Mike Ditka Pinot Grigio?

Article by: BILL WARD , Star Tribune
Updated: June 2, 2010 - 12:51 PM

His wines, including a "Kick Ass Red," just hit the Twin Cities.

Mike Ditka, wine connoisseur.

Photo: Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune file

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Mike Ditka Pinot Grigio?

Like most football coaches, Mike Ditka always seemed like a beer guy, maybe with a whiskey chaser. So imagine our surprise upon learning that the gruff, burly Chicago Bears icon has a line of wines.

What's next, a monocle and ascot?

Ranging from a $14 pinot grigio to a $50 blend called "Kick Ass Red," the wines just hit the Twin Cities market, as have some Mike Ditka cigars bearing a semi-reasonable facsimile of a Super Bowl ring. If they're true to the name, the wines will have an earthy aroma and plenty of acidity.

We can just see Ditka at a wine tasting: "This cab has no ^&#-ing finish," "What moron thought I wanted a merlot with my name on it?!?"

Ditka might be better-behaved, though, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, when he will sign purchased bottles of the wine and gift boxes of the cigars -- but probably not Vikings jerseys -- at Surdyk's, 303 E. Hennepin Av., Minneapolis.