Perfect Thanksgiving Wine Pairings
November, 2024
Leave the thinking to us! The clocks are being turned back and Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. Whether you are more interested in the feast or the football games, we believe that the relationships that bring us together with wonderful food & wine (and maybe football) should be your focus - so we would love to simplify the wine decisions for you. Here are some general guidelines to consider but we’d love for you to come in for a deeper dive into what’s on the shelf!
From your Unwined Family to all of yours, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and we are so thankful for you!
- Set a festive tone by serving a sparkling wine as a welcoming aperitif. We love Pine Ridge Sparkling Chenin Blanc-Viognier!
- Avoid heavily tannic wines with the traditional Thanksgiving fare. Pinot Noir is always a good choice with turkey as well as a traditional herb-filled stuffing and we have MANY to choose from!
- If you deep fry your turkey, we suggest a Zinfandel which has jammy flavors and often hints of tobacco that pair well with the smokier flavor in this preparation. Three Wine Company Contra Costa is a fan favorite at Unwined!
- Of course, you’ll want to have some white and rose options available too. A dry Riesling is a wonderful compliment as well as a rose of Pinot Noir.
- For those that serve ham for thanksgiving, try a Grenache such as Yalumba Barossa Bush Vine Grenache.
- As we’ve mentioned before, dessert wines should be sweeter than the dessert and you can’t go wrong with Sauternes and … you might be surprised to know that Sauternes is actually a wonderful pairing all the way from appetizers through dessert!
From your Unwined Family to all of yours, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and we are so thankful for you!
Orange Wine Without the Orange?
October, 2024
What could be a more perfectly themed wine for the beginning of Fall than Orange wine? This might have something to do with the planning of National Orange Wine Day for October 6th and we are here to help you prepare! Since there has been a bit of a resurgence of orange wine production recently, you may be led to believe that this is a new wind trend or style, but in fact, orange wine making techniques date back thousands of years. And before we go too much further, while there might be some orange rind flavor detected in some orange wine, the wines are produced solely from grapes typically used for white wine production. The orangish hue comes from additional skin contact along with the seeds of the grapes. This results in the presence of tannins which as with red wine, leads to a dry, fuller body style but with a wonderful natural acidity, orange wines are capable of pairing well with both beef or fish. Some orange wines also bear similarities with sour beer and make a terrific pairing with the fermented style of some Korean or Japanese dishes. Orange wine is sometimes referred to as “amber wine” or “ramato,” which means auburn, in Italian and describes skin-contact Pinot Grigio wines from Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Hopefully we’ve piqued your interest and you’ll try our great wine of the week option from California’s Central Coast made from a blend of white grape varieties including Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and Albarino. Or if you need a sample of an orange wine before you fully commit to a bottle, join us on Friday from 6-8 to enjoy an Italian orange wine made from a blend of Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc (along with a few other delicious Italian wines!)
Hopefully we’ve piqued your interest and you’ll try our great wine of the week option from California’s Central Coast made from a blend of white grape varieties including Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and Albarino. Or if you need a sample of an orange wine before you fully commit to a bottle, join us on Friday from 6-8 to enjoy an Italian orange wine made from a blend of Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc (along with a few other delicious Italian wines!)
Intro to Food & Wine Pairing
September, 2024
There is absolutely no doubt that the idea of nailing the perfect food and wine pairing can be daunting with so many variables at play. A simple google search can yield long lists of rules or complex charts. At the end of the day, we will admit that we are firm believers that the “Drink What You Like” rule which some might advocate is the only rule necessary. That being said, there are a lot of interesting wines out there and it sure is fun experimenting with food pairings! Here are some basic tips for those of you that might be up for finding your next favorite pairing:
A very easy guideline to remember and a common saying you may have heard is : what grows together goes together. When in doubt, pair regional wines with regional foods and trust the locals! One of our favorites is Pizza and Montepulciano!!
Some other helpful considerations:
And in the strange but true category - Fatty dishes pair well with light crisp or sparkling wines that serve as a palate cleanser allowing the flavors of the food to come through so you simply must try pairing Champagne with potato chips ... .you won’t be disappointed!!
A very easy guideline to remember and a common saying you may have heard is : what grows together goes together. When in doubt, pair regional wines with regional foods and trust the locals! One of our favorites is Pizza and Montepulciano!!
Some other helpful considerations:
- Flavorful foods call for more intense wines. Matching flavor intensity reduces the risk of dulling the flavors of either the food or the wine. A good example is barbequed meat dishes with Shiraz.
- Wines with a touch of sweetness (off-dry Riesling or Gewurztraminer) pair nicely with spicier foods such as Thai or Indian dishes by serving to temper the heat.
- The tannins that are characteristic of a bold Cabernet Sauvignon essentially serve as a natural meat tenderizer helping to break down the proteins in meat. So now you have a little bit of the science behind this classic pairing.
- While it might seem counterintuitive, sweet wines are the best pairings for your dessert. You absolutely cannot go wrong with Creme Brulee and Sauternes!
And in the strange but true category - Fatty dishes pair well with light crisp or sparkling wines that serve as a palate cleanser allowing the flavors of the food to come through so you simply must try pairing Champagne with potato chips ... .you won’t be disappointed!!
Fun Facts about Cider
August, 2024
Cider is a beverage with rich history and unique characteristics that make it a favorite for many. Whether you’re a seasoned cider fan or new to the drink, here are some interesting facts to deepen your appreciation for this flavorful, versatile beverage.
- Cider Is Naturally “Hard”
The term “hard cider” is often used in the U.S. to distinguish alcoholic cider from its non-alcoholic counterpart. However, cider is inherently alcoholic, just like wine or beer, so there’s no need for the extra qualifier. - It’s Unfiltered Apple Juice
At its core, cider is simply apple juice that has been fermented. Unlike some beverages, it’s often unfiltered and sometimes even unpasteurized, giving it a raw and authentic flavor profile. - Gluten-Free Goodness
Cider is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions. With simple ingredients like apples, yeast, and water, it’s a clean and straightforward choice. - Sweetness Is Optional
Not all cider is sweet! Like wine, cider ranges from dry to sweet, so there’s a style for every palate. If you’ve only tried sweeter ciders, you might be surprised by the variety of flavors and finishes available. - Cider Is a Fruit Wine
Technically speaking, cider is closer to wine than beer. It’s made by fermenting fruit juice—apples instead of grapes—making it a unique category of its own. - America’s Apple Abundance
With over 2,000 varieties of apples in the U.S., cider makers have an incredible palette to work with. Many apples used for cider-making are different from the ones you’ll find at your local grocery store, adding to the distinctiveness of the drink.
"If you like this, try that..." Champagne Edition
July, 2024
To wrap up our series “if you like this, try that” we turn to Champagne alternatives. As a quick reminder, many people speak generically about sparkling wine as Champagne but only wine produced in the Champagne region of France should be referred to as such.
While we naturally think about sparkling wine around the holidays, it is actually something you should absolutely turn to as an amazingly crisp and refreshing summer staple! Certainly there are many summer celebrations worthy of spending a bit more for a quality bottle of Champagne, we are here to tell you that there are so many crowd pleasing options in all the styles: white, rose and red! These are super food friendly pairing choices for all the lighter summer fare and always perfect as an aperitif as well!!
Here are some of our favorites;
From crisp Crémants to refreshing rosés and unexpectedly delightful reds, there’s a bottle out there for every palate and occasion. So, the next time you’re reaching for a bubbly treat, consider one of these crowd-pleasing options—and maybe even discover a new favorite.
Raise a glass to sparkling wine all year round—because bubbles are always a good idea!
While we naturally think about sparkling wine around the holidays, it is actually something you should absolutely turn to as an amazingly crisp and refreshing summer staple! Certainly there are many summer celebrations worthy of spending a bit more for a quality bottle of Champagne, we are here to tell you that there are so many crowd pleasing options in all the styles: white, rose and red! These are super food friendly pairing choices for all the lighter summer fare and always perfect as an aperitif as well!!
Here are some of our favorites;
- White: Cremant wines are the “unsung hero” of French sparkling wines and are made in the same style as Champagne. Try: Bonnamy Cremant de Loire or Willm Cremant d’Alsace
- Rose: Many producers of sparkling wines, including Champagne producers will have rose selections as well. Try: Col di Luna “Flora” Frizzante Rosato (Italy) (slightly less bubbly if that’s your preference) or Biutiful Cava Brut Rose (Spain)
- Red: Lambrusco admittedly acquired a bit of a bad reputation dating back a few decades so we urge you to try some of the current quality choices such as Villa di Corlo Lambrusco Grasparossa. And for those of you looking for a sweeter option, don’t miss Govone Piemonte Brachetto Spumante Dolce.
From crisp Crémants to refreshing rosés and unexpectedly delightful reds, there’s a bottle out there for every palate and occasion. So, the next time you’re reaching for a bubbly treat, consider one of these crowd-pleasing options—and maybe even discover a new favorite.
Raise a glass to sparkling wine all year round—because bubbles are always a good idea!
"If you like this, try that..." Pinot Noir Edition
June, 2024
Last month, we kicked off our "If You Like This, Try That" series with alternatives to Pinot Grigio, and we hope you discovered some exciting new favorites. This month, we’re turning our attention to Pinot Noir lovers, offering up some red wine suggestions that might just surprise you.
Pinot Noir has a special place in many wine enthusiasts' hearts thanks to its moderate tannins and vibrant red fruit freshness. But did you know there are other reds out there with similar qualities? In fact, some of these alternatives might even fool you in a blind tasting! Here are some of our top picks for Pinot Noir fans:
Stop by and let us help you explore these fun and versatile Pinot Noir-inspired bottles. Who knows, you might find your next go-to red!
Pinot Noir has a special place in many wine enthusiasts' hearts thanks to its moderate tannins and vibrant red fruit freshness. But did you know there are other reds out there with similar qualities? In fact, some of these alternatives might even fool you in a blind tasting! Here are some of our top picks for Pinot Noir fans:
- Frappato: A delightful Sicilian varietal, Frappato boasts fresh, light characteristics and is perfect for those who appreciate Pinot Noir's elegance.
- Gamay: This varietal, a cross between Pinot Noir and the white grape Gouais Blanc, naturally shares many of Pinot's beloved traits. Gamay shines brightly in Beaujolais wines, offering a fresh and approachable profile.
- Mencía: Found mainly in Spain and Portugal, Mencía combines minerality and acidity with a hint of spice, making it a complex and satisfying alternative.
- Nebbiolo: While Barolo and Barbaresco may be Nebbiolo's most famous expressions, try bottles from Langhe or Alba for a lighter, earlier-drinking experience with familiar Pinot Noir-like qualities.
Stop by and let us help you explore these fun and versatile Pinot Noir-inspired bottles. Who knows, you might find your next go-to red!
"If you like this, try that..." Pinot Grigio Edition
May, 2024
At Unwined, we’re passionate about helping you feel more confident in selecting wines and exploring beyond your usual choices. Our goal is to make wine approachable and exciting! That’s why we regularly rotate unique varietals into our Wine by the Glass menu, which you’re always welcome to sample before committing to a full glass. Another fun way to discover new favorites? Stop by one of our complimentary tastings and let your palate lead the way.
To inspire your wine journey, we’re kicking off a blog series called “If You Like This, Try That”—a guide to branching out from your tried-and-true wines and discovering fresh favorites.
Let’s start with a classic crowd-pleaser: Pinot Grigio. This light-bodied, refreshingly crisp wine, known for its citrus and green apple notes, is a staple for many. While Pinot Grigio is most famously produced in Northeast Italy, it’s also widely crafted in other regions. To ease into something new, try an Oregon Pinot Gris, which offers a slightly different yet equally delightful take on this favorite.
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few other exciting options to explore:
As the weather warms up, these wines are perfect to sip on sunny days or pair with light spring fare. We encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and give one (or all) of these a try. Who knows—you might just discover your next favorite!
To inspire your wine journey, we’re kicking off a blog series called “If You Like This, Try That”—a guide to branching out from your tried-and-true wines and discovering fresh favorites.
Let’s start with a classic crowd-pleaser: Pinot Grigio. This light-bodied, refreshingly crisp wine, known for its citrus and green apple notes, is a staple for many. While Pinot Grigio is most famously produced in Northeast Italy, it’s also widely crafted in other regions. To ease into something new, try an Oregon Pinot Gris, which offers a slightly different yet equally delightful take on this favorite.
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few other exciting options to explore:
- Grüner Veltliner: A versatile Austrian white wine with notes of lime, white pepper, and a crisp minerality.
- Muscadet: A French wine (distinct from Muscadine!) that pairs beautifully with seafood thanks to its bright acidity and saline finish.
- Picpoul de Pinet: This French varietal is known as the “lip stinger” for its zesty acidity, offering lemony, vibrant flavors.
- Greco di Tufo: An Italian white with a richer texture, featuring stone fruit and almond notes.
- Txakoli: A slightly effervescent wine from the Basque region of Spain, offering a unique blend of tart green apple and citrus.
As the weather warms up, these wines are perfect to sip on sunny days or pair with light spring fare. We encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and give one (or all) of these a try. Who knows—you might just discover your next favorite!
Get “Rosé Ready” – A Guide to the South’s Favorite Sipper
April, 2024
Okay, technically, National Rosé Day isn’t until June, but here in the South, we know it’s never too early to prep for rosé season! With its rise in popularity (and maybe with a little help from all those rosé memes), this wine category is officially the fastest-growing in the U.S. It’s time to get ready to embrace the pink drink like a pro.
Before we dive in, let’s clear up a couple of common misconceptions:
The Art of Intentional Rosé
Many winemakers grow and harvest grapes specifically for rosé production, often referred to as “intentional rosé.” These grapes are picked earlier in the season to preserve their bright acidity and fruity notes. The magic lies in the short maceration process, where the grape skins remain in contact with the juice for just a brief time, allowing the winemaker to control the color and flavor.
A classic example is the iconic Provence rosé from France, typically made with Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre grapes. These wines are intentionally light in color with crisp red fruit and zesty citrus flavors, perfect for sipping on a warm day.
The Saignée Method
Another way to produce rosé is through the saignée method (French for "to bleed"). This technique is often used in regions known for bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Syrah. In this process, winemakers “bleed off” a portion of the juice during the early stages of red wine production. The result? A deeply colored, richer rosé with a more robust flavor profile, ideal for those who usually favor red wines.
While French rosé is undeniably a fan favorite, don’t overlook other incredible rosé options from around the world. Here are a few worth exploring:
Still on the fence about rosé? Let’s challenge the idea that it’s an inferior style of wine. With such a wide variety of options—from crisp and light to bold and rich—there’s truly a rosé for everyone. Whether you’re team red, white, or sparkling, rosé’s versatility and range of flavor profiles make it a worthy addition to your wine rotation.
Before we dive in, let’s clear up a couple of common misconceptions:
- Rosé is not just white zinfandel (we’re not here to discuss that today).
- Rosé wine isn’t made by blending red and white wines together.
The Art of Intentional Rosé
Many winemakers grow and harvest grapes specifically for rosé production, often referred to as “intentional rosé.” These grapes are picked earlier in the season to preserve their bright acidity and fruity notes. The magic lies in the short maceration process, where the grape skins remain in contact with the juice for just a brief time, allowing the winemaker to control the color and flavor.
A classic example is the iconic Provence rosé from France, typically made with Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre grapes. These wines are intentionally light in color with crisp red fruit and zesty citrus flavors, perfect for sipping on a warm day.
The Saignée Method
Another way to produce rosé is through the saignée method (French for "to bleed"). This technique is often used in regions known for bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Syrah. In this process, winemakers “bleed off” a portion of the juice during the early stages of red wine production. The result? A deeply colored, richer rosé with a more robust flavor profile, ideal for those who usually favor red wines.
While French rosé is undeniably a fan favorite, don’t overlook other incredible rosé options from around the world. Here are a few worth exploring:
- Italy (Rosato): Often bolder in flavor with vibrant notes of cherry and herbs.
- Spain (Rosado): Bright, full-bodied rosés with ripe berry flavors.
- U.S. Rosé: Frequently made with Pinot Noir, offering a silky texture and refreshing fruit-forward taste.
Still on the fence about rosé? Let’s challenge the idea that it’s an inferior style of wine. With such a wide variety of options—from crisp and light to bold and rich—there’s truly a rosé for everyone. Whether you’re team red, white, or sparkling, rosé’s versatility and range of flavor profiles make it a worthy addition to your wine rotation.