What we’re diving into today:
🍾 ICYMI: Why we’re ditching coupes & Champagne flutes
🧠: Ingredient labels on alcohol miiight be coming (and why I’m so excited)
👅: Best things I tasted this week
💡: How to chill a bottle super fast
Why is it that we’re always surprised how fast time flies each month?
I caught myself thinking, “I can’t believe February’s halfway over…” just like I thought in January… and December… and every other month for the history of ever.
Anyway - welcome to the first official Unfiltered newsletter! 🙌
ICYMI
Here’s a hack that’ll blow your mind and make your bubbly taste even better:
Skip the Champagne flute and try your bubbly in a regular wine glass instead.
Last week I shared a video on how much of a difference switching glassware can improve your sparkling wine & why flutes have pretty much only one benefit - aside from looking pretty.
In response, y’all asked my thoughts on the coupe glass - aaand I have several.
TL;DR - unless someone else is serving, I never use coupe glasses for bubbly.
Don’t get me wrong, I feel like a chic 1920’s movie star whenever I’m sipping a coupe. They’re beautiful and elegant… but aside from looking pretty, that’s about all they’ve got going on.
Why it’s a no for me:
Swirling is nearly impossible without sloshing wine everywhere
And swirling isn’t snobby - it’s important for being able to smell & appreciate aromas
The bubbles dissipate way faster because the glass increases the wine’s surface area/ exposure to oxygen
Personally I don’t like the feeling of getting fizz all over my nose whenever I sip from a coupe. You know exactly what I’m talking about
Now before you come at me with pitchforks, I DO love this glass for cocktails. Give me a whiskey sour or espresso martini in a coupe and I’m a happy gal.
I’ve decided my rule of thumb for coupes is to use them for beverages you don’t care about swirling or smelling. Spritzers, cocktails, mimosas - or honestly, even a cheaper wine you’re just wanting to sip without thinking about it.
But if you’re wanting to enjoy your bubbly to the fullest, watch the video & grab a universal wine glass (bonus points if it’s my fave glass!)
And if you end up conducting your own bubbly wine glass experiment - let me know 🤓
Ingredient + nutrition labels might (finally) be coming to a bottle near you!
I am SO excited about this topic and will be writing an entire separate article about my thoughts, why this matters, and what this means for the future of wine.
Last week the TTB (Tax & Trade Bureau) started accepting public comments on the notion of requiring alcohol labels to disclose ingredient, nutritional and allergen information.
And you better believe this girl submitted a statement as soon as I heard the news.
This is huge for transparency. Consumers deserve to know what we’re putting into our bodies and be able to make informed decisions to support companies whose values align with ours.
So more on this to come, but in meantime I’m curious your thoughts on this!
Even if it’s the first time you’ve thought about labeling laws on alcohol, what do you think? Are you in favor of it? Opposed? Indifferent? Lmk
👅 Sip(s) of the week
A roundup of my favorite things I tried this week!
DeSoi: this nonalcoholic aperitif blew me away! I had zero expectations and ended up loving 3/4 flavors. They were surprisingly complex, delicious - and best part - little or no sugar. Found em at Target. (P.S. I filmed my live reaction & review for funzies)
Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee: One of my favorite sparkling wine producers! Their winery is a must-visit on your next trip to Sonoma County. Great wine, down to earth people, and a fun environment. They describe it as “dangerously easy to drink.” and I agree.
Blood orange mimosas: I’ll admit I normally pass on the OJ and drink my bubbles straight up, but this was SO good. The only way I’ll be accepting a mimosa from now on.
Tip of the week: How to chill a bottle super fast 🥶
If you’re ever in a situation where you need to chill a room temp bottle super fast - here’s a life hack.
Wet a paper towel
Wrap it around the bottle
Put it in the freezer for 15 minutes (don’t forget it!! set a timer)
Pull it out and voila! Cold white, rosé or sparkling at your service.
Perfect for last minute celebrations or if you’re like me and forgot to plan ahead :)
Let’s be friends!
If you’re not following me on TikTok or IG - join the fun! I share a ton of approachable wine education, recommendations, tips - and get tons of inspo from your questions!
Cheers to kickstarting your week w/ a little more confidence!
xo,
Warner