Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
Kir
What is Kir, and how would you prepare it? I have heard that the recipe calls for sparking white wine and a liquor. However I don't know what the liquor is. Please clarify.
Thanks!
Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
Kir is a wonderful drink, if made with appropriate ingredients in the right proportions. It is also a great substitute for a strong cocktail yet still satisfies the desire for a "mixed drink."
Kir is traditionally made with a chilled, very dry (acidic) white wine (Aligote) and a sweet liqueur based on black currants, Creme de Cassis. Since Aligote is difficult to find in the U.S., substitute any other light, truly dry white wine. Muscadet works well. I think it is more appealing to the eye and better for blending to pour the Cassis first, into a standard wine glass. Use a ratio of 3 parts wine to 1 part Cassis for a sweet Kir, or increase the wine to 5:1 or even 6:1 for a drink that is not as sweet. Personally, I prefer a refreshing tart-sweet balance.
Kir Royal is the same drink made with a dry (brut) white sparkling wine, and is usually served in a flute. Champagne makes it "royal," but I would rather not waste a fine Champagne on this drink!
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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