Daou (paso Robles) Recipe

Inspect and rest

Stand the Daou bottle upright for at least 30 minutes if it was recently transported. This allows any sediment to settle and brings the wine to a stable temperature before opening.

Chill to serving temperature

Place the bottle in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes if the wine is slightly warm. Daou Paso Robles red wines (typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends) are best served at 60–65°F (15–18°C). Avoid serving at room temperature if your room is over 72°F (22°C).

Open the bottle

Use a corkscrew to remove the foil and extract the cork smoothly. Wipe the neck with a clean cloth if any cork dust or residue is present.

Decanting (optional)

If the wine is a young robust red (less than 8–10 years) or you want to aerate it, pour slowly into a decanter. Start with a small pour to inspect for cork or sediment, then continue. Let it breathe 30–60 minutes to open up aromatics. For older vintages (10+ years), decant carefully to separate sediment; pour steadily until you see sediment approach the neck, then stop.

Select glassware

Use large-bowled red wine glasses to concentrate aromas. Ensure glasses are clean and free of detergent residue. Warm the glass slightly with your hands if the room is cool.

Pouring

Pour approximately 4–6 ounces (120–180 ml) per glass, filling no more than one-third of the glass to allow room for swirling. If decanted, pour from the decanter; otherwise pour directly from the bottle.

Offer water

Serve small water glasses alongside to cleanse the palate between tastes.

Prepare cheese and charcuterie

Slice the Manchego into thin wedges and arrange charcuterie on a board. Let cheeses sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving to maximize flavor.

Toast baguette

Lightly toast baguette slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or until golden; cool slightly before serving.

Arrange accompaniments

Place Marcona almonds and dark chocolate pieces on the board. Arrange cheeses, meats, nuts, bread, and chocolate attractively so guests can sample pairings that complement the wine's tannins, fruit, and acidity.

Taste and adjust

Encourage guests to taste the wine alone first, then try with various pairings to discover favorite matches. Note that the wine will continue to evolve in the glass over 20–60 minutes.