromas to enhance your sense of smell: keep your hand over the glass as you swirl…bring the glass to your nose – with your hand still over the top – release your hand and now smell!
3 Sniff
Don’t be shy – get your nose in the glass!
- Our noses are far more powerful than our taste buds – never underestimate the pleasure of smelling your wine! Try swirling and sniffing a few times - you may notice something new each time!
- “Corked” wine is a common fault caused by the mold Trichloroanisole (TCA) which can grow on cork – if the wine smells like cardboard, mold or wet dog, it’s probably corked. (FYI - Most wine stores will let you exchange a corked bottle!)
4 Sip
This is everyone’s favorite part! Cheers!
- Remember the “tongue map” from school biology? Sweet, Sour, Bitter & Salty!
- Have you heard of the fifth taste – Umami? It’s a Japanese word for “savory” (like meat, or mushrooms).
5 Swish
Careful! Even pros sometime choke!
- The wine warms up to body temperature when you hold it in your mouth – releasing even more smells – which you’ll experience as flavors.
- Notice the wine’s body and texture – does it feel light or heavy? With red wines, you may notice tannins (the sandpaper feel like walnuts or tea) from the grape skins.
- If you’re brave, draw some air into your mouth – it helps the wine reach all your taste buds.
6 Swallow
This is when it all comes together! Aromas, favors, texture and the finish.
- What does the wine taste like? Share with your group, then try the 6 S’s again! The power of suggestion is strong – you may discover additional flavors after someone else points them out.
WiNE PAiRiNG RECiPES
Tamale Pie
2 T. vegetable oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 T. chopped garlic
1 medium poblano pepper; cored, seeded, and chopped
1 1⁄4 pounds ground beef
1 t. ground cumin
1/2 t. red chile flakes
1 t. oregano, preferably Mexican
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes Salt
1/2 cup red wine such as Little
Black Dress Cabernet Sauvignon
4 T. butter
2 1⁄4 cups coarse cornmeal
1 cup grated pepper jack or parmesan cheese
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, pepper and cook, stirring often, until softened and just beginning to brown, 7–8 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high; add beef, cumin, chile flakes and oregano and cook until meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, wine and salt to taste and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, 6-8 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. Rub a 2 1⁄2-quart casserole dish with 1 Tablespoon butter; set aside. In a deep saucepan add 1 quart water and 2 teaspoons salt and bring to a boil. Gradually add cornmeal, whisking vigorously. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, until thick, 6 - 8 minutes. Add remaining 3 Tablespoons butter and stir until combined. Spoon half the cornmeal mixture into the prepared dish. Spread out with the back of a wet spoon to cover the bottom and up the sides. Set aside.
Spoon filling into casserole, then top with remaining cornmeal mixture, spreading it out with the back of a wet spoon to cover the filling. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and bake until top is browned and sides are bubbling, 25 – 30 minutes.
PERFECT PAIRING: Little Black Dress Cabernet Sauvignon
Fried Mozzarella Balls
4 cups or so oil for frying, such as canola
12 ounces cherry size marinated fresh mozzarella balls known as cillegini
2 large eggs beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
2 cups dry bread crumbs such as panko
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Homemade or store bought spicy tomato sauce
Heat about 1-1/2 inches oil to 375°F in a 3 1/2-to 4-quart heavy saucepan.
Meanwhile pat mozzarella balls dry and double coat them by dipping in eggs, then in bread crumbs, and repeating. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with plastic.
Working in batches of 8 or so, lower balls into oil with a slotted spoon and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt and pepper. (Return oil to 375°F between batches.)
Serve with spicy tomato sauce.
PERFECT PAIRING: Little Black Dress Pinot Grigio
Spiced Wine
This is a simple riff on mulled wine to which you could also add other fresh fruits. Easy to make and perfect for chilly holiday evenings.
1 750-ml bottle medium-bodied red wine such as Little Black Dress Merlot
1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
6 whole cloves
1 small lemon cut into wedges
4 4-inch cinnamon sticks
Bring ingredients to a boil, stirring occasionally, in a 4-qt. saucepan and remove from heat. Strain, discarding cloves but saving lemon and cinnamon.
Ladle wine into 4 glasses and garnish each with a cinnamon stick and a lemon wedge.
Serve hot.
Grilled Coconut Chicken
This is a recipe from Thailand that brings together the 4 flavor gods of Thai cooking: Sweet, Sour, Salty and Hot. Adjust each of these to your own taste.
1 can (13 ½ ounces) coconut milk
3 T. chile garlic sauce, preferably Lee Kum Kee bran
3 T. toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup each chopped cilantro, Thai purple or regular basil, green onions
1/4 cup finely chopped ginger or galangal
1/4 cup each Asian fish sauce and brown sugar
Juice and grated zest (use a microplane) of 4 large limes
1 large chicken (4-pounds or so), split with back bone removed
Combine all ingredients except chicken in a large, food storage bag. Add the chicken pieces; seal bag. Turn to coat chicken on all sides. Marinate the chicken refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning a couple of times.
Prepare a grill for medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade; grill on an oiled rack, covered, until the juices run clear and a thermometer inserted in thickest piece reads 165 degrees, about 45 minutes. Alternately you can bake on a rack in a 375 degree oven for an hour or so. Allow to rest for a few minutes before cutting up and serving.
PERFECT PAIRING: Little Black Dress Chardonnay
TASTiNG CARDS
Little Black Dress
Merlot
Charming and Dependable, this Little Black Dress is the perfect go-to red. With aromas of ripe black cherry, red licorice, plum and toasty oak, accented by notes of perfume, cranberry and herbs, this rich, smooth Merlot has subtle hints of vanilla oak lingering on the finish.
Grape Varieties:
81% Merlot, 12% Complementary red varietals, 7% Carignane
Alcohol Content:
13.5%
Food Pairing:
Little Black Dress Merlot is a versatile red, excellent with a wide range of meats and hearty dishes.
Little Black Dress
Pinot Grigio
Casual and Versatile, this Little Black Dress makes just the right statement. A friendly, light-bodied wine, this Pinot Grigio displays bright aromas of apple, pear and lemongrass, followed by zesty hints of orange citrus and tangerine. Balanced and fruity on the palate with lively citrus flavors and light floral notes.
Grape Varieties:
84% Pinot Grigio, 8% Chardonnay, 6% Viognier, 2% Moscato
Alcohol Content:
13%
Food Pairing:
Little Black Dress Pinot Grigio is a stunning partner for foods that some a tart component, like salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, dishes with soy sauce bases, and fish served with lemon.
Little Black Dress
Cabernet Sauvignon
Classic and Timeless, this Little Black Dress is the must- have accessory in your wine collection. With aromas of cherries and berries, and lightly toasted oak, this wine has a rich, smooth mouth-feel, with a hint of vanilla spice and lush flavors of blackberry, blueberry and cherry leading to a lasting finish.
Grape Varieties:
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 1% Merlot
Alcohol Content:
13.5%
Food Pairing:
Little Black Dress Cabernet Sauvignon is a multi-layered red that pairs well with duck, red meats and game.
Little Black Dress
Chardonnay
Poised and Sophisticated, this Little Black Dress both deserves and demands attention. This crisp, fruit- forward Chardonnay overflows with aromas of citrus- lemon, pear and green apple, with hints of vanilla and oak spices. Medium-bodied on the palate, the oak flavors are balanced by clean notes of fresh fruit.
Grape Varieties:
100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Content:
13.5%
Food Pairing:
Enjoy Little Black Dress Chardonnay with spicy food like Greek, Chinese, Thai and Spanish cuisine.
WiNE TASTiNG
WiNE MAKER BiO ZIDANELLA
Zidanelia “Z” Arcidiacono, the woman behind Little Black Dress Wines, is a female role model to be celebrated for the next generation. One of the few woman winemakers not born into the business, “Z” believes that being a female helps provide insight to making delicious wines and the brand’s success. “Women in general are more sensitive, both intuitively and physically. I try to use my palate as a laboratory for what they’ll enjoy.”
“Z” was born in Texas, raised and educated in Argentina, interned in France, and now works in California’s wine country, where she crafts eight varietals and two new blends of Little Black Dress Wines for LBD’s almost exclusively female following of sippers. While wine has long been a passion for her, the opportunity to create Little Black Dress Wines is something new on her résumé: “Z” focuses on the quality of the oak used to influence and develop each wine lot, making certain there is a proper balance and complexity to the wines from the beautiful California vineyards.
Z’S PASSION & TENACIOUS DRIVE IN CREATING A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN- CENTRIC COLLECTION OF WINES DIMINISHES ANY STIGMA ABOUT WOMEN IN THE WINE AND SPIRITS BUSINESS, CELEBRATING WOMEN ROLE MODELS WORLDWIDE.
“Z” is quite possibly the only major winemaker hailing from Mendoza, Argentina whose family was not in the wine business: hers owned a restaurant where she helped out until the lure of the vineyards called. Growing up, many of her schoolmates and friends’ parents owned and/or tended to vineyards and “Z” envied their visible passion despite the hard work.
“Z” matriculated at Mendoza’s Universidad Juan Augustin Maza, majoring in viticulture and winemaking, earning her Bachelor’s degree and certification from the Argentinean National Diploma of Oenology. The required coursework included hours of chemistry, viticulture, and of course, everything there is to learn about grapes: from identifying what makes them healthy and ripe; winemaking techniques; palate training for ripeness and aroma; how to develop a sensory memory and tagging descriptors to what you taste and smell; recognizing correct color and avoiding wine flaws. Concurrently, “Z” developed her expertise as a three-year apprentice at Bodega Cruz de Piedra, where she learned firsthand all the aspects of winemaking, cellaring and winegrowing.
After graduation, Z made her way to France to conquer the cellars at Les Vignerons du Pays d’Enserune in Languedoc Roussillon during harvest, where she greatly enjoyed performing even the most menial tasks at the winery, such as cleaning the tanks, confirming that she was on the perfect career path. She then crossed the globe, heading to California’s Russian River Valley as harvest enologist for Sonoma- Cutrer, and next to Mendocino County: it was there that she eventually landed at Little Black Dress Wines. At any given time during harvest, her travels can exceed 250 miles a day when she visits the various vineyards growing the different grapes for all of the Little Black Dress Wines. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.