Sure, you know all about food and wine pairings. Red with beef, white with chicken and fish.
But how about mood and wine pairings? This is something to which I’ve given a great deal of thought, not to mention research hours, resulting in these rules to drink by.
When you’re feeling a little low _ merlot. And I’m not just saying that because I’m a sucker for assonance. Warm, soft, peppery, this is just what you’re looking for when you want to relax with a glass of something comforting. Yes, I realize it’s fallen from favor in recent years and, in fact, there was some overplanting that resulted in mediocre wines. But there’s plenty of good stuff out there; I’ve had some nice bottles from Sonoma County recently.
When you’re feeling effervescent _ bubbly. Napoleon is alleged to have said, “Champagne _ in victory you deserve it; in defeat, you need it.” Maybe so, but my feeling is there’s nothing like a slim flute of something sparkling for when you’re feeling on top of your game.
If you’re feeling the heat _ moscato di Asti. Serve it cold, cold, cold.
Feeling mischievous? Maybe it’s time to get a little zin-ful. I’ve been drinking Rosenblum zinfandel, dirt cheap in Costco, lately. Very tasty. To the point that Mr. Vinecdote finished off my bottle before going back to his beloved Two Buck Chuck.
And should you feel in the spirit for intellectual inquiry, pour a pinot noir. This is an intriguing and complex wine, which like merlot is feeling the perils of popularity. Good or bad, it will give you something to think about.
Cheers.