ABC "paparazzi" with wine maker David Mirassou

In case you missed it, Wednesday evening David Mirassou from Mirassou wines stopped by the ABC Fine Wine and Spirits store on South Orange Ave in Orlando.  He gave samples of his wines and signed bottles for anyone who asked.  We (the ABC “paparazzi”) were there to take pictures and ask questions.

The Mirassou family has been in the wine business for over 150 years and David is the 6^th generation of America’s oldest wine making family.  The first thing that anyone that was at the event noticed was how excited he was to be there.  He made it hard to imagine a vintner who could be more friendly or easier to talk to.  When we asked him what his favorite of the Mirassou wines was, he promptly replied with “they are like my children”.  Any parent knows you can’t pick a favorite and neither could he.  He was ready to let everyone at the event spend the time to try all of his wines that were present.

With most people at the event proclaiming their love for his Pinot Noir, he was very proud to explain his family was the first to bring those grapes to California from France.  When we asked which wine Mirassou first made he explained that when his family first got in this business they didn’t label varietally.  You drank red wine, not Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Want some great food pairing suggestions straight from David Mirassou himself?  We’ve got your answers.  For his famous Pinot Noir he suggested a salmon dish or chocolate bread pudding for dessert.  If you’re a bigger fan of the Merlot, try it with a pot roast.  His Cabernet Sauvignon goes great with a grilled flank steak or beef Wellington.  If you’re in the mood for some comfort food try applewood smoked bacon macaroni and cheese with the Chardonnay.  When cooking shrimp or spicy green beans add the Sauvignon Blanc.  If you’re looking for those great fruit flavors, pair scallops with a Pinot Grigio.  Finally, you can mix things up with a chicken lettuce wrap and Riesling.

I think we, the paparazzi, speak for ABC as a whole when we say we loved having David Mirassou here and hope he returns.  He had a very loyal following and was a pleasure to talk to.  We, of course, had to get our picture taken with him and get a few bottles signed for ourselves.

--Jessica Dekle, ABC communications team