Nestled on the Mediterranean coast of southwest France, the Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the most rapidly developing wine regions in the country. The area is known for producing a tremendous amount of great wine, but lacks the glamour of neighboring Bordeaux. The 2011 Hecht & Bannier, Languedoc, France ($11 per glass) is an exciting example of their Syrah. Powerful blueberry and cracked pepper aromas are supported by a velvety core of plum with hints of mocha, making this a great match for our Braised Pork Shank.
The Willamette Valley of Oregon has built its reputation on producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; however, a few estates are pushing the traditional limits and experimenting with varietals not commonly associated with the region. The 2011 Ken Wright Cellars, Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($69 per bottle) is a quality example, and with a mere 350 cases produced, it won’t be available for very long. With bright notes of lemon zest and hints of baked apple followed by subtle herbaceous hints, this is a beautiful wine to partner with our Dorade Royale.
2010 Pulenta Estate, XI Gran Cabernet Franc, Mendoza, Argentina ($87 per bottle) delivers powerful aromatics with an elegance on the palate. Coming from a wine region that is distinctly know for Malbec, this Cab Franc is a bold alternative that could certainly improve with age. With traditional aromatic notes of bell pepper followed by a mixture of red and black fruits on the palate, you won’t find a better wine to pair with our Flat Iron Steak.
Wine Tip: When pairing wine with traditional autumn dishes, look for descriptions that include dark fruits and savory notes. Avoid wines with excessive tannin, and use these 3 selections as your guide to finding a great match!
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