Staff Picks: What to Drink This Week
Things our staff thinks you should drink.
2019 Heidi Schrock Ried Kulm Blaufrankisch, Burgenland, Austria - $28.99
Heidi Schröck took over her family winery in 1983, in the historic village of Rust situated in the province of Burgenland about 5 miles from the Hungarian border.The Kulm vineyard grows in the heart of the Ruster hill and has the oldest Blaufränkisch vines. These were planted in 1955 by the great grand aunts of Heidi and grow small and concentrated berries every single year. Heidi’s ‘Ried Kulm’ Blaufränkisch is a benchmark example of Burgenland’s signature variety. Ruby red in colour, with aromas of red forest berries and black pepper, ‘Ried Kulm’ has a vibrant and lively palate, with fine-grained tannins and a long finishand is ultra food-friendly! Pair with smoked sausage, hard cheeses and borscht!
-Angie
Barrell Bourbon North Loop Store Pick - $109.99
I am hoping everyone saw the announcement on Monday that our Barrell Pick has landed. It is a bottle every wine fan or whiskey fan needs on their shelf. This whiskey is finished in G.D. Vajra Barolo barrels and is bottled at 131.8 proof. The Barolo barrels tame the whiskey so much, if I was forced to taste it blind I would have guessed it was 110 proof at most. This bourbon highlights the traditional notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel while adding a truly unique note from the Barolo barrels. I'm very proud that the team picked this selection from Barrell Craft Spirits. We are excited to share it with you.
-Todd
La Gritona Reposado Tequila - $42.99
A subtle yet distinctive 100% blue agave tequila distilled with care and intention by Melly Barajas. Barajas is one of few female tequila distillers and employs a team of local women to make La Gritona from start to finish under one roof at her small distillery in the highlands of Jalisco. La Gritona is 100% blue agave, naturally fermented, twice distilled and rested in reused American whiskey barrels (Jack Daniel's to be specific) for eight months. La Gritona bottles are uniquely designed with recycled hand blown glass in Guadalajara. Heck, even the agave scraps are given to local farmers for cow feed! La Gritona is not too sweet, no vanilla, chocolate, or pepper. Just refreshing and tropical agave. The finish is extremely round with no burn, making this reposado a perfect simple sipper, an incredible gimlet or a killer margarita! Like my Uncle Jack always says, "support female distillers!".
-Caitlin
2018 à la carte, Pinot Noir, North Coast - $17.99
From cool climate vineyards on California's north coast, this is a perfect choice for the "light red" selection of any upcoming holiday party. This easy drinking Pinot Noir offers enticing aromas of sweet baking spices that lead to a palate of light juicy cherry and raspberry fruit lifted by bright acidity.
Enjoy as a reception wine alone, with appetizers, or matched with light pasta, chicken or salmon dishes for dinner.
Cheers!
-Patrick
2019 Pascal Jousselin 'Rin du Bois' Gamay - $13.99
Pascal Jousselin family's Domaine is in Touraine in the Loire Valley in France. Rin du Bois is the local dialect for "edge of the woods" as the estate is at the edge of a wooded hunting ground. Notes of smoky dark berry fruit burst from the glass. The palate shows dark blackberry fruit, plum, and mineral. This is a great everyday table wine that goes with a wide variety of food. Try this crushable Gamay with beef stroganoff or a hanger steak with chimichirri.
-Rob
2018 Saint Gregory Pinot Meunier - $19.99
The Graziano family has been tending to vineyards in Mendocino County since 1918; during prohibition, the family quickly pivoted into bootlegging to support their family. The 4th generation future of the Graziano estate is Alexandra Graziano, a grapegrower, winemaker and alumn of the UC Davis Viticulture and Etimology program. The Saint Gregory line of wines are from cooler vineyard sites and are made with traditional Burgundian winemaking methods: long fermentations in french barrel. The Saint Gregory Pinot Munier is a complex and acid driven, light bodied red wine - with ample minerality and soft yet sturdy tannins. You'd be hard pressed to find a similarly esoteric Pinot Noir for $20 - so don't miss out on this juicy gem!
-Katrina