wine of the week

[patrice]

I just finished making the seared chicken thighs with arichokes and pasta. Of course I had to open a bottle of wine to cook the meal. I drank some as I cooked, it was goood! I bought it at Trader Joe's, $3.99 a bottle. San Andres-a Chilean Chardonnay. I don't much at all about wines but after drinking on an empty stomach I am very happy. I digress-tomorrow at 3:15 I begin my spring vacation. I believe I need a wine suggestion from you experts to start my break off in a relaxing way. Any suggestions?

[KValley]

Hi Patrice,

I'm thinking of wines that go great with this season's traditional meals: roast lamb, roast ham, fresh vegetables, and I get very excited about Beaujolais. It's one of my favorite go-with-just-about anything wines, it pairs with foods ranging from Mexican to Macaroni and Cheese, but is best with herb-roasted meats and hearty bean soups (IMHO) Beaujolais is juicy, with black cherry, chocolate and sandalwood flavors in the better quality brands. It's inexpensive ($10-18), and easy to find.

Look for Louis Jadot. LJ Beaujolais-Villages is pretty common; wine shops will have a more varied selection.

Of course, for vacation, you could do with a little Champagne!!

Cheers! Julie

I came back to say that I noticed you are from Peoria, IL. There is a great wine shop in Springfield and a sister store in Champaign-Urbana: the Corkscrew. They have wonderful Saturday afternoon wine tastings and a terrific selection. I think the website it www.thecorkscrew.com (http://www.thecorkscrew.com)

[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-05-2001).]

[SusanL]

Julie, I am there to try it! DH and I are going to state store after work today and I will look for Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages to try this weekend. Get back to you after we try it. Have been thinking about what wine to get for Easter, thought a Pinot Noir. First have to check with my mom to find out what she is really making!!

Patrice, did you have parent conferences/report cards this week? We did and stayed at school last night until 9:00. Fortunately, we get out at 2:00 today! Enjoy your Spring Break, I know I am just as excited as the kids! One of our many perks http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by SusanL (edited 04-06-2001).]

[emilycat]

Susan,

Since you mentioned Pinot Noir, I just wanted to suggest a couple that I think are incredible. Ramspeck's is probably the most amazing one I've ever had; it's unbelievably smooth and complex at the same time. I need to go get a couple bottles just to have on hand. Also, Rodney Strong's is wonderful, too. Smoky with dark cherry flavors -- it's really, really great.

Anyway, have a great Spring Break! (my mother's a teacher, and I know she's excited! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

Emily

[KValley]

Emily,

Where is Ramspeck made? I love pinot noir and am always on the lookout for new brands. For obvious reasons, I can only easily find Oregon PN, and I can't easily afford Bourgogne!

Other pinot noir I love are Erath Vineyards, Kings Ridge, Montinore Vineyards- all from Oregon. Erath & Kings Ridge are widely available; I'm not certain about Montinore as it's a recent discovery for me (since returning to the PNW).

[KValley]

Just wanted to bump this up, because I'm still curious about Ramspeck!

Also an FYI for Pinot Noir fans, there's a nice article about Sonoma Coast PN in the latest (May 01) issue of Food and Wine


Thanks, Julie

[funnybone]

Here's my wine (whine) of the week:

I want the weather to be warm!!!!!

[KValley]

Originally posted by funnybone:
Here's my wine (whine) of the week:

I want the weather to be warm!!!!!



LOL http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Oh man, can I ever relate. It looks, feels like November out there. Where is the sun? Where are the daffodils? Why did I have a hearty soup for lunch? WHy do we still have the down comforter on the bed? WAAAAAHHHH http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

[emilycat]

Hey, Julie!

Oh, you must buy this wine, if you can find it! It's Napa Valley.

I'm so sorry about your weather! The high today here is 70 http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif (sorry, I know that's mean)

[KValley]

Yeah, rub it in- it had to wait until after I left Atlanta to turn warm. I'm still mad about Tuesday's rain storm when I wanted to walk to/from the office. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

THanks for the PN head's up- I'll be on the lookout!

[aggie94]

KValley,

Ever try the King Estates Pinot Noir? I'm not a wine drinker, but my DH and friends love it. It was one of the wines I served at our wedding and it got a lot of compliments.

[Katie-pie]

Here are a couple of my favorites...

Kenwood Pinot Noir
Murphy-Goode Chardonnay
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay

The Kenwood can be a tad pricey...it's a special occasion wine for me. The other two are nice and buttery...

[KValley]

Originally posted by aggie94:
KValley,

Ever try the King Estates Pinot Noir? I'm not a wine drinker, but my DH and friends love it. It was one of the wines I served at our wedding and it got a lot of compliments.

Hi aggie94,

I have tried this, but didn't save the label so I can't remember my thoughts on it (we keep a wine journal)- a perfect excuse to give it another go http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif!

[SusanL]

Thanks everyone for the Pinot Noir suggestions, I will be visiting the state store again this week and will look for your suggestions.I really have to get my wine book started this weekend!! We are trying the Beaujolais tonight and will get back. Has anyone else tried it??????