Pairing surggestion?

For earthy flavors I would try an Oregon Pinot or a Burgundy although to be honest a Southern Rhone or a Valpolicello could work. Basically any light to medium red with a good acid element to cut the richness of the dish.

Sounds about right to me- I think Joseph is right re acidity being the main point. If a Rhone probably stay away from 2003. Chianti or Barbera are other possibilities. But I think his first suggestion of a Pinot Noir (whether Burgundy, US, or NZ) is best if the mushrooms are fairly evident (unless you wanna splurge on a Barbaresco).

Hope you post notes- what Port?

I'd go with a white. Maybe a NZ sauvigon or even an off-dry chenin blanc. If you prefer red, a light style pinot noir or dolcetto.

Andy

Hi Dale, The port was a W&J Graham's Tawny, which I received as a gift last year. Wonderful aroma, leaves a taste of caramel and fruit. Dryer than other tawny ports I've had but my experience is limited.

I decided on a 2004 Solaris Pinot from to go with the lasagna. Its a Carneros pinot that I ordered in a restaurant in Philly last year and fell in love with. Things being what they are in Pennsylvania, I had to pick up a case in New York to have it again. Its a very fruity pinot, with strong hints of cherry and blackberry with a very dark ruby color. It was big enough to stand up to the lasagna, which was anything but subtle.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

Regards, Jon

I realize that the choice has already been made, but FWIW I would have gone a different direction entirely. To me, the sweetness of the butternut squash argues against red wine. Instead, I'd have gone with a Vouvray to get the acid and earthiness that would make for a good pairing. YMMV of course.

Mark Lipton

Taurasi.

UC, I'm really unfamiliar with Italian wines. Can you recommend a good, reasonably priced (< $20 US) Taurasi available in the US for me to try?

Thanks, Jon

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Well, the one I am most familiar with is Mastroberardino. Their Taurasi Radici Riserva sells here for about $40. There is also a DOC for Aglianico (the grape variety of Taurasi) in Basilicata (Aglianico del Vulture), where other producers make splendid wines. Try D'Angelo and Paternoster bottlings of Aglianico del Vulture.

Both are carried locally. I'll give at least one of them a try.

Thanks UC. Jon

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locally. I'll give at least one of them a try.

Enjoy!