St. Partick's Day Pairings?!

So I have been asked twice today what kind of wine, if any, would pair well with tomorrow's St. Patrick's Day Festivites...It really got me thinking seeing as the flavors of corned beef and cabbage, though delicious, can also be quite bland. The briney salty qualities in the corned beef mixed with root vegetable like potatoes and acidic cabbage needs something to balance it out. After careful consideration and some charting of flavors I think the following should help those looking to solve this pairing dilemma.

The acidic, crisp, and tart fruit flavors in the following Rose are light enough to not compete with the flavors of the meal but add another quality of sweetness that lacks in this meal. The 2008 Tablas Creek Tablas Estate Rose ($25) is a great example of a tart rose without all the fruit that can come with this type of wine. If sweet is not what you are into something like an Oregon Pinot Gris would add everything the rose would without adding the extra sugar. In this case I would recommend the 2008 King Estate Pinot Gris ($14) This wine is refreshing, bright and full of the acid needed to compete with your corned beef and cabbage. For all you red lovers out there a light Pinot Noir is what is needed to round out this meal. Pinot Noir is a great pairing with almost any dish but for this especially. Try the 2007 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir ($39) it is relatively easy to find and is more earthy and spicy than fruity. This spice mixed with the mustard on your corned beef is the perfect match. Cheers!

NV Gruet Rose Brut Sparkling Wine

Specs:

NV Gruet Rose Brut Sparkling Wine

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Pinot Noir/Chardonnay

http://www.gruetwinery.com/

$15.00

Notes:

So I know what you are thinking...Sparkling wine from New Mexico? Yes. Exactly. Not only that, but it's made by a French winemaker in the true Methode Champenoise. This winery follows strict guidelines in the production of their wines and sparking wine to achieve the flavors of a true French Champagne. Personally, I am a huge fan of Brut Roses. By saying I was excited to try this wine was an understatement especially in such a reasonable price point. You can only drink so much Chandon and Korbel in a lifetime.

This sparking wine is a beautiful pink color with some red hues in the glass. The aromas are crisp and fresh with smells of fresh ripe fruit; fruits include strawberry, peach, raspberry and cherry. On the palate the wine is soft and subtle however the fruit is definitely at the forefront. Tart peach, nectarine and strawberry are the main flavor components I pick up. I definitely wouldn't call this wine "sweet". It has a great balance of fruit and acid which takes down the flavor I would come to expect of most roses'. This sparkler has a nice dry flavor but at the same time refreshing finish. The Gruet Brut Rose is a great celebration wine and can be paired with almost anything. It is the perfect new find for someone looking for something a little off the beaten path. Guet Winery is a relatively small producer so I would buy this while it is still available.

Ruinart NV Brut Rose Champagne

Specs:

Ruinart NV Brut Rose Champagne

Reims, France

45% Chardonnay 55% Pinot Noir

12.5% Alcohol

http://www.ruinart.com/

$85.00

Notes:

This Champagne is one of my most favorite things in the world. Anyone who asks me what my last meal would consist of on death row: a bottle of Ruinart Brut Rose would be it. And I would die happy. This champagne not only is smooth and perfect; but the color is like no color you have ever seen in a champagne. Salmon and Coral hues with tiny sparkles of bubbles throughout it. At first smell you are not overpowered by the senses. It is an extremely subtle smell of florals and mild fruits. At first sip it is special. The bubbles do not overpower the flavor yet add to it. Unlike new world sparkling wines the texture is smooth and silky. Flavors of citrus and crisp orange rind and fresh picked strawberries and peaches. You can literally taste the color you see before you. This is summer in a bottle and pairs unbelievably with food. It is not overwhelming in any sense. This is the perfect pair for appetizers as well as dessert; especially a fresh macaroon from Ladure.

Before you die anyone and everyone deserves the pleasure of a glass of this perfect pink magic. It is decadence in a bottle and is worth every penny. Forget food for the week and buy a bottle. You won't regret it.