Taino Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 A cigar shop asked us to design and make what it's going to be their private label wine. Needless to say the wine has to go well with cigars. How would you describe your ideal smoking wine?
Colt45 Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 How would you describe your ideal smoking wine? For me, red wine with cigars is a no-no, so I'd have to go with a crisp white with good acidity, showing apple, pear, etc. Nothing buttery or too soft / smooth. Probably unoaked / lightly oaked. I'd probably enjoy a rosé done in a similar style as well. Good luck!
Rogers72 Posted October 7, 2009 Posted October 7, 2009 The shop is probably planning on a Red but I agree with Colt that I prefer a good light, crisp, Champagne. I do enjoy Reds as well with cigars though. I am particularly enjoying Spanish Tempranillos with a powerful, spicey cigar lately.
Fuzz AI Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 Personally, I prefer a full bodied jammy shiraz with peppery notes, and soft, chewy tannins. But then again, I also like to drink Wild Turkey Honey Liqueur or Turkey Flats Pedro Ximenez fortified wine.
Ken Gargett Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 A cigar shop asked us to design and make what it's going to be their private label wine.Needless to say the wine has to go well with cigars. How would you describe your ideal smoking wine? agree with colt and others. port, rum, fortifieds, cognac, malts, white if you must but i do believe that champagne is better still. get the store to do something a bit innovative. now, if i can just finish this cognac article, i have a tasting of the new rothschilds champagnes to do this arvo and then it is a few mates on the balcony with the fizz and cigars to plan the next fishing trip.
Buch0 Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 now, if i can just finish this cognac article Which article is that? I have been trying to read as much on cognac as possible of late. Gimme a peak?!?
Ken Gargett Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 Which article is that? I have been trying to read as much on cognac as possible of late. Gimme a peak?!? has not even been finished yet - for an aussie trade mag. due last week so bit of a push. drop me a note next week to remind me, as it should be finished by then.
Fuzz AI Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 has not even been finished yet - for an aussie trade mag. due last week so bit of a push.drop me a note next week to remind me, as it should be finished by then. Is this going into the next issue of National Liquor News? I'll make sure I swing by the head office and grab a copy when it comes out.
android Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 A cigar shop asked us to design and make what it's going to be their private label wine.Needless to say the wine has to go well with cigars. How would you describe your ideal smoking wine? Free on the Czar's deck...with a little BBQ
Colt45 Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 Taino, if I may add, obviously you'd look for a wine that worked in harmony with cigars. For me this means that neither would alter the flavor of the other, and that neither would induce any kind of off putting flavors in the other. Personally, I prefer that the wine and cigar each stand on their own, and maintain their own flavor profiles. This is why I dislike reds with cigars. Time and time again, I've found that cigar smoke brings out the tannin in red wine ruining the flavor. Regardless, great luck, and I hope you keep us informed as to what you end up doing.
Professor Twain Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 For me, red wine with cigars is a no-no, so I'd have to go with a crisp white with good acidity, showing apple, pear, etc.Nothing buttery or too soft / smooth. Probably unoaked / lightly oaked. I'd probably enjoy a rosé done in a similar style as well. Good luck! I agree with Colt, my favorite pairing is an acidic, fruity wine like a Sauvignon Blanc with a cigar that has citrus flavors, in particular Diplomaticos, La Gloria Cubanos, and Cohiba.
Ken Gargett Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 Is this going into the next issue of National Liquor News? I'll make sure I swing by the head office and grab a copy when it comes out. it is for national liquor news but not sure which issue.
frenchkiwi Posted October 9, 2009 Posted October 9, 2009 I agree - Red wines are wasted with cigars. Harsh tannins eh. Pity. i also generally find that if the liquid isn't a bit syrupy it brings out that harshness. Contra-example: a dessert sherry like Lustau East Indian Solera - so thick with sweet syrup that it can cope with any cigar (although not necessarily a flavour match!)...
laficion Posted October 9, 2009 Posted October 9, 2009 Red wines are wasted with cigars. Harsh tannins eh. Pity. If that's what you think, then you should try a Habano with a " BANYULS " and you'll see how divine it can be
Ken Gargett Posted October 10, 2009 Posted October 10, 2009 If that's what you think, then you should try a Habanowith a " BANYULS " and you'll see how divine it can be but banyuls is a sweet style and i think if not fortified, certainly high alcohol. i'd agreee it would be a style worth trying wth cigars and it should work well but it is hardly the typical red.
Stalebread Posted October 10, 2009 Posted October 10, 2009 but banyuls is a sweet style and i think if not fortified, certainly high alcohol. i'd agreee it would be a style worth trying wth cigars and it should work well but it is hardly the typical red. I thought it is like Port but with a lower alcohol content?
DocRKS Posted October 15, 2009 Posted October 15, 2009 Just finished a magical pairing of the much under-appreciated J.L. #1, DIC 00 date code (still BRINGS the flavours big time) with a few snifters of Louis Royer XO Cognac....... the thing dreams are made of.....just beautiful.... My top pairings with cigars are (in no particular order - depends on the mood): Cognac - too many to list - but Tesseron Lot 29 is currently my #1 Port - just about all types - LBVs, Vintage, 10 and 20 yr Tawny Aged Rums (lately HC Barrel Strength, Diplomatico 12 Year Grand Reserve (Venezuela) or my favourite white rum - Orinoco from Brasil).
Buch0 Posted October 15, 2009 Posted October 15, 2009 Cognac - too many to list - but Tesseron Lot 29 is currently my #1 I too find it hard for anything to beat a top cognac as a pairing with a great cigar.. There is indeed something magical about the combination. I am yet to try anything from Tesseron though, I cant recall seeing it on many shelves around these neck of the woods either. I am glad you bought this thread back up aswell, Ken are you able to share with us that article you were writing the other week?!?!
thechenman Posted October 15, 2009 Posted October 15, 2009 I guess I may be in the minority when I say I do enjoy wine with my cigars, even red wine. My favorite wine with a cigar would be the Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon. Never been disapponted when putting this wine up against any cigar I've tried it with.
ctsales Posted October 15, 2009 Posted October 15, 2009 I always enjoy a nice Brunello or a Rosso di Montalcino (baby brunello) I find the richness of the sangovese grapes pair well with a good cigar. Just my 2 cents
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