A Few of Talley's Favorites (and What She Pairs Them With)
As a wine proprietor, my goal is to make wines that we want to drink. Each vintage, when Mike and I sit down with our consulting winemaker Richard Bruno to discuss that year’s production, I know it will always include vibrant, crisp whites and multi-layered, easy-drinking reds. Today, I’m excited to share three of my current personal favorites, along with some delightful food pairings that bring out the best in each wine.
1. Rosé: The Zesty Delight
Rosé is a wine that I love for its versatility and charm. The Old Lodge Rosé is a beautiful explosion of pomegranate, freshly sliced watermelon, Queen Anne cherries, white peach, and a stone minerality.
Food Pairing: This Rosé shines when paired with grilled shrimp skewers. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the shrimp, while its fruit elements uplift the smoky, charred flavors. A squeeze of lemon over the shrimp will tie everything together beautifully.
2. Chenin Blanc: The Elegant All-Arounder
Chenin Blanc is a grape that has my heart. It’s crisp, layered, and versatile, with a balance of acidity and subtle fruit flavors. Our Acre Chenin Blancs burst with notes of apricot, fennel, citrus, and tropical fruit with a touch of chamomile on the palate and a nuanced expression of citrus zest and a subtle saline minerality on the lingering finish, making it the perfect wine for a sunny afternoon, an al fresco lunch, or your evening meal.
Food Pairing: Pair this Chenin Blanc with a fresh goat cheese salad, topped with candied walnuts and sliced pears and an entree of a scallop risotto. The acidity of the wine complements the creaminess of the goat cheese in the salad and the seafood in the risotto, while the fruit notes harmonize with the sweetness of the candied nuts. It’s a wine that can effortlessly take you from brunch to dinner.
3. Proprietary Red Blend: Comfort in a Glass
Our Proprietary Red Blend is rich and lush, with notes of huckleberry, Bing cherry, blue fruits, spice, cashew, leather, and dark chocolate. It’s a wine that’s easy to drink but has a complexity that keeps you coming back for more.
Food Pairing: Pair this beauty with sliced grilled steak and portobellos topped with chimichurri sauce. And then let it follow you into your dessert course with a pairing that might surprise you— s’mores! The wine’s rich, fruit-laden notes are an ideal complement to the sweet, gooey marshmallow, while the hint of spice enhances the chocolate’s depth. It’s a pairing that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated, perfect for a cozy evening by the fire as summer turns to fall.
Let Talley’s Favorites Become Your Favorites
These three wines represent some of my favorite styles—crisp and vibrant whites, and easy-drinking, multi-layered reds. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal with friends or indulging in a sweet treat by the fire, these wines are designed to elevate your experience and bring joy to every sip. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Cheers!