Thursday, February 23, 2012

Credit Card Disputes


Many online retail stores are a family of store that fall under the umbrella of a corporation.  These corporations usually own more than one internet website.  These corporations would be considered the parent companies and when you make a purchase your credit card statement will most likely reference the name of the parent company instead of the website where the purchase was made. 

Most merchants will send out an email thanking you for the purchase and advising you how your credit card will be charged.  This is where you will see the parent company name mentioned so please read the email sent to you after you make an online purchase.  It's is important that you read the emails because it will provide information that is important and may help you avoid embarrassing issues with your order. We have recently had some issues with credit card disputes because the buyer was unaware that Perpetual Mercantile LLC is the parent company of Twisted Corkscrew.


 If you dispute credit card charges because you don't recognize a merchant those funds are removed from the vendors account until there is a resolution.  It can take weeks for a dispute to be resolved and if the resolution goes against the merchant they will lose the money plus a penalty fee will be applied to their account, which is justified if the merchant is at fault.  But if the buyer is at fault because they couldn't remember the purchase then you could be blocked from future purchases on the website and possibly be turned over to a collection agency.  Generally, this is an innocent mistake that can be avoided just by going online to verify the merchant corporate name.  Any additional expense to the legitimate merchants will push the product prices a little higher, which doesn't benefit anyone.  So do your best to make sure the charge is incorrect before you dispute it.

If your unfamiliar with the website visit their “about us” page, this will give you more information about the site.  You will likely find out how long they have been in business, parent company name, address, email address, return policy and a contact telephone number.  If the website does not have a contact telephone number listed I do not buy from them……why, because they don’t want to talk to anyone.  That is not good customer service policy in my book.  Type the name of the website in the search box on Google and see what you can find.  If you find links to Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and coupon code sties, this is most likely a legitimate website.

I hope this information has been helpful and next time you're shopping for wine accessories please visit Twisted Corkscrew.


Monday, January 30, 2012

Chocolate Wine Trail - Hermann Missouri

Today we have had great weather in the ST. Louis Metro area but that's not the norm so I'm sure we will be back to those cold and windy days.  No need to let the weather get you down or slow you down.  The Chocolate Wine Trail is getting closer.  This event is just 1 weekend February 18-19 so sign up for tickets at The Hermann Wine Trail and be prepared for a great time.  They are 7 wineries in Hermann that you can taste a variety of wines and chocolate desserts, how can that be anything but a great time.  Tickets are $30 per person with a limited number available.  So if you happen to have out of town visitors that weekend this would be an excellent way to show them some of Missouri's beautiful rolling hills and have a really fun time in Hermann on the Chocolate Wine Trail.  Next time you're shopping for wine accessories please visit Twisted Corkscrew and browse our many pages of accessories.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Valentines Surprise


It’s never too early to think about a gift for a special day.   Sure you could wait for hints from your sweetheart for this valentines but how is that a surprise.  Be creative show them you care and let them know how special they are by creating special dinner on that special day.  It will take more effort than normal but it will be appreciated and remembered.  Take the time to find the perfect dish and perfect wine that will show your true feelings.  You might find out how much fun it is to make surprise dinner preparations that it could become a routine event.   If you need elegant glassware for that special dinner be sure to consider Ravenscroft Wine Glasses and Decanters, which are hand made lead free crystal wine glasses are of the highest quality and have an elegant feel.  Once you taste wine from Ravenscroft wine glass you will understand the importance of owning quality glassware.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Holiday Season Deals

The holiday season is upon us and there's plenty of time to get gifts.......or is there?   We are fully stocked right now as are most stores but it won't be long before some of the most popular items start to run short.  As it gets closer to Christmas it will be harder for stores to get items restocked so if you see something that you really want now is the time to buy.

We just received a new supply of High Heel Wine Bottle Holders, we now have a dozen different styles and they are priced to sell quickly.  Also our decorative Metal Wine Bottle Holders is another hot item that has been selling well but we are already short on a couple of styles so don't wait too long too decide.

Stop by and visit TwistedCorkscrew.com and checkout some of the great bargains and unique items we carry.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Basic Food and Wine Pairing


There are many articles about pairing wine with meals.  The basic answer is white wine with fish or chicken, red wine with steak or pasta but there’s more involved.  Someone ask which white wine goes better with fish well it depends on what type of fish you are having and the flavor style (mild or spicy) as well as your taste preferences.

Many wines are vinited in a range of styles from light to full texture, depending on the producer so a heavy oaked Chardonnay may go well with a cream based pasta but an un-oaked Chardonnay might pair well with a mild fish or poultry.  Since there are many wines and so many cross over the lines for basic food pairing due the unique vintages and blending it is nearly impossible to come up with a complete list that is simple and straight forward. 

There are some people that only drink red wine and others that only drink white and still others that drink both but a limited selection.  No matter what your preference is there is either a red or white wine that you will find compatible with your main course whatever that may be.  So don’t stress, work within the boundaries of your taste preferences and gradually experiment to expand your taste palate.

Think of it this way, the food and wine you’re having needs to compliment each other or balanced by their flavor, texture and acidity.  

Spicy foods pair best with a sweet or flavorful wine. 

Beef dishes pair well with a bold full-bodied wine. (Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel)

Pasta with tomato sauce (Acidic) goes well with a wine with higher acidity like Chianti or Sauvignon Blanc if you prefer white wine. 

Pasta with a creamy white sauce works very well with a Chardonnay.  Cream based pasta contains milk so acidic wine would not be a good match.

If you’re having a fish dinner with a lemon sauce I would suggest something like Sauvignon Blanc but with a mild fish dinner Riesling would be a better choice.  There are many varieties of fish, some are mild and flaky and others are more like a steak (swordfish).   When I have swordfish I like a medium body wine like Pinot Noir, it seems just bold enough for that texture and taste.   Pairing wines with meals should not be stressful, relax and enjoy the process, try experimenting you might discover a great combination.

Here’s a no stress basic wine-pairing list.  This is by no means a comprehensive list and there are some that may dispute some of my selections but that’s ok.

Steak, Beef Dishes                            Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, 
& Barbeque                                       Zinfandel, Malbec,  
                                                       Norton (Missouri), Bold Reds
  
Poultry                                               Riesling, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir,  Chianti, Merlot, Rioja, Burgundy, Medium Bodied

Pork                                  Pinot Noir, Chianti, Merlot, Rioja, Riesling

Fish                                        Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir (swordfish)

Shellfish                                    Chablis, Riesling, Burgundy, Chardonnay

Tomato based Pasta (red)               Chianti, Sangiovese, Italian wines, Merlot, Zinfandel (red)

Creamy Pasta                               Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot

Spicy foods                 Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Rose’          


Matching food and wines from the same country work well because they are produced to enhance the local fare.

Let your server, or the menu guide you to a wine selection.  The restaurant wants you to come back so they don’t want to steer you wrong with a bad wine pairing.

Sometimes the season can lead you to a wine selection.  Personally, I drink more white wine in the summer that red because it’s just more refreshing in the Missouri heat.  I love Cabernet Sauvignon but sometimes it’s just too heavy on a hot summer day.

Visit Twisted Corkscrew and browse our fine selection for Ravenscroft Wine Glasses, which are designed to enhance your wine experience.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Twisted Tuesday Sale


Twisted Tuesdays sale starts now and is offering The Gentleman Vintage Corkscrew for a super low price of $12.95.  This offer is available today only until supplies are depleted.  Retail price  is  $28.95, so take a look at this replica antique corkscrew which comes packaged in a leather/wood gift or display box The Gentleman Corkscrew.  This is a great gift for any occasion.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Happy Hour Thursday Sale

Happy Hour Thursday is Here! This special sale runs from 4 pm to 7pm today only. So here’s the special, all Laguiole Corkscrews are marked down a whopping 20%. All you need to do is come back and visit us between 4pm and 7pm to get the coupon code. So this is your chance to get a high quality Laguiole Corkscrew at a great discount but remember the sale ends at 7pm today. There’s no time to wait any longer buy your gifts now at a great price. Limit 2 Laguiole corkscrews per customer. Free Shipping does not apply to happy hour sales.