The Book
This month’s book selection is the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature and is a staple on many bookshelves around the world. Kazuo Ishiguro’s, The Remains of the Day, tells a tale of loyalty, honor, and British duty as a perfect English butler, Stevens, recalls his three decades of service at Darlington Hall serving whom he would call a “great gentleman.” In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I decided to reach for this text, not for its elements of romantic love, but for its element of loyal love. Whether you’ve picked up this classic before, watched the well-known film, or are reading it for the first time (like me), join the Cru as we contemplate the power of loyalty in The Remains of the Day.
The Wine
Since this month’s novel takes place in England, we will be pairing it with Port. England and Portugal have had the longest standing alliance between nations and Port plays a major role in their relationship. If you’re new to fortified dessert wines, they are far more than just being “sweet;” they are luscious and deserved to be savored.
I have selected for you three different styles of Port from three different renowned producers. If you are looking for just a taste, go for Graham’s Port Six Grapes since it comes in a 375 ml bottle. At around 20% ABV for each of the offerings below, you can trust that a little will go a long way. Dow’s Ruby Port will carry more red fruit characteristics, which would pair beautifully with those dark chocolate-dipped strawberries that you got, will get, or will get yourself for Valentine’s Day. If you’d like to ramp up your dessert wine shelf, I suggest the Taylor Fladgate 20 year. This port has had two decades in barrel and at around $50 per bottle, it’s a steal that will certainly elevate all of your future dessert pairings.
Accompany each of these choices with your favorite bleu cheese (trust me) and bar of dark chocolate and get ready to show some love to your tastebuds.
$ Graham’s Porto Six Grapes (375 ml)
$$ Dow’s Ruby Porto (750 ml)
$$$ Taylor Fladgate Porto 20 Year (750 ml)
Free to join and open to all!
About Reading Cru
What do we read?
Our club curator selects a range of literature, both fiction and nonfiction
What do we drink?
Three suggested wines that pair with the book based on themes and flavors.
What & where do we meet?
Join us virtually the last Sunday of each month at 5pm via Zoom or Google Meet.
