white wine

How to Pair Wine with Food (video)

Filed under: Wine, Video

Pairing red and white wines with food. How to pair wine with food? The old adage that white wine pairs well with fish while red wine works with meat, serves as a good basis to start from, according to wine expert Brandon Walsh, president of Reston, Va.-based Hosted Wine Tasting (see video below).

Wines should always be served at their optimal serving temperatures, as well.

Another consideration, he suggests is the concept of matching weights of the wine with the food.

Lighter-bodied white wines include reisling and pinot grigio. Medium-bodied wines include sauvignon blanc while chardonnay is a fuller, heavier-bodied wine, he says.

Lighter-bodied wines go well with salads, as well as light fish, such as sushi. Medium-bodied wines works well with light and flakey fish as well as poultry. Heavier-bodied whites, such as chardonnay, pair very well with salmon or swordfish.

Red wines also range from light to heavier, fuller-bodied wines. A lighter-bodied red wine is a pinot noir or beaujolais. A medium-bodied red is a merlot, syrah (shiraz). Heavier, fuller-bodied wines include cabernet sauvignon. Pinot noir pairs well with salmon as well as some poultry. Syrah and merlot pairs well beef or pork. A cabernet sauvignon pairs well with beef, lamb and game.

See our review of The Best Wine Clubs offered directly from wineries here.

Tags: awards-main, cabernet sauvignon, food pairings, luxist-awards, main-pedia, pinot grigio, red wine, white wine, wine, wine and food matching, wine and food pairings, wine-pedia

Alsace Wine Festival Brings European Taste To Northern California

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine, Events

Northern California's Mendocino County offers a different wine profile than you can get in other places in the state. In many ways it is similar to Oregon with cooler weather that is favorable to pinot noir and to riesling and other aromatic whites. The Anderson Valley growing region will celebrate Alsace-style white wines next month in an decoration: underline;">Alsace Wine Festival weekend event February 12 and 13 that brings together a variety of different white wines including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat. The event includes a technical conference where participants can interact with winemakers and wine experts from around the globe and discuss the trends. This year's topic is Old World/New World and includes a discussion of Alsace wine and the wines of Germany as well as a look at Anderson Valley wines and the white wines of New York's Finger Lakes region.

The grand tasting brings together a variety of different wineries including Alderbrook Winery, Breggo Cellars, Domaine Weinbach, Foursight, Hagafen Cellars, Handley Cellars, Husch Vineyards, Lazy Creek Vineyards, Londer Vineyards, NY Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, Toulouse Vineyards and many more. A winemakers dinner is scheduled for the evening of February 12 in the private dining room at Scharffenberger Cellars. A sit-down dinner will be prepared by a renowned local chef and each course will be perfectly paired with wines featured at the festival or locally produced. The dinner is $125 and is nearly sold out.

The next day is given over to winery open houses. Local wineries are participating and hosting special programs. Events include live music, food pairings, cheese tastings and more. All together a lovely way to wile away Valentine's Day weekend in beautiful Northern California.

Tags: alsace, alsace-style wine, white wine, wine, wine event, wine events, wine festival

Chateau d'Yquem Wins the Readers' Choice Award for Best International White Wine

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Many French wines boast an extensive history, but the sweet dessert wine of Chateau d'Yquem traces its heritage all the way back to the 16th Century. Chateau d'Yquem is the winner of the Readers' Choice Award for Best International White Wine.

In 1593, a nobleman named Jacques Sauvage gained control of the feudal territory of Yquem, where noteworthy winegrowing techniques were starting to take root. Toward the beginning of the 17th Century, the Sauvage family consolidated the vineyards and built the chateau that still stands today.

Gallery: Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes

As the years went on, Chateau d'Yquem's reputation made its way around the world. In the 19th Century, the wine became a favorite in Meiji dynasty Japan and in Imperial Russia, where the Tsar's brother paid 20,000 gold francs for a barrel of Chateau d'Yquem. At the start of World War I, the chateau was temporarily converted into a military hospital; during World War II, the head of the family was taken prisoner for two years before returning to France to bring Chateau d'Yquem to new heights.

Luxury goods conglomerate LVMH became the house's main shareholder in 1999, installing Bordeaux wine expert Pierre Lurton as the estate's manager. Other than that, not much has changed – and today, Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes remains one of the most beloved dessert wines in the world.

Tags: awards-main, best white wine, chateau dyquem, dessert wine, dessert wines, luxist-awards, white wine, winner-wine, winners-wine

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte: A Favorite of Oenophiles Around the World

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte has changed hands a number of times throughout its lengthy history, but one thing that hasn't changed is the quality of its product. For that reason and others, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc has earned a nomination for a Luxist award in the best international white wine category.

All the way back in 1365, the blue-blooded Bosq family was the first to grow grapes at what is now Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. In the 18th Century, a Scotsman named George Smith took over the estate and built the chateau that stands today. He produced wine and transported it back to the British Isles by the caseload on his own ships.

Gallery: Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc

Toward the middle of the 19th Century, the estate fell into the hands of Bordeaux's mayor, who established Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte as a Grand Cru. In 1958, the company was purchased by its distributor, the Louis Eschenauer company, before finally ending up under the control of current owner Daniel Cathiard in 1990.

Today, the wine remains a favorite of oenophiles around the world, thanks to a blend of grapes as engaging as ever. Recent vintages of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc are made up of 90% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, but the house's "secret weapon" is a dash of Sauvignon Gris that gives the wine hints of peach, apricot and grapefruit – and makes it an ideal candidate for aging.

Vote for the winemaker that you think is the best of breed. The voting period ends on June 30th, with winners announced on July 1, 2010.

Tags: awards-main, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc, France, luxist-awards, white wine, wine

Gourmet Latino Vino: Sampling Offbeat Wines from (Way) South of the Border

by Amy Cortese (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Wine, Events

If your idea of Latin American cuisine is tacos and a frosty Corona, you're missing out, amigo. From Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, Latin America offers up a stunning array of flavors and culinary traditions -- and all were on display recently at the Gourmet Latino Festival, a five-day series of events and tastings in New York City. There was Argentine barbecue, Mexican mole, and cocktails made with Peruvian Pisco, Mexican tequila and Brazilian Cachaca.

Being a wine lover, I was intrigued by an event that promised to pair Latin America specialties with wines from surprising regions like Brazil, Uruguay and Mexico. it was held at at Palo Santo, a Latino restaurant in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood, where chef-owner Jacques Gautier serves up unusual but authentic pan-Latin cuisine, often using ingredients from his rooftop garden.

"I like to showcase dishes I've come across in my travels but that are less well known," explained Gautier. The same could be said for the wine served that evening.

Tags: chardonnay, chenin blanc, latin american cuisine, Maria Luz Marin, Palo Santo, patagonia, pinot noir, red wine, riesling, sauvignon blanc, south american wine, uruguay, white wine, wine

Continue reading “Gourmet Latino Vino: Sampling Offbeat Wines from (Way) South of the Border”

How to Make an Educated Guess When Ordering Wine

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

No matter how versed you are in the world of wine there will always be labels and brands that you've never tried, but when faced with ordering from a list of wines that you've never heard of it is possible to make a more educated selection than simply reading what the menu says and then choosing between a cabernet or a merlot. The key is in knowing where the wine was made.

#1 Hot vs Cool Climate Grapes grown in warmer climates tend to be lower in acidity and higher in sugar, which results in fuller-bodied wine. Cooler climates more often yield the opposite with grapes having higher acidity and less sugar, so the end product is lighter-bodied. This climate rule can be derailed, however, by local variances like a south facing vineyard that's warmer than average for the surrounding area, or by certain breeds of grape (some are consistently flavored no matter where they're grown).

#2 Old World vs New World Another good rule of thumb is that generally speaking traditional Old World (European) wines tend to the earthier, spicier side while New World (United States, Argentina, South Africa, anywhere not Europe) varieties are fruitier. Again, this rule does not always apply as the occasional New World winemaker may aspire to Old World techniques, or a European might deliberately create a fruit-forward variety to tap into that market.

So in applying these two rules you could make an educated guess that a cabernet from South Africa is probably fuller bodied than a cabernet from Yarra Valley in Australia, but that neither are likely to be as earthy as a cabernet listed from France.

Source

Tags: choosing wine, how to choose wine, red wine, terroir, white wine, wine, wine-pedia

That Wine Tastes Great, Could It Be The Lighting?

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Can lighting affect wine taste? One German study found that drinkers who were served a bottle of Riesling in differently lit environments had different taste experiences. Researchers found that subjects rated the wine as better and more expensive tasting when exposed to the red or blue background lighting versus rooms with green or white background lighting. According to an article in the Telegraph, the wine was described as being sweeter and fruitier in red light than in white or green light. When drinking in the red or blue lit room the subjects though the wine was worth as much as one euro more for the same bottle.

Dr Daniel Oberfeld-Twistel, of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz said in the Telegraph article that more tests are needed to determine why the color makes a difference. One theory is that some colors put people in a more positive mood but it may be more complex than that. The study certainly makes a case for mood lighting in wine shops and tasting rooms as well as in bars or restaurants.

Source

Tags: riesling, white wine, WhiteWine, wien tasting, WienTasting, wine

Smith-Madrone Re-Released Riesling

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Most wine is released the year it is ready but Smith-Madrone Winery has an interesting approach, it re-releases its older Rieslings. This year the winery is re-releasing its 2002 Riesling. Why re-release? The winery's founder and General Partner Stuart Smith says they do this because "we love how Rieslings age and develop and we want to give people the opportunity to taste what a moderately aged Riesling is like." He says that Rieslings age just as well as Cabernet Sauvignons and can age for 10, 15 or even 20 years adding depth and tonality to the flavor. The 2002 is available for $60 a bottle with a three bottle limit. If you posses a bit more patience, you can pick up the 2008 for $27 and cellar it yourself for a few years.

Source

Tags: riesling, smith-madrone, white wine, WhiteWine, wine

Chardonnay Goes "Nude"

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

California Chardonnays sometimes get a bad reputation for being overly oaky. While big, oaky Chards definitely have their place, especially with richer foods, an unoaked Chardonnay can offer a light and fruity taste that is perfect for summer. Summers Estate Wines in Calistoga has released their "Le Nude," a limited-production un-oaked Chardonnay which is fermented in stainless steel and produced from grapes grown in the Alexander Valley. This is the first time Summers Estate Wines has produced a "naked" Chardonnay. The wine is made from grapes grown in the Alexander Valley and has flavors of tropical fruit and yellow flowers. This wine sells for $24 and has a screw cap, making it an easy choice for outdoor picnics.

Source

Tags: california wine, CaliforniaWine, chardonnay, unoaked, white wine

The 10 Most Overrated Wines

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

If you are particularly attached to some of wine's most sacred cows you might want to steer clear of The Upgrader's list of the ten most overrated wines. The article is an equal opportunity offender for those who pride themselves on their taste and selections. It's also a ripping fun read. I was delighted to see them name Australian Shiraz. It's not generally that overpriced but it is certainly overestimated. Ah, but then my ego took a blow as the next slide on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, which I drank so much of this summer for its minerality, was illustrated by a picture of a cat box. Ouch. The rest of the list includes the Super Tuscans (which I agree are overpriced), Albariño, Chilean Cabernet and the auction favorite Screaming Eagle. It's a list bound to generate a certain amount of controversy and grumbling but it all boils down perhaps to one thing, if you are drinking what everyone is talking about, you are probably paying too much for it and there is a cheaper, lesser known and better tasting wine with a similar taste profile out there somewhere.

Source

Tags: red wine, white wine, wine, wine selection

Natalie MacLean's Thanksgiving Wine Picks

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Wine goddess and author Natalie MacLean has made her picks for wines for this year's Thanksgiving feast. MacLean, the author of the book Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass also has some simple rules for Thanksgiving wine pairing:

Starting off with a Champagne, Prosecco or other sparkling wine sets a festive note and makes a great aperitif.

Red wine or white wine with the turkey? You can do either. A crisp white like a Riesling or Pinot Grigio works but a juicy red like a Zinfandel also works well (it sort of mimics the berry note of the cranberry sauce). You can also go for the practically fruit juice appeal of this year's Beaujolais Nouveau.

You can also match your wine to the sides, offering other wines such as a buttery Chardonnay to complement the stuffing and veggies or a Sauvignon Blanc to add a little pep to a palate numbed by too many cream sauces. .

She suggests a late harvest wine or ice wine to pair with dessert to add the perfect finishing touch. In my experience, I have found that a Port or a late harvest Zinfandel works well with pecan pie while a late harvest Chardonnay can work with pumpkin pie.

After the jump, her top picks for reds and whites for the table.

Source

Tags: expire-images:2008-11-18, red wine, RedWine, thanksgiving, white wine, WhiteWine, wine, wine pairings, zinfandel

Continue reading “Natalie MacLean's Thanksgiving Wine Picks”

Eroica Single Berry Select Late Harvest Riesling

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

At the start of the year, I tasted the wonderful Eroica, a Riesling that is a collaboration between Washington's Chateau Ste. Michelle winery and Germany's Dr. Ernst Loosen. Now that I have found out that there is an ultra version, I simply must have it. The Eroica Single Berry Select Late Harvest Riesling is described as being like liquid gold, with scents of apricot, pear and spices and a rich flavor of honey, apricot, baked apple and tropical fruit. At around $200 for a half bottle it demands a very special occasion.

Source

Tags: chateau ste michelle, ChateauSteMichelle, eroica, loosen, riesling, white wine

Martha Stewart Enters the Wine Business

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine, Celebrity Shopping

Honestly I'm surprised it took her this long but Martha Stewart is finally getting into the wine business. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. has announced a partnership with E.&J. Gallo Winery to create wines known as the "Martha Stewart Vintage." The first launch of 15,000 cases includes three wines: a 2006 Sonoma County Chardonnay, 2005 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvingon and 2006 Sonoma County Merlot. The wines will be available in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Denver, Phoenix and Portland starting in January and will sell for around $15.

Source

Tags: cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, gallo, martha stewart, MarthaStewart, merlot, red wine, RedWine, white wine, WhiteWine, wine

Long Shadow Vintners Wins Winery of the Year

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

A unique winery in Washington, Long Shadows Vintners has been named Winery of the Year by Food & Wine magazine. The winery is actually more of a collaboration in which famous winemakers from around make wines from Washington grapes. Allen Shoup, the former CEO of Stimpson Lane (owner of Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest) is behind the project which creates luxury wines at the winery facility in Walla Walla. The wines include Pedestal, a Merlot-blend from Michel Rolland, Poet's Leap, a Riesling from German winemaker Armin Diel and Saggi, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Syrah and Barbera from Italian producers Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari. Basically it's like getting wine experience from all around the world made from Washington grapes. Prices for the wines vary but start at $20 for the Poet's Leap. There is a membership club for those who want to be the first to get their hands on the latest releases since these popular wines quickly sell out. A situation that will undoubtedly only get worse with this award.

[via Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

Source

Tags: food and wine magazine, long shadow vintners, LongShadowVintners, merlot, red wine, riesling, washington wine, white wine, wine

Blackstone Launches New Sonoma-Based Wines

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Like Kendall-Jackson, Blackstone winery is seeking to seek the next level of the wine market with a new line that appeal to a different price point than their main line which is generally under $10. The Blackstone Sonoma Reserve is produced at Blackstone's Kenwood Winery in the heart of Sonoma Valley and includes a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Bordeaux-inspired red blend, Rubric. The wines use grapes sourced from premium vineyards found upon the hillsides, benchlands and coastline of Sonoma County and are made by winemaker Gary Sitton.

The 2005 Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay uses grapes from the cool climate areas of Russian River Valley and Carneros, with small percentages drawn from the Sonoma Coast and sells for $16.99. The 2005 Sonoma Reserve Merlot uses grapes from the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Valley and also sells for $16.99. The 2005 Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir uses fruit from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley region and is aged for 12 months in French oak. It sells for $18.99. The 2005 Sonoma Reserve "Rubric" is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah. It is matured in a combination of French and American oak barrels and sells for $18.99.

Source

Tags: blacstone wines, BlacstoneWines, chardonnay, grapes, merlot, pinot noir, PinotNoir, red wine, RedWine, sonoma, white wine, wine

white wine

Featured Galleries

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular

Also on AOL