Wine and Booze Picks to Kick-off Grilling Season

Grilling Season is here! And while you may not have quite as many people at this year’s Cook Out as you did in 2019, or that you’ll hopefully have in 2021, that’s no reason to skimp on the beverages. In fact, one might argue it’s a great excuse to double down on drinks. Here are some wines as well as an Irish Whiskey and a Liqueur that will help make your grilling season far more palatable and tasty. Expect a lot more picks to pair with grilled food in the months ahead. Memorial Day Weekend is just the unofficial kick off for this season.

Valdo Floral Rosé Brut NV ($16)

Composed of Nerello Mascalese (75%) from Sicily at about 1,000 feet above sea level and Glera (25,%) from the Veneto, it was produced using the Charmat method. A bouquet of wild, red berries drive the aromatics. Ripe strawberry flavors mingle with sour red raspberry. Add a dollop of creme fraiche and spice to close things out and you've got a delightful and uber food friendly wine for a budget friendly price. Fun packaging to boot.

Luca Bosio Vineyards 2018 Langhe Arneis (DOC) ($20)

It’s composed entirely of Arneis from the Luca Bosio Estate. Stone and tropical fruits tell the story here. Peach, apricot, papaya and pineapple flavors and aromas all come together in a delightful wine. There’s a slightly honeyed quality on the finish that really helps the wine distinguish itself. Luca Bosio Arneis is a terrific choice to welcome guests to a party or pair with lighter foods.

Qupé 2018 Central Coast Syrah ($20)

In addition to Syrah there’s some Grenache, Tempranillo, and Mourvèdre blended in here. This is a clean Syrah loaded with dark fruit, spice and bits of dusty cocoa. If you give it some air it’ll really express its charms. Pair it with anything that you pull off the grill. There’s a lot of happy in this bottle for $20,

Raeburn Winery 2018 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($22)

Russian River Valley stands among the small handful of best places in California to grow one of the world’s most widely debated grapes. People get passionate about Chardonnay styles.  Too much oak? Not enough oak? Here’s an example that screams purity of fruit with the oak making its presence just known enough to provide a counterpoint. Think of it like a great cut of steak with just enough salt and pepper. Certainly, orchard fruit drives the train here with Anjou pear and Gala apple in abundance. Just a bit of papaya pokes its head in to say hi. The finish shows off spice and a hint of creaminess. This is a fine example of Russian River Valley Chardonnay at a no brainier price.

Victor Hugo Winery 2018 Estate Viognier ($24)

Just 326 cases were produced of this Estate Viognier from family owned and run producer Victor Hugo. It’s entirely composed of Viognier. It’s beautifully aromatic without being over the top like some New World examples. The Victor Hugo Viognier is stuffed with stone fruit flavors tinged with bits of tropical fruit and spice. A hint of creaminess emerges on the finish.  And wonderful texture and mouthfeel and this is an all around fantastic Viognier.

Mettler Family Vineyards 2017 Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)

The Mettler’s have been farming in Lodi for 100 years. Cabernet Sauvignon stands at the heart of what they grow. Make no mistake this Cabernet is distinctly Lodi and an impressive example of Cab for $25. It’s loaded with dark fruits such as blackberry and plum. Savory herbs, dark chocolate notes and a complement of spices. The Finish is velvety and acid rich. No two ways about it, this is a lot of Cabernet for the price.

Disaronno Velvet Liqueur ($30)

This new entry from Disaronno has the classic flavors of Hazelnut you expect in a creamy, silky package. I love the texture, mouth feel and of course the flavors here. It’s sweet without being cloying and the hazelnut flavors are just intense enough and quite real. Simply drink it over ice, pour it in coffee or try my recipe for “Italian Chocolate Milk” below.

Grace O’Malley Blended Irish Whiskey ($37)

This is a knockout blended Irish Whiskey for the price. Aging occurred in French oak, Ex-Bourbon, and Ex-Rum casks. It’s aromatic and flavorful for sure. But most impressive is how smooth and silky it is. Vanilla and toffee notes are in evidence alongside date and bits of dried papaya. A hint of mesquite honey and just the slightest hint of heat on the finish is a lovely coda. It’s going to be a great cocktail component, but I’m impressed with how tasty it is sipped neat. That’s not often the case in Whiskey in this price tier. Try it with the recipe below.

Acumen 2015 Mountainside Cabernet Sauvignon ($60)

Mountainside Cabernet from Acumen also has Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec blended in. It’s a proportionately powerful and refined example of Cabernet that leans towards red fruit characteristics. Cherry and red plum are joined by bits of leather. Chicory and sweet dark chocolate are also in evidence along with black pepper spice and savory herbs. This finish is long, pleasing and acid rich. You don’t always get much in Napa Cab in this price range, here’s an example where you get lots of value relative to price.

Italian Chocolate Milk

2 Ounces Disaronno Velvet Liqueur

1 Ounce Coffee Liqueur

Chocolate Milk

Maraschino Cherries

Put 4 or so ice cubes in a Collins Glass. Pour in Disaronno Velvet and Coffee Liqueur. Fill glass which chocolate Milk and Stir. Garnish with Maraschino cherries.

Irish Whiskey Sour

2 Ounces Grace O’Malley Blended Irish Whiskey

1 Tablespoon Meyer Lemon Syrup

Fresh Cherries

Pour Whiskey, Meyer Lemon Syrup, Ice in a shaker and mix vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a rocks glass and garnish with fresh cherries.

Check out the video where I talk more about my picks and taste a couple of them.

Gabe Recommends Wine & Spirits to get Grilling Season off to a good start

Gabe's 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

If you’re not sure what to get someone as a gift this year, consider a good bottle of wine or spirits —‚ always in season. Anyone who drinks alcohol will certainly appreciate a well-chosen bottle to enjoy, be it alone or with friends (my hope is that it’s with you). Throughout the year, I’ve tasted a number of the best bottles in both the wine and spirit categories and compiled a list of my 24 favorites — any of which would make excellent gifts for a variety of budgets. A few of the bottles are particularly great values, while others are luxury beverages that will really impress the lucky person who receives them; no matter the price, every selection in this guide is delicious and well made. Head over to The Daily Meal to read the rest.

Gabe’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is just around the corner and if you’re like most Americans you still have plenty of shopping to do. Most of us have Wine & Spirits lovers on our list. So here are some killer Wine & Spirits selections in a variety of price points to make those on your list happy and keep them warm. And if by some chance all your shopping is done pick some of these up for your Holiday table, your taste buds will thank you!

Wines:

Agricole Vallone – 2007 Vigna Flaminio Brindisi Riserva. This Italian wine was made from Negroamaro (80%) and Montepulciano (20%). The fruit for this wine was sourced on the winery’s own estate. Aging started in stainless steel tanks followed by large Slavonian oak casks for about 7 months. 12 months in concrete tanks followed and finally 6 months in bottle prior to release. 1,500 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $19.99. Red plum and strawberry aromas fill the nose of this wine along with pepper spice. The palate has warming red fruit flavors such as cherry and red raspberry as well as continued plum. A hint of cinnamon, cardamom and pepper are all part of the above average finish along with a bit of espresso. Firm acidity and gentle tannins provide nice structure. This wine screams out to be paired with a nice meal. Thankfully it’ll work with a wide array of foods such as classic roast chicken, pot roast, pasta with red sauce, a cheese and charcuterie plate or more. At under $20 this wine is an outstanding value. It’s priced for everyday drinking but tastes like a special occasion wine.

Dry Creek Vineyard – 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel. This wine was made using fruit sourced in Dry Creek Valley. In addition to Zinfandel (83%), there is some Petite Sirah (17%) blended in. The fruit comes from vines that are between 90 and 110 years old. Fermentation took place over 22 days in a temperature controlled environment. Barrel aging followed over the next 20 months in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak. 28% of the barrels utilized were new. Just more than 3,200 cases were produced and this Zin has a suggested retail price of $30. The Petite Sirah in this wine makes its presence known from the first whiff where black plum and violet aromas are in evidence along with raspberry and a bit of vanilla. The palate is a horn-o-plenty of fresh berry fruit flavors. They’re abundant, succulent and incredibly varied. A core of spices is present as well and it dances merrily alongside all the fruit. Bits of blackberry and pepper emerge on the finish as well as a touch of rhubarb. This is a proportionate Zinfandel that is loaded with fruit without ever straying over the top, or even close to it. Fleshy fruits, medium tannins and a fine backbone of acidity all come together to make a fresh and desirable wine that will pair well with food. Year after year this wine is one of the best values in Zinfandel. It also happens to be continually made in the style that encourages pairing it with food. It will also drink well longer than the average Zin. It’s outstanding now but don’t hesitate to hold on to it over the next 7 or 8 years. Under proper storage conditions it’ll flourish. If you want to buy someone the most American of wines you aren’t going to do much better than this benchmark example of Zinfandel which comes from Dry Creek Valley, the effective home office of the varietal.

Swanson Vineyards – 2010 Oakville Merlot. This wine blends together Merlot (83%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), and Petit Verdot (2%). After Fermentation this wine was aged in an even split of French and American oak for 18 months. 33% of the barrels utilized were new. The Swanson Merlot is widely available nationwide and has a suggested retail price of $38. Black fruit aromas are joined by interspersing bits of red fruit on the nose of this Merlot. Cherry flavors dominate the palate with raspberry and plum playing a role here as well. The finish is substantial and memorable with loads of spice, chicory, and a hint of bittersweet chocolate. It shows off firm tannins and rock solid acidity. This wine is delicious now, particularly after being decanted for about an hour but will benefit from a couple of years of bottle age under proper conditions. I’ve been drinking the Swanson Merlots for over a decade now and I believe they really improve over the first 5 or 6 years in the bottle and drink well for another 6 or so after that. It’s always been a Cabernet lover’s Merlot with depth structure and the ability to age. This is as far away from stereotypical insipid Merlot as you’re going to get. Year after year the Swanson Merlot represents one of the best wines values in Napa Valley. If you want to drink killer Napa Merlot, or gift it to your friends, this is the one.

Rodney Strong - 2010 Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit for this wine comes exclusively from the Brothers Ridge Vineyard which sits in the northern half of Alexander Valley near Cloverdale. This single vineyard wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from 4 select blocks. After fermentation this wine spent 21 months in French oak; 43% of the barrels were new. This small production wine has a suggested retail price of $75. Blueberry, black raspberry and green peppercorn aromas emerge from the nose of this Cabernet. The palate is loaded with ripe and ready fruit flavors such as blackberry and raspberry. Bits of vanilla bean are present as well. Espresso, earth, chocolate and wisps of minerals are present on the substantial finish. Firm, gripping tannins and solid acidity mark this Cabernet’s structure. It’s been about had a dozen years that Rodney Strong has been making a trio of super premium single vineyard Cabernets. These wines upped their game into a space that they didn’t previously inhibit with the rest of their portfolio. At $75 this wine is a very good value. Alexander Valley is a region with excellent Cabernet potential, which the folks at Rodney Strong fulfill with this wine. Since not as many consumers realize how awesome Alexander Valley Cab can be you can be the beneficiary. A Cabernet of the same quality from Napa would likely cost closer to $125. So if your gift giving list includes a Napa Cab lover, buy them this wine and you’ll be giving them two gifts, the wine itself and the eye opener into Alexander Valley Cabs. They will thank you profusely.

Spirits:

Auchentoshan – Classic Single Malt Scotch. This Scotch was triple distilled, which is their house methodology and aged entirely in Bourbon Casks. This offering is the entry level selection in the Auchentoshan portfolio and it has a suggested retail price of $30. There are hints of charred wood on the nose. Peach, apricot, Granny Smith Apple and spice are prevalent on the palate which is mid-range in terms of overall weight in the mouth. Continued spices are in evidence on the finish along with lemon zest and a gentle salinity. At less than $30 if you shop around this is an excellent value in Scotch. It’s an easy going Whisky which calls you back to the glass for sip after sip. Perfectly suited, style and price wise for everyday drinking. That said it has more than enough complexity to keep you interested.

Laphroaig - Triple Wood Scotch. This Scotch was created using a triple maturation process. It was aged in ex-bourbon barrels, quarter casks and Oloroso Sherry Casks. This is a seasonal expression available in limited quantities that won’t be on the shelf too long. It’s available in select shops around the United States and has a suggested retail price of $59.99. This Scotch has a beautiful light copper hue that stands out when poured. Aromas of toasted macadamia nut, Lychee fruit and apricot are all present in the effusive nose. The palate here is loaded with fruitcake spices, dried yellow peach and interspersed bits of char. Oatmeal characteristics lead the finish which also shows off a lovely bit of brine that interlocks with caramel and molasses. This is a gorgeous Scotch that shows off the trademark peat that Laphroaig is known for in a gentle and even handed manner. Other expressions in their portfolio lean heavier on the peat. So if you like a dollop of it but don’t want to go all in on Smoky and Peaty Scotch yet, this could be the Laphroaig for you. It’s a distinct expression in their range that is well worth exploring or gifting.

The Irishman - 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky. The Irishman was founded in 1999 by the Walsh family. Their family has been involved in Whisky production for well over 100 years. This Whisky was aged over 12 years in entirely first time used Bourbon barrels. This Whisky is non chill filtered and limited to only 6,000 numbered bottles per year. It has suggested retail price of $65. The toasty char from the Bourbon casks is prominent on the nose along with some spices such as cardamom and cinnamon, as well as a gentle wisp of allspice. Apple, rye , and oat characteristics are in strong evidence throughout the robust and full flavored palate which has bracing depth and complexity. The toasty notes circle back in on the finish along with a bit of dusty dark chocolate and continuing reverberations of spice. This is a beautiful Irish Whisky with  lovely and notable complexity.

Gosling’s Family Reserve - Old Rum. This rum is aged for an extended period in barrels. Every bottle is hand numbered and wax sealed. Unlike several of their other releases which are made in large quantities, the Old Rum is made in limited amounts. It sells at select shops for around $80. The hue of this rum is dark and it is opaque. Bits of cinnamon and anise emerge from the deep, dark nose of this rum. From the very first sip a cornucopia of flavors emerge. Plum pudding spices, molasses and hints of mesquite honey are all in evidence. As you sip it, layer after layer of gorgeous flavors emerge and envelop your senses. Bits of burnt sugar and chocolate sauce are part of the finish which has tremendous depth, length and persistence. It’s thick, dense and meant to be contemplated. Gosling’s Old Rum is a gorgeous offering that should be savored. If you want to make a rum cocktail, pull something else off the shelf, this one is meant to be enjoyed straight. If you have a Rum lover on your gift list this one will knock them out. The Rum itself is certainly enough, but it’s also beautifully packaged and comes in a wooden box with a sliding cover, making it a lovely presentation as well.

Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey

Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey is produced using hand selected grain and barley. It was double distilled, and utilized a blend from a 180 year old pot still. Kilbeggan which is located on the Brosna River is the oldest distillery in Ireland in operation. It’s located in the town of Kilbeggan in Co, Westmeath. This Whiskey is widely available across the country and has a suggested retail price of $23.99. Aromas of toasted almond are joined by bits of tangerine on the nose of this whiskey. Apricots and other stone fruits are present through the full palate along with a nice dollop of spices and bits of brown sugar. There is a honeyed edge to the finish along with vanilla bean and a final hit of white pepper that brings everything to a tingly and memorable close.

This Whiskey represents a solid value as a daily drinker. I first sampled it neat and really enjoyed it that way. A drop of water really opened it up and allowed it to express its charms more fully. I also used Kilbeggan to made some mixed drinks and found it to work as well, if not even better that way. I tried a recipe that Kilbeggan provided which would be a great one for a Halloween party. The ingredients are seasonal and it’s really very tasty. I willing to bet it would be quite a hit, even with people who aren’t necessarily big Whiskey drinkers normally.

Kilbeggan Masquerade Mixer Ingredients: 2 parts Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey 1/2 part DeKuyper Mixologist Series Ginger Liqueur 1 part Fresh Apple Juice 1 part Fresh Lemon Sour Red & Orange Sugar Mix

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a sugar rimmed cocktail glass.

If you shop around Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey often sells for right around $20 making it a pretty inexpensive bottle to keep around for a quick shot or to use as a base for an array of cocktails. Give it a try, you’ll be glad you did.