It’s finally spring! So while it’s still a bit chilly out there, the snow is melting, the ice has thawed, and we can start thinking about warmer weather drinks.
First up, our wine of the month.
Excelsior Syrah
The grapes that make this syrah, from South African vineyard Excelsior (did you know that “syrah” is another term for shiraz?), are planted in an old horse paddock. This bright, jammy wine is bursting with juicy flavors of blackberry, cherry, licorice and plum, with hints of dark chocolate and Asian spice that interface with subtle earthy undertones.
This syrah is lovely with a charcuterie board full of cured meats, strong cheeses, and snappy olives. We also highly recommend this with a meal of roasted beef shank, barbecued chicken, and grilled eggplant – perfect for dining outside in our crisp spring New England weather.
Now, onto our beer of the month.
Allagash Swiftly IPA
Portland, Maine brewery Allagash describes their Swiftly IPA as having “roasted caramel notes, a little bit of sweetness, a hop profile that tastes like a morning walk among the mossy, dew-soaked trails of a coniferous forest” and we couldn’t agree more. This IPA is a divine, refreshing introduction to spring and warmer weather.
We’ll be eating this with spicy tacos, rich burgers smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, and salty French fries.
Cheers to the start of April and we hope you enjoy this month’s picks!