Wines to pair with that much-anticipated novel

January has arrived, with its long evenings that invite a spot on the recliner reading one of those books you either picked up or were given over the holidays.

Here are several lists to perhaps some to consider: 10 books to add to your reading list in January from the L.A, Times, 23 brilliant new books to consider in 2023 from the Huffington Post, and the U.S.’s most beloved children’s book, per a study that PennLive recently wrote about.

With that in mind, two Fine Wine & Good Spirits wine specialists offer their suggested wines to pour when you’re sitting down to start the first chapter of that book you can’t wait to start.

Elizabeth Langbell, Wine Specialist

Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection Store #1007 | Cranberry Mall, 20111 Rte 19, Room 301, Cranberry, Butler County

Genre: Classics

Wine Pairing: Château Siaurac Lalande de Pomerol 2016 (Code 86097, $28.99)

While reading the works of greats like Jane Austin, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Oscar Wilde, nothing pairs better than a wine just as classic and epic, such as Bordeaux. Château Siaurac Lalande de Pomerol 2016 (Code 86097, $28.99) is full-bodied with great structure. Curl up and enjoy the notes of black cherry, plum, baking spice, herbs, and sweet tobacco, leading to a silky, juicy, long finish.

Genre: Science Fiction

Wine Pairing: Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold made with Organic Grapes Vin de France 2020 (Code 86228, $19.99)

Reading something as imaginative and innovative as Sci-Fi needs a wine that is just as awe-inspiring. Orange wines are made from white grapes with skins on, leading to a bold orange color and intriguing flavors. Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold 2020 from France (Code 86228, $19.99) is a gorgeous tangerine color with flavors of Cara Cara orange, peach, white flower, and bitter almond.

Genre: Romance

Wine Pairing: Meiomi Rosé California 2021 (Code 86933, $18.99)

Pink is the color of love, so rosé is the perfect match for indulging into a romance novel. With its beautiful salmon color, Meiomi Rosé 2021 from California is off-dry with jammy strawberry, raspberry, and lemon notes. This wine has bright acidity and cool minerality, making it as lush and mouthwatering as your book!

Andrew Hart | Wine Specialist

Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection Store # 2334 | Brandywine Mills Shopping Center1751 Wilmington Pike, Glen Mills, Delaware County

Sixto Uncovered Chardonnay Washington State 2019 (Code 87592, $24.99) is made by the critically acclaimed winemaker, Charles Smith. This is an excellent winter white with delicious apple and pear notes. The oak and the butter are balanced, so the wood tones aren’t dominant and the butter isn’t over the top. There is just enough of each to complement the fruit. Try this with a cozy, lighthearted mystery, and a winter meal featuring stew or a hearty chicken soup.

Locations CA Red Blend (Code 2601, $19.99) is a California blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Syrah, Malbec, and Grenache made by the remarkable winemaker, David Phinney. There are loads of dark fruit in this wine with a bright note of maraschino cherry. A book this bold would be the perfect wine for a thriller or spy novel – think intrigue! And don’t forget to enjoy the book and the wine with some dark chocolate, brownies and your favorite recliner.

Earthquake Zinfandel Lodi 2019 (Code 86774, $24.99) is a big, bold, and spicy red wine from Michael David, the maker of the Freakshow line. There is plenty to appreciate in this bottle; lots of dark fruits, black cherry, cola, cedar, vanilla, a touch of walnut and a long peppery finish. Everything you want in a California Zin! This is the perfect wine to enjoy along with any nonfiction sports novel, and also in preparation of the Super Bowl; don’t forget to pick some up for the big game and serve alongside Texas chili or even buffalo chicken dip.

If you’re more of a politico, don’t miss the Taylor Fladgate Porto Late Bottled Vintage (Code 7175, $21.99), as it is the ideal winter warmer. Elegant and rich with notes of raspberries, cedar, dark chocolate and licorice. Taylor Fladgate has been producing wine in Portugal since 1692. This is a serious wine that is dry and dense, balanced with fruit and firm tannins. This versatile wine will pair well with game meats and roasts, and a political page-turner or even historical nonfiction.

More:

The U.S.’s most beloved children’s book is this: study

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