Plates? Check. Cups? Check. Napkins? Check. Silverware? Double check. But what about the wine? You might think your kitchen is well stocked with all the everyday items you might need to accommodate guests coming over to dine at a moment’s notice (extra virgin olive oil and frozen peas among them), but we would like to politely beg to differ. Allow us to clarify: If you don’t have these 5 types of Paso Robles wine sitting in your kitchen (or cellar, or cupboard—or closet), you’re seriously lacking! Maybe that’s just our humble opinion, but here in Paso Robles Wine Country, we know a thing or two about flavor. And no, you don’t have to be an expert to keep up with us! Whether you’re planning a casual hangout, a fancy feast or romantic date night for two, you’re going to need these wines. Trust us.
1. An everyday table wine
Your best friend, in a bottle: In Paso Robles Wine Country, “table wine” is no insult. We tend to think of our go-to bottles as time-honored classics, not unlike the ones you’d find parked on any table across Italy or France. What makes these wines so special? Well, they can be dressed up (think: steak and shrooms) or dressed down (weekday pasta night). Derby Wine Estates 2016 Maneater (57% zinfandel, 43% petite sirah) does a great job doing double duty. A fruit-forward blend with firm tannins and dark flavors of fried blueberries, toasted almonds and vanilla, you’ll find it versatile yet captivating. Truly, you’ll reach for this charmer again and again. Better buy a case!
2. A crowd pleasing blend
Blend in to stand out: Attempting to make everyone happy is a fool’s errand, but some wines just do it naturally. Around here, there’s plenty of universally beloved red blends to choose from—but this one really stands out from the crowd. Ready to meet your new kitchen helper? Hoyt Family Vineyards’ Dylema is an affordable, fun and unbelievably delicious Rhone red blend that will please even the pickiest dinner guest. Originally created for the Malibu Chili Cook-Off and a gold medal winner, this “kitchen sink” blend of respectable Rhône fruit is smooth and easy on the palate (no puckered faces here). Most importantly, oodles of bright, juicy flavor make this blend ultra-approachable, even to a first-time sipper.
3. An age-worthy showstopper
Age meets beauty: Sometimes, you just want to wow ’em! Brecon Estates’ 2019 Petit Verdot is exactly the showstopper you need when the new boss comes over for supper, your spouse finally makes black belt in karate or a ten-year anniversary toast is in order. That is, to say, a wine that only gets better with each passing day! Dark and rich with ripe tannins, this single-varietal petit verdot is like that little black dress or fancy hat tucked away in your closet. Sure, it doesn’t come out very often, but when it does—what an impact, indeed. Bright velvety fruit, loads of varietal character, fantastic structure, and excellent mid-palate fruit appeal make this wine suitable for when “someday” becomes “today.”
4. An easy sipper
Endless summer: You’ve heard of Easy Rider. This one’s more like “easy sipper!” Bursting with peach, strawberry and pineapple aromas and dripping with irresistible flavors of kiwi, apple and lime zest, Tooth and Nail’s 2021 Destinata Rosé is a dry, European style grenache for those who want to “rosé all day” without the sugar rush. Enjoy on the couch, the porch, the boat—anywhere you want to feel unfettered and fancy free. Unfiltered and ready to drink now, we suggest you pour a glass immediately and seize the moment before it’s gone. Seasons may come and go, but you’ll never want to stop sipping this stellar summer-in-a-bottle offering. The best part? You really don’t have to.
5. A delicious dessert style
When to pour a dessert style wine? There are no rules, friend. We say, break out that dessert bottle anytime your event needs a little extra sweetness! Although the winter holidays and Valentine’s Day make for no-brainer occasions, you can pour a snifter of this fortified beauty anytime you want to dazzle your guests (like, alongside that yummy cheese platter). Chateau Margene’s 2015 ROXO Port Style Barbera simply oozes with liquid joy, and that’s by no accident: Using Metodo Portuguese (the Portuguese method), the dessert wine is produced in a traditional style using neutral grape spirits rather than Brandy. It’s also aged in toasty French oak barrels for three-to-six long years! OK, wow. We’d like to see your after-dinner pie do that.
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This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
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Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally-owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers. TOUR VIRTUALLY
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full-service restaurant.
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