Staff Picks - What to Drink this Week
Try these special, staff-selected libations!
2021 Meinklang Burgenland White - $19.99
It's hot, so rather than put on my thinking cap to sip wine and ponder, I'm looking for something refreshing that can get icy cold and be enjoyed with my feet in some water. Cue Meinklang White- a crispy blend of Gruner Veltliner, Welschriesling (no relation to Riesling) and Muskat. Racy acidity, bright citrus and stone fruit, and clocking in at 11.5% ABV, this is the perfect poolside sipper, or for camping out in front of your A/C. Biodynamically grown grapes on the family's Angus cow farm just on the border of Austria and Hungary, this pretty wine doesn't require food to pair with it- perhaps a chilly kiddie pool and a good book!
-Angie
2021 Tornatore, Etna Bianco, Sicily - $29.99
Owned and operated by the Tornatore family since 1865, their wines come from some of the best vineyard sites on the north slope of Mt. Etna. At 2,000 feet of elevation the native Sicilian white grape of Carricante is blessed with intense sunlight this far south in Europe but also benefits from the high-elevation for cool nights to aid in slower ripening of the grapes. Adding the rich volcanic soils to this unique terroir, the Tornatore's produce this bright and fresh Etna Bianco. The wine is aromatic of white blossoms and green apple, while the palate is a mix of pear, subtle smoky minerality, lemon zest and dried herbs. Mouth watering acidity lifts this wine to a long and refreshing finish. Pair this up with fresh swordfish and sautéed vegetables.
-Patrick
2021 Fazi Battaglia ‘Gatto Arancio’ Verdicchio Marche - $23.99
Winemaker Mery Ferrara has crafted the perfect Summer refresher with her ‘orange’ Verdicchio. ‘Gatto Arancio’ is produced by macerating whole grape clusters, allowing the wine to pick up extra flavor and texture without over-baking the tannins. The skin contact and lack of filtering not only boost the texture of the wine but also intensify Verdicchio’s tendency toward riper citrus flavors in the orange/ tangerine range. The real magic happens as the bold fruit fore-palette seamlessly gives way to a zesty lemon and saline finish that strikes a stunningly refreshing final note. Pair with chicken, grilled vegetables and sunshine.
-Dave
2022 Bott Geyl Points Cardinaux Metiss - $22.99
This delicious, biodynamically farmed white wine is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir (vinified white). The Pinot Blanc really takes the lead in this wine offering creamy refreshing stone fruit. The nose shows pretty aromas of honeyed peach and apple and the medium bodied palate delivers apple and pear fruit. This is a perfect aperitif for a warm summer day. This wine has endless food applications from roasted chicken to delicate fish dishes.
-Rob
Fulton Lonely Blonde Mixed Pack - $20.99
Earlier in the summer I did a review on the Bell's Oberon variety pack: A solid summer beer (Oberon) and its variations. The Lonely Blonde Mixed Pack is much the same thing, just from Fulton. Lonely Blonde is certainly Fulton's warm weather darling, pleasing crowds and seasoned palates alike. Its three variants are likewise great for nearly any kind of beer drinker. The Grapefruit Blonde is perfect to slake your thirst on a hot day. Blackberry Blonde is great for a fuller, slightly creamy fruit flavor. The Tropical Blonde is perfect for any recreational activity, from on the water to on the golf course to a lawn chair in your backyard. This variety pack is a great way to enhance any summer day, especially if it's with friends.
-Nick N
