Adventures in Food and Wine
It’s that time of year again when Merlot takes center stage. The Wine Pairing Weekend group of writers is celebrating our 8th annual #MerlotMe. Join us for our Twitter chat Saturday, October 8th, 2022, at 11:00 AM ET. We will be talking about all things Merlot, from different styles, food pairings, and sustainable farming practices. I’ll share my tasting notes and fall food pairings of four Merlots to try….
As summer slowly fades into fall, I am sure to get the fill of my summer favorites. One of those favorites is a rosé from Languedoc in Southern France, Domaine de Fontsainte Gris de Gris. Another summertime pleasure is Salade Nicoise, composed of fresh, perfectly ripened vegetables, simply prepared and eagerly consumed with the utmost satisfaction.
This month the French Winophiles are highlighting sustainable/organic/biodynamic wines from the southern wine-growing region of Languedoc. While Languedoc production is primarily red wines, it was a rosé from Languedoc Corbières AOC paired with a Salade Nicoise that I knew I must share.…
Curious about wines from Portugal but don’t know where to begin? Let me introduce you to the white wines of Alentejo (pronounced ah-len-TAY-zhoo), located in the center-east portion of Portugal and bordering Spain on the far east side. (see map below). Here you will discover some of Portugal’s over 250 native grape varieties with distinctive flavors, uncover wines that offer outstanding value for the money, and be enticed by a recipe for Portuguese Seafood Stew to pair with the wines….
I have been drinking my fair share of Loire Valley wines this summer, from sparkling Crémant de Loire to Sancerre, Muscadet, and Rosé de Loire. These wines are perfect any time of the year, but they pair incredibly well with summer’s bounty of produce from the farmer’s market. My current case in point is all the tasty cherry tomatoes in all different colors and sizes — I can’t get enough of them. My solution to overflowing bowls of cherry tomatoes in my kitchen is “Blistery Herb Cherry Tomato Toasts with Whipped Goat Cheese.”…
Sauvignon Blanc is usually first on my list as a fan of crisp, refreshing white wines. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is a good affordable, and quaffable option. But did you know that the Lorie Valley in France is the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc? What does that mean? Sauvignon Blanc grown in the Loire Valley, specifically the Centre Loire sub-region, produces Sauvignon Blanc wines that express the true characteristics of the grape varietal. So if you want more purity and depth of flavor in your Sauvignon Blanc, try a Sancerre or Pouilly Fumé.
I’ve put together a tasting of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc and paired them with smoked salmon crostini. After you taste the classic vibrant acidity, along with a core of minerality, herbal, and floral notes that distinguishes Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, I believe you, too, will become a fan….
What I love about summer is how life becomes more casual and less fussy, from our schedules to what we eat and drink. Meals become nibbles of fresh seasonal ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. And the wines we crave during the dog days of summer are light on the palate and refreshing. I’ve…
There is so much to love about the wines from Alsace; exceptional quality, value, and a whole lot of deliciousness. The sparkling wines known as Crémant d’Alsace are France’s favorite and best-selling bubbly after Champagne. The refreshing, crisp, food-friendly Crémant d’Alsace wines are perfect for enjoying with summer menus. I’ve grilled up two summer fish…
I have salad goals! I try to have a salad every day. How do I keep this from getting boring? I shop at my local farmer’s market and feast my eyes on all the beautiful seasonal produce. The freshness, colors, and smells of the market inspire my salad creations. The offerings continuously change with the…
The French Southwest wine growing region is often overshadowed by its Bordeaux neighbor to the north. If you are a fan of Bordeaux wines but not the hefty price tags, it’s time to get to know the wines of Southwest France. You will find similar grape varieties, taste, wine making methods, and quality in the…