The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire...

As many of you already know, almost an entire block in downtown New Haven burned down yesterday...


photo "borrowed" from New Haven Independent


So, what wines go well with insurance accidental fires???


2001 Campion Firepeak Vineyard Pinot Noir ($$$) has been mentioned before. Besides having the word, "fire" in its name, it's also grown in a light volcanic soil. Everybody knows volcanoes are H O T !

Garnacha de Fuego ($) is a great wine at a great price. This wine from Calatayud in Spain is picked from 65 year old vines grown in a terribly hot climate. This grenache offers a nose of raspberry, black pepper, and mint followed by a silky smooth black cherry, plum, and cooking spice palate. The acidity and tannins are in the medium range, meaning this wine will do well on it's own or with a variety of foods, although to keep with our theme, I recommend barbeque. This wine is another Jorge Ordonez gem.

Fire! Fire!!

Somebody started the fire, and there's a good chance they'll get caught. When they end up in the slammer, toast them with Big House "Slammer" Syrah ($). The Big House line is usually mediocre at best. This one is the star of their lineup -- a good DAILY DRINKER with a nose of smoky berry and ash (how appropriate!) followed by berries and black pepper. This wine won't change your life by any means, but if you're drinking at an arson fire, this may be your best bet. The stelvin twist-off cap will ensure a rapid escape with minimal spillage.

Grab a highball glass, some vodka, OJ, and rum and fix yourself a Brass Monkey in honor of the 3 week old nightclub that went down in the fire. For full effect, drink while listening to the Beastie Boys song of the same name.

After all of these, head over to the Bru Rm at Bar and grab one of Jeff Browning's beers. Stare at the brewing equipment that survived its own fire.