From The Garden
This year at Maison De L'Orb we have been blessed to have had a huge supply of figs, grapes, oranges, lemons, limes and countless other fruits from our trees and with the clock ticking away until Chjristmas, it is time for an annual supply of Orange infused wine to take shape.
Although orange infused wine, or vin d’orange, is a warm weather aperitif, I never quite remember to make it during the summer months; too busy with guests, too interested in being on the beach. I would recommend a good quality white blanc here but seriously, any plonk will suffice. This makes a great back up drink to have but also a cute Christmas gift and is so simply to make. 12-15 Clementines thoroughly washed and cut in half 3 bottles modestly priced dry white wine 100g sugar Half a glass of Courvoisier Long strips of orange zest In a large glass or stainless steel bowl combine the wine and Clementines, gently squeezing each half to release some of the juice. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 5 days. Save the empty wine bottles and corks; wash and remove labels. You may need a fourth empty bottle. Remove orange infused wine from the refrigerator and squeeze any liquid remaining in the orange halves into the large bowl. Discard oranges. Add the sugar and cognac, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Strain through a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Pour wine concoction into wine bottles. Insert a strip of the zest into each bottle and cork. Chill the wine for one week. Serve neat or over ice. Orange wine will keep for 6 months when chilled. Enjoy.
