TSF GETS A PROFESSIONAL PAIRING
December 9th, 2011
The holidays are right around the corner, and with it comes big dinners and parties. We’ve been lucky enough to have our very own wine connoisseur friends, at Cru Wine Online, professionally pair each song from our new album, “March of the Kings”, with an appropriate vintage. You’re wondering if this is even possible. Below, we’ve included the Cru Wine’s actual pairings for your enjoyment, and invite you to experience their remarkable ability.
Additional wine pairings are available at www.cruwineonline.com
By Nick Barth
All of the wines are pretty easy to find and are all under $20 retail, with most of them coming in under $15.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Pairing: Shooting Star – Zinfandel – Lake County, California
Tasting Note: Fruit forward and juicy with well balanced characteristics this jammy red pairs well with comfort food and winter dishes as well as the soothing, smooth, warm sounds of I Head the Bells on Christmas Day by Tonic Sol-FA.
Last Christmas
Pairing: Frisk – Prickly Riesling – Victoria, Australia
Tasting Note: This modern, fresh, bright, slightly effervescent, sweet white from Down Under is a great partner to light spicy and sweet dishes and this upbeat, modern holiday tune. This could be my favorite pairing on the CD!
Angels We Have Heard on High
Pairing: Yalumba – Y-Series Viognier – South Australia, Australia
Tasting Note: To quote Karen McNeil of the Wine Bible “If a good German Riesling is like an ice skater (fast, racy, with a cutting edge) and chardonnay is like a middle-heavyweight boxer (punchy, solid, powerful) then Viognier would have to be described as a female gymnast—beautiful and perfectly shaped, with muscle but superb agility and elegance.” Just replace Viognier with Angels We Have Heard on High by Tonic Sol-FA, enough said.
Away in a Manger/O Come Emmanuel
Pairing: J. L. Wolf – Gewurztraminer – Pfalz, Germany
Tasting Note: This well balanced, off-dry German white has ripe fruit aromas and flavors with a spicy twist making it a great partner to this traditional holiday classic.
North to Alaska
Pairing: Enrique Foster – ‘IQUE’ Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina
Tasting Note: This bright, fruit forward red from Argentina hasn’t seen a lick of oak making it a unique example of this hearty French native grape (since perfected by the Argentinians). AK is my alma mater and Horton is one of my favorite classic singer/songwriter so I took a special interest in this pairing. The bass influence in this song lead me to reach for a hearty red but the fun, upbeat rendition made select something with bright, peppy characteristics. Since this wine hasn’t seen any oak you get the hearty characteristics of the Malbec variety with a dash of bright fruit not spice.
Deck the Halls
Pairing: Rio Madre – ‘Graciano’ – Rioja, Spain
Tasting Note: With this wine we get to see a modern style wine produced from a classic region, Rioja. The ripe fruit profile, smooth tannins, and well balanced acidity makes it a great partner for this classic holiday tune, of course produced with a modern twist.
Oh, Christmas Tree
Pairing: Hahn Estates – Merlot- Monterey, California
Tasting Note: A juicy, smooth, succulent red from California’s central coast makes a great pairing to this warm Christmas classic.
Carol of the Bells
Pairing: 14 Hands ‘Hot to Trot’ White Blend – Columbia Valley, Washington State
Tasting Note: This Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier white blend highlights how awesome blending can be both in wine and in the case of a kick-a$$ A Capella group from MN. Both the boys of Tonic Sol-FA and the grapes used to make this white wine blend together to create soul pleasing sensations. Plus the name of the producer, 14 Hands, is inspired by their love for horses, and the song has kind of a horse trot beat. This is my second favorite pairing!
All Will Be Well
Pairing: Castle Rock – Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon
Tasting Note: Pinot Noir is considered to be incredibly food friendly. And here the grape shows how versatile it truly is as it pairs perfectly to the steady, layered sounds of All Will Be Well.
Santa’s Serenade
Pairing: Bricco Riella – Moscato d’Asti – Piedmont, Italy
Tasting Note: This sweet, lean, sparkler from Italy makes for the perfect partner to this easy-listening, up-beat holiday instant classic! Like the song, this wine begins with a fresh, approachable flavors that are enhanced by a wonderful bubbly base.
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Pairing: Byron – Chardonnay – California
Tasting Note: The rich, creamy profile of this California Chard creates a symphony when paired with this well rounded holiday album anchor. It has the well-balanced base to keep beat with the tune with enough punch and zest to hit the “high notes.”
