May I Suggest...
By Barbara Kozlowski (12/26/08)
For the Village Wine Rack

As I promised in last week’s column, I tried three different Pinot Noir wines, one from France and two from Oregon. The one from France, HOB NOB, was a little disappointing. The flavors were to be from black cherries. I did not find a very strong black cherry flavor in this wine and probably not ever buy this wine again.

Of the two from Oregon, ERATH and ARGYLE, I much preferred the ERATH which had nice cherry and berry flavors and aromas. True to most Oregon Pinot Noir, the wine is light and silky and would pair well with almost any dish from poultry, seafood and veal. The ARGYLE Pinot Noir also has cherry and berry flavors and aromas and the tannins slightly sharper than the ERATH. The ARGYLE also will pair well with poultry, seafood and veal. Both of these wines come with screw caps which make for easy resealing. Both of the Oregon Pinot Noir are worth trying.

Another wine from the west coast is SNOQUALMIE winemaker’s select Riesling from the state of Washington. This is a crisp aromatic wine with honeyed fruit and bright acidity that pairs well with spicy Asian dishes as well as fresh fruit and cheese. A nice wine for an aperitif with a selection of meats, cheese and fruit. I really enjoyed this wine and look forward to serving it to guests. Be sure toask Candy at THE VILLAGE WINE RACK abut this Riesling.

Are your ready to celebrate the New Year? If you are having a ‘house’ party, be sure to order and pick up the Champagne or sparkling wine you will need. Candy at THE VILLAGE WINE RACK has a great selection. This is usually one of the first items to disappear from the racks. Whether it be DOM PERIGNON, VEUVE CLICQUOT or MOET & CHANDON from France, one of the sparkling wines from the United States, PROSECCO from Italy or a CAVA from Spain, chill them well and uncork them shortly before the witching of midnight for a celebratory toast. This is my one opportunity to drink only sparkling wine for the entire evening.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! Drink responsibly, drive safely BON APETIT & SKAAL!!!!