How to Pair Wine with Tastings at The Infinite Monkey Theorem Denver

Located in the heart of Denver’s vibrant RiNo (River North) Art District, The Infinite Monkey Theorem is more than just a winery—it’s an immersive sensory experience that redefines how wine is discovered, tasted, and appreciated. Known for its urban winemaking ethos, bold labeling, and experimental approach to viticulture, this award-winning destination invites visitors to explore the art of wine pairing through curated tastings that challenge conventional norms. Unlike traditional wine bars or vineyard tours, The Infinite Monkey Theorem offers a dynamic, interactive environment where flavor profiles, grape varietals, and food pairings are intentionally designed to elevate your palate. Mastering how to pair wine with tastings here isn’t just about matching flavors—it’s about understanding context, intention, and the science behind what makes certain combinations sing. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer, learning how to navigate their tasting menus with intention transforms a simple sip into a memorable, educational journey. This guide will equip you with the knowledge, techniques, and confidence to unlock the full potential of your visit, ensuring every glass becomes a revelation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Pairing wine with tastings at The Infinite Monkey Theorem Denver requires a structured, mindful approach. Follow these seven detailed steps to maximize your experience and deepen your appreciation for each pour.

Step 1: Understand the Tasting Menu Structure

Before you even sit down, familiarize yourself with how the tasting menu is organized. The Infinite Monkey Theorem typically offers three core tasting formats: the “Classic Flight,” the “Experimental Flight,” and the “Food Pairing Flight.” Each is curated differently:

• Classic Flight: Features four to five wines made from traditional varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc—often sourced from Colorado vineyards or carefully selected regions like the Yakima Valley or the Willamette Valley.
• Experimental Flight: Showcases unconventional blends, skin-contact whites, orange wines, or wines aged in non-traditional vessels like concrete eggs or amphorae. These are ideal for adventurous palates.
• Food Pairing Flight: Designed in collaboration with local chefs, this flight includes small bites that are intentionally matched to each wine. This is the most structured and educational option for learning pairing principles.

Ask the server or tasting room staff to clarify which flight you’re experiencing and why each wine was selected. Understanding the intention behind the sequence—whether it’s ascending body, increasing tannin, or evolving acidity—is critical to appreciating the narrative of the tasting.

Step 2: Observe the Wine’s Visual and Aromatic Profile

Before taking your first sip, engage all your senses. Hold the glass up to natural light and observe the color intensity and clarity. A pale, almost translucent Sauvignon Blanc may indicate high acidity and citrus notes, while a deep, inky Garnacha suggests bold fruit and potential spice. Swirl the glass gently to release aromas, then take a slow, deliberate sniff. At The Infinite Monkey Theorem, many wines are unfiltered or naturally fermented, so you may detect earthy, funky, or floral notes uncommon in commercial wines. These nuances are not flaws—they’re signatures of the winemaking philosophy.

Write down or mentally note descriptors: “citrus zest,” “wet stone,” “dried lavender,” “smoked plum.” These observations become your foundation for pairing. For example, if a wine smells of green apple and flint, it’s likely to pair well with goat cheese or raw oysters. If it evokes blackberry and cedar, it may complement grilled lamb or dark chocolate.

Step 3: Taste with Intention—Not Just Sip

Many guests rush through tastings, treating each pour as a quick preview. To pair effectively, you must taste deliberately. Take a moderate sip and let the wine coat your entire mouth. Pay attention to:

• Acidity: Does it make your mouth water? High acidity cuts through fat and cleanses the palate.
• Tannin: Is it grippy or smooth? Tannins bind with protein, so they pair best with red meats or aged cheeses.
• Body: Is it light like water or full like cream? Body should match the weight of the food.
• Finish: How long does the flavor linger? A long finish often indicates complexity and better pairing potential.

At The Infinite Monkey Theorem, the “Skin Contact Sauvignon Blanc” might surprise you with its tannic structure and orange hue. Don’t dismiss it as “weird”—instead, ask yourself: What food would soften those tannins? A charred vegetable flatbread or spiced nuts could be the ideal counterpoint.

Step 4: Match Intensity and Weight

One of the most fundamental pairing rules is matching the weight of the wine to the weight of the food. A light-bodied wine like a crisp Grüner Veltliner from Colorado’s Western Slope will be overwhelmed by a rich duck confit but will shine alongside a chilled pea soup with mint. Conversely, a bold, high-alcohol Syrah with notes of black pepper and smoked meat needs a hearty dish like braised short ribs or a smoked gouda tart to stand up to it.

Use this simple scale:

• Light-bodied wines: Pair with salads, seafood, goat cheese, light pasta.
• Medium-bodied wines: Pair with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto.
• Full-bodied wines: Pair with grilled steak, lamb, aged cheeses, dark chocolate.

At The Infinite Monkey Theorem, the “Colorado Cabernet Franc” is often medium to full-bodied with bright red fruit and herbal notes. It’s not as tannic as a Napa Cab, making it more versatile. Try it with a mushroom and wild rice croquette—its earthiness mirrors the wine’s forest-floor undertones.

Step 5: Complement or Contrast Flavors

There are two primary strategies for pairing: complement (matching similar flavors) or contrast (balancing opposing flavors). Both work beautifully at The Infinite Monkey Theorem.

Complementary pairing example: The “Orange Gewürztraminer” has lychee, rose petal, and ginger notes. Pair it with a Thai-inspired mango and coconut rice pudding. The wine’s floral sweetness enhances the dessert’s tropical character.

Contrasting pairing example: The “Pet Nat Rosé” is dry, fizzy, and slightly funky. Pair it with a salty, fatty pork belly bite. The effervescence cuts through the richness, while the acidity refreshes the palate—creating a dynamic contrast that feels both surprising and satisfying.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The staff often encourages guests to suggest their own pairings. You might discover that a sparkling Riesling from the Rocky Mountains pairs unexpectedly well with spicy Korean fried cauliflower.

Step 6: Sequence Your Tasting Logically

The order in which you taste wines matters. A common mistake is starting with a heavy red and ending with a light white—this can dull your palate and make the final wines taste flat. At The Infinite Monkey Theorem, tastings are usually arranged to build complexity:

1. Start with sparkling or light whites (low alcohol, high acidity).
2. Move to medium-bodied whites and rosés.
3. Transition to light to medium reds.
4. End with full-bodied reds or dessert wines.

If you’re tasting the “Experimental Flight,” which might include a skin-contact wine followed by a carbonic maceration Gamay, the sequence is intentionally designed to take your palate on a journey—from delicate to bold, from clean to complex. Follow the order provided. If you’re creating your own flight, adhere to this progression to preserve your sensory sensitivity.

Step 7: Reflect and Record Your Pairings

After each wine and bite, pause for 10–15 seconds. Ask yourself: Did the food enhance the wine? Did the wine elevate the food? Was there harmony, tension, or dissonance? Keep a small notebook or use your phone’s notes app to record your impressions. Include:

• Wine name and varietal
• Flavor descriptors
• Food item
• Pairing result (e.g., “Perfect match,” “Too salty,” “Wine tasted flat”)

Over time, this journal becomes a personalized guide to your palate. You’ll begin to recognize patterns—perhaps you consistently enjoy wines with herbal notes alongside grilled vegetables, or you find that high-acid wines always balance spicy dishes. This self-awareness is the hallmark of a sophisticated wine taster.

Best Practices

Mastering wine pairing at The Infinite Monkey Theorem isn’t just about technique—it’s about cultivating habits that enhance your sensory experience and long-term understanding. Here are the best practices to adopt before, during, and after your visit.

Practice 1: Arrive with an Open Mind

The Infinite Monkey Theorem is known for pushing boundaries. You may encounter wines labeled “Natural,” “Orange,” or “Petillant Naturel”—terms that can sound intimidating. Avoid preconceived notions. Natural wines, for instance, are made with minimal intervention: no added sugars, yeasts, or sulfites. They may taste more “wild” or “funky,” but that’s not a flaw—it’s authenticity. Approach each pour as a story, not a test.

Practice 2: Hydrate Between Tastings

Alcohol dehydrates your palate, dulling your ability to detect subtle flavors. Always request a glass of sparkling water between pours. Some guests even rinse their mouths with water before tasting to reset their sensory receptors. This simple habit ensures you taste each wine with full clarity and prevents palate fatigue.

Practice 3: Avoid Strong Perfumes or Heavy Hand Sanitizers

Your nose is your most powerful tool in wine tasting. Strong fragrances from perfume, cologne, or even scented hand sanitizer can mask the delicate aromas of wine. Opt for unscented products before your visit. If you must use sanitizer, wash your hands thoroughly with unscented soap and dry them completely before handling your glass.

Practice 4: Use the Provided Tasting Notes

The Infinite Monkey Theorem often provides printed tasting cards with each flight. These include origin, winemaking method, flavor notes, and suggested pairings. Don’t ignore them. Even if you think you know the wine, the staff’s notes often reveal insights you’d miss—like the use of concrete fermentation or the specific vineyard block the grapes came from. These details are clues to why the wine tastes the way it does.

Practice 5: Engage with the Staff

The tasting room team are trained in sensory analysis and often have backgrounds in culinary arts or viticulture. Ask questions like: “What inspired this blend?” or “How does the soil here affect the acidity?” Their answers will deepen your understanding and may even lead to a personalized recommendation based on your preferences. Don’t be shy—this is part of the experience.

Practice 6: Don’t Overindulge

It’s tempting to taste everything, but overconsumption impairs judgment. Stick to the flight you’ve selected. If you’re unsure, ask for half pours. The goal isn’t to get tipsy—it’s to learn. You’ll remember more, enjoy more, and make better pairing decisions if you remain clear-headed.

Practice 7: Taste Before You Eat (and Vice Versa)

When food is served, taste the wine first, then the food, then the wine again. This sequence reveals how the food changes the wine’s perception. For example, a bite of aged cheddar might make a tart Pinot Grigio taste rounder and fruitier. The reverse—eating first—can mask the wine’s true character.

Practice 8: Return for Different Flights

One visit is rarely enough to grasp the full scope of The Infinite Monkey Theorem’s offerings. Return on a different day to try a new flight. The seasonal rotations mean the “Experimental Flight” changes monthly. You might find a new favorite—a Pet Nat from a forgotten grape like Trousseau Gris—or discover a pairing you never expected.

Tools and Resources

Enhancing your wine pairing journey requires more than intuition—it benefits from curated tools and trusted resources that deepen your knowledge and support your tasting practice.

Recommended Apps

• Wine-Searcher: Use this app to look up any wine you taste. It provides pricing, availability, detailed tasting notes, and food pairing suggestions from professional critics. If you fall in love with the “Colorado Malbec,” you can find where else it’s sold and how it compares to Argentine versions.
• Decanter Wine App: Offers educational content on grape varieties, regions, and pairing theory. Their “Wine and Food Pairing” section includes interactive charts that help you match wine characteristics to dishes.
• Vivino: While often used for ratings, Vivino’s community reviews are surprisingly insightful for identifying common pairing reactions. Search for “Infinite Monkey Theorem” and read what others say about their food pairings.

Books to Deepen Your Understanding

• “The Wine Bible” by Karen MacNeil: A comprehensive guide to wine regions, grape varieties, and pairing principles. Chapter 15, “Wine and Food,” is essential reading.
• “Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine” by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack: Visually engaging and perfect for beginners. The color-coded flavor wheels help you identify and remember tasting notes.
• “Natural Wine for the People” by Alice Feiring: Offers context for the natural wine movement that The Infinite Monkey Theorem embraces. Understanding the philosophy behind the wine helps you appreciate its quirks.

Online Courses and Platforms

• Coursera – “Wine Tasting: Sensory Techniques for Wine Analysis” (University of California, Davis): A free audit option is available. Covers how acidity, tannin, and alcohol interact with food.
• WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 1 Award in Wines: An affordable, online certification that teaches the basics of wine tasting and pairing. Ideal if you want to formalize your knowledge.
• MasterClass – “Wine Tasting with Ronn Wiegand”: Offers concise, high-quality lessons on sensory evaluation and food synergy.

Local Resources in Denver

• Denver Wine Festival: Held annually in October, this event features dozens of Colorado wineries, including The Infinite Monkey Theorem, offering flights and pairings from local chefs.
• Colorado Wine Initiative: Their website offers maps of Colorado vineyards, tasting room directories, and educational webinars on regional terroir.
• The Wine Bar at The Source Hotel: Located nearby, this venue often hosts collaborative tastings with The Infinite Monkey Theorem. Attend a night to see how their wines pair with elevated Denver cuisine.

DIY Tasting Kit (For Home Practice)

Create your own mini-tasting station at home using items you likely already own:

• Wine glasses: Use two different shapes—a white wine glass and a red wine glass—to notice how shape affects aroma.
• Water and unsalted crackers: For palate cleansing.
• Small food samples: Slice of apple, piece of cheddar, salted almonds, dark chocolate square, lemon wedge.
• Notebook and pen: To record observations.

Buy a single bottle of The Infinite Monkey Theorem’s Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé, and replicate their tasting flight at home. Pair each sip with a different food item and journal your findings. This practice builds muscle memory for future visits.

Real Examples

Understanding theory is valuable, but seeing how it plays out in real tastings makes the concepts stick. Here are three authentic examples of wine and food pairings experienced by guests at The Infinite Monkey Theorem Denver, along with the science and sensory reasoning behind each success.

Example 1: Skin-Contact Sauvignon Blanc + Charred Asparagus with Lemon Zest

Wine: “Skin Contact Sauvignon Blanc” – fermented with skins for 72 hours, giving it a deep gold hue, tannic grip, and notes of green tea, quince, and crushed gravel.

Food: Grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon zest, flaky sea salt, and a whisper of chili oil.

Why It Works: The tannins in the wine, usually absent in white wines, mirror the fibrous texture of the asparagus. The citrus in the food amplifies the wine’s natural acidity, while the chili oil introduces a subtle heat that the wine’s minerality balances without overpowering. The result is a harmonious interplay of bitterness, acidity, and umami that cleanses the palate with every bite.

Guest feedback: “I thought I wouldn’t like orange wine, but this made me feel like I was eating spring in a glass.”

Example 2: Colorado Pinot Noir + Duck Confit on Polenta

Wine: “Colorado Pinot Noir” – grown at 6,000 feet elevation, offering bright cherry, rhubarb, and dried rose petals with moderate tannins and refreshing acidity.

Food: Slow-cooked duck leg, rendered in its own fat, served over creamy polenta with a reduction of balsamic and blackberry.

Why It Works: The wine’s acidity cuts through the duck’s richness, while its red fruit notes echo the blackberry reduction. The polenta’s creaminess softens the wine’s tannins, allowing the delicate floral aromas to emerge. The high-altitude grapes provide a lighter body than Burgundian Pinots, making them ideal for Colorado’s more delicate game meats.

Guest feedback: “It tasted like the mountains had been distilled into a glass and poured over my plate.”

Example 3: Petillant Naturel Rosé + Spicy Korean Fried Cauliflower

Wine: “Pet Nat Rosé” – a naturally sparkling wine made from Grenache and Cinsault, unfined, unfiltered, with notes of wild strawberry, wet stone, and a yeasty bready quality.

Food: Crispy fried cauliflower tossed in gochujang glaze, topped with sesame seeds and scallions.

Why It Works: The wine’s effervescence acts like a palate cleanser against the spice and oil of the cauliflower. The slight sweetness in the rosé tempers the heat of the gochujang, while the yeasty notes complement the fried texture. The wine’s low alcohol (10.5%) ensures it doesn’t amplify the burn—instead, it cools it.

Guest feedback: “I didn’t think rosé could handle spicy food. This changed my mind. I ordered a second bottle.”

FAQs

Can I bring my own food to pair with the tasting?

While The Infinite Monkey Theorem offers curated food pairings, they are generally open to guests bringing simple, non-odorous snacks like cheese, crackers, or fruit—especially if you have dietary restrictions. However, avoid strong-smelling foods like sushi, garlic bread, or smoked fish, as they can interfere with the wine’s aromas. Always ask staff first.

Are the wines at The Infinite Monkey Theorem organic or natural?

Many of their wines are made using natural or low-intervention methods, meaning minimal sulfites, native yeast fermentation, and no additives. However, not all are certified organic. The winery prioritizes sustainability and transparency, and each bottle lists its production method. Ask for the “Wine Info Sheet” for details on each pour.

How long does a typical tasting last?

A standard tasting flight lasts between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on how much you engage with the staff and how many questions you ask. The Food Pairing Flight often takes longer—up to 90 minutes—as each bite is discussed in detail.

Is The Infinite Monkey Theorem suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The staff are trained to explain wine concepts without jargon. The tasting rooms are casual, welcoming, and designed for curiosity—not pretension. Start with the Classic Flight if you’re unsure. You’ll leave with more confidence than you arrived with.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak season (April–October). Walk-ins are welcome, but you may be asked to wait. Book online via their website to secure your spot and select your preferred flight.

Can I buy the wines I taste?

Yes. All wines on the tasting menu are available for purchase by the bottle or case. Many are produced in small batches and may not be available elsewhere. Staff can help you select bottles based on your favorite pairings.

Are there non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers?

Yes. The Infinite Monkey Theorem offers a rotating selection of non-alcoholic pairings, including house-made shrubs, kombucha-based spritzers, and cold-brewed herbal infusions. These are designed to mirror the structure of wine—acidity, body, and complexity—so non-drinkers can fully participate in the tasting experience.

Can I host a private tasting or event?

Yes. The venue offers private tastings for groups of 6–20 people. Custom pairings can be arranged with local chefs. Contact them directly through their website to discuss options for birthdays, corporate events, or wine education sessions.

Conclusion

Pairing wine with tastings at The Infinite Monkey Theorem Denver is not a passive activity—it’s an act of curiosity, discovery, and sensory storytelling. By understanding the structure of their flights, engaging with the wine’s character, and thoughtfully matching it with food, you transform a simple visit into a meaningful exploration of flavor, terroir, and innovation. The winery’s commitment to experimentation, transparency, and community makes it a rare space where wine is not just consumed, but understood.

The tools, practices, and real-world examples outlined in this guide are not meant to restrict your experience—they’re meant to empower it. Whether you’re sipping a skin-contact Sauvignon Blanc beside a charred vegetable flatbread or discovering that a sparkling rosé can tame the heat of Korean fried cauliflower, each moment is an opportunity to refine your palate and deepen your connection to what you drink.

Return often. Try new flights. Ask questions. Journal your experiences. Let your palate evolve. The Infinite Monkey Theorem doesn’t just serve wine—it invites you to become part of its ongoing narrative. And in that narrative, your voice, your preferences, and your discoveries matter just as much as the grapes in the bottle.