Finding wine to drink because the Cubs keep winning isn’t a problem
How to explain the joy, while remaining humble and appreciative, as my beloved and once bedraggled Chicago Cubs celebrate their third consecutive National League division championship? Only 11 more victories to go. …
How about we break out the wine?
So, as the Cubs begin their World Series title defense (and I still can’t believe I’m writing that), here are a variety of wines that fit the theme of the baseball playoffs:
• Expensive, because I may have to celebrate a victory or two: A Maryland red, the Boordy Vineyards Landmark Reserve, about $50 and courtesy of my pal Dave McIntyre. This Bordeaux blend, mostly cabernet sauvignon and merlot, is oretty, rich and full (though could use less oak). In this, it’s stylish and sophisticated from a quality U.S. producer that just happens to be in Maryland.
• Cheap, because I need something to drink during the playoffs: A white from Bulgaria, Domaine Boyar muscat, about $10. The importer swears this is available in the U.S., and it’s a lovely thing – the telltalke orange muscat aromas, some baking spice flavors and a little orange fruit.
• Different, because those of us who remember Larry Biittner know baseball is not just cabernet and chardonnay: The Moric Hausmarke Rot, about $25, an Austrian red wine made with two grapes most wine drinkers have never heard of – blaufrankisch and zweigelt. The wine is bright and juicy, with cherry and violet aromas and cherry and green herb flavors.
• Bubbly, because the unthinkable might happen for the second year in a row: Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire, about $15, a rose sparkling made with cabernet franc from the Loire region in France. It’s a little softer than I expected, but berry fruit and lots and lots of tight bubbles.
More about the Chicago Cubs and wine:
• Cubs 108, History 0
• Joe Maddon, expensive wine, and the Chicago Cubs