Mineral-driven, salty, sweet and succulent fresh oysters can be challenging to pair with wine, but there are a few selections that can take this simple snack to a new stratosphere. Many wines will overpower the delicate nature of raw oysters, but a great mineral-driven, crisp and steely white proves to be a worthy suitor for…
When pairing wine with Ahi Tuna, there are many varietals that make a good partner. Ahi is a pretty dense, fatty fish, that requires a wine with vibrant acidity. Since, I added a little bit of minced jalapeños in the cilantro, lime slaw on the tacos, an off-dry Riesling makes an excellent pairing with this…
Pinot and Pork are a match made in heaven, especially when you incorporate herbs and rustic mushrooms in the dish. Pinot Noir is known for its red fruit, low to moderate tannins, mouthwatering acidity and earthy characteristics. Try a side of sautéed mushrooms with fresh rosemary and thyme to take this pairing to a whole new…
Why not add a little class to your next BBQ sandwich with a great glass of wine? If you think wine and bar food don’t belong together – think again! North Carolina vinegar-based BBQ requires a more subtle wine pairing than it’s Kansas City counterpart. One of my favorite, unconventional pairings with a pulled-pork sandwich…
The next time you entertain with your grandmother’s famous spaghetti and meatball recipe, take your dinner party to the next level by pairing this signature dish with a rich, full bodied Barbaresco. Barbaresco is made from the Nebbiolo grape in the Piedmont region of Northwest Italy. Nebbiolo is also the grape behind the famous Barolo wines and…
Carbonara is such a simple, yet decadent, budget-friendly and comforting dish. You only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes of time and dinner is served. Carbonara pairs well with a variety of crisp Italian white wines like Pinot Grigio, Falanghina and Vermentino and even an acidic red like a Barbera d’Alba. I love…
There are many wines that pair well with cheesecake. A sparkling wine is a nice option as is a rich, robust Tawny Port. I prefer a Tawny Port over a Ruby Port with cheesecake because the rich caramel and nuttiness pairs incredibly well with the graham cracker crust. The notes of pumpkin, pecans and…
Epoisses de Bourgogne paired with an earthy, mouthwatering red Burgundy is an epic pairing. But, you have to really love stinky cheese to appreciate this match. According to legend, Epoisses was Napolean’s favorite cheese. Epoisses is a soft cow’s milk cheese and is categorized as a smear-ripened cheese. The cheese is washed with a blend of…
Grab an assortment of Italian meats and cheeses and a bottle of Barbera (bar-BEH-rah) and you’ve just created a perfect menu for any casual get together. Barbera is one of my go-to pizza wines, I always keep a few bottles in the house for take-out night. Barbera is a grape varietal from the Piedmont region…
Gorgonzola Dolce and fig spread is a perfect addition to any cheese plate. The dolce is a younger, sweeter and milder version of the pungent gorgonzola and is absolutely delicious with the sweet, rich fig spread and a nutty, refreshing Prosecco. Prosecco is a sparkling wine from the Veneto area in Northeast Italy. It’s made…
Chevre is a goat cheese that originated in the Loire Valley of France. One of the all time classic food and wine pairing is Chèvre and Sancerre. Sancerre is a region in the Loire Valley, that produces wines made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This version tends to be a little more mineral driven, austere, steely and…
Baked lemon ricotta has an exotic and refreshing tang with the texture of a decadent cheesecake. You can buy it online or at your nearest Whole Foods market. This is reminiscent of lemon cheesecake without the crust. It’s amazing! The cheese makes the sweet lemon and tropical fruit burst on your palate. Kerner is a…
While Pinot Noir and lamb is a classic pairing, I like to be a little adventurous and go with a spicy, meaty Syrah. This works particularly well when you add bacon to your recipe. The various spice notes in a good bottle of Pinot work incredibly well with a long list of marinades and spice…
Looking for an easy to make, low-carb appetizer for your next dinner party? Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is a great choice! My favorite pairings for this snack include Prosecco, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. The saltiness of the prosciutto brings out the fruit flavors in the wine and the vibrant, crisp, citrus and mineral driven nature of…
Tropical salsa with pineapple, mango, avocado, black beans, cilantro and fresh squeezed lime juice served with crunchy, salty tortilla chips and a chilled glass of Rosado makes for an awesome summer afternoon or tailgate snack. While many people tend to grab a beer with their chips & salsa, I encourage you to drink outside the…
