Wines & Spirits From the U.S.
Reach for stateside wines and spirits this Fourth of July. Choose from cutting-edge ready-to-drink cocktails, iconic Pinot Noir, and plenty in between.
Channing Daughters, Cabernet Franc Rosato – 2021 $16.96
This has always been one of my favorite rosés. Dry, clean, and full of bright fruit, balanced by a wonderful, earthy, vegetal, herbaceous greenness. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Broc Cellars, Love Red – 2021 $21.96
There is nothing not to love about Chris Brockway’s oh-so-easy-to-drink red blend. The unusual assortment of grapes is inspired: old-vine Carignan, Syrah, Valdiguié, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Grenache Noir, and Zinfandel. The result is a bright, fresh, and juicy wine with notes of brambly raspberries, cranberry, blackberry, clay, and leather. It shines with a slight chill, and, at 12.5% abv, it’s eminently quaffable. What’s not to love? – Amy Miller, Sales Manager
Les Vins de Barbichette, Nuit Blanche – 2021 $33.96
Les Vins de Barbichette was started in a corner of a Brooklyn coffee roastery as a hobby to share with friends. My favorite from their current line up is Les Nuits Blanches, a skin-fermented (orange) Riesling. The wine sings with aromas of white peaches, chamomile, yellow flowers, and sour yeast. It is dry and backed by a brisk acidity that will soften with some air time. It’s fun and goes down easy. Enjoy it while watching the sunset. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Donkey and Goat, “Enz Vineyard”, Pinot Noir – 2021 $39.96
Opulence defines this bottling from one of America’s iconic urban/natural wineries. Richly concentrated flavors of plums, black cherries, dried herbs and white tea mingle with a dense yet silky texture. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Social Hour Sunkissed Fizz Cocktail $29.96
I didn’t think I’d ever change my mind about ready-to-drink cocktails, but more and more, my original notions have been shifted by the likes of Matchbook Distilling Co., Empirical Spirits, and now, Social Hour. With 20 years of cocktail experience each, Julie Reiner and Tom Macy have set out to bring the magic of cocktails right to the comfort of your own home. This mix of Brooklyn-distilled vodka, yuzu, peach, key lime, and jasmine will be a Summer smash hit with its racy acidity and slight effervescence playing up the brightness of the tangy fruit and the floral undertone that the jasmine brings in. Garnish it with a grapefruit twist, lemon wheel, or tangerine slice for perfect kick-back relaxation. – Jose Banegas, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Catskill Provisions Pollinator Gin $34.99
What could be cooler than a locally sourced spirit with an aim to help preserve the bee population? Thanks to bee keeper and entrepreneur Claire Marin and her team, we can all enjoy an amazing gin based on non-GMO N.Y. State corn and honey from her bees featuring pollinator friendly botanicals. This gin is a win! – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
L’Amer Vermouth, Les Vins de Barbichette $41.96
A “Dream Team,” collaboration between one of the top natural wine producers and one of the best artisan distillers in America. There has been a wave of new specialty vermouths in recent years but this one strikes the best balance between a wine-driven profile and a balanced botanical recipe. Dangerously easy to sip, this is best on its own with an ice cube – consider it more like a perfect rtd. – Nima Ansari, Spirits Buyer