By Bob Lipinski
“To offer wine is the most charming gesture of hospitality, and a host brings out for his guests the finest he has. Whether there are four wines or one, the gesture is the same.” (Alexis Lichine, 1913-1989, wine writer and winery owner)
As an author and professional taster, I evaluate hundreds of alcoholic beverages (wines, spirits, beer, and sake) each month for articles I write. Most of these beverages are good, some are very good, and others are outstanding. Unfortunately, a few rates “not very good,” and they are not included in my articles.
I have been writing for over 40 years and prefer to talk about the beverage rather than assign it an arbitrary number rating, so here are my picks!
2022 Stemmari Grillo, DOC, Sicily, Italy. A delightfully light-bodied, fruity wine with aromas and flavors of pineapple, papaya, grapefruit, and herbs. Clean and crisp, with nuances of jasmine and fresh flowers. Serve with thin slices of broiled or grilled eggplant, dusted with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
2021 Pellegrino “Gazzerotta” Nero d’Avola, DOC, Sicily, Italy. Gazzerotta, in Sicilian dialect, refers to the black and white magpies that fly over the vineyards. (Aged 2 years in stainless-steel tanks and oak barrels.) Dark ruby color with a bouquet and taste of raspberries, marasca cherries, black figs, and prunes, with hints of violets, and cinnamon. Pair this wine with a dish of spaghetti alla puttanesca.
(The below four wines are made with 100% organically grown grapes and are all “unoaked.”)
2023 Domaine Bousquet “Sauvignon Blanc,” Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Pale straw-color with an enticing aroma and flavor of citrus, cut grass, herbs, tropical fruit. Hints of anise, green tea, and chamomile. Makes an excellent apéritif, or serve it with a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich.
2023 Domaine Bousquet “Chardonnay,” Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Fresh, clean, and light-bodied, with fruity aromas of peaches, tropical fruit, apples, and pears. Citrus flavors with hints of dill and olives. A dozen oysters on the half-shell, followed by another dozen, would be a perfect combination.
2022 Domaine Bousquet “Cabernet Sauvignon,” Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Fresh bouquet and flavor black currants, raspberries, sour cherries, and earth. Notes of black pepper, bell pepper, and black figs. Medium-bodied with a smooth finish. Serve with a medium-rare steak drizzled with a chimichurri sauce.
2022 Domaine Bousquet “Malbec,” Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Dark color with a fruity bouquet and flavor of boysenberry, cherries, and jam. Medium-body with chalky acidity, floral hints, herbs, and plums. The perfect wine for a pulled pork sandwich with a tangy barbecue sauce.
Whiskies
Elijah Craig “Small Batch” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. (94 proof, aged 8-12 years). Mahogany colored with an intense, warm, spicy bouquet and flavor of ginger, vanilla, baking spices, and honey. Additional hints of wildflowers and smoke, with a smooth and long finish, round out this bourbon. Serve over ice (or neat) with a splash of water.
The Balvenie {bahl-VEH-nee} “Single-Malt” Scotch Whisky, Speyside, Scotland. (14-Years-Old; finished in Caribbean rum casks.) A very smooth Scotch with flavors of honey, smoke, toffee, apricot, and sweet vanilla. Very long aftertaste of spices and honied fruit. A sampling of dark chocolates would be my choice.
Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com
Bob Lipinski, author of 10 books; writes, consults, and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements.
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