SAUCE MAGAZINE
Posted On: 06/01/2010
Annie Gunn’s wine director Glenn Bardgett weighs in on which wines to drink this month, while STLHops’ Mike Sweeney offers his suggestions for beer. Check your favorite wine shop or liquor store for availability.
American IPA, Schlafly Beer, St. Louis, Mo. For those who really loved this beer at the 2009 Schlafly Hop in the City Festival, I’m happy to report that this new version lives up to the hype. It may be a little higher in alcohol (8 percent ABV versus last year’s 7 percent ABV), but it still packs a wallop of floral and citrusy hops.
Professor Fritz Briem 1809 Berliner Weisse, Brauerei Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany Make sure to hold the slice of lemon on this one; this classic German wheat beer already includes a refreshing citric tartness that is perfect for this month’s rising temperatures.
Matilda, Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, Ill. It’s always a treat to find a Belgian-style beer that not only provides that unique Belgian yeast flavor, but finishes dry and crisp. Matilda will have you reaching for sip after sip as you try to get a handle on the complex play between malt and yeast.
St. Francis Red 2005, Sonoma County, Calif. This blend of about half Merlot with a bunch of assorted reds is an easy-sipping everyday red from the famed St. Francis winery in Sonoma. It’s perfect with your midweek pizza, burger or pasta. Under $15.
Mazzoni Toscana Rosso 2007, Tuscany, Italy From the winemaker of the famed Il Poggione estate near Montalcino, this is an inexpensive opportunity to peek into the stratospheric pricing of Brunellos. This blend of Sangiovese and Merlot has pedigree and value: You should find it for under $20.
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz 2009, Western Cape, South Africa This deliciously sweet red Shiraz – think Smucker’s in a glass – from South Africa is a great summer sipper served chilled or not. Under $15.
