The high-quality, healthy and tasty options Ron’s Original is known for now extend to its beer, wine and spirits lists, offering patrons with health concerns the chance to enjoy their favorite adult bevs.
These lip-smacking libations are part of an expanded organic and gluten-free (GF) menu. I was fortunate enough to taste-test several new organic wines and I can assure you, they passed with flying colors. Frankly, if it meets the high standards of owner Ron Inverso, it’s a given that it’s good.
“I’m as picky about this as I am about the food,” Ron explained. “I want to know it has no additives and no preservatives, that it was truly farmed organically and in a sustainable way, and that gluten-free means really gluten-free.”
I quaffed Cline Oakley fiveREDS (2010 meritage) and 82 White (2011 meritage), as well as Frey Cabernet Sauvignon (2010), all easy sippin’ wines that pair well with Ron’s pizzas, strombolis, sandwiches, and traditional Italian and classic dinners.
To my surprise, being the big bold cab fan I am, I found the meritage red intriguing. A Rhone style and only lightly oaked, it had a tannic quality that compelled me to go back for more. A really nice syrah and zinfandel mix with jammy fruit and mild pepper notes.
Now don’t get me wrong; the cab was delish, too. It’s a less bold cab, but still somewhat complex thanks to hints of black currant, pepper and cocoa. This is a great wine for those who like a solid cab and for those who think they don’t. They’ll both be surprised.
In my mind, summer’s never too far away. The meritage white is a go-to chilled libation for a sunny day, or when you want something lighter with the meal. It’s not oaked, so it starts fruity with grapefruit and apple, and ends clean. A very bright white.
One other wine joins in the organic fun: Emiliana Chardonnay Natura (2010), described as “refreshing citrus aromas of grapefruit and lime that intermingle with subtle tropical fruit.” That’s on my list for next time.
But wait, there’s more! Those who enjoy a bit of the harder stuff can sip organic Crop Cucumber Vodka, American Harvest Vodka or Bluecoat American Dry Gin. Our GF friends may select from Tito’s Vodka, Ciroc Vodka, XXX Shine Corn Whiskey, Patron Silver Tequila and Tres Generaciones Tequila.
“We dig deep into how the distilled alcohol is made,” said Bar Manager Steve Marston. “We want to know how many times it’s distilled, and whether the mash is added at the end again, which means it really isn’t gluten free.”
Steve adds beer lovers can rejoice in some really great selections, such as Dogfish Head’s Raison d’Etre and Midas Touch, Lindemans’ Framboise (raspberry), Kriek (cherry) and Peche (peach); Samuel Smith’s Strawberry Ale, Lager and Chocolate Stout, Wells’ Banana Bread, Wolaver’s Alta Gracia Coffee Porter, and a variety of hard ciders. Of course, Ron’s beer menu changes frequently, so thirsty GF brew seekers should stop back often.
Ron’s 20 rotating drafts and 200 craft beer-bottle selection is legendary, as is its take-out beer options. Come by and snag your share! On Mondays, it’s $1 off all organic or gluten-free wines and spirits. Happy Hour is 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and features $1 off all drafts and $4.75 house wines, plus half-priced Ovals, Wings and Mussels. Check out the latest and greatest events here.
Ron’s Original Bar & Grille is found at 74 E. Uwchlan Ave. in Exton; phone: 594-9900.
Exterior and Ron Inverso photo credit: Nina Lea Photography. Wine photo credit: Nina Malone.
