Great wines to bring to a tailgate party
Wines from Alexander’s Highland Market. Photo by Stephanie Landry
It’s all about beer-centric tailgates this month, but wine drinkers have great options to toss in the cooler too.
Alexander’s Highland Market wine manager Jesse Casciaro suggests the following selections—perfect mates for fall football fare and for September’s steamy weather.
Hogwash
Rosé
Tuck Beckstoffer Wines
St. Helena, California
2014 • $15
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The plump pink pig on the Hogwash label is a convenient reminder of how to pair this sumptuous juicy rosé, Casciaro says. It loves a good charcuterie platter—a current favorite culinary item in Baton Rouge. “It does well with all kinds of cured and smoked meats,” Casciaro says. “In this wine, you are going to get that bright strawberry fruit and bone-dry finish that you do in a Provencal-style rosé.”
Pair it with: Besides charcuterie, it’s great with sushi, spicy Asian cuisine, fried shrimp and crabmeat remoulade
Kung Fu Girl
Riesling
Charles Smith Wines
Washington State
2013 • $13
This much-lauded riesling from Washington State winemaker Charles Smith was named a Top 100 Wine for the past two years, and a Best Value wine for the past five. Casciaro says the 2013 vintage tastes just as promising. An Alsatian-style riesling, it has an initial hit of sweetness, a citrusy mid-palate and a minerally finish. “It does well with aggressive heat and spice, and it’s an excellent wine for seafood,” Casciaro says.
Pair it with: seafood gumbo, boudin, banh mi and Asian-style ribs
Marietta
Red Blend
Old Vine Red
Lot #61
California
$14
This non-vintage red blend by Marietta Cellars is made largely from zinfandel grapes from Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. “It’s medium-bodied, and you’re going to get dark berry fruit, cherry and cassis,” Casciaro says. “It’s bold up front, has a very smooth finish, and it’s an excellent food wine.” Best of all, Casciaro says, this notable value wine is lively enough to stand up to tailgate classics.
Pair it with: barbecue, jambalaya, burgers and steaks
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