UPDATES.
Yesterday I published three Forbes articles with reviews of 83 Bordeaux vintage 2018 wines (69 reds and 14 whites), and included recommended food pairings. The links are here:
Why Vintage 2018 May Turn You Into A Wine Lover
Bordeaux 2018 Is An Excellent Cooking Companion
Bordeaux Vintage 2018 White Wines Are Shining
Some of the wineries appreciate the articles, according to their Instagram sites. For example, I received copies of Instagram ‘stories’ such as these:
Recently I held a brief Instagram Livestream about Bordeaux white wines in general, and also tasted four whites from different appellations, including Graves, Entre-Deux-Mers, Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux and Pay de l’Atlantique. Check it out below.
Later this month I’ll sample and write about Portuguese wines from Douro, Italian Pinot Noirs from the northern Alto Adige province, Italian Roero and Arneis wines Piemonte, and Sicilian white and red wines.
OVERVIEW.
Below tells of a recent three hour Tuesday lunch in rural France.
1. CHEF.
Recently a few of us visited our Belgian friend Stefan Dolhain, who lives in a farmhouse in rural Bourg, about a half hour drive away. He created a fantastic lunch and together we paired it with amazing wines. Stefan has worked as a wine caviste in Paris and Belgium, has worked in wine blending and export management in Italy, has incredible knowledgeable about wines from throughout the world and is also an excellent chef.
2. DISHES.
One of many appetizers we enjoyed was mashed potatoes flavored with olive oil.
The main course was Carbonnade à la Flamande (Flemish beef and onion stew), together with endives, or what the Flemish call ‘witloof.’ Beautiful! We paired this with a spectacular German Pinot Noir.
Afterwards, a cheese platter with an amazing, smooth Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
3. WINES.
As you see, we enjoyed several wines.
These included an Italian Bortolomiol Prosecco from Valdobbiadene, a Manuel Olivier Burgundian Meursault (Chardonnay), our own Etalon Rouge Cabernet Sauvignon, a German Martin Wassmer Pinot Noir, a Le Pavillon 1999 Hermitage and 2018 Croix de Labrie Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, which is a 97/3 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Wonderful wines!
SCENE & INSIDER ANGLES.
Of course, always have a designated driver if you will be drinking during lunch.
An unexpected surprise was the German Pinot Noir, which rivaled some fine Burgundian Pinot Noir wines from France.
My detox ended at the end of January and I’ve since regained some weight. But, the exercise regime is back in action, the quantity of alcohol and food consumed has lessened and the long term aim toward better health, physical agility and improved nutrition continues. In other words—even after one month of detox, it’s important to maintain a change in lifestyle to see long term health improvements.
Again—Thanks for tuning in!
