Manoavino Taste!

Red Rhone with Chinese - Domaine Mur-mur-ium Sublime Syrah

As we have said in so many posts Rhone is such a versatile food wine. Wherever you go take Rhone along.

This 100% syrah is smooth and easy, it paired perfectly with our takeout chinese. At around 12 bucks it is just right.

Forget the Toasts, Ditch the Flute Glasses, Just Drink Champagne!

 

Until now, when I thought of Moet & Chandon Champagne, images of four star restaurants came to mind, weddings that appear in the NY Times, or a lavish New Year's Eve in Monaco, all good, but I now know that this view was missing the many, the boundless, occasions there are to enjoy this fabulous wine. 

To prove the point Elise Losfelt,the charming, well spoken, exquisitely French, winemaker and oenologist for Moet & Chandon, took her champagne manifesto to the streets.  Do read on.

Dining Alone? Have Some Good Wine

Got this bottle from a friend in the PR end of wine and agreed to give it a try. I love wines from "Sud-Oeust" especially after learning so much about them a couple years ago at a FI:AF event. Vive Le Sud-Ouest 

Diana was out for the evening at a meeting in New York City so I decided to make myself a nice dinner for one and try this wine. 

The Wine: Tariquet Classic Côtes de Gascogne $

The Food: Classic French Frissee Salad, Florence Tyler Roasted Chicken

The Place: On the Hudson River in Garrison NY dreaming of the South of France. 

Loca Linda, Jolie Folle, Yes We Think So!

At our second tasting of these fun wines, we asked our friends two questions. The answer to both was yes!

The Wine:  Three by Sommelier and New New World Winemaker, Brian Smith, a Malbec, a Torrontes and a Cotes de Provence Rose.

The Food: Classic American from the great kitchen of Neptune Market, Harvey Cedars, NJ.

The Place: Our Friend's, Gail and Marc, Beach House, Lane 89, Loveladies NJ.

Yunnan Kitchen New York with Two Special Côtes du Rhône

The Lower East Side of New York City abounds in dining adventures, Yunnan Kitchen is one that is now a favorite of ours. Enjoyed many dishes, “Dian Cuisine…a crisp and colorful fusion of flavors.” And two excellent Rhone Wines.

The Wines: Cave Des Vignerones D'estezargues, Plein Sud, Viognier/ Roussanne and Domaine des Romarins, Côtes du Rhône, Grenache/Syrah/Mouvedre $$

The Food: A southwest Chinese feast in three courses

The Place: Yunnan Kitchen, 79 Clinton, NYC

I Love Muscadet, What More Can I Say, You Will Too

More proof that Muscadet is the perfect wine for seafood.

The Wine: Le Fief Du Breil, Muscadet Sevre et Maine, Domaine de la Louvetrie $$

The Food: Sea Scallops and escarole, an Anita Lo recipe, with red peppers and Israeli couscous

The Place: Dreaming of the beautiful Loire Valley

A Dry Chenin Blanc Pairs Beautifully with Salmon

Wines from the Loire Valley in France are so perfect for summer dining. This one by Xavier Weisskopf is wonderful and paired so beautifully with our dinner.

The Wine: La Touche Mitaine, Montlouis Sec Cuvée, Les Rocher Des Violettes, 100% Chenin Blanc

The Food: Crispy skin salmon with a mustard tarragon sauce, roasted asparagus with garlic and quinoa with shallots and sun dried tomatoes.

The Place: Home sweet home, in our backyard outdoor living and dining room

Wherever You Go, Bring Rhone Along

At a very exciting event, “Rhone Odyssey, a Sensorial Exploration,” I had an enlightening experience that revealed to me the boundless beauty of Rhone Valley wines.  Of course I’ve enjoyed famous Rhone wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and popular Tavel, Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise, but never had fully appreciated the breadth and diversity of Rhone wines, especially those from Southern Rhone Valley.

The Wines:  Over 14 tasted, presented by renowned Sommelier Michael Madrigale $-$$$$

The Food: Exciting international creations by chef extraordinaire Russell Jackson

The Place: The Gymnasium, an event space on Mulberry Street in New York City that took us to Scandinavia, Japan, Mexico and back to NYC.