Mark West Pinot Noir 2007

Date Night In

I've reinstated Friday fondue nights. This tradition began when my older two daughters were still in diapers. And I'm not sure why it ever ended.

Here's how it goes:

My husband and I feed the kids a simple dinner—mac-n-cheese or chicken nuggets from the freezer—and later, after they're fast asleep, light a few candles and cozy up to a savory treat: Cheese fondue with plenty of baguette, cubed salami, and roasted vegetables.

And, of course, the perfect bottle of wine to go with it—this time a 2007 Mark West Pinot Noir.

The cherry notes in this fruity, easy-to-drink wine play up the subtle flavor of kirsch—cherry brandy—in traditional fondue. 

Red Wine Info Bottle    Mark West Grape    Pinot Noir Year       2007 Region  California Price     ~$11.00 Shop     K&L Wine Merchants Food Pairing  Roasted chicken, pork loin, mushrooms, salmon, cheese fondue with smoked meats

More Fruity Reds Domaine Serene Pinot Noir J. Vidal Fleury Cotes du Rhone Novella Synergy Love pinot noir and beer? Try this beer aged in pinot barrels. And this beer also has cherry notes.

Make your own fondue from scratch with Swiss cheeses like Gruyére and Emmantal or go easy on yourself and pick up a delicious pre-made version, like the one I got from Trader Joes.

Either way, indulging with a rich cheese fondue and pinot noir is a well-deserved reward for a week well done. Shhh, just don't wake the kids.

Diane Timba is a contributing writer at Thursday Happy Hour. Check out her lifestyle wine column here on Wednesdays. What wine do you drink for a date night in? Let Diane know in the comments below. Or chat with her on Facebook.