To warm my very old world heart… I imagine a rather rustic red with soft round tannins and dark fresh fruit red to pair with this spicy chicken dish with full flavored veggie ensemble.
I pick two versions of the varietal of Gamay from France. Clos del’Elu: Indigene 2011, 12% abv. is a 50/50 Gamay/Grolleau blend.
The bright violet color leads us gently into a palate of round mellow tannins, inspired by medium fresh acidity just enough to open and compliment the spices in the meal. The palate of rustic stemmy stick and earth, wrapped in a furry leather coat opens up a bright juicy pomegranate-cherry, dark raspberry fruit. A most interesting sip, mingling the food and wine palate with balance.
For a more traditional expression of Gamay (and better!) of juicy dark raspberry, sappy strawberry vibrancy try Domaine Robert Serol, Les Originelles, 2011, 12% abv 100% Gamay. Here we find the identity crisis of the part Loire, northeast of Beaujolais region of Cote Roannaise, France. The typical fresh vibrant dark fruit so lovely, yet not in your face, smooth and soft sip after sip ( after sip ) with this spicy fresh meal.
Serve both these Gamay`s slightly chilled.
This Old World/ New World Canadian gal looks to the Okanagan region, of British Columbia in Western Canada to offer a white selection.
Going directly to Desert Hills’s exclusive Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos vineyard offering of the old world turned new version of Viogner, 13.3% abv.
This full, fat, fragrant, fresh and forward white is a crisp mouth full of apricot, lime and honeysuckle blossom absolutely scrumptious with full yet round acidity inspiring true delight in this spicy mixture of flavors in this meal.
Lastly, for those invited over to the feast who don`t prefer the wine, try Pinkers Organic unfiltered Wheat Ale from Germany for a palate cleansing, spice reducing lemon peel, bubble-gummy refreshment of effervescent tanginess.
MaryFrances, Sommelier
Tales from my plate 