Wine Dinner

Debonair Pinot Grigio (2022)

Grape Variety: Pinot Grigio

Country & Region: United States, California

Price: $8.99

Vintage: 2022

Critic Review: Confident, refined, and always memorable, this wine embodies what it means to be a debonair. Our Pte. Grigio is known for its breathtaking aroma, of cirtus fruits, honeysuckle notes combined with a refreshing mouthwatering finish.

My Tasting Experience:

Before Pairing: This Pinot Grigio was a very pale yellow, almost clear color. The aromas were acidic and tarte with notes of citrus. When tasting this wine, light, fruity and citrus flavors came through. There was little mouth feel although it was slightly acidic. 

Paired with Mozzarella & Goat Cheese on Crackers: When paired with the mozzarella, the two flavors did not mix. The taste was very bland and the wine flavors were muted by the cheese. However, when tasting with the CaPeachio's crakcers, the flavor was sligthly enhanced and was yummy!

When paired with the goat cheese, specifially with the buttermilk cracker, the wine enhanced the cheese's flavor, making it more creamy and smooth. Although I really enjoyed the goat cheese alone, I woud choose to pair this Pinot Grigio with goat cheese in the future!

Storyteller Merlot "Once Upon a Dream" (2022)

Grape Variety: Merlot

Country & Region: United States, Sonoma County, CA

Price: $15

Vintage: 2022

Critic Review: Dark ruby color. Vibrant aromas of herbs, chocolate mint, menthol, and blueberry crumble with a supple, dry-yet fruity medium-to-full body and a zesty dried boysenberry and brown spice finish and chewy tannins. Nice spicy flavors.

My Tasting Experience:

Before Pairing: By taking the Wine Folly recommendation, we decanted this Merlot for 30 minutes before tasting. The aroma of this wine was strong. Initially, it smelled similar to an expo marker. My nose was filled with strong tingles as if the wine was spicy, which could be contributed to menthol notes. The only fruit aroma I could identify was some type of berry. At first taste, this wine was spicy! My tounge was tingling. Additionally, I noted some oakyness while it was a little dry. Overall, the wine was compex and full-bodied. The high alcohol and low sugar seemed like it was trying to be balanced by the acid and tannins, but they were too strong.

Paired with Supreme Pizza: This pairing was great! The body of the pizza cut out the harsh dryness. However, the garlic crust made the wine tingle and sting my tounge, not pairing well.

Paired with Pepperoni Pizza: With this more simple and thin pizza, the wine was not enhanced. This pairing made the wine too tangy and strong on the tounge.

Roscato Rosso Dolce

Grape Variety: Red Blend

Country & Region: Italy, Lombardy

Price: $17

Vintage: NV

Critic Review: Light ruby red semi sparkling wine with intense blackbery, violet and berry aromas; crisp, lively palate with persistent aftertaste, fruity and deliciously smooth.

My Tasting Experience:

Before Pairing: I could not get past the strong aroma of twizzler. The only smell I could note was some sort of berry candy. When tasting, I knew I could not drink a lot because it was so sweet. However, it was quite delicious with its light bubbles and crispy finish. Very juicy taste with a hint of berry.

Paired with Chocolate Brownies: I think this pairing went well! The brownie definitely overpowered the wine but in a good way. The chocolate was able to cut down the sweetness of the wine making it more pleasant. In the end, the pairing tasted like fizzy water with delicious chocolate.

Here's me and my friends finishing off our second course!

Now, off to uncork my next adventure!

RG