Sometimes we have to just chill. In life, and with an occasional red wine out on the patio.When summer finally arrives, it will be all Cherries and Rainbows for me. I’m talking about a wonderful chillable red blend from France.I‘m not saying that we should start storing our summer reds in a cryogenic wine fridge, either. Overchilling wines seems to be a trend these days, whether it’s white or red.
My cellar temperature stays at 65 degrees all year-round. I think it’s the perfect temperature. Cool enough to put a little chill on a red wine, and perfect for whites. Any colder and the beautiful aromatics of the wine are lost.
This certified organic wine is a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% grenache, and 10% Mourvedre from the Languedoc and Roussillon regions – such wines are known as GSMs.
Cherries and Rainbows, which costs $20, has wonderful ripe red plum and strawberry aromas to complement amazing bing cherry flavors.In my mind, summer has arrived, so I stopped by One Love Karibbean Kitchen on Copley Road to pick up a $9 Island Deal. Owners Leah and Kayon Muchette recently opened a Kenmore Boulevard location that includes seating.Too many tasty options, but I decided on the Jamaican jerk chicken and a side of Caribbean cabbage. I also got an extra side of jerk fried rice with red beans, which is one of my favorites.I couldn’t have been happier with this pairing. This red blend had enough fruit to tame the spicy island fare. I used the sauce, which I got on the side, very sparingly.I felt a little guilty just diving into the main course without first sampling a cheese as I usually do. I was pleasantly surprised at how well Vermont Creamery’s strawberry goat cheese on a crostini tasted with this wine. (I found the cheese at Heinen’s in Hudson and it will be at Beau’s Bar & Bistro in the cheese case soon.) Save a few sips to have with a piece of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Dark Chocolate that I picked up from the Market District in Cuyahoga Falls. You might be tempted to skip the main course altogether. Buy this wine at Krieger’s Market in Cuyahoga Falls, Beau’s Bar & Bistro in Copley, Brimfield Liquor, Cornerstone Market in Munroe Falls and Meyers Lake Beverage in Canton.
You can reach Phil Masturzo at philyourglass@gmail.com and follow him on Instagram @pmasturzo_philyourglass
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Chillable Cherries and Rainbows wine is perfect for summer sipping
Reporting by Phil Masturzo, Special to the Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY NETWORK / Akron Beacon Journal
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