by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2009 | Andalucia, Aperitif, Fino, Jerez, Palomino, Sherry, Spain
Lustau, Jerez DO, Solera Reserva, Puerto Fino, nv This Fino is nutty and spiritous with a light sense of the classic bruised apples. This Palomino-based wine is matured in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Bottling code: 7185 15.5% $15.99 at BB in December ‘09...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 4, 2009 | Aperitif, California, Vermouth
Quady, California, Vya, Sweet Vermouth nv What makes this aperitif so exciting is that it is impossible to stop adding descriptors if you start – so I won’t – just buy a bottle, chill it well and serve it over a few ice cubes. Try it first, before...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 8, 2008 | Aperitif, Charente, France
Gaston Rivière, Pineau des Charentes, Pineau François 1er, White Pineau nv This has the taste and smell of Cognac and grape juice and follows-on from its creation. The grapes are old vine Colombard, fortified with minimum one year old Cognac added to the must after...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 1, 2008 | Aperitif, France
Lillet, White nv There’s a beautiful sense of citrus peel – very aromatic with alcohol in the background. It’s sweet but not too much so. Serve it over a few ice cubes. This latest bottling in 2010 is vibrantly fresh and the best I’ve ever...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 10, 2008 | Aperitif, France, Languedoc, Vermouth
Noilly Prat, Original French Dry Vermouth nv This is always a great example of the complexity of herbs, white wine and fortification; yet the students usually hate it. Tonight a full 25% of the group enjoyed the wine or at least wouldn’t turn it away if served...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 15, 2007 | Aperitif, France
Kir This classic French aperitif was orginally made with the austere Aligote and the sweet Cassis, both from Burgundy. With the least expensive Bourgogne Aligote selling for $11 in San Francisco, however, it makes no sense to be a traditionalist. Rather, you might...
