Recently I had some friends over for a night of wine tasting and food pairings.There were some interesting wines that came thru the door and I was thrilled to see how they would pair with the snacky foods I had prepared!
We started the night with a glass of Segura Viudas Cava ( a personal favourite of mine ) I suggested some regular potato chips and some smoked salmon topped with capers.They both paired very well - a sparkler will go with just about everything!! It was a great way to start the evening,but then there is no wrong time for a bottle of Cava!
Kim brought a bottle of Sutter Home White Zinfandel - it is her favourite and who am I to tell her what to drink?! There were a few people that enjoyed it and besides we all have had a bottle or two in years gone by!!
Next were two Chardonnay's - There was an 2007 unoaked from Coyote Run in Niagara and an 2008 oaked Robert Mondavi from California. Those of you that know me-know that I don't get along very well with Chardonnays,especially the oaked ones!!
Much to my surprise both wines showed very well.The oaked Mondavi was buttery with sutle hints of oak and vanilla,with citrus on the finish,complimenting the salmon and taking the edge off the 5 year old white cheddar I had. The Niagara chardonnay had a very pretty nose with pineapple,minerality and hints of figs.The palate followed adding some pear and melon with great acidity - which made it a perfect pairing with the baked brie covered with fig balsminic marinade. Many thanks to Sid and Diane - you just may have changed my mind about chardonnays!!!
Sherrie brought a 2008 Gewurztraminer from Pelee Island- the nose is full of lychee and spice and mango and peaches on the palate - I had some goat cheese stuffed lychee nuts topped with a few spiced peanuts which seemed to add a little more to the wine!
The first red of the night was a 2007 Merlot Winemaker's Select from Blackstone Winery in California. It literally blew me away!! Yes my friends I have found a merlot I like!!! It was the biggest surprise of the evening,and maybe even my new found favourite!!
It was opaque and a beautiful dark cherry in colour with legs that clung to the glass and a rim variation that showed a nice concentration.The nose was "sexy" with oak and black raspberries and yes a hint of "barnyard".The palate revealed byng cheeries,dark fruits,chocolate and earthiness with firm tannins and a finish that went on forever, I found this wine well balanced and complex and with the shitake mushroom crostinis very very enjoyable. Tanya - thank you for sharing this wine with the group! I love surprised A ha moments!!! And you certainly got one out of me!!
Carmen brought a 2009 Merlot/Cab from Italy - it was okay for being so young and definitely needs a little time but faired well with the kielbasa and aged cheddar.
Jenn brought a 2006 Tempranillo blend from Spain which just so happens to be my house wine! I love Spain and besides she will never disappoint you!!!
We ended the tasting with a 2004 Dow's LBV Port.I had some dark chocolate and walnuts which brought out the nuttiness of the wine,but myself I preferred it with the Roquefort blue cheese. They are a perfect match!!! And usually my desert!!!
A couple other bottles were opened and enjoyed as we sat and talked about the evening and the wines that were enjoyed.A sauv blanc from Jackson Triggs Delainye's Vineyard and a merlot/cab from France - which I finished as the glasses were washed and the remments of a great night were picked up and put away! I love it when I can share my passion with my friends and hope they have as great a time as I do!
Thank you it was a great night shared with great friends!!
You better assure to be had through trouble
Posted by: Isa77 | 03/21/2010 at 03:07 PM