I am in no way a wine connoisseur, but I do enjoy a glass after a stressful day, and there’s nothing more pampering than a bubble bath, candles, wine, and my favorite music. However, wine is perceived by many as a fussy drink that needs to be paired perfectly to fully enjoy its potential. A few weeks ago I was introduced to Wine Awesomeness, a wine delivery membership club that curates fun themed bundles. The service is totally approachable even for beginners, and the pairing instructions in the booklet couldn’t be any easier.
Speaking of the booklet… It’s not just another piece of paper with the table of contents and brief wine descriptions. Rather, it’s a full-fledged mini magazine that covers the theme of the box, talks about the history, specifics, plus best uses for all wines that could have been included, and – wait for it – pizza recipes! That’s right, Wine Awesomeness May 2016 box that I received to try included homemade pizza recipes from acclaimed chefs to accompany each of the wines, and they all looked absolutely scrumptious.
HOW IT WORKS:
For $45/month subscribers will receive three curated wines, carefully selected by Wine Awesomeness sommeliers around a common theme, and a mini magazine with recipes and wine pairing tips. Want even more wine? The company offers a discounted 6-bottle option that comes in a regular box. Click here to subscribe.
SPECIAL OFFER:
Click here to get your first box free + $22.50 S&H, no code required.
Before you ask, yes you can choose to have the boxes customized to your preference. You can select either a mix of wines, red only, or white only. If you pick the white wine option, there’s a chance of getting rose and bubbly, too. Isn’t that a nice way to stock up on special occasion drinks that you can just pull out of your little wine cellar/storage? I’ve been in these situations before, like that one time when my BFF decided to drop by unannounced to tell me she just got engaged, and I had nothing but some beer on hand to celebrate with.
I got three delicious wines in my mixed box: 2 reds and one white. Let’s take a closer look at them now, shall we?
HOBO “ROCKPILE” ZINFANDEL 2013:
This full-bodied fruity red with soft tannins and medium acidity works wonders to accompany rich, cheeseful deep dish pizzas. Created in Sonoma Country, California using 93% Zinfandel and 7% Petite Sirah grapes, this unique wine features hints of blue and black fruits, red flowers, fennel, and some noses may even catch a whiff of pipe tobacco. French oak adds another layer of complexity by tricking your senses into smelling oregano, thyme, and other Italian spices that are usually present in pizza.
DOMINIOS DE CASTILLA TINTA DE TORO 2013:
Full-bodied and moderately acidic, this bold Spanish number packs a powerful punch that can stand up to the heartiest of dishes. The wine is made from 85% Tinta de Toro [also known as Tempranillo grape] and 15% Garnacha, combined in a way to make those cedar, clove, vanilla, and inky fruits really shine. Wine Awesomeness included an amazing recipe for Paulie Gee’s “Feel Like Bacon Love” pizza to pair with Dominios De Castilla Tinta de Toro 2013, and I am definitely going to recreate it soon.
SCOPA PINOT GRIGIO 2015:
Last but not least, a nice bottle of crisp white to tone down ham and cheese Chicago style pizza [one of my favorite kinds, by the way!]. Pinot Grigio is considered by many to be old fashioned, but Scopa is determined to make your grandma’s favorite white cool again. Scopa Pinot Grigio 2015 is slightly bitter with a bit of a savory tinge and whiffs of fresh pineapple that will perfectly balance out just about any dish.
I don’t think I’ve ever tried pairing wine with pizza before, it just seems like craft beer from a small brewery would be a better fit. However, experts at Wine Awesomeness proved me otherwise. While I’m not adept enough to come up with my own pairings just yet, Scopa Pinot Grigio 2015 worked surprisingly well with a classic thin crust supreme. A glass of wine definitely elevates a regular meal turning it into a fun pampering experience, I feel like I should do this more often.
Regarding my glassware of choice… I know it’s more proper to drink out of regular wine glasses, but I just love this huge chalice so much, and I totally felt like a boss drinking out of it! I mean, it’s wine paired with pizza, we don’t have to be all formal here, right? 😉
BOTTOM LINE:
Want to take the guesswork out of wine pairing and enjoy a fun themed trip around the world’s best wineries every month? Wine Awesomeness just might be the perfect lifestyle subscription box to take you on that exciting pampering adventure! Whether you choose to enjoy it with friends, family, a special someone, or by yourself, it will surely delight the senses and make any day a special one. And don’t forget, you can try your first month of Wine Awesomeness free by only paying the shipping fee, click here for more details.
Do you enjoy drinking wine? Have you tried pairing wine with pizza? Let me know in the comments below!
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