School has started, the leaves will be turning soon, and it is that time of the year to put on your favorite cardigan and sip some fine red wine.  We have been quite busy here at France 44 preparing for one of our favorite times of the year.  Our team has had a busy summer traveling to Croatia, Oregon, Spain, and, as I write this, Karina is out in sunny California.

Each of these places gave us great memories but even better experiences.  We have had an amazing time getting to know the intimate details of all of these wonderful places we have visited recently, and now it is our time to share some of our findings with you!

This week we are presenting you some of our new fall favorite red wines from our travels, enjoy!

Croatia – Pilizota Plavina 2014 $15.99 On Sale!

Pilizota’s Plavina has really expressed its authentic Dalmatian characteristics: lively acidity, fresh red berries and fruit, moderate alcohol, a solid tannin structure, with a hint of chocolate and constant undertones of Dalmatian earthiness.

Oregon – Soter Vineyards North Valley Pinot Noir 2014 $34.99 On Sale!

Signature scents of ripe cane berries, dried fruits, spice and sandalwood dominate the aromatic profile. Silky on entry, the wine offers a burst of ripe berry flavors and vibrant acidity.  It is juicy, fresh and mouth-coating with lovely, sweet fruit qualities. A core of black cherry lingers with hints of earth and game emerging on the palate. Beautifully balanced with richness, ample grip, fine persistence and minerality.  Fine-grained tannins contribute to the drive and energy on the palate.

Spain – Ostatu Rioja Crianza 2014 $19.99 On Sale!

Vibrant raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by fresh rose and peppery spices. Silky and fine-grained on the palate, offering intense red berry and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter with air. Finishes spicy and very long, with harmonious tannins and lingering red fruit notes.

California – Round Pond Kith & Kin 2014 $35.99 On Sale!

Kith & Kin, Old English for “Friends & Family”, is a Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from all corners of the Napa Valley but with its heart rooted in Rutherford. This wine is meant to be approachable in its youth, with balanced tannins and a fruit forward character. The vast majority of fruit comes from our estate, supplemented by a limited amount from Napa Valley growers.

Perfect Local Pairings

Here at France 44 we like to think outside the box for ideas on what to do with local craft spirits. Looking for a new cocktail to entice your taste buds? We’re always here to help. Here are a few super easy off the beaten path cocktail ideas to impress your friends as well as your palate!

Sharab Shrubs + Sociable Ciderwerks

Cider is a fantastic base for a cocktail, especially when you use something as dry as Sociable CiderWerks Freewheeler. Shrubs are growing exponentially on the coasts of America and while just starting the trend here in Minnesota, we have a few dedicated shrub makers here in town. Shrubs are drinking vinegars meant to be diluted with spirits, soda water, or any other liquid- cider, for instance! While Twisted Shrub makes an Apple Ginger and Sharab Shrub makes an Apple Rosemary, those are too on the nose. Why not try Sharab Shrub’s Strawberry to make strawberry cider or their Asian Pear Ginger Cinnamon to make a mulled cider? Perfect for the fall season!

Recipe

16oz Sociable Ciderwerks Freewheeler

0.5-1oz Sharab Shrub Strawberry or Asian Pear Ginger Cinnamon

Directions: Pour half the cider into the glass, add the shrub, pour the second half the cider, and enjoy!

Tattersall Distilling + Able Brewing

Local IPAs are among the top selling items in our store and it seems like the more citrus driven the better, so bring on the grapefruit. Northeast Minneapolis’ Able Brewing’s First Light IPA tastes like grapefruit incarnate, so we decided to spruce it up with a splash of Tattersall Grapefruit Crema! This perfect pairing is bright, fruity, and refreshing. Feeling like desert in a glass? Take Able’s Supergiant Golden Ale and add a splash of Tattersall’s classic Orange Crema to make an Orange Creamsicle Ale.

Recipe (Same as above)

12oz Able beer

3/4oz Tattersall Crema

Directions: Pour half the beer into the glass, add the crema, pour the second half the beer, and enjoy!

Dampfwerk Distilling + Panther Distilling

Dampfwerk Distilling is a brand new German inspired distillery with some American flair making all sorts of brandies, gins, and liqueurs, chief among them is their Helgolander Bitter Liqueur. Inspired by bitter herbal remedies originally made centuries ago, Helgolander is the perfect blend of sweet and bitter. Doesn’t this sound like its begging to be used as a liquored-up simple syrup in an Old Fashioned? Pairing it with one of Panther Distilling’s drier bourbons gives added sweetness and complexity to this classic drink while adding a local spin!

The Minnesota Old Fashioned

2oz Panther MN 14 Bourbon

0.5oz Dampfwerk Helgolander Liqueur

Garnish with an Orange Rind

Enjoy!

There are endless combinations of local products, here are a few ideas to get you started. Please come in and tell us your creations as well!