Luscious Libations for the Holidays
As the holidays approach, I stock up drinkables, for my own consumption, for serving guests and for gifting. (A bottle of something good makes for an excellent last minute gift.)
For the first time, I’m trying Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey’s Caramel Turtle (SRP: $25). It’s a versatile flavored whiskey bringing together rich and creamy caramel and pecan flavors, wrapped in dark chocolate and punctuated with a backbone of barrel aged whiskey.
Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey, inspired by a love of bourbon whiskey and a passion for chocolate, was founded in 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky with a single focus: to create elegant and delicious sipping whiskeys designed for flavor-craving friends.
The result is an approachable whiskey that tastes like an expression of favorite chocolate indulgences. Available in eight flavors, including Original Chocolate, Bourbon Ball, Caramel Turtle, Chocolate Mint, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Chocolate Mocha, Chocolate Cherry, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream. All combine the backbone, body, and base flavor of aged American whiskey with all-natural essences of classic and contemporary chocolate favorites.
La Crema 2019 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (SRP: $40.00)
I’ve stocked up on this wine because it’s a favorite with several family members. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, and cedar are followed by flavors of strawberry, boysenberry, and sassafras. The 2019 vintage presents balanced acidity and plush tannins. It can be served with the holidays’ roasted meats, with prosciutto and mushrooms or cured black olives. Perhaps even with beef stew, pasta Bolognese or pan-seared pork belly.
Aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam and cedar are followed by flavors of strawberry, boysenberry and sassafras. The 2019 vintage presents balanced acidity and plush tannins.
For the discerning beer-drinkers in the family, I have Sapporo Premium Black, a world-class dark lager brewed with roasted dark malts. Very deep brown in color with a subtle reddish hue, the beer offers robust flavor and complexity. Opaque with a stable tan foam, Sapporo Premium Black exudes aromas of chocolate and roasted malt, complimented by a sweet, round fullness and flavors of chocolate and black coffee on the palate. Bold and smooth, the beer is clean on the finish with an aftertaste of hop bitterness.
And for a lighter option, I have Sapporo PURE, brewed for the consumer who seeks balance. With only 90 calories, 2.4g carbs, and 4.0% ABV, this light beer is perfect for those who keep calories in mind while still wanting to enjoy the occasional brew with friends. Featuring a refreshing and crisp profile, this golden-hued beer’s bright floral notes and subtle hop bitterness is sure to satisfy any beer lover that’s looking to watch their calories.
Among my holiday libations, I like to include one or two Sicilian wines. These wines may have been disregarded in the past, but is now enjoying a renaissance. The Sicilian wine known as Catarratto, a complex white, full in body with a subtly mineral acidity, is undergoing a major change. Not only has Catarratto been at the core of a stylistic revolution allowing for fresher and versatile wines, but its name has also evolved to a more user-friendly Lucido.
This change follows a national decree supported by the Sicilia DOC consorzio, the island-wide appellation and one of Italy’s biggest wine associations. The document reveals how recently Sicily is truly betting on this once-disregarded local grape. Lucido is now the most cultivated grape on the island, covering a surface of 74,131 acres, and from 2012 to 2020, bottling increased from 14,000 to 584,000 liters. The numbers regarding surface cultivation, bottling and sales have surged over the last few years (until just before the pandemic hit) suggesting that Lucido may become Sicily’s next craze, chasing the timeless Nero d’Avola and Grillo.
A grape historically appreciated for delivering round body and savory wines with mild acidity, Lucido’s new wave offers elegant representations with fresher aromas such as citrus flowers and white blossoms, and a lively personality with notes of almond and hazelnut. Producers have also started experimenting with this native variety too, including extended skin maceration and sparkling techniques as well.
When in doubt, I often choose a Sauvignon Blanc. And when the price is gentle, that’s even better– so this year, it’s Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc.
Beginning as a one-man brand founded by George Fistonich in 1961, Villa Maria has since expanded to global acclaim as the benchmark for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Villa Maria has held the title of New Zealand’s most awarded winery for 30 years, bringing the Kiwi spirit to wine lovers worldwide.
With its U.S. relaunch, Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (SRP $16) is fit for holiday dinner parties from Thanksgiving till the New Year.
Cool climate wines are continuing to generate a lot of buzz, and for good reason. And while they make perfect transitional wines from summer into fall, they’re especially nice during the holidays.
Areas making cool climate wines have plenty of acidity, bright fruit, citrus and mineral characters; which are nothing like their warm climate counterparts.
David Paige Wines recently released their 2020 RPG Vineyard Pinot Blanc. It’s effusive and complex, starting off with floral apple and pear aromas, adding honeydew and cardamom on the palate, and a wet stone salinity as the finish lingers. This is the latest venture for former Adelsheim winemaker, David Paige. He has worked in the cool climate of the Willamette Valley for decades and knows exactly how to create a cool climate, Burgundian style wine.
Head further south into California and you will find Pied a Terre’s Sauvignon Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc comes from a vineyard called Frost Watch, which is a cool pocket within much warmer Sonoma County. The vineyard is always 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding area, and creates a wine that is a rarity for this overall warm growing area.
A special favorite is Poderi di Carlo, whose relation between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, between people and viticulture, is an essential part of the history of this peculiar region named Friuli Venezia Giulia. Poderi’s Pinot Grigio from Friuli is a soft, rich and elegant wine with a light, fruity yet dry palate and hints of apple and citrus flavor, a real standout as an aperitif wine.
Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 (SRP $34.99)
Every year a give a bottle of this Chianti Classico to a family member who just loves it. The Frescobaldi family is particularly close to this wine, as it represents a dream that came true. It’s a Gran Selezione which, as the name suggests, was born in the high slopes of the Rialzi vineyard, in Chianti. Made entirely from Sangiovese grapes, Rialzi 2016 is bold, highly elegant and vibrant but never overpowering. It has an intense, bright ruby-red color. The bouquet is complex and well-balanced: berries, violet flowers and spices are the dominant aromas, followed by notes of toasted coffee beans and tobacco, further emphasizing the rich structure of Sangiovese grapes. The wine’s texture is intense, with smooth, rounded and perfectly integrated tannins. The finish is clean and persistent.
In Good Taste offers an option I like: single serve bottles, which are a good way to try new varieties and/or have a glass of wine without opening a full bottle.! Also, each purchase comes with a complimentary wine tasting with one of In Good Tastes expert sommeliers.
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Cheers!
Please drink responsibly.
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