These days, our press is full of disheartening news. Why not turn that around today through wine, food and positivity? I feel lucky to have a job that allows me to interact with customers in such a positive way. One great trend: the food network revolution. People are so much more open to trying new flavors, or experimenting with the classics.

In the Rogue Valley, we enjoy an inordinate amount of the self-proclaimed foodies. There is an unbelievable amount of talent out there! Many of these gourmet types have been perfecting their recipes for years, if not decades. I love it when customers bring in simple to very complex recipes for pairing suggestions. I have often thought to myself “What time should I bring the wine?”

I make it my job to inspire them to try something new that will add to the complexity of their creation, that quintessential 1+1= 3 food and beer/wine pairing.

Did you know that you can even tweak a recipe to make it match a wine or suit your palate. Need a smoky flavor? Try adding dry-rub spices, such as cumin or Spanish paprika. You could add a little heat, too, with smoked ancho chilies. Or try blending coffee grounds into your normal rub. Simplest of all – putting grill marks on the food by searing it. There are so many things you can do to your dishes to make it your “signature dish,” paired with just the right wine.

I challenge you to bring in a new or favorite recipe and an open mind, and let’s have some fun. Maybe you will finally get to try a Rosé, Riesling, or Gruner Veltliner! And maybe you can inspire me to try a new dish!

What a fantastic year to try a rosé wine!  Quality to price, this year is the best in the last decade. Even the most expensive one listed here is less than $12. From light, fruity and mouthwatering to more medium-bodied with serious fruit and tannins, there is one out there that will go perfectly with almost any meal. Here is a short list of new favorites from the Vallee du Rhone, in France. Best served chilled, not shaken.
 
2009 Abel Clement Cotes du Rhone Rosé – From north of Avignon in the Rhone comes a simple blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Darker in color than a normal Co-op wine because of the higher percentage of Syrah, this is an amazing deal. Bright ripe red cherries, fresh strawberries, a hint of floral, all mixed with an underlying slightly smoky tone. You do not even need a corkscrew. All this for just 7.99!
 
2007 Prieure de Montezargues Tavel Rosé – Just slightly northwest of Avignon is Tavel, also in the Rhone. This blend of mostly Grenache, Cinsault, and a little Clairette is for those that want a slightly drier style that has also softened with age. Just enough ripe fruit with some light herb tones, balanced acidity and very pleasant finish. This would be fantastic with brined pork chops, fish or anything with grill marks. Special limited price of $11.49 (Ashland only).
 
2009 Chateau Grande Cassagne Costieres de Nimes Rosé – From the southwest edge of the Rhone comes yet another rosé. This one is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20 Cinsault, and 20% Syrah. This one is my most serious and what true rosé fans search for. With a background of cherries and strawberries, this one has good depth, a mineral streak and some great structure. I would pair this with some nice tri-tip, London broil, or prime rib. Stay away from oily fish like tuna, salmon or shark, which could make this taste metallic. Price? just 10.79.

2008 Skouras ” ZOE!” (LIFE!) Rose
Made from Moschofilero and St. George.
Perfect for summer sipping, this rosé has it all - excellent fresh raspberry and strawberry fruit with just enough acid to make it fresh tasting. Chill it down for a very versatile wine able to please most palates. Supply of this is limited!

2008 Abel Clement Cotes du Rhone Blanc
Grenache Blanc/ Marsanne/ Viognier
Wow! Great wine for people who like a little drier style. Floral, apple, and ripe melon tones, with a slight hint of cracked pepper on a dry frame and a pleasant finish. Very good with salty dishes like brined pork chops or any white meat or shellfish. Come in to see the ridiculous price!

Baek Sae Ju
Korean Rice wine with herbs
Literal translation is “100 Year wine” because the herbs in it are supposed to help you live a long life. This is really fantastic chilled way down (like 50F). With its slightly rich sweet rice tones this is perfect for almost anything you would put in a stir fry or sushi roll.

When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping - for great values like these. Many times I can pair up a wonderful wine to go with the dish you plan to serve, at a price below what you would expect.

As I worked this afternoon, I thought about customer service and recalled a lesson taught to me years ago by a very successful, very honest guy in sales that I’ve known for a while. 

The lesson was simple: Give the customer what they want.

Seems like an easy enough concept, but so often we, as sales people, can find ourselves trying to up-sell or steer them toward the sale item or just give them what we think they need. I think it’s even more important to listen to find out what the customer wants and find the best match for them, whether it’s wine or beer.
 
One of the fun parts of my job is finding exactly what the customer is after. Even better is when they come back and tell you, “That beer was amazing, I’ve never tasted anything like that.”
 
In my short time here, I have learned that if you give customers what they’re after they will trust your judgment and the next thing you know you have regulars and referrals. This whole concept is really the Market of Choice way.
 
“Sales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesman - not the attitude of the prospect.”  ~W. Clement Stone
 
Cheers!