The Wine Guy
While it’s certainly not Christmas morning, I still think that a lot of grown-up kids wake up just a little bit earlier on Super Bowl game day, especially when their team is in the game-like ours is again. (If you’re not from New England-transplanted student ,work transfer, alien life form, etc.,-just go along with me). Since everyone’s going to be having lots of different things, I thought it would probably be most helpful if I laid out some broad categories and then pair them with a couple of wine types that would add to the enjoyment, so, here you go:
Italian/Red Sauce-Meatballs, Chicken and Veal Parm, Lasagna, Bolognese pasta and meat-garnished pizza will be even better with a hearty red. Try some Carpineto Dogajolo Red, Tuscany, 2016,($12.99). It’s the classic Tuscan blend that complements everything Italian and red-sauce based. This family knows food and wine-they’ve been at it for over 400 years. In Tuscan terms, just getting settled in!
Asian/ Chinese-Since there are so many flavors and fusion options in this category, I thought it would be best to break it down into spicy and non-spicy. For any spicy dishes, a good riesling would complement things nicely. Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2017, ($12.99), really fits the bill pretty nicely here. Terrific fruit, nice balance and finish and spicy overtones that you’ll really enjoy.
BBQ- Whether it’s ribs, pulled pork, brisket or almost anything else that’s cooked/smoked, you can go two ways-white or red. For a white wine, look for a full-bodied Chardonnay. Carneros Chardonnay, Napa, 2016, ($24.99), is a deep, rich wine with notes of vanilla, tropical fruit, and crisp citrus, Carneros Chardonnay ’16 is an outstanding example of deep, full-bodied Chardonnay . This wine has enjoyed 10 months in oak barrels, which has provided plenty of time for flavors to develop, though this is a big enough Chardonnay that it is sure to gain some complexity as it ages. It’s also incredibly soft on the palate, with a long, buttery finish that’s perfectly suited to the rich fruit flavors of the wine. For those who prefer reds, try a nice Zinfandel, like a bottle of Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel, 2016,Sonoma, California, ($18.99). The winemaker says, “the 2016 Heritage Vines Zinfandel is delicious and beautifully balanced. This vintage presents enticing aromatics of raspberries, cherry and a hint of toast and black pepper. On the palate, brambly flavors of ripe boysenberry and spicy dark chocolate come forward. The wine is complex, with bright acidity complimented by notes of berry syrup and mocha. The tannins are silky and smooth to lend a round, rich mouthfeel. From start to finish, this remarkable wine offers refreshing acidity paired with excellent structure.” I agree and I think you will, too.
Red Meats on the Grill-If it’s burgers, steak or anything else red and grilled, have a Cab. 2016 Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California, (23.99), Oberon is one of the brands owned by Folio Fine Wine Partners, a company founded in 2004 by Michael Mondavi, Robert Mondavi’s son.
The success of the 2016 Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon is due to a couple of factors. “In 2009, I was finally able to buy grapes from an Oakville grower I’d been trying to work my way into for a while,” says Seth Coltrin, Winemaker at the estate. “Also, I finally got some Petit Verdot from Michael [Mondavi]’s Oso Vineyard [northeast of Howell Mountain], which brings in wonderful hue and aromatics.”
This one is affordable and delicious; get a few bottles for your party and you won’t be sorry!
Go Pats! # EVERYTHING WE’VE GOT!!
Talk to the Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
