Wine me, dine me~ C'est la vie

Our next stop on our fabulous worldly wine tour is the city of love, Paris!!! My time spent in Paris was amazing; I felt like a princess in a fairy tale the whole time. Everything there seems to be made of crystal and gold; sparkle and shine around every corner!

Of course part of the lavishness that is Paris is the famous bubbly, champagne! The history of champagne dates back to the Roman era, in the region of Le Champagne, where wine making monks worked in endless vineyards. The alleged creator of champagne is none other that Don Perignon, Benedictine monk, who simply decided to let the bubbles out of the wine one day, and champagne was born!

The best way to consume a glass of champagne is in a flute glass, to ensure all the bubbles are secured tightly.  Taste with your eyes first, enjoy the tint and glow, and then let it speak to your nose with its fresh floral aromas.  Never take big gulps of champagne, it is meant to be sipped slowly and tickle your taste buds gently. Some popular names to try are Dom Perignon of course, Champagne Duetz, and Champagne Henriot.

One of the best kept French secrets, which I am about to shed light on in the States, is Vin Chaud, or hot wine. Don't make that face! I know, it sounds ridiculous, but hot wine is where it's at! It's especially great on a  cold winter eve.  I visited Paris in late November and it was freezing! I attended a festival outdoors, which had me miserable until I found Vin Chaud! It was the perfect thing to warm my body, and ease my trembling from the cold. Vin Chaud is slightly spicy, yet warming, with a dash of cognac to liven those senses! It's actually the word amazing in a glass! The warm combo works very well for a cocktail party or a cuddle night. Today is your lucky day, because I will tell you the secret to making your own Vin Chaud! Red wine works best with the recipe; slightly sweet to mix nicely with the strong cognac. You will need:

• 1 bottle red wine
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 5-inch piece of orange zest (white pith removed)
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 cardamon pods
• 5 whole cloves
• 1/3 cup Cognac

Mix all the ingredients into a large saucepan and set it to low heat.  Allow it to simmer, not boil. Wait until the wine is steaming and the sugar is dissolved. If you so desire, you may strain the spices from the wine. Add 1-2 teaspoons of cognac to a mug, and pour the wine over it.  There you have it, a warm sensation, straight from France!