Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson
County Line Vineyards Rosé 2013
Consistently praised as a premiere Californian rosé, this wine comes from Anderson Valley in Mendocino County at the very northern end of California’s wine-growing region. It sings with citrus and berries, finishes long, and is a pale salmon hue. It is delightfully food-friendly and its tart acidity would accentuate lightly blackened, seared scallops nicely.
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson
Vietti Roero Arneis 2012
This pale yellow wine from Italy is made from the lesser known grape variety, the Arneis. Interestingly, the Arneis is known for being challenging to grow, hence the variety’s name derivation meaning “little rascal”. Because of this, only a handful of producers use this grape. The Vietti is floral on the nose with melon aromas as well as a lovely long lingering finish. 2012 is a revered vintage for white wine and this one does not disappoint: bursting with bright, clean acidity. Try this Italian wine with Italian dishes like a garlicky seafood carbonara or fried calamari with salty ribbons of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
![Banner ad for Wine Enthusiast Mag 2015[3]](https://30afoodandwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Banner-ad-for-Wine-Enthusiast-Mag-20153-561x321.jpg "Banner ad for Wine Enthusiast Mag 2015[3]")
South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival Preview
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson
The extensive schedule for this year’s South Walton Food and Wine Festival is teeming with many (many!) wonderful features. Locals and visitors will surely be buzzing about all these fantastic events. And, we here at www.30afoodandwine.com will be running a giveaway for two tickets as well! Stay tuned for details.
• Beginning Thursday April 23rd is the VIP Meet and Greet. From 4 until 8 pm at the Sandestin Hilton, this invitation-only reception will treat guests to fabulous local food – including freshly shucked oysters – and of course premiere wine and craft beers. Live entertainment will round out the reception and kick off to the wonderful weekend ahead.
• Wine World in Destin will host Friday April 24th’s event, known as Winemakers and Shakers. From 4 pm until 6pm, world-known winemakers will enjoy incredible sips.
• Also, on Friday April 24th, is the Craft Beer and Spirits Jam. From 6 – 9pm at Town Center and Grand Park, guests can sample specialty craft beers and sprits from breweries and distilleries, sample yummy eats, and enjoy live music by Boukou Groove.
• Saturday April 25th is when the things really get rolling. Starting with a VIP Wine Tasting at Grand Park from 11 am to 1 pm, this experience will feature top wine celebrities sharing rarely encountered wines. Food tastings from local restaurants and celebrity chefs Laurent Deconink and Michel Cornu.
• From 1 until 3 pm Saturday the annual Destin Charity Wine Auction will allow guests to bid on silent auction items including vacations and collectable wines while supporting dozens of local children’s charities.
• Between 1 and 5 pm Saturday is the Grand Tasting at Town Center and Culinary Village. Over 800 wines will be available at the Grand Tasting, much to the ultimate enjoyment of ticket purchasers.
• Also on Saturday between 1 – 5 pm is Champagne Lane, featuring the finest Champagnes and sparkling wines. In addition to tasting delicious bubbles, you can watch art demonstrations by South Walton Artist of the Year.
• Tasting Seminars will take place between 1 – 5 pm throughout the Grand Tastings in Culinary Village. Learn how best to pair wine with food while sampling fine wines and spirits.
• Hey, let’s do it all over again! From 1 – 5 pm at Town Center Sunday April 26th brings the second day of Grand Tastings, bubbly Champagne Lane strolls, and fabulous Tasting Seminars. Culinary Village will have more delicious food bites, selected to go with all varietals of these fine wines. Keeping everyone tapping their toes, both on Saturday and Sunday, talented songwriters from Nashville will perform their hits.
What an incredible weekend just around the corner for wine and food lovers alike! Be sure to secure your tickets today and get ready for a world-renown experience here in South Walton. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit www.sowalwine.com.
Photography Courtesy of South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival
Our last selection for March…
Joseph Drouhin Laforet Chardonnay 2012
This fruity and crisp classic white Burgundy has bright aromas of fresh grape and a beautiful golden yellow hue. It is best served while young and is perfect with lighter fare like delicately prepared seafood from our gulf waters.
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson
Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay
This California dream is widely available and yet anything but commonplace. It boasts aromas of nectarine and light florals with subtle hints of grapefruit. This wine is also well balanced: with a tart apple acidity rounded by a creamy finish. Enjoy this wine with seared scallops, asparagus and a garlicky couscous.
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cabernet 2012
This dry Australian Shiraz-Cabernet blend is a full bodied wine with tons of dark fruit like blackberry as well as chocolate and spice notes. It is extremely food-friendly and pairs well with red meats and tomato-based dishes. Try with an Italian sausage topped wood-fired pizza and wait for the fireworks!
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson
March is known to be “in like a lion and out like a lamb.” Well we’re headed in with some fabulous red wines and out with whites as (we hope!) warmer weather will be arriving by month’s end. Enjoy these selections with our suggested food pairings or all on their own.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Claret (Black Label)
Claret is the term given for a wine made in the Bordeaux style. Coppola’s version is made with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes primarily. Known as their “signature red wine” – the result is a complex and smooth wine with a lot of berry as well as some spice. This wine would pair deliciously with beef – from a tender carpaccio to an expertly grilled steak.
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson
Big Bold Reds
Our final pick for February!!
February is the month for all things red. Love is in the air and yet outdoor temperatures average the coolest all year long. We hope you’ll enjoy our suggestions for “big” reds this month snuggled in and shared with your sweetheart.
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon
This week’s ruby-red hued Chilean Cab has aromas of coffee, chocolate and black pepper, balanced with tons of wild blueberry. While affordable, this is truly a spectacular wine, guaranteed to become a favorite. Serve it with a special occasion meal like herbed roasted rack of lamb and elevate your meal to new heights.
Story by: Sarah Murphy Robertson
Big Bold Reds
February is the month for all things red. Love is in the air and yet outdoor temperatures average the coolest all year long. We hope you’ll enjoy our suggestions for “big” reds this month snuggled in and shared with your sweetheart.
Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon
This Cabernet from Washington State is smooth but definitely not timid. It’s spicy with lots of black cherry, plum, and blackberry. The deep fruit flavors pair well with tomato sauced dishes, grilled red meats, or pungent cheeses. Plus, it is priced right: an incredible value for this kind of depth and complexity.
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson
February is the month for all things red. Love is in the air and yet outdoor temperatures average the coolest all year long. We hope you’ll enjoy our suggestions for “big” reds this month snuggled in and shared with your sweetheart.
Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec
This Argentinian Malbec could nearly be mistaken for a Cabernet. It is full of jammy, roasted fruit and yet has a delicate herbal and floral finish. Beef is the perfect complement to this wine: anything from an expertly crafted brisket burger to a filet topped with tangy bleu cheese will soar when served alongside this exceptional wine.