The Cork Guy
EDMOND — During this time of the year, we are invited by friends and family to come to their homes to celebrate the season. It is at this time of the year where I see the most confused looks on faces at my local wine store.
The look is very obvious, recognizable and easy to interpret. Over the years I have been able to spot it from three aisles away. It is that dreaded look of, “What wine do I bring over?”
As diligent as the customer service persons in the wine store may be, the first question they ask the prospective client is, “What are you having for dinner” Or, “What is your favorite wine?”
Unfortunately, most people in this world are shy for various reasons and I am here to help you today and save you from buying that obligatory bottle of Chardonnay. Because everyone likes Chardonnay, do they not?
Actually the wine you cannot go wrong with is not a white. It is a wine of the red family that is well suited to almost any meal. It just takes a little knowledge about it to make an informed purchase.
That wine is Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is well-suited to pair with poultry, beef, fish, ham, lamb and pork. It will play well with creamy sauces and spicy seasonings, and may just be one of the world’s most versatile food wines. So as you can see, it is the perfect wine to pair with the multitude of gastronomical delights that grace the table during those wonderful feasts.
Pinot Noir may be the toughest grape to grow, but the effort is well worth the investment. It is a fickle grape that demands optimum growing conditions, requiring warm days consistently supported by cool evenings.
Pinot Noir is a lighter colored and flavored red wine. Due to the stringent growing requirements for Pinot Noir, it is produced in much smaller quantities than other popular red wines. Traditionally, you will also pay a little more for Pinot Noir, as the “supply and demand” theories kick in.
However, for an excellent value you may consider the Mark West Pinot Noir, the past vintages from 2005 forward. You will be hard pressed to find a better price for a truly delightful Pinot Noir. The wine will range in price from $10 to $12 per bottle depending on what region of the country you are in, and is readily available.
What makes Pinot Noir so pairable with a variety of foods is its composition of flavors, soft tannins and balanced palette. Its flavors are reminiscent of sweet red berries, plums, tomatoes, cherries and at times a notable earthy or wood-like flavor, depending on specific growing conditions.
As I stated earlier, Pinot Noir may just be one of the world’s most versatile food wines.
As an aperitif, I also would like to suggest a sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir. Along with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir is the other primary grape used in the production of sparkling wines. This is what makes up pink sparkling wines.
Popping a cork to begin the holiday season always is a wonderful way to start the celebrations.
Salud!
CONTACT The Cork Guy via thecorkguy@thecorkguy.com.
