Refresh: A White Wine Spritzer in a bottle

Believe it or not, there are plenty among us who are perfectly happy nursing a glass of wine all evening rather than enduring the negative effects of overindulging.  Even though they are not quite “non-drinkers”, by any measure, they have the discipline to limit their alcohol consumption to way below the “buzz level”.

If you ask, there are a variety of reasons to do this including:

1. Drinking makes me sleepy
2. Liquor gives me a headache
3. Gotta’ stay sharp & close a deal this evening
4. I’ve got a ride tomorrow at 5:00 am
5. Too many calories, I’m dieting
6. I’m the Designated Driver
7. When I have too much to drink, we argue

And the list goes on.  In fact, there’s a very traditional drink that people often order just to keep things reasonable; it’s the White Wine Spritzer.  Generally mixed as two parts wine to one part soda, the soda cuts the alcohol level down to 8-10%, putting it on par with a strong beer.  Pour it in a cocktail glass with plenty of ice and you’re ready to sip it for an hour, mingle with the crowd, and never forget a name or face.

So where was the last party you were at where they served Wine Spritzers?  Sure, any good bartender will whip one up, but at a private gathering?  Hey, it’s something to consider with all the upcoming parties.  Why not keep something available for those who simply want to go easy on the hooch?

These and other considerations may be why the low cost wine producer Barefoot Cellars decided to offer a low alcohol, slightly fizzy, variously sweet wine product.  They dubbed it “Barefoot Refresh” and it’s now being stocked here in Arizona.  There are 3 blends, each with a different variation of sweetness and flavor.

Of these, the one that is most like a traditional White Wine Spritzer is their “Crisp White”.  With a character that is mostly Riesling featuring a nice tartness, some residual sugar, and a little fizz, this is about as close as you can get to a professionally mixed Wine Spritzer, for about $7 a bottle at Total Wine.

As an added bonus, it comes in a standard wine bottle with a twist top.  Just steer your guests who don’t want too much to drink over to the Barefoot, highlight the 9% alcohol, pour a small glass and turn them loose.  No mixing, no fuss.

Keep it really cold in an ice bucket and add some ice to the glass if needed.  Here’s to “keeping the edge”!  (As for the rest of you, there’s a double-mag of 2005 Zin over on the bar begging for a little attention.)