Val’s New Year’s Blog

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Happy New Year! Many are extremely happy 2020 is over. I, as always, am cautious of what lies ahead. At the same time, I always approach things with positivity. I hope to see a lot more of that from everyone this year. Let’s make it a memorable one, let’s be kind to each other and let’s enjoy some nice wines and beers throughout it. I can certainly help with the latter. Today I will talk about some lesser popular grape varietals and style of beer that could be a new favorite for you.

 

Red Wine: This one is sure to get you warm and comfortable. Not only because of its 14.8% alcohol content. Pedroncelli’s Mother Clone Zinfandel comes from vines that are between 40 and 110 years old. That speaks quality right there. It is plump and rich, with jammy berry flavors and a touch of smoke and spice. An amazing Dry Creek Valley wine that has round tannins and a long finish. And I mean long! It will do great with a red meat dish. But I definitely suggest you have a glass on its own to really appreciate it. A fantastic value at only $18.99 on the shelf. You must try it!

 

White Wine: Not many people are familiar with white wines from Tuscany in Italy. Main grapes are Vernaccia, Vermentino and Trebbiano. The latter is our focus today. It is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world. Known as Ugni Blanc in France where it is used in production of Cognac. In Felsina’s Pepestrino it is blended with a little bit of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The result is a wine with a pale yellow color, fresh and floral on the palate, with creamy texture and a soft, slightly fruity finish. An easy-drinker for sure and comes with a friendly price tag of only $13.99. It’s worth a shot!

 

If you know me or simply read my columns, you would know I am a big admirer of dark beers. Hence my pick today. Bristol Brewing is located in Colorado Springs. They brew a wide variety of beer styles. But this one is perfect for the cold January days and evenings. Winter Warlock is an Oatmeal Stout. It is smooth, rich and very comforting. “A winter elixir”, as they describe it themselves. Coming in at 6% abv, it is going to be the best part of your day. The only downside – it is seasonal. So come and get a 6pk bottles to try it, if you haven’t already. For the whole month it is at the amazing price of $7.99. Cheers!

Val’s Thanksgiving Blog

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Thanksgiving Day. Lots of history behind it. But simply put it is one of the best holidays, if not the best. Because we gather with our families, spend time and have fun with them. But also because table is full of delicious dishes. It doesn’t necessarily have to be turkey or ham. My significant other makes these wonderful recipes that are delectable. Pumpkin soup, kale salad, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower just to name a few. So I have to be flexible with the wine and beer options to pair with those. Here are some suggestions that you can enjoy with your Thanksgiving dinner at home.

 

Red Wine: You can choose from a wide variety of reds to go with your Thanksgiving dinner. The Sangiovese grape is one of them, especially when blended with some Canaiolo and Colorino in Tuscany. Montesecondo Chianti Classico is biodynamically farmed, fruit comes from two quite different vineyards in terms of soil, altitude and weather conditions. It results in a stunning wine that brings out the dark side of Chianti. In a good way. It still has the silkiness and elegance of Sangiovese. But structure is bold and firm and is a great match for many of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Deservedly rated 94 points two vintages in a row. $27.99 on the shelf. Once you try it, you’d agree it’s money well spent.

 

White Wine: This white is very versatile. It is light and fresh, yet it has a good tannic structure and creamy body style. Slight orange in color from the skin contact, palate shows citrus and honeysuckle notes, while the finish is bone-dry. I got so excited describing it that I forgot to mention its name. Biokult Naken from Austria it is. A blend of 90% Pinot Gris and 10% Muskateller, it is certified biodynamic and is rated 92 points by the Wine Enthusiast. I just very recently tasted the wine and immediately fell in love with it. I am confident you will as well. The $19.99 price tag is well worth it. Come and see for yourselves.

 

Beer: Since different Thanksgiving meals call for different styles of beers, we will focus on turkey this time. Avery’s Old Jubilation is a perfect match for it. It is a winter strong ale with a hint of hazelnut and toffee. Although it is full-bodied, it drinks clean, as no spices were added. A little bitterness counterbalances the sweetness of the malts, making it a great choice to pair with your dinner. At 8.3% abv it will warm you up and make your Thanksgiving unforgettable. A 6 pack of cans is $11.99.

Val’s November Blog

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Halloween. Kids love it, no doubt. Costumes, candy, pumpkin carving. But what does it mean for us, adults? Cold is here and it is here to stay. Two more months until the end of the year, even though some call for its early termination. Ski season has started. At least three resorts are open for turns, with or without reservations. We normally keep it low key this time of the year in preparation for the busy season. But we still like to enjoy a glass of wine or beer at the end of the day. Here are some suggestions to try.

 

Red Wine: My choice today is intentionally from Spain. Not only its style matches our weather but also gives us a chance to dream of some warmer one. It is about 75 degrees in Jumilla right now. Jumilla is known for its world-class Monastrell grapes. Also known as Mourvèdre and Mataro in other parts of the world. Ego Bodegas’ Goru Red Blend consists of mostly Monastrell, with some Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon in it for a firmer structure. Flavors of cherry and currant combine with that of licorice, finish is mineral, acidity is juicy and tannins are firm. A fantastic value for the special price of only $14.99! And Wine Spectator rated it 93 points!

 

White Wine: I love California’s Alexander Valley. I am a fan of Cabernet Sauvignon coming from there. But Matanzas Creek’s Chardonnay is great too. Winemaker Marcia Torres Forno has done a great job. Robert Parker recognizes that with a 91 point score. It starts with aromas of lemon curd, apple and ginger. Palate is creamy with just enough oak presence, only 24% new French oak was used. It is medium-bodied and silky and finishes with great acidity. A very food friendly wine but also easy to be enjoyed by itself. The price tag is phenomenal – on sale for only $19.99, regularly $27.99. What are you waiting for? Come and give it a shot.

 

Beer: Even though it’s getting colder, I will not offer a dark beer this time. Instead, my choice today is Pikes Peak’s Gold Rush from Monument, Colorado. It is a Belgian-style Golden Strong Ale. It shows notes of honey, clove and baking spice. Drinks pretty easy for its alcohol content – 8.7%. It is one of customers’ favorites for sure. For the whole month of November it will be on sale for only $8.49 for a 6 pack. A great chance for you to try it.

Val’s October Blog

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It’s October and weather is changing fast. Colorado is colorful again. Leaves had changed colors multiple times already. It is gorgeous out there. Arapahoe Basin is blowing snow. Still plenty of chances to enjoy a walk, a hike or a bike ride, though. We tend to start eating dinner a bit earlier, allowing us to have a glass or two of wine and/or beer. I love wines that are versatile and would complement many different dishes. Here are a couple of suggestions that are not too popular and you might want to try.

 

Red Wine: I know there could be different opinions here but I think Grenache is one of the most universal grape varietal out there. Cellier des Dauphins was founded more than 50 years ago by the Union of Cotes du Rhone winegrowers, which brings together more than 2300 winemaking families in Southern Rhone in France. Grenache is the main grape in their projects. The 2018 Cotes du Rhone Reserve consists of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Amazingly balanced, the wine is round with soft tannins. No wonder Decanter magazine rated it 97 points. Simply put – it is delicious! Comes with a friendly price tag of $17.99 per bottle. Please come and join the Grenache-loving family.

 

White Wine: Pinot but not Grigio (Gris). Pinot Blanc it is, which is actually a point genetic mutation of Pinot Noir. Often confused with Chardonnay on the vine, it has slightly bigger berries. It produces aromatic wines that have full-bodied structure. Although mostly planted in California in the US, our focus today is on Silas’ Enna Hay Pinot Blanc from Oregon. From a single vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills, it is fermented in neutral oak barrels to build its weight and middle. It is flowery on the nose but totally dry on the palate with a long granny smith apple finish. Seafood, salads, light meats – no problem, it can handle it all. For the whole month it will be on sale for $19.99 a bottle. Come and try something new.

 

Beer: If you have a sweet tooth like me, you probably love a strawberry rhubarb pie, don’t you? I do too. Recently I discovered a different version of it – Great Divide’s Strawberry Rhubarb Sour Ale. It’s hard not to fall for the cute pink flamingos on the can. But what’s inside the can made the difference for me. With just enough sour note, this easy drinking ale is fun and refreshing. The sweetness from the strawberries and the tartness from the rhubarb combine perfectly to create a quality beer. It is canned only for a few months so this is your last chance to grab some for the year. During the month of October a 4 pack will be on sale for only $8.49. See you soon at the store!

Val’s September Blog

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That rain at the end of August was so nice! Much needed too. Temperatures cooled off for a bit. With Labor Day coming, forecast looks great. Warmer but not too hot. We will be able to enjoy the traditional grilling (please, no open fires!). School had started but we can afford one more long weekend of play. We will talk about wines and a beer to finish the day off in a perfect way.

 

Red Wine: Since we mentioned grilling, we need to find a bigger and bolder red wine to go with it. Look no further than Walla Walla Bing Bang Red Blend. It’s exactly what the name tells you. Bing for the cherry notes from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in it. And Bang for its richness, flavor and aftertaste. It was born in Washington and raised to be a friend of the sausage, the brat(wurst) or the soy burger you’ll be enjoying. The price tag is moderate compared to its quality – only $14.99 a bottle. Yet another great value from the Northwest!

 

White Wine: Sauvignon Blancs are not always very acidic and citrusy. From Dry Creek Valley in California, located between Lake Sonoma and the Russian River, they tend to be rich and nuanced. Warm days and cool, foggy nights help produce balanced wines with fresh acidity. Willowbrook Sauvignon Blanc has tropical aromas on the nose that lead to a citrusy and clean palate. Finish is not bone dry which makes it a great pair for variety of foods. It’s been a while since I’ve been impressed with a Sauvignon Blanc so much. It is also rated 97 points and is only $16.99 on the shelf. Come and try one!

 

Beer: Don’t get me wrong, seltzers are great on a hot summer day. But let’s find something else that is as easy drinking and refreshing as them. Ska Brewing’s Mexican Logger is just that! Brewed for more than 20 years now, it has been a staple for them. Light, crisp, thirst-quenching. It is the perfect Mexican Lager! A winner of many awards, it is sure to please your taste buds as well. Another great reason to try it – it will be on sale for the month of September for only $8.49 a 6 pack. Enjoy and Happy Labor Day everyone!

Val’s August Blog

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July was very busy. Warm but we also finally got those afternoon showers. We are now into August and about a month away from Labor Day. But still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. Some even call it “playing time”. School will start a week later. Which means extra time to do a hike or have a bike ride or simply walk outside and enjoy the sunshine. When we come home we want something light and easy drinking to finish off the day. Here are some suggestions that would do amazing for you.

 

Red Wine: Family-run for four generations now, Ca’ Del Baio has been making wines ever since the early 1900s. They produce high quality Barbaresco, which they are best well known for. But we will focus on another gem of theirs – Paolina Barbera d’Alba. Named after one of the daughters Paola, who struck me with her passion for wine when I met her. She is the master behind this silky and fresh wine, with a great balance between acidity and fruit. She told me Barbera is Italians’ first choice when it comes to pairing a pasta dish with a red wine. Well, this one is simply stunning, whether enjoyed by itself or with that pasta meal. Price tag is very fair too – only $17.99 a bottle. Come and check it out yourselves!

 

White Wine: Summer calls for clean, crisp, easy drinking wines. Today we will talk about a grape that has gained a lot more attention to itself in the last few years – Grüner Veltliner. It is mostly known to come from Austria, where it is the mostly planted grape variety. Almost all of it is grown in the northeast of the country, close to the most beautiful river Danube. Along with Riesling, it grows on steep terraces and results in a mineral-driven, lightly fruity and very food friendly wine. Salomon Undhof has been in the Kremstal area since 1792. Thus, it is one of the oldest privately owned wineries in the country. Their Hochterrassen Grüner Veltliner is elegant, with citrusy brightness and a juicy and clean finish. A wonderful quality for only $15.99 on the shelf. You’ve got to try it today!

 

Beer: Eddyline Brewery is located in Buena Vista, Colorado. Known for its high quality beers that come in 16 oz cans. I am a big fan of their lineup but one sticks out when we’re talking about summer – the Raspberry Wheat. They started it as a summer seasonal back in the day but it quickly became people’s favorite and is now available year round. On the nose – a vibrant aroma of the Oregon raspberries they use, on the palate – it is slightly tart, very refreshing and delicious. On sale this month too – so a 6 pack of 16 oz cans is only $9.99. I’ll see you at the store soon!

Val’s another July Blog

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Last weekend was very busy. We all expected that. Lots of people outdoors doing all sorts of activities. Even though days are getting shorter, daylight is still bright and long. Temperatures are high, some describe the weather as “hot”. Maybe they don’t know what 105F and 98% humidity feels like. But we are all in agreement a refreshing and delicious beverage at the end of the day is the perfect finish. I know I am craving one at the end of my 12-hour day at work. Here are some suggestions you might have never tried before.

 

Red Wine: Malbec. People love it, no question. Especially the one from Argentina, where it is the main grape. But it originates from France where it is one of the five main varietals in Bordeaux. En Memoire is 100% Malbec, certified organic and vegan friendly. A perfect balance between the clay-limestone soils on one hand and lots of sunshine and regular rain on the other. The first giving it high tannins and color while the latter – ripeness and fruitiness. But in a few simple words this wine is amazing. Good depth, touch of earthy notes and plenty of dark red fruits. Quite possibly the best Malbec for the money! A bottle goes for only $15.99. Just grab two because you will love it, I promise.

 

White Wine: Pinot Grigio. No. This time is Vermentino. It is best known by this name, although as any other grape in Italy it has a bunch more names in the different regions that it’s grown. In Southern France it is known as Rolle where it is mostly used in roses, like Whispering Angel for example. Wines produced from the grape are light in body, with good acidity and with citrus and almond notes on the palate. Rocca di Montemassi’s Calasole Vermentino offers good minerality too. This Tuscan white wine makes a great choice for an afternoon drink. It is food friendly as well, especially if you’re cooking any type of seafood. Give it a try instead of the more obvious choice in the Italian white wine category. A bottle of it is only $14.99. What’s to lose here?!

 

Beer: It’s warm outside and I’m craving a light beer. But I also love my IPAs. Is there a good match for me? Absolutely! Look no further than ONE-Y. It is Oskar Blues’ low-calorie IPA. 100 calories that is, to be exact. Standing at only 4% abv, it is a great finish to your hike or bike ride. One-y delivers a citrusy flavor of orange peel, lemon zest and tangerine. It still has the IPA character to it but in a much lighter way. You can easily enjoy it by itself or with your favorite food. A 6 pack will be on sale for the whole month of July for only $8.49. Come and enjoy it more than one-y!

 

Val’s July Blog

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Independence Day has been a federal holiday since 1941 but tradition of its celebration goes back to 18th century. In more recent times, people had gathered to watch fireworks, parades and concerts. We might not see any of these this year for obvious reasons but that doesn’t mean we will not have a good time. We will still get together with our friends for barbecue, beach volleyball or other leisure activities. Those call for a glass of good wine or beer, of course. So I will give you a few Made-in-USA suggestions to enjoy while celebrating July 4th.

 

Red Wine: MANA. Loosely translated from Hawaiian it means to live with energy. This is a story where a Maui lady meets Mainland. Ashleigh Hutchison, that is. She moved to California to fulfill her passion about wine. I met her during her time with Miner Family Winery. Since, she had started the Industry Outlaw business, a part of which is MANA wines. They give back to the communities via partnerships with many non-profit organizations. MANA Pinot Noir is light and bright but full of flavor. Exactly what you’re looking for on a warm weekend day. A bottle of it is only $12.99. Enjoy!

 

White Wine: The Albariño grape is originally from the area of Galicia in Spain. Hendry Wines planted it first in 2003 in their vineyards in Napa, California. Since then, it has been a great success for them. In recent years, they even grafted over two vineyards from Pinot Gris to Albariño. Peachy, citrusy and floral on the nose, palate offers green apple and lemon zest, with good acidity on the finish. Drinks well by itself or with light dishes that are high in flavor. A bottle goes for $22.99. Not the cheapest out there but so worth it!

 

Beer: Back in 2009, Oskar Blues released their Mama’s Little Yella Pilsner. I have seen it being described as Bohemian, German-style or even Mountain Pilsner. But to simplify – it is “a damn good, crushable beer”, as they say it themselves. Unlike mass market light beers, it is not diluted with corn and/or rice. Clean, crisp, refreshing, easy-drinking. A wonderful July beer! A 15pk of cans is only $16.49 this month. Come and get some!

 

Val’s May Blog

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Happy early Memorial Day everyone! (originally Decoration Day) We value all the men and women that have done so much for this country. F16 jets should be flying over in their honor too. Our theme today will be kind of similar – we will talk about the local winemakers and brew masters that spend countless hours each day to produce the best American product so we can enjoy it. Like last year, I’ll talk about Merlot. Please don’t skip that section! But unlike last year I will focus on California wines this time.

 

Red Wine: Rodney Strong is one of my favorite wineries. Especially value for money! It all started over 55 years ago when dancer Rodney Strong settled into Sonoma in California to pursue a second lifelong passion. Quality of winemaking has been on the rise there during this time. Their 2016 Merlot is finally getting the attention it deserves. It shows lots of dark fruit notes, palate is elegant and the tannins are soft. A great match for your grilled pork or burgers. Rated 94 points, it overdelivers for the moderate price tag of $18.99.

 

White Wine: Are you tired of the same New Zealand wine you are buying every time? It’s time to try something similar, yet not so much. Uppercut Sauvignon Blanc form the North Coast in California will satisfy you. Compared to its cousins in Marlborough, this one has mineral backbone that reflects the vineyards’ volcanic soils. Citrus flavors are present but they are not the main character here. Green apple, pear and melon notes are found from start to finish. It drinks very easy, acidity is not too high either. A very balanced wine that is totally worth the money. It is on sale now for only $13.99.

 

Beer: Denver Beer Company has always impressed me with their beers. Their newest addition did the same. A year-round selection, Tart Delight is a Citrus Sour. It is fermented with lime juice and a touch of pink Himalayan salt (my favorite salt!). The finish is clean and crisp. Overall it is a very refreshing beer with just the right amount of tartness. Whether you are a sour beer fan or just need a thirst quencher, this one is a must try! A 6 pack will be on sale all next month for only $7.99. I’ll see you at the store!

 

Val’s March Blog

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Last few weeks have been really challenging. Five letters and the number 19 after them changed our lifestyle, if not our lives. Among all that we need to find some positivity to get us through. Too many people are concerned for too many reasons. It’s definitely a tough time out there. Stress is high, people are even panicking. Days could be long and exhausting. At the end of it we need a glass of something nice to soothe us up. Some choose hard liquor for its higher alcohol content, thus its disinfecting quality. But I’ll recommend some nice wines and beer to finish your day with.

Red Wine: California is best known for its outstanding Cabernets and Pinot Noirs. But there are other grapes there that are of high quality. The so called Rhone grapes – Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, among others. Bistue Cellars is located east of Napa and fairly close to Sacramento. Named after the winemaker Carolina Bistue, who had worked in Priorat in Spain prior to this. Hence her love for those grapes. This wine is intense and full-bodied with well-matured tannins. It will complement greatly any steak or chicken. And I think you’ll love the wine and the blend, which contains 9% Cabernet Sauvignon as well. It is currently on sale for only $23.99 a bottle. Come and get some!

White Wine: We are all very familiar with the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, I dare to say. But did you know that some very fine Sauvignon Blancs are produced next door in Australia too? Cape Mentelle is a great example of that. It is located in the Margaret River zone in the Southwest part of the country. The area is known for its high quality Cabernet Sauvignons. But this wine is exceptional too. A healthy amount of Semillon is blended in to add some complexity. As the winemaker describes the wine it is the embodiment of their place and terroir. Some similarity with the New Zealand style but in an improved way, in my opinion. Also rated 94 points, for those who find these numbers important. You can get a bottle of it for only $14.99 now.

Beer: Spring is officially here. Weather is soon to start warming up. This is probably the last chance to enjoy something darker. Left Hand Brewing from Longmont, Colorado is a master of the dark beer brewing. Many of us know about their flagship Milk Stout and its Nitro version. But a few months ago they came out with a Porter – Death Before Disco. Brewed in a classic style, it is full-bodied with rich chocolate malt and dark berry notes. Dry and roasty on the finish, it drinks beautifully. For the whole month of April you can get a 6 pack of cans for only $7.99. Enjoy!