PERFECT WINES for SUMMER BARBECUES
Submitted by admin on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 16:55
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When selecting wines for grilled, smoky foods, think big, bold, and drinkable. They should be big wines; full bodied and fruit-forward. They should be bold assertive wines with attributes of spice and pepper, preferably with a smooth velvetiness to them. Wines for barbecue should support the succulence of the meat and not be overwhelmed by the sweetness of the sauce. So, if you’re looking for the perfect wine to complement that juicy steak or smoky grilled chicken, these wines match up well for any and every barbecue!
Enjoy,
Jamie
New York Strip Steaks
Cabernet Sauvignon
The structured flavor of the beef stands up to a sturdy Cabernet. Black cherry and deep rich tones pair well with strip.
Ribeye Steaks
Merlot
For this rich, flavorful steak, the softer tones of Merlot balance the richness of the Ribeye.
Filet Mignon
Shiraz / Syrah
Filet is a soft, delicate cut of beef and Shiraz has body and a full flavor that enhances and deepens the taste of the Filet.
Veal
Pinot Noir
This is a lighter red wine, but its intense fruit flavors stand up well and enhance the subtlety of the veal.
Lamb Chops
Meritage
Meritages has finesse, suppleness, and complexity - a perfect match for a full-flavored meat like lamb.
Salmon
Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Chardonnays vary from light to heavy with peach and apple tones that complement salmon. Pinot is a red soft enough to pair with fish.
Chicken
French White Burgundies
White Burgundies are crisp and lean, yet smooth and fruity - perfect for chicken.
Lobster
Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Champagne, the perfect compliment to lobster…Need I say more!
Both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are light, fruity and crisp, and complement the lobster's buttery texture.
MICHAEL JORDAN’S SUMMER PICKS
Michael Jordan, Master Sommelier – Napa Rose Restaurant at The Grand Californian Hotel at Downtown Disney
Branch out and try these really delicious food friendly white varietals to beat the summer heat!
Navarro, Gewurztraminer Cuvee Traditional 2005 $14.95
Ca Del Solo, Albarino, Monterey County 2006 - 4Star Gold! $17.95
Stevenot Pinot Grigio 2006 only $9.95 *Gold – Best of Show
J Wine Co Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley $16.95
Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc – its great! At only $8.99!
These are just plain GOOD!
Tobin James, Muscat “Dream Catcher” – Paso Robles $7.95 …”off dry” style fresh fruity, tangerine, white peach, honeysuckle.
Bridlewood, Viognier Reserve 2005 Santa Ynez Valley $13.95 Dry Peach, Apricot, Pear with very nice acidity and not “overly oaked”.
Edna Valley , Paradigm Vineyard Chardonnay – wow - only $9.99
Feudi di San Gregorio, Fiano di Avellino, Campania, Italy $15.00 clean, crisp, Floral, with an almond finish – romantic Southern Italian!
Amazing Old World White Wines to Dazzle your guests!
Pieropan, Soave “La Rocca” $35.00
Marisa Cuomo, “Ravello” Bianco, yes from the steep slopes of Ravello above Amalfi Coast… $23.00
Pazo di Senoras, Albarino 2005, from Rias Baixas, Spain - crisp but with body, Tangerine, Peach and Lime zest! Wow! $20.00