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Red Wine
Can You Match the Wine to Its Region of Origin?
Last week while attending Wine & Spirits Top 100 tasting, I realized that there are tons of wines out there that I'm not all that familiar with.
Since I figured you might feel the same way, I thought it would be fun to put together a quiz. I'll list a varietal and you tell me where it's from.
Name That Dish!
The menu for my harvest party features a chicken dish braised in white wine. It's a variation on the more classic red wine braised chicken pictured below. Do you know what it's called?
Come Party With Me: Harvest Party — Menu
In wine making, the harvest is one of the most crucial times of year. It's when the vintners pick the grapes and usually occurs between August and October. Since the harvest is such an important season, many wineries celebrate with a lunch or dinner.
Happy Hour: 2007 Feudo Principi Di Butera Nero d'Avola
When selecting wine from a menu, sometimes I like to choose a varietal I've never heard of. Take Nero d'Avola for example. Up until recently, I didn't know this red grape (that's been grown in Sicily for hundreds of years) even existed.
Happy Hour: 2006 Huge Bear Cabernet Sauvignon
I'm a huge Zinfandel lover, but earlier this Summer, I decided to give another bold red a chance, and so I've been drinking — and enjoying — a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon. My latest favorite is Huge Bear's 2006 Cab Sav ($55). Although it's pricey, this luscious intense wine is worth the splurge.
Come Party With Me: Outdoor Concert — Drinks
Why do I love sangria so much? Let me count the ways. It's wildly delicious and refreshing.
Happy Hour: 2004 Château Clarke Listrac-Médoc
Although one normally thinks of pairing a burger or hot dog with an ice cold beer, when grilling other meats, like tri tip, chicken, or pork, don't be afraid to pour wine. When selecting a wine, take into consideration the meat's type of sauce (is it spicy, sweet, herby, etc.?) or seasoning.
I recently enjoyed this 2004 red Bordeaux ($27), by Château Clarke, with grilled boneless pork ribs.
Happy Hour: Kalimotxo
Have you ever thought to yourself, I could really use a cocktail right now, only to realize that your liquor cabinet is empty except for that random bottle of Amaretto? Instead of running to the corner store or the nearest bar, take a tip from the Spanish and make kalimotxo. While the name sounds exotic, the ingredients — coca-cola and red wine — are probably already in your kitchen.
Happy Hour: Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto 2004
If you think all dessert wines are too sweet, think again. Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto 2004 ($21.99) is a red sparkler that's appealing without being cloying. It has a fabulous ripe raspberry flavor and rosy scent.
Five Enticing Appetizers to Pair With Wine
Tomorrow is Open That Bottle Night, and I hope you're busting out a bottle of really extraordinary wine and drinking it with people you love. Because you're opening a special bottle of vino, it only makes sense that you'd want to find the perfect bite to enjoy alongside your glass. Not sure what vittles to pair with your vintage?
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