As we sit punctually in the middle of harvest, it is hard not to muse of the coming wines. I for one stand on my toes every year waiting for Pinot Noir to come down the pipeline. Our misty hills and rocky soil make amazing Pinots that pair perfectly with our local cheeses and meats. The Santa Cruz Mountains have consistently produced impeccable wines and a tip of the hat especially to Regan Vineyard Pinot Noir. You may be excited to receive three bottles of 2012 Regan Reserve Pinot Noir but here is everything you need to know to further your appeal and make this special shipment event more exhilarating.

To start, let’s appreciate the beginnings of our favorite varietal. Although Pinot Noir is grown around the world, it is most often associated with the Burgundy region in France. However, the Central Coast, Russian River Valley and Willamette Valley of Oregon have been steadily growing a respectable reputation due to the cool, moist climates that Pinots thrive in. The fruit grows in tight cone shaped clusters and are highly susceptible to fungal diseases. It is often stated that the Devil made Pinot Noir as it does not easily stand against the harsh vineyard conditions such as wind, heat and drought and while being one of the most popular varietals of wine, it is most difficult to grow.

So you have your perfect Pinot, now how do you serve it?

Because Pinot Noir is a fruity wine, it is commonly served in a wide glass with the rim turned out. This allows the intense flavors to spill out of the glass with an intoxicating aroma. The wide bowl gathers its delicate bouquets and sets the liquid pleasantly on the tip of your tongue so you can enjoy 2012’s rich fruit flavors with a long finish.

Pairing your Pinot is easy, just think lean meats. Pork, lamb and chicken are perfect with this wine. I recommend using aromatic seasonings such as clove, rosemary and oregano and slow cooking or braising to enhance the earthy flavors. Finish with a natural stock that is rounded out with some butter and seared sweet vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Figs, blueberries and other summer fruits make for a perfect accompaniment and can be served alongside soft cheeses such as brie, Havarti and herbed crèmes. You can even get spicy and couple with some smoked sausage meats.

So stow one bottle of your 2012 Regan Vineyard Pinot Noir shipment away for a quiet night and pop one now for your friends delight. Salud!

Perfect Pairings:

• Leaner meats (veal, chicken, turkey, rabbit, any game bird, and filets of beef or pork, and a well -drained duck)
• Smoked, wood -roasted, braised or sausage meats (with the use of beef, lamb and pork)
• Earthy flavors (truffles, wild mushrooms, mustards, peppercorns, coriander and horseradish)
• Resiny or scented green herbs (rosemary, thyme, tarragon, oregano, summer and winter savory, chervil, mints and basils)
• Aromatic sweet spices (clove, cinnamon, mace, allspice and nutmeg)
• Sweet vegetables (such as tomatoes, beets, carrots, caramelized onions and bell peppers)
• Autumnal fruits (figs, plums, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, currants, black and dried cherries, etc.)
• Natural stocks and sauces rounded with butter
• Slow cooking processes (braises, pot -au -feu, etc.)
• Mild or creamy cheeses (Brie, Camembert, herbed cremes, Cheddar, Havarti and jack)