Joe Chandellier Alluvions Rouge Cinsault/Syrah 2025

 Andy Says: "OK, pairing wine with a savory dish involving chocolate, mushrooms, chile paste and green strawberries is simultaneously a sommelier's dream and nightmare. Yes, it's an inventive dish but what do you do with all those commingled flavors? There's richness from the chocolate, heat from the chili, intense tartness from the underripe strawberries and earthy umami from the mushrooms. After considering several different directions, I have decided on a light bodied, fruit forward red with low tannins and plenty of acidity.
   Alluvions, made primarily from Cinsault with about 30% Syrah and produced in a fresh carbonic style. The blend has enough juicy fruit to play with the chocolate and soften the chili, while its acidity can stand up to those intensely tart green strawberries. There's even a subtle savory funkiness that should connect nicely with umami of the mushrooms."