Spring time dining with wine of course

I have not been to wine country in Europe since fall 2019, and South America since the beginning of 2020. That’s super unusual for me because normally I am in Europe twice a year. My soul longs for travel. While we wait for things to normalize after the pandemic we can celebrate el fresco, or at home. Recently we dined at home with friends who are fully vaccinated. It was such a privilege to begin normalizing our lives. For dinner at home did a food and wine pairing.

Wines for Dinner © Spaswinefood

I am so thankful for dining, that allows us to enjoy delicious local food, food delivery services, and a decent wine supply. Inspired by Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy, we enjoyed a somewhat of an European/South American Escape. Our dinner included three sparkling wines, and three red wines. Let's take a look at the wine and food parings from that April evening. While I will focus primarily on the wines, I will list the food pairings we enjoyed.

1. Ferrari, Rosé Brut, Trento DOC NV

Appetizer Pairing: Focaccia, Bresaola, Parmigiano (alt. bruchetta, smoked salmon)

This wine and food pairing was the perfect beginning.

2. COLESEL, Prosecco Cartizze Brut, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG Italy 2019

Appetizer Pairing: Proscuitto wrapped dates, Manchego Cheese

COLESEL Cartizze Brut, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG, 2019 © Spaswinefood

The last sparkling wine was a Champagne. It was a time to use that vintage Champagne in my wine cellar.

Springtime Vineyards, Hautvillers, France © Spaswinefood

3. G. Tribaut, Millesime Blanc de Blanc Brut, Premier Cru, Champagne-Ardenne France 2008

Plate 1 Pairing: Lobster (alternative Tuna, Mushroom)

I still remember my visit to the Champagne house where I purchased this wine.

Champagne G. Tribaut, Hautvillers © Spaswinefood

My earlier visit to Hautvillers in France's Champagne-Ardene wine region included a visit to Champagne G. Tribaut. Amongst the wines I purchase after tasting was a vintage champagne.

G. Tribaut, Millesime Blanc de Blanc Brut, Premier Cru © Spaswinefood

4. Artesana, Zinfandel Reserva, Uruguay 2015

Plate 2 Pairing: BBQ Pork Ribs

This was a perefect pairing and brought back memories of visiting Artesana Winery in Canelones, Uruguay. 

Artesana Winery, Canelones, Uruguay © Spaswinefood

Yes, we know Uruguay is known for its Tannat;  so discovering the an Uruguayian winery doing Zinfandel was a special find.

Zinfandel Awaiting Harvest, Artesana Winery © Spaswinefood

Zinfandel, Artesana Winery © Spaswinefood

Spending time with Winemaker Valentina Gatti was a special treat.

Winemaker Valentina Gatti, Artesana Winery © Spaswinefood

5. Villa Canestrari, I Lasi, Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 2016

Plate 3 Pairing: Steak with Veggies & Mushroom

I Lasi, Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso DOC 2016 © Spaswinefood

This was a great wine pairing with steak. I would highly recommend it.

6. Clos Apalta, Le Petit Clos 2014 

Dessert Pairing: Chocolate Dipped Raspberries

Clos Apalta, Le Petit Clos 2014 © Spaswinefood

This was the perfect dinner ending given four of us had visited Chile's Clos Apalta in the Colchagua Valley in 2020. That visit was a first rated experience for sure.

Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile © Spaswinefood

Colchagua Valley © Spaswinefood

It was an awesome wine and food pairing dinner with friends. I would highly recommend that you give the above wine and food pairing menu a try. I invite you to join me in my future wine travels in Europe and South America at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

April 2021

Antigua, Guatemala

© Spaswinefood

Bodega Garcon, Uruguay © Spaswinefood

Wines: The Morning After © Spaswinefood

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