A is for Alibi & A to Z Pinot Noir

We are on the move again soon, this time heading north to complete our compass rose of summer travels. Before we head to Philadelphia, I have had time to browse my favorite wine and book stores.

I love coming across something that makes a pairing click into place. It reiterates that this project, pairing books and wine together, is something I could happily do for a long time. When I saw this week's wine bottle, it was like 25 books came jumping out at me.

The Pairing

 A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton and A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir


This wine will never be the perfect pair since Sue Grafton very tragically passed away before writing the final book of the series. There is not an A to Y winery, though. I checked.

If you're not familiar with the series, here is my best synopsis: Kinsey Millhone is a PI who solves the s*** out of mysteries. A is for Alibi is a cold case re-examination where it seems like the suspects are everywhere. There are scenes that will get your heart racing- in good ways and bad.  Overall, it's one of those first-in-a-series that makes you so excited that it's a series.

A to Z wineworks has a number of wines, but the Pinot Noir rose as the best fit for Sue Grafton's adventurous heroine. The winemaker's tasting notes are a teeny bit more expressive than what I can do: The palate initially mirrors the aromatics with complex, pure red and blue fruit flavors. As the wine moves across the palate, ripe, dusty tannins bracketed by juicy acidity give shape and definition to the powerful fruit flavors in harmony with a mineral quality, reminiscent of slate and graphite. 

I realize I just recommended a wine that is described as "dusty" and "reminiscent of slate and graphite," but I promise you it's delicious. It's a little salty, but so is Kinsey Millhone, so it works.

Also, as I continue on this journey, it becomes more and more clear that any sort of mystery needs a red wine. Since it's hot out these days, I've been chilling my reds to about 55-60 degrees, so I still get the full taste but I also am refreshed. If you are heading to the beach or pool and require a white wine, I'd recommend the A to Z Pinot Gris. 

It's time to go pack... the question is, can I get to E by the end of this trip and, if that's the goal, should I bring all four bottles of wine?

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