31 Aug

Barbeque Brawl with Leslie Sbrocco and Ray Isle

It’s “He Said, She Said” time again with Leslie Sbrocco, founder of Thirsty Girl, and Ray Isle, wine editor of Food & Wine Magazine, leading Kathie Lee and Hoda on the fourth hour of the Today Show through upcoming Labor Day weekend drinks choices. Whether it’s spicy catfish on the grill, vegetable kabobs or sizzling steak, these barbeque sip options will please everyone.

With spicy shrimp or Cajun catfish:Leslie and Ray

Leslie Pick: 2010 Elk Cove Pinot Gris Willamette Valley, Oregon $19

This fruity but dry wine expresses the fun of Pinot Gris. Its vibrant character is an ideal match for quenching your thirst after spicy fare. It’s also a top warm-weather alternative to Chardonnay.

Ray Pick: Aperol Spritz Cocktail $22

An Aperol Spritz—which is made with Aperol, an aperitif that’s like Campari but not as bitter—is the classic start-the-evening drink of Venice and Verona. It’s prosecco, Aperol, and club soda … so it’s not too high-alcohol, too. Plus it’s a touchsweet, which goes great with spicy foods.

With BBQ Chicken (spicy and sweeter sauces):

Ray’s Pick: Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale $5 (for one pint)

Samuel Smith’s is a rich, caramelly, dark, English ale, which marries well with any kind of spicy barbeque sauce.

Leslie pick: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey $24 (a blend of Jack Daniels famous Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey and honey liquor) and Stone’s Original Ginger Wine $13.00 (wine infused with ginger)

Honey Drop Punch: Leslie’s original punch recipe is lightly sweet and refreshing making it a daringly delicious pairing for sweeter barbeque sauces or honey-glazed chicken. (Serves approximately 10 cocktails)

· 1 cup (8 Oz)Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey

· 1 cup (8 Oz)Stone’s Original Ginger Wine

· 2 cups (16 oz) Unsweetened Lemonade

· 2 cups (16 oz) Ginger Ale

Combine all liquids into glass pitcher, stir, then add ice, squeeze in fresh lime or lemon juice and garnish with mint.

With vegetable kabobs drizzled with balsamic vinegar:

Ray’s Pick: Nino Franco Prosecco, Italy $16

With vegetables, you want something light and refreshing. Prosecco, the sparkling wine of Italy, is a great choice and Nino Franco is one of the best and affordable producers.

Leslie’s Pick: 2010 Yalumba Sangiovese Rose, Australia $12

A dry-style rose from Australia, this pretty pink goes as easily with the earthy vegetable kabobs as it does with fish or meat. Made from sangoivese grapes, it’s spicy, floral and packed with fruitiness.

*Both wines were served in the GoVino Glassware, which is easy to use, unbreakable, washable and the ideal option for outdoor parties.

With steak off the grill…

Leslie’s pick: 2008 Hearst Ranch “Three Sisters” Red Cuvee, Paso Robles, California $20

A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, this smooth yet hearty red complements the grass-fed Hearst Ranch steaks beautifully. For Hearst Ranch steaks.

Ray’s Pick: 2008 Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington $15

An utterly classic pairing – the tannins in Cabernet cut through the fat of the meat, plus the flavors just work so well together. Chateau Ste Michelle’s Columbia Valley bottling is one of the best deals out there.

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04 May

Cheers! Celebrate mom with wine

Leslie’s piece from Today Show Bites on May 4th, which complimented her Today Show appearance on May 4th.

She’s a cook, a cleaner, a homemaker, an executive, a chauffeur, a caretaker, and more. Above all, she’s your mom. So with Mother’s Day this weekend, it’s time to raise a glass to the amazing moms in your life.

Favorites to share

Everyone has their go-to wines that rank at the top of their sip picks. Two that appeal to many (including Kathie Lee and Hoda) are bubbly and Chardonnay. My recommendations are top-notch but not top dollar.

La Marca Prosecco, Northern Italy $16

Celebrating your mom calls for bubbles. This chic and stylishly packaged wine is new to the market and is making a splash for its quality and affordability. Crisp with a fruity edge, sip it alone or use for morning Bellinis with a dash of peach juice.

2008 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay, Sonoma, California $24

Sonoma is known for its world-class Chardonnay and this wine is sure to please. Sonoma-Cutrer is widely recognized as one of the leaders of Chardonnay in this country. It’s elegant and filled with personality … just like mom.

Wine and Food suggestions

Whether you’re planning on brunch at home or taking mom out, you’ll want to look for wines that pair well with a variety of spring dishes. With these adventurous choices, it’s like a virtual worldwide wine tour in a glass.

2009 Dama De Toro Malvasia, Toro, Spain $11

Named for the “dame” of the rugged region of Toro in Spain, this light white is dry and refreshing and an ideal pairing for food. There are notes of pear and honeysuckle and it marries beautifully with fruit salads, egg frittatas and croissants with peach jam.

2009 Nobilo “Icon” Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand $22

Pinot is a food-friendly grape and the epitome of elegance. This vinous jewel, from a Kiwi Country classic producer, sports pretty perfume aromas and juicy red berry fruit flavors, which will pair well with everything from ham to roast chicken.

Chocolate Shop, Washington State $12

What’s mom’s day without a little decadence? This Merlot is not overly sweet, but has an infusion of dark chocolate. When paired with chocolate it’s pure heaven. Served alongside my discovery below, it’s an extra healthy hit for your heart (red wine, olive oil and dark chocolate, right?)

Try it with Poco Dolce Olive Oil and Sea Salt Chocolate. This dark chocolate from a small San Francisco-based chocolatier is made with sea salt and olive oil. It melts in your mouth with a creaminess I haven’t tasted before. You will fall in love.

Gift wines with a feminine twist

Splurge on mom a bit with these unique wines to make her feel special.

2006 Fall Creek “Meritus” Hill Country, Texas $34

Fall Creek is owned by the First lady of Texas wine Susan Auler and her husband. This lush, complex Cabernet blend is a world-class example at a surprisingly good price. This is available nationally, but is made in all 50 states, so seek out your local wine and treat mom to a special bottle from her hometown.

2008 Marilyn Merlot, Napa Valley, California $29

This is glamour in a glass, and celebrates the 24th vintage of the Marilyn Merlot wine and a screen icon. The supple, sexy red comes adorned with a collectible photo of the lovely lady. If your mom is a movie buff, add a Marilyn film (my favorite is “Some Like it Hot”) and even a boa for her to wear the whole day to feel like a star.