As January drags on and professors pack more and more into each week, a hump-day break in the form of Wine Wednesday could be a much-needed respite from a stressful second semester.
Vom Fass, a German company specializing in high-quality wine and liqueurs, has 10 percent off wine every Wednesday and free tastings every day of the week.
Located on State Street, it’s an easy stop on the way home from the library, and with a little planning it’s easy to pair a bottle of wine with a satisfying dinner. All of these wines and countless others are available for tasting and purchase at Vom Fass.
Whites:
Chardonnay: Sean Minor Chardonnay is a Sonoma Coast dry white wine with fruity and citrus flavors first, and a slight mineral aftertaste. Chardonnays like this are typically paired with pasta or fish in simple buttery or creamy sauces. Other lighter meats like poultry and pork work too, along with late summer vegetables like sweet potatoes.
Takeout pairing recommendation: Fettuccine Alla Cream Di Scampi from Tutto Pasta
Budget recommendation: Alfredo Mont Amore from Noodles & Company
German Riesling: The Weingut Fritz Windisch Niersteiner Spiegelberg Riesling Kabinett is a mouthful but not as intimidating as it sounds. It is an off-dry white wine, making it slightly sweeter than Chardonnay with exotic fruity flavors, floral aromas and a lemony acidity. Rieslings pair well with more unique flavors like chili, lime, curry and stronger meat flavors like barbeque. Riesling is often the wine of choice to pair with Asian foods.
Takeout pairing recommendation: Fried shredded beef in chili sauce from Fugu Asian Fusion
Budget recommendation: Black pepper beef from QQ Express
Cup O’ Madison: Colectivo offers attractive surroundings, social atmosphere
Wine cocktail: A Kir is a French cocktail made from mixing a dry white wine with Black Currant Liqueur, often called Crème de Cassis. Boulder Bank Sauvignon Blanc, from Marlborough, has a clean and zesty taste perfect for this cocktail. The Black Currant Liqueur, available at Vom Fass, sweetens the wine — making the drink perfect for pairing with sweet and tart fruit, such as strawberries or pineapple.
Takeout pairing recommendation: 75 + Sunny acai bowl from Forage Kitchen
Budget recommendation: Mango strawberry smoothie from Fresh Cool Drinks food cart
Reds:
Pinot Noir: University of Wisconsin graduate Anne Hubatch created Whoa Nelly from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. This dry red has an herby, umami flavor with a slight acidity. Pinot noirs are often paired with earthy flavors like mushrooms or aged cheeses. They also pair well with oily fish like salmon.
Takeout pairing recommendation: Seared salmon from Sardine
Budget recommendation: Bagel with cream cheese and lox from Gotham Bagels
Tempranillo: El Pico Tempranillo, a dry Spanish red, is fruitier than Pinot Noir. It has flavors of cherry and spicy blackberry. Tempranillos pair well with Spanish tapas and tomato-based dishes like pizza. Roasted meats and vegetables are also good pairings.
Takeout pairing recommendation: Italian sausage and eggplant pizza from Cento
Budget recommendation: Bianca pizza from Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza
