Feeling Chilly

     It's time for a wine good for any occasion. Villa Neri Montepulciano d'Abruzzo D.O.C. 2011 is great for any time of year and nice to the palate. This wine has a "fruit forward character" but also displays vanilla spice and oak. Although it's a dry wine, it has very soft tannins and taste great after being opened for awhile. Villa Neri Montepulciano d'Abruzzo D.O.C. 2011 is a food friendly wine which can be paired with steak, grilled meats and poultry. 

***Recipe for thought*** Chicken Chili with Villa Neri Montepulciano d'Abruzzo D.O.C. 2011


1 pound of diced chicken breast                           1 -28 ounce diced tomatoes
1 diced red pepper                                                 1 -28 ounce tomato sauce
1 diced onion                                                         1/4 cup chili powder
1/2 cup frozen corn kernals                                 1 tbsp crushed garlic
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper                                        1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp olive oil                                                     salt & pepper to taste 


     Heat oil in dutch oven over high heat. Cook chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, until no longer pink. Stir in onions, crushed garlic and red peppers. Continue to cook mixture all together until chicken juices run clear and peppers are tender. Stir in corn, beans, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season with chili powder, parsley, cayenne pepper and ground cumin. Bring chili to a boil and then reduce the heat for a slow simmer of 1 1/2 hours. This chunky chicken chili is great for bringing in the fall season with Villa Neri Montepulciano d'Abruzzo D.O.C. 2011. Garnishing with cheddar cheese will not harm the flavor of the wine, so enjoy and warm-up! 

              

***Autumn Tips***

There are great wines for just about every season. Here are some tips for wine & food pairing and cocktails. 


1. A Autumn White with a warm feeling....

     For those cool nights in the Fall, try a Pinot Blanc wine, which has a clean finish. Most fruits that make up different varietals of this wine are harvested in the Fall. This wine is great for sipping by a fire or paired with mild cheeses. 


2.  A Autumn Red for Fall or Winter....

     As it get late into the Fall season, indulge in spices and the black cherry aroma of a Malbec wine. This medium to full-bodied wine is from Argentina with layers of complexity. This will pair well during your Thanksgiving holiday with beef roast or herbs lamb chops. 


3.  A Autumn Sparkling wine to party with...

     If your planning a social event, a Sparkling Shiraz is great for a Halloween or Costume party. This wine has rich fruit flavors of blackberries and plums. It can be served slightly chilled or at room temperature with barbeque meatball appetizers or a meat lover's pizza.

Tasteful Marinade

     There is nothing like starting a weekend evening with friends and a wine with a "perfect balance of flavors and textures". A tasteful and elegant malbec Juana De Sol Malbec Reversa Single Vinyard 2010 is definitely what you need. This wine is opaque purple in color and carries Asian spices and ripe fruit flavors of black cherry. Even though malbec is considered a red meat wine, Juana De Sol Malbec Reversa Single Vinyard 2010 pairs well with so many foods. Consider meats cooked over a wood fire with bold Asian marinades or barbecue sauces. Other great choices would include mushrooms, lamb or Thai fare. 

***Recipe for Thought***    Marinaded Pork Skewers with Pork Vermicelli with Juana De Sol Malbec Reversa Single Vinyard 2010

1 pound Pork Loin cut into large cubes          1 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce                                           2/3 cup LaChoy Orange Ginger sauce
1 tbsp crushed garlic                                      1/4 cup chopped chives
1 tsp onion powder                                         1 package of pork Vermicelli
 6 to 8 skewers                                            


     In a large resealable plastic bag, combine soy sauce, crushed garlic, onion powder, black pepper and orange ginger sauce. Add cut pork loin to marinade and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. Meanwhile, be sure to soak wooden skewers in water for no less than 30 minutes so they will not burn when skewers cook. After 4 hours, thread 4 to 5 pieces of the pork on each prepared skewers. Grill skewers for about 10 minutes turning frequently.
     If your using a conventional oven, set oven to broil and cook skewers for about 8 to 10 minutes or cooked to desired doneness. Garnish cooked skewers with chopped chives. Cook pork vermicelli as package directs and serve with skewers. Juana De Sol Malbec Reversa Single Vinyard 2010 pairs great with this dish for any occasion. Although this wine is young, it will  " ... drink nicely over the next 5 to 6 years". Cheers from Vino Uncorked and @winechateau.

 

Seafood Afternoon

     There are a selection of wines that pair well with seafood. One to consider is a White Burgundy Original Chardonnay. These Chardonnay grapes are grown in the Burgundy regions of France which gives this wine a different taste from it's California grown cousins. Due to the climate of the Burgundy region, this wine is lighter-bodied and can be a little more tangy in flavor. Pairing this wine with seafood is a great choice for the palate.

***Recipe for Thought***   Tilapia Po'Boys and Cut Potatoes with Burgundy Chardonnay

4 pieces of Tilapia                      1 bunch of cilantro (optional)
1 cup of tarter sauce                 2 large russet potatoes
4 wheat hoagie rolls                1 1/2 cup Zatarain's Fish Meal 
1 1/2 cups olive oil                   salt & pepper to taste 

     In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of oil on medium-high. Lightly cover fish in Zatarain's Fish meal. Fry fish until golden brown on each side. Heat additional 1 cup of oil on high for potatoes. Cut potatoes steak style or crinkle (if you have a crinkle cutter). Cook potatoes through until golden and season with salt and pepper. Lightly toast wheat hoagie rolls in oven or toaster oven. Layer bun with crispy tilapia, cilantro and tarter sauce. Cozy-up with a glass of wine and a southern sandwich favorite. 

 

Flavors of Summer

     During this time of year, there is nothing like a refreshing wine to cool you down. A white wine with a good balance of flavors can be exactly what you need. Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape originally from France but successfully grown in other countries. This wine can be found dry or very sweet depending on your taste. Chenin Blanc has a range of fresh fruit flavors such as apple to melons. Although this wine is sweet, it can be paired with salads, seafood, and white meats. 
Have you had this wine? Rate it HERE:


1 pkg farfalle rotonda                                     1/2 cup of chopped red peppers
1 pound of shrimp, peeled & deveined            1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp crushed garlic                                       3 tbsp olive oil
1 cup spinach leaves                                       1/4 chopped red onions
1 tsp oregano                                                  1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder                                         1/2 grated Asiago cheese (optional)

     Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add farfalle rotonda paste and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in onions and crushed garlic and cook until tender. Then add shrimp and cook until they are opaque. Last, stir in red peppers and spinach leaves and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes. Toss mix with pasta and Parmesan cheese. Then season pasta with oregano, garlic powder, onion powder and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Serve pasta topped with Asiago cheese and enjoy with a crisp glass of wine for this summer. 

A Simple Fiesta

     If your in the mood for something spicy, a bold wine with big flavor is what you need. A "signature grape" in Argentina is the Malbec grape. It is generally used for blending but a great choice among red wines. This wine carries full fruit flavors such as plums which bring out great characteristics of earthy tannins. When it comes to pairing food and wine, you can't go wrong with a red meat and Malbec wine.

***Recipe for thought***   Savory Double Cheese Quesadilla's with Malbec Wine

1 pound of lean ground beef or sliced steak                      2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 can of Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce                              2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese
8 to 10  flour tortilla                                                          Light Spray Cooking Oil
1 pkg of taco seasoning mix                                             1 cup of sour cream or salsa (optional)


     In a large skillet, brown meat on medium-high. Then add taco seasoning mix as directed on package. Heat a flat griddle or press grill for making the quesadillas. On a plate, spoon out about 2 tablespoons of seasoned meat on tortilla. Then layer with 2 to 3 tablespoons of sharp cheddar cheese and Mexican blend cheese. Last, add about 11/2 tablespoon of enchilada sauce. Spray cooking oil on griddle or grill to prevent stinking. Fold over quesadilla and place on griddle or grill to crisp golden brown and cheese is well melted. This recipe makes about 8 to 10 quesadillas. Serve with cool sour cream or salsa and enjoy your fiesta with a great red wine.

Easy Pesto!

    If your in the mood for a great Italian dish, there is nothing like pairing it with a great aged wine. A popular red wine in Italy, made frrom the Sangiovese grape, is Chianti. Give your dinner something extra with Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Tan 2007. Chianti is a dry red wine that ranges from light to full bodied. This wine has an amazing taste when aged between year five and ten. Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Tan 2007 provides great flavors of dried fruits like raisins and spice. This wine is full with gentle tannins that dance across your palate. These qualities make Chianti the ideal choice to consume with food. Consider Italian foods made with chicken or beef. Even pasta dishes with a sauce make good company with this wine. **** Recipe for Thought**** Pesto Chicken Pasta with Ruffino Chianti Riserva Ducale Tan 2007 4 cups bow-tie pasta 1 tsp crushed garlic 2 tbsp of margarine 1 can Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup 1 lb cubed chicken breast 1/2 cup pesto sauce 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 cup of milk In a large skillet, heat margarine and add chicken and crushed garlic. Cook until brown and juices run clear. Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed and drain. Once chicken is done, add soup, pesto sauce, onion powder and milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low for about 5 minutes or until ingredients are well mixed , then add drained pasta and heat through. Top your past with grated Parmesan or fresh Romano cheese. Enjoy this dish and many more with a glass of great wine via @winechateau . Cheers!

           

Robust Pasta!

     Another great red wine comes from the Zinfandel grape. This grape has made a name for itself in the New World. Zinfandel wine is known for its dark color and higher alcohol content. It is best served at room temperature, where you can enjoy the blackberry, raspberry, spice and oak flavors. This wine pairs very well with a variety of meats, such as, lamb, beef, and poultry.

***Recipe for Thought***   Beef Manicotti with Zinfandel

1 pound ground beef                                1 15-ounce container whole milk ricotta
4 tsp olive oil                                            3 cups of shredded Mozzerella cheese
1 tsp onion powder                                  1 cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder                                  2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
14 manicotti shells                                  1 tbsp crushed garlic
salt & pepper to taste                              3 cups of Prego Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Sauce


     In a large skillet, heat 1 tsp of olive oil and brown ground beef. Season with onion powder and garlic powder. Set meat aside to cool. Boil manicotti shells in water with 2 tsp of oil and salt. Set shells aside on a greased baking sheet to cool. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozerella cheese, 1/2 cup of parmesan and parsley. Then stir in cooled seasoned beef.
     In a 13 by 9 glass baking dish, brush the remaining olive oil in the bottom of the dish. Spoon 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of prepared dish. Fill manicotti shells with meat and cheese mixture and arrange stuffed pasta in a single layer in prepared dish. Spoon the remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle the remaining mozzerella and parmesan cheese over stuffed shells. Bake manicotti uncovered until heated through for 35 minutes. Serve with crust bread or salad and make your night special.

                          

***Spring Tips ***

For this Spring and early Summer, gather some ideas for some great food and wine pairings.

1. Craving salads and such?
During the Spring and early Summer, fruits and vegetables begin to come-into season. There is  nothing like a crisp salad with a young dry Riesling. Due to it's moderate levels of alcohol, Riesling makes a great Spring wine. If your more into salads topped with fresh fruits and berries, choose a young and chilled Pinot Noir.

2. Seafood Celebration! 
With seafood, you don't want a wine that will overwhelm your pallet. Un-oaked Chardonnays pair well with fresh oysters and sushi. If your preparing to have other shellfish such as crab, shrimp or lobster, consider a Albarino wine. This wine, known as "Spain's seafood white", is great for seafood by the beach. 

3. Early Summer BBQ!
There are many different wines that will pair with grilled foods. If your making grilled or BBQ chicken, a light Cabernet Franc or light Loire will match well. Also consider a Prosecco or sparkling wine for sipping with appetizers or for great chilled Bellini's. 

Southern Brunch!

     Nothing completes a great brunch with friends or family like a refreshing drink to pair it with. Sangria is a wine  punch which originated in Spain. The best thing about Sangria is, their very easy to make. It can also be a popular drink among guest at a party that are not really wine drinkers. There is no specific wine that must be used when making a Sangria. Red or white wine will make any Sangria recipe taste great.

***Recipe for thought***     Crisp Flounder & Spinach Omelet with White Wine Sangria

4 flounder filets                                        4 large eggs
1 bag Louisianna Fish Meal                  1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 tbsps Quick Grits                                  1/2 cup fresh chopped spinach
1 cup water                                              salt & pepper to taste
2 cups olive oil                                        PAM cooking spray

1 bottle of white wine (Riesling)                                1/2 cup sliced seedless grapes
1 cup white grape juice                                              1/2 cup sliced pineapple
1/2 cup white sugar                                                    1 1/2 cup ginger ale


     Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat and lightly bread flounder filets with Louisianna fish meal. Fry fish in heated oil, turning occasionally. Set cooked fish aside to cool. In a medium size bowl, beat eggs, salt and pepper.  Spray your pan well with cooking spray and cook eggs in omelet form, adding cheddar cheese and chopped spinach to egg. Bring cup of water to a boil and add quick grits. Cook grits for 1 minute and stir well until grits thicken. 
     In a large drinking pitcher, combine Riesling, white grape juice, ginger ale, and white sugar, Stir in sliced grapes and pineapple. Chill drink over ice or refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. This meal would be great for a Spring Saturday brunch. It could also be added to a list of ideas for Mother's Day. 

A Light Blush

     For some that are new to wine, White Zinfandel is another great choice for your taste buds. This wine is made from the Zinfandel grape. White Zinfandel wine gains it's blush color from the skin being removed from the grape after they are crushed. This wine is soft and sweet in flavor. It tends to have a lower alcohol content than most wines but it takes nothing away from its character. White Zinfandel can be paired well with a variety of foods including, Asian and seafood dishes. 

***Recipe for Thought***       Shrimp Stir-Fry with White Zinfandel

1 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined             1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/4 tsp ground ginger                                         3/4 cups of snow peas
1 tsp crushed garlic                                            1/2 sweet red pepper julienned
1 tbsp sesame seeds                                              1/2 cup carrots julienned
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper                                        4 tbsp teriyaki sauce 
1 cup cold water                                                  1 tbsp cornstarch 
2 tbsp of sesame oil

     In a large food storage bag, combine shrimp, ginger, crushed garlic, cayenne pepper and sesame seeds. Marinate shrimp in the refrigerator while preparing the stir fry. Using a large skillet, heat sesame oil and saute' carrots, green onion and red peppers for about 4 minutes. Then add snow peas teriyaki sauce and seasoned shrimp mixture. Make sure to cook shrimp for about 5 to 6 minutes or until shrimp are pink in color. Last, in a separate cup, mix cornstarch and cold water and add to stir fry. Stir well and let stir fry come to a boil so that the sauce thickens. Serve stir fry over rice or lo-mien noodles. 

Breaking in the Season

     When the spring season starts to break in, there is nothing like a crisp, light taste that will pair well with a light dish. Pinot Blanc is a white wine grape that originated in France. This grape produces a medium to dry white wine. Pinot Blanc also comes from a variety of Pinot wines. Whether a Pinot Blanc, a blend or Champagne, this grape delivers a light citrus and fruity flavor. Depending on the how the wine is made, you can also find great smokey and some floral characteristics. Pinot Blanc pairs well with seafood, lightly flavored meats and sauces.

*** Recipe for Thought***   Cozy Chicken Casserole with Pinot Blanc

3 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breast,                1 can Campbell’s Cream of Chicken soup
cut into large strips                                               ¼ cup melted butter
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese                                1 ½ cup dry chicken cornbread stuffing mix
1 tbsp onion powder                                             ¼ cup of evaporated milk
pinch salt & pepper to taste                                  1 tsp garlic powder

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish. Arrange the chicken breast strips in the dish and season with onion powder, garlic powder and salt & pepper to taste. Then add Swiss cheese over season chicken. In a separate bowl, mix cream of chicken soup and milk. Pour mixture over chicken and sprinkle with chicken cornbread stuffing mix. Drizzle melted butter over top and cover with heavy duty foil. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through. This dish is great served over rice, along side roasted veggies or alone with a crisp glass of wine.

Some Bold Flavor

     A popular red wine, known as the “King of Red Wine Grapes”, is Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine originated in Bordeaux but is also found in California. Cabernet Sauvignon can be combined with other grapes to mellow its flavor. Grapes such as Merlot can be blended to soften this wine without taking away it’s character. Although this wine can be found with high tannin content, it ranges from medium-bodied to full.
    Cabernet Sauvignon has great fruit flavors from plums and cherries to blueberries. Aromas such as tobacco and even leather can be present creating an amazing bold flavor. This wine will pair well with red meats and lamb.

***Recipe for thought***   Grilled Rib-eye Steak w/ Cheddar Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Cabernet Sauvignon

2 (8 ounce) rib-eye steak                                    1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped onion                                         6 medium russet potatoes peeled & cubed
1 tsp crushed garlic                                           ½ cup sour cream
pepper to taste                                                   ¼ cup butter melted
1 ⅔ cups Worcestershire sauce                          salt & pepper to taste
⅓ cup of dark brown sugar                               1 tsp garlic powder

    In a large resealable bag, combine Worcestershire sauce, dark brown sugar, pepper, crushed garlic, onions and steak coating well. Marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Grill steaks on medium to high heat for 10 minutes on each side or until desired doneness. Place potatoes in saucepan and cover with water. Boil potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are very tender. Drain potatoes well and add sour cream, butter, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mash until potatoes are fluffy then, stir in cheddar cheese. Enjoy with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or two!

For Your Valentine

     For this Valentine’s Day, take the opportunity to definitely lighten things up. Another versatile red wine is Pinot Noir. It is a lighter-bodied red wine which comes from France but can be found in many regions around the world including parts of the U.S. and New Zealand. The Pinot Noir grape is tough to grow but once it has been accomplished, you will know this wine as “Red Burgundy”. This wine will make your Valentine’s Day very delightful with many memorable essence.
    Pinot Noir has a range of flavors from sweet berries and cherries to earth-like flavors. It is important to know that flavors are all dependent on growing conditions. This wine pairs well with many dishes. Whether your craving lamb, poultry or seafood, the combinations are endless.

***Recipe for Thought***            Baked Dill Tilapia with Garlic Alfredo Cream Sauce with Pinot Noir

2 (8 ounce) tilapia fillets                             ½  tsp dried dill
½ tsp obey seasoning                                  2 tbsp butter
½ tsp garlic powder                                   pinch pepper
pinch salt                                                   1 cup Ragu Garlic Alfredo Sauce
2 tbsp lemon juice                                     1 cup farfalle pasta

   Preheat your oven for 375 degrees. Season tilapia  with obey seasoning, dill and garlic powder. Layer fish in baking pan and top with butter and lemon juice. Bake fish for 20 to 30 minutes until well done. While fish is baking, prepare farfalle pasta as directed and set aside to cool. In a small saucepan, mix garlic Alfredo sauce, pinch of salt & pepper and heat on low for about 10 minutes. Once fish is done, top pasta with tilapia and garlic Alfredo sauce and serve.
    Pinot Noir also matches well with spicy seasonings and creamy pasta dishes. Although you may have to be willing to pay a little more for this wine than most, this grape will be well worth it.

Wine & Football

     Nothing says football like great food and drinks. If your looking to do a little something different this year for the super bowl, try some wine pairing with some game-day favorites. There are so many approachable reds out there for those new to wine. Villa Neri Montepulciano D’Abruzzo is a great, simple Red wine with an amazing taste. Originating in Italy, this dry red wine is consumed at a young age and gentle on the palate. Carrying irresistible flavors like, concord grape, soft blackberries and even strawberries. .

    Celebrate your winning team with great food and wine. Villa Neri Montepulciano D’Abruzzo wine can pair well with steak and grilled poultry .

***Recipe for thought***       BBQ Kabobs with Villa Neri Montepulciano D’Abruzzo


1 pound cubed chicken breast                                  ½ tsp garlic powder
1 pound cubed beef sirloin                                        ½ tsp ground ginger
1 large sweet onion cut into 2 inch pieces                1 ½ cup bourbon bbq sauce
1 large red pepper cut into 2 inch pieces                  pinch black pepper
Skewers                                                                    1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

    In a large bowl, combine bourbon BBQ sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper and soy sauce. In a large resealable plastic bag, add about ¼ cup of marinade with chicken, beef, onions and red peppers. Seal bag and turn to coat meat and veggies, then refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight; cover and store remaining marinade. Drain marinade and thread meat and veggies randomly onto skewers. Grill skewers on medium to high heat or broil in oven for about 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until meats are to your preferred doneness.
    Bast skewers with remaining marinade as they cook. If your using wood skewers, make sure that you soak them in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour so they will not burn while your kabobs are cooking. Villa Neri Montepulciano D’Abruzzo will be great served at room temperature or slightly chilled with your kabobs. Serve with bread, basmati rice or just with your wine.

****Valentine's Tips****

If you need some ideas for Valentine's Day, here are some ways for you to get creative. 

1. Searching for a little romance?
Wine & Chocolate! Enough said! There is nothing like a milk chocolate mousse or turtle cheesecake with  a light-bodied Merlot or a Sparkling Wine with milk chocolate dipped strawberries. A Port will create a great balance with dark chocolate. 

2. Gifts for Family or Friends!
Wine certificates or wine gift baskets are great gifts. You can even create your own gift baskets with wine, chocolates & cheese. And for those friends who are not familiar with wine, tasting kits are also available with a Chardonnay. 

3.  Thinking of throwing a party?
Fortified wines can be really good for parties. These wines have a little more alcohol added during fermentation. They can be sweet or dry. Examples would be Port, Sherry or Marsala. These wines are good for appetizers or desserts. Good foods can be cheeses, nuts or chocolate desserts. 

Getting Cozy

     There is nothing like having a cozy winter evening inside with a movie and a glass of wine. Something bold with a hint of spice can warm up any night. Shiraz wine, also pronounced Syrah, is a very bold red wine and is very popular in Australia. The Shiraz grape is a deep-purple in color and it is also grown in France and South Africa. The tannins in Shiraz wines are firm and have flavors of blackberry and plums to black pepper and bell peppers.
    Foods to pair with Shiraz can be rich red meats, grilled meats, and grilled vegetables. When it comes to authentic dishes, Indian and Mexican will match very well.

***Recipe for thought***            Homemade Meat Lover’s Pizza with Shiraz

1 pound lean ground beef                                 ½ tsp garlic powder
4-5 slices of cooked bacon crumbled                1 cup pizza sauce
1 pkg sliced pepperoni                                     2 cups mozzarella cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning                                    1 package of pizza dough (or ready made crust)
½ tsp dried oregano                                         1 tsp of olive oil or 1 tbsp flour

    Preheat oven for 390 degrees F and in a large skillet, brown ground beef until there is no more pink. Spread out pizza dough as directed using olive oil or flour to help shape the crust. Add pizza sauce to shaped pizza dough then sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder. Layer pizza with ground beef, pepperoni, cheese and crumbled bacon. Last, top with Italian seasoning. Cook pizza in preheated oven for about 15 - 20 mins or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
    Shiraz wine can also be paired with wild game dishes and beef stews. So depending on your mood, this hearty and spicy red wine can sooth your evening.

Healthy Choices

     
Some people wonder if Champagne is a true wine. The truth is, Champagne and all sparkling wines are considered true wines. France produces Champagne and it is known as the most popular sparkling wine. It comes from a combination of Pinot wines and Chardonnay. Champagne has the aromas of apple and a range of fruity and nutty flavors.
    Champagne and Sparkling wines are classified as extra brut, brut, extra dry, sec and demi-sec. Brut is dry but food friendly. Demi-sec pairs well with desserts or fresh fruits. It is great to have a nice chilled glass or as a cocktail. Champagnes can be mixed with fruit drinks, other wines, liquors and syrups. If your looking for  something to pair with a light and healthy lunch, a crisp Champagne cocktail will match well.

*** Recipe for thought***   Grilled Chicken & Chickpea Salad with Champagne Cocktail

1 pound chicken breast                                 ¼ cup light honey mustard dressing (optional)
¼ cup chickpeas                                           ⅛ tsp Italian seasoning
⅛ cup cubed red beats                                 ⅛ tsp garlic salt
10 ounces bag baby spinach                        1 bottle brut Champagne
1 tbsp sunflower seed kernals                      1 bottle peach juice or puree


    Season chicken breast with garlic salt and Italian seasoning; then cook on grill or pre-heated grill press. Cook through until juices run clear. Then cut chicken into long strips and top on spinach, red beats, chickpeas and sunflower seeds. Drizzle honey mustard dressing over salad or dressing of your choice. It is best to make your cocktail with chilled peach juice and Champagne. Pour about 2 ounces of peach juice into Champagne flute and follow by filling glass slowly with chilled Champagne. There are plenty of cocktail recipes to enjoy whether paired with breakfast or dinner. Discover the great taste of sparkling wines.

Craving Take-out?

     If your looking forward to relaxing indoors with a glass of wine, Merlot wine is a good choice. This wine originated in a part of France were the Merlot red grape is dominate. It can blend with other varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon to create an amazing combination. Merlot has irresistible fresh fruit flavors and aromas of cocoa. It is a soft wine which makes it very easy to drink and if it is aged, it’s even better.

     All these qualities make Merlot a very food friendly wine as well. This wine can be paired with poultry, salads, pastas and pork. With that being said, if your in the mood for take-out, ginger chicken would be a great idea. Red meats also pair exceptionally well like peppered steak. A favorite is beef and broccoli. Although this dish can be found on many take-out menus, it can also be made right at home.

***Recipe for Thought***     Beef & Broccoli with Merlot

1 pound round steak cut into pieces                       1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp crushed garlic                                                1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 cups broccoli florets                                            1 tbsp cornstarch 
1/4 cup chopped onion                                           1 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 beef bouillon cube                                              1 cup water
1 tsp white sugar                                                   2 tbsp olive oil

     Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Saute’ garlic and onion until tender. Season steak with pepper and ginger then, add to garlic and onions. Cook steak until completely browned. Reduce heat and stir in broccoli florets. Heat water and beef bouillon cube until cube is completely dissolves. Let broth cool a little and stir in cornstarch until smooth. Immediately add mixture to steak and broccoli. As sauce starts to thicken, stir in soy sauce and sugar. Serve over jasmin rice or lo mein noodles.  
      The flavors of the steak will accompany the Merlot well in this dish. Some Merlot even have black pepper tones which would match well with your seasonings. So you have the option of ordering out or having wine with your own creation.

Into the New Year

     As mentioned in Holiday Tips, Sauvignon Blanc is great to have with your appetizers and dips. It originated in France and has also gone as far as New Zealand. This wine is medium-bodied but very crisp. This food friendly wine not only pairs well with appetizers. This dry white wine can satisfy a number a different taste buds.

***Recipe for Thought***   Chicken Alfredo - Cheese Tortellini with Sauvignon Blanc

1 pound cubed Chicken breast                           ½ tsp salt
1 tsp crushed garlic                                            1 jar garlic alfredo sauce
½ tsp Italian seasoning                                       3 tbp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste                                      1 ½ cups  cheese tortellini                

    In a large fry pan, heat oil and sautee’ chicken and garlic. Season chicken with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.  Once chicken is cooked through and juices run clear, turn heat on low and add garlic alfredo sauce. Simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes until sauce is slightly bubbly.  Boil tortellini for about 10 to 11 minutes until pasta is tender and serve chicken alfredo sauce over tortellini.                
    This dish is full of creamy Italian seasonings. A great pair with the range of flavors of Sauvignon Blanc. From herbal to fruits and berries, this wine is gentle to the pellet. It can be enjoyed year round and Sauvignon Blanc can be found at an inexpensive price.