funfoodandwinepairings

Fun Food & Wine Pairings

This is a new section that will match simple to make or prepare ideas for your next dinner party.

2 Cheeses (July 2009)

Aged Sharp Cheddar

Sampled with a Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Aussie Shiraz

The winner: Cabernet Sauvignon

While the Pinot was a good match I liked how the Sharp Cheddar really softened the tannic structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon

Pepper Jack

Sampled with Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Aussie Shiraz

The winner: Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is the most versatile red and pairs well with a wide variety of cheeses.

Steak (June 2009)

Everyone who drinks red wine likes steak with it. My friend Matt and I grilled steaks and sampled 2 Bordeaux wines with our rib eyes.

2005 Chateau Tourneffeville Lalande-De-Pomeral $$$

Color: Dark purple

Nose: Truffles, dark cherries, smoke

Taste: Floral, spices, truffles, cherry, chalk

Finish: Good acidity with medium tannins

Evaluation: Great wine for the money 93 points

2000 Les Gartieux De Pichon LaLande Pauillac $$$

Color: Medium purple

Nose: Raspberries, dust, mushrooms, tobacco

Taste: Cherry, dust, mushrooms, some sweetness, mild tannins

Finish: Elegant and soft at this stage.

Evaluation: A steal at $26 at Wine Streets on sale 91 points

I enjoyed the Tourneffeville better with the steaks as it had more tannic quality. The more aged Bordeaux would have worked well with a Pork Tenderloin.

Chicken Kabobs (July)

A healthy alternative to meat kabobs. What wine to try with onions, potatoes, peppers and spice seasonings? Pinot Noir

We sampled 2 $25 retail Pinot Noirs (one from Oregon and one from California)

While both were nice on their own the Stangeland was a clear winner in my book.

2006 Wildhorse Central Coast Pinot Noir $$$

Color: Light purple

Nose: Floral, raspberries

Taste: Sweet fruits with floral and minerals

Finish: Medium

Evaluation: 86 points

2005 Stangeland Stand Sure Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $$$

Color: Medium purple

Nose: Mushroom, pepper, raspberries

Taste: Earth dominated with pepper, mushroom, mineral, and some raspberries

Finish: Medium and multi layered flavors

Evaluation: A well made wine with five more years of enjoyment 89 points