Tragically, the summer is half over and the Imbiber is just now getting to his annual round-up of “Stuff You Ought To Be Drinking This Summer.” All apologies for the tardiness but in my defense, like millions of other Americans, I spent the past two months obsessing over the outcome of “Dancing With the Stars.” Now that Kelly Monaco has won, I can die a happy man. That said, let’s get down to brass tacks: White Wine Winner: I flipped (and subsequently injured my back) over St. Supéry Virtú 2002 White Meritage from Napa. It’s a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes harvested at night to maintain ripe fruit flavor, because staleness, apparently, is afraid of the dark. Best $25 the Imbiber spent on a bottle this year.
Other affordable white wines: Not much room for tasting notes, so you’re just gonna have to trust me on these … Gavi DOCG “Il Gavi” 2004 ($15) ’04 was a fabulous year for Piedmont wines; Frei Brothers Reserve 2003 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($20) — big, intense and fruity, like that black sheep uncle we all have.
Champagne: Nothing says “Holy &%$#, I’m dizzier than Jessica Simpson” quite like a few glasses of champagne on a warm summer’s evening. If you’re looking for a refreshing alternative to popular bubblies such as Moet and Veuve, check out Pommery Brut Royal ($37). It’s lively and elegant, and at $37 a pop, a bit more affordable than its better-known contemporaries. Goes great with strawberries, too.
For the kids (with fake ID): There’s only one hard cider imported from Ireland to the U.S. and that’s Magner’s. Sold in six-packs of longneck bottles ($6.99), Magner’s is the real deal among consumers in Blarneyland, where it enjoys a 90-percent market share. That means they’re doing something right. Best served over ice. Comes in original and light.
In case of hot date with Kelly Monaco: Ellipse Cognac by Hennessy. It’s $6,000 a bottle. She’ll probably be impressed. To get a bottle, however, you “gotta know a guy.” (E-mail questions, comments or suggestions for the Imbiber to)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 22, 2005. Read the original PDF.