If you're looking to refine your palate or are merely interested in pairing a nice bottle of French wine with your next meal, Montgomery County's own podcast, “Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services,” might be your next go-to source. In their sixth episode, aptly named “Selecting French Wine,” listeners are given a crash course in French winemaking regions and how to couple vino with food. Host Jocelyn Rawat is joined by ABS Retail Store Manager Abdul Jones and Adventure Wine's Robert Cavanaugh to cover these topics, according to the Montgomery County website.
Explorations in the podcast look to insightfully help customers easily navigate the flavors of various climates and the complementary relationships shared by food and wine. Tips are shared on discovering French wine selections in ABS retail stores, as the Montgomery County press release details. The podcast goes further to suggest specific bottles for pairing with seasonal dishes, local seafood, and dessert, along with recommendations on wine gifts.
With over 100 French wines stocked across its 27 retail stores, ABS doesn't shy from showcasing its vast collection with wine tastings across the county, as listed on its website. Rosé retains its top spot as the bestselling French wine, with others rapidly rising in popularity. In a deal positioning them as the exclusive Mid-Atlantic retailer, ABS proudly features eight highly rated wines from the Rhône Valley's Domaine de Galuval winery, affordably priced thanks to their direct import ability.
“Each of our stores carries a different assortment of products, based on customer demand,” said ABS Director Kathie Durbin in the Montgomery County press release. Montgomery County residents searching for that perfect bottle of French wine might find themselves heading to the Potomac store, which boasts the biggest selection, including some 2020 First Growth wines. “I encourage customers to ask our staff for recommendations. Thanks to the training from Robert Cavanaugh and other programs, the staff at our stores are very knowledgeable,” Durbin emphasizes.
The ABS podcast, available on various platforms, including Amazon, Apple, and Spotify, aims to engage more deeply with its audience by inviting listeners to share ideas and questions for future episodes at [email protected]. The podcast series has previously delved into whiskey barrel picks, the “control model” of alcohol distribution, and local beer offerings. The next episode promises to unravel the qualities of premium sipping tequila.
The Office of Broadband Programs within the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions provides support for this digitally spirited initiative. While serving as the area's beer, wine, and spirits wholesaler, ABS also oversees alcohol licensing, enforcement, and education for more than a thousand local businesses. Profits from ABS, exceeding $35 million annually, conveniently help pay down county debt and support other resident services, cutting the need for increased county tax dollars. Stay updated by following ABS on Facebook and their website for more details.
