By Len Gulino
Harry’s Wine and Liquor
harrys@snet.net
With the first signs of
spring not until well into March, we still have some time to go
before the winter of 2003-2004 is over. If you are a skier and
snow-lover who doesn’t mind (nay, even “likes”) the cold then
you are probably enjoying this winter season. But for those of
you who prefer temperatures somewhere north of 60-ish, the end
of March can’t come too soon. Until those days come though, one
way to amuse and warm yourself, loved ones, and friends is to
enjoy a variety of spirits that are designed to be “winter
warmers.”
If the occasion is a meal of grilled beef or lamb on the
outside grill a big, red wine is certainly in order. We have a
Syrah/Grenache blend that you “must” breathe for 24 hours before
serving – now that’s BIG! From the Languedoc in France this
wine is the vintage 2001 Chateau de Flaugergues, $14.99 per
bottle.
For the same meal
above a beer drinker may well choose to serve the Corsendonk
Abbey Brown Ale, $6.49 750ml. This is dark, robust winter
ale made in the classic Belgian “dubbel” style. With notes of
port, raisins, and black chocolate there is almost nothing
summer about it.
After dinner it’s a no brainer. In the classic British
tradition put a plate of Stilton cheese and warm walnuts on the
table in front of the blazing fire place and enjoy a glass or
two of Graham’s “Six Grapes” Reserve port, $18.99 750ml.
And the six grapes are??? Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa,
Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Amarela and Tinto Cão.
If it’s a distilled spirit that is your after dinner drink of
choice, then the Reserve 1er Cru du Cognac by Pierre Ferrand
($25.99 375ml) is for you. This sublimely smooth-drinking
Cognac is made from 100% Grande Champagne First Growth grapes.
What’s that mean to you? It means you’ll be sipping one of the
best.
And finally, for the true masochists…er, I mean distilled
spirit lovers…there is Grappa, a word that means “grape stalk”
in its Italian language heritage. Made from the leftovers of
wine-making, the pomice or vinace, it is “potent firewater that
anesthetized generations of Northern Italians from the physical
and spiritual pain of poverty.” (Julie Coen,
www.ricksteves.com). In modern-day cuisine it is truly a
unique experience. Try the Carpene Malvolti Finissima Grappa
Bianca, $24.99 750ml.
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