Dec 7 – Red Wines by the Fire
This Week I’ll be chatting with Matthew Cocks, DipWSET, and Advanced Sommelier. He is a vinicultural expert with “VinoVoss” — an AI Sommelier smartphone app and web-based semantic wine search and recommendation system. The topic: Wines for in front of the fireplace 
Winter Warmers: The Best Red Wines For Cozying Up By The Fire
How do you define the seasons? All of us have our own way. Some use ecology, and are guided by the activity of plants. Others use the calendar, where the seasons change along with the pages of the twelve months. Temperature, too, can offer a guide. The onset of winter is revealed when the shrinking mercury’s refusal to rise signifies a shift from ‘Winter is coming’ to ‘Winter is here’. Of all these methods, temperature may be the one felt the most.
The Allure of the Fireplace in Winter
The Secret to a Great Fireside Wine
The magical thing about being fireside is that it stimulates so many of our senses simultaneously. Perched by the hearth, one can see the flickering light of the flames, feel the glow of the radiant heat, hear the crackle of burning fuel, and smell the gentle, but unmistakable, wafting aroma of woodsmoke. A good fireside wine emulates these signals, underscoring and intensifying them.
“Winter reds should generally complement the warming spirit of the fire and the relaxation, Whether enjoying it by itself, with a piece of chocolate, or a delicious piece of meat from the grill, you have to make the final decision which of those will suit you best.”
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your corkscrew, and a few logs, and get the fire crackling.
Matthew Cocks, DipWSET, is a vinicultural expert with “VinoVoss” — an AI Sommelier smartphone app and web-based semantic wine search and recommendation system, developed by BetterAI. VinoVoss picks the perfect wine for any occasion, courtesy of a highly advanced artificial intelligence architecture. Matthew, as an educator, international judge, and consultant, uses a data-informed approach to help HORECA companies hone their operations and procurement processes, and private clients optimize their wine cellar for enjoyment and investment. Matthew also holds the Advanced Sommelier Certificate from The Court of Master Sommeliers. Reach him and more at www.vinovoss.com. Or visit https://www.matthewcocks.com/
Then it’s all about Ancient Peaks the Ancient Peaks family owned winery and the amazing Santa Margarita Ranch vineyard in Paso Robles, California. https://ancientpeaks.com/
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2020 Ancient Peaks Merlot -Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles
This primo Merlot opens with enticing red fruit aromas joined by hints of dried herbs and toasted oak. A round, supple texture delivers mouth-filling flavors of raspberry, plum, black cherry, cocoa dust and baking spice. Lingering complexities of cedar and mushroom elevate the senses on a silky, polished finish. The complex flavors of the pair well with rack of lamb, herbed roast beef, mushroom risotto, and Merlot-braised pork chops. Blend: 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Zinfandel ABV14.3 Learn more here!
2022 Ancient Peaks Santa – Santa Margarita Ranch Zinfandel, Paso Robles
Zinfandel offers a nose of mixed berry fruits with hints of caramel and black pepper spices. The mouthfeel is supple, jammy and expansive with flavors of raspberry, cherry, plum and vanilla, with trailing notes of toasted oak and leather adding depth to the wine’s luscious fruit-forward character. Juicy acidity lingers on the finish with an appealing dash of spice. The juicy, delicious style of the 2022 Zinfandel is a perfect match for spicy Italian flatbread, red sauce pastas, Santa Maria-style barbecue and pork ribs. 100% Zinfandel ABV14.3% Learn more here!
Grab these wines at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road
Light the fire place, pour a glass and enjoy the holidays!
