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Rivesaltes, the perfect birthday gift!

Are you looking for gift ideas for a significant birthday this year? The start of a new decade perhaps? Have you thought about a vintage Rivesaltes? Why these fantastic sweet wines make excellent birthday presents. If someone you know is celebrating their 50th, 60th or 70th birthday this year, you can be sure that a Rivesaltes from their birth year will hit the spot. The big advantage is that no other vintage wine offers such value for money - you can buy a 70-year-old wine for under €100! This is especially good as although…

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How good is the 2013 vintage?

Our "Vintage Guide" section has been updated to include comments and scores for 2013. Find out more about a year that was marked by precarious climatic conditions. At iDealwine, we are not content just to share our finest wine discoveries with you. We also want to arm you with the information you need to navigate this complex world and to choose well. Every year, we carry out a region by region review of France's winegrowing areas and allocate a score to each vineyard and wine colour. A time lag is to be expected…

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The history of grape varieties – Episode 4: Northern Rhône

This week we focus on the genealogy and history of the grape varieties of the Northern Rhône. Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier are the only four grape varieties allowed from Tain l’Hermitage to the North end of the Valley: Côte Rôtie, Château Grillet, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Péray (from North to South).  The family of Serine The four varieties named above are all part of the same family called Serine. In addition to Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, this family also includes Brun Argenté, Chatus, Chichaud, Douche Noire, Etraire de l’Aduï,…

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Tapas week – Shrimp frittatas

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Tapas week – Shrimp frittatas Serves 6 people Ingredients 250 g small, peeled raw prawns (shrimp) 200 g flour 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley 3 sliced chives (two thirds of the white part and one…

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Tapas week – Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes)

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine.   Tapas week – Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes) Serves 4 people Ingredients 4 large potatoes, with firm flesh ½ onion 3 garlic cloves 2 cayenne peppers 1 teaspoon paprika 1 cup tomato pulp 1 teaspoon flour…

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Tapas week – Marinated anchovies

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Marinated anchovies Serves 8 people Ingredients 1 kg anchovies 6 - 8 tablespoons olive oil 50 g flour Salt and pepper 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 pinch saffron 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon ginger 25…

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Tapas week – Tortilla Espanola

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Tortilla Espanola Serves 3 people Ingredients 4 eggs ½ kilogram of potatoes, with firm flesh 1 medium onion Olive oil Salt Preparation Peel and wash the potatoes. Cut into fairly thin slices or dice finely. Cut…

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Tapas week – Pan Con Tomate

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Pan Con Tomate (Tomato on Toasted Bread) Ingredients 4 large slices of country bread (like the French-style Poilane bread) 4 very ripe tomatoes 3 garlic cloves Olive oil Salt Preparation Toast the bread slices in the…

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Tapas week – Cod Croquettes

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Cod Croquettes Serves 4 people Ingredients 200 g cod ½ bunch of chives 2 garlic cloves 100 g flour 1 litre of milk 3 eggs Breadcrumbs Olive oil Salt Parsley Preparation Chop chives, garlic and cod…

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Grilled lobster with salted butter by Chef Olivier Roellinger

An inexpensive, yet delicious and powerful dish! Great with Champagne or white wine. Preparation time: 20 min Cooking time: 15 min Serves 8 people Ingredients: - 4 lobsters (800g each) - 150g salted butter - Juice of 2 lemons - 3 tablespoons of heavy cream - A few drops of Calvados - Ground black pepper Preparation: Pre-cook the lobsters It is best to boil the lobsters as soon as possible – this will prevent it from releasing its water and preserve the freshness of its flesh. Bring a large amount of water to…

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