Wine Dinner Blog Report #1

For this month’s wine dinner assignment, I visited Blacksburg Wine Lab, a cozy and inviting spot known for its curated wine flights and locally inspired dishes. I opted for the Radiant Red Flight, which featured three different red wines from around the world, and paired it with a grilled cheese with a side salad as my main dish, along with bread and olive oil as an appetizer.

Wine Flight: Radiant Red Flight ($18)

1. Antucura Malbec ‘22 (Argentina)

   • Tasting Notes: Deep purple in color, this Malbec had bold aromas of blackberry, plum, and cocoa, with a hint of spice. The tannins were smooth, and it had a lingering finish with a touch of vanilla.
   • Food Pairing: The fattiness of the olive oil with the bread softened the tannins, making the wine feel even smoother. The grilled cheese also worked well, as the creamy cheese balanced the wine’s natural acidity.

2. Evaluna Rosso ‘21 (Italy)

   • Tasting Notes: This was a lighter-bodied red, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and earthy spice. The tannins were mild, and it had a bright acidity that made it very refreshing.
   • Food Pairing: This wine was the most food-friendly, cutting through the richness of the grilled cheese and complementing the tangy vinaigrette in the salad. It enhanced the savory flavors without overwhelming them.

3. Glenelly Cabernet Sauvignon ‘21 (Australia)

• Tasting Notes: A full-bodied wine with notes of blackcurrant, eucalyptus, and dark chocolate. It had firm tannins and a bold, structured finish.
• Food Pairing: This wine was the heaviest of the three and slightly overpowered the grilled cheese. However, it paired decently with the salad, as the acidity of the vinaigrette helped balance out the tannins.

Overall, this wine flight was an excellent experience, and the pairing had some standout moments. The Evaluna Rosso was the best match for the meal, as its bright acidity complemented all elements of the dish. The Malbec was enjoyable with the appetizer, and the Cabernet Sauvignon was a bit too bold but still an interesting contrast. This experience reinforced how much food can impact the perception of wine, and I’d definitely return to try different pairings in the future!