Some of the Best Chenin Blanc Food Pairing

Chenin Blanc is made from one of the most versatile grapes, known to produce a broad range of wines from sparkling, light, fruity, and dry to full-bodied. Each of these wine styles is known to pair well with different types of foods. Chenin Blanc has fruity aromas depending on where it is grown, but the most common include mango, pineapple, and citrusy notes. In this article, we are going to look at some Chenin Blanc food pairing examples and why they work.

THE FOOD PAIRINGS

For the most part, Chenin Blanc is a dry white wine that is slightly acidic. Because of its versatility, Chenin Blanc food pairings can include many light foods, such as veggies, salads, fish, lighter desserts, and some chicken entrees. However, Chenin Blanc does not especially pair well with heavy foods, oily dishes, or meatier foods.

THE FRUITY AND SWEET CHENIN BLANC

In general, the wine you consume should usually be sweeter than the foods you eat; otherwise, the wine will taste bland or bitter. Therefore, if you go with a sweet wine, the foods that pair well include Mexican foods, mild Indian and Thai curries, kimchi, fruit tarts, and fluffy cheesecake.

A fruity and sweet Chenin Blanc food pairing works well with salads, fish, cream-based chicken entrees, and vegetable dishes. Because of the mild acidity, Chenin Blanc also pairs well with exotic cheeses and light desserts.

THE DRY AND ACIDIC CHENIN BLANC

Dry Chenin Blanc can have high acidity, is aromatic, and has light flow. These features allow it to be paired well with foods that are fatty, fried, robust, or rich. If the food is creamy or oily, the acidity will cut through the fat and cream and enhance the flavors. Some of the foods that pair well with the acidic variety include quiche, creamy potatoes, or cheese souffle. In addition, shrimp, salmon, and oysters cooked in butter also match well with the dry Chenin Blanc food pairings.

FULL-BODIED CHENIN BLANC

Full-bodied Chenin Blanc is quite acidic and matches well with some meat dishes, such as steak. The high acidity can cut through the fat while at the same time cleansing your palate.

HOW SHOULD CHENIN BLANC BE SERVED?

Chenin Blanc is best served chilled. The best way to cool the wine is to put the bottle in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. Another option is to put the Chenin Blanc in an ice bucket, which results in faster cooling.

2018 HAHN HILL VINEYARD CHENIN BLANC

Our 2018 Hahn Hill Vineyard Chenin Blanc can meet many of your requirements. This is a unique wine grown in the prized vineyards of the Yakima and Columbia Valleys.  The grapes are fermented only with native yeasts in a singular production technique that complements its aromatic floral bouquet and notes of melon and key lime.  It is 100 percent Chenin Blanc and as good as it gets.

Plan Your Valentine's Day Wine Delivery Ahead of Time

Thanks to the immense advantages that shopping on the internet offers and the fact that, due to the Pandemic, we’ve all gotten a lot savvier about purchasing items online, from household necessities to groceries … and wine!  You can order wine online!  Valentine’s Day wine delivery is growing in popularity.  Alcohol delivery laws vary by state but if you live in one of the states where you can have wine delivered, you have so many more selections available as opposed to just one or two brick-and-mortar stores.  Plus, it’s such a very convenient option!

VALENTINE’S DAY

We’ve gotten through another year of holidays, ending with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and, now, it’s time to start all over again.  We’ve just passed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the next big holiday that many people like to celebrate is Valentine’s Day.  Suppose you want to plan a nice romantic stay-at-home dinner this year with your loved one to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  That’s often a nice switch from making reservations and having dinner out in crowded restaurants.  When you opt for Valentine’s Day wine delivery, you can place your order ahead of time and ensure you get just the wine you want and when you want it.

WHEN SHOULD I PLACE MY WINE ORDER FOR VALENTINE'S DAY?

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it so now is the time to place your order.  By ordering early, you can avoid any last-minute shipping hazards because, you know, it is highly likely that many other people are going to have this same idea.  Ordering online is so easy and a great way to ensure you get just the romantic wine you want to help you and your loved one celebrate this heartfelt holiday.  What is the best wine for Valentine’s Day?  It depends on the foods you will be serving and the personal preferences of you and your loved one.

REMEMBER WINE ESSENTIALS

Once you decide on a Valentine’s Day wine delivery, do not forget to order any essentials, like a bottle opener, ice bucket, and wine glasses, if you don’t have them already.  Or, maybe it’s time for some new wine accessories.  Splurge all the way around this Valentine’s Day – what are you waiting for?

Once you have selected the best wine for Valentine’s Day and ordered your Valentine’s Day wine delivery, you can set about selecting the right foods for your special romantic dinner. Get everything set now so you won’t have to worry about anything at the last minute.  Also, always remember, roses, chocolate, and jewelry can go really well with wine.

We have taken the liberty of selecting a few recommendations for your viewing pleasure.  They include:

• 2015 Thick Skinned Red Mountain wine
• 2021 Rainstorm Pinot Noir Rose
• 2016 Hahn Hill Vineyard Ice Wine Riesling
• 2021 Pacific Rim Wicked Good Red

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!  May it be your best yet!

What is the Best White Wine for Winter?

One of the best ways to enjoy the cold winter days is by consuming your best white wine for winter in front of a nice, warm fireplace or firepit. When paired with the right foods, the experience can be even better than a summer wine. Plus, this time of year can just feel more romantic. While traditionally, red wines have been preferred during the winter, today, there are several delicious white wines that are just as comforting during the winter as at any other time.  White wines like Chardonnay, Champagne, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer pair even better with many of the traditional winter foods. 

WINTER WHITE WINE

With so many options, how does one choose the best white wine for winter? In general, for the winter season, select a white wine that is rich in flavor and has high acidity or alcohol. These wines can pair well with the high-calorie dishes of the festive and celebratory winter months, such as pot roast, glazed duck, stews, desserts, and snacks. Plus, you also want to select a winter white wine that will impress and excite your friends.

WHITE WINE DOES NOT NEED TO BE ICE COLD

Another thing to know about serving winter white wine is to avoid drinking it very cold. At very low temperatures, the wine’s flavors and aromas will disappear, and the wine can taste bland. In general, winter white wine should be served between 43-55 degrees. Champagne and other sparkling wines can be served between 43-50 degrees. However, the full-bodied varieties taste excellent when served between 50-55 degrees (think Chardonnay) because the warmth releases the aromas. In general, while white wines can be chilled, they should not be ice cold.  For the optimum enjoyment of your beverages for winter, here is a list of some white wines you may want to consider.

EXAMPLES OF WINTER WHITE WINES

Riesling is a classic example of great winter wine and a great choice for the best white wine for winter. Originally from Germany, there are some varieties made in the Pacific Northwest that rival their European counterparts. Even though the original Rieslings were sweet, today you can get a Riesling of every type! The one unique feature of Riesling wines is that they boast flavors of green apples, lime, apricot, and beeswax. Riesling is one of the most versatile white wines on the market; it pairs well with most winter foods, including smoked salmon, spicy pork sausages, studded mushrooms, curries, fruit tarts, and pies.

Gewurztraminer is another white wine that has a golden color tinged with shades of copper. It is a gentle, mild wine with notes of aromatic grapes and citruses, like lime and grapefruit, but others may have floral flavors. Gewurztraminer wine is a mildly sweet wine that pairs well with foods like pumpkin, crabs and lobster, roasted veggies, baked ham, and light desserts.

Chenin Blanc is a light-bodied wine with high acidity with flavors of orange, toasted almond, and dried persimmon. It shares similarities with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. It pairs well with many wintery foods, such as scallops, glazed pork, and desserts, like custard tarts and Crème Brûlée.

Pinot Gris is perhaps the second most popular white wine from the Pacific Northwest. It is renowned for its punchy acidity with flavors of lime, lemon, honeysuckle, and green apples. Because of its fruity aromas, it pairs well with spicy foods, like Peking duck, curries, roasted turkey dumplings, and cheese. 

Ice Wine. Finally, if you want to enjoy the cool winter days, nothing beats an ice wine. A great ice wine is iconic and pairs with many foods, including fried foods, chocolate fudge, cheesecake, fruit pies, and many more. Ice wines are known to complement all flavors, especially spices and herbs. The wines are light and refreshing, and ours is sure to enhance your mood.

CONCLUSION

The best white wine for winter is the one that you enjoy the most with what you are doing or what you are eating.  Regardless of rules, and while some wines partner better than others with certain foods from the perspective of those who know palates well, the best winter white wine for you is the one you try and like the best.  If you're looking for something new, read up on some of our favorite white wines!

Here are some of the Best Wines for Winter

During the cold winter days, most people want to feel warm and develop good spirits. Just like we switch our choice of clothes during the winter, so too do we switch over to winter wines! There are some wines that are preferable during the hot summer months, and there are some great wines that are meant to be consumed during the winter months. The best wine for winter will not only warm you up but enhance your mood and hopefully brighten your day or night. Contrary to some beliefs, you should not just save your white wines for the summer. But, it seems that overall, red wine is preferred during the cooler months, especially full-bodied wines with a high amount of tannins. For example, a dark, rich Pinot Noir will go perfectly with sitting in front of a fireplace or during a nice warm meal.

Whether you are somewhere cold, sipping your best wine for winter in front of a fireplace, or pairing winter wines with your favorite meals down south, here are some cold-weather wines that will truly enhance your winter experience.

Top Winter Wine Recommendations

Cabernet Sauvignon. This is one choice for the best wine for winter. This full-bodied wine with dark fruity flavors and high levels of tannins pairs well with Saturday evening movies or a winter party. In addition, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs exceptionally well with meaty dishes, such as roast beef, venison stew, steak, glazed lamb, barbecued ribs, or duck. The bottom line is you will start to feel instantly warm and satisfied when you partake of this drink.

Pinot Noir. This wine is a classic choice that has characteristics of lighter wine notes that enable the drink to balance very well with the heartier foods that are served more often in the winter, such as casseroles, stews, and meatier dishes.

Chenin Blanc. For those not big on red wines, there is Chenin Blanc. This light-bodied white wine, which thrives in cooler weather, is also great for the winter months. The flavors do vary depending on where it is made, but one consistent feature is that it pairs well with fall favorites foods, like roasted parsnips, butternut squash soup, and all types of pork. It is one of the great wines to sip next to a fireplace.

Riesling. Perhaps the best wine for winter months is Riesling. Even though Riesling has a reputation for being sweet, there is a whole category of Rieslings that are dry or off-dry. These Riesling varieties boast all types of natural fruity flavors, like peach, apricot, apple, and pear. Riesling is the easiest wine to pair with a wide range of foods; but it also pairs well with spicy and curried foods. Finally, if you want to enjoy your Riesling, check the alcohol content. The low alcohol content Rieslings tend to be sweet, whereas the higher alcohol content wines are more dry.

Champagne or an ice wine.  Of course, this is a traditional festive drink that shows up regularly around holidays and special occasions.  They can act as not only a mood booster, but a palate cleanser as well. Champagne can help lift your spirits thanks to the zinc, potassium, and magnesium contained within it. And Ice Wine just goes perfectly with that wintery vibe.

Enjoy the best wine for winter by including it with nice wintery meals and snacks.  There is no wrong occasion to enjoy good winter wines, so check out some of our favorites on our Shop Page!

2023 Wine Trends We're Watching

There has never been a more exciting time for the wine industry than now. With all the recent positive changes and the bright outlook, we want to explore some of the projected 2023 wine trends. So, whether you are looking to try a new wine, a new pairing, or find new activities to bring your favorite wines to, let's take a look!

As a result of the creative and innovative processes necessitated by the pandemic, the wine industry--along with many other businesses--found new ways to prosper.  So, what will some wine trends in 2023 be?

2023 WINE TRENDS

Pushing the envelope with blends.  New generations of winemakers are taking experimentation to new heights.  New classifications are sure to develop as the research and testing process are producing more varieties, with a wider array of tastes and pairing possibilities. And will we see different shades of colors? Maybe! Mixing and blending will yield shades of red and pink not seen before in the wine world.  Lighter and bright colors are gaining popularity among consumers, making blending one of the top wine trends in 2023 to watch.

Canned wines making inroads?  Canned wines have seen a slight uptick due to their convenience.  Wine in cans sometimes appeal to a non-traditional category of consumers, but most still prefer a good old bottle.  So, in our list of 2023 wine trends, we expect cans to hold a small, niche segment of the market.

Environmentally friendly. More consumers are interested in sustainably produced foods and wines.  Sustainability is getting more important with each day that passes.  So, when you go shopping, take a look at some of the foods you're pairing your wine with.

Washington State Wines! The interest in Washington State Wines has exploded! California has long held the USA title, but Washington is making waves. If you haven't checked out the Pacific Northwest, then it's worth the trip! And add some wine tasting to your list of things to do!

Sparkling wine is growing in popularity.  Consumers are drinking sparkling wines more as an everyday occurrence instead of just for special occasions.  This is one of our 2023 wine trends to watch since we love finding something to celebrate every day!

E-commerce is thriving. The convenience, and sometimes the necessity, of making purchases online is also helping those of us in the wine industry market our wines to a wider and more diverse audience.  While brick-and-mortar wine stores still thrive, eCommerce is slowly capturing more business each day. Customers today like to shop online, read about products at their leisure, and then have products delivered to their homes. Have you looked into our Wine Clubs? We have one for everyone! 

New wine programs in restaurants. Good wine is often linked to fine dining. Today, many restaurants have started to adapt the way they offer wine to consumers. A new program that offers wine pairing with different foods and wine experimentation as an ingredient in different menu items is becoming widely popular. 

Wine continues to be a very popular beverage globally and 2023 wine trends show even more growth for the industry. For us winemakers, we look forward to continuing our use of social media to reach more people across the country! Wine consumers are savvier than ever, and the wine industry is picking up on these wine trends in 2023, and we'll be keeping an eye on them throughout the year. 

Looking to start the new year with a new wine? Check out our offerings!