Photo courtesy of Lovino.
Have you heard about the wine coming out of … Bay View? Sangria by Lovino is ready-to-drink bottled Sangria ($10) – you mean I don’t have to slice dozens of lemons and oranges? – from Bay View residents Erica and Jamie Zdroik. I’ll admit I’m not a huge Sangria fan. But I like to drink local. Lovino’s luscious blackberry notes are tinged with chocolate, and there is an intriguing bouquet of cola. Check it out for yourself at Metro Market and Pick’n Save stores.
WINE EVENT OF THE WEEK
Two summers ago I trekked out to Oregon’s Willamette Valley to cover the International Pinot Noir Consortium for Wine Enthusiast. After the event wrapped I dropped by a few tasting rooms owned by former Wisconsinites; among them, Sokol Blosser Winery, Torii Mor Winery and Maresh Red Hills Vineyard. Taste for yourself why this winery destination is so cool at the July 30 “Will-Am-It Damn-It” tasting of 10 wines and an informative workshop, taught by Tom Vaughan (former owner of Downer Wine & Spirits) at Bay View Community Center (1320 E. Oklahoma Ave.). Costing $25, the event lasts from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. To sign up, call 414-482-1000.
WINE DEAL OF THE WEEK
Walker’s Point restaurants, from Crazy Water to INdustri Café, are proving they cater to wine drinkers with mid-week specials and wine lists packed with rare gems at an affordable price. Ginger Tapas Bar reduces its bottles of wine by 50 percent on Wednesday nights. Tapas and wine – salmon in martini sauce, anyone? – are always a good pairing, whether you turn to a full-bodied Zinfandel to stack up with the spices or a snappy, crisp white with small plates like fish tacos or cucumber and seaweed salad (which are both on the menu at Ginger Tapas Bar). It’s even more delicious when you save a few bucks.
WINE OF THE WEEK
Summer’s not over yet, which means I’m not going to stop recommending Rosé wines just yet! 2011 Matchbook Rosé of Tempranillo (Dunnigan Hills, California, $10) has an herbaceous nose and notes of cola and cassis. This light-bodied and well-balanced Rosé would likely please a variety of palates. Consider stocking up on this for impromptu porch chats or back-yard dinners with friends and family. (http://www.crewwines.com)
