Archive August 17, 2007

Pinot Noir, Of Course

The other day, a friend of mine asked me to recommend a wine for her dinner party menu. Normally I suggest picking the wines first and then planning your meal around them. It's all about the wines in my world. However, she had already planned her meal. My mouth watered as she described her menu and my recommendation came easily - Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir is one of my favorite wines. It's like that wonderful, easy-going friend you have a great time hanging out with alone or in a group. That sounded so much better in my head. What I mean is, Pinot Noir can be enjoyed on its own and yet it pairs so nicely with so many foods. It's the most versatile wine and my friend's menu will prove it.

Pinot Noir is a great glass of wine to sip as you're preparing an amazing feast for your friends. It's smooth enough to enjoy without food

Her menu started with medium cheeses as an appetizer. I suggest Pinot Noir.

The sides for her dinner are corn and grilled artichoke - Pinot Noir.

What wine to serve if her main entrée is salmon? Pinot Noir of course!

Strawberries and chocolate for dessert? Yep, Pinot Noir does the trick

Pinot Noir is a wine that is soft enough that it won't over power foods like cheese and vegetables yet strong enough to stand up to a big fish like salmon. It will also be perfect at the end of the meal complimenting many desserts.

You may be thinking I sound like Miles from the movie Sideways. Like Miles I am a big fan of Pinot Noir but I also love Merlot. Pinot Noirs are fantastic but don't take it from me. Try making a unique dinner and serve Pinot Noir through the courses and tell me what you think.

There are a million tasty Pinot Noirs out there - here is one of my favorites:
Cloudline Pinot Noir, 2006, Willamette Valley, OR.

It's very smooth with a gorgeous dark ruby red color. You'll get a huge taste of cherries and blackberries with a little spiciness on the side. Retail - $17

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