A Good Impression

     There are so many varieties of wines that match very well with the winter season. Among the list of white and red wines, Chardonnay is a popular dry white wine. While Chardonnay is well known in the U.S., its famous worldwide. The Chardonnay grape can withstand different climates which makes production so abundant. This wine carries flavors that range from refreshing fruit flavors to a smooth buttered taste.

Recipe for thought***  Chicken, Bacon & Spinach Grilled Panini with Chardonnay

1 cup cooked diced chicken                        provolone cheese
1 ½ cup fresh spinach                                1 focaccia bread, quartered
½ cup real bacon bits (optional)                 1 cup mayo and 2 garlic cloves


    In a bowl, mix 2 garlic cloves and mayo and refrigerate until ready. While panini press or grill press in heating, cut bread horizontally into about 8 to 10 slices. Spread garlic mayo on halves of focaccia. Then place even amounts of chicken, bacon, spinach and provolone on each half. Last, place other half of bread on top, forming 4 to 5 paninis. Grill paninis in press until cheese is melted and bread is crisp.
    Chardonnay wine can be found at farely good prices and you don’t have to limit your taste buds to just poultry. Recipes with pork, seafood and butter bases also make good combinations. If a unoaked Chardonnay is preferred, salads will taste great with this flavor. Just in case your planning to eat light. So having a quiet evening for two or hosting a small party, Chardonnay will make a great flavorful impression.

For After Dinner

Once you have enjoyed all the holiday chicken, roast or ham you can eat, it’s time for some of those favorite desserts. As mentioned before, Moscato is a great choice for a dessert wine but it is not the only option. Brachetto d’Aqui Wine is a sparkling red wine from the Peidmont areas of Italy. It carries unique aromas and sweet ripe fruit flavors. This wine has low alcohol content and pairs well with desserts.

***Recipe for Thought***     Vanilla Crunch Tart with Brachetto Wine   

1 honey graham pie crust  ½ cup Kashi GoLean Crunch Honey Almond Flax
1 cup cold milk               1 (3.4 ounce) Vanilla flavor instant pudding
1 cup cool whip topping      1 cup mixed fruit (strawberries, sliced kiwi & 

mandarin oranges)            

In a mixing bowl, beat together pudding mix and milk for about 2 minutes or until smooth. Stir in cool whip with a spoon and place mixture into honey graham pie crust. Refrigerate tart for about 3 to 4 hours until firm. Arrange mixed fruit on tip of tart filling and sprinkle with Kashi GoLean Crunch Honey Almond Flax. Always serve well chilled.
    Brachetto Wine natural fruit flavors match well with any fresh fruit dessert and that is not the limit. Brachetto d’Aqui Wines make very good encounters with chocolate desserts and rich pecan pie. This sparkling dessert wine dances across your tongue and can bring a sweet end to your food filled evening.

****Holiday Tips****

Here are some ideas for the holiday! Whether some snacks before Christmas dinner or coming into the New Year with some classy options! 

1. Craving crisp & refreshing taste?

Sauvignon Blanc - A dry white wine. Pairs very well with veggie dishes or dips such as spinach & artichoke. This another food friendly wine. Sushi is even a good match. 

2. Looking for a bold & spicy flavor?

Shiraz Wine - A bold red wine. Consider pairing with smoked sausage, ham biscuits or if your feeling like pizza, order a meat lovers! 

3. Searching for a red wine with style? 

Pinot Noir Wine - A light-bodied red wine. Creates some great combinations with cheese trays, rolled meat trays and even mushroom appetizers. 

Happy Holidays

The opportunity to enjoy great food to no limits is during the holiday season. Why not spice it up with a nice glass of wine with your meal. Tempranillo wine is a very food friendly wine. It is not very acidic and it has some great fruit flavors. The Tempranillo grape is popular in Spain and is known for different varieties of Rioja wines.
    Tempranillo pairs well with roasted and grilled meats. For the holiday, it also has a great taste with roasted pork.

*** Recipe for Thought***   Garlic Pork Roast with Gravy and Tempranillo

2 pound pork loin roast                    1 tsp. garlic powder
salt &  pepper                                1 tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. dried rosemary                     pork gravy

    Preheat oven for 350 degrees F. Season pork loin with rosemary, garlic and onion powder. A good way to season pork is by rubbing in spices like a dry rub. Sprinkle seasoned pork with salt and pepper and place in a shallow roasting pan. Cook roast for about 50 minutes to an hour until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F. Let stand covered for a few minutes before slicing and serve with pork gravy.
    Tempranillo creates a great combination of flavors with this dish. Options for side items include mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted potatoes and rice. Even if you choose to make a more traditional Christmas dinner, Tempranillo can also be a great wine with roasted goose or honey ham. During the Christmas season, it is a great time to pair wine with old and new recipes for your dinner. Bring in your holiday with happiness, love and a new taste.

Party Favorites

      It is early in the season and it is time to celebrate. Whether it is a holiday party or planning for the New Year, there are always possibilities to making your party a special event. No matter if it is a white wine or a red wine, you can give your guest a few options to have with your party menu. There are plenty of common appetizers and hors d'oeuvres that will match well with wines. This is good information to know even if your planning on just attending a few parties as well.

    Pinto Noir is a red wine with sweet and fruity flavors. But this wine is a very versatile food wine. It pairs well with cheese trays, veggie trays and baked ham biscuits. Another red wine, that goes very well with deviled egg appetizers, is Cabernet Sauvignon. Riesling is a white grape wine that can be found as sweet and dry varieties.

Recipe for thought***  Large Shrimp Wrapped Bacon with Riesling

1 pound of fresh large shrimp deveined

6 slices of smoked bacon

garlic powder

large toothpicks

    Line a flat cookie sheet with foil or use a baking rack pan to cook the shrimp. Cut the slices of bacon into 3 parts so that you will have a total of 18 pieces of bacon. Wrap large shrimp with piece of bacon and fasten bacon with large toothpick. Arrange bacon wrapped shrimp in pan about a inch apart and then lightly sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake shrimp for about 15 minutes on 450 degrees.

    Shellfish is a good pair with Riesling but it also goes well with fruit trays, poultry appetizers and spicy foods. One thing to remember, parties through your winter season will not always be appetizers only. Shiraz goes well with red meats and meats that are grilled. Recipe ideas for these party wines can be endless.