Cocktail and contemplation (C&C) wines
At our house, wine means it is time for dinner. Since we almost always have wine with our evening meal, we tend to buy and drink wine that pairs well with food. For many dishes, that requires a wine that does not overpower you or your food with oak or alcohol. Also, food benefits from a wine with acid. The acid prepares the palate for food and balances fat. These are characteristics that are found in wines from Europe, British Columbia, New Zealand, and wines from the US that are “Old World style”.
However, many wines from the US, Australia, and some from Argentina and Chile are made with a much more fruit-forward style. The warm climates where the grapes are grown produce a wine that can be high in alcohol and often lacking in the acid required to pair well with food.
But these wines still have great merit. This past Sunday, we had a great day in Austin. The weather was terrific, and we got a lot done in the garden and in the kitchen. As the sun started to set, we opened a bottle of Chateau St Jean Fume Blanc Sonoma County 2004. Just the name sends purists heading for their Pouilly Fume and some squab, but this wine was just the ticket. The wine’s melon, pear, and smooth oak went great with the beautiful afternoon, the sense of a day well spent, and the company.
At WineEnabler.com, we refer to these as Cocktail and Contemplation, or C&C, wines since we think that’s when they’re the most enjoyable. These are typically big wines with an attitude that command your attention. C&C wines don’t usually leave room for food, but they are great for just plain enjoyment. Hence, the name.
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Yeah, big wines are great as after dinner drinks, but barring a rib eye fried in butter, they’re usually too much.
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[…] Stephen Vincent 2006 Crimson ($12) – A blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma and the Central Coast, the 2006 Crimson is a Rhone-style wine… and I really like it. High on acid, with dark cherry notes, this wine would pair well with lamb. If you’re into acidic wines (which I am), the Crimson is also just great by itself as a cocktail and contemplation wine. […]
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