Archives des Food & Wine Pairings - EthicDrinks

Vegan Caramelized Pork-Style Slices

admin@ethicdrinks.fr — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:48:18 +0000

In this food and wine pairing, we present an exotic vegan recipe!

Serving: 2

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

*1 carrot

*1 zucchini

*150g of vegan strips

*1/2 garlic clove

*120g of udon noodles

*1/2 yellow onion

*46g of soy sauce

*20g of toasted sesame seeds

*Salt

*Pepper

*Cooking oil

*4 tablespoons of sugar

*4 tablespoons of water

Preparation:

Vegetables

Slice the onion. Peel and cut the carrot into sticks. Slice the zucchini.

In a sauté pan, heat a drizzle of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the carrot and continue cooking for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, add the zucchini and cook for another 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the caramel sauce.

Slices and Caramel Sauce

Press or mince the garlic.

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water, and heat over medium-high heat for 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns brown. Monitor closely and avoid stirring (or only use a wooden spatula if necessary).

Once the caramel sauce is formed, add the vegan slices, garlic, and soy sauce. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring regularly. Season with pepper.

In parallel, cook the udon noodles.

Udon Noodles

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the udon noodles for 2 to 3 minutes.

Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Once all the preparations are cooked, combine the noodles, caramelized vegan slices, and vegetables.

Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

To complement this delicious exotic vegan meal, we recommend our Peau à Peau orange wine:

Made from whole white grapes, with the juice left in contact with the skins. The maceration of the skins provides a delightful aromatic bouquet, fruity notes on the palate, and a tannic character.

L’article Vegan Caramelized Pork-Style Slices est apparu en premier sur EthicDrinks.

Why Should You Aerate Your Wine?

admin@ethicdrinks.fr — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:51:49 +0000

Aerating wine is a process that involves allowing oxygen to enter the wine in order to enhance its taste and aroma. This can be done in various ways, such as pouring the wine into a decanter and letting it rest for a certain period of time, or using a wine aerator.

The aeration process can help release the aromas and flavors of the wine that may be trapped within the liquid. This can be particularly useful for young wines that need a little more time to develop their bouquet and flavor. Aeration can also help soften the tannins in red wine, making it easier to drink.

Aerating wine can have several benefits, including:

Release of aromas and flavors: Aeration can help release the aromas and flavors of the wine that may be trapped within the liquid. This can enhance the wine tasting experience and allow you to fully enjoy all the flavor notes it has to offer.

Softening of tannins: Aeration can also help soften the tannins in red wines, making the wine easier to drink and less astringent. Tannins are natural compounds present in grapes that give red wines their texture and body, but in excess, they can be unpleasant for some individuals.

Improvement of texture: Aeration can also improve the texture of the wine by making it smoother and silkier on the palate. This can enhance the overall wine tasting experience.

Acceleration of the maturation process: For young wines, aeration can accelerate the maturation process by oxygenating the wine, which can help release the aromas and flavors more quickly.

How to Aerate Your Wine?

Aeration with a decanter:

Decanting your wine is a simple and effective technique for aerating it. Simply pour the wine into a decanter with a wide neck, as this allows for a large surface area where oxygen can pass through.

Aeration in the glass:

You may have noticed that the end of your glass of wine tastes better than the beginning. The wine has aerated. If you feel that your wine is too closed off, you can accelerate this aeration by gently swirling the wine in your glass.

Aeration with a wine aerator:

A wine aerator is an adjustable tool that allows you to instantly and perfectly aerate any wine. Indeed, an aerator remains the simplest tool to aerate wine.

Which Wines to Aerate?

Both red and white wines can benefit from aeration, but preferably when they are young. However, it is important to note that not all wines benefit from aeration. Some older wines may lose their delicate aromas and flavor when exposed to too much oxygen. Therefore, it is important to understand the type of wine you are drinking and how aeration can affect its taste.

The following grape varieties benefit from quick aeration or one-hour decanting:

Syrah
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Malbec
Syrah
Bordeaux

In summary, aerating wine can be helpful in releasing aromas and flavors, as well as softening the tannins in red wines. However, it is important to understand the type of wine you are drinking and how aeration can affect its taste before deciding whether to aerate it or not.

Should Natural Wines be Aerated?

Aerating a natural wine can help release the natural aromas and flavors that may be trapped within the liquid. Natural wines are produced using artisanal methods, without the use of chemicals such as sulfites. This means they are often more complex and have a greater variety of aromas and flavors than conventional wines.

However, it is important to note that not all natural wines benefit from aeration. Some older natural wines may lose their delicate aromas and flavor when exposed to too much oxygen. Therefore, it is important to understand the type of natural wine you are drinking and how aeration can affect its taste.

Discover our range of Milite Pour la Nature natural wines available on our online store!

In this new range, you will find:

A beautiful Syrah from the south of France. This natural wine allows the delicious grape variety to express itself with lovely notes of ripe red fruits, violet, and peony, with a hint of licorice on the finish.

We also have a fresh and delicate Sauvignon Blanc, a naturally made wine with tangy and fruity notes for a light and subtle wine. A pleasant moment to share during a good dinner or a get-together with friends.

And finally, a fresh Chardonnay, close to the grape variety and terroir of southern France, where delicate aromas of citrus and dried fruits fully come to life with a toasty finish. Perfect as an aperitif but also with aged cheeses.

Enjoy your tasting!

Cheers to the planet!

L’article Why Should You Aerate Your Wine? est apparu en premier sur EthicDrinks.

Discover our Affordable and Delicious Cuvées

admin@ethicdrinks.fr — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:07:56 +0000

As summer settles in and fresh aperitifs and meals become commonplace, there’s nothing better than enjoying a glass of delicious, environmentally-friendly wine that doesn’t empty your wallet. Why deprive yourself when you can consume better? Our selection of affordable cuvées invites you to explore a wide range of organic wines that are perfect for your summer evenings. Whether you prefer a refreshing white wine, a fruity rosé, or a light red, you’ll find options to satisfy every palate.

For Aperitifs:

When summer aperitifs are in full swing, it’s essential to have a selection of refreshing and tasty beverages at hand.

For example, rosé is an essential choice. With its delicate color and fruity aromas, it is an ideal option. It accompanies moments of relaxation with a range of flavors, from juicy berries to floral undertones, making it a versatile choice that pleases many palates. Its lightness and balanced acidity make it a perfect companion for summer dishes such as salads, white meat grills, or seafood platters. We particularly recommend our Organic Rosé “Under the Ocean,” priced at £10.90 per bottle. Its floral aromas, red fruits, and luscious palate will delight your taste buds and kickstart your summer aperitifs.

For those who prefer a hoppy alternative, beer is a classic choice for summer aperitifs. Our light and refreshing beer, brewed with unsold bread from Parisian bakeries, offers a cereal touch and a slight crispiness that pairs well with savory dishes, crispy nachos, or grilled vegetable skewers. Its fresh and citrusy notes enhance the beer’s floral character. Our Pale Ale beer remains a friendly and refreshing choice to accompany your summer appetizers.

Finally, to add a touch of fizz to your aperitifs, our Organic White Prosecco is an excellent option. This Italian sparkling wine is known for its freshness and elegance. With its delicate fine bubbles and fruity aromas, it brings a festive atmosphere to any summer gathering. Whether enjoyed on its own or in sparkling cocktails like the spritz, Prosecco is perfect for celebrating sunny days. Pair it with light appetizers such as bruschettas, fresh fruits, or delicate finger foods to create a harmonious taste experience during your summer aperitifs.

For Meals:

During summer meals, the selection of wines is just as important as the dishes served. To perfectly complement your summer dishes, we present three essential wine choices.

Our Syrah, Natural Method, with its deep color and complex aromas, offers a meaty and luscious grape variety, with beautiful notes of ripe red fruits, violet, and peony, and a hint of licorice on the finish. It is an excellent choice for grills and heartier dishes. Its rich flavors of red fruits, spices, and subtle tannins pair perfectly with grilled meats, artisanal pizzas, or robust pasta dishes.

As for white wine, it embodies elegance and summer freshness. Our Sauvignon Blanc, Natural Method, boasts a range of aromas, from citrus to exotic fruits, bringing lightness and liveliness to your meals. This Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with fish and seafood, composed salads, and vegetarian dishes. Its freshness and balanced acidity complement summer cuisine and bring a refreshing touch.

Finally, for a sparkling and natural experience, the natural sparkling white wine, or “pét-nat,” is an option not to be missed, especially for a sweet touch in your meals. This effervescent wine offers a gentle fizz and floral aromas that will delight your taste buds. Our white pét-nat excels in accompanying aperitifs, fresh seafood, and, above all, fruity desserts. Its lightness and unique character make it a preferred beverage to brighten up your summer meals and add a festive note.

In summary, these different wine choices offer a varied and balanced palette to enhance your summer meals and occasions. Regardless of your menu, these wines promise delicious and convivial moments with family or friends, while celebrating the pleasures of the summer season. So, let yourself be tempted by our affordable and delicious cuvées of organic wines. Discover a new way to enjoy wine while supporting sustainable agriculture and fully enjoy the summer with moments of conviviality and gustatory delights.

L’article Discover our Affordable and Delicious Cuvées est apparu en premier sur EthicDrinks.

Your cocktails with our organic sparkling wines

admin@ethicdrinks.fr — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:58:36 +0000

Here are some ideas for cocktail recipes that you can make with our sparkling wines.

The perfect balance between a fruity frame brought by the Glera grapes, the floral and thirst-quenching side of citrus aromas and an airy bubble that leaves us with a sparkling and pleasant mouth.

Cocktails

MIMOSA

Let’s start with the most classic of all, and also the easiest to make.

In a flute of champagne,

4cl of squeezed orange juice

8 cl of champagne

Pour the fresh orange juice directly into the glass and top with champagne.

BELLINI

The Bellini is originally made with Prosecco, the sparkling wine of La Botte, from which this delicious cocktail originates. We opted for a more chauvinistic Champagne version.

In a flute of champagne,

4cl of peach puree

A dash of cane syrup

6 cl of champagne

Pour the peach purée and the cane sugar syrup into the flute. Lengthen with the champagne then stir delicately.

Prosecco lychee cocktail and rose water

10cl Lychee juice

1 tbsp. coffee Rose syrup

15cl Prosecco Rosé

For the realization of this cocktail we recommend our rosé prosecco.

ROYAL MOJITO

You probably all know the mojito but have you ever tried the royal champagne-based mojito? For this cocktail we recommend our Champagne – Nouveau Jour.

4cl of Cuban rum

Half a lime

A few mint leaves

2 spoons of brown sugar

3 drops of Angostura

10 cl of champagne

crushed ice

In a mojito glass pour the brown sugar, add the lime cut in four and the mint. Using a pestle, crush the ingredients. Then pour in the rum and then the crushed ice. Top off with champagne and don’t forget the angostura. A true delight !

Spritz recipe with white prosecco without aperol

To make this cocktail based on white prosecco, you will need these different ingredients:

*8cl of elderflower syrup

* 12cl of white prosecco

* ice cubes

* 10cl of sparkling water

* 2 slices of lemon

* A few mint leaves

In two tall glasses, place the ice cubes. Then add the elderflower syrup. Top with the prosecco then the sparkling water. Add the lemon slices and then the mint leaves. Mix and serve immediately!

Rosé St-Germain Spritz

This cocktail is based on rosé prosecco

4 cl of ST-GERMAIN

6 cl of Prosecco Rosé

6 cl of sparkling water

lemon zest

Put the ice cubes in the glass and pour all the ingredients. Stir gently. Garnish with a zest of lemon.

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

In a flute,

A piece of cane sugar

3 dashes of Angostura

An orange zest

4 cl cognac

8 cl of champagne

At the bottom of the flute place the piece of sugar, soak it with angostura. Pour in the cognac and complete the mixture with the champagne. Decorate with an orange zest. A variant is possible with a maraschino cherry.

THE BLACK SWAN

In a flute,

3cl of Calvados

2cl creme de cassis

2cl of Vermouth

1.5cl lime juice

Champagne

Pour all the ingredients except the champagne into a shaker two-thirds full of ice. Knock then filter and pour into a tall glass. Lie down with the champagne. Decorate with a blackberry or a slice of lime.

The Pink V

10 cl of Prosecco rosé

5 cl of Very Pamp

2 cl lime juice

1 cl strawberry syrup

Pour the prosecco into a glass, then the very pamp, lime juice and finally the strawberry syrup. For this cocktail we recommend our rosé prosecco.

Cheers to the planet !

L’article Your cocktails with our organic sparkling wines est apparu en premier sur EthicDrinks.

Nature and orange wine in your glass for this summer

alborghetti Mickael — Fri, 26 May 2023 10:11:58 +0000

Nature and orange in your glass this summer

Whether you are an expert or just a curious amateur, these wines are sure to brighten up your aperitifs and sunny dinners.

We have worked hard to select quality grapes and produce these organic & natural wines so that you can enjoy them to the full. Our Pour La Nature wines are hand-picked and vinified without the use of sulphur or chemical additives. Delicate wines, vinified with the greatest care to preserve the freshness of the grapes and a beautiful aromatic quality. We find the typicality of the grape varieties in the mouth.

Health and good taste! 🍷

In this new range you will find now our natural wine Milite Pour La Nature available on our online store.

A beautiful Syrah from the South of France. This natural wine lets this delicious grape express itself with beautiful notes of ripe red fruits, violets and peonies, with a hint of liquorice on the finish.
We also have a very fresh and delicate Sauvignon Blanc, a Sauvignon made using the natural method, with acidic and fruity notes for a light and subtle wine. A pleasant moment to share with a good meal or an aperitif with friends.
Then a very fresh and delicate Sauvignon Blanc, this Sauvignon made using the natural method with acidulous and fruity notes for a light and subtle wine. A pleasant moment to share with a good meal or an aperitif with friends.

Peau à Peau, our new orange wine for a unique taste experience!

What is orange wine?

Orange wine is a white wine vinified like red wine, with maceration! This process involves fermenting white grapes with their solid components. The orange colour comes from the maceration of the skins, hence the pretty nam

L’article Nature and orange wine in your glass for this summer est apparu en premier sur EthicDrinks.

Why should we eat organic ?

alborghetti Mickael — Thu, 25 May 2023 14:58:24 +0000

We often ask ourselves this question: Why should we eat organic food? For our health? For the planet?

Organic wines are wines produced according to the precise specifications of the organic farming label. These specifications prohibit the use of chemical pesticides and chemical fertilisers. The only natural inputs added to the vines to protect them from disease are copper and sulphur, known as sulphites.

As for natural wines, they are made from grapes grown using organic or biodynamic methods. The latter are hand-picked and vinified without the use of synthetic or chemical products (such as sulphur) and with a minimum of human intervention in the cellar.

Motivations for consuming organic

Here are the top 3 reasons for consuming organic:

For health
For the environment
For quality and taste

Organic preserves the health and well-being of the animals: they have access to the outdoors and a standardised space as defined in the specifications of the organic label (and are not piled up without seeing the light of day or able to move around in sheds). They are treated with herbal medicine and homeopathy, which in turn affects our own health.

Organic preserves the environment: as organic farming guarantees food grown without synthetic chemical fertilisers or pesticides, the impact on the biodiversity of our countryside (preservation of bees, water and soil) is necessarily positive.

Organic preserves quality and flavour: Organic fruit and vegetables are usually harvested when they are ripe, which allows them to retain more of their flavour.

They also contain less water and more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

The aim of organic wine is to reduce the use of these sulphites without compromising the preservation of the wine. First of all, wine is sensitive to oxidation. This is due to the bacteria that are incorporated into the wine during the maceration process. To prevent it from turning into vinegar, sulphites, especially sulphur, are added. These small molecules kill unwanted yeasts and bacteria to protect the wine and maintain its quality.

Percentage of organic consumption in France

In 5 years, not only the consumption of products, but also the habits have almost doubled (in fact, 13 billion euros since 2017).

This means that 5 out of 10 French people consume at least once a week. 14% of them consume organic food on a daily basis.

In addition to the “take care of yourself” argument, we can recall that there are several concrete cases that prove the benefits of consuming organic products.

In general, 84% of consumers of organic wine say that it is more enjoyable to drink than non-organic wine.

The taste aspect, however, is a little more nuanced. According to 44% of consumers, there is little difference in taste between organic and non-organic wine.
46% think there is a gap in favour of organic, while 10% think non-organic wine tastes better.

Organic consumers

Young people seem to be more engaged and attached to the fight for the environment. In 2021, and this trend will undoubtedly continue in the years to come, the main consumers of organic products will be under 35 years old. In fact, 72% of 18-24 year olds and almost 80% of 25-34 year olds consume it regularly or even daily.

Everyone has different concerns. For example, more than 60% of 18-24 year olds want to avoid waste, and 30% of them are concerned about global warming. 40% of 25-34 year olds want to control packaging by reducing plastic and 35% want to respect animals.

Today, consumers prefer to buy organic products in supermarkets. Indeed, distributor brands often offer new references at prices much lower than those found in specialised shops. But while this may be true for older consumers, it does not change the fact that younger generations prefer small brands, especially those closer to home where they have direct contact with producers.

As has been the case for several years, the consumption of organic products has increased significantly. Whether it’s the health crisis or simply the desire to pay more attention to their diet, more and more French people are buying organic and their numbers will continue to grow. The range is diversifying and gradually adapting to demand, offering products from all sectors, not just food. Food, cosmetics and household products are among the priorities of consumers. The latter generally belong to Generation Y or Z, but the fact remains that more and more older people are concerned about the future of our planet. As for young people, they are more concerned about the environment than they were ten years ago and are encouraging their parents to eat better. Organic is no longer just a fad.

Finally why choose organic ?

After all, having fun, sharing a good organic meal and a drink with friends and knowing how much good we are doing for the planet is extremely satisfying. So which Ethic consumer would you choose?

We wanted to create EthicDrinks with the idea of acting and developing ethical wines, beyond organic. Our products are for everyone. Quality and taste are at the centre of our concerns, as well as respect for the environment! We sincerely believe that we can make the world a better place by protecting the environment. It is necessary to shake up our daily lives, which will bring about changes in this winemaking universe.

L’article Why should we eat organic ? est apparu en premier sur EthicDrinks.

What is a natural wine?

alborghetti Mickael — Thu, 25 May 2023 13:24:38 +0000

Natural wine is here to stay! More and more people are interested in these natural wines because they either have no or very little oenological input or no or very little sulphites. We will tell you more.

Natural wine comes from hand-picked grapes

Hand-harvesting is a guarantee of the quality of the grapes. In fact, the manual harvest allows us to select the bunches in order to obtain the best grapes. We can oppose the mechanical harvest, which brutalises the vines and favours the yield in the selection of the grapes.

A natural wine is a wine without any intervention.

As we have seen, a natural wine is a wine without additives, where the use of natural yeasts is preferred. These wines are often organic and/or biodynamic (see our article on the different labels). In addition, a natural wine is very rarely filtered or fined: the idea is not to deprive the wine of its richness.

Natural wines and wines without added sulphites

And what about the sulphur in all this? Natural wine producers undertake not to exceed the following doses 30mg/litre for a red wine and 40mg/litre for a white or dry rosé.

Some winemakers also work without sulphites, such as our Graves Bio AOC Bordeaux without sulphites.

This 100% Merlot is a wine with fine and delicate tannins that melt on the palate. Certified organic and with no sulphites added at bottling, this wine is pure and the aromas are fully expressed. In the mouth you will find floral notes and ripe red berries for your greatest pleasure.

L’article What is a natural wine? est apparu en premier sur EthicDrinks.

The EthicDrinks can of wine: Tchin’On to the homecoming

alborghetti Mickael — Thu, 25 May 2023 10:14:50 +0000

A few months ago, we invited you to discover our new tasting format: the A.O.C. Touraine Blanc Bio can.

25 cl of delicious organic white wine produced in Cher by Mathilde.

This format offers a more responsible way of tasting on the move, with a smaller environmental footprint than a glass bottle.

We wanted to offer you a more relaxed and spontaneous way of drinking than the bottle, by offering you a “glass”. This is the case of the cubi, which has the disadvantage of being mainly made of plastic. As we fight against climate change and its impact on the environment, we could not use such a format.

So we chose the can. This format has become more popular in the UK and Germany, where it has many followers. Besides, we drink a lot of water, juice, soda and beer, so why not canned wine?

Although we in France have a prestigious image of wine, the can in no way diminishes its prestige. If we have chosen this format, it is mainly for its ecological and practical aspects.

The recycled aluminium can has environmental properties you might not expect. If the initial production of aluminium is very polluting, its recycling is very low in emissions. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable!

Recycling one tonne of aluminium saves almost 8 tonnes of CO2 compared to its production.

The can format also reduces the weight of our packaging by 85%. This means it is less polluting to transport than glass bottles.

To a lesser extent, the can reduces wasted bottle ends! The 25cl in your can is equivalent to 2 glasses of wine for a gourmet tasting, but always in moderation!

So why reinvent the way we consume wine?

In our quest to democratise the consumption of eco-responsible wine, we thought that this new, more relaxed format would be much better suited to various events or a spontaneous tasting.

Our can is not intended to replace our bottles, but to complement them and give you a new choice.

Whether you are in the city, in the country, in the mountains or at the beach, you can take your can with you everywhere! For an impromptu picnic, a refreshing break during a walk or a little spontaneous craving, our can will satisfy you. No need to worry about corkscrews or glasses!

Doesn’t the can change the taste of the wine? You might think you would taste the metallic taste of the can, but not at all. Oenologist Marie Lucas tasted it for you and here is her verdict:

“It is a very nice surprise, because we have a very delicate Sauvignon Blanc, with mineral notes, which then develop into fruity notes: citrus, lime, but also pear. It is a very delicate wine. On the palate we have the freshness of the Sauvignon, but above all a long finish that lingers on the palate. This is what we expect from a quality wine that can accompany us from aperitif to dinner, for example with good fish or other more gourmet dishes.”

At the beginning of the summer, we were asked to animate various private events and to discover our tin. It was much appreciated for the quality of the wine, but also for its practicality.

Guests were surprised to discover all the environmental advantages of this format compared to the bottle.

L’article The EthicDrinks can of wine: Tchin’On to the homecoming est apparu en premier sur EthicDrinks.