Two Fat Birds » Products

Merlot Verjus

shelley — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:46:01 +0000

A light rose colour that reflects the Merlot grape varietal. Good acid, with herbaceous, fruity and spicy notes. Great for marinades, game birds, pork, beef, venison, reductions and dressings.
375ml bottle $16.00 +GST
The birds on this label are Quails. The quail in the foreground is a Californian Quail, commonly seen in NZ vineyards, however, the quail in the background is a native NZ quail now extinct.

History and overview.
Verjus (pronounced Ver shoo), the literal translation from French to English is (green juice). Verjus is made from 100% unripe grape juice, it was a popular condiment used in medieval and 17th century recipes, and it’s uses date back to the ancient Romans and Greeks, who used for both its culinary and healthful properties. Verjus is undergoing a renaissance worldwide, as people re discover its fresh zesty flavours and natural acidulance. It is a perfect non alcohol based replacement for wine, vinegar or even lemon juice, in recipes, that won’t overpower or mask the natural flavours of the dish.

Production
Two Fat Birds Verjus is created from handpicked wine grapes before they reach veraison but while they still retain a high level acidity and zesty natural fruit flavours. The grapes are quickly pressed to extract the juice, cold settled but unfined and unfiltered, then quickly bottled to retain all the natural flavours. The Verjus is then pasteurised in order to preserve it without the use of chemicals. Our verjus has a shelf life of one year, once opened a bottle will keep in the refrigerator for 1 month. A small amount of natural sediment will form on settling. Just shake the bottle before use. REFRIGERATE ONCE OPENED.
Uses
Verjus can replace wine, white wine vinegar or lemon juice in recipes. It is a light unfermented product that will blend well with other fruit juices. It makes a wonderful light, fruity vinaigrette (replacing the vinegar). Use in reductions, poaching and sauces for seafood. Use in stir-fry vegetable dishes, fresh fruit. It is even a refreshing drink, just add ice and a little soda water or make your own Verjus cocktails by adding Vodka, Campari etc.

Chardonnay Verjus

shelley — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:39:52 +0000

A light, zesty, fruity verjus with apple and melon flavours great with seafood, fruit salad and vegetable dishes.

375ml glass bottle $16.00 + GST
The birds on this label are New Zealand native” wax eyes “or “silver eyes”. They are commonly found throughout NZ, they also love to eat grapes!

Uses
Verjus can replace wine, white wine vinegar or lemon juice in recipes. It is a light unfermented product that will blend well with other fruit juices. It makes a wonderful light, fruity vinaigrette (replacing the vinegar). Use in reductions, poaching and sauces for seafood. Use in stir-fry vegetable dishes, fresh fruit. It is even a refreshing drink, just add ice and a little soda water or make your own Verjus cocktails by adding Vodka, Campari etc.

NZ Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine Vinegar

shelley — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:27:35 +0000

This red wine vinegar is made from 100% aged New Zealand Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Using the Orleans technique, this vinegar has spent at least 8 months maturing in the barrel. This method of production creates a full bodied vinegar with a high level of acidity without the harshness of commercially made red wine vinegar. The colour is a rich ruby/brick red, while the aroma and flavour is reminiscent of the Cabernet Sauvignon wine from which it was made.
This is a full barrel strength Cabernet Sauvignon red wine vinegar of 9% acidity. It has not been diluted. It is perfect for vinaigrettes, marinating meats -especially red meat and game, and imparts a unique red wine flavoured tartness to sauces. As this is a natural product, some sediment may occur. But not to worry, its perfectly harmless.
See our recipes page for more inspiration.