Tapas Tuesday

Well it's Monday night and we're preparing for tommorrow night's Tapas Tuesday. (Last week saw around 60 people which was our largest crowd ever.) It has truley become what I invisioned as a adult happy hour. Tommorrows wines are mostly German Veltliners from an importer named William Harrison. We'll also be tasting a Pinot Noir From Burgundy. Jerome Crawford will be joining us from Grassroots Wholesale. Jerome is one of the most knowlegable people I know in regards to German and Italian wines. It will be a pleasure to spend time with him. For the second week in a row we will have live music, this weeks entertainment will come by way of The Robert Orr Trio ! Robert's blend of Smooth Jazz will be the finishing touch to a night of great food, great wines and great company. Please Join us Tuesday night this summer for Tapas Tuesday's

In Vino Veritas
David

White wines with grilled food

WHITE WINES-GRILLED FOOD

Chardonnay-will work wonderfully with grilled fish (including shellfish), chicken and creamy sauces and grilled corn on the cobb with lots of butter!

Riesling-the perfect varietal for grilled brats, shrimp, barbecue chicken, grilled pineapple and a variety of grilled veggies.

Sauvignon Blanc-has a herbaceous quality that supports marinades and sauces with similar attributtes. For example, grilled chicken that has been doused in italian dressing or a citrus marinade will be unbeatable with Sauvignon Blanc. Likewise, roasted peppers, vegatables in fresh herbs, grilled fish with dill and lemon will all be made better with Sauvignon blanc.

Gewurztraminer-often offers a balance to spice with it's slightly sweet character. This varietal would be a great choice to go with blackened Mahi Mahi or grilled Cajun chicken with Mango Salsa.

In Vino Veritas
David

Wine Matches For Grilled Fare

Grill Friendly Reds

Zinfandel-will be able to handle a wide variety of red meats. This bold red wine bellies up to meaty, smokey flavors allowing the varietal's black pepper spice, acidity and ripe tannin's to carry the meats fats and texture to a new dimension. a Zin will also work well with barbecue sauce, steak sauce and mild salsa- if there is too much spice in the sauce the two will compete and the wine and the sauce will both end up losers.

Merlot-is the spicy sauce answer to the above dilema. With the characteristic fruit forward flavor profile, this varietal will support the spice and not aggravate it. Grilled Pork chops, chicken and garden variety salads with lighter dressings also mingle well with Merlot.

Shiraz/Syrah-is another varietal that makes the grill-friendly wine list. This varietal is delicious with just about any red meat. Offering dynamic, somewhat aggressive fruit flavors, balanced with more mellow tannins and a softer-fuller body. This wines place to shine is definitely at a barbecue gathering.

Cabernet-is made for steaks with higher fat content. Burgers of beef or turkey will also pair well. the tighter tannins are significantly mellowed by the meat's fat, producing a palate pleaser to remember. top your meats with bold cheeses, like blue or sharp chedder and this varietal gets even better.

Pinot Noir-is a flexible varietal that is known for being food friendly. It can go from grilled fish to a juicy burger in just one sip. Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for grilled fish, especially Salmon. Or burgers or chicken. If you arn't sure which wine will work with your grilled dinner Pinot Noir is a safe bet.

NEXT! WHITES FOR GRILLING!

In Vino Veritas
David

New Find

I have recently found a wine that I am very impressed with. It is Kathryn Kennedy's Small lot Cabernet. This wine is one of three predominately Cabernet based wines by the Kathryn Kennedy winery, the others are Lateral and Kathryn Kennedy Estate.

This wine is full bodied and lush, it is a fruit bomb! Tobacco and leather on the front end, Ripe cherry and blackberry are prevelent. The finish on this wine is long and complex.

Pairs well with grilled duck, roasted or grilled meats.

In Vino Veritas
David

Tapas Tuesday

Auburn City Limits Presents TAPAS TUESDAY!
Every Tuesday this summer I will cook 12 to 14 Tapas dishes and open 12 to 14 wines to compliment the food. We will have live music on the patio to enhance the evening.
It is my hope that this ADULT HAPPY HOUR will be fun and informative for all. The price for these summer evenings will be $25 per person.
Please feel free to join us for TAPAS~TUESDAYS Starting at 5.30 p.m until August 22nd.

In Vino Veritas
David