The holiday season can have anyone and everyone running around, stressing out and not really enjoying the season. Keep your holiday cheer by taking time to plan a night or two during all the rush and madness to unwind!
Imagine a perfect, relaxing evening…you are sitting on your couch and you have a velvety smooth, medium-bodied, yet fruit forward, glass of Pinot Noir in hand. You are watching a witty comedy—Sideways— about two forty-something men that travel to California’s wine country—one in search of relief from his depressing existence, the other in search of a last-minute fling before he ties the knot.
You are delighting in the end of the hectic day and enjoying laughing and letting the mouth-watering wine take over your senses. The raspberry and black cherry aromas, the earthy notes mingled with a delicate mouth feel and the sound of the comedians from the movie wash over you.
You could be eating dinner, enjoying a hearty dish of veal parmesan and linguini, or one that is lighter—Ahi tuna or fresh salmon with wild rice or quinoa. Pinot Noir pairs well with a variety of dishes, due to its acidity and lighter tannic structure.
Perhaps you have planned a relaxing girls’ night, and you are snacking on various cheeses and breads—try creamy Bleu or Gorgonzola, creamy Brie or middle-aged Gouda. Don’t hesitate to follow it up with chocolate-covered strawberries, creamy chocolate truffles or get creative with berry-chocolate fondue!
Pinot Noir is known in the wine world as being one of the ficklest grapes and is only produced in small quantities. It is tough to grow and even tougher to make into a delicious, delightfully balanced red wine. Ask any winemaker, and they will surely tell you the pinot noir grape is finicky but well worth the hassle!
This Burgundy native demands optimal growing conditions (a.k.a. terroir); it is referred to as one of France’s Noble grapes and sometimes even “Red Burgundy.” However, it is now grown in many parts around the world, such as: Oregon, California, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Spain, Germany and Italy.
This is a versatile red wine with less noticeable tannins and fruity, yet only slightly sweet characteristics. Depending on the region the wine was vinified in, the qualities and characteristics will vary. The best part is trying to figure out which style is your favorite.
