Monthly Archives

November 2020

The Prisoner Wine Company Releases Two New Wine Varietals 

By | Mixology News

The Prisoner Wine Company Outside View, featrured image

In honor of The Prisoner Wine Company recently launching a new Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Carneros Chardonnay, we had a chance to interview the director of winemaking.

After being in the industry for two decades, it’s safe to say The Prisoner knows what they’re doing. Director of Winemaking, Chrissy Wittmann, helped us learn a little bit more about the wine company.

Chrissy Wittmann Headshot

Chrissy Wittmann

What are the flavor profiles of the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon?

The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon is blended in the same unique style as our namesake Red Blend and the result is a wine with concentrated dark fruit flavors, culminating in a lush, full mouthfeel and lengthy finish. We blended a base of Cabernet Sauvignon with an unlikely mix of Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Charbono. On the nose, you’ll experience aromas of black cherry and ripe plum, layered with vanilla and baking spice.

What are the flavor profiles of the Carneros Chardonnay?

The Prisoner Chardonnay is bursting with wonderful fall aromas like vanilla, crème brûlée and baked apple. Full-bodied and rich on the palate, flavors of pineapple and toasted oak integrate nicely with the balanced acidity and smooth finish. Our goal was to transcend what’s expected of a typical Chardonnay, so to make this wine more thought-provoking, we blended our base with small amounts of Roussanne and Gewürztraminer grapes.

The Prisoner Wine Company is a very unique name. What is the story behind this?

It certainly is! The brand name and flagship label were inspired by the classic Francisco de Goya sketch Le Petit Prisonnier, which was part of Goya’s series The Disasters of War, created to be a visual protest against the injustice and brutality of the Spanish War of Independence in 1808. Today, The Prisoner Wine Company continues to celebrate creatives challenging norms in their respective fields and is committed to making the wine industry a more inclusive space.

The Prisoner Wine Company Varieties, bottles on white

The Prisoner Wine Company Varieties

What makes your blends luxurious?

I feel our blends ultimately are so luxurious because of the quality of grapes we use, as well as the winemaking team’s care and attention to detail. We source fruit from our family of over 100 growing partners, which allows us to be very selective in our quality of fruit and gives us the opportunity to use more uncommon varietals like Charbono and Roussanne. Additionally, our brand is recognized for our thought-provoking and complex offerings, so during the winemaking process, we work to ensure we uphold this standard with every new vintage or release.

Tell us a little bit about the origin of the company.

The Prisoner Wine Company was founded by Dave Phinney in 2000, with his inaugural vintage of The Prisoner Red Blend selling just a few hundred cases. The wine is credited with resurging the luxury red blend category and we’re very proud to annually release a new vintage of the Red Blend and keep our tenure as the #1 luxury red blend. The Prisoner’s edgy, artistic personality and intriguing blend of varietals has created that of a cult-following among consumers, winning over wine novices and aficionados (plus, even some celebrities!).

What separates The Prisoners Cabernet Sauvignon from others on the market? Same with Carneros Chardonnay?

There is certainly no shortage of Cabernet Sauvignons or Chardonnay wines hailing from Northern California. However, The Prisoner Wine Company has never been satisfied with just releasing another standard Napa Valley varietal, so we challenge ourselves to make new wines to continue the legacy of The Prisoner and its intriguing personality. To ensure our Cabernet Sauvignon had complexity and layers we took a standard Cabernet Sauvignon base and blended it with small amounts of Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Charbono. For the Chardonnay, we also wanted to do something different, so we blended our Chardonnay base with less common grapes like Roussanne and Gewürztraminer. 

What is the history behind the wine? Has it changed over the years?

The Prisoner was a trailblazer in the luxury red blend category, re-sparking interest in these blends and inspiring other brands to experience with their own blends. While the ethos behind The Prisoner Wine Company and the untraditional blending method of The Prisoner has stayed consistent over the years, the portfolio has expanded to include other thought-provoking blends. Today, our core portfolio really has something for everyone and includes: The Prisoner Red Blend, The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon, The Prisoner Chardonnay, Blindfold (white blend), Saldo (Zinfandel), Eternally Silenced (Pinot Noir), Thorn (Merlot), The Snitch (Chardonnay), and cuttings (Cabernet Sauvignon). As we introduce more wines to our portfolio, we hope people will recognize our signature winemaking and blending style in these new offerings. It’s been exciting to add to this renowned portfolio and have the opportunity to have more people than ever experience the allure of The Prisoner Wine Company.

The company offers live experiences online. What can the consumer expect to see during these live experiences?

We’ve taken the past few months as an opportunity to connect with people nationwide through new virtual experiences. I’ve had a lot of fun filming guided tastings and pairings, which are accessible on our website and social media. Additionally, we now offer virtual experiences where you and your friends or family can log on for a live tasting with me! For anyone interested in booking a tasting with me or one of our wine educators, consumers can expect an approachable overview of the wines with specific tasting notes, (to avoid anyone being nervous having not done a wine tasting before). Regardless of the wines you’re tasting, you’ll leave with new information on the vineyards, grapes, blending processes and how these illustrate themselves in the glass. Our goal is not to be too technical, but rather informative and fun.

Each bottle is different and unique. How does each bottle label get chosen? What is the meaning behind them?

The artwork for our trio of wines under The Prisoner label all pay homage to the classic Goya etching on our Red Blend. Each new wine label features a slightly different etching of the prisoner clad in chains, one in green (The Prisoner Chardonnay) and the other in blue (The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon). Beyond The Prisoner, the remainder of the portfolio features eye-catching labels that really personify the wines they adorn. Our goal is to choose evocative, artistic labels that will entice people to pick up a bottle and tell a story about the wine. For example, each bottle of Eternally Silenced is hand-dipped in wax, partially obscuring the mysterious figure on its label, a tantalizing tease of its unknown contents. After we complete a new wine, our team collaborates on a name and label design that embody the blend.

Do you plan to add more wine varietals in the future?

I hope so! I hope that everyone is as excited as our team about these new wines. One of my favorite parts of being Director of Winemaking at The Prisoner Wine Company is making intriguing new blends, so I hope to be able to share more unique wines and additional vintages to come!

The post The Prisoner Wine Company Releases Two New Wine Varietals  appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

The Global Sip: Fall in Love with Luxembourg Crémants

By | Mixology News

Wine Cepd'O Hëttermillen

Travel the globe through your bar using cool ingredients from around the world in our new digital series, The Global Sip.

Nothing delights quite like a crisp sip of bubbly. Whether for a special celebration or just to brighten up a regular day, sparkling wine has long been held in high esteem by oenophiles across the globe.

Ahn Moselle

Ahn Moselle

But one exceedingly amazing offering that gets less…well…buzz than the more popular Champagne is the crémant category of wine. Painstakingly crafted using the same method as Champagne, which is the two-level fermentation process, crémants provide a more accessible price point for excellent effervescence. The rules for production are nearly identical; they just aren’t from the specific region of Champagne in France.

Caves Saint Martin

Caves Saint Martin

Surprisingly, the often-overlooked European nation of Luxembourg is one of the only places this kind of wine is created, using what is called “méthode traditionnelle”. In fact, the label “crémant” may exclusively be applied to specific French and Luxembourger wine products. (Francophiles can rejoice, as there are eight regions that produce crémants in France such as well-loved spots like Loire, Alsace, and Bordeaux, among others).

Schmit Fohl

Schmit Fohl

The capital of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, is an easy add-on to your next Euro trip. This metro area is just a two hour train ride from Paris, which has a major international airport with numerous flights to and from the States. To sample some of the delicious wines from Luxembourg in the metro area, consider a trip to great wine bars or shops like Dipso – the Wine Republic or Vinotecca. On my trip last year, I also loved dinner at Vins Fins in the historic Grund neighborhood, which specializes in organic and biodynamic wines. It was one of the highlights of my visit and should be on any Luxembourg City itinerary. Another great spot to grab a meal and taste Luxembourg wine is the Mediterranean-focused Bazaar, where I enjoyed a glass of crémant made with Riesling.

Corinne Kox

Corinne Kox

However, to experience actual Luxembourg wine country, get out of the city and journey south to the Moselle area, lovingly called “D’Musel” by its residents. All grapes grown in this district are under the Moselle Luxebourgeoise Appellation. The most common varietals grown in the region includes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rivaner (the most planted!), Auxerrois, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Elbling. Here, you can sample delicious crémants at their source, the numerous local wineries that call the Moselle home. Some favorites include Schumacher-Lethal, Charles Decker, Bernard-Massard, and Alice Hartmann. The area is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the small yet charming country, complete with picturesque wineries that rise steeply from the banks of the winding Moselle River.

Wine Cepd'O Hëttermillen

Wine Cepd’O Hëttermillen

While safely at home, be sure to ask your local wine shop and favorite eateries about sampling crémants from Luxembourg to get a taste of this stunning and historic landlocked nation. It truly is a global sip worth trying.

The post The Global Sip: Fall in Love with Luxembourg Crémants appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Expert Advice from the von Olfers: Globally Recognized Cognac Aficionados

By | Mixology News

Sophie & Max Sélection Cognac, featured image

A third-generation cognac family, brother and sister team Max and Sophie von Olfers have successfully established the number-one destination site for Cognac lovers globally.

Cognac Expert features over 800 different Cognacs for sale and ships globally. Their vision from the start was to create visibility for Cognac-producing farmers and families in the region who didn’t have international reach and distribution networks.

Sophie & Max Sélection Cognac

Sophie & Max Sélection Cognac

“Our family roots in Cognac extend back three generations,” explained Sophie. “Our grandparents acquired an agricultural property in the Cognac region—our grandfather also farmed Cognac vineyards. Since we can remember, friends and neighbors have made Cognac and shared their secrets with us. We have learned from the most experienced farmers, distillers, blenders, and merchants. These people are the very heart and soul of Cognac; they operate on traditions that have been passed down to them for generations. We are both deeply attached to this part of the world, and to Cognac production in particular, which is present in all areas of life here.”

Sophie von Olfers

Sophie von Olfers

Their timing couldn’t be better for Cognac Expert, which had a record-breaking year in the United States in 2018, according to data released by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac, shipping 205.9 million bottles globally—officially shaking the stuffy, old-man image Cognac may have once had.

Sophie & Max Sélection Cognac

Sophie & Max Sélection Cognac

“We never believed that Cognac was only for old men,” noted Sophie. “It seems this was a branding accident that happened somewhere down the line. Cognac is loved by old and young, and it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Some may prefer a mature blend that is served neat, while others drink their Cognac young and in a mixed drink. It will always be a luxury spirit, purely thanks to the amount of time and effort that goes into its making. An XO Cognac, for example, has to be blended with eaux-de-vie that has been aged in oak barrels for at least 10 years. Cognac requires time, and time is luxury.”

Sophie & Max Sélection Cognac

Sophie & Max Sélection Cognac

The von Olfers have released a signature line of limited edition Cognacs with the purpose of attracting global interest for artisanal Cognac producers. For their latest collaboration, Sélection N° 2, they selected an EXTRA Cognac, created and specially bottled by Domaine de Birius. “What is unique about Sélection N° 2 is that it is blended from only three vintages, and therefore impossible to recreate once it’s gone,” said Sophie. “The Cognac has a distinct, ‘pure and dry’ taste profile, comprised of three outstanding vintages: 1975, 1982, and 1989. Remarkable for a Cognac of its age, Sélection N° 2 is characterized by its freshness and is less sweet and fruitier than its precursor, Sélection N° 1. Featuring a round and elegant palate, it boasts only a touch of spice and a dry finish with a hint of smoke, with flavors of pear wine, saffron, pepper, and clove.”

As for how the duo enjoys their Cognac in cocktails, Sophie’s favorite summer drink is the Stinger, a combination of Cognac and white crème de menthe. “It is absolutely delicious and refreshing. Prepare a large quantity in a pitcher for the perfect, no-frills cocktail hour,” she said. Max, meanwhile, loves the Mint-Julep au Cognac: Simply exchange the bourbon with Cognac in your preferred recipe.

The post Expert Advice from the von Olfers: Globally Recognized Cognac Aficionados appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

California Halal Restaurant Serves Up Fall Mocktails

By | Mixology News

Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen - Main Image

Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen opened up earlier this year in downtown Fullerton, California.

It features critically acclaimed dishes from Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. Recently, the kitchen debuted a new seasonal cocktail menu including adding five mocktails to its alcohol-free bar.

American Pie Mocktail, cinnamon stick garnish

American Pie Mocktail

Led by mixologists Craig Nemeth and Ahmad Hosseini, the two have given the classic cocktails a non-alcoholic twist using Seedlip Spirits. Sticking with the halal tradition, Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen has been creating a path for mocktails in the Orange County area since its inception.

W.A.P. Mocktail, rosemary garnish

W.A.P. Mocktail

The seasonal offerings will include:

  • W.A.P (With A Lot Of Pomegranate)Seedlip 94 (an aromatic blend of allspice and Cardamom), pomegranate, rosemary, lemon, and jaggery nectar
  • Old Fashioned: Seedlip 42 (a zesty blend of citrus and fragrant spice), Lyres American malt, Demerara nectar, and orange peel.
  • Cosmopolitan: Seedlip 42, along with cranberry and lime juices, and simple syrup
  • American Pie: Sparkling apple cider, ginger beer and caramel
  • Golden Apple: Seedlip Garden 108 (a bright and herbal blend of peas and garden herbs), apple and lemon juices, maple syrup, and soda water

These mocktails are made with different layers of taste, complexity, as well as fresh ingredients. Non-alcoholic beverages have become a growing trend due to their sophisticated style yet creative and interesting taste like a regular cocktail. Throughout the past year, the word “mocktail” has gone up in search 42%, while the phrase “non-alcoholic” has increased by 81%.

“With the increase in popularity for alcohol-free drinks, and the positive reception from our guests, we are more inspired than ever to expand our bar menu with satisfying mocktails that change with the seasons,” said Mixologist Craig Nemeth. “We’ve thoughtfully crafted these drinks utilizing premium alcohol-free spirits like Seedlip to ensure high quality taste for our customers to enjoy.”

The post California Halal Restaurant Serves Up Fall Mocktails appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Chilled Drink of the Week: Lavagave by Ben Potts

By | Mixology News

Lavagave cocktail, with garnish, featured image

Ben Potts, part of the Miami Chilled 100, shares his recipe for his go-to cocktail.

Lavagave cocktail, with garnish

Lavagave

Lavagave

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz. Blanco Tequila
  • 1/2 oz. Joven Espadin Mezcal
  • 3/4 oz. Lavender-Infused Agave
  • 1/2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
  • 1/2 oz. Lime Juice
  • 1/2 oz. Egg White
  • 2 dashes Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters

Preparation: Dry shake, shake, strain into chilled coupe, garnish with grapefruit essence and lavender buds.


Meet Ben Potts

Chilled 100 Member, Miami

Ben is a Miami native who enjoys all things beverage. In addition to his enthusiasm for liquid delights, Ben enjoys exercising, purchasing too many power tools, and pursuing wellness in all aspects of life. Ben is currently the Bar Director for Beaker & Gray Group where he enjoys telling people what to do at both Beaker & Gray and The Sylvester. His favorite cocktail is the one he’s drinking.

Ben Potts - Chilled 100 Member, Miami

Ben Potts – Chilled 100 Member, Miami

The post Chilled Drink of the Week: Lavagave by Ben Potts appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Three Busker Irish Whiskey Cocktails

By | Mixology News

Three Cocktails with Busker Irish Whiskey, featured image

Celebrate the weekend with a delicious whiskey cocktail with Busker Irish Whiskey!

Royal Oak Distillery, the makers of the Busker line, shared three of their favorite whiskey cocktails after our interviews with them online and in our October/November issue.

Busker Paloma

Busker Paloma

Busker Paloma

Ingredients:

  • 1 part The Busker
  • 2 parts Pink Grapefruit Soda
  • Fresh Mint Sprig

Preparation: Fill a high ball glass with ice, pour The Busker Irish Whiskey and top up with Pink Grapefruit Soda. Stir and garnish with Fresh Mint sprig.


Busk & Ginger

Busk & Ginger

Busk & Ginger

Ingredients:

  • 1 part The Busker
  • 2 parts Ginger Ale

Preparation: Fill a high ball glass with ice, pour The Busker Irish Whiskey and top up with Ginger Ale. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.


Busk & Cola

Busk & Cola

Busk & Cola

Ingredients:

  • 1 Part The Busker
  • 2 Parts Cola

Preparation: Fill a high ball glass with ice, pour The Busker Irish Whiskey and top up with cola. Stir and garnish with Lemon Zest Twist.

The post Three Busker Irish Whiskey Cocktails appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Ole Smoky Distillery Partners with Friends of the Smokies

By | Mixology News

Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine, featured image

One of the country’s fastest-growing spirit companies, Ole Smoky Distillery, has announced its partnership with Friends of the Smokies.

The non-profit organization is located in East Tennessee and assists the National Park Service to help preserve and protect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The group raises funds and public awareness, as well as providing volunteers for needed projects.

The Great Smoky Mountains Park encompasses over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Ole Smoky Distillery and Friends of the Smokies are partnering together to help raise awareness and funds.

Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine

Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine

Ole Smoky Distillery has released a limited-edition Ole Smoky ‘Friends of the Smokies’ Blackberry Moonshine that is available for purchase at Ole Smoky’s Holler, Barrelhouse Distilleries, and The Barn in Pigeon Forge. They will continue their partnership, events, and activities into the 2021 year.

“The Great Smoky Mountains and Moonshine have a long and storied history together. As our proud home, Ole Smoky’s mission, vision, and values are centered around the heritage and richness of the Smokies. We are honored to partner with the Friends of the Smokies to ensure the protection of the most visited National Park in the United States. With over 12 million visitors in the last year alone, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is, by far, the most visited national park in the United States”
– Robert Hall, CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery

Many Irish and Scottish immigrants settled in the Smoky Mountains during the mid-1700’s. With them, they brought their Celtic music, later turned into bluegrass. They also brought their time-honored practice of distilling whiskey. Settlers in the Smokies used locally grown corn to make their whiskey rather than traditional malted barley like European whiskey.

“This is a wonderful way to commemorate the most-visited distillery in the world and #1 moonshine brand in the U.S. while supporting America’s most-visited national park,” said Tim Chandler, Executive Director & CEO of Friends of the Smokies. “The commitment and financial support our partners contribute is critical to the success of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Proceeds from Ole Smoky Distillery will benefit various programs that protect and preserve our beloved national park.”

The post Ole Smoky Distillery Partners with Friends of the Smokies appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

A Look Behind the Bottle of Snoop’s Cali Red

By | Mixology News

Snoop Dogg, featured image

Everyone’s favorite Cali legend, Snoop Dogg, is bringing his energy to a new field – wine!

Snoop has paired with the award-winning team at 19 Crimes on their newly launched Snoop Cali Red. The new bottle features a unique AR experience that brings Snoop Dogg to life right at your table. This is the first California wine from 19 Crimes, and uses a blend of Lodi-sourced Petite Syrah 65%, Zinfandel 30%, Merlot 5% aged in American oak barrels. The result is a smoky, easy to drink red with notes of vanilla and chocolate. To learn more about the new launch, we spoke with John Wardley, Vice President of Marketing for Treasury Wine Estates.

John Wardley, black and white portrait

John Wardley

The Snoop Cali Red is an exciting addition to the 19 Crimes line, can you tell us about how it came to be? 

When we decided to make our first California wine, it only made sense to partner with the California legend himself. Snoop Dogg, an entertainment and California icon, is the perfect partner and he embodies 19 Crimes spirit of rule breaking, culture creating, and overcoming adversity.

Snoop seems like such a fun and energetic person, was it fun to work with him? 

It was a total blast to work with the Dogg Father himself. Snoop has been a fan of 19 Crimes for many years so he brought excitement, creativity, and spirit into this partnership.

Tell us a little about 19 Crimes donation to the NAACP Legal Fund you guys ran in conjunction with the launch. 

19 Crimes was born from individuals that overcame adversity, and we are proud to support the NAACP in their fight to seek justice for people who are unfairly facing incarceration, for simply expressing the same outrage that we all now feel.

As protests sparked across all 50 states this spring, over 10,000 people were arrested nationwide for participating and breaking curfews. We knew it was time to get involved this spring and show our support for those simply exercising their rights as a US citizen.

The donation was entirely consistent with our 19 Crimes brand values – supporting individuals who overcome adversity and seek redemption. We knew that Snoop also had a strong opinion on this subject and would support our decision to donate to the NAACP.

19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red Bottle on white

19 Crimes – Snoop Cali Red

The new line uses an incredibly interesting new technology on the label, what’s the reaction been like and is it something 19 Crimes will be using again in the future?  

19 Crimes has really pioneered augmented reality (AR) labels. Creating the experience proved to be a feat of creative collaboration, using all of the animation skills at our disposal. We leveraged photographs, videos, and Snoop’s voice to create the virtual CGI avatar of Snoop Dogg that matched the label. The reaction from 19 Crimes and Snoop Dogg fans has been fantastic – who doesn’t want Snoop Dogg to join your dinner table?!

We’ve got some exciting AR innovations coming up that will take Snoop Dogg and our other labels to a whole other dimension that we can’t wait to share.

You recently were announced as #4 in the “Worlds Most Admired Wine Brands,” that must have been an exciting experience, what do you attribute that honor to?

It’s an honor to be mentioned as one of the most admired wine brands. The truth is 19 Crimes continues to defy convention and stands out amongst the crowd again and again. We want to constantly push boundaries and innovate with this brand and we’re lucky that we’ve had some great partners to help us achieve our goals – namely Snoop!

The post A Look Behind the Bottle of Snoop’s Cali Red appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Manolo – Countdown to Ryeday

By | Mixology News

There’s still time to enter the Sagamore Spirit RyeDay the 13th Sweepstakes!

The Baltimore-based distillery is celebrating #RYeDaythe13th by giving away the equivalent of a barrel of whiskey, a VIP tasting experience, and an overnight stay at the @SagamorePendryBaltimore. After you enter, mix yourself up a Manolo cocktail, developed by Peter Nolan of Permission Whiskey & Service Co., and toast to #RyeDaythe13th!

Manolo Cocktail

Manolo Cocktail

Manolo

Recipe by Peter Nolan | @Pour_Pete

Permission Whiskey & Service Co. | @PermissionWhiskey In Houston, TX

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Sagamore Spirit Signature Rye Whiskey
  • 1/4 oz. Cynar
  • 1 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth
  • 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Orange Zest

Preparation: Mix all the ingredients in a mixing glass, strain into a coupe glass and express orange oil from peel over cocktail. Garnish with orange peel.


For official rules, including entry limitations and prize descriptions, visit www.sagamorespirit.com/ryedaythe13th  

The post Manolo – Countdown to Ryeday appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Demystifying the Myths of Wine: Unconventional Turkey Pairings

By | Mixology News

Unconventional Turkey Pairings, featured image

Attention all wine lovers: Chilled will be bringing a new column to the table.

Demystifying the Myths of Wine will explore the ins and outs of wine through the wine experts themselves.

Chris Morris from Houston is an award-winning bartender who oversees the bar at Kau Ba Saigon Kitchen located in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. He is a sommelier-turned-bartender who regularly participates in national and regional competitions. He is known for his bold styles, elegant flavors, and modern techniques.

Kingston Chan is a Los Angeles based bartender at Tesse Restaurant in West Hollywood, Shenanigans Pub & Grille in Long Beach, and Arts District Brewing in downtown LA. He has learned from some of the best in the Los Angeles bar industry about the importance of clear hand-made artisan ice and fresh squeezed fruit juices. These techniques make the difference between a great cocktail versus a mediocre diluted drink. The BarSmarts graduate is an avid learner of fine wine, craft beer, and spirts. He is also a USBG member.

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, you may need some help in the wine department. Here are Chris and Kingston’s advice on wine styles for the holiday.

Chris’ Recommendations:

Chris Morris, headshot

Chris Morris

Can you recommend some unusual wine styles for Thanksgiving, and what notes should someone look for when choosing?

My absolute favorite under the radar wine for Thanksgiving is Vermentino. It’s really fun grape originally from the island of Sardinia that drinks like Sauvignon Blanc’s quirky cousin. It’s got all the same vibrant fruit notes of like, grapefruit and peach, the same bright acidity, but with a really nice almost salty type of minerality underneath a slightly oily mouthfeel. It’s particularly difficult to find a wine that really hits the mark with Turkey, but Vermentino always crushes.

While it’s not as unusual as it used to be (thank goodness), this is also the perfect time to bust out a bottle of Rosé! A dry, pink thriller will split the middle between red and white drinkers, while pairing well with everything on the table (especially the cranberry sauce). I’m a huge fan of the nice medium-bodied, Grenache driven examples coming from Provence, as well as the spicy Cabernet Franc wines of Anjou. However, there’s incredible examples produced all over the world. One of the best parts about Rosé is you can get some killer examples without breaking the bank, so you can bring several bottles and really help the conversation flow.

Any specific recommendations for bottles?

Argiolas “Costamolino” Vermentino di Sardegna ($15/btl)

Argiolas "Costamolino" Vermentino di Sardegna, bottle on white

Argiolas “Costamolino” Vermentino di Sardegna

A classic example from a reliable producer, at a price that’s hard to turn down. Bright, fruity, oily, and perfect for the Thanksgiving table.

Maison Saint Aix “AIX Rose” ($20)

Using the trinity of grenache, syrah, and cinsault this is a great example of Provence style rose. Medium bodied, red fruit driven, with a nice acidity that makes it super food friendly.

Clos Cibonne Cuvee Tradition ($35/btl)

If you want to really get wild, Clos Cibonne is known for their treatment of the rare Tibouren grape.  After fermentation, they age under a thin layer of yeast called “fleurette”, which almost takes it into sherry-like qualities. It’s super special, unique, and incredibly delicious.

Any tips for bringing wine to a gathering?

For extra fun, consider bring a magnum (1.5). Big bottles are always extra fun. Furthermore, when all else fails… champagne. Which quite frankly is just as applicable to life as it is the Thanksgiving table. C’est la vie.

Kingston’s Recommendations: 

Can you recommend some unusual wine styles for Thanksgiving, and what notes should someone look for when choosing?

Just like there are summer wines like Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc, there are wines that are perfectly suited for the autumn weather. For the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I have various recommendations in the red, white, and even dessert wine category!

To be adventurous, I encourage readers to seek a Barolo (Nebbiolo). A Barolo is a varietal usually found in Southern Italy/Sicily. Sometimes known as the “King of Italian Wines”, the Barolo varietal grows near volcanic ash by the sea, and thus, the Nebbiolo grapes it derives from producing a rich, dry, full-bodied, tannic experience. If one like Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons, then this is the one to share during the upcoming holidays alongside your turkey, macaroni & cheese, or mashed potatoes & gravy.

I also encourage readers to pick up a bottle of Sangiovese, Beaujolais, and/or Grenache red wines to elevate your holiday wine experience! Sangiovese wines come from a grape varietal usually found in The Mediterranean nations and tend to satisfy the savory sensations. They span the entire taste palate spectrum, ranging from fruit-forward or vegetal, to earthy and slightly oaky. If you want a wine that exhibits notes of cherry, pepper, strawberries, herbs, or figs, the Sangiovese tends to be your crowd-pleaser.

If one enjoys having Pinot Noir, then I encourage you to try The Beaujolais and the Gamay grapes it consists of. Found on the southern slopes of Burgundy, France where the weather, for the most part, is temperate and mild, with sporadic rain showers and snowfalls. Due to such, the Beaujolais vintages are different year after year, but many guarantee a bright, refreshing acidity, with slight minerality and stone fruit notes. You’ll come across a wide range of floral, juicy fruit notes to even baking spice and tropical fruits.

Last but not least on my red wine overview, I say give the Grenache a shot to appease your tastebuds. These wine types tend to be flavorful and will pair well with your roasted meats and vegetables. The Grenache leans dry but overall is well-balanced between sweetness, tannins, body, and ABV percentage. You won’t be disappointed with whatever Grenache you find, whether it’s from Spain or France!

Those who rather bask in the splendor of white wines must have a Viognier this season! The Viognier enjoys notes of mandarin citrus, bergamot, rose petals, and fleshy stone fruits. The Viognier is Syrah’s smoother cousin who will linger on your taste palate after a sip. Whereas Chardonnay and Syrah tend to be bright and explosive on the first sips, the Viognier eases into one’s mid-palate and leaves upon a slight citrus oil texture. This wine will definitely complement any of your herbs, potato, and seafood dishes.

Last and most certainly, a surprise dessert on the menu can be an orange wine! You heard that right! Orange wines however are not made from oranges… rather they are made from white grapes with the texture and tannins similar to red wines. By letting the grape skins ferment with their own pressed juices, orange wines become similar to fruit beers or kombucha. These fascinating wines will introduce your inner circle of friends and family to new heights!

Azelia Barolo San Rocco 2008, bottle on white

Azelia Barolo San Rocco 2008

Any specific recommendations for bottles?

Here are some bottles I recommend:

Any tips for bringing wine to a gathering?

My only tips for bringing wine to a gathering are:

  1. Bring a wine key because you never know if there will be one at the party
  2. Know your audience to explain what you brought to go with different holiday dishes
  3. Chill your wines appropriately to the best temperature for tasting (ie. a Barolo is usually best served at 20 degrees Celsius/68 degrees Fahrenheit whereas most orange & white wines are better suited between 8 degrees Celsius to 12 degrees Celsius)
  4. Bring a measuring device if need be so you can ensure a party of up to 6 people can get the most with 4 to 5oz pours. Seasons tidings!

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Source: Mixology News