Page 21 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 9-30-2015

Lake Lifestyle

Simple rules for wine and food pairings

Walk into many wine and spirits courses that pack a flavorful punch. Great travel ideas for wine lovers
stores, and you will likely encounter Sauvignon blanc can be grassy or
a dizzying array of selections. While tropical in flavoring, depending on If you’re searching for inspiration for a produces five quality grape varietals in the
wine selections at such stores were once the region in which the grapes were trip that encompasses sightseeing, local cuisine terroir.
limited to a few well-known brands, grown. It is commonly described as and outdoor experiences, start with one of your The Pinot Noir varietal, in product-
many niche and private wineries have crisp and fresh in flavor and is often passions: wine. ion since the 11th century, is the oldest.
begun to make their vintages available recommended with sushi. Consider these travel ideas from the expert Today, wineries such as The Seeker make
to a wider clientele, so now shoppers •Match delicate seafood dishes winemakers of The Seeker, a global brand with the most of the region’s warm days and cool
are treated to both familiar and less with a light wine. Pinot grigio or wines from the most popular grape-producing nights, along with its mineral-rich soil to grow
well-known options. chablis are delicately flavored and will regions worldwide. delicate, finessed grapes for its Pinot Noir wines.
To novice dinner party hosts, the pair well with seafood. Fish that is Argentina Travelers can enjoy breathtaking
vast array of wines and flavors can make served in a rich sauce may be better Mendoza, a province renowned for its natural wonders by day and bask in
selecting a bottle or two to accompany matched with a heartier chardonnay. Malbec, is an up-and-coming destination for their experiences by night with wine and
a meal a bit more challenging. But one •Make rose your go-to wine wine loving travelers, and has also long-attracted local cheese, or a traditional potée auvergnate,
need not be a master sommelier to find when serving cheese. Although some a mixed crowd of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether a rich specialty combining tangy cabbage
the right pairing. The following tips can cheeses work great with white or red, mountaineering, horseback riding or rafting with the finesse of French pork meat.
help anyone select wines to go with rose is typically a safe bet when serving is your pleasure, the Mendoza province of New Zealand
their menu or the type of occasion. cheese because of its acidity and fruity Argentina makes a beautiful backdrop. If you’ve always longed to visit New
•Work from light to dark. Just as character, offering the best of both After a day of discovering majestic scenery, Zealand, now is the time. Plan to see the
you begin a dinner service with some worlds. travelers can fill evenings with good company, Marlborough region for an outdoor adventure
appetizers and salad before moving •Hearty meats, such as steaks an authentic meal and a smooth, spicy Malbec. and refreshing, fruity, acidic Sauvignon Blanc,
to heavier courses, the wine should and chops, pair well with rich reds. Over the years Mendoza has been influenced the region’s specialty.
follow suit. Select lighter wines to Cabernet sauvignon and bordeaux are by Spanish and Italian cultures, creating an In the 1970s, Marlborough began the
accompany the earlier course before great when paired with meat. Malbec infusion of colorful and flavorful local fare. modern wine movement; over the years
opting for deeper, richer wines as the and shiraz can hold their own if meats Many meals begin with fresh warm bread Sauvignon Blanc wines have become its front
meal progresses. are spiced and extremely flavorful. and a sample of olive oil, another specialty of the running grape varietal.
•Consider champagne to •Rustic wines will work best with region. Satiate your appetite with a glass of the
accompany appetizers and opening rustic recipes. Try to find a wine from Main courses are consistent with the region’s Seeker’s Sauvignon Blanc (priced typically at
courses. Champagne works particularly the same region from which the meal Creole culture, featuring various cured and about $14 a bottle) and other local cuisine such
well with salty foods, which is why originated. Pinot noir is a light-bodied grilled meat dishes, such as the “patitas aliñadas,” as the local fresh, green-lipped mussels, a delicacy
it is often a good match for hors red wine that has full flavor and can baked veal served with chimichurri sauce that well-known for its health benefits.
d’oeuvres. If your’s is a cocktail party work with many pasta dishes as well as pairs well with a glass of The Seeker Malbec, a Marlborough has much to offer travelers
only, you may want to exclusively serve earthy ingredients, such as mushrooms. bottle of which will typically cost about $14 in who love the outdoors. There are gorgeous nature
champagne, which typically pairs well Though some people follow a strict the U.S. trails through varied landscapes for hiking and
with passed finger foods and even bite- personal code regarding wine pairings, France photographing. Another option would be to
sized desserts. your personal tastes should dictate what If you’re looking for a trip that is a bit mountain bike down the 70 kilometer scenic
• Opt for sauvignon blanc when you ultimately serve. Experimentation more technical, the volcanoes at the Auvergne Queen Charlotte Track.
you do not want the flavor of the can yield an unexpected flavor Regional Park, located in Auvergne Rhône Valley Plan your next international wine journey
wine to be overwhelmed by the food. combination that complements the of France, will be sure to please. with one great formula: seek out top reliable,
Sauvignon blanc works with early nuances of both the food and the wine. Take a guided hiking tour to the peak of quality wines, delightful regional meals and
a volcano to learn about the region. You may breathtaking outdoor adventures.
Pairing wine with dessert find yourself becoming a wine connoisseur
while learning about the rich volcanic soils and
Many people are novices when it comes to choosing the right wine to pair its power to grow prosperous crops. The region
with food, and the same can be said when wine carries over into the dessert
hour. Dessert is an expansive term for many different culinary creations, so
finding the right wine to go with your dessert is not always easy. Here are
some suggestions, courtesy of The Nibble, a specialty food magazine.
•Apple pie or tartlets: Anjou wines, like Bonnezaux
•Cheesecake: Champagne or rich wines, like Sauternes
•Chocolate: Late harvest Zinfandel or vintage port
•Coconut custard pie: A Beerenauslese Riesling
•Cookies: Whatever is the best you have on hand
•Fresh fruit: Moscato D’Asti
•Pudding or mousse: Fortified Muscats
•Tiramisu: Sweet Malvasia or Champagne

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