Drink Up!
By David Setley
The 151st Kentucky Derby, the “Run for the Roses,” will take place at Churchill Downs for 10 furlongs (1.25 miles) in what may very well be the most exciting two minutes in sports. By 7 p.m. EST, we will know this year’s champion. Last year’s winner was Mystik Dan. Will this year’s winner go on to win the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, becoming the 14th horse to win the Triple Crown? The last horse to win it was Justify in 2018. Only time will tell! For now, join me in making plans for the beverage(s) that will be enjoyed while watching the race.
Consider making this Derby Day the “Run for the Rosés!” Rosé wine is in full bloom in the spring. Fill your ice bucket with a bouquet of rosés and let your guests sample wines from around the world. A sparkling rosé, like the Brilla Prosecco Rosé from Italy, or the Gruet Sparkling Rosé from New Mexico, is a great choice. Or, choose an international selection of rosé wines, like the Avaline Rosé, or the Lionel Osmin-Cie La Vie En Rosé from France, the Ganeta Rosé from Spain, the Catena Rosé from Argentina, the Santa Maria Aragosta Rosato, the Tokoeka Estate Pink Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, the Brilla! Pinot Grigio Rosato from Italy, or the very cool McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé. Have your guests select their favorite for the win.
Though my beverage of choice is typically wine, Derby Day also calls for a cocktail. What’s a wine guy to do? Wine cocktails! Surely most of you are familiar with a mimosa, perhaps the most famous wine cocktail made by mixing orange juice with Champagne. But let’s explore some other options. A Bellini is a wine-based cocktail made with one part peach puree and two parts Prosecco. I found a delicious variation called a Blood Peach Bellini, made by mixing one ounce of peach puree (or nectar), half an ounce of Campari, and half an ounce of grenadine and then topping it with four ounces of sparkling wine. Given that the Belini originates in Venice, Italy, my recommendation is to go with a Prosecco, such as the Brilla Prosecco. This very reasonably priced wine is nicely dry with plenty of bubbles that are perfect for this cocktail. As a bonus, the bottle is beautiful, adding even more pizzazz to your festivities.
Make a pitcher of Sparkling Red Sangria that will please everyone. Core and slice any variety of apple that you like, and wash and quarter an orange. Place both fruits into a pitcher and add one-fourth a cup of orange liquor, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, and one-fourth a cup of apple juice. Then, add an entire 750-milliliter bottle of dry red wine. It is said that Sangria originated in the Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal. As such, I recommend reaching for a bottle from one of these two countries. A great Spanish option is the Bodegas Breca Breca Garnacha from Spain. This 100% Garnacha wine is dry and has rich berry flavors with smooth tannins and a lingering finish. Or, from the Alentejo region of Portugal, reach for the Monte da Ravasqueira Encantado Red Tinto. This wine is incredibly well-balanced and has the bold flavor of dark fruit with a touch of spice. Of course, any good red wine will do. Finally, top off the pitcher with a sparkling wine to your level of effervescence and taste. My recommendation is The Cune Cava from Catalonia, Spain. This Cava is very dry with persistent bubbles that give outstanding life to this Sangria. Hopefully, you used a glass pitcher, as this wine-based cocktail will be a pleasure to the eyes as well as the palate.
For a cocktail from France, I highly recommend the French 75. Legend says the French 75 cocktail originated in Paris around World War I. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add half an ounce of simple syrup, half an ounce of lemon juice, and one ounce of dry gin. Shake until well blended and pour into a Champagne flute or wine glass. Top it off with your choice of sparkling wine. We honored Italy with Prosecco in the Bellini and Spain with Cava in the Sangria. For this French 75, it is time for Champagne! Charles De Cazanove Brut is a fabulous Champagne that will not break the bank.
For one last wine cocktail, I’m staying close to the Derby Day tradition. As many as 120,000 mint juleps are served during Derby weekend, according to my research, making it the most popular drink associated with the event. To make a wine cocktail version, I urge you to try the Hugo Spritz. I became quite familiar with this one in Italy a few years back. The Hugo uses St. Germain Elderflower liquor. Add half an ounce of St. Germain and a sprig of fresh mint to your wine glass and gently muddle to release the essence of the mint. Add ice, four ounces of Prosecco, and one ounce of club soda. Garnish it with another mint sprig and a wheel of lemon, lime, or both. These are very refreshing and are a minty variation on the traditional Derby Day cocktail. Another of my favorite Prosecco wines for you to try with the Hugo Spritz is the Naonis Prosecco from the Veneto wine region of Italy.
I hope you enjoyed these wine and wine-based cocktail suggestions. Whether you watch the Derby or not, I believe you will find making these cocktails easy, fun, and delicious. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com, or stop into the Somers Point store. Until next time, Happy Derby Day and happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
