In search of great wines and the perfect places to pair them with the perfect dish.
The next time you find yourself in search of something different and new in the world of wine, consider one of these special vintages sure to please even the most discriminating taste for a yet undiscovered vintage. Enjoyment of good wine always goes well with great food, so we’ve made that even easier by suggesting some of Tampa Bay’s best fine dining establishments who can effortlessly play that part.
Share Your Wine Explorations With Tampa Bay!
Be sure to mention your selection is based on the recommendation of the wine editor at the duPont REGISTRY. And then let us know by emailing your thoughts. A picture, too! So we can feature you in our blog, on our website, and in our People Party and Places in the next issue of the duPont REGISTRY TAMPA BAY!!!
Rusty’s Bistro Sheraton Sand Key
MANNEQUIN, WHITE BLEND, CALIFORNIA, 2015 Gilded in bright yellow, an alluring perfume of candied lemon, Bose pear, wild flower, and honeydew melon incentivize the palate. Upon entry, a deliciously rich and creamy texture balance out vivid tropical fruit notes, exotic spices and fresh pineapple that slowly emerge in a captivating way. The finish has a lively tone of acidity, which serves as an ideal foil to the crème brulee, marshmallow, and hazelnut flavors that envelope the mouth.
Island Way Grill Clearwater Beach
FLYING FISH RIESLING, COLUMBIA VALLEY, 2010 Floral, apricot, peach and nectarine aromas are followed by balanced layers of ripe fruit, crisp minerality and a lingering finish. Pair with spicy chicken dishes, grilled seafood and sausages and all types of Asian cuisine.
Salt Rock Grill Indian Shores
HALL CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA, 2012 This dark, opaque wine shows seductive aromas of black currants, spice, Madagascar vanilla and rich cocoa. It boasts unapologetically with its deep garnet color. The flavors are of almost black fruits, deep ripened raspberry, and mixed flavors of vanilla bean and toasted mocha espresso, with dense and plenty of structured tannins. Ask for this when ordering an in-house aged and charred New York Strip steak.
Marlin Darlin Belleair Bluffs
CARTLIDGE & BROWNE, CHARDONNAY, 2013 This North Coast California chardonnay is light and crisp with a fresh style; lush, balanced and long. Pairs nicely with roasted chicken, pork, and seafood.
Rumba Island Bar & Grill Clearwater
CLIFFORD BAY, SAUVIGNON BLANC, NEW ZEALAND, 2014 The Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc is all about expressive fruit flavors. The wine possesses a light straw color and tropical aromas of guava, melon, and citrus. The palate exhibits the same fine flavors followed by a crisp, dry, flinty finish. Pairs nicely with blackened fish, shrimp, and chicken entrees.
Shor American Seafood Grill Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
TORRES, ALTOS IBERICOS RIOJA, 2012 This Tempranillo is very good value. It was aged 12 months in oak producing the spicy notes and vanilla that accent aromas of ripe red fruit. There’s an elusive note of leather underlying the sweet spice and tangy fruit. It’s nicely structured, dry and medium bodied with perceptible tannin and refined acidity. The wine finishes tasty and fruity.
Bascom’s Chop House Clearwater
THE CALLING ALEXANDER VALLEY RIO LAGO VINEYARD 2009 Deep burgundy in color and full-bodied, this impressive Cabernet Sauvignon presents bramble fruit on the nose with hints of sage, smoke, and raspberry. Soft, well-integrated tannins and a velvety texture combine with a dense palate of forest floor, tobacco with a lingering finish of a dark raspberry. The perfect companion to a Bascom’s steak or pork dish.
