Summer Quenchers...Wine & Beer

August 1, 2008 (BEND)
August 8, 2008 (ASHLAND)

Donnafugata Anthilia White ’06 - Italy
Anthilia is the name, given in the Roman period, to the city of Entella on the crest of the Rocca. Anthilia is also the name of a wine that is identified with the ancient territory where it originates. It is the first wine to have been conceived at Donnafugata and it remains today a special favorite. The blend is 50% Ansonica and 50% Catarratto and the alcohol is 13 percent. The wine shows classic yellow peaches and a tinge of plum. A great wine to pair with shrimp, mussels, oysters or white fish.
Allyson’s Pairing: Fromage de Affinois with Peppercorns served on La Panzanella Whole Wheat Crackers

Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc ’07 – New Zealand
It’s hard to not find a great Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region and this wine is no exception. This wine starts off with nice minerally hints of stone dust and melon, and then develops ripe red currant and fig flavors on a full-bodied palate. The Wine Enthusiast gave this wine a score of 87 points. Pair with fruit & cheese plates, summer salads or grilled seafood.
Allyson’s Pairing: Prosciutto Wrapped Grissini drizzled with Saba

Lagunitas Czech Pilsner
This Petaluma California brewery started off like so many others small and private but soon the word got out of great beer being made in town and everyone had to have it. Their Czech Pilsner is made in the pilsner style that you will find in Pilsen, situated in the Western half of the Czech Republic. The beer is nicely hopped with a prevalent spicy floral aroma and taste. It is smooth and crisp with a clean malty and grassy palate.
Allyson’s Pairing: Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese served on Bremner Cracker.

Anderson Valley Brewing Company Boont Amber Ale
Boont Amber Ale is a medium-bodied pale ale with a beautiful copper color, a robust head, and the rich flavor of caramel malt. This very smooth and exceptionally drinkable beer is excellent with steaks, chicken, pasta, and other flavorful meals. The beer is never sterile filtered nor heat pasteurized, and should be served at a temperature between 40-45 degrees.
Allyson’s Pairing: Red Dragon from Wales (aged cheddar with mustard seeds)

D’Arenberg The Stump Jump ’06 - Australia
Vintage 2006 was one of the most condensed vintages experienced at d’Arenberg and one of their best. The wine is lovely bright red in appearance with an aromatic nose of ripe juicy red fruits dominated by cranberries and loganberries, spice and cardamom. The palate is fruity, rich and ripe and loaded with mulberries, plums and white chocolate and finishes with a nice spice. Robert Parker gave this vintage a generous score of 89 points. Quench your summer thirst and budget with this inexpensive but great red.
Allyson’s Pairing: Crater Lake Blue Cheese served on Blue Cheese, Walnut, Fig Focaccia Crackers

Mendocino Eye of The Hawk
Eye Of The Hawk is an excellent strong, rich, full-bodied ale that is bottle conditioned to perfection. Eye is coppery reddish amber in color and its unique taste is evident of the judicious mix of caramel and malted barley, balanced with Cluster, Cascade and Saaz hops. This gives the eyes its exceptional flavor, substantial mouth feel and slightly dry finish. A beer connoisseur’s favorite.
Allyson’s Pairing: Country-style Pork Pate on Petite Toasts with Cornichon