You know the economy is bad when an article called “The Joy of Jug Wines” appears in the Wall Street Journal. But their point – that these are “big, happy” wines perfect for the informal ease of 4th of July gatherings – is well-taken. So here’s a run-down of our large-format wines. Since the fireworks are visible from JERSEY and not BROOKLYN this year, we’ve made portable partying easier by noting which bottles don’t require a corkscrew.
Brooklyn
White
Salvalai Pinot Grigio 2008 1.5L Aromas of fruit and flowers in this dry pinot grigio from the Veneto in Italy.
Berger Gruner Veltliner 2008 1L** Stone fruits, herbs and refreshing acidity in this gruner veltliner from Austria.
Red
Arboreto Montepulciano 1.5L 2008 Berry fruits, cinnamon and cloves mark this classic italian red from Abruzzo.
Artner Zweigelt Cuvee NV 1L** Zweigelt grapes from Austria make a food-friendly red with dark ripe cherry notes and spicy flavor yet plenty of fruit.
Yellow + Blue Malbec 2008 1L** Juicy, medium-bodied, organic malbec from Argentina. Think berries, plum and leather.
Manhattan
White
Salvalai Pinot Grigio 2008 1.5L
Berger Gruner Veltliner 2008 1L**
Red
Arboreto Montepulciano 2008 1.5L
Artner Zweigelt Cuvee Trocken NV 1L**
Yellow + Blue Malbec 2008 1L**
Mesta Tempranillo 2008 1.5L Classic Spanish grape makes a hearty, earthy red.
** no corkscrew required (the Berger is a soda bottle top, the others just twist off)