A.B.C. (Anything But Chardonnay) - Part 1

"Good wine is a neccesity of life for me" ~ Thomas Jefferson

Although Chardonnay is the "go to" white wine, there are many other types of white wines to drink.  Here are a few suggestions that cater to the starter wine drinker and those looking for something different. Keep these in mind next time you need to stop and buy a bottle or are out at a restaurant.

Riesling

Dry to semi-sweet, light in flavor.  German Rieslings are on the sweeter side, while French and domestic ones are on the drier side.  These go great with salty meats, such as ham or spicy foods such as Chinese and Thai food - the two together change the flavor of the wine.

Pinot Grigio

Gaining popularity over the past few years, this wine is mainly produced in Italy, but you will find many domestic brands also, sometimes called Pinot Gris.  This is a light, crisp white wine that is priced reasonably.  Serve with light seafood or chicken dishes and salads.

Sauvignon Blanc

This is my favorite white wine.  Great on a hot summer evening or as a poolside wine.  Grassy, grapefruit, lemon flavors make it very easy to drink when served nice and cold.  My husband finds this wine to be too tart, but one evening I served it with a spicy shrimp dish and he has now changed his mind about this wine.  The spiciness of the shrimp helped mellow out the flavors of the wine.  Now he will will only drink it when I make this dish!

Try one of the above next time you are at the store looking for a white wine…you may be
converted! 

Below is a simple recipe I make often that can be served as an appetizer or meal.

Jerk Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

1 pound Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and deveined

Jerk Seasoning (add some Cajun Seasoning if you want it spicier)

2 cups fresh pineapple, diced very small (grill before dicing for more flavor)

1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped, seeds removed

1/4 cup Cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

Mix the pineapple, jalapeno, cilantro and red onion together in bowl, cover and refrigerate a few hours before serving so flavors can meld.  Add more pineapple if it is too spicy for you.

Season shrimp with Jerk seasoning and grill until pink.  Serve pineapple salsa over shrimp and pair with a nice crisp Sauvignon Blanc.  Serve any left over salsa with tortilla chips.  Enjoy!

Cheers!