Wine Road Podcast: Roger Beery of J. Cage Cellars

 

Episode 220: Roger Beery of J. Cage Cellars

 

Drink This With That: Waffles

 

 

Welcome back to Drink This with That—a new feature about what to drink with specific foods and international cuisines. Each month we will highlight a particular food or dish with pairing options and a link to the Wine Road searchable database to find the wines we recommend from the tried and true, to the options that add a bit of a twist to the standard pairing.

This month we explore the wine pairing options for a beloved comfort food— Waffles! When’s the last time you made waffles? For most people it was probably a week after they received a waffle iron for a wedding gift and then never touched it again. My own experience with waffles was at the Southern institution known as the Waffle House that was often more revered for being open 24 hours a day and its circus of customers, than the cuisine. In my opinion the only time it’s permissible (and the most fun) to go to the Waffle House is between the hours of 3-5am. Trust me on that.

Waffles first came to our shores via the Dutch in the 1620’s. Round, square, savory or sweet; the waffle is a crispy and fluffy delight which can be made in a variety of ways. Universally enjoyed at breakfast, they are perfect for any meal including dinner and can be elevated with thoughtful wine pairings.

Waffles don’t always have to be sweet; you can use a waffle maker to make savory waffles too. When you consider it, a waffle iron is nothing more than a panini press with a grid, and much like a panini, the waffle can be made with a host of ingredients and combinations. Below are my favorite pairings that may inspire you to dig out that waffle iron and fire it up. Search for compatible wines here www.wineroad.com/wineries

Waffle Categories & Wine Pairing Recommendations

Buttermilk Waffles: classic, fluffy, and slightly tangy

+ Moscato d’Asti: sweet and sparkling complements tangy flavors
+ Pinot Grigio: crisp acidity enhances citrus notes
+ Sparkling wine: effervescence pairs with fluffy texture

Belgian Waffles: thick, crispy, and often topped with fruit or whipped cream

+ Riesling: acidity balances sweetness and fruit toppings
+ Gewürztraminer: spicy and floral notes complement whipped cream
+ Rosé: enhances fruit flavors and aromas

Sweet Potato Waffles: sweet, spicy, and savory

+ Pinot Noir: earthy and sweet notes complement sweet potato flavors
+ Grenache-based Rosé: fruity and refreshing, balances spicy notes
+ Sparkling wine: effervescence cuts through richness

Savory Waffles: herb-infused, cheese-topped, or bacon-filled

+ Sauvignon Blanc: citrus and grassy notes enhance herb flavors
+ Chardonnay: buttery and oaky notes complement cheese and bacon
+ Rosé of Pinot Noir: fruity and refreshing, balances savory flavors

Stuffed Waffles: filled with fruit, nuts, or chocolate

+ Moscato d’Asti: sweet and sparkling complements fruit fillings
+ Tawny Port: nutty and caramel notes enhance chocolate fillings

Chicken and Waffles: soft and crunchy; sweet and salty

+ Sauvignon Blanc: lively acidity adds contrast to fried chicken
+ Sparkling Chenin Blanc: fresh and light elevates and balances the flavors
+ Chardonnay: butter and citrus notes add depth

Wine Road Podcast: Occidental & Forestiville Itineary

 Episode 219: Occidental & Forestville Itinerary

Wine Road Podcast: Debbie Osborn, Wine Road Event Manager

Episode 218: Debbie Osborn, Event Manager, Wine Road

Drink This With That: Tacos!

Introducing Drink This with That—A new feature about what to drink with international cuisines. Each month we will highlight a particular food or dish with pairing options and a link to the Wine Road searchable database to find the wines we recommend from the tried and true to the options that add a bit of a twist to the standard pairing.

Ready to Drink This with That? First up tacos!

Tacos, a flavorful and versatile Mexican dish, can be elevated with thoughtful wine pairings. Tacos are not just a reason for celebrating Tuesday, they are a many splendored thing. Spicy, deep, earthy and savory—and just like wine, there are many aspects of the famed taco to explore and enjoy and pair accordingly.

The flavor profiles of Mexican food can be diverse starting with a base of fiery chilies and drawing from a range of spices and herbs that create a powerful punch from deep earthy spices like cumin to herbs like cilantro, coriander, thyme and Mexican oregano.

As with all types of food successful pairings build upon complementary flavors and balance with acidity and texture.

 

Taco Categories & Wine Pairing Recommendations

Let’s explore the range of Tacos and wines to match. Search for compatible wines here www.wineroad.com/wineries

 

Meat Tacos

Carne Asada: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec

Ground Beef: Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera

Al Pastor (pork): Grenache-based Rosé, Tempranillo, Sparkling Rosé

Carnitas: Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, Merlot

Chorizo: Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon

Chicken Tacos

Grilled Chicken: Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Blanc de Blanc

Shredded Chicken: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Orange/Skin Contact style

Crispy Chicken: Sparkling Extra Brut, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir

Fish Tacos

Battered Fish: Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Un-Oaked Chardonnay

Grilled Fish: Pinot Grigio, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Biancolella

Veggie Tacos

Roasted Vegetables: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir

Tofu: Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sparkling Syrah

Recipe

Coconut Chicken Mole Tacos – From Rockpile Vineyards

This modern twist on a savory Mexican classic provides the perfect balance of spice and sweetness to pair with any Zinfandel, but for an enhanced sensory experience, try a bold, full-bodied Zinfandel from the Rockpile AVA.

 

 

 This post originally appeared on the Wine Road Blog.

Wine Road Podcast: End of Year Recap

 

Episode 217: End of Year Recap

Wine Style of the Month: Sparkling

The pop of the cork, the rise of tiny bubbles and the gentle whoosh of foam in the glass—nothing makes an occasion more festive than Sparkling Wine. But Sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they make a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods. From fried chicken to lobster bisque, the range of food pairings is endless. My favorite pairing is kettle style potato chips.

 

Amista Sparkling Rosé of Syrah Morningstar Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, NV

Made using the Méthode Champenoise (traditional) process, the Amista Sparkling Rosé of Syrah is a lovely way to bubble! In the glass it’s a light cranberry pink color with a fine delicate bubble stream. On the palate it’s both creamy and tart with flavors of dried cranberry, lemon zest, vanilla, toasty brioche and a touch of ginger. The long dry finish is fresh and lively.

 

ABV 12.5%

$58

 

CAST 2020 Brut Rosé, Dry Creek Valley

The CAST 2020 Sparkling Brut Rosé of Zinfandel is a veritable trip to Bubble Nirvana—it’s pure bliss. It shines in the glass with a light pink and rose-gold color as bubbles rush to the top in long strands.  On the palate it’s both zesty and rich with soft notes of strawberries and cream, raspberry mousse and an undercurrent of citrus zest. Great complexity of flavor with balanced acidity and subtle hints of ginger, white peach and orange blossom on the long dry finish.

 

ABV 12.5%

$59

 

Dutcher Crossing Posterity Reserve Blanc de Blanc Dry Creek Valley

The Dutcher Crossing Posterity Reserve Blanc de Blanc from Dry Creek Valley is made from 100% Estate Chardonnay grapes. It sparkles with a light golden color and a fine bead of bubbles. The palate opens with a delicate creamy mousse and a bit of chalk, then segues to bright flavors of yellow apple, pear, quince candied ginger and lemon zest. It’s vibrant and alive with zesty flavor on the long satisfying finish.

 

ABV 12.0%

$56

 

Kokomo 2019 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, Peter’s Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

The Kokomo 2019 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, from Peter’s Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley presents in the glass with a pretty pale straw color and a profusion of racy bubbles. On the nose, it has a light toasty brioche note and citrus zest. On the palate it’s lean and elegant with a steely precision and notes of tart apple, lemon, chamomile flowers, grapefruit, and slate. The dry finish brings lime zest, quince and ginger in to the forefront. It’s a crisp and satisfying sipper from beginning to end.

 

ABV 12.9%

$60

 

Trentadue California Champagne XXXII

The Trentadue California Champagne is made with French Colombard grapes from the Mendocino and Lodi regions, using the Charmat process. On the nose it has a wonderful peaches and cream scent. On the palate it has tart green apple, balanced with deep notes of toasted almonds, marzipan and chamomile. The fine crisp finish is both tart and sweet with a zesty note of ginger spice, orange zest and sweet white cherry. It’s an incredible value and sips well beyond it’s price point.

 

ABV 11.5%

$18

 

West Wines 2018 Seafoam Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut

Pop the cork on a bottle of West Wines 2018 Seafoam Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut and experience the thrill of tiny bubbles that can turn even an ordinary evening into something special and elevated. Made in the traditional Champagne method, with 100% Chardonnay grapes, the West Wines Seafoam has a light citrus sent and creamy mousse of toasted almond and apple. It’s plush, yet bright with a balance of tart green apple and citrus flavors along with notes lemon curd, white peach and ginger. Sassy and sophisticated it leaves a lasting impression.

 

ABV 11.5%

$42