SCHAFER PINOT NOIR 2018, Germany

Opened it with roast chicken and the raspberry jam smell filled the whole kitchen before we even poured. The cinnamon and black pepper finish made the meat taste richer, and it’s dry enough that it didn’t feel heavy on a Tuesday night.

The toast and violet notes hit right after the first sniff, and the raspberry jam richness makes it a fantastic match for roast pork. It’s dry but smooth, exactly what I wanted for a weeknight dinner.

This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roast chicken, the cinnamon and black pepper notes really complementing the meat. It’s smooth but has enough structure to stand up to the meal, not too jammy.