Meiomi Wines
I recently attended my first professional golf tournament, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which takes place at the incredibly scenic Pebble Beach, California. With the sounds of crashing waves and distant claps cheering on the competition surrounding me, I took in panoramic views of the Monterey coastline with a glass of wine in hand. Looking back, I wish I had savored that moment just a bit more, but who knew a pandemic was on its way.
Now that the fresh ocean breeze and group gatherings are behind me (at least for the time being!) I can at least relive some of my Pebble Beach memories by indulging at home with the help of Meiomi Wines and five professional golfers with impeccable taste!
We also enlisted the help of Meiomi’s Winemaker, Jason Becker, to help us wine novices on the best ways to put together killer food and wine pairings.
“A quick tip for pairing food and wine is to take a look at the tasting notes of the wine, itself. Different aromas and flavors of the wine ideally pair with certain foods,” explains Becker.
“For example, Meiomi’s Coastal California Pinot Noir is flavor forward and filled with notes of bright strawberry, jammy fruit, blackberry, and dark cherry that make it an excellent pairing with equally flavorful dishes like thin-crust pizza, grilled lamb and turkey. Conversely, Meiomi Rosé boasts more delicate aromas of strawberry, rose petal and citrus that beautifully complement lighter dishes like spring & summer salads, spicy fresh cheeses, or strawberry shortcake for dessert.”
Pinot Noir
When it comes to solid guidelines for what types of wines pair with certain cuisines and dishes here’s what he recommends:
- White wines, like a Chardonnay, pair very well with light meats, such as fish or chicken.
- Red wines, such as a Pinot Noir, pair well with bold flavored meats, flavorful pizzas, and rich, creamy cheeses.
- Rosés pairs well with light fruits, sharp and spicy cheese, lightly cooked seafoods.
“It’s all about balance. Heavier dishes call for a fuller bodied wine, whereas a lighter dish pairs well with lighter wines. Find a wine that doesn’t overpower the dish, but complements it by bringing out the meal’s best qualities,” he continues. “Don’t be afraid to experiment by pairing new wines with your favorite dishes, you will very quickly learn what works and doesn’t!”
When it comes to the pros, here’s what these top-notch golfers had to say about their favorite food and wine pairings while at home.
Kevin Kisner
Kevin Kisner
“What better meal could you ask for than a pour of California’s Meiomi Pinot Noir and a classic cheeseburger after a day on the golf course.”
Chesson Hadley
“I love a BellaVitano cheese with a Chardonnay.”
Hudson Swafford
“I enjoy a light salmon dish with Pinot Noir.”
Kira Dixon
Kira Dixon, Golf Advisor Living Host / AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Celeb Player
“Meiomi Pinot Noir with charcuterie. I’m obsessed with making large grazing boards and the must-haves to pair with the wine are new Amsterdam aged Gouda and prosciutto de parma.”
Bud Cauley
“Pinot Noir with steak, potatoes au gratin, spinach, mashed potatoes.”
