Sake does not get into fights with food

Nihonshu wa ryori wo erabanai. This Japanese saying essentially translates as “Sake does not get into fights with food.” It means sake pairs well with many different foods and generally won’t overpower anything on your plate.

2006 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Crozes-Hermitage Silene

This wine, made from 100% Syrah, was impressive, an excellent example of Old World Syrah. It had a subtle nose of black fruits and earthiness, which became more prominent on the palate. It was powerful but not overly tannic, full bodied and with a lengthy, satisfying finish. Excellent black cherry and ripe plum flavors. A [...]

2007 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf-du-Pape

A perfect example of the best of Chateauneuf du Pape. An elegant wine with lots of character, well balanced and very drinkable, even though still young. This is a wine that should impress, and is well worth the price.
WHO Domaine du Vieux Lazaret
WHAT Châteauneuf-du-Pape
WHERE France, Southern Rhone, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
WHEN 2007
HOW MUCH [...]

2007 Paraiso Vineyards Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

This has long been one of my favorite, least expensive Pinot Noirs. It has rich fruit flavors, interesting spice notes and is fairly complex for the price. Plus, it has a moderately long and pleasant finish. It is not your typical California Pinot, but also not quite Burgundian either. But you won’t find many other [...]

2006 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT

I have loved the previous vintages of the Cepparello and the 2006 was not an exception. It reminded me more of the 2005 than the 2004 vitage, being very approachable now though young. This is a great producer and I highly recommend their wines. Even though pricey, this is a wine I recommend as a [...]

2008 Tenuta Migliavacca Freisa Monferrato

From the Piedmont, this producer was the first biodynamic one in the region. This is an excellent value wine, with delicious aromatics, great red fruits on the palate, and a satisfying finish. A very food friendly wine with good acidity, it also is smooth and enjoyable. Great every day wine with character.
WHO Tenuta Migliavacca
WHAT [...]

2004 Bressan Schioppettino

Schioppettino is also known as Ribolla Nera. It had an explosive flavor, very concentrated dark berry flavors and elements of cigar box. Definitely a wine for wild game or steak.
WHO Bressan
WHAT Schiopettino (Ribolla Nera)
WHEN 2004
WHERE Italy, Venezia Giulia IGT
HOW MUCH $42

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2006 Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rùfina Bucerchiale

Another exceptional, single vineyard wine. Smooth, dark berry flavors with restrained tannins and a lengthy finish. Plenty of complexity and a nice balance. Definitely a food wine which should impress.
WHO Fattoria Selvapiana
WHAT Sangiovese
WHERE Italy, Tuscany, Chianti Rufina
WHEN 2006
HOW MUCH $32.40

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Richard Auffrey

Richard Auffrey is the + Food editor at Palate Press.
Richard has been writing about food and wine for over four years.  He currently authors The Passionate Foodie blog and also writes a weekly food/wine column for the Stoneham Sun newspaper.  Though based in Massachusetts, Richard writes about everywhere that he travels and has a special affinity for [...]