Wine and Dine: Virginia Viognier and Apricot Spread with Chevre

It’s time once again to share the amazingly delicious recipes created by my food and wine blogging colleagues of #winePW. On the second Saturday of each month at 11 am EST on Twitter, we engage in a lively conversation about food and wine pairings around a specific theme.  This month’s host, Camilla Mann (Culinary Adventures with Camilla), has invited each of us to showcase a favorite wine from a local vintner along with dishes featuring foods of the season on Saturday, November 12. Aptly named “The Feast Nearby – Grateful for Local Vintners and Seasonal Foods”, the group’s recipes and wine pairings (see below) promise to be so delectable, you’ll want to create them time and time again. I know I will!

For me, the challenging part of this month’s topic is that I live in Illinois…not exactly a wine region (although the local produce in the area is outstanding). For my contribution, I chose to return to the wines of my home state of Virginia.

During my college days in Richmond, wine from the state wasn’t on anyone’s mind or glass. I was drinking jug “Chablis” from California, Southern Comfort and Coke, or a light beer or two. Now, the Virginia wine industry is in the fast lane and more than a few wines are recognized internationally. I’ve visited wineries around the Charlottesville and Tidewater areas and continue to be impressed. I’m already looking forward to my return in the spring for more swirls and sips!

One of my favorite Virginia wines is Viognier, now recognized as the Virginia State Grape. Originating in Southern France, Viognier is a full bodied dry white wine known for its perfumed aromas of honeysuckle, tangerine, and peach. It’s also cultivated in Italy, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, and of course, various regions in the United States; the flavor profile reflects its unique terroir and winemaker’s style.

For the #winePW twitter chat, I chose Keswick Hommage a Genevieve 2015 Les Vents d’Anges  ($24.95), sent as a sample. Les Vents d’Anges (“wind of the angels”), was created as a tribute to Keswick Vineyards’ owner Al Shornberg’s youngest sister, Genevieve de Beaubien, MD. The intent was to honor her memory with a beautiful wine that reflects Genevieve’s true nature; she is considered “the kindest, most big-hearted and beautiful person inside and out”.

With every sip, I was reminded not only how much I love Virginia, but how I much I long for its Viognier. This luscious example of estate grown Viognier boasted gentle aromas of flowers, tropical fruit, honeysuckle, and honey. On the palate, I noted lively acidity and mesmerizing flavors of dried apricots, peach nectar, melon, more tropical fruit, minerality, and a hint of herbs. The lingering, vibrant finish on this balanced, complex wine was a delicious complement to the Apricot Spread with Chevre. Genevieve de Beaubien MD would be proud.

The creamy texture with elements of natural fruit and savory cheese on fresh baguette slices and the floral and fruit forward notes of the Keswick Hommage a Genevieve 2015 Les Vents d’Anges created a brilliant harmony. You’ll love this pairing as much as I did.

 

Cheers! ~ Cindy

Enjoy the following wine and food pairings from the always interesting #winePW crew!

• Crock Pot Chili Verde and Spangler Vineyards Cab Franc by Tasting Pour
• Exploring the Idea of Local on #WinePW by Rockin Red Blog
• Grateful for Ian Brand Wines + Donkey & Goat + Autumn’s Bounty by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Keeping it Local: Heritage Oak Old Vine Carignane and Greek Lamb by Pull That Cork
• Persimmons, Cabernet Franc & Other Harvest Delights by L’occasion
• Roasted Turkey Breast with Morel Mushroom Sauce by Cooking Chat
• Thankful for Local and Seasonal Harvests by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Tradition with a Twist: Cooking Far from Home by The Swirling Dervish
• Wine and Dine: Virginia Viognier and Apricot Spread with Chevre by Grape Experiences
• #SoGrateful for a Taste of Local: Food, Wine, Vineyards by Wine Predator