HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY By Jeffrey Cohen, Wine Specialist NEW YEAR!

As we ring in 2022, let us all give thanks for being here and saying goodbye to another challenging year, 2021.

This edition will speak on Sparkling Wine and Champagne. I always remind staff and friends that Champagne is a place in France, that happens to produce incredible Sparkling Wines. The great thing about Sparkling Wines in general is they are the most versatile in pairing with foods. I can’t think of a single item that you can’t pair with Sparkling Wine. The bubbles just do their thing. I use this regularly: “If you can pair eggs and toast with Bubbles, then anything will pair well!”

This whole year I have heard about the shortages that were coming our way, due to horrible crops over the 2021 vintage in Champagne. After doing my research, it is true that in early April there were devastating frosts causing damage to many of the country’s vineyards. September 6 marked the opening of “Champagne season.” The Compté Champagne — the appellations’ official trade association — announced that as much as 60% of the region’s yield might have been already lost due to the bad weather conditions.

Specifically, the Compté Champagne says that 12 days of frost in early April cut yields by 30% and were followed by persistent rains that probably claimed another 25%-30%. Making matters worse, the region was also hit by a few hailstorms damaging over 1,200 acres.

So, let’s backtrack to the beginning. What exactly is Sparkling Wine? All Champagne is Sparkling Wine but not all Sparkling Wine is Champagne. I think we have that covered. In the traditional method, also known as Méthode Traditionnelle or Méthode Champenoise, there are three grapes allowed to be in Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The

wine grapes are picked, pressed and fermented, then bottled. Secondly, after some period, an additional bit of yeast and sugar are added back into the bottles and then corked and clamped. This second fermentation will take place in the bottle. This is the mistake that the monk, Dom Pérignon, stumbled across.

Champagne is one of the finest gifts you can give someone, which is why it’s such a popular present for almost any special occasion. It’s also the drink of choice for saying cheers! Or congratulations!

However, there is one question that people often ask: How long does Champagne last? You may be tempted to think it’s like fine wine, which can last for many decades, but Champagne usually has a shorter shelf life. Because of this, it is important to know when it’s best to enjoy your Champagne so it doesn’t go bad.

Champagne will last longer if it remains unopened. If you’re planning on saving a nice bottle of bubbly for a special occasion, your best bet is to leave it as it is and make sure that you store it in the right way.

Unopened Champagne will last three to four years if it is non-vintage; five to ten years if it is a vintage. Some vintages are designed to be aged in the bottle for years before being opened so they may last much longer than the times stated above.

Vintage Champagnes tend to age better because winemakers can grow a harvest of grapes in a single year with quality aging in mind, which is more difficult to do with those from multi-year harvests. Many of the best Champagne labels, such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Ruinart, Dom Pérignon, Bollinger, Taittinger and Louis Roederer, have vintages that are specifically made to age nicely. Some of their vintages aren’t even considered to be at their peak until they have been stored for a few years, when they will lose some of their carbonation but gain nutty, fruity and toasted flavors.

It is also worth considering what size bottle is best for aging. Many experts still agree that the standard 750ml. bottles are very good for storing a vintage. Magnums, or 1.5l. bottles, are regarded as the best size for unlocking the best flavor possible. It is said that the larger glass surface area of a magnum allows more contact between the yeast on the inside of the bottle and the wine itself, creating more fizz. In short, you may find it better to invest in a bigger size if you plan on letting your Champagne age for a few years.

I will end by wishing everybody a Happy and Healthy New Year! It is truly my pleasure serving you. Please continue to open your emails because we have an incredible year of programming heading your way.

Let the celebrations continue!

Jeff

Jeffrey Cohen is the Wine Specialist at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jcohen@cordilleraranch.com.

New Year, NEW HEIGHTS

Set yourself up for success in 2022.

By Kelsey Grudle, Recreation Coordinator

Year after year, countless New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier and exercise more are made. While these are a priority at the beginning of the year, they are often abandoned by the end of January, leaving a feeling of hopelessness and failure. A New Year does symbolize a fresh start, but it’s important to remember that it isn’t a time to make sweeping changes, trying to implement as many improvements as possible all at once. It is really about reflecting on past behaviors and setting attainable goals to make positive lifestyle changes. Starting with small, short-term goals and focusing on improving one or two behaviors at a time is a realistic approach that will provide feelings of accomplishment as well as the motivation to keep going. It is equally important to ask for support in reaching your goals, whether it be friends and family to cheer you on, or professionals who can coach you towards a successful outcome.

As we enter this New Year, we have more professionals than ever to help you make the changes, whether large or small, that you are looking for. Our Spa and Athletic Club has added three new team members, making our offerings everything you need, all in one place. We would like to introduce and welcome to the Club, Oksana Robertson, Kathy Miller and Ronnie White.

If taking more time for yourself has become a priority for you in the New Year or you need help unwinding knots from the past year, schedule an appointment with our newest massage therapist, Oksana Robertson. Born in Ukraine, Oksana has enjoyed her wonderful life here in America for 20 years. She has been gifted in massage therapy for 15 years with experience in treatments such as Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Sports Massage and Hot Stone Massage, along with specialty additions that include aromatherapy, body scrubs and more. With the addition of Oksana, our team is now providing massage services on Sundays. Oksana is available on Mondays as well, making our massage offerings available seven days a week between Oksana, Amanda, Lisa and our esthetician, JoAnn. Our incredible spa team is ready to help you focus on YOU and will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated!

We are also excited to introduce our new professional trainers to the fitness team, Kathy Miller and Ronnie White. If accountability is your main focus, our newest personal trainer, Kathy Miller, is here for you! After a 21-year career as a United States Marine, Kathy is pursuing her true passion as a personal trainer here at Cordillera Ranch. She is eager to help you obtain your fitness goals and wants to be an inspiration in helping others in their pursuit of wellness. Kathy is thrilled to be here and is looking forward to meeting members.

Ronnie White is joining our Pilates team alongside our Master Pilates Trainer, Kris Cracknell. This will provide more opportunities for our members to participate in our Pilates programs. Ronnie is excited to help Kris grow our Pilates Group Reformer classes and we are happy to have Ronnie onboard.

In addition to our new team members, we are adding four new Pilates chairs to the programs. This new piece of Pilates equipment creates a stronger core and total body. The chairs will be utilized in our Advanced Group Reformer classes and will also be incorporated into other fun and challenging classes. Varying exercises on the chair are more difficult than most exercises on the Pilates reformer because the smaller space challenges your center of gravity. If you have enjoyed your Pilates practice before, get ready to take it to the next level.

Our Club trainers and instructors are

ready to help you achieve your goals. Kevin Durio has been with our fitness team for five years and specializes in self-defense and kickboxing. He teaches Group Cycle classes as well. Kelly Vizzone is guaranteed to provide a whole-body workout with her years of expertise and her many certifications, including the popular ELDOA. Natalie Sales has been on our team the longest with an impressive eight-year tenure. She continues to teach our early morning group exercise classes, giving you a good sweat and a refreshing heart rate jump.

TAMRA CHRISTIANSEN Fitness & Wellness Director

KEVIN DURIO Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor

RONNIE WHITE NEW Pilates Trainer

And finally, our Fitness & Wellness Director, Tamra Christiansen, is excited to continue to bring you all of the programs you have enjoyed through the years while pushing our Fitness Center to new heights. As a certified personal trainer for more than 20 years, Tamra is also TPI Golf certified and is ready to help you swing your best. She has several seminars coming your way to help you stay strong both mentally and physically, and with Precision Nutrition, she can hold you accountable to your whole health aspirations.

This New Year, let The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch Spa and Fitness professionals help set you up for success and achieve your goals. For exercise plans, nutrition guidance, pain management and relaxation, they can guide you on your health and wellness journey. Our unique and vast offerings are everything you need and can enjoy in one home — your home, Cordillera Ranch.

Kelsey Grudle is the Recreation Coordinator at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at kgrudle@cordilleraranch.com or 830.446.2711.

MEET OUR SPA & FITNESS PROFESSIONALS

NATALIE SALES Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor

KRIS CRACKNELL Master Pilates Trainer

KATHY MILLER NEW Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor

KELLY VIZZONE Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor

OKSANA ROBERTSON NEW Massage Therapist