This summer has been memorable and most of it has been spent centered around water. From trips to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to large and small lakes in between, water sports, sand castles, surf casting and sunning have been hign on the priority list. And let’s not forget indulging in delicious seafood! From coast to coast, I’ve done my best to taste as much fresh fish, crabs, shrimp and more whenever I can. Following are just three of my favorite dishes of summer and a luscious wine paired with each. Enjoy!
Flavorful Sushi with 2021 Hendry Vineyard Albarino, Napa Valley
On the menu one warm evening at the beach were sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, luscious sushi and a bright, refreshing bottle of 2020 Hendry Vineyard Albarino from Napa Valley. Textured, light and flavorful, the sushi was the perfect choice after a lovely day – and so was the wine.
Although originally from northwest Spain in the region of Galicia, Albarino thrives in other places of which Napa Valley is one. The Hendry parcels of Albarino are on bench lands west of Napa where morning fog and afternoon breezes from the San Pablo Bay temper the climate. Fermented and aged in stainless steel until bottled, the Hendry Albarino was a luscious complement to the vegetables, protein and mild spicy elements of the sushi. Peach, citrus and floral aromas wafting from the glass led to notes of lemon, mango and lime on the palate. Snappy acidity and a lingering finish were just what we needed and the 2020 Hendry Vineyard Albarino delivered.
Rich Crab Cakes with 2018 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay
Throughout the summer, I’ve chosen almost any iteration of crab cakes I can find. Fried, sauteed, with or without filler, surrounded by savory vegetables, on a bed of arugula… you name it, I may have had it! One night, though, our group engaged in a stellar food and wine pairing experience at Zoe’s Steak and Seafood in Virginia Beach. The dish was crab cakes cooked to perfection and elevated with a side of rich, flavorful vegetables, including my favorite, okra.
As always, Sommelier Marc Sauter knocked it out of the ball park with his wine pairing of 2018 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay from Carneros, Napa Valley. Aromas of pears, apples, white peaches, white flowers and hint of oak burst from the glass. On the palate, luscious flavors of melon, pineapple, citrus and stone fruits were framed with vibrant acidity and minerality. Just wow!
Spicy Shrimp and Linguine with Montelvini FM333 Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Lakeside dinner of spicy shrimp over a bed of linguine cooked al dente was a just-right ending to a relaxing day of reading, spending time in the sauna, swimming in the lake and… did I just say relaxing?
To counterpoint the spice and texture of the dish, the cork from a chilled bottle of Montelvini FM333 Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG was popped! Montelvini Winery is located in the hills north of the Treviso Province in the Veneto region and its wines reflect vineyard proximity to the hills and sea. What a beautiful bottle of bubbly! Gorgeous aromas of golden apple, herbs and white flowers were enticing. Minerality, acidity and plenty of savory flavors of tropical fruits burst on the palate. Truly, this was a brilliant pairing.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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