Wine allows us to travel to other countries and cultures maybe not always literally, but if for a brief moment in our dreams while we sip a glass of wine and enjoy a meal.
This month the French Winophiles are traveling to the wine growing region of Languedoc-Roussillon in the south of France. Joining the conversation this Saturday, October 21 at 11 am EST on Twitter. Look for the hashtag #Winophiles. (Check out my fellow French Winophiles and their posts below.)
Languedoc-Roussillon is the single largest wine growing region in the world, located along the Mediterranean coast from Provence and the Rhône Delta in the east to Spain and the Pyrenees in the west. The region is responsible for more than a quarter of France’s wine production. The wines produced in Languedoc-Roussillon are vast from white, rosé, red, sparkling, sweet, to Banyuls a fortified wine. However, it is the red wines that make up 76% of the wine produced in the region. The Languedoc red wines are typically a blend of Mediterranean varieties that include; Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Languedoc-Roussillon is also known for the amazing wine values one can find.
I found a 2014 Château de Lascaux, AOC Languedoc. The wine is imported by Kermit Lynch, a trusted importer of quality French wines. The vineyards of Château de Lascaux have been in the same family for thirteen generations. The domaine is made up of 210 acres of vineyards which are certified organic. Annual case production is 12,000. “Lascaux” is a type of limestone found in the domaine’s vineyards.
Tasting Notes:
2014 Château de Lascaux, AOC Languedoc
14% ABV $19.99 SRP
60% Syrah 30% Grenache 10% Mourvedre
Medium dark ruby in color. On the palate full bodied with medium tannins and acidity. Notes of black cherry, black plum, licorice, and leather.
Food Pairing:
This rustic sausage kale pasta was an ideal match for the earthy full-bodied Languedoc red. The tannins and fruit in the wine came into a savory balance with the elements in the pasta. The affordability of Château de Lascaux AOC Languedoc makes it an obvious choice to accompany a weeknight dinner like this simple and flavorful rustic sausage kale pasta.
Rustic Sausage Kale Pasta
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1b mild Italian pork sausage
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-1/2 cups baby kale I used Trader Joes organic mixed baby kale
- 7 oz. canned Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 lb dried penne pasta
- pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 5 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese + more for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the pork sausage, breaking it up and cook until browned. Add the red onion slices and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn heat down to low.
- Salt the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Drain the pasta. Add the beans to the sausage mixture, pasta, parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water. Stir to mix and gently mix in the baby kale. Serve with extra cheese
My Fellow French Winophile Bloggers
Martin from Enofylz > 2014 Domaine L’Ostal Cazes “Grand Vin” Minervois La Livinière #Winophiles
Michelle from Rockin Red Blog > Say Yes to Languedoc Wine
Nicole from Somm’s Table > Domaine de Majas Côtes Catalanes Blanc with Butter Poached Salmon and White Asparagus
Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm > Celebrating Languedoc with Cassoulet
Gwen from Wine Predator > Grilled Cheese with 4 Affordable Wines from Occitanie: new name for a fave region in France
Jane from Always Ravenous > Rustic Sausage Kale Pasta with Languedoc Wine
Melanie from Wining with Mel > French kiss: a glimpse into the food and wine of Languedoc
Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla > An Easy Dinner with Anchoïade and Mas Cavalier de Lascaux
Olivier from In Taste Buds We Trust > Boutenac: Balance in the Languedoc
Lynn from Savor the Harvest > Making Great Wines in the Languedoc-Rousillion #Winophiles
Jill at L’occasion > New Roots Along the Canal du Midi
I think choosing a rustic dish for wines from this area was the perfect decision. This pairing sounds wonderful.
Thanks Wendy, I think we were on the same page with a rustic food pairing. I wanted to make cassoulet, but thought I didn’t have the time – love your slow cooker method!
A delicious wine under $20 and an easy dish with Italian sausage is a match made in heaven. Looks divine.
So true, we all need affordable wines and easy dinners, especially week nights.
A KLWM wine- you can (almost) never go wrong! Although I haven’t tasted this wine, I can imagine how it was a nice pairing with the dish, as you say. Double yum!
So true, when in doubt, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant!
It’s hard to wrong with Kermit Lynch. The food looks delicious, and sausage is always a good match for wines from the Languedoc. YUM!
Your wine and the pairing look great Jane! Love the recipe. Thanks for sharing!