Modern Spins on Old-Fashioned Comfort Food
While the cool weather and early darkness of fall begin to descend, we thought it might be a fun time to take a look at a few old fashioned classic casserole dishes that have been given a touch of the modern and slightly gourmet – along with some of our favourite new fall wines recently released here in Ontario. From Green Bean Casserole to Turkey Tetrazzini, these recipes and pairings offer comfort with a dash of creativity – and will bring some fun to fall dining table over the days and weeks to come.
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Comtes Lafon
2018 Macon Blanc
Recipes:
CLASSIC DISH:
Turkey Tetrazzini
MODERN SPIN:
Turkey & Egg Noodles w/ Parmesan-Scallion Sauce
Price:
$64.99 per 750mL
Available by the case of 12 bottles
Region:
Burgundy, France
Tasting Note:
“A fresh, cool and pretty citrus-inflected nose gives way to racy, delicious and delineated flavors that terminate in a lightly saline, clean, dry and refreshing finish. To enjoy immediately.”
89-91 out of 100 Points
Burghound.com
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Weingut Daniel Vollenweider
2019 Riesling Spatlese
Recipes:
CLASSIC DISH:
Green Bean Casserole
MODERN SPIN:
Green Beans w/ Fried Leeks & Shiitake Cream
Price:
$54.99 per 750mL
Available by the case of 12 bottles
Region:
Mosel, Germany
Tasting Note:
“The 2019er Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling Spätlese was made from fruit partially affected by botrytis (20%) picked at 96° Oechsle, and was fermented down to sweet levels of residual sugar (92 g/l). It offers a rather backward nose made of pear, mirabelle, whipped cream, a hint of fresh pineapple, and plenty of smoke and wet stone. The wine is gorgeously and finely sizzled on the palate, where subtle flavors of lemon, apricot blossom, white pepper, and herbs woe for one’s attention. The finish is all about subtle creamy and zesty finesse, and this despite the comparatively high sugar levels of the must. This gorgeous “feine Auslese” expression of Riesling is simply to die for. We would not be surprised if it would eventually warrant an even higher rating, such is its potential. What a wine!”
96 out of 100 Points
Mosel Fine Wines
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L’Ormarins
n/v Blanc de Blancs Brut
Recipes:
CLASSIC DISH:
Mac & Cheese
MODERN SPIN:
Mac & Cheese Stuffed Fried Zucchini
Price:
$24.95 per 750mL
Region:
Western Cape, South Africa
Tasting Note:
“One of a quartet of bubblies in the Anthonij Rupert range, this Blanc de Blancs marries Chardonnay grapes from Elandskloof and Darling. Late disgorged – and so reviewed as a new wine this year – it tastes much drier than its 8 grams of dosage, with chiselled focus and fine bubbles. 2019-24.”
92 out of 100 Points
Tim Atkin, MW
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Vignobles Brunier
2018 Pigeoulet Rouge
Recipes:
CLASSIC DISH:
Sloppy Joes
MODERN SPIN:
Price:
$29.99 per 750mL
Available by the case of 12 bottles
Region:
Southern Rhone, France
Tasting Note:
“A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Carignan and 5% Cinsault – this Vin de Pays de Vaucluse is produced by the Brunier family in the southern Rhone Valley, most famous for their iconic Chateaneuf du Pape Winery Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe. Perfectly balanced and drinkable – this red offers up stony berry fruit, southern French herbs and licorice, making it a perfect choice with a range of meat and poultry dishes. A stunning value – and a fabulous choice for those who love food and great wine.”
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Domaine Chanson
2018 Reserve du Bastion Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Recipes:
CLASSIC DISH:
Tuna Casserole
MODERN SPIN:
Seared Ahi Tuna w/ Snowpeas, Mushrooms & Couscous
Price:
$24.95 per 750mL
Region:
Burgundy, France
Tasting Note:
“Elegant, with sour cherry, mineral and spice. Unlike many wines at this price point, it’s comprised entirely of fruit from the Côte d’Or. Food-friendly, it’s perfect with grilled eggplant with veal cutlets, rotisserie chicken or rack of lamb”
LCBO Vintages Tasting Panel
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