Bakersfield Life

Local pairings

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        In a new feature, we turn to a local wine expert for recommendations for varietals to try and what will impress the oenophiles in your life. If you have a question you’d like to ask, send it to bakersfieldlife@bakersfield.com. This month, we talk to David Dobbs from Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant.

What’s the best way to store wine?
        At 55 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit in a cellar or other temperature-controlled space. (For those who do not have optimal storage, Imbibe Wine offers wine storage at 55 degrees in many different-sized lockers.)

What’s the greatest misconception about wine?
     What if it gets a high score by a wine critic you will like the wine. Wine is subjective just like art. Just because someone else likes it, you may not and that’s OK. Work with a wine merchant, tell them what you like and what are you pairing it with, and they should be able to suggest a wine that will be a good match for both your palate and event.
 
What’s the wine that few people know about but they should really try?
       Grenache or garnacha. This is the hottest varietal in the wine business. For years grenache-based wines have been among the finest wines coming out of the south of France. Paso Robles will be a leader in grenache in the next five years. Most consumers think of zinfandel or syrah when they think of Paso Robles. Done well, nothing is better than grenache, and Paso Robles will be the place to go.
 
 
What would you recommend at a casual barbecue serving beef or chicken?
      Sadly, everyone drinks cabernet or chardonnay. I would recommend a pinot noir. For years, I have been saying that if pinot noir is not your favorite wine — you haven’t drank enough wine yet. Pinot goes with everything: beef, chicken and fish. As an alternative, grenache works well with beef or try grenache blanc with chicken. Don’t be afraid to try something different and exciting.
 
Someone is looking for a Father’s Day gift for a dad who likes red wine and can spend about $25 to  $50. What would you recommend?
      It’s a great time to be a wine consumer. What used to cost $50 you can now get for $30. Having said that, some outstanding wines that I would recommend would include 2006 Tamber Bey Deux Chevaux Vineyard Cabernet ($29.91), 2007 Jack Creek Cellars Pinot Noir ($31.99) from Templeton — the finest pinot noir coming out of the Paso Robles area; or try the 2007 Herman Story Larner Vineyard Grenache ($32.99) from Santa Barbara, one of the best grenaches in America.
 
 
A family celebrating their daughter’s college graduation is looking for a special champagne to recognize the occasion. What would you recommend in the $25 to $50 range? What about $50 and up?
      For those who don’t drink often, I think you might prefer Schramsberg Cremant, which finishes a bit fruity and very friendly at $34.99. My favorite is L’Ermitage ($45.99) by Roederer, the same folks who make Cristal, and it’s always a big hit. Last, but certainly not least, try the nonvintage Delamotte ($38.99) from France. Made from the “leftovers,”  by the same folks who make Salon — which sells for over $500 a bottle — it’s been a trade secret for years. I’ll put it up against any champagne.
 
It’s your final meal. If you could have any wine, what would you drink?
       This one’s easy. The 1990 Domaine De La Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti from magnum. Pinot noir from France,  $45,000 each. Yes, I have tasted it.