Sempe Floc de Gascogne Blanc

Here are some creative and unique serving suggestions for Sempe Floc de Gascogne Blanc:

* **"Floc & Fig" Aperitif Skewers:** Serve chilled Floc in small elegant glasses alongside skewers of fresh figs wrapped in prosciutto drizzled with a touch of balsamic glaze. The sweetness of the fig and saltiness of the prosciutto beautifully complement the Floc.
* **Frozen Floc Granita with Mint:** Freeze Floc into a granita. Serve in chilled shot glasses topped with a single small fresh mint leaf. A refreshing palate cleanser or light dessert.
* **"Gascogne Spritz" Twist:** Combine Floc with a splash of sparkling water and a dash of elderflower cordial over ice. Garnish with a thin slice of green apple and a rosemary sprig for an aromatic herbaceous lift.
* **Oyster Shooter with Floc Mignonette:** Instead of traditional mignonette create one using Floc finely diced shallots and a hint of white pepper. Serve a fresh oyster in a shot glass topped with this Floc mignonette.
* **Cheese Board Companion (Unexpected Pairing):** Present Floc alongside a selection of *hard aged sheep's milk cheeses* (like Ossau-Iraty or a mature Manchego) and quince paste. The Floc's fruitiness cuts through the richness of the cheese.
* **Dessert Drizzle:** Lightly warm Floc and drizzle over a simple vanilla bean panna cotta or a fresh fruit tart (especially with stone fruits like peaches or apricots).
* **"Floc de Gascogne Caviar":** Using molecular gastronomy techniques (or a simple agar-agar recipe) create small "caviar" pearls of Floc. Serve a spoonful atop a delicate goat cheese crostini or a melon ball.
* **Chilled Floc with Savory Profiteroles:** Fill small savory profiteroles with a light chicken liver pâté or a mushroom duxelles and serve alongside a glass of well-chilled Floc.
* **"Sunrise Floc" Mimosa Alternative:** Replace orange juice in a mimosa with a small amount of freshly squeezed blood orange juice then top with Floc. The vibrant color and unique citrus notes are striking.
* **Infused Floc Ice Cubes:** Freeze Floc with a single raspberry or a small piece of star anise inside each ice cube. Use these to chill a glass of plain sparkling water or even a dry white wine for a subtle flavor infusion as they melt.

Here are detailed storage suggestions for Sempe Floc de Gascogne Blanc 17% 75 CL:

**Unopened Bottles:**

* **Temperature:** Store at a cool consistent temperature ideally between 10-15°C (50-59°F). Avoid significant temperature fluctuations as these can cause the liquid to expand and contract potentially pushing the cork out or drawing air in. Do not store in a refrigerator long-term as the dryness can affect the cork.
* **Light Exposure:** Keep bottles away from direct sunlight and strong artificial light. UV rays can degrade the wine and cause "light strike" leading to off-flavors. A dark cellar cabinet or box is ideal.
* **Sealing:** The bottle is sealed with a cork. Ensure the cork remains moist to prevent it from drying out and shrinking which could allow air ingress.
* **Bottle Position:** Store bottles horizontally. This keeps the cork in contact with the liquid preventing it from drying out and shrinking.
* **Humidity:** Maintain a moderate humidity level ideally between 60-75%. Too low humidity can dry out corks while excessively high humidity can encourage mold growth on labels (though it won't harm the liquid inside).
* **Special Storage Tips:** As a fortified wine (mistelle) Floc de Gascogne has a higher alcohol content than regular wine which contributes to its stability. However it is still susceptible to oxidation and light degradation. Avoid storing near vibrations from appliances or heavy traffic as these can disturb the wine's delicate structure over time.

**Opened Bottles:**

* **Temperature:** Once opened store the bottle in the refrigerator at 4-7°C (39-45°F). The cooler temperature significantly slows down the oxidation process.
* **Light Exposure:** Continue to protect the opened bottle from light even in the refrigerator.
* **Sealing:** Re-seal the bottle immediately and tightly after each pour. Use the original cork a wine stopper or a vacuum pump to remove as much air as possible from the bottle. Minimizing air exposure is crucial to preserving freshness.
* **Bottle Position:** Store opened bottles upright in the refrigerator. This minimizes the surface area of the liquid exposed to any remaining air in the bottle.
* **Humidity:** Humidity is less of a concern for opened bottles stored in the refrigerator for short periods.
* **Special Storage Tips:** Floc de Gascogne being a fortified wine will last longer than an unfortified still wine once opened typically 2-4 weeks when properly re-sealed and refrigerated. However its aromatic freshness will gradually diminish. For optimal enjoyment consume within 1-2 weeks. Avoid leaving the opened bottle at room temperature for extended periods.