Wine pairing – why wait until the next meal? How about matching a wine to a particular setting, or activity? Wine expert Greg Taylor goes beyond the predicable to pair wines with five seasonal mainstays.
Leftovers
Ah yes, turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and overeating, all the holiday traditions, and of course leftovers. Beaujolais Nouveau is the traditional favorite, but try a medium bodied Pinot Noir, 2007 Armida Bacigalupi – $34.99, with the big bird or for something really different … a sparkling Shiraz Fox Creek Vixen – $24.99. A spicy off-dry Gewurztraminer, 2005 Weinbach Reserve Personelle – $32.99, pairs well with soups, and Cream Sherry simply sings with pumpkin pie; la-la-la, I love you pumpkin pie.
Raking leaves
Now that Fall is upon us, and before the first big rains hit, it’s time to get raking leaves and hose out those gutters. A low-alcohol light- bodied Riesling, 2006 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett – $22.99, or a Rose, 2008 Domaine de Fontsainte Corbieres Rose Gris de Gris – $13.99, will keep you working without feeling like it’s nap time or falling off the ladder. Jumping into the leaf pile is permissible however.
Watching football
More traditionally a beer-imbibing event, but real men do drink wine, just ask winemaking gridiron greats: Charles Woodson, Drew Bledsoe or Joe Montana. Pull out the Zinfandel boys, 2007 Hartford Russian River – $29.99, and fire up the burgers and barbecue potato chips. Leave the sissy wines for those watching tennis.
Fireplace and a movie
A warm and comforting spot by the fireplace on a chilly fall evening, while watching your favorite movie, begs for comfort food and wine. Don’t let her make you watch “Moonstruck” or “When Harry Met Sally” again! Think hearty red wines like Cabernet, 2005 Andersons Conn Valley Reserve – $59.99; Merlot, 2007 Mollydooker “Scooter” – $19.99; or Zinfandel, 2006 Sbragia Family La Promessa – $34.99, with pot roast, or short ribs; or try a Pinot Noir, 2007 Pinot Noir Breggo Anderson Valley – $33.99, or Alsatian Riesling, 2006 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Reserve Personelle – $29.99, with pork chops and apple potato gratin. Put “Gladiator” in the DVD player while she’s not looking.
Christmas shopping online
Who really looks forward to holiday shopping? Long lines, no parking, cranky husbands … this year try Port and chocolate instead. Not as a gift, although that works great too, but for yourself! Do a little cyber-shopping this year, and relax with a glass of Tawny Port, Rosemount Old Benson – $29.99, and your favorite chocolate. You will feel so good, you’ll likely buy nicer presents, and your family and friends will thank you.
Greg Taylor, owner, Taylor & Norton Wine Merchants, and fine cigars has 20 plus years in the wine business, in production, importing, wholesale, and now retail. A cigar connoisseur for many years and now a cigar retailer; in 1994 he became one of the early online wine retailers.
