Unassuming Spirits
By: Sara Covington
Photos: Olivia Reed
W
hether you consider yourself a wine aficionado or someone who drinks it from the box, walking into a wine shop can be overwhelming for anyone. This time of year, seasonal choices can make it seem even more daunting.
From football festivities to Christmas cocktails, there is no shortage of merriment during this season, and whether you are hosting or just attending as a guest, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Steve Golpayegani, manager of Mary’s Wine and Spirits, located in an unassuming Chevron station in Brownsboro, Alabama, reminds us that great spirits don’t have to break the bank, and with a little bit of guidance, just a quick trip to the gas station will get you all set for you next get-together. “Our inventory is constantly changing and evolving as supply challenges present themselves, but we are always happy to help put something special together for your family and friends,” says Golpayegani. “The best reward I get is for repeat customers to come in and tell me how much they enjoyed our selections and when other new customers come in because they were recommended to us by friends.”
We recently sat down with him and he made some suggestions of a few of his holiday favorites.
Rosé: Bieler from Provence has nice floral, herbal and red fruit flavors, mainly grenache and Syrah, which is light but lingers on the palate. $15 Domaine UBY from France offers a very pretty and intense nose of white peach and citrus fruits. $10
Vouvray: Domaine Pichot (chenin blanc) is a perfect balance between dry and sweet and pairs beautifully with ham and turkey and cheese. (Another alternative would be Gewurztraminer.) $20
Red Blend: J. Lohr’s Paso Robles is savory and layered with a firm and appetizing finish. $25
Pinot Noir: Shugg offers deep ripe flavors and silky texture. $20
Cabernet Sauvignon: Quilt by the Wagner family (Caymus) offers a deep, dark full-bodied red.$30
What’s a spirit that pairs well with holiday meals?
Cognac: Hennessey is well-known worldwide and delicious during and after your meal. $49.99
Aperitif: Aperol used in a spritzer offers spicy bitters to soothe as you navigate your many holiday dishes and is sure to please everyone. $28.99
Bourbon: George Dickel (Mary Barrel Pick) 14-year-old Tennessee Whiskey with dessert flavors, such as banana and toffee. $69.99
Liqueur: Limoncello offers a sweet syrupy texture with citrus flavors to cleanse the palate. $26.99
What are some spirits to serve at a fall party/gathering if you only want to choose two or three?
Champagne: Beautiful Champagne, Cava and Prosecco can be enjoyed by all, served on their own or blended with juice or cocktail mixers, creating a bubbly masterpiece.
Port or Sherry: We offer a decent variety of both, with a wide range of prices.
Local Craft Beer: North Alabama is a great area with great breweries (such as Yellowhammer, Straight to Ale, Shoals Oktoberfest Lager, Fractal Brewing’s Fractoberfest, Mad Malts, and more) offering every kind of beer imaginable. Heavier beers like stouts and ales are the ones to go for during the holidays.
Any classic cocktail/easy cocktail recipes you recommend for fall/winter?
Old Fashioned: (Recipes do vary.) The most basic recipe involves a few ingredients such as bourbon, simple syrup, aromatic bitters, fancy cherries and/or a slice of orange.
Manhattan: (Recipes do vary.) The most basic recipe involves a few ingredients such as bourbon, sweet or dry vermouth, aromatic bitters, fancy cherries and/or lemon twist.