Wine + Food = Fun!

As I have started thinking about hosting another wine and food tasting, I remembered how much we fun had with our Summer Food & Wine Pairing Seminar.  I always make it a point to ensure that everyone feels relaxed & comfortable- no intimidating wine snobs : ) 

I also want everyone to know that you really don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great bottle of wine.  In our tastings we always feature fantastic yet affordable wines. I do all the research.  I learn about grapes, the vineyards, the winery, the weather, the wine making process, pairing the wine with food- everything I can find.   

These are the fantastic pairings we had at that seminar:

  

White wine

Bogle Sauvignon Blanc

 Black Tiger Shrimp with Pesto Aioli- The lemony undertones in this wine are a natural blend with the shrimp.  The creamy and exhilarating aioli brings it all together- in a good way.

Bogle Chardonnay

Aged Irish Cheddar on classic cracker- This pair marries tangy, salty and nutty with fruity and creamy.  Exciting and different without being offensive ; )

Cupcake Chardonnay

Artichoke and Jalapeño with Jack Cheese on a crostini- The tanginess and spice of the artichoke and jalapeño prove that opposites attract when paired with this buttery chardonnay.

Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc

French style gourmet smoked sausage with blue cheese on baguette slice with Dijon mustard- The fresh, vibrant flavors of this wine can be savored with the herbs and fromage in this “oui-sconsin” sausage. Perfect pairing for a Bastille’s Day picnic.

Twisted Pinot Grigio

Italian Meatballs with Marinara- When speaking of this Pinot, It’s been said that the nose brings to mind Lemon Italian Ices. Well what better to match with than Italian meatballs in a nice marinara? Unexpected? Yes. Yet they do flatter one another.

Schlink Haus Riesling

Colby on crispy bagel chip- The smooth flavor of the all American Colby cheese is the perfect complement to this highly aromatic German wine. German and American combinations are a proven success.  There are over 51 million German American citizens in the United States!

Red wine

Ménage a trios red

Potato Chips-sea salt and pepper: The flavors of the Ménage a Trois Red seem to be magnified by the potato chips with the sea salt and pepper.  Almost like magic…

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel

Turkey Chili served on tortilla chip- The luscious berry flavors, layered with pepper in this wine can makes a humble bowl of chili come alive!

Gnarly Head Pinot Noir (one of my personal fav's)

Havarti cheese on pita cracker- This creamy, buttery cheese balances out the vibrant, explosive Pinot.  It is true- opposites attract.

Twisted Cabernet

Muenster Cheese on Pita Chip- This strong cheese is never intimidated by Cabernet.  It’s a healthy liaison.  Quite becoming...

1830 Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Tortilla chips and savory salsa- With a wine this lusciously complex all you need is a simple chip and a savory tomato salsa to bring out the sweetness in life.

http://www.bombalyaldao.com.ar/english.html

Maggio Petite Sirah

Twix candy bar- Most people know that this wine has peppery tendencies.  It just calls out for a little “sugar”, if you know what I mean…

I hope you’ll try some of these pairings.  Please let me know if you have any ideas you’d like to share.