Ok, no more wearing white for a while. Labor Day was on Monday. Of course, you don’t have to go with this “rule”. There’s plenty of white in our future in the form of snow, though. Temperatures are decreasing and so is our time outdoors. But we all need a lazy Tuesday night, watching a movie or something. It is even better when we pair it with a nice glass of wine or beer. So without further ado, here are some great options for you to try.

 

Red Wine: Jeff Runquist produces balanced wines that share a theme of fresh fruit reflective of the varietal flavors. On a certain year he could be crushing over twenty different varieties from different appellations in California. Four of them are staples for him – Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera and Petit Verdot. The latter is the most unique and needs the most sunshine and heat to fully ripen. His 2019 vintage consists of 100% Petit Verdot. It has a nice deep purple color, aromas of dark berries and cherries and has a smooth texture throughout. It is an elegant wine that is ready to be enjoyed now. With your favorite meat dish or just by itself. A great expression of the grape that deserves more respect that it is getting. A bottle of it is $28.99 – not cheap but so worth it. Enjoy!

 

White Wine: Considering the temperature drops, it probably is one of the last chances to enjoy a bright, crisp white wine. Hence my choice here – a Spanish Albarino. Bodegaz Chavez is a very important producer in Rias Baixas in northwest Spain. They started producing wine in 1955 and they were instrumental in the area being recognized as a designated growing region. The family estate is in the Val do Salnes, which is said to be the birthplace of Albarino. Their 2019 vintage sits on its lees after fermentation to pick up a little more weight and soften up the palate. The result is stunning – typical aromas of apple, pear and white flowers, a fresh palate with medium acidity and a mineral finish. Rated 90 points as well from Wine Enthusiast.  $22.99 a bottle for this nicely made white wine.

 

Beer: My beer choice is directed towards game day. Which is today. College football season is on and I’ve seen a lot of excitement around. This refreshing beer was developed shoulder to shoulder with the University of Colorado at Boulder. By Avery Brewing. It is their light, crisp Gold Lager – Stampede. I’d like to mention that this beer is for everyone, not only Buffs fans. It will make your (game) day more enjoyable. A 6 pack of cans is only $8.99 for the month of September. Cheers!

Disclaimer: This beer can be enjoyed during NFL games too.

 

Summer is in full swing. It’s warm but not too hot. The afternoon rain showers are back and everyone seems happy. If you are thinking of going to Vegas, simply don’t do it. Stay here and relish the amazingness the Vail Valley has to offer. People from all over the world are here to enjoy the beauty of our nature. Independence Day weekend was a huge success. Naturally, I guess, lots of vodka and light beer were purchased. I always try to recommend something out of the ordinary, something that you won’t be able to find in every store. Here are some suggestions to enjoy at home or anywhere else. Today or any other day.

 

Red Wine: The Rhone Valley in France offers one of the best wines for your money. Few producers from that area can compare to the history and pedigree of Ogier. The family name dates to 800 A.D. and they started making wine in 1859. Their wines are an ode to finesse, elegance and freshness. The 2017 Lirac is a great expression of their winemaking style. A blend of mostly Grenache, with small parts of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It is elegant, silky and has polished tannins with a long finish. Rated 91 points by the Colorado-based Jeb Dunnuck. More importantly, though, it is a fantastic value. $19.99 for a Lirac is a great price as well. Enjoy!

 

White Wine: Paddy Borthwick is an experienced winemaker that has gained reputation for constantly producing high quality wines. His family vineyard is located in Wairarapa in the southern part of the north island of New Zealand. In line with his family’s legacy of international trade, 90 percent of the wine is exported around the world. His 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is quite possibly the best from New Zealand that I have ever tried. It is not your typical SB that is zesty and very acidic. This one comes from granite soils, showing stone and mineral notes throughout. The lime flavors persist through a long finish. It drinks like a Sancerre but for a fraction of the cost. It’s a “steal” for only $20.99 a bottle.

 

Beer: Dry Dock Brewing is one of the best small breweries in Colorado. Their flagship beer is the Apricot Blonde. Since it became so popular, they started brewing a variety of fruit ales. Their newest seasonal is a Blood Orange Blonde Ale. So fresh that their website is still not updated with info about it. Bright orange notes on the nose and finishing a bit sweet. Very refreshing and great for all the fruit beer lovers out there. I wish it was a year-round brew. Try it while it’s available and if you like it – buy a few extra before it’s gone. It is $10.99 for a 6 pack cans. Cheers!

GoPro Mountain Games are back! This was fantastic news when it was first announced. Now it’s reality. Town is full with athletes and spectators. Water in rivers is rising, bike trails are in great shape. I am sure I am not the only one that is happy Summer is here. Officially in about a week too. This year it coincides with Father’s Day. Let’s honor the unsung heroes the way they deserve it. For being role models, for their work ethic, for the volunteer hours as a driver and coach and whatnot. Besides the traditional gift of a bottle of single malt scotch, here are some ideas you can consider in the wine and beer world.

 

Red Wine: This is one of my all-time favorites. Alexander Valley Vineyards Organically Grown Cabernet Sauvignon. It comes from a single vineyard that has been organically farmed since 2008 and certified organic since 2011. It is also 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is very rare nowadays, especially at this price point. The 2018 vintage was aged in oak barrels for 24 months, giving it a nice depth. Some dark fruits on the nose, followed by more of those, chocolate, leather, oak and finishes smooth. An outstanding value at a very appealing price – only $27.99. Rated 90 points and higher for at least 4 years in a row. I am definitely getting my Dad a bottle!

 

White Wine: We have to go with a dry, crisp wine here. How about a Riesling from Austria? You’ve never had one before? Martin Nigl and his family cultivate some of the best locations in the Krems Valley on the northern side of the most beautiful river Danube. He is a passionate winemaker who produces pristine wines of high quality. He says it is not art to make wine. The art is to produce great wines, full of character and finesse. 2017 vintage saw 1928 hours of sunshine in the area. But the 440mm of rainfall was the difference. It ensured the quality of the wines by helping grapes to be healthy and to fully ripen. His Dornleiten Riesling shows a subtle lemon note on the nose and is immediately appealing on the palate. Light-bodied with great minerality and a crisp finish. $32.99 is a fair price for its high quality.

 

Beer: Cerveceria Colorado is Denver Beer Company’s sister brewery. Established in 2018, it seeks to honor the traditions, flavors and culture of Mexico. It utilizes traditional Mexican ingredients and processes to create innovative styles of beers. Some of the ones you can only find on draft and they are really unique. Like the Horchata Blonde Ale or the Poblano Pils. They can four of their beers and the newest one in the lineup is the Mango Rico Tropical IPA. It is brewed with specific hop varietals to create a hop profile loaded with citrus, tropical and stone fruit flavors. Fresh ripe mangos are then added to make this IPA extremely juicy and drinkable. Even though it has a 6.5% abv, it drinks very smoothly and will appeal to many, if not all. A 6 pack cans is only $7.99 for the month of June. Try it!

Cinco de Mayo is in the past and that means only one thing – Spring is in its full swing! Temperatures are getting warmer, more and more outdoor activities are available to us. I just tuned my bikes and am ready to enjoy the rides. Last few weeks of school and youth sports before the Summer break. Days are busy but what a difference it makes when the Sun sets late! After the long day, I am up for a glass of wine or beer. I am sure you are as well. Here are some suggestions I think you will thoroughly enjoy.

 

Red Wine: Remo Farina is an iconic producer in the Valpolicella region in northeast Italy. Born and raised there, the Farina family “inevitably had do inherit the wine making tradition of their forefathers”. But they only did it after exploring other career paths and came back to it with conviction, passion and love. They obviously produce great Amarones but we’ll focus on their entry level, lighter in style Rosso del Veneto. It consists mostly of the local grape Corvina, with 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot added to give it a bit more depth. Even though it is fuller bodied, it is also smooth throughout. Good with meats but also great for appetizers or just by itself. For only $14.99 you are getting a great bottle of wine and a glimpse of Farina’s unique wine-making style.

 

White Wine: Bright, easy-drinking, touch of fruitiness. Does that sound right up your alley? Then Velenosi’s Verdicchio is a great choice for you. Lots of apple and peach notes both on the nose and the palate. Fresh and medium-bodied with a lingering finish. I love it because it is unpretentious. Our friend James Suckling rated it 90 points and I have to agree with him. And the price tag – only $14.99 on the shelf – is yet another reason that I often recommend this wine. Very food friendly, as its acidity is just right. A perfect companion to any white fish! Give it a shot.

 

Beer: Brand new and not even on their website yet – Lone Tree Pomegranate Wit. It is a Belgian Style White Ale with pomegranate and coriander added. It is a part of their Limited Release/Branching Out project they do multiple times every year. This beer starts like a classic Belgian. Then the pomegranate shows up to add some sweetness to it. The coriander offsets that but it finishes round, with a touch of fruity note. Very drinkable, great for a warm day. A 6pk cans is only $8.49 for the whole month of May. Cheers!

 

 

Spring is in the air. Even though we still get some snow here and there, you can feel it’s warmer. That usually means a better mood. And that usually means more good time spent with friends and family. And let’s not forget St Patrick’s Day! It’s the beginning of the end of the winter season. Celebrated first in 1600, it recognizes both Irish and American cultures. Irish whiskies and beers are being purchased in bulk. But what about wine? Here are some suggestions that you should try. And don’t forget to wear green!

 

Red Wine: Highlands 41 Pinot Noir from Monterey, California. Named after historic Highway 41 and the rugged Creston Highlands. In 1934 Highway 41 was completed to connect Yosemite to the Pacific Ocean. Grapes come from their estate vineyards which are certified sustainable. They are also situated at more than 1300ft in the Creston Highlands. This Pinot Noir shows red fruits and spice on the nose, followed by an ocean of black cherries on the palate. Finish is smooth and acidity is very balanced, which makes it a great match with the traditional corn beef and cabbage meal. The price of $17.99 is well worth it. And Wine Enthusiast rated it 91 points.

 

Beer: It’s not Irish. But hopefully we are forgiven for mistaking Australian accent for Irish. Most importantly this beer is delicious and on sale all of March. It is New Belgium’s Wild Ride Amber IPA. The brand name Wild Ride is used by permission of Wild Ride Brewing, Redmond, OR and Sand Creek Brewing, Black River Falls, WI. It is created to celebrate their 30th Anniversary and is a tribute to their beloved Fat Tire Amber Ale. It has an American-style aroma with sweet malt and amber characteristics. An easy to love IPA that is a reflection of New Belgium’s wild ride during the years. Enjoy a 6 pack cans for only $9.99.