Allison Vorcheimer Our lives have been impacted in both big ways and small. One of the things I am sad to have to be rescheduling is celebrating my 30th birthday in Napa Valley this year. I love wine and the process of sampling and learning as I go. But, just because we can’t go to Napa or to a local wine tasting, doesn’t mean wine tastings need to be cancelled. While opening 6-8 bottles of wine in one night with only 2 people is definitely not recommended (unless you have a Coravin system, more on that later) I’m going to give you some suggestions for your own in-home tastings – 6 bottles of wine over 6 nights.
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Ravaging Reds
This is an assortment of some of my favorite red blends mixed with some other highly-rated red selections.
1- Crimson Thread Red Blend – This medium-bodied red blend has hints of cherry and blackberry as well as brown sugar and vanilla. Start of your week of ravaging reds here. Pair with a sharp or smokey cheese – like this Cabot White Cheddar. If you prefer to pair with a meal, try alongside a simple roasted chicken. ($7.99)
2 – Angeline Pinot Noir – This pinot noir is very fresh and has very clean, crisp flavors. Fruity hints like watermelon, strawberry, raspberry and lemons make this a very easy wine to drink. I like to pair this with a soft, creamy brie. For dinner, enjoy with a creamy chicken alfredo. ($12.99)
3 – Tuli Pinot Noir – This full-bodied pinot noir has hints of vanilla and toasty cinnamon with bright fruits like cranberry, strawberry and apple. Pair this with a nuttier cheese like a gruyere for appetizers or some traditional pork chops for dinner. ($26.99)
4 – Big Six Red Blend – This wine is aged in bourbon barrels for 3 months and packs a lot of flavor. Your bourbon lovers will not turn this wine down! The fruitiness of the cherries and blackberries are met with the bourbon barrels flavors of vanilla, caramel and oak. You will not be disappointed. Pair this full-bodied blend with a smoky cheese like a smoked gouda or throw a couple of steaks on the grill. ($14.99)
5 – Bulgariana Cabernet Syrah – This 50/50 medium-bodied blend has intense flavor with hints of raspberry and cherry followed by chocolate and espresso. Pair this robust blend with a dry aged cheese like Manchego. For dinner treat yourself to grilled lamb chops or a beef ragout. ($19.99)
6 – Hologram Cabernet – Finish off this tasting week with this vibrant cabernet with cherry flavors and hints of herbs and licorice. Pair this with a parmesan romano cheese followed by beef short ribs or lasagna. ($23.99)
Crazy for Cabs
Cabernets are a favorite in our house and we are particularly drawn to selections from the Paso Robles region. Cabernets typically pair well with sharp cheeses like cheddar or other salty, firm cheeses so buy a mix of cheddars and other firm salty cheeses like parmesan romano and manchego to pair. For dinners, mix grilled meats and chickens in with some more robust pasta dishes to accompany this selection
1 – Bulgariana Cabernet – Start off Cabernet week with this medium-bodied selection that boasts cherry and blackberry flavors with hints of brown spices. This elegant wine has a smooth finish with just a touch of black pepper spice. ($13.99)
2 – Harvester Cabernet – This Paso Robles Cabernet is full-bodied and flavored with black cherry, berries, spice and velvety tannins. I love to pair this with manchego cheese. ($19.99)
3 – King’s Pass Cabernet – This well-balanced wine has flavors of boysenberry and black cherry with hints of spice. Pair this full-bodied Cabernet with a rack of lamb or braised short-ribs. ($16.99)
4 – Carson Ridge Cabernet Paso Reserve – Another Paso Robles selection, this boasts robust flavors of dark fruits balanced with oak notes. ($19.99)
5 – Olema Cabernet – This intense, full-bodied wine has flavors of blackberry, cherry and sage with hints of spice and hazelnut. Try pairing this with a nuttier cheese, like gruyere to pick up the hazelnut flavors. ($29.99)
6 – 1858 Paso Robles Cabernet – This is a great wine to finish off Cabernet week! Boasting flavors of black cherry, plum and touches of vanilla, and spice with a full finish. One of our favorites when we want to treat ourselves. ($34.99)
Week of Whites
1 – Bree Riesling – This beautiful bottle will not disappoint with crisp flavors of apple, passionfruit and lime. Pair this sweet wine with a strong, flavorful cheese like blue cheese and follow it with a fresh fish dish. ($12.99)
2 – Tesoro Della Regina Pinot Grigio – This crisp Pinot Grigio has flavors of apple and peach and has just enough dryness balanced with a fruity sweetness. Pair with buffalo mozzarella or gruyere cheese followed by linguini and clams. ($16.99)
3 – Martin Ray Sauvignon Blanc – This fresh and tangy wine has flavors of apple and lemon with hints of pear and melon with a smooth finish. Pair this with a soft, light cheese like a french goat cheese and then finish over dinner with grilled chicken and vegetables. ($17.99)
4 – Buttercream Chardonnay – This is my sister’s favorite wine. Like the name indicates, this Chardonnay has rich buttery flavor with hints of vanilla and pear. Pair with a creamy cheese like brie. For dinner, enjoy breaded pork chops or a white cheese pizza. ($13.99)’
5 – Santi Nello Prosecco Superiore – Time for some bubbly! This dry Prosecco has flavors of apple and citrus with floral notes. Pair with asiago cheese and follow with a crisp refreshing salad or grilled scallops. ($15.99)
6 – Tissot Maire Cremant de Jura Brut – This fruity, yet balanced and delicate sparkling wine has hints of honey and fruits. Pair with brie and follow with a little spice, Thai Chicken & Noodles. ($17.99)
Mix it Up
Not tied to whites or reds? This last grouping is a little mix of everything. In a typical wine tasting you would start with the lighter varietals and work your way through heavier flavors then finishing off with dessert wines. The reason for this is so that the lighter wines are not overpowered and all of the flavors can be appreciated. Since this is not a traditional wine tasting and each selection will stand on its own night, feel free to mix it up!
1 – B Lovely Riesling – This light, crisp wine has fruit flavors or peaches, apricots and citrus. Have some fun and pair this with a cheese fondue and grilled scallops and shrimp, tapas style. ($12.99)
2 – Conte Fini Pinot Grigio – This well-balanced wine marries fruit flavors of apple, pear and lychee and ends with a smooth finish. Pair with gruyere cheese and a chicken alfredo pasta. ($14.99)
3 – Spier Rose – Warmer weather means the perfect time for a little Rose! With strawberry and apple flavors, this rose is crisp and fruity. Pair with mozzarella cheese in a caprese salad followed by a grilled fish over vegetables. ($9.99)
4 – Iter Pinot Noir – This smooth Pinot Noir has flavors of blueberry and blackberry with hints of spice. Pair with a havarti cheese and finish over dinner with a mushroom ravioli. ($14.99)
5 – Mascota Vineyards Unanime – This Cabernet Sauvignon has intense flavors of blackberries and blueberries with hints of chocolate and spice. Pair this with a gouda cheese and follow with grilled steak. ($24.99)
6 – Tesoro della Regina Prosecco – Finish off the week with a little bit of bubbly! This crisp and fresh Prosecco has flavors of apple and pear. Pair it with brie and apple slices and finish it off with grilled chicken and prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears. ($19.99)
Now, as promised, back to the Coravin system. If you love sampling wines and don’t want to be pressured to only open 1 bottle a night, the Coravin system is the answer you have been waiting for. This allows you to pour wine from any bottle without removing the cork. With this system, you could pour samples from all 6 bottles in one night without worrying the bottle will turn before you chose to finish the wine. My husband invested in this while I was pregnant (so no help in finishing a bottle of wine over the weekend) and with this, he did not have to worry about wasting the rest or waiting 9 months to enjoy another glass of wine!
Find the Model Two Coravin System here (pictured above) and the Model One Coravin here.
Please, always enjoy responsibly and let me know how your wine weeks go!
** You will notice, my wine selections are all from Total Wine. We love to shop here because they frequently have a mix-six or case discount, and really, when do we shop for wine and leave with less than six bottles? I have listed prices here based on current prices in South Florida. Total Wine is not an affiliate.
