Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir boasts flavors of ripe bing cherry and dried cranberry

Phil Masturzo, Akron Beacon Journal
Updated ·3 min read
Consider Talbott Kali Har pinot noir from Monterey, California, Phil Masturzo's gift to you, dear readers, from his recent trip to wine country.
Consider Talbott Kali Har pinot noir from Monterey, California, Phil Masturzo's gift to you, dear readers, from his recent trip to wine country.

I haven’t had a wine-related column in more than two weeks. I saw my face on a milk carton while shopping at my local Acme the other day; I guess I’ve got some explaining to do.

Research for a column on my 10 favorite wines by the glass proved to be a daunting task. I needed to get away and recharge my cork screw. Last week, I took a trip to Monterey, California. That’s where Salvatore Dali, John Steinbeck, and Vincent Van Gough frequently visited to recharge their creative juices and search for inspiration. I’m not claiming to be worthy enough to be mentioned in the same sentence as the aforementioned, but I did need to get away.

Monterey County is a much lesser known wine region compared to Napa and Sonoma counties to the north. Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea are home to more than 90 art galleries and some spectacular coastal highways. The food is pretty awesome as well.  I was free to walk in to any tasting room without an appointment, which is a huge plus since most everything in Napa requires an appointment these days.

Perfect pours: Some of my favorite wines by the glass in the Akron area | Phil Your Glass

Pinot Noir is king in Monterey County with the cool Pacific Coast winds providing optimal growing conditions.  A $50 wine-and-cheese pairing at the Talbott Winery (no relation to the women’s clothing store) tasting room in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea was just what the doctor ordered. The Legacy Flight included five wines perfectly paired with cheeses. It was one of my favorite stops on the trip.

I always bring back a few wine bottles for special friends when I visit wine country. For you, dear readers, I have a $22.99 bottle of Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir, which was rated 93-points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The wine is named after founder Robb Talbott’s daughter, so you know it’s going to be a special pour.

I loved how this wine went with a handful of candied pecans from The Peanut Shoppe in downtown Akron. Thank you, Marge!  BellaVitano herb and garlic cheese from the Market District was the perfect match with the ripe bing cherry and dried cranberry flavors of the wine.

If you happen to be celebrating the feast day of St. Hyacinth on Aug. 17, pick up a bottle of this pinot noir along with an order of your favorite pierogi. I picked up a package of potato pierogi from Stan’s Northfield Bakery. The buttery, creamy flavors were a heavenly pairing with the wine. And why wouldn’t it be? St. Hyacinth is the patron saint of the pierogi, after all.

Just a note, Stan’s Northfield Bakery is on summer break until Aug. 24, and the crew at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Church will not be making pierogi for their weekly sales until some time in September.

Buy this wine at Beau's Market in Copley, Krieger's Health Foods Market, Market District in Cuyahoga Falls and Green, Acme Fresh Market in Fairlawn, Heinen's in Hudson, Giant Eagle in North Canton and Giant Eagle on Norton Road in Stow

Save the Date: Meet-and-greet wine tasting with importer Mary Taylor

I will be hosting a meet-and-greet wine tasting with importer Mary Taylor on Aug. 29. I am truly excited for the opportunity to host Mary and her portfolio of wines from tiny villages in Spain, Italy, and France. More details to follow in my next column.

Reach Phil Masturzo at philyourglass@gmail.com and follow him on Instagram @pmasturzo_philyourglass

White wine pick: 'Alvarinho' or 'Albariño': Whichever name you prefer, this light white wine is worth a try

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir perfect with pierogi | Phil Your Glass