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BBQ & Wine pairing heaven

Zinfandel is a jammy, spiced grape with smooth tannins, high alcohol and fresh acidity that is the perfect accompaniment for the grill, from beef to lamb to poultry. This Paso Robles Zinfandel shouts luscious strawberry, cherry, plum and blueberry jam combined with warm cinnamon vanilla, tobacco, bramble, mint, baking spices, dark chocolate, covered raisins. it’s perfectly balanced to stand up to BBQ. It’s a match made in gastronomic heaven. Pair with grilled turkey burger, lamb kebobs, grilled sirloin steak or Korean BBQ ribs  #oldvinezinfandel #amadorcountywine @meadowcroft_wines #foodwinepairing #grillwine @lastbottlewines

Summer lunch poolside

Roasted red pepper and caramelized onion flatbread, with a protein packed tabbouleh salad were the perfect light summer lunch poolside. Paired well with the Vinho Verde Rose Protein Packed Tabbouleh Salad 1 x 15oz. cans chick peas, drained and rinsed 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup minced fresh parsley 1/2 cup each minced fresh mint and green onions 1 small jar of marinated artichoke quarters, rinsed and drained Vinaigrette: 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 tbsp. each red wine vinegar and olive oil 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 tsp. each ground cumin, salt and pepper Mix all of the salad ingredients together in a bowl. Whish the vinaigrette together in a bowl. Pour over the salad and toss. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Bubbles and Cheese Anyone???

Sparkling wine is synonymous with special occasions. The sound of the cork popping makes everyone smile. It is also an amazing wine to pair with an assortment of foods. From appetizers to cheeses to main courses and dessert. There are so many different sparkling wines to choose from to meet your pairing needs. One of the perfect wine and food pairing is cheese and sparkling wine. Traditional method sparkling wines such as Champagne, Cava, Crémant and Francciacorta to name a few are the perfect pairing for rich, bloom rind cheeses, such as triple cream Brie or Camembert. The acid cuts through the fat, complements the richness and cleanses one’s palate. Prosecco is also a very good match, but it is made in slightly different than Champagne via the tank method, in order to preserve the fruity flavors of the wine. Another great Champagne pairing is with Alpine cheeses of France and Switzerland, i.e. Compte and Gruyère. The wine’s delicate bubbles complement the cheese’s texture while lightening it in the mouth. Lambrusco, a mildly sparkling red wine, comes from the same region as Parmigiano Reggiano, and the classic pairing is with Parm-like cheeses. The very popular and economical Moscato d’Asti, hails from northern west corner of Italy in Piedmont, and what better partner for Blue Cheese. The sweetness, aromatics and high acidity contrasting flavors cut through the sharp, tang and richness of any Stilton, Cabrales, Gorgonzola or Roquefort Blue Cheeses.

Summer sipper – Vinho Verde Rose

This lovely Vinho Verde Rose from Quinta da Lixa – Sol Real – is a pale salmon pink color, derived from a blend of Epadeiro and Touriga National grapes. This Vinho Verde Rosé is all about fresh picked strawberries, rhubarb, green apple and red currants. A crisp, refreshing summer rosé with zingy acidity and a slight effervescence. At 10.5% abv, you will want to sit poolside or ocean side and enjoy this summer sipper all afternoon long. A guaranteed thirst quencher. Pair with with scallops a la plancha or fish tacos and fresh tomato, cucumber strawberry salsa.    

Canadian Bubbles from Peller Estates

A shout out to back home 🇨🇦 , Peller Estates Ice Cuvée is a delicious traditional method sparkling wine alternative to Brut Champagne. A blend of classic Champagne varietals, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with a touch of Vidal Icewine as the dosage which adds a unique touch and elegance. Very fine perlage lifts the aromas of apricots, nectarines, ripe apples, honeysuckle, brioche and honey. The creamy mouthfeel is so inviting with strawberry cream, zesty citrus, yeasty dough into a pink grapefruit zest finish. An excellent value and truly uniquely Canadian. Peller Estates Signature Series Ice Cuvée VQA Refreshing, delicious with Brie, Camembert, goat cheese, cheddar, blue cheese – sinfully heaven.

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