One of the most common questions we get is: “What makes a wine food-friendly?” Unfortunately our answer doesn’t always please. In this internet rich time of wine criticism and blogs, when big bold wines, with high alcohol content seem to get the most praise, we’re willing to assert that the wines best suited for the dinner table are those that deliver subtlety and nuance. Part of this is directly related to the fact that we also like our food to deliver complexity. We’re not huge on getting hit over the head with an overused spice, preferring instead a delicate balance of flavors.

When we’re selecting wine to partner with food, we’re inclined to choose a wine that whispers rather than screams. There is nothing that destroys a dinner like an obnoxiously loud wine - a wine that begs to be loved because it thinks it’s uniquely clever or a wine that could overpower the richest of cuisines.

When it comes to food and wine, we like synergy.

But don’t get us wrong; there is a place for big, bold wines. It’s on the patio, with some grilled ribs or a big juicy steak full of powerful flavor, or in front of the television during a sporting event when your favorite team is playing in the finals.

When you meet a wine that you want to savor and get to know better - that’s the wine we suggest you choose as a food partner.