Pacific Rim Holiday Gift Guide: The Entertainer Gift Guide

We have another special gift guide for you just in time for holiday shopping! Finish your shopping and wrapping in a breeze with The Entertainer Gift Guide!

1. Personalized Wood & Marble Cheese Board from Mark & Graham
2. French Kitchen Marble Wine Cooler from Crate&Barrel
3. Santal 26 Classic Candle by Le Labo
4. Dining in Cookbook by Alison Roman
5. Edge White Wine Glass by Crate&Barrel
6. 2017 Solstice Vineyard Riesling by Pacific Rim & Co.

Dec 1, 2020 at 1:21 PM Permalink

Pacific Rim Holiday Gift Guide: The Wine Lover

We are proud to introduce our first Holiday Gift Guide! 2020 has been a doozy, but we know that this season will bring the magic we’ve been needing. To keep holiday stress at bay, we’ve crafted two gift guides to help you shop for your loved ones. The first is “The Wine Lover Gift Guide”!

1. 2015 Thick Skinned Red Mountain by Pacific Rim & Co (Receive a Gift Box with the purchase of Thick Skinned Red Mountain wine!)
2. Monogrammed Wine Glasses by Nordstrom
3. Electric Wine Opener and Preserver by Rabbit
4. Hope You Brought Wine Doormat by Threshold
5. Plymouth Cheese Trio by Plymouth Artisan Cheese
6. Wine Food by Dana Frank & Andrea Slonecke

Dec 1, 2020 at 1:06 PM Permalink

Which Reds Have the Least Amount of Tannins?

We all know what a tannin is, right? Okay, real talk, for those of us who have heard the word but still aren’t exactly sure what it refers to… here is a quick wine science lesson (fun)! A tannin is a naturally occurring micronutrient called polyphenol. It is found in plants, seeds, leaves, wood, bark, and fruit skins. Polyphenols are macromolecules made of phenols: complex bonds of oxygen and hydrogen molecules. The word “tannin” is from the ancient Latin word for tanner. Tanner refers to tanning hides with tree bark. Simple, right? Science aside, here are some things to keep in mind about tannins. 

At this point, you may have a few questions. 

What do tannins taste like?

Tannins can make a wine taste bitter, astringent and complex. For many that’s just not a taste they’re comfortable with or enjoy. 

Why do people avoid tannins and look for low tannin red wine?

Some people experience a drying sensation in their mouths from drinking wine high in tannins. Some people will even suffer an allergic reaction from high tannin wine that might include a headache or migraine. That said, if you are not someone who is intolerant to tannins, they are not bad for your health. In fact, they actually serve as an antioxidant. 

Are there a lot of tannins in pinot noir?

Pinot noir is actually one of the most popular red wines because it is a low tannin red wine. Pinot noir is fruit-forward and pairs well with many dishes. Its low tannin levels make it easy to drink and enjoy. Rainstorm makes a gorgeous organic pinot noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon. Be sure to pick up a bottle of Rainstorm (or several) if it’s a low tannin red wine you’re after. 

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Nov 27, 2020 at 6:57 AM Permalink

What Is a Light Bodied Wine?

As a wine lover, there are many terms we use regularly - some with varying levels of authority and expertise! That is to say, a lot of jargon is tossed around in circles of wine lovers. We’ve discussed important properties in wine like tannins, but many are wondering what it means when winemakers and experts talk about body.

When we think about the term body we think about shape, fullness, size. But, what does the term body describe in a wine? What, for example, is a light bodied wine? 

Simply put, there are three bodies of wine: full, medium and light. Each has its own desirable descriptors. When you look up the profile of a wine you will see body among the list of specifics. Body is about how a wine feels in our mouths. Which if you think about it, conjures some of the same sensuality as the term when used to refer to human bodies. 

A light bodied wine is characterized by its lean and delicate nature. The viscosity or consistency of a light bodied wine can be likened to the lightness of water itself. Perhaps it is starting to sound like a light bodied wine is simple, thin or maybe even undesirable. On the contrary, light bodied wines are sought after because they pair well with light foods like chicken and salmon. 

Pinot noir can often be counted among the light bodied. A light bodied pinot noir can be described as smooth and easy to drink. Pinot boir brands like Rainstorm, make a delicious, light bodied pinot noir that can be enjoyed with many summer dishes. Whether it’s chicken or fish or really any vegetable ensemble, a light bodied pinot noir is going to be a lovely accompaniment.

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Nov 16, 2020 at 7:15 AM Permalink

What Does Wine Structure Mean?

Wine structure refers to the main elements of a wine that one can assess while tasting. Meaning, you do not need to be a wine expert to pick on these elements. They are acidity, sweetness, body (if you remember, we have discussed that the term body refers to the viscosity or consistency of a wine. For example, a light bodied wine can be likened to water in its lightness), alcohol and tannin (another reminder is due here: tannin refers to the bitterness, astringency and complexity of the wine). 

Talking about wine structure is really a way of providing flavor descriptors. For example, if you are interested in a low acidity wine you typically won’t go into a shop, restaurant or tasting room and ask for something low acidity. Rather, you might express that your preference is not for sour wines. A sour wine suggests higher levels of acidity. Acidity reduces the ability to perceive the sweetness of a wine and can even make your mouth water. For some people that is a highly desirable feature, but for many low acidity wines are easier to drink and all around more enjoyable. 

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are all examples of low acidity wines. If these are the wines you typically enjoy most you can think about the structure more in terms of flavor. For example, you may decide you prefer a sweeter white wine and try different Chardonnays. 

If you’ve been frustrated by the difficult nature of describing the wine you know you want - you’ve tasted it but what are the words to describe it - you may be relieved to learn more about wine structure. This will open up a new world of communication and help ensure you are able to get your point across and seek out the wines you love and enjoy the most. 

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Nov 5, 2020 at 7:38 AM Permalink