As the leaves turn golden and a cool breeze fills the air, our cravings shift toward heartier meals, comforting flavors, and exquisite wines to enhance the season. Grace DeCoske, one of our seven Private Wine Advisors at Château de Pommard, shares insights into her wine journey and some expert tips on creating perfect fall food and wine pairings.
From Florida to the Vineyards of Chile
Grace’s journey into wine began in an unexpected place—Florida, a state more known for its beaches than vineyards. In 2016, she took a bold step and moved to Chile with her husband. In the Casablanca Valley, she worked at a local organic and biodynamic vineyard, an experience that deepened her appreciation for sustainable wine production and ignited her lifelong passion for wine education.
“I got to work one of the harvests, doing all the little things from cleaning barrels to punch downs and pump overs. It really got my hands dirty and brought the wine passion to life," Grace recalls.
From there, she never looked back. After returning to the U.S., Grace worked with various distributors in the Florida market before finding her perfect fit at Château de Pommard, where she now advises clients on how to select and enjoy our incredible Burgundy wines.
The Romance of Wine
For Grace, wine is more than just a beverage—it’s an experience. “Unlike other drinks, wine has a story to tell. It’s almost like a postcard,” she explains. “When you drink wine, it transports you to the region it’s from, bringing back memories of that place or moment.”
This connection to place and time is part of what makes wine so special for Grace, particularly when it comes to pairing it with food. “Each cuvée tells a story. It’s like a snapshot of a place, and it can elevate the dining experience when you find the right wine pairing.”
The Perfect Fall Pairings
When asked what wines she would reach for this fall, Grace doesn't hesitate: her favorites are our Nicolas-Joseph and Chantrerie. Notably, she highlights the 2017 vintage for its depth, elegance, and plush qualities, describing it as “a hug in a bottle.” With their versatile character, these Burgundy Pinot Noirs are perfect companions for cooler weather and heartier fare.
Grace is also a fan of our Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2015, our flagship blend, which she believes is currently in a beautiful phase, showing complexity and freshness. “It’s a wine that pairs perfectly with the season, especially when you’re living in a place like Miami Beach, where it doesn’t get too cold.”
Pairing Tips for the Season
So, what dishes does Grace suggest pairing with these fall-friendly wines? Her approach is refreshingly flexible. “You can drink these wines on their own—they’re what I call ‘meditation wines,’ perfect for savoring by themselves. But they also go beautifully with a variety of dishes.”
Grace recommends classic comfort food pairings for fall, like roasted chicken or braised beef. These hearty dishes have a richness that matches beautifully with the layered complexity of Burgundy Pinot Noir. For lighter fare, she suggests incorporating goat cheese into salads, perhaps with added seeds and fruits to balance the tartness and bring out the brightness in the wine.
Grace’s ultimate wine pairing advice is simple yet profound: “At the end of the day, it’s about what you enjoy. While there are general guidelines, like matching the dish's intensity with the wine, what matters most is your palate.”
Mastering the Art of Food and Wine Pairing
Grace offers a few tried-and-true tips for those who want to elevate their food and wine pairing skills:
1. Match the intensity: Rich dishes like braised meats or creamy sauces call for wines that can stand up to their bold flavors. Lighter dishes, such as salads or seafood, pair best with more delicate wines.
2. Consider the region: The adage “what grows together goes together” often holds true. Pairing wines with foods from the same region can create a harmonious dining experience.
3. Balance sweetness and salt: Sweetness in a dish can make a wine taste drier, so finding a balance is essential. Pair sweeter wines with salty dishes or ensure the wine is slightly sweeter than the dish, especially when sauces are involved.
4. Go with what you love: Ultimately, food and wine pairing is about enjoyment. “If you love having a glass of Malbec with your swordfish, go for it! There’s no wrong answer if you’re enjoying yourself.”
Château de Pommard: A Commitment to Sustainability
At Château de Pommard, wine is not just a product—it's a way of life. “In a world where there are so many wines to choose from, it’s important to look at the winery's mission,” Grace says. We are deeply committed to sustainable practices, minimal interventions, and creating cuvées that are as clean as they are delicious.
“Our wines not only taste incredible, but they’re also better for us,” Grace notes, pointing out the château’s commitment to biodynamic farming, which ensures that harmful chemicals never make it into the glass.
A Beautiful Fall Season with Burgundy Wines
Whether you’re new to wine or an experienced enthusiast, Grace’s advice reminds us of the beauty and versatility of Burgundy wines, particularly in the fall season. From cozying up with a bottle of Pinot Noir to savoring it alongside a perfectly roasted chicken, this is the time to indulge in the comfort and complexity that a great wine can offer.
So, as the temperatures drop and the evenings grow longer, why not take a page from Grace’s book? Open a bottle of Château de Pommard, pair it with a delicious fall meal, and let the story in the glass transport you to the heart of Burgundy.
