Celebrate every meal with the right wine
Perfect pairings
WWMD – What would Margaret drink?
Margaret Pearman is a certified sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers and curates the award-winning wine list at Charlie’s Coastal Bistro. Here are her sipping suggestions for November:
The union of wine and food might just be the most enduring love affair in history — each enhancing the other in ways that are unforgettable. In the novel A Gentleman in Moscow, Count Rostov, confined to the walls of the Metropol Hotel, turns to ritual to pass his endless days, with his evening meal and its wine pairing becoming a highlight. One evening he is offered osso bucco and eagerly orders a 1912 San Lorenzo Barolo. However, when asked by the waiter if he prefers red or white, the count is left speechless.
“A Barolo is a full-bodied red from Northern Italy,” he explains. “It’s the perfect match for the osso bucco of Milan.”
Only then does the manager reveal the devastating news — the Bolsheviks have mandated that all wine labels be removed from the cellar, rendering the once-perfect pairings impossible. For Count Rostov, this moment marks the beginning of his decline.
Wine and food together spark the senses, often transporting us to memories we hold dear. At Charlie’s my most popular events are the Sommelier Smackdowns. Here, two sommeliers select wines for each course, and diners are tasked with blind-tasting the wines, deciding which pairs best with the food. This sensory exercise highlights how wine can transform when paired with the right dish. Frequently, a wine favored before the meal evolves dramatically alongside the flavors of the food. The next time you sit down for a meal, pause and think about what wine might enhance your experience rather than simply reaching for what’s familiar. To get started, here are some seasonal pairings that will make your Thanksgiving table sing:
1. Curran Vin Gris Rosé of Grenache: Perfect with oysters or barbecue.
2. Domaine de la Chene Vacqueyras:Ideal for shrimp and grits, meatier fish or duck.
For more pairing inspiration, check out winefolly.com for some great ideas.
