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Entries in Hills for the Holidays (23)

Easter Wine to Please your Palate | The Hills Market Wothington

 

Easter is upon us, which means you'll most likely be attending or hosting a fabulous Sunday meal. Whether you will be enjoying brunch, ham, or lamb, our wine department has the perfect pairing for any meal. Here are a few to try.
For Brunch:
Our favorite brunch libation is a little bubbly, and nothing goes better with Easter brunch than sparkling rose.  Try Gruet Brut Rose (19.99/bottle). This delightful sipper from New Mexico shows bright cherry and raspberry flavors and finishes dry.
For Ham:
Salty ham can be tough to pair sometimes, but serving a semi-sweet Riesling will guarantee success.  Try Selbach Riesling 'Incline' (13.99/bottle). It's rich and expressive palate shows plenty of peach, apricot, and pear, with a plush finish that lingers with accents of ginger and green herbs.
For Lamb:
A beautiful roast or rack of lamb most certainly calls for the fruity, spicy, medium body of a Cotes du Rhone.  Try Chateau Pegau 'Cuvee Maclura' (19.99/bottle). Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault make up this blend with intense aromas of cassis, blackberry, and spice, followed on the palate by soft, ripe tannins and a lingering finish

 

 

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Ohio Wine for the Holidays

Looking for a unique gift for the wine lover on your list?  Look no further than the Ohio Wines Section at The Hills Market Worthington.
Ohio has a rich grape growing history dating back to the 1850s, and its wines have improved exponentially over the last decade.  Wines produced in Ohio continue to bring home prominent awards from well known national and international competitions.  We are proud to carry some of these world-class beauties, made right here in our backyard.  Here are some of our favorites.
Firelands American Brut 'Champagne', Lake Erie  $13.99
Great for celebrations, this Brut style sparkling wine made from Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay grapes grown on the shores of Lake Erie is sure to please.  It is classic, crisp, dry, and very bubbly.
River Village Cellars Traminette, Ohio River Valley  $9.99
Traminette is a new world hybrid grape with characteristics similar to Gewurztraminer.  Fruity, spicy, and nutmeg flavors, floral aromas, and a refreshing finish make this a perfect match for Southwest and Asian cuisine.  Offered at a fantastic bargain price, this one makes a great stocking stuffer.
Kinkead Ridge Viognier Roussanne, Ohio River Valley  $16.99
A gorgeous Rhone-style blend with kiwi, guava, orange blossom, and golden raisin notes.  This is an excellent dry white to pair with any kind of fish, shellfish, or poultry.  A truly world-class wine that has become a perennial favorite of our wine department staff and customers alike.
Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Ohio River Valley  $20.99
Kinkead Ridge uses all estate fruit grown in the ridgetop vineyard site in ancient limestone soils.  This wine displays classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, plum, and black cherry, following through to a well structured palate with soft tannins and great length.  Having garnered critical acclaim and international awards, this wine makes a great Ohio gift for any Cabernet lover.
Firelands Ice Wine, Lake Erie  $29.99
This dessert wine is made from Vidal Blanc grapes grown on the shores of Lake Erie, and is quite possibly the finest ice wine we have ever tasted from anywhere.  With plenty of sweet honey and apricot characteristics, this is the perfect gift for the sweet-tooth on your list.

 

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Versatile, Low-Alcohol Wines Best for Your Thanksgiving Feast | The Hills Market Worthington

Versatile, Low-Alcohol Wines Best for Your Thanksgiving Feast | The Hills Market Worthington

With all the recipes for Thanksgiving turkey and the multitude of sides prepared to go with it, it's no wonder that picking wines for the meal becomes a daunting task.  Don't stress over it.  Our wine experts are at the ready to offer these helpful tips and suggestions to make your Thanksgiving experience as easy as, well, pumpkin pie.
Versatility is key.  Make sure the wines you pick are versatile enough to go with a wide range of foods.  A wine that is nicely balanced with good acidity makes pairing seamless.
Low alcohol wines are a must.  Wines that are lower in alcohol often have good balance (see above), and can act as good palate refreshers rather than being heavy and tiring.
If you are having an intimate gathering, perhaps you will want to splurge on some special bottles and break out the crystal.  If your gathering tends toward 'the more, the merrier' side of things, you may need some more budget friendly options.  Whatever the case, we've got you covered.
Here are a few to try:
L'escale Muscadet, Loire Valley, France  $8.99
This dry, clean, uncluttered white is immensely refreshing.  12% alcohol and a budget price tag make this one a no-brainer.

Terre d'Oro Chenin Blanc/Viognier, California  $12.99 (WAS $14.99)Chenin Blanc dominates the blend of this wine, providing delicious stone and tropical fruit and spice notes, while the addition of Viognier gives expressive floral aromatics.  This is a versatile choice to serve with appetizers and cheeses, as well as throughout the meal.

Terredora di Paolo Falanghina, Campania, Italy  $15.99
Italian whites beg to be enjoyed with food, and this offering from this historic southern Italian wine producing region is no exception.  It is at once rich and intense on the nose with hints of apple, quince, and pear, and juicy, fresh and clean on the palate finishing with a touch of minerality.

Gerard Bertrand Cotes des Roses  Languedoc, France  $19.99Hints of grapefruit and red fruits, along with persistent floral aromas, make this wine delicately balanced.  This one is new to the store, so it gets the mention here, but really just about any dry Rosé will do and we still have a great selection on hand.

 

River Village Cellars Cabernet Franc, Ripley, Ohio  $13.99
Lifted cherry and spice notes accent this wines harmonious complexity.  This is a second label for Kinkead Ridge, arguably Ohio's best winery, so it's a great locally made option.

Gran Passione Rosso, Veneto, Italy  $12.99 A well structured and heartier red, made from Corvina and Merlot, that still has great acidity and a smooth texture.  This is a killer bargain and a great match for roasted meats of any kind.

Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Normale Piedmont, Italy  $36.99
A complex and elegant wine that shows aromas of dried fruit and savory spice on the nose, with more savory tones, licorice, dried cranberry, and mint on the palate.  A very impressive and beautiful food wine for pairing with all Thanksgiving fare.
Manus Dei du Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley, France  $49.99
Nothing says Fall like red wines from the Rhone Valley.  If you plan to break out the good crystal this year, this wine is a must.  A crowd-pleaser of a serious wine, this wine is loaded with blackberry and peppery spice, with medium body and the right amount of minerality.  A relative bargain for quality Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Of course, we also have plenty of the traditional pairings, like Riesling and Pinot Noir.  Stop in today and let our wine experts guide you to the perfect pairing, no matter how you'll be celebrating.

 

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The Make Ahead Schedule: A Recipe for Thanksgiving Ease

Thanksgiving is just one big homey meal, but its outsized pressure is a good opportunity for cooks to plan out a meal step by step. This skill is one that transfers into more frequent and everyday weeknight meals.

Most of our menu can be made days if not weeks ahead. Here's how I would do it.

3 to 4 Weeks Ahead

  • Buy wine
  • Make and freeze gougères
  • Make and freeze cranberry sauce
  • Bake and freeze rolls
  • Make turkey stock and gravy and freeze
  • Make sure you have necessary equipment, tableware, and linens, and buy or borrow anything you need.

1 Week Ahead

  • Make the shopping list
  • Make a cooking plan
  • Clean out the refrigerator

5 to 6 Days Ahead

  • Go grocery shopping
  • Put the turkey in fridge to thaw
  • Make and freeze quince sorbet (or just buy a seasonal sorbet)

3 Days Ahead

  • Make centerpiece or arrange flowers
  • Iron linens (or just make sure they're clean)
  • Gather any other table-setting accessories

2 Days Ahead

  • Make creme brûlée and refrigerate
  • Make molasses cake and wrap cooled cake tightly
  • Make shrimp sauce
  • Make sure serving dishes are clean and handy

1 Day Ahead

  • Set the table
  • Chill sparkling wine in the refrigerator
  • Thaw cranberry sauce in the refrigerator
  • Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator
  • Make sage and onion dressing. Refrigerate unbaked and covered with foil.
  • Make Brussels sprout salad. Refrigerate, with apples and nuts left out
  • Remove turkey from its wrapping. Remove giblets and pat turkey dry. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper and return to the fridge, uncovered on a sheet pan.

Thanksgiving Morning

  • Put the turkey in the oven
  • Make the mashed potatoes. Transfer to slow cooker to keep warm.
  • Prep the hot cranberry cocktail
  • Take rolls out of the freezer and thaw at room temperature
  • Toss salad with nuts and apples and set out on the table

1 Hour Before Dinner

  • Take turkey out of the oven
  • Bake frozen gougères
  • Set out shrimp and sauce, along with bubbly and hot gougères, for guests
  • Bake dressing
  • Warm rolls
  • Warm gravy (or make it fresh)
  • Carve turkey
  • Transfer food to serving dishes

 

Source: The Kitchn.com http://www.thekitchn.com/a-makeahead-thanksgiving-dinner-menu-the-schedule-gatherings-from-the-kitchn-196827

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Crepes, Mimosas, Smiles: Mother's Day Brunch at The Hills Market Downtown.

Give Mom the pampering she deserves at our Pop-Up with Crepes A La Carte at The Hills Market Downtown this Sunday, May 12th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rosa and team have added a few specials to their regular menu of made-to-order sweet and savory crepes for this special occasion. 

Smoked Salmon Crepe: ramp cream, capers and all the good stuff you find on everything bagels: onions, sesame seeds, powdered garlic & sea salt

Fresh Crab Crepe: crab, spring asparagus, fresh herbs and green goddess dressing

Crème Brûlée French Toast: brioche, rich custard and Ohio maple syrup; exclusively available at The Hills Market Downtown

Mimosas: Mom's favorite combination — bubbly and O.J.

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You Set the Table, We'll Fill the Dishes.

Let us do the work this holiday weekend while you relax and enjoy your loved ones. We'll have Easter specialties in the Chef's Cases at both stores and are taking pre-orders for big orders. Click here to see our menu. And let us know if you need your meal delivered. 

Pre-order for pickup at The Hills Market Worthington: 614.846.3220
Pre-order for pickup at The Hills Market Downtown: 614.702.7900
E-mail your order: catering@thehillsmarket.com (Please be sure to indicate where you will be picking up your order.) 

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Sex in the Wine Department.

Besitos Valentino Moscato, $11.99
Besitos means kisses in Spanish, and this lovely little wine is kissed with sweet fruit flavors. Lightly effervescent with aromas of rose petals and peaches, this is a fantastic aperitif and a great way to start a celebration. 

Il Cuore Chardonnay, $12.99
Il Cuore is Italian for The Heart, making this a fun way to give someone your heart. Chardonnay is blended with just a little bit of Viognier to make this lovely little wine with flavors of crisp apple, pears and spice. The subtle use of oak makes it crisp and versatile. 

M. Lawrence Sex: $15.99
Yes, Sex! This Brut Rose Sparkling wine hails from Lake Michigan.  Made in the Champenoise Method, this wine is comprised of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and has a pinkish salmon hue, red fruit aromas and a fruity soft style. 

And for your Cabernet-Loving Valentine:

Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District. $39.99 (West $59.99)
This is the 2006 vintage bottling of Martin Ray's Diamond Mountain Cabernet, and it's drinking beautifully right now.  It is entirely dry with waves of blackberries, cherries, mocha, and plenty of sweet , smoky oak.  A special buy at $20 off.

 

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Bring in the New Year with Bubblies!

Consider a few of our favorite sparkling wines to ring in 2013:

Gruet Blanc de Noirs, New Mexico: Don't let the area of origin fool you, this sparkling wine from New Mexico is made using the same grapes and method employed by the great Champagne houses. Lovely and fruity with immediate charm and toasty aromas. This is a great value, too: Was $19.99, Now $15.99. You Save $5! 90 Points Wine Spectator

Chandon Brut Classique, California: Offering elegance at an affordable price, this California beauty made from Chardonnay & Pinot Noir has aromas of crisp green apple and cinnamon, that lead to flavors of tropical fruit & cherries. Was $23.99/Now $17.99. You Save $4! 90 Points Wine Enthusiast

Gaston Chiquet Brut Tradition, Champagne: Pinot Munier based, this classy wine has a fine nutty aroma, with hints of yeasty bread dough and candied berry, a silky texture, and a juicy finish. Was $54.99, Now $49.99. You Save $5! 92 points Wine Spectator

Marc Hebrart Brut Premier Cru Selection, Champagne: A wonderfully fresh and vibrant wine with hints of berries, flowers and spices that come together in an expressive and nuanced style. $57.99 91 points Wine Advocate

Patrick Bottex 'La Cueille' Bugey-Cerdon, France: A super-fun party wine, especially if you like something with a touch of sweetness. This rosé sparkler,made primarily from Gamay has the taste of wild strawberries.  $24.99  90 Points Wine Advocate

 

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