Perfect new-world (bright, citrus-forward) patio wine. From their website:"First released in 1992, Twin Islands Marlborough Sauvignon
Blanc offers excellent full flavoured wine at great value. Fruit is sourced from selected vineyards in the Marlborough region which enjoy excellent ripening conditions for flavour-development in Sauvignon Blanc.
Twin Islands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 is pale straw in colour with a fragrant aroma of gooseberry and red capsicum with a hint of grapefruit. A generous mid palate with tropical fruit and gooseberry flavours leads to a fresh zingy finish. This wine is great drinking now or over the next 12-18 months."2. F+F French Fizz (cheap!)
No shaking required. Just add ingredients to a highball glass and give it a quick stir.
1.5 oz gin (Stellar or Hendricks work well)1 oz St. Germain3 oz lemon or lime-flavored sparkling water (LaCroix, etc)lemon twist (to cheat I use a vegetable peeler to make a long strip of zest and toss it in)
3. La Quercia Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (under $15)This is a multitasking red that I discovered at Noah Grant's Grill House and Oyster Bar (thank you, Shari Jenkins, for your fabulous wine list!). It stands up to grilled meat, but is also wonderfully sippable with cheese and fruit on a patio. Montepulcianos are known for being round, plummy, and smooth with great acidity and soft tannins, and this one is no exception. It is very well-balanced. It also benefits from decanting. Don't worry if you don't have a fancy decanter; I've been known to use a [clean] flower vase in a pinch. Read more about the magnificent Montepulciano varietal here.
4. F+F Herb Fizz (cheap!)
I know I'm on a "fizz" kick, but they are just so refreshing! Muddle the first three ingredients in a shaker, strain into a highball or flute, and top with bubbly.
5. Thr3e Wise Men Centennial Martyr Double IPA (worth it)1 oz Pama pomegranate liqueur1 sprig fresh lavender (grow your own! easy!)1 sprig fresh rosemary (thyme works well too)3 oz Prosecco or Cava (Cava is less sweet- more mineral flavor)
This is the favorite at our house. Huge in ABV, so smooth. Call it danger, but it's ridiculously delicious. Omar (the brewer) hit a big home run here!
Color: Amber to medium red
ABV: 8.00%
IBU: 92
Features: clover honey from hunter's honey farm in Martinsville, Indiana and amarillo hops
CHEERS!
