5 Experts Pair International Wines with Favorite Recipes for Spring
Travel Guides for Spain/Rioja, Paso, California/Paso Robles/Napa Valley, Italy/Sardinia, France/Provence Wine Regions
Spring is upon us. We get together with family and friends for anniversary, birthday, and graduation celebrations. It seems we are cooking more often for larger groups. Spring food and wine pairing is all about matching the body or mouthfeel of the wine and the strong or delicate flavors of the food.
We are also starting to plan our Summer and Fall vacations. For the best place to try these pairings (other than your own kitchen) travel to the spots recommended by these five wine experts and taste them in their native places: Spain, California, Italy, and France. Travel guides and recipes are included here.
Spain Rioja Rosé with Pasta Primavera: Suggested by Doug Frost, MS, MW
“My favorite rosé comes from Lopez de Heredia: their rosés are complex, even profound. And Maria-Jose's family winery is a paragon of 19th century Spanish architectural glory.” - Doug Frost, MS, MW, is one of America’s few dual Master Sommelier and Master of Wine (one of only four in the world.
This is one of the finest rosé wines in the world. At several wine events Doug Frost has rosé pairing with a veggie pasta. Cooking Classy has a terrific Pasta Primavera recipe for this summer.
The Lopez de Heredia winery is located in La Rioja, Spain. The rosé is made in a traditional Spanish style with Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Viura grapes. Stay nearby at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, Elciego, Spain (architect, Frank Gehry designed the luxury hotel as well as the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum) just 25 minutes away. Travel guide: La Rioja, What to Visit.
Sauvignon Blanc and Grilled Oysters: Suggested by Richie Allen, Sr. Director, Winemaker/Production Rombauer Vineyards
“Right now, I am enjoying our new 2023 Sauvignon Blanc with fresh oysters and a squeeze of lemon.” – Richie Allen, Vice President of Viticulture and Winemaking, Rombauer Vineyards
I interviewed Richie Allen in Napa Valley in 2023 (see video above), “Rombauer Vineyards: A New Chapter, E&J Gallo Luxury Wine Group Acquisition.” Richie grew up in one of the most famous wine growing regions-- the Yarra Valley, Melbourne, Australia, known for both their white and red wines. Following graduation from the University of Adelaide and winemaking experience in Australia and New Zealand, Ritchie Allen began his tenure at Rombauer in 2008 as a harvest intern and worked his way up through the ranks, becoming the winery’s head winemaker.
The Food Network features an Ina Garten recipe for Grilled Oysters with Lemon Dill Butter. You can visit Rombauer Vineyards in both their Napa Valley and Sierra Foothills locations, both featuring lovely patio settings to sip your summer wines. Travel Guide: See Rombauer Experiences.
Chardonnay and Seafood Newburg Suggested by Phillip Anderson, DipWSET, Master of Wine Candidate, General Manager, Le Vigne Winery
“I recommend the Le Vigne Winery Barrel Fermented Estate Chardonnay with Seafood Newburg.” – Phillip Anderson, DipWSET, is a current Master of Wine candidate and is General Manager, Le Vigne Winery
Phillip and I remain friends since we were in our WSET level 4 tasting group together. He has superb taste. If he recommends a wine, it is top-notch. His recommended wine, the Le Vigne Winery Barrel Fermented Estate Chardonnay that has a creamy structure that will ”meld well with the creamy tastes of the lobster while still having enough acid to cut through the sauce and some nice tropical fruit that reminds me of summertime,” according to Phillip. This winery lies in the the Paso Robles wine country of California near San Luis Obispo and the Hearst Castle. Serve it with Saveur Magazine’s Seafood Newburg (Lobster, Scallops, and Shrimp in Sherry Cream Sauce.) Travel guide: Travel Paso Robles
Shrimp, Feta, Tomatoes Paired with Vermentino: Suggested by Dr. Terry Lease Professor of Wine Business, Cal Poly, Department of Wine and Viticulture
“ In summer, good food is all about simplicity. One of my favorites is a simple pasta with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a little oregano. Throw the shrimp in the pasta water for the last couple of minutes, drain it, and mix everything together in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil. Nothing else needs to be cooked. Pair it with a crisp white from the Mediterranean, such as a Vermentino from Sardinia (Pala Soprasole Vermentino 2022) or Corsica, an Erma Bianco, or a Greek Assyrtiko.
Another easy meal is grilled chicken and corn on the cob. It pairs well with your favorite style of Chardonnay but is probably best, at least for me, with a traditional California style. Rombauer is a good go-to producer.” – Dr. Terry Lease, Cal Poly, Professor of Wine business
Dr. Terry Lease, DipWSET®, loves summer wines. Dr. Lease is professor in the Wine and Viticulture Department at California Polytechnic State University, who previously oversaw academic programs at the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He and I graduated with our WSET® Diploma of Wine in the same group in 2018 and maintain and enjoy our monthly winetasting group. Travel guide: See Visit Southern Italy/Sardinia.
Provence Rosé and Chilean Seabass: Suggested by Tricia Conover, DipWSET®, Editor, Wine Wanderings
“I was invited to a Dallas trade wine tasting a few years ago hosted by the trade group, Wines of Provence. And I thought, how can a Rosé be that great and close to $130? I was wrong. Garrus by Chateau d’Esclans blew me away…elegant, complex, rich. The Chateau d’Esclans family of wines including the popular Whispering Angel. Les Clans, Rock Angel, and Garrus are impressive. “- Tricia Conover, DipWSET, Editor, Wine Wanderings
Chateau d’Esclans is a magical property located in the heart of Provence, northeast of St. Tropez. It was founded by Sacha Lichine. I suggest that you pair this exceptional wine with an exceptional fish, Chilean Seabass. I love this recipe, Baked Chilean Sea Bass from Cooked by Julie that you can bake. No grill required. Travel guide: Provence Travel Guide by Rick Steves.
“Select your favorite wine and food pairing and welcome Spring in style. Better yet, travel to one of these picturesque wineries, savor the scenery, and toast a well-made wine.” – Tricia Conover, DipWSET, Editor, Wine Wanderings
Wine Recommendations
2012 R. Lopez de Heredia Gran Reserva Rosado Rioja, Spain $136
Robert Parker, 96 Points
2022 Barrel Select Chardonnay, di Domenico Estate Vineyard, Paso Robles, $38
Barrel fermented and aged. Creamy mouthfeel. Historic Silver Medal winner.
2023 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast California, $24
Historic average ratings for this wine, Wine Spectator, 92 Points
2022 Pala Soprasole Vermentino, Sardinia, Italy $22
James Suckling, 91 Points
Chateau d’Esclans Garrus Rosé 2019, Provence, France $130
Decanter Magazine, 96 Points
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