RED WINE AND SEAFOOD: A NATURAL PAIR
 

As Chris Cannon demonstrates, smartly selected rosés and reds can be transformative, and he brings passion to his pairings. “Much like when you go see fish being pulled up, real wines totally express place in a way that’s unbelievable,” he says. “When you meet the winemaker, it’s just like meeting the fisherman. Winemakers deal with the dirt every day, but they’re also artists.”

ROSÉS
 

2018 Domaine des Terres Vivantes—Beaujolais- Villages Vieilles Vignes Rose “La Lutine”

“It is I 00 percent biodynamic. They have goats and sheep running around, and 40- to 85-year-old vines of Gamay. It’s granitic soil, so it has a lot of minerality. This has salinity to it, but it also has really beautiful, round fruit. To me, it has really delicate, round fruit.”

2017 Cleto Chiarli—Lambrusco di Sorbara Secco Vecchia Modena Premium

“This is a rosé Lambrusco from Modena, a very old producer. It’s a red sparkling wine that is bone dry and traditionally paired with salumi, prosciutto and fatty meats. It’s beautiful. It’s charming. It has bright, pressed-berry fruit and this slightly balsamic quality to the acidity which is really elegant. To me, this is a wine that a master sommelier and a wine novice will both love. “

REDS
 

2015 Domaine du Cros—Marcillac Vielles Vignes

“Marcillac is an appellation in southwest France made from the local grape, Fer Servadou. It’s bright and fresh, of medium weight with hints of tobacco, cassis and cedar. It is similar to Bordeaux, but being made from one grape, expresses its terroir in a more compelling fashion.”

2016 Weingut Jürgen Leiner—Pinot Noir “Handwerk”

“This is a Spatburgunder, a pinot noir from the Pfalz Region in southern Germany near the French border. I love the bright cherry fruit and the transparent earthiness of this wine. A dead ringer for a Village Burgundy at half the price.”

2016 Blue 2 Blaufrankisch—Beneduce Vineyards

Michael Beneduce was named Edible Jersey Beverage Artisan of the Year in 2017. His Blaufrankisch (an Austrian varietal) is the finest red wine made in NJ. Its rich, dark blackberry fruit is complemented by hints of clay, pepper, star anise and smoked meat. A remarkable wine.