Harmonia Pinot noir 06

Avalon's Wine Pick of the Week for 2-14-08

Retro Chic and Water Aerobics

Quercus Harmonia Pinot Noir 06

Fashion trends, water aerobics and wine don't generally assimilate, but somehow found their way into my week...

Retro chic is everywhere these days from wide wale corduroy to fondue, but my favorite is water aerobics class at the community pool. I had horrible visions of Jane Fonda in water wings when I first agreed to take my grandma to class last summer but was pleasantly surprised to find a young hip class of working professional women. We banter about politics, swap recipes and review the work day. Inevitably, I end up chatting about wine.

Last night, slightly out of breath from wall push-ups, I discussed the merits of "value pinot" as a necessity to have on hand. "Value pinot" is a workhorse of a wine, extremely versatile for a range of weeknight dinners, unexpected guests, or just a glass to unwind with at the end of the day. My current favorite is the Quercus Harmonia 2006 $22.45/$20.20. Light and supple, full of red raspberry a little bit of sweet baking spice and just a touch of earth it is refreshing and charming. Harmonia is the perfect daily drinker that won't break the bank.

Though retro chic may be the current fad, I think "value pinot" is a trend that is here to stay.

Happy drinking and good eating,

Amy

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