February 2012 eNewsletter

OUR SALUTE TO LOVE IT'S FEBRUARY, VALENTINE'S DAY AND BUBBLY!         While February can be gloomy, it’s also joyous, the month of love featuring Valentine’s Day, a moment set aside for thoughtfulness, quiet gratitude, and intimacy and for many, an affirmation of union. Being with those you share life and friendship with is a continuing pleasure. Isn’t it nice to have this one day to honor the noble institution of love?       Some of the greatest love stories are told through dance and include iconic pairings of dancers, or pas de deux, a French ballet term meaning “steps of two,” in which two dancers perform together. The pas de deux usually includes an entrée, adagio, two variations (one for each dancer) and a coda all throughout which the dancers communicate expressions of love and emotion. This Valentine’s Day and all through the month, lose those winter blues with a little help from the lovely Pas de Deux sparkling wine. Click the bottle on the right. Pair it with the dessert of the month. Then, toast the glory of love.             The current edition of Wines Down South includes Doc Lawrence’s stories about Florida’s 500th anniversary (click) and the 100th anniversary of Henry Flagler’s railroad that literally connected Key West, Palm Beach, Jacksonville and St. Augustine to New York City. Doc will tell us about his trips to Biloxi/Gulfport and later on two more major Florida excursions. Lynne Brandon’s terrific story about the Raleigh Museum of Art  (click) will prompt readers to visit this wonderful North Carolina facility.      This month, Georgia tourism is retracing the route of the famous “Great Locomotive Chase,” an epic Disney movie and a major event for the Civil War Sesquicentennial.  Doc Lawrence will be on board to report the adventure as Wines Down South continues to promote tourism.      Spring really is around the corner and Wines Down South guides you to those places where peace and serenity is just an easy drive to the excitement of the big city.      Go to Wines Down South for travel opportunities, the best restaurants, local wineries, lodging, art, and heritage. We live, work and play here and want everyone to join us in the fun!   Friend Us! Follow Us! Share Us! DOC'S WINE PAIRING FOR VALENTINES DAY Biltmore Estate Pas de Deux Méthode Champenoise Biltmore Estate  Pas de Deux–Sec is a lively and sweet sparkling wine made from 100% Muscat Canelli grapes. Aromas of orange blossom, mint, red currant, and roses make this wine a sensual choice as an aperitif or with desserts. Pair with chocolate dessert. You’ll find that sweet combined with sweet balances and the result is pleasant, prompting a yearning for more of the same. Not at all different from true love! Click on the wine bottle for a special video from The Biltmore Estate Chocolate Brownie Pie 1     unbaked piecrust 2     eggs ½    cup granulated sugar ¾    cup light corn syrup ½    cup powdered cocoa ½    cup butter or margarine, melted        (1 stick) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Decoratively fit piecrust into a 9-inch pie pan. With an electric mixer on medium speed, combine eggs, sugar, corn syrup, cocoa and butter.  Pour into pie shell and bake for 45 minutes.  Serve warm or cold. This delicious Valentine’s Day recipe is from the gourmet kitchen of Vicky Murphy, Public Relations Director for Inland Seafood in Atlanta. It pairs perfectly with Doc’s selection of Pas de Deux sparking wine from Asheville’s Biltmore Estate.