The critics are raving about the 2014 vintage of Sicilian wines. While a healthy dose of skepticism is always in order, I agree with them in this case. Nero d’Avola and the reds from Etna are excellent examples. But give Frappato a try . . . especially paired with this Chicken Marsala dish. Eccezionale!
California Pinot Noir
Salade Niçoise – Red or White Wine?
Salade Niçoise – the Provençal salad of tuna, egg, potatoes and haricots verts. Surprisingly, the salad pairs with a number of varietals, but not without some cautions. Check it out.
Turkey Day Trials
My recommendation for a Thanksgiving wine? Don’t serve one, serve a variety!
Grilled Pork Chops with Pinot Noir and Espresso-Infused Demi-Glace
This is a great recipe to move you out of your comfort zone of fruit-forward, over-extracted California red wines and serve an old world red from Portugal. It’s all about the sauce.
Coq Au Vin Wine Pairing
Elevate the humble chicken and serve Coq Au Vin. Julia Childs will show you the way. And pairing this with a beautiful Pinot Noir from California will illustrate why this is a classic combination.
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!