Toast the start of summer this Memorial Day weekend with friends and a nice rosé or sparkling wine or even some artisanal beer suggested by Simon Cocks of the Larchmont Wine and Cheese Shop.
“Rosé is a great wine for grilled foods or a plate of cheese,” said Cocks. “It’s very versatile, refreshing, not too serious, something you can just drink and enjoy.”
Cocks suggested Cote de Provence for its smooth, velvety taste and refreshing taste. It’s reasonably priced at $14.99 Or, if you prefer a dry rosé consider the Getariako Txakolina (pronounced ge tair e a ko cho co lina) from the Basque region of Spain. Produced by Ameztio, this rosé is great with grilled fish or shellfish and retails for $21.99.
You can’t go wrong with sparkling wine to make your dinner party festive. Consider Cava, a sparkling wine made in the Catalonia region of Spain, just north of Barcelona. Cocks suggested one by Mercat which retails for $14.99.
For beer drinkers, check out the Belgium Blonde Ale, Rince Cochon made in Flanders which literally translates to “pig rinse” or “hogwash” and retails for $9.99. Flying Dog Easy IPA (India Pale Ale – a brewing style of beer that uses more hops to give it strength and bite) is great alternative offering a hoppy taste with less alcohol. Flying Dog is made in Maryland and comes in a six-pack.
Cocks, a 23-year veteran of the wine industry, is an incredible resource and always happy to make time to help you find the right wine for any occasion.
For inspiration for your holiday celebrations, stop in and visit Cocks and his partners, Larchmont Wine and Cheese owners, John and Sergio Boccato, whose shop has been offering great libations for over 20 years on Larchmont Blvd. Cheers!
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