TIME TO “RE-PAIR” YOUR HOLIDAY WINE MENU! Thu, Dec 08, 22 | wine gourmet food “Thoughts and attitudes on food pairings have changed considerably in the last ten years,” says Tyler Mirt, Liquor Barn’s resident CS, CSS, Cicerone®. Not only is he excited about this turning point, he’s working tirelessly to spread the word! This holiday season, he’s challenging customers to rethink their wine pairing theories. Instead of strict adherence to the red with meats and white withchicken rule, he suggests a laid-back approach. His refreshing two-step formula is: share great wine and food with great friends and family, and drink whatever you like with your food. Period. Ready to “re-pair ” your holiday menu? Then check out Tyler’sout- of-the-box pairings that are sure to please your guests. GET THE PARTY STARTED! Every holiday party needs an ice-breaker. Tyler recommends Les Dimes Vouvray because it’s simply a joy to drink. This Loire Valley white has enormous versatility: it’s delightful on its own, and it plays well with a range of foods, most notably cheese. THE PLEASURE OF PROSECCO It’s wonderful when there’s a reason to uncork some bubbly, but then again, it’s ok to share some just for fun. If you’re looking for a double-duty workhorse, Tyler recommends the Fioretti Prosecco Frizzante because it’s effortlessly pleasing at a great price point. AND THE PRIZE FOR BEST PERFORMING RED GOES TO … With hundreds of red wine varieties to choose from, picking just one is not for the faint of heart – except that some wineries are, well, exceptional at their craft. Such is the case with Thomas Bassot’s Coteaux Bourguignon, says Tyler. Its light body, medium acid, bright red fruits and abundant earthy tones make the Bassot a great food partner. He says this Burgundian red knows that woodsy herbs like rosemary and sage are essential in Thanksgiving cooking, so it does nothing but help those flavors shine. A MILLION REASONS TO PICK THIS RIESLING It’s a good omen when the word “doctor” appears on a wine label, especially when the wine is as good as Dr. Yaya Katz’s Feinherb Riesling. Tyler describes this versatile wine as “a joy to drink by itself, especially while whisking gravy!” He addsthat,“If you happen to spill a bit in the gravy, that’s fine too!” The appeal of this German white comes from its big pear, green apple, while petrol and light floral notes, which are present on the nose. A RED AS BIG AS THE SEA “Pacific Vista has something many do not: personality,” says Tyler, proud of this red’s fortitude. He describes this Californian wine as overtly fruity with very little tannin. Tyler loves this wine’s crowd-pleasing strength, which is big enough for most foods, yet easy and approachable for novices. DON’T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA In Spanish, ‘temporada’ has a double meaning: ‘season’ and ‘occasion.’ But Tyler says there’s nothing occasional about the Temporada Rosé. He recommends this dry rosé for any occasion, from sipping in the afternoon to a full course meal. Its adventurous flavors pair well with turkey or ham.
