Roll Out the Barrel for some Riesling

Don't go out there. It's cold out. Stay in and drink this.

I’m starting to think all this lockdown stuff is making me a little… odd.

OK, yes, I hear you in the peanut gallery, odder. OMG, you’re so funny.

But for real, I kinda don’t want this winter to end. I like being home, in comfy clothes, on the couch, by the fire. House too cold? Throw another log on the fire and put on a thicker sweatshirt and more wool socks.

I’ve got food (well, too much DoorDash, but it’s still food), and I’ve got good wine. Why would I ever want to go out again?

Today’s wine by the fire is 2020 Fox Run Vineyards Silvan Riesling. Remember how I was so excited a couple of months ago that I happened to buy this? Apart from the fact that I’m a huge wine nerd, why was that? Because riesling, especially in the States, is most often fermented in stainless steel tanks. Fox Run’s Silvan is aged for a time in barrels!

It’s too much to say the flavor is muted compared to other rieslings, but it is less bright and crisp. I get pear on the palate and a little bit of fresh white bread. There’s also creaminess which you can only get in barrel-fermented wine.

This would be perfect with some risotto. Hey, it’s cold out, can you think of a better way to spend an evening than stirring warmed stock into some rice for a while? Splash a little wine in there, take a sip, stir, add some more wine… to the pot, sure, you can do that. Keep that up. While you’re in your wool socks and sweatpants.

Stay warm and cozy, folks.