Staff Picks: What to Drink This Week
Things that pair well with frigid temps.
2017 Domaine Rouge Bleu, 'Mistral', Sainte Cecile Cotes-du-Rhone Villages - $22.99
It's cold, like, really cold and that means red wine that will warm us up on those frigid days. Rouge Bleu's Mistral is just the ticket, named for the famous Mistral wind that blows all winter in the region. Biodynamically farmed GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) from the village Sainte-Cecile in France's Southern Rhone by two of the hardest working folks in France. Caroline, a native Aussie, makes the wine and her French husband Thomas farms their 8.5 hectares of grapes, all while parenting two small children and running a bed and breakfast. Full of dark fruits and warm spices, This full bodied red is the perfect wine for snuggling under a warm blanket or pairing with roasted meats, aged cheese or chocolate desserts
-Angie H.
2019 Stolpman Vineyards, 'Love you Bunches', Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara $26.99
I can't think of a better wine to enjoy with a loved one over a Valentine's Day treat of fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate fondue, than this one from Stolpman Vineyards, called Love You, Bunches. Organically grown near Santa Barbara, this is 100% Sangiovese, but goes through the tender loving care of Carbonic Fermentation to preserve it's zippy acidity and keep the natural tannins of the grape muted and soft. The result is best when served chilled for maximum juiciness and brightness. Aromas of red currant and red flowers lead to a zesty palate of cherry, raspberry, and melon. Perfect to crush with someone you love bunches on Valentine's Day! ❤️🍷
-Patrick D.
2019 Jolie Laide Rosé of Valdigue, Mendocino - $27.99
Who says you can't drink rosé in the dead of Winter? All you really need is a hot meal, a glass, and the right bottle to get that "rosé all day" trend going once again! The Jolie Laide rosé expression comes from the Rosewood Vineyard and is crafted to perfection by winemaker Scott Schultz. I would suggest pairing this rosé of Valdiguié with a nice salmon dish to warm you up during this sub-zero time period we experience all too often. Come on by and ask our consultants about the perfect pairing for your next decadent salmon dish.
-Samuel P.
2018 Dupeuble Beaujolais - $18.99
And here we are. It's time to take a little break in our Winter slog for a joyous celebration of love. This ebullient and eminently chuggable wine may be the perfect choice. It's seam bursting layers of vibrant fruit are decadent but effortlessly refreshing at the same time. It's joyful nature is deepened ever so slightly by seductive hints of spice and cherry pit. It's importer, Kermit Lynch, is unabashed in using even more suggestive verbiage then I can muster when describing this wine but I think he's right on the money. Happy Valentines Day.
-David M.
2018 Martha Stoumen, Venturi Vineyard Carignan, Mendocino - $43.99
Martha Stoumen is a natural winemaker and arguably my favorite out there. Her Carignan comes from Mendocino County, California and only 400 cases are produced. Showing Aromas of dried herbs, rose petals and leather on the nose. With tart cherry and dried red fruit on the palate with a soft texture and chalky tannins.
-Nick
El Maestro Sierra - Oloroso Sherry (375ml) - $21.99
My favorite ways to stay warm in a polar vortex is with the supplementation of fortified wines, such as Sherry. At nineteen percent abv, it's sure to warm you up! My favorite sherry of the moment is the El Maestro Sierra Oloroso Sherry, which has intriguing layers of spices, hazelnut, and even subtle hints of chocolate. El Maestro Sierra was founded in 1832 and has become one of the most respected Sherry houses in the Jerez region. Expect a commanding flavor profile with a lasting finish from this 15 year, solera aged wine.
-Katrina
Vikre Amaro Superiore - $35.99
Up in Duluth, the folks at Vikre Distillery have been hard at work crafting their latest release, a classically-styled bittersweet amaro. This bottling rivals some of its Italian counterparts & is reminiscent of a blanc vermouth or americano, but with the weight & pleasant bitterness of a classic aperitivo like Campari or Cappelletti. Warming, candied orange peel jumps out on the nose, and on the palate, it's balanced between caramelized citrus, savory herbs, and a touch of clove. The lightly bitter finish makes this liqueur an excellent Campari substitute in a Negroni or a Boulevardier, but I prefer sipping it neat, especially after a hearty meal with good company.
-Nick S.
Nikka Coffey Gin, Japan - $39.99
If you are a fan of citrus forward Gins, you should give Nikka Coffey Gin from Japan a try. Like the whiskeys Nikka is famous for, this Gin is also distilled in a coffee still using 4 types of Japanese citrus including Yuzu, Kabosu ,Amanatsu and Shequasar. There is a light juniper in the background that pairs nicely angelica root and coriander and a bit of peppercorn on the finish. This is a really great gin for Gin & Tonics, Gimlets and any gin cocktail with citrus. All in all, this is a really unique gin that is definitely worth trying for any gin lover.
-Nikola
