- Backyard BBQ and a Bottle of Zin - July 1, 2010
When you’re out at Kroger picking up some meat to throw on the barbie this weekend, don’t forget to stop by our shop and pick up a couple or three bottles of Zinfandel. No, I’m not talking about White Zinfandel, the sickly sweet stuff that leaves you feeling like you just drank a bottle of liquefied candy. Zinfandel is a red grape of European origin that is most famously California’s contribution to the wine world.Wines made from Zinfandel can range in style from a dry rose’ to a big, dark, zesty red. They can exhibit all sorts of heady aromas and flavors like plum, raspberry, blackberry liqueur, chocolate, and various baking spices. It can be bold and zesty or light and fruity, but it is always the wine to drink with anything you decide to slather with BBQ sauce!
One of my absolute favorite pairings is Karly’s Pokerville Zinfandel, Amador County ($12.99) with slow-smoked wet ribs. Karly makes four different Zins and all but one of them sees no time in oak barrel. So, what you get is a wine that shows pure raspberry and plum flavors with no oak spice. It is a perfect match with the sweet, tangy flavors of a tomato based barbeque sauce.
And because Zinfandel can be quite high in alcohol, it is even more important to serve them, as you should any red wine, at ambient cellar temperature (55 to 59 degrees) rather than room temperature.
Happy Birthday America!
- Winter Comfort - June 18, 2010
Is there really anything more comforting in the dead of winter than a pot roast replete with carrots, onions, potatoes and celery. I have been perfecting my pot roast for years and I think I finally have it about as good as I can make it. I am very happy with it and even happier when enjoying it with a glass of red wine. I like to pair Rhone or Burgundy inspired reds with pot roast depending on whether I’m in the mood for a hearty wine or a delicate wine. Both styles work great. Spanish reds are favorable also. Below are few of my favorites:
Wine recommendations:
Perrin Reserve, Cote-du-Rhone, $12.79
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles, Barossa, $21.49
Domaine de Font Saine Gigondas, $34.99
Cono Sur Pinot Noir, Chile, $10.79
Ato Z Pinot Noir, Oregon, $19.79
Bouchard Beaune de Chateau, Premier Cru, $42.99
More Recommended Wine & Food Pairings
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