SAUCE MAGAZINE
Posted On: 09/01/2010
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.
Tikal Patriota 2008, Mendoza, Argentina This mouth-filling wine is a blend of the two most widely planted red wine grapes in Argentina: Bonarda (60 percent) and Malbec (40 percent). If you like dense, dark purple, seriously weighted reds with a massive bottle to match, you’ll love this one. About $20.
Spellbound Petite Sirah 2008, California This unique red is from winemaker Rob Mondavi, grandson of the legendary Robert Mondavi. Made with fruit from the great vineyards from the Central Valley, it’s an overachiever at about $15.
Wallace Brook Pinot Gris 2008, Willamette Valley, Ore. Although technically a “second label” (a wine made by a noted winery from either young vines or purchased juice), this can stand up to wines at twice its price. From Oregon’s famed Adelsheim family, this beautiful, dry, $10 white is as fresh and clean as beautiful summer fruits and worth the effort to find it.
Buster Nut Brown Ale, Ska Brewing Co., Durango, Colo. This easy-drinking brown ale with a touch of hazelnut flavor is not as big and dark as a stout but not as light as a pale ale.
Saison Dupont, Brasserie Dupont, Tourpes, Belgium Looking for a magic bullet for pairing beer and food? Look no further than Saison Dupont: Its citrusy, yeasty, spicy aroma and flavor make it a great choice when pairing with spicy dishes, seafood, poultry and even earthy, nutty or pungent cheeses.
Oktoberfest, Schlafly Beer, St. Louis, Mo. Despite its name, the true Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany mostly takes place during the month of September. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the festival here in St. Louis than by enjoying Schlafly’s version of this big, malty, classic German lager.
