Perfect Pairings
Breakfast Wine of Champions
Nothing ruins a morning more than the answer to “Who pissed in your cereal?” being “Chateau Latour.” (An embarrassing Cabernet mustache was a close second, but thanks to Bedbugs and Ballyhoo those days are over.) But, the world of wine can be a bit daunting, and tasting classes require you to actually spit out the wine. In the Thunderverse that isn’t just insanity; it’s a crime. So as a service to you, our beloved readers, we bring you the Thundersquee! Mini-Guide to Breakfast Wine. May your days always start off on the right foot, however wobbly that foot may be.
Cocoa Puffs and Malmsey Madeira: Chocolate is often difficult to pair with wines, but Madeira’s combination of acidity and sweetness works extremely well. We suggest Broadbent Madeira Malmsey 10 Years Old. It’s moderately priced, highly rated, and guaranteed to bring out the cuckoo in your Cocoa Puffs.
Cap’n Crunch with Crunchberries and Muscadet: We recommend Remy Pannier Muscadet 2005. It’s less expensive than its comparable cousin, Chéreau-Carré Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie Château de Chasseloir 2002, but above all you’ll still be able to pronounce it after the second glass.
Honey Bunches of Oats and a Tawny Port: As most Australians will tell you–at great length–the Australians make some fine wines. Try Hardys Whiskers Blake Tawny Port NV. For less than $15 you get a great Tawny Port and the ability to say “Yes, I know.” to your Australian friends, thus saving you an hours long lecture on the Australian wine industry–a bargain at any price. Note: Another tactic is to tell your Australian friends their wine is crap. Australians can sometimes be a bit forceful when making a point and they will send you wine for decades to prove you wrong. In fact, forget the “Yes, I know” tactic mentioned earlier. This is a far better option.
Fruit Loops and Orange Muscat: Electra is an amazing wine that pairs perfectly with fruit. However, it’s only 4% alcohol. So, while it won’t help you forget your daddy issues, it might keep you from swerving in and out of the carpool lane. Besides, there’s always the comfort of knowing lunch time martinis aren’t too far away.
Raisin Bran with Oloroso Sherry: Bodegas Dios Baco Oloroso Jerez Sherry From Spain NV is a lovely fortified wine that pairs well with raisins and spice, which lends it a breakfast versatility the other wines lack. Splash out and try it with a cinnamon roll or a coffee cake. It also has the added benefit of blending in with the cooking wine labels, so no one is the wiser if you keep them on the same shelf. There are so many advantages to this Sherry that we have practically fallen in love. Its only drawback is that it’s not available in boxes, oh and possibly the name, but that can be turned into a positive by creating amusing nicknames for it. “Baco Juice” springs to mind…
We hope this advice helps make all your mornings a little more pleasant, and puts a list in your step. But, please remember to drink responsibly and take due care. Wine stains are hell to remove from a linen table cloth.