Are you ready for some boating this week? Summer isn’t finished and there is plenty of time to hoist the sales, power up the boat, or convince a friend to take you on theirs. What’s there not to love about riding on the open seas, a breezy lake or a lazy river as you share good times with friends? Even if you’re shipwrecked, all won’t be lost if you have beverages. Skipper’s three hour tour became several seasons of tomfoolery and dream sequences yet I’m sure there was wine in those coconut shells Mrs. Howell was sipping from a straw!
Gilligan may have packed a cooler filled with cheese, dips, sandwiches, and beer. But I’m guessing the Howells surreptitiously placed wine inside. Although their choices may not have been reasonably priced or easily packable, the following wine suggestions are affordable and easy to take on a boat…and I’m sure the crew of the Minnow and especially Mrs. Howell would approve!
Are you ready to open a basket of goodies? Staying on terra firma may be best for a picnic with your portable grill, brilliantly devised by the Professor, fired up for burgers, steaks, and more. With everyone including the island natives sharing appetizers, sides, and desserts, there are many choices of wines which will fit Ginger’s palate and Mary Ann’s budget.
No matter how you decide to spend your moments on or off the water, enjoy the following suggestions and channel your inner Minnow crew personality. And if you have more favorites, please leave a comment!
*DUCA Garganega/Pinot Grigio 2013 (sample) – Taking boxed wine to the boat makes perfect sense. Skipper wouldn’t appreciate glass bottles tipping or breaking while he’s negotiating the wake left by a big yacht. I brought this dry, crisp wine on our boat recently and it was surprisingly good. Aromas and tastes of flowers, melon, and juicy citrus were terrific on a hot day on Lake Michigan. Although a simple wine, the DUCA was fresh and gentle like the lapping waves against the boat at happy hour. And Gilligan would love it. Cost is $20 for a 1.5 litre box.
*Viama Rosso Delle Venezie IGT 2012 (sample) – The Viama Rosso is in a vacuum packed, eco-friendly box…in the shape of a purse. Yes, purse wines are still in vogue especially on a boat. They can’t hold your cover up, but they can store enough wine to please everyone on board. This red blend of indigenous grapes from the Venezie region had aromas of sweet spice, red berries, and currants. On the palate, more of the same led to a tart medium finish. The Rosso with its medium acidity and subtle tannins would pair with a simple pasta course or cheese plate. Just pour from the stoppable spigot and keep any unused wine fresh for up to four weeks…you’ll have enough wine to last until your own Minnow is found! Just watch for Ginger who might be caught carrying this purse wine on her arm to find a shady palm tree under which to sip. Cost is $15 for a 3 litre box.
Your three hour tour will never be the same…Cheers! ~ Cindy
Vee
Cindy Rynning