The following is a review of a wine provided to me gratis by Wine Merchants in Winston-Salem. All opinions herein are my own. 

I wouldn’t call myself a big wine drinker thus I do not consider myself full of wine knowledge. We probably have wine at home once a week max. However, I’m a lot like you and I know what I like. I know when something will taste good alone (like on the deck in the mountains) or with food. I’d like to think that’s why Caleb Flint, owner of Wine Merchants and Vin 205 Bistro & Wine Bar, graciously gives me a wine to try from time to time. He likes the feedback and I really appreciate that he wants to hear it from me.

I’m notoriously slow at getting around to drinking the wine. I cook a lot at home but having children at home who need to get in bed at a certain time all around homeschooling, a wine pairing dinner isn’t always possible. And truthfully, mr. foodie isn’t always in the mood for wine with dinner.

So the bottle patiently waits.

The  2015 Polkura Syrahfrom the Colchagua Valley in Chile was finally paired with some leftover pizza on a Sunday night.  I love a good Syrah and I’ve been starting to enjoy South American wines a bit more as well. They usually have a good price point (Polkura is priced round the $17-20 range). This Syrah is definitely one I would consider with food. It’s a bit on the spicier side for me, not that I didn’t like the spiciness…it was just certain for my palate that it would be wonderful with pizza (which was a good choice incidentally) as well as steak. For sure steak.

Since this is such a food-friendly wine, I definitely suggest you visit Wine Merchants and let Caleb or Alan guide you to it as well as any other wines from Polkura and enjoy this Syrah to elevate your pizza night or a great steak. I’ve never not found a great, affordable wine at Wine Merchants. There you’ll find a great selection of boutique type wines and some local items, like hot sauces, the best olive oil and balsamic vinegars, and chocolate.  Visit on a weeknight prior to dinner and see why Vin 205 is one of Winston-Salem’s hidden gems. It’s one of our favorites.

Have you heard about the awesome news from Caleb and Alan at Wine Merchants and Vin 205? Read about their butcher’s market and new restaurant concept coming later this year!