February Tasting Notes
It may be the shortest month of the year, but this month's allocation is HUGE! Our featured recipe is Portuguese Inspired Braised Pork and Clams, which pairs beautifully with the Fitapreta Touriga. You'll see that I love showcasing regional wine alongside the food from the same region, and this is just a taste of whats to come. Flowing with our Portuguese theme, I included a very fun and light Vinho Branco, which is a white blend from the Vinho Verde region of Portugal. Because it's Valentine's month, I could resist adding two brut rose sparkling wines. The first is a delightful Cava rose. The second is.....wait for it....TRUE CHAMPAGNE! I hope you enjoy tasting these wines as much as I enjoyed selecting them for you.
Cheers,
Sheena
Our recipe this month is Portuguese Inspired Braised Pork and Clams, which originates in the Alentejo region, and I thought it would be a wonderful way to showcase how regional food and wine pair perfectly together. Touriga Nacional is Portugal’s most famous grape varietal, and this wine is a perfect expression of it, having not been oaked at all. Grown in the Alentejo region, it is known as the “King of Portugal.”
Dark purple, with notes of fresh boysenberry, blackberry, plum and blueberry with an essence of anise, rose petals, and white pepper. Also pairs well with grilled red meat like New York Strip.
Find your recipe at liveoregoncoast.com/portugueseporkandclams
Faisao Vinho Verde
Our Portuguese theme would not be complete without a nod to its unique white wine, Vinho Verde.
Crisp and refreshing, like a misty sea breeze, this is an easy drinking and fun white wine. Its color is almost clear with a slight hint of yellow-green. Notes of lemon, candied lime peel, green apple, ocean mist, and mineral with a clean finish and hint of effervescence. Perfect with seafood like raw oysters, ceviche, or clams in white sauce.
Nicolas Maillart Champagne Grand Cru Brut Rose NV
50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay
This is currently my absolute favorite champagne and I’m so happy I could fit it into this month’s box!
Salmon-pink in color with intense notes of ripe red fruit (strawberry, raspberry, cherry), pastry cream, and a hint of minerality with a delicate mousse finish. Perfect for charcuterie, but also great for simply enjoying!
Dibon Brut Rose Cava NV
100% Garnacha
Dry and bright with intense notes of ripe strawberry and subtle hints of rosemary. It has slightly toasty finish, and nice mouthfeel. Pairs very well with salmon, smoked or grilled.