What’s better than singing in the rain? Drinking in the rain, duh! And seeing as how there’s nothing but rain in store for the near future, we should probably pull out all the stops and throw not one, not two, not three, but four tasty tastings this week! That’s right, The Noble Grape has done it again, it’s time for another double-double! Two days of tastings with both wine AND beer each day! OH BOY!
On Wednesday in the front of the shop, The Noble Grape will be pouring several of Portugal’s favorite “young wines”, the tried and true Vinho Verdes. Literally meaning "green wine," but translating as "young wine" Vinho Verdes can be both red or white wines. Tomorrow we will be focusing on the white blends including the Casal Garcia, Pavao, and Qta do Casal Monteiro.
In the back of the shop, Lori from Fox Deluxe will sample out a few beers including Hoppin’ Frog Gangster Frog IPA, Big Muddy Brewing Monster Brown IPA, and Fort Collins Brewery Rocky Mountain IPA. Scoring a 95 on Beer Advocate, Hoppin’ Frog Gangster Frog IPA is a crisp and satisfying American I.P.A. with a skillfully assertive American hop aroma & flavor. Bright spicy citrus hop character up front, with a distinct orange & tropical fruit hop bouquet to add a welcome complexity & strike the perfect balance. It’s all about the hops with Gangster Frog I.P.A.
Then on Friday Anjelle from Stoller Wine will taste out some of her favorite wines such as Zamo Bianco, Chateau Haut Rian Rosé, Dupond L'Agnostique, and Cypher Zin Bitch Zinfandel. Chateau Haut Rian Rosé is a rich and charming blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on clay-limestone soils. It has a bright color and fresh aromas full of red currants, strawberries, licorice root and spices. In the mouth the wine is round and savory, fresh without any hard edges with a lingering, fruit-filled finish.
Friday’s beer tasting will feature Astra, Maeloc Pear Cider, and Clown Shoes Galactica IPA. Galactica is a vibrant, hoppy IPA that is dry-hopped with Galaxy hops giving it a pleasant, citrusy aroma and flavor. It is quite yummy.