I wanted to pass along a surprisingly successful wine and food pairing experience I had recently that at first blush, might not seem like a good fit, but works surprisingly well together.

I opened a bottle of 2007 Crios Malbec to enjoy with the BBQ pork chops and corn that I prepared for dinner with my fiance Kim. But I didn't know what to do about a starch. I suggested macaroni and cheese from a box (one of my guilty pleasures and something quick), at which Kim gave me a "look," but then went along with my suggestion. She followed the box directions ensuring a creamy cheese mixture for the pasta.

Let me tell you how well the entire dinner paired with the Crios Malbec! As expected, the grilled and BBQ flavors on the pork chop worked harmoniously with the wonderful cherry, spice and jammy nose and flavors of the Malbec. This wine, with its medium-body and full flavor easily holds its own against the often powerful flavors of BBQ and grilling. 

And now on to the surprise portion of this meal. That little ol' box of macaroni and cheese held its own against what one might think to be too big of a wine. The cheesy creaminess blended extremely well with the noticeable spices and obvious mouth-watering red and black cherry flavors, but the biggest surprise of this pairing was the macaroni and cheese pulling out the hint of cedar that the Crios offers, lingering together on my palate in a true gastronomical spirit of cooperation.

But wait! There's more! We also had a salad of baby greens, crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries and sliced almonds. The Malbec worked very nicely with the light creaminess of the goat cheese and the sweet/tart of the cranberries, each bite unfolding wonderful layers of cherry and cranberry, and the almonds worked extremely well with the earthiness of the Crios.

So, if you are hard pressed for a quick dinner that will bring smiles of surprise to the dinner table, try this one. You won't be disappointed. Try it, and stop in to let me know what you think.

 

2007 The Velvet Devil Merlot, Washington State. Don't like Merlot?  Well here's the Merlot that will change your mind. Balanced, rich and explosive, the Velvet Devil will throw flavorful sips of red plum and bittersweet cocoa at your palate. In the words of Charles Smith, "so smooth, so naughty and so very, very nice!" And another great thing - the big fruit in this wine makes it a wonderful partner for spicy grilled foods. ($13.99)
 

        

 

2002 Scarpantoni School Block, McLaren Vale, Australia. The story of this vineyard has such history and romance - the now late Domenic Scarpantoni and his beautiful wife Paula began the vineyard, now run by their sons, because of their true passion for wine. Produced from a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot, with each variety individually aged in oak for 12 months, the School Block is soft and supple, with rich dark berry fruits and hints of toasty oak. When first trying, the wine had a joyous and unique palate - juicy with cocoa dustiness, black cherry and chocolate. Delicious for drinking now! ($14.99)
 
2008 Robertson Winery Chenin Blanc, South Africa.  It wasn't that long ago that we introduced you to, and tasted you on, the Roberston 2007 Chenin Blanc. Although it was only a short time ago, we have just received the 2008 vintage and feel it would be a great opportunity to show you this new vintage and let you see how much wine can differ from vintage to vintage. The 2008 vintage displays inviting flavors and aromas of pineapple, melon and green apple along with a bright welcoming acidity making the 2008 Chenin Blanc perfect for smoked salmon and roasted chicken. ($10.99)