Darting, Pfalz (Germany) Pinot Meunier 2016

 This pale red wine has gentle fruit flavors with a dollop of oak spicing things up a little.  Only natural yeasts were used in producing the wine, and it was fermented in large oak casks that were locally sourced and made.  While Pinot Meunier is usually seen as one of the three grapes used to produce Champagne (along with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Darting proves that it can also stand on its own.  This is a subtle and elegant wine that partners well with lamb chops, chicken thighs, or duck.