Some people are obsessed with food and wine pairings. I will admit that there are times when I like to choose the wine, then select my appetizer or entrée. Others, however, review the menu for food, then the wine list. Each process can be tricky and trust me, I’ve had occasions when the results were not exactly the best. But if you’re like most people, those who just love good food and a glass of wine without analyzing the process, I have three wines to pair with anything…and that means whatever you see on the menu or plan to cook! Hummus and dip? Potato skins? Veggie pizza? Pasta? Caesar salad? Rotisserie chicken? Grilled rib-eye? I’ve got this because these wines are that good!
Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris 2014
One of Oregon’s leading wineries, you may be familiar with Willamette Valley Vineyards due to their outstanding Pinot Noir and consistent, successful efforts towards environmentally sustainable farming. Promise to check out their website that offers a clear explanation of how the winemaking team is producing wines that receive accolades from the industry and consumers alike.
Perhaps you’ve enjoyed a glass of Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir…and loved it! But don’t forget their elegant, classic Pinot Gris, sent to me as a sample and now one of my favorites. This beautiful wine was the color of fresh hay as I poured my first glass bursting with lively aromas of lemon, pineapple, and hint of honey after a few swirls. On the palate, smooth citrus notes, tropical fruit, kiwi, and subtle tastes of clementine oranges were balanced with bright acidity. Its full, round mouthfeel was as creamy as you’ll find. With a long velvet-like finish, this Pinot Gris will pair with fresh green salads, soft cheeses, fish dishes with light sauces, and so much more. Cost is a mere $16.
What’s not to love about this label? A quirky gentlemen with red checked pants, a flower in the lapel, eyeglass, and fedora is rocking amidst the peonies; I’m thinking that the laptop is being used to check to see if “proper men” truly drink pink! Although mesmerized by the label, I couldn’t wait to open this chilled bottle of 69% Tannat and 31% Cabernet Franc rosé sent to me as a sample from Bonny Doon Vineyard. The deep pink cranberry color with rich red undertones in the glass made me think of fruit juice (well, yes, that is what this is, but…), yet the aromas and tastes were not what are found in a sippy cup!
Spice, pepper, nuts, and tart red fruit aromas wafted from the glass. On the palate I noted juicy red cherries, mouthwatering watermelon, ripe raspberries, and just a hint of grapefruit and orange. Full bodied with bright acidity, the lip smacking finish was long on this crisp rosé. I had a glass of the Proper Pink with a veggie pizza and salad, but you could also pair it with a grilled burger, light pasta, or…whatever!! Cost is $16.
This is the second wine I’ve enjoyed from Ziobaffa, a Tuscan winery that engages in organic and biodynamic practices. I loved not using a corkscrew on this wine, one of the Filmmaker Edition Wines using estate harvested grapes of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Syrah. Instead, a closure of reusable cork that is sustainably forested seals the wine inside. The label was drawn on FSC certified paper and non-toxic glue holds it on each bottle. Featured in the documentary, Bella Vita, filmed in 2012, the grapes from this vintage were included in the first Ziobaffa wine. Production aside, how did this wine, sent to me as a sample, taste?
Deep red in the glass, aromas of sweet cherries, purple flowers, vanilla, and oregano were lovely. On the palate I found ripe red fruit, juicy plums, freshly burst blackberries, anise, and spice. With its food friendly acidity, well integrated tannins, and satisfying finish, pair the Ziobaffa Organic Toscana with a cheese plate, pasta dish with plenty of sauce, roast, and… Cost is around $16.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
