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By Eduardo Javier
Canto
Even the best-laid party plans can go
awry when the wine selection isn’t
perfect. Like the subtle shade of lipstick
that makes or breaks an outfit, a smart
wine decision will accent a dish’s
hidden flavors, while a poor one can dull
your palate—and your evening. To
spare you, we have put together a few
pairing ideas you can use whether you
dine on Park Avenue… or just in the
park:
The Cocktail Party
Whatever the mix—from a crowd of
long-lost cousins to a few close friends—Australian
golfer Greg Norman’s peppery Shiraz
is a well-priced option at $17. Think
fruity red with a dark berry taste, with
less astringent tannins. While it’s
normally matched with red meat, the Shark’s
Shiraz also goes nicely against conventional
wisdom with such hors d’oeuvres as
pan-seared butterflied shrimp and crab
in cocktail sauce. Appetizers with more
bite, such as quesadillas, call for a
Chardonnay to subvert the spiciness. Firm
and flavorful California-based Domaine
Chandon’s Carneros Chardonnay 2000
($19) should do the trick.
The Barbecue
Summer means sunshine, so fire up the
Chefmaster. Looking to keep the menu simple?
Consider a barbecue chicken sandwich.
It is easy to prepare and lends itself
well to a Zinfandel such as Cline’s
2000 California Zinfandel ($10); it’s
pretty, and it's intense, tangy berry
taste and peppery tannins are a plus.
And while a perfectly done grilled swordfish
sandwich is hard to beat all by itself,
New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay Sauvignon
Blanc Marlborough 2001 ($24) is an ideal
complement—dry, crisp and fruity.
The Dinner Party
You’ve got your 12 fanciest friends
over and everything is set. But what goes
best with the roasted quail with foie
gras, grapes and eau-de-vie? The answer:
Trimbach’s 1999 Pinot Gris Reserve
($15). Its complex mineral bouquet allies
itself with the grapes and eau-de-vie.
If you’re seeking something more
moderately priced, Delicato’s new
2001 Merlot is a great deal at $10 a bottle.
This tasty wine will nicely complement
grilled pork tenderloin without overpowering
it. |
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