SAUCE MAGAZINE
Posted On: 05/01/2012
No beer style fits the month of May better than the maibock. It literally translates to the “bock beer of May” and is a strong, usually golden lager that’s perfect for the cooler nights of spring before the steamy summer sets in.
– Cory King, certified Cicerone and brewer at Perennial Artisan Ales
Rogue Dead Guy Ale A slightly darker version of a maibock, Dead Guy Ale pours amber with a cherry hue and a pillow-white head. Breadcrumbs, crackers and a warming alcohol presence are balanced by a medium-bodied caramel backbone and some spicy, zesty, herbal hop notes.
Boulevard Boss Tom’s Golden Bock The traditional rich, clear golden color gives way to cereal grains, a medium body and a hint of fruitiness on the tongue. The body is balanced by a prickly amount of carbonation with a combination of alcohol and an earthy hop note.
Hofbräu Maibock A big pour will fill your glass with copper and bronze hues on the edges and foam that leaves a nice lacing on the glass. The expected biscuit and caramel malts are accentuated with sweet brown sugar and a hint of smoke and cinnamon from the German hops.
Glenn Bardgett, Annie Gunn’s wine director and a member of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, weighs in on which wines to drink this month. Check your favorite wine shop or liquor store for availability.
Domaine Chandon Pinot Meunier 2009, Carneros I don’t know if this is the only pinot meunier made in Calfornia, but I’ve never seen another. Welcome to the “other” red grape, used to make sparkling wines and Champagne and related to the more familiar pinot noir. It may be a bit expensive, but even at $30, it’s a solid value that delivers high amounts of berry-osity. You probably have to special order this, but it’s worth the effort.
Attitude by Pascal Jolivet 2009, Loire, France From famed Loire Valley producer Pascal Jolivet, this is made just outside the prestigious Sancerre region. A crisp and lovely sauvignon blanc, it’s just waiting for the soft-shell crabs of spring or a dozen beautiful oysters. This is what great sauvignon is all about – and at under $20, it’s a mega value when compared to its high-priced neighbor, Sancerre.
Herencia Altés Garnatxa Blanca 2010, Catalonia, Spain One of my favorite obscure grapes, Garnatxa Blanca will often be blended, but this clean and fresh, dry white shows this grape on its own. With ripe, yummy fruitiness, this will appeal to lovers of riesling, chenin blanc or anyone looking for an amazing value (about $10) that doesn’t say chardonnay and wants to have some fun. Time for a picnic!
