basicnecessities By Kay Pfaltz www.basicnecessities.com www.kaypfaltz.com Bringing out what’s best about the Holidays Holiday Libations, Under $20 If the holidays have a preternatural knack for bringing out both what’s best and worst in humans, I’m all for betting on the best. As we celebrate similarities, while accepting differences, let’s bet on the winning combo lotto ticket of compassion and generosity, demonstrating the best by donating food or time to others less fortunate. We can also be grateful for family and friends—human and furry friends alike. Such joining together in mutual appreciation, traditionally and historically involves the preparation of food and its accompanying wine to celebrate. I love the holidays not the least because of all the different kinds of foods: traditional dishes, sweet treats and delicacies, which while often shunned for their caloric content during the rest of the year, remain sanctioned, even encouraged during the holidays. And with the ever growing number of wineries, consumers can have their wine and drink it too. A few fine and festive bottles needn’t
dent the bank account. Dolin Blanc, Vermouth de Chambéry – Nothing says cool sophistication like real Vermouth, just as nothing says 1970s embarrassment like its opposite. Vermouth is aromatized wine, and of the four categories in the world that stand out for enduring impact on classic drinks, Vermouth is the only one that, like Absinthe, is based on wormwood. The word Vermouth comes from the German word for wormwood, vermut, and recalls a Germanic tradition dating to the Middle Ages. Infusing wine with wormwood in any meaningful quantity imparts herbaceousness and a bitter undertone that does wonders for aiding digestion as well as for killing off unwanted critters. There is perhaps no better choice of aperitif than the elegant Dolin Blanc. Clear and slightly sweet with distinct notes of hazelnuts on the finish, it stimulates your digestion, helping you with what’s to come, ready or not. Serve chilled with a splash of soda, or best, just on its own. $18.99 Willm Riesling, Cuvée Emile, 2014 –If pressed to pair only one wine with an
array of foods, I’d opt for an Alsatian Riesling. In this example the fruit and its accompanying sweetness balance perfectly with a piercing acidity that can cut through any amount of goose fat or other holiday cheer. Tart apple notes, with pear and honeysuckle. $24.99. Holiday special: $19.99. Valle dell’Acate, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, 2013 –From the Jacono family, one of the great Sicilian producers, this is elegance in a bottle. It’s a silken blend of Frappato, offering light raspberry notes and finesse, blended with Nero d’Avola, for a velvety structure, with rich notes of black cherry, prune, carob, dark chocolate, licorice and leather. Nero d’Avola can have the big, full body of a Cabernet or Syrah without the price. 91 pts. Wine Advocate. $26.99. Holiday special: $19.99. As we bid this year adieu, we wish great wellbeing, love, joy and peace to you and all beings, and to our planet. Gently rolling hills, dotted with vineyards and châteaux, and long, lazy rivers: The Loire Valley, playground to the kings, and now to some of the most innovative wines in France. May 2017. If interested: Kay@kaypfaltz.com
Café Wine and Cheese Shop 2226 Rockfish Valley Highway Nellysford, Virginia ph: 434.361.1766 www.basicnecessities.us
A taste of Europe in the Blue Ridge!
Offering Gift Baskets of all shapes, sizes, and prices for the holidays! To all, we wish you great peace and joy. Tu-Th 8am-6pm, Fri-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 10am-3pm
Reservations advised for weekend dinners.
DECEMBER 2016
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