Crème de menthe is a liqueur that is flavored with mint (menthe). Although it is typically bright green, it also comes in a colorless (white) version. While traditional technique includes steeping dried mint leaves in alcohol, some styles are also made with mint extract and alcohol.
The green color may be imparted by the addition of mint leaves or with artificial coloring. French pharmacist Emile Giffard is often cited as the inventor of crème de menthe. In 1885, he allegedly first served his creation to the guests at the Grand Hotel in Angers.
Cabernet d'Anjou is a French appellation located in Anjou, mainly in Maine-et-Loire, which it is exclusively reserved for rosé wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These bright and clear wines are typically deep pink with salmon hues.
They are vibrant, dense, velvety, and smooth, while typical aromas include red fruit and roses. Cabernet d'Anjou wines are praised for their well-balanced acidity and tannic structure, and though they are usually enjoyed young, some examples can age well.
Located in the Loire Valley, Saumur-Champigny is a French appellation and the sub-region of Samur. The name is used only for the finest Saumur wines that are mainly based on Cabernet Franc, while other permitted varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis.
The wines produced in the region are straightforward reds characterized by their intense ruby color and notes of red and dark berries that are complemented by nuances of violets, iris, undergrowth, and spices. These full-bodied wines have supple and well-structured tannins.
Calvados is a brandy distilled from apple cider or a combination of apples and pears. The fermented juice is usually double distilled to create the base of the brandy, which is then aged, and finally blended.
The production of Calvados is strictly regulated, and final products are classified according to the length of maturation, with two years being the minimum aging period. The appellation Calvados is divided into three sub-regions that slightly differ in the base ingredient, terroir, and the distillation process.
Muscadet is a French white wine made in the valley of the Loire River, around the town of Nantes in the Pays de la Loire region, near the Atlantic Ocean. They are exclusively made with Melon de Bourgogne variety. Muscadet wines are fresh and crisp, often with a distinctive saline character.
Fruit aromas are usually absent, although it sometimes has a touch of citrus or apples. In the past, they were often underestimated and mostly regarded as approachable, easy-drinking wines that are meant to be enjoyed young. However, some producers have slowly oriented towards smaller production and improvement in quality.
VARIATIONS OF Muscadet
This classic triple sec was created by the Cointreau brothers, who managed to distill sweet and bitter orange peels to create a slightly sweet, fresh liqueur with incredibly concentrated flavor. The brand was first registered as triple sec in 1885, and since then it has remained one of the best-selling, premium options. Cointreau is mainly used as the essential ingredient in various cocktails such as the classics Sidecar, Margarita, or Cosmopolitan.
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