Bottoms Up!

NOTEBOOK-July/August 2009
by Peter A. Smith

Three experts pick Maine-made summer drinks.

“The Villager” White from Oyster River Wine Growers
“A small winery up in Warren actually manages to produce German-style wines using Seyval Blanc and Cayuga. Crisp, refreshing. It’s easy to drink enormous quantities of this wine at any time of day.”
– Joe Ricchio, barkeep at Hugo’s, Local 188, and Old Port Sea Grill in Portland

Peak Organic IPA
“The best Peak beer yet. It’s hoppy enough to satisfy any local hophead. But it’s still a nice, easy-drinking beer, which you need during the summer.”
– Luke Livingston, Portland-based beer blogger (blogaboutbeer.com)

Bartlett Maine Estate Wild Blueberry Semi-Dry
“You wouldn’t know it was blueberry. It tastes like wine first and blueberries second. They make really excellent wines. They have an international reputation, where people in France buy their wines.”
– Tilar Mazzeo, Colby College professor and author of The Widow Clicqot