Last week we introduced the Panacea Pairings for the White Wines of Holly Grove including the first pairings for the newly introdued Panacea Azul, our new Cameroon, which showed its versatility and complexity in its abilty to pair with a complex white wine and a slightly dry and flavorful rosé. This week we introduce the Holly Grove Red Wines and another level of complexity as we add the impact of ring gauge on the pairing process.A cigar is made up of three basic parts. The filler or bunch, are the leaves that are in the center of the cigar and make up most of its bulk. Around that, and holding the bunch together is the binder, and all of that is covered by the pretty part, the wrapper. Each part can be made up of different tobaccos, each of which may have a different flavor profile and together, the combination is known as a "Cigar Blend". Cigar makers usually construct each blend in a variety of sizes with differing lengths and ring gauges, the circumfernce of the cigar. Because each component can add a different flavor to the cigar, different sizes can have slightly different flavors and strengths as the ratio of the various components to each other changes. A cigar with stronger tobacco in the wrapper may seem less strong in a bigger ring gauge cigar as ratio of the milder filler increases in relationship to the wrapper. You will find a good example of this in the use of the Panace Black Maduro Classic and the bigger ring gauge Black Maduro Grande below. All of the cigars mentioned in both the White Wine Pairings last week and the Red Wine Pairings this week can be purchased in the tasting room of Holly Grove Winery.2008 MerlotThe 2008 Merlot has won a Silver and Bronze medal again this year! Gently processed Merlot grapes resulted in a very smooth wine produced using traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques. Fourteen months aging in Hungarian Oak 500 liter casks create a wine that is smooth wine with hints of blackberry, blueberry and vanilla. Great paired with lightly spiced tomato sauces, lean red meats, veal and pork.Paired with The Panacea Black Label ClassicDominican with Dominican/Nicaraguan filler and Brazilian Maduro wrapper with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, molasses and a subtle nutty undertone. The Black Maduro pairs nicely with a light to medium bodied red wines. This Merlot has big, lush flavors and the smaller ring gauge of the Classic gives the additional strength to complement the berry flavors with panache. 2008 GenesisA bold blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that displays a variety of dark fruit flavors paired with nice oak tannins.Paired with The Panacea Black Label Grande.Dominican with Dominican/Nicaraguan filler and Brazilian Maduro wrapper with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, molasses and a subtle nutty undertone. The Black Maduro pairs nicely with a light to medium bodied red wines. The Grande is more subtle than the Classic making it a perfect pairing for the Genesis.2009 Petit VerdotThis Petit Verdot is known for its dense fruit, dark color, and powerful flavors. The aromas and flavors are suggestive of black fruits, blackberry and hints of vanilla and molasses. Paired with The Panacea Red Label.Dominican with Dominican and Nicaraguan filler, Habano Binder and Brazilian Maduro wrapper this is a bold flavored mid-strength cigar with a full, spicy, semi-sweet flavor, hints of molasses, nutmeg, cinnamon, caramel, and coffee. There is nothing small or Petit about this wonderful wine. It is so rich and lush that it is almost port-like. The big berry flavors and dry finish need a big wine that will stand up and this is the cigar to do it! The creamy smoke coats the mouth, mimicking the dry finish of the Verdot and the play between the two is delicious. These two and a bite of chocolate, c’est magnifique! Where to find Panacea Cigars in the Mid-AtlanticAKA Tobacco Place in Fredricksburg, VA,Cigar Guys (2) in Alexandria, VACville Smoke Shop in Charlottesville, VA,Great Oaks Country Club in Floyd, VA Holly Grove Vineyards in Franktown, VALadysmith Tobacco in Ruther Glen, VALaker Beverage and Tobacco in Moneta, Va, Main Street Cigars in Bel Air and Havre de Grace, MD, Potomac Point Winery in Stafford, VAThe Republic of Floyd in Floyd Va,Titan Cigars in Gambrils, MDThe Tobacco Company in Roanoke, VA,Trinity Glass and Tobacco in Waynesboro, VA,Unicorn Winery in Amissville, VAWinston's Humidor in Midlothian, VAIf you don't have a retailer nearby you can also buy them directly from CigarVolante online or at one of our Panacea product introductions. Check out our new sampler packs!Ron BarkerCigarVolantePromoting Civilized Indulgencewww.cigarvolante.com
