"Goddess of Love"-Aphrodite (from the Louvre in Paris)

Well it is that time of year again (Valentine’s Day) and all this love talk has got aphrodisiacs on my mind. An aphrodisiac is defined as something (like a drug or food) that arouses or intensifies sexual desire. The name is derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The origin of Aphrodisiacs can be traced back to the Romans and Greeks, famous for conjuring up lustful dishes.  Up until the eighteen century, Roman physician Galen defined aphrodisiacs as foods that were “warm and moist” and “windy”, or in other words they produced gas.  At this time, Galen thought that gas (or “wind” as they called it) inflated the penis to cause an erection.

As time progressed, aphrodisiacs became to be known to simply evoke sexual desire and lust.  Alcohol happens to be one of the few things known for ages to effect sexual desire.  A little booze can spice up the mood but too much can do the exact opposite (as some may have experienced). One of the most widely known aphrodisiacs today is the famous raw oyster.  In fact, a recent study proved that seafood such as oysters, mussels, and clams have actually released sexual hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Maybe that’s why beach vacations are so romantic?

While alcohol and oysters are more widely known, there are quite of few out of the ordinary libido boosters.  The legendary “Spanish Fly” is known to contain a chemical that irritates genital membranes, causing arousal.  However, ingesting too much of this chemical can lead to kidney malfunction or hemorrhages, so it is not exactly recommended. Another sexy but deadly aphrodisiac is the Fugu, or blowfish, in Japan.  When not handled properly it can be very deadly, however nontoxic parts have gained recognition for their sexual powers.  Some say that after eating the nontoxic part of the body, a tingling sensation fills your body. Others claim that sake-soaked testicles are the jackpot.

Some may work better than others, but one thing is for certain; these ancient aphrodisiacs haven’t gained popularity over the centuries for no reason. Test the ancient powers of aphrodisiacs this love-filled month with these delicious candidates:

"A Chocolate Shoe"-That really gets my heart pumpin' (from Chocolaterie Georges Larincol in Paris)

 1. Avocado: Catholic priests in Spain found it so sexual they forbade it!

2. Almonds: Fertility symbols, passion in females

3. Asparagus: Supposedly boosts the ability to reach orgasm for both sexes

4. Basil: Gets your heart racing, maybe that’s why Italians are so romantic:)

5. Chocolate: Of course, the king “love chemical”

6. Figs: Cleopatra’s favorite, the Ancient Greeks associated them with fertility and love

7. Garlic: I know it’s stinky, but it gets the blood flowin’

8. Oysters: Rev up your libido! Serve with chilled champagne for the perfect evening

Try a no-fuss mood-boosting recipe from one of our favorite blogs, “chocablog”.

http://www.chocablog.com/recipes/fresh-figs-with-chocolate-sauce/

On Friday afternoons, while I try to decide which SLO restaurant I want to dine at that evening, I often find myself in a dilemma.  Most of the time, I am craving a delicious California or Alaskan Roll. However, every time, I am also craving a glass of delectable wine. A large majority of people feel that sushi and wine just don’t go together, and I used to feel the same.  Usually, I would just decide on one or the other, choosing a hearty Italian meal with wine or a tasty sushi roll.  However, the other day I was surfing the internet and stumbled upon this article: http://www.gayot.com/wine/pairing/sushi.html.  I was intrigued, and decided that night I would test the waters. I called up one of my girlfriends and alerted her it was sushi time. So I picked her up and we headed to Goshi, our favorite sushi spot in SLO (you have to try if you haven’t been).

As we skimmed over the menu, I told her about the new pairing I was about to try, and she was in to.  I opted for the seared albacore roll with a Pinot Noir and my friend chose “Goshi’s Best” with seared tuna and fresh albacore and a Pinot Blanc.  I have to say, it was just absolutely delicious.  It was all my favorites in one dinner! Trust me, you must try it!

Now, I have opened my eyes to a whole new scrumptious world of sushi and wine, it’s definitely my go-to dinner when I go out. Join the other side and try these winning combos:

-Raw Tuna with American Pinot Noir or Pinot Blanc

-Hamachi and Pinot Blanc or Chard

-Salmon and Dry Riesling

-Salmon roe and dry rose

-Uni and Pinot Gris (dry)

-Hand rolls: Beaujolais or Pinot Noir

My personal favorite? I am a Pinot Noir (Baileyana’s in San Luis Obispo is my favorite) and tuna kind of girl, and trust me you will be too once you try it. So go ahead, skip the sake and get out your corkscrew.

Hello Borracha-lovers, I’m Katie, the newest addition to the Borracha Team. And as you would expect, I love wine. You know what loving wine means….also loving cheese. Just as almost every wine tickles my fancy, so does just about every cheese. Mild, sharp, stinky, soft, aged, smoked….I love it all. This past fall I had the privilege of visiting three of the cheesiest places on Earth: France, Italy, and Switzerland. Let’s just say I wasn’t let down. My first cheese-masmic experience took place at the annual Alba Truffle Fair where the biggest sale of truffles (the mushroom type, not the chocolate kind) occurs.  Well not only did they have an eclectic array of truffles, but also mouth-watering wines and “worth ditching your diet” cheeses.  That afternoon, I delighted in handsome Italian men handing me sample after sample of delicious Toma, Taleggio, Gorgonzola, and Brunet (tangy goat cheese). Cheese Fantasy #1…Completed.

Next up was France, the mother of all cheese.  I stepped into Paris thinking Bordeaux and crepes would be the center of my attention; however the French “fromage” won me over. My favorite cheese is by far Brie, and let’s just says it was on every menu.  For the next 4, days, I definitely ate more than a healthy portion of French Brie, and I was in heaven. At one of the street markets, I also tried Munster, Camembert, and Tomme de Savoie.. Cheese Fantasy #2…Completed.

Finally, in my last weeks of Europe, I headed to Switzerland, the land of dairy.  We stayed in a tiny skiing town called Nendaz that had more cheese shops than it did grocery stores. One 17 degree afternoon, we strolled the streets tasting delectable Gruyere, Val Bagner, and Vacherin Mont D’or. On my flight back to the states, I officially felt like a cheese-queen.

Of course, while in Italy, I sampled my fair share of wine as well. One of my personal favorites I tried was FontanaFredda’s Barbaresco. Pair it with a sharp Pecorino vecchio or a rich Fontina and presto! Salute!

Check out FontanaFredda’s Website:

http://www.fontanafredda.it/blog/

-Katie

P.S. For the Lactose Intolerant cheese lovers, try a hard cheese like Parmesan or Cheddar:)

This lovely white wine is made from a rather scarce grape called Jacquere. Very few producers still make it as a single varietal. Jacquere grape is indigenous to France and grows almost exclusively in Savoie.  The wine is known for its touch of lemon and layered minerality.  Some compare it to Vinho Verde from Portugal because of it’s light refreshing style. Pierre Boniface’s Apremont tastes fresh, light, and clean. Its delicate minerality and snowlike purity, pay homage to the french Alps of its origin. Subtle notes of apples, pears and lemon zest with a long pleasing finish.

Pierre Boniface wines are produced at Les Rocailles, a true earthly paradise nestled in the French Alps. When Pierre took over from his father he had a modest business, farming 20 acres and buying grapes from another 20 on handshake deals. Les Rocailles is now one of the biggest and best producers in Savoie, with nearly 50 acres owned and grapes purchased from nearly 60 more! Apremont is the signature wine, accounting for 70% of the production, and the vast majority of Boniface sales.

Apremont is a delicious pairing to the creamy and lush cheeses of the Alps like Comte, Gruyere and Tomme de Savoie.  You may think that the complexity of these cheeses should be paired with a red wine, but in Savoie they serve with Apremont. The acidity and minerality of the wine cuts through the fat and leaves the palate fresh for the next bite.  A perfect pairing for a long day of skiing the Alps. And because its low in alcohol, you can drink it all day! That’s my kind of snowbunny snack

Praise:          The Wine Advocate, The New York Times, The Wine Spectator and Martha Stewart Living.

Pair with...

Dish: Curry, Comte, Gruyere, and Tomme de Savoie

Music: Kimbra, Cocktail Chic

Occasion: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or any other extreme mountain adventure

Personality: Gwyneth Paltrow meets Carole Montillet: elegant, energized and fresh

Tasting our fabulous selection of VinQuiz wines

We have been so fortunate to have sooooo many fans of our products: Wine Wipes, Pearly Wipes and VinQuiz. Thank you! Some highlights of this year include Wine Wipes represented in  Self Magazine’s Beauty Hangover cures on the Nate Berkus Show, Pearly Wipes in People Magazine’s Style Watch and our Vinquiz seems to be gaining popularity as well.

For those of you not familiar with the VinQuiz, it’s a fun quiz to match you (or a friend) with your own wine personality and a bottle of cult wine. It is delivered to you with a personality profile, tasting notes and pairing suggestions. All for just $20 + shipping and handling or pick it up yourself if you live close by!

Hopefully that’s inspired you to consider new ways of selecting your wine for 2012.

What are your New Year’s Wine Resolutions? How about being a little more adventurous? I like the simple advice of wine writer, David White “In 2012, resolve to explore the unfamiliar by trying unusual grapes from unusual regions. If you like red wines, you’re probably drinking lots of Cabernet Sauvignon. If you prefer whites, you’re probably drinking Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.”

Although our local wines are amazing, why not try something like Gavi di Gavi, Broglia, La Meirana, Italy, 2009.   Drink this all day. Richly textured, yet crisp in style. Think crisp Pinot Grigio with a hint of Chardonnay.

Gamay, Villa Ponciago, France 2009

What about red?

Gamay, Villa Ponciago, France 2009. Not to be confused with Beaujolais Nouveau, Cru Beaujolais is similar to a Pinot Noir; complex, elegant and balanced. 2009 is considered the vintage of a lifetime for the region.

Monastrall, Juan Gil, Jumillo, Spain 2006
100% Monastrall (aka: Mourvedre) Secret culty go-to for true Spanish wine lovers. Warm and rich with layers of spicy plum and violets finishing with sweet tannins and a touch of chocolate.

Cheers to a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

P.S. We are excited to announce we will have a new product coming soon in 2012 (still top secret)! Remember to check back for details.

Yesterday was a BIG day for Wine Wipes. We had two TV appearances in one day!

The CW San Diego, they love Wine Wipes for a great, last minute holiday gift. Check it out: http://www.sandiego6.com/news/sd6-in-the-morning/Stocking-Stuffers-135940393.html
AND, even more exciting is that we were chosen by  SELF Magazine to be part of their Beauty Hangover Cures on the Nate Berkus Show!

More to come…

It’s no secret that us Borracha’s love all things wine. Because of this, during the holiday season we are always looking for the perfect wine-lover’s gift. Being that the Internet is inundated with wine paraphernalia and suggestions we thought it would be a great idea to host our favorite gift ideas in one convenient place.  Thus, we bring you the wine-lover’s “gift central,” featuring:

1. Wine Wipes: A proprietary blend of stain-removing and teeth-protecting ingredients available in a convenient 20-wipe compact, complete with mirror. Just run Wine Wipes over your teeth and mouth, and order another round of red.
2. Pearly Wipes: Available in a convenient 20-wipe compact complete with mirror, Pearly Wipes fit into your pocket or purse and can be used after any offending beverage – coffee, tea, soda, fruit juice, red and white wine – as well as a minty treat after a meal when no toothbrush is in sight.
3. Vinquiz- Borracha’s Vinquiz pairs your personality with a unique bottle of cult wine and delivers it to you with a personality profile, tasting notes and pairing suggestions.
4. Borracha Prescribes: If you love wine but are far from a wine drinking pro we can help! Let Borracha “prescribe” a quality, inexpensive bottle of wine for your next event. You’ll impress even the most seasoned wine drinkers with your excellent bottle choice!
5. Custom Wine Boxes: If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a wine lover, or if you are a wine lover yourself, a hand-painted wine box is THE present for you this holiday season. Local San Luis Obispo artist, Bri Devereaux, hand paints each box and no two paintings are the same. Wine boxes can be purchased as single or double boxes.

Each product can be purchased in Borracha’s online store: http://www.winewipes.com/store/. Happy shopping (oh, and Happy Holidays, too!).

Blend of Monastrell, Garnacha, Tintorera, and other unspecified varieties. Aged eight months in French and American oak. Symphony of violets, spice box, leather, blueberry, black cherry, and licorice. Easy-going flavor, superb depth, complexity, and a long lasting finish.

A go-to wine that wont lighten your pocket book if it ends up being a two bottle night.

Pair with:

Dish:       Cubano panini

Music:     Latin lounge

Occasion:   Wednesday… not too decadent, but cause for celebration

Personality: More Enrique Iglesias than Antonio Banderas

Praise:

91 Points- International Wine Cellar

90 Points- The Wine Advocate

Nothing about this wine is easy to pronounce. With a grapes name like ‘Zweigelt’, it has its share of problems on a wine list… simply because you dont want to feel stupid saying it wrong to a sommelier. But lets get over that shall we, and give this tasty wine its due credit.

Zweigelt (pronounced TSVYE-gelt) is among the most widely planted red grapes in Austria and is relatively new; developed in 1922 when an Austrian scientist, Fritz Zweigelt, crossed blaufränkisch with St. Laurent. Tragically, the grape was originally called ‘rotburger’, but thankfully for the grape, the name was changed to the last name of its creator.

I was a bit skeptical, having never heard of this grape or producer, but with an open mind and palate I unscrewed the cap and poured.  The wine had aromas of cinnamon, currants and exotic spice. The taste was vibrant and refreshing, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and black pepper.  Tastes a bit like a Côtes-du-Rhônes or a spicy Cru Beaujolais and at an affordable price point.

This wine pairs perfect with holidays!!  Taste is this week at Granada Bistro. $8 a glass, $30 a bottle, $20 Retail.

Victoria

Title: Cat hating Public Relations Intern

Motto: Find something that makes you genuinely happy, because forever is a long time if you’re miserable. And never, ever settle. (-my dad)

Favorite part of my day: Waking up in the morning, having a cup of coffee and having no where to rush off to (mostly this only happens on weekends)

What intoxicates me? Reading a really good book…I recently read the Hunger Games entire series in 3 days…SO GOOD!

Best business advise: “You have to start at the bottom if you want to end at the top”

My wine personality: Direct, ambitious, lots of fun…ideal for a girl’s night out.

Margaret

Title: Shipping Czar

Something little known about me: I love to sing

Motto: Live each day to its fullest so that you’re exhausted when you die, and treat everyone like you would want to be treated

Memorable wine experience: Retirement Dinner in Philadelphia, pairing each course with a bottle of wine – Cakebread was my favorite

What intoxicates me? Life, especially sunrise and sunsets

My wine personality: Aged, Full-bodied.

Shairee

Title: Jill of all trades

Motto: The Five Agreements (by Don Miguel Ruiz)

What intoxicates me? The view from an ocean kayak looking back at land.

Best business advise: Given to me, trust my instinct.

I feel good about- Teva creating a special “bootie” for a penguin with a bad foot

My wine personality: Mellow, easy to drink….with a surprising bite.

Joleen (aka Mojo)

Title: Sales genie

Motto: figure out who you want to be and try to be that perfectly

Favorite part of my day: Dinner with family and friends

Memorable wine experience: Spanish dinner party at my home. 10 girlfriends, sharing a variety of Spanish wines over an incredible meal prepared by chefs from Spain.

What intoxicates me? Going on active, outdoor adventurers.

Best business advise: Always be honest and take responsibility for your actions.

My wine personality: Sweet with a spicy finish; pairs well with food and friends.

Kimberly

Title: Patrona

Motto- Be brave; this world is not for cowards.

Favorite part of my day- Waking up. I love a fresh start!

Memorable wine experience- A true night of tasting; Opening 7 bottles of amazing wine at the same time and making wine suicides while ordering one of everything on the menu!

What intoxicates me? Doing something for my first time.

Perfect meal- Truffle pasta and wine

Best business advise- Surround yourself with honest, intelligent and passionate people.

My wine personality- A magnum of anything tasty