The chill of fall is finally in the air, the State Fair has started with fried margaritas to please all, and Texas plays OU this weekend…there is a lot going on, especially if you are up for a lively libation. Here are a few ideas:
On Friday, October 1st two TX and OU alums create a Red River Shootout of their own with the first annual Russian River Shootout. University of Oklahoma alum, Chris Donatiello from C. Donatiello Winery, will be taking on University of Texas alum, Mark McWilliams from Arista Winery, for a battle of the senses. I visited Arista a few years ago and fell in love with their wine. This is sure to be a solid battle from two great great Pinot Noir producers. The battle will take place at Grailey’s Fine Wine starting at 6pm.
If you are up for heading to Ft Worth after the game Saturday, Oct 2 is the 5th Annual Fall Beer Festival at the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in Downtown. From noon until 10pm over 30 beers will be poured in 8 tents in their Sundance Square parking lot featuring craft beer favorites like SKA Nefarious Ten Pin Porter from Durango, Colorado; Allagash Curieux from Portland, Maine; and Breckenridge Regal Imperial Pils from Breckenridge, CO.
If drinking beer at home watching the game is more your speed Central Market is having their beer blow out through October 5. With 350 domestic and imported beers available you are sure to find one that appeals to you. Thursday afternoon there will be a tasting with Boulevard Brewery from Kansas City at 4pm for a sampling of some of their beset including The Sixth Glass, their Belgian Style Ale…so good.
If you are in the mood for vino during the game there are some great options out there from South America, for great prices too! I had lunch with Miquel Salarich last week, winemaker for Acordeón Torrontes and Malbec, as well as Finca [ñ] wine from Argentina’s Finca Ferrer. Miquel was as charming as his wine was tasty. I particulary enjoyed the Torrontes, a light, refreshing wine without too much bite. Sometimes the floral aromas and the sharp acidic punch on the palate can overwhelm a Torrontes, this one was smooth and refreshing with lots of good citrus, but not so much that it overpowered, and a retail price of about $10 a bottle, available at Dallas Fine Wine and Spirits.
And, stop by Three Sheets late night Friday, Oct 1 for the second Australian football championship – the Aussie Superbowl of sorts. The game was played last weekend to a draw, so they replay Friday night for the championship.
