Chateauneuf du Pape: Clos des Papes 2005 – Pairing Rating: 9.5 out of 10.0 Secure in our winter retreat in Newport Beach, CA., Trish and I have evaded the snow, ice and cold of Connecticut . . . at least for a while. This is our second winter here and we love it: the sunshine,…
Steak Salad Wine Pairing
Tagliata – thinly sliced beefsteak drizzled with an herb-infused oil, served over a bed of arugula – is our favorite interpretation of steak salad. Try this with a Cabernet Franc from Chinon.
Chicken Scarpariello and Wine Pairing
Vinegared peppers and the hot Italian sausage amp up the flavor profile of this excellent chicken dish. Chenin Blanc crushed Verdicchio and Riesling Spätlese in this throw-down.
Rioja and Valencian Paella
Valencian-style Paella, where meat is used instead of seafood, presents itself as a colorful blanket of yellow-golden rice redolent of savory saffron and spicy chorizo. . . the perfect pairing for Rioja!
Vacqueyras and Mongolian Lamb Barbecue
Lamb has an affinity for spiced marinades. This dish is an excellent example of how good this can be, especially when grilled and paired with a Southern Rhone wine like Vacqueyras!
Duck Breast and a Cult Pinot Smack-Down
A cult, California Pinot Noir gets smacked down by a Rioja Crianza? Yes, you read that correctly. How? It’s all about the sauce!
Veronese Blend and Alaskan Song Minestrone
A hardy Minestrone can pair nicely with a number of Italian reds. But we thought this Veronese blend from Antinori struck the right chord.
Salmon: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir?
Grilled Salmon pairs beautifully with a number of light-styled wines. Choosing one depends on the sauce or salsa accompaniment.
Fiano di Avellino and Seared Sesame Tuna
Some outstanding wines are now coming from Campania – both whites and reds. Nothing better illustrates than the food-friendly Fiano di Avellino – a terrific pairing partner with seared sesame tuna.
Gigondas with Grilled Ribs & Peaches
Grilled Country Style Pork Ribs and Grilled Peaches – a memorable combination that should definitely be on your summer menu. A Gigondas from the South of France was a perfect match!