Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/869846
september 2017 / the tasting panel / 61 Callie Collection 2016 Pinot Grigio, Central Coast Asian pear, rocky soil, salinity, minerality, lychee, melon. Tropical fruit, but not papaya or pineapple, white flowers, jasmine. Recommended Pairings: Calamari friti Light white fish with lemon, olive oil, sea salt and veggies Oysters on the half shell with a mango pineapple kale salad Callie Collection 2015 Fresh Red Blend, Central Coast White pepper on dark cherry, cherry pith, earthiness, plum, spice cake, spiced cedar finish. Recommended Pairings: Margherita pizza Cheeseburger with duck fat fries Beef Stroganoff Callie Collection 2015 Chardonnay, Central Coast Baked apple tart, toasted coconut, ripe pineapple, creaminess that melts across the mouth; just a hint of crème fraiche creaminess, brioche, chamomile, ripe Anjou pear with lemon juice. Recommended Pairings: Scallops with buerre blanc sauce Chicken with fettucine alfredo Southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob PHOTO: JOSHUA FREEDMAN PHOTO: JOSHUA FREEDMAN PHOTO: JOSHUA FREEDMAN A Taste of the Central Coast The Tasting Panel's wine experts—Publisher Meridith May, Deputy Editor Allyson Gorsuch and Wine Editor Jessie Birschbach—sat down to taste through the Callie Collection and offer some thoughts regarding possible food pairings for a great girls' night. Here are their tasting notes and pairings. the Fresh Red Blend. We affirm what Seethoff had told me, that "Callie Collection wines are crafted to accentu- ate the true varietal characteristics of California's Central Coast and the approachableness of the region." And great news for Millennials: You can grab a bottle of Callie and still budget for that avocado toast. I was delighted to find the wine available for $12 at a nearby grocery store. As Seethoff explains, "Our focus has been gaining national retail distribution for Callie Collection wines to ensure our fans can easily find the perfect wine for when those spontaneous moments with friends arise." Callie is currently push- ing retail distribution, but they aren't neglecting their on-premise sales. "We will also look to partner with the right restaurants and bars to ensure the Callie Crew can enjoy the wine when they trade a night in for a night on the town," he adds. Thanks to the recommendation of my Tasting Panel colleagues, I am now a bonafide member of the #CallieCrew. From its easy-drinking and approach- able flavors, to its stunning bottles, ease of the Helix closures and all-important endorsement of Hilary Duff, I know I have a wine capable of wowing even my most showy Millennial peers. I would say wish me luck with the book club, but now that I have Callie, I don't think I'll need it.