By Leslie Sbrocco–
Whether you’re living in the San Francisco fog or the inland heat, you can quench your thirst with these six sips for cocktail hour or dinner.
Pinot Perfection
Both of these unique wines made with Pinot Noir are perfect to pour and chill out on hot days or kick off a cool night of enjoyment.
2020 Ruggeri Prosecco “Argeo” Rosé DOC, Italy $16
The latest star wine category from Italy is pink Prosecco. This one is a pink sapphire-hued sparkler made from primarily Glera (the grape most used in Prosecco) and a dash of Pinot Noir imparting lovely color. It’s succulently fruity with strawberry and spice notes. Considered one of the best producers of Prosecco, the Bisol family is known for the highest quality. This is a bubbly beauty to sip alone for a cocktail or to pair with fiery fare and brunch dishes.
2020 Left Coast White Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $24
White Pinot Noir? Yes! Producers can make the well-known red grape in a white wine style (they do it in Champagne all the time). This is a distinctively different white made, however, by cool crushing the Pinot Noir bunches quickly, so they don’t soak in the deep color of the grape skins. Then the wine is vinified into a dry style with gorgeous aromas of white flowers and peaches with a crisp, minerally finish. This is definitely a wine for those in the know.
American White & Red
From Virginia and California, these bold and beautiful wines are proudly American.
2019 Bluestone Petite Manseng, Virginia $25
https://www.bluestonevineyard.com/
People in California are spoiled by our local wine selections, but there are stunning wines made across the country from New York to Texas to Washington. This singular white hails from Virginia. Both historic and bucolic, Virginia wine country is a place to be explored. Start with one of the state’s signature white grapes: Petite Manseng. This version is lush yet vibrant with full-bodied flair from fermenting and ageing in oak barrels. It’s a special sip to seek out.
2018 Robert Hall Winery “Paso Red” Paso Robles, California $20
https://www.roberthallwinery.com/
Robert Hall Winery is a stunning spot in California’s “other” wine country—Paso Robles. If you are anywhere near the central coast, make sure to plan a visit. Even without stopping by you can soak in the flavors of Paso with this affordably priced, award-winning red. It is an impress-for-less wine that will leave you immensely satisfied. A blend of red grapes including Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Grenache (and more), its dark berry fruitiness is complemented by a savory herbal note and rich finish. It’s a perfect pairing for anything hot off the grill.
Spirited Picks
Try these exceptional drinks to explore the wine and spirits world from light and bright to smooth and sumptuous.
Cockburn’s Porto Branco Fine White Port, Portugal $15
One of the best (and easiest) thirst-quenching cocktails you can make is White Port and Tonic. It’s a drink I discovered on my numerous trips to Portugal because it’s what the Portuguese drink on hot days. Sipping a glass of White Port brings the taste of Portugal home and Cockburn’s version is my favorite. Most Port is red, rich, and delicately sweet. This unique dry, fortified wine is made with white grapes in a Port style. It’s delicious by itself when chilled, yet try adding 2/3 tonic to 1/3 White Port and add a twist of lime or sprig of mint. It’s lower in alcohol than a Gin and Tonic but with similar character. Saúde!
Michter’s Small Batch US1 Bourbon, Kentucky $45
https://michters.com/kentucky-straight-bourbon/
Bring on the Bourbon, baby! That’s the way I feel about one of the world’s favored whiskeys. Bourbon is a corn-based spirit and it’s globally appreciated for its sweet and spicy smoothness. Michter’s ranks at the top of my Bourbon list. Their US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon blends up to 20 barrels for each batch and is only released when their tasting panel gives its stamp of approval. The name—US1—is an ode to Michter’s heritage as America’s first whiskey company. This brown spirit captures Bourbon’s best with aromas of caramel and apricots finished with sultry spiciness on the palate. Sip alongside aged cheeses for a night of pure pleasure.
Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.”
Published on August 12, 2021
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