Picnic Red Wine
A sweet, complex red Muscadine blend with rich fruit flavors
Taste
Picnic is a sweet red Muscadine blend and one of our most complex wines. Rich, ripe Muscadine flavors lead the way, with plenty of sweetness and a full, fruity taste. But slow down, there’s much more to discover. You may notice hints of spice, caramel, or other flavors that seem to emerge depending on how you sip. A little crispness and a slight bite on the finish keep it lively without taking away from its sweeter side.
Take your time and let the wine talk to you. Turn off your brain and turn on your tastebuds...what do you taste? Don’t overthink it. There’s no wrong answer, and that’s what makes Picnic a wine worth more than a quick sip.
Pairings
Picnic is a versatile wine that goes well with all kinds of meals. It feels right at home with savory flavors like sausage, cured meats, and sharp cheeses, making it a great addition to a loaded charcuterie board. It’s also a great match for hearty Italian dishes, Mexican food, or your favorite comfort food.
For something sweet, dark chocolate is one of our favorite pairings. Or try a slice of warm apple pie with sharp cheddar cheese. Sweet, savory, and surprisingly delicious alongside a glass of Picnic.
It’s a useful bottle in the kitchen, too. Try it in a marinade or add a splash when cooking Italian dishes. With a wine this rich and complex, sometimes the best pairing is the one your own palate leads you to.
Serving
Serve slightly chilled. Pour a glass and give it a few minutes to breathe and gently come up in temperature. Before taking a sip, give it a good smell.
Serving Picnic to a group? Encourage everyone to sip slowly, pay attention to where the wine hits the palate, and compare what flavors they notice. You might be surprised how different the answers are.
Picnic is best enjoyed young and fresh rather than saved for long-term aging. Once opened, reseal the bottle and return it to the refrigerator.
Slow Down and Taste
During a wine tasting with us, we’ll walk you through a few different techniques for tasting Picnic. We’ve shared the steps below so you can try them for yourself at home!
"Kiss" it
Take a very small sip and gently draw air into your mouth with the wine, almost like sipping something hot. Keep your head slightly down and gently flutter the wine toward the front of your palate before letting it move back across your tongue.
You’ll know you’re doing it right when you hear a little slurping sound. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly acceptable wine etiquette. The manners police will let this one slide!
This allows air to blend with the wine inside your mouth, helping open up its flavors and aromas. Around here, we simply call it “kissing the wine.”
After you swallow, tap your tongue to the roof of your mouth and pay attention to what you feel. You may notice dryness along the roof of your mouth, bitterness along the sides, and sweetness lingering on the tip of your tongue. Much like that of dark, bitter chocolate.
Let it Linger
Take another small sip and hold it beneath your tongue for about ten seconds. We like to dream of charcuterie boards while we wait! Give the wine a moment and notice what begins to develop. You may pick up a little more warmth and spice toward the bottom and back of your mouth, almost reminiscent of cinnamon.
"Chew" it
Take another sip and "chew" the wine. Think of it as a slow swish, moving the wine around your mouth and across every part of your palate. Really think about what you’re tasting. It’s okay to put on your thinking face! What flavors start to emerge? Caramel? Spice? Something completely different? There’s no one right answer.
Kiss My Apples
Picnic + Spiced apple cider
Blend Picnic with our non-alcoholic spiced apple cider right in the glass! It’s a delicious combination that can be enjoyed a few different ways...
1. Serve it chilled with thin apple slices and your choice of added spirit. We prefer pecan rum or vodka!
2. Serve it warm and mulled by gently heating Picnic in a slow cooker with your favorite mulling spices. Add the spiced apple cider directly to the pot, or keep it on the side and let guests customize each glass to taste. Keep the heat low and never let the wine boil.
Love at First Sip...
While Picnic is nicknamed “Kissing Wine” from one of our favorite tasting technique, we think the name fits in more ways than one. Sweet, rich, and meant to be savored, it has all the makings of a date-night wine. Share a bottle with someone you love and see where the evening takes you.
Picnic at a glance
Style: Sweet red
Grape: Muscadine blend
Body: Medium
Acidity: Moderate
Flavor: Rich fruit, spices, sweet
Finish: Crisp, slight bite, lingering
Serve: Chilled
Dry
Sweet
