Triple creme brie with it’s rich buttery texture and aromas of mushrooms and almonds make for an outstanding pairing with Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is known for its red fruit, bright acidity and earthy characteristics. The refreshing acidity is a natural counterpoint to the creamy silky brie. The wine gently wipes away the cheese from…
I have the great pleasure of participating in Protocol Wine Studio’s #winestudio twitter program this month featuring the iconic sparkling wines of Ferrari. This week, it’s all about exploring the 2001 Giulio Ferrari Riserva. When I looked at the intriguing tasting notes on the Ferrari website for the 2001 vintage, I couldn’t wait to pop…
Selecting the perfect Thanksgiving wine doesn’t have to be a source of stress and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider starting your festivities with a sparkling brut rosé as an aperitif and then opt for a white and a red option for your main course and let your guests decide what pairing they…
Sticky, smoky and sweet baby back ribs are a summer staple and a classic partner for those game-day tailgate parties. Sure, most people think of grabbing a cold beer with barbecue, but I promise the right wine pairing can literally blow your mind. There are so many styles of BBQ, so for this post, I…
Discover some of Crystal’s favorite things to do in Napa & Sonoma. Dining Madrona Manor – A beautiful Victorian B&B in the heart of Sonoma County with a fabulous Michelin rated restaurant on premise. This is one of the best meals we’ve had out there. Fantastic sommelier and chef team! Fine dining at its best. 1001…
Virginia’s rich wine history dates back more than 400 years and Williamsburg Winery prides itself on honoring the legacy of the Commonwealth’s sometimes tumultuous but emerging wine industry. I believe Thomas Jefferson is smiling down on his beloved Virginia today and beaming with pride that his dream of turning Virginia into a world-class wine destination has finally come to…
This is one of my all time favorite appetizers. It’s decadent, creamy, crunchy and salty all in one bite. The creamy, tangy goat cheese slathered on a crunchy, buttery crostini with the briny, salty olive tapenade creates a symphony of flavors on your palate. This is an incredibly easy recipe to pull together. This is…
Chinese food is perhaps one of the trickiest types of cuisine to pair with wine, but there are a few tried-and-true options that won’t disappoint. Chinese food covers the entire spectrum of flavors, from sweet and sour chicken to the slightly spicy General Tso’s chicken all the way to spicy Hunan beef with lots of dried…
Believe it or not, there is a wine pairing for hot dogs! Sauvignon Blanc works quite well with this summer time staple, especially the “Chicago Style” dog with the pickle, tomatoes, relish and celery salt. Sauvignon Blancs have abundant citrus notes of grapefruit with lemon and lime, lots of fresh cut grassy aromas and vibrant acidity that…
Pizza and wine were made for each other. While Barbera is generally my go-to pizza wine, a hearty pepperoni and meat lover’s pizza can handle a bigger, bolder wine with more tannins to stand up to the fatty meat. If you’ve never tried a Primitivo, I highly recommend it! It has a similar DNA to…
There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch on a rainy night with a delicious pizza and great bottle of wine. There are so many variations of pizza, so you really need to base your wine pairing on the toppings and sauce. When it comes to traditional cheese, margherita and even meat lover’s pizza,…
Add a little class to bar food, with a non-vintage champagne paired with hot wings. There’s something so right about taking these two polar opposites and serving them up side by side. This is an unusual pairing that makes people scratch their heads at first, until they savor the first bite and sip. The creamy notes…
This dish can get quite spicy with the andouille sausage and the cayenne pepper in the creole seasoning. When it comes to spicy food and wine pairings, I immediately gravitate to Riesling. I really like the way an-off dry Riesling cools the palate with a touch of residual sweetness and also makes the flavors pop with…
Mediterranean quinoa salad is a refreshingly satisfying meal. While an aromatic, crisp Moschfilero from Greece would work wonders with this dish, a dry, crisp rosé is just as amazing. Contrary to popular belief, many rosés are actually dry and make a great companion for many foods from picnic fare to salads to fried chicken and deli sandwiches. I…
In general, veggies can be quite challenging to pair with wine. However; the crisp, clean and refreshing nature of a Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most reliable pairings with an array of salads and cooked vegetables. Although, there are some variations on the flavor profile of the varietal depending on where it comes from,…
