Val’s February Blog

/in /by

February 29th. Every four years we get an extra day. To enjoy life and with that to enjoy a glass of nice wine and/or beer. Three weeks before Spring temperatures are rising. Days are sunny and we still spend quite a bit of time on the mountain. After a long and tiring in a good way day, we look forward to a refreshing beverage that will make our evening perfect. Here are some suggestions that I think will complement your day greatly.

Red Wine: Joel Gott makes quite a few wines. And I can say he makes all of them very well. A great guy himself, his wines speak quality and great value. It’s easy to pick any of them for dinner or to enjoy by itself. His Washington red blend is not too well known so we’ll focus on it today. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Syrah are blended to make an exceptional wine. Dark fruit flavors on the front of the palate are followed by elegant tannins and a long finish. An amazing quality for only $17.99 a bottle. I highly recommend it!

White Wine: Most of you have probably heard of Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the Rhone Valley in France. But did you know there is also a Chateauneuf-du-Pape blanc (white)? Domaine des Senechaux is an iconic producer in that area. Their red wines are gorgeous. But their whites are a hidden gem. Their 2015 C-d-P Blanc is a somewhat untraditional blend of Roussane, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc, due to the rarity of Clairette in those parts of the valley. Grape varietals you might have never heard of but ones that will please your palate. The wine has a great structure and complexity and the finish is elegant and long-lasting. Rated 93 points by the Wine Spectator, a bottle of it is on sale for only $34.99, down from $44.99.

Beer: 1554. The year the city of Sao Paulo was founded. A fact that is unlikely you knew. But when you hear the number 1554 most people will think of New Belgium’s dark ale. And rightfully so. It has been a staple for them for many years. It survived the never-ending changes at the brewery. Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! Certainly my favorite of their lineup, it is light to medium-bodied. Drinks full flavor, feels light on the palate. At 6% abv it appeals to many, especially those who are not in a mood for a porter or a stout. For the whole month of March a 6pk bottles will be on sale for only $9.49. Now is the time you give it a try, if you’ve never had it before.

Val’s January Blog

/in /by

Whether you are a football fan or not, whether your favorite #12 is playing or not, whether you like the halftime commercials better than the actual game, Super Bowl is a big thing. Fact! Over 100 million people will be watching, although viewers in the Northeastern part of the country might be slightly less this year. Preparations start days ahead. Traditionally, most consumed adult beverage that day is beer. We will turn our attention there in a moment. But first here are some suggestions for wines that will go well with your nachos, chicken wings and everything else you might have on the table.

Red Wine: Easy drinking and affordable, we are not looking for anything too fancy. But we still want a quality wine. Stelvin closure (screw cap) is preferred so we don’t miss any action on TV. Castle Rock’s Red Wine Cuvee from Columbia Valley in Washington is the winner here. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah. It is elegant with loads of dark berries on the nose and palate, well-balanced with soft tannins. Pairs very well with Kansas City BBQ and such. And a bottle of it is only $12.99.

White Wine: We continue with the theme – A to Z Pinot Gris from Oregon would be a great fit in the white wine world. Aromas of peaches, apricots and yellow plum are followed by a balanced and fresh palate. Acidity is crisp and the fruit notes make it a very enjoyable wine. It pairs easily with many different courses of a meal, making this an ideal complement to any dining or drinking occasion. Would complement a San Francisco Cioppino, for example. Stelvin closure and a very friendly price tag of $15.99 for a bottle.

Beer: Bonfire Brewing’s Brush Creek Blonde Ale is a great choice for the big game! 100% of the water comes from Eagle’s Brush Creek, fed by springs and snow-melt in the Sawatch Mountains. Light, smooth and delicious, it also comes with a low abv (alcohol by volume) and low ibu (international bitterness units). A guarantee you’d want to enjoy more than one can. For the whole month of February a 6 pack of cans is only $7.99! What’s not to love here!? Go Broncos! (in remembrance of those free dougnuts we used to get during regular season)

Val’s December Blog

/in /by

The holiday season is upon us. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The snow has crafted magical views, bright and colorful lights can be seen everywhere, you hear the bells ringing. It might be cold outside but it is warm in our hearts. We will spend time with the loved ones to celebrate a successful year and to wish ourselves health and happiness in 2020. Tables are full of wide variety of homemade dishes. The only thing missing is the wine and beer to go with them. Here are some suggestions.

 

Red Wine: Big, bold and full-bodied for this time of the year, right? More than 200 miles south from Napa, in Paso Robles, Daou Cabernet Sauvignon is what you’re looking for. 2017 vintage is quite possibly the best for the Daou brothers. When I met Georges 5 years ago, he told me: “I’d like to make a wine that is 100 points. But 100 points in terms of value for money when customers drink my wine.” Well, Georges and Daniel, you fully succeeded and you should be proud of yourselves. Your dream became a reality, the quality is amazing! I became a fan a while back and still have some bottles of the 2012 vintage. Dear customer, now it’s your turn! Give this highly rated wine a try for only $28.99 a bottle.

 

White Wine: No doubt we have to go with a sparkling wine here. For 10 straight years its consumption has increased in the US. November and December are naturally the busiest months for it. We’ll gather for a toast at New Years Eve, we might have a mimosa in the morning and why not pair it with a dish too. Moillard Cremant de Bourgogne Brut is ideal for all. A Chardonnay-based blend, it is elegant, with a touch of citrus notes that are followed by some apple and peach flavors. The fine bubbles makes you want to have another glass. All Prosecco lovers are welcome to try it and compare. An outstanding value at only $16.99 a bottle. Brut Rose is at $19.99.

 

Beer: Lately all seasonal beers are done well before the end of that season. But one of them is holding strong to be available for the perfect occasion – Anchor Christmas Ale. Brewed for 45 years in a row now, the 2019 release is fantastic. Slightly darker than last year’s, it is rich, round and full-bodied with a smooth finish and hints of coffee and Mexican chocolate. A perfect pair for the cold but cozy winter holiday days. Only a few 6 packs left at $14.99.