Time to Raise a Glass!
In Bordeaux, they say vendange. In Chianti, it’s vendemmia. In Napa, they talk of the wine harvest. It’s September and all across the globe, vintners are harvesting their grapes with hopes that 2024 will be a stellar vintage. So this month, we’re talking about wine, from a few great wine producing regions to classic wine-based recipes and more!
With roots dating back to ancient Gaul, coq au vin (literally “rooster in wine”) is the classic wine-inspired dish from France. But there are other recipes featuring wine, including dishes from places not usually associated with wine. Here are a few to make at home.
- Drunken Chicken
Produced for thousands of years in the coastal province of Zhejiang, Shaoxing wine is the key ingredient in this popular Chinese dish. Marinated and then steamed, the tender and flavorful chicken is usually served cold as an appetizer. - Cheese Fondue
While Gruyère is the usual choice for fondue, other cheeses like Fontina and Raclette are also popular. But don’t forget the wine! The tartaric acid in the wine helps to keep the proteins in the melted cheese from sticking together and turning your fondue into a lumpy mess! Dry white wines like Pino Gris are the best options. - Chicken Marsala
Genuine Marsala wine comes exclusively from the northwest corner of Sicily, near the port of Marsala; but the eponymous chicken dish is probably more popular in America than in Italy! Often served with mushrooms and linguini, Chicken Marsala’s unique flavor comes from the sweet, nuttiness of the wine.
Whether you’re a cinephile or an oenophile, these wine-themed films offer a delightful blend of drama, comedy and romance, all while celebrating the art and culture of making and enjoying wine.
Uncorked (2020):
Loosely based on the life of African-American sommelier DLynn Proctor, this Netflix original follows Elijah, a young man torn between his dream of becoming a master sommelier and his father’s expectation that he take over the family barbecue business.
Sideways (2004):
This modern classic is about two middle-aged men who embark on a trip through California’s wine country. Blending humor and poignancy, the film explores themes of friendship, disappointment, love, and the bittersweet nature of life’s second acts.
Bottle Shock (2008):
Based on true events, this film chronicles the rise of California wines on the world stage. At a blind tasting competition in France that came to be known as the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a Napa Valley winery shocked the world.
A Good Year (2006):
Based on a Peter Mayle novel, this romantic comedy-drama stars Russell Crowe as a British investment banker who inherits his uncle’s chateau and vineyard in Provence. Preparing the property for sale, he contemplates the possibility of a completely different life trajectory.
From Sonoma to the Rhône Valley, great wines seem to come from beautiful places. This is certainly true of the following destinations. But in addition to their exquisite wines and breathtaking landscapes, they also offer a wealth of history and culture.
Douro Valley, Portugal: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wine traditions of the bucolic Douro River Valley stretch back nearly 2,000 years. Delight in a river cruise and sample world-famous Port wines while surrounded by lovely terraced vineyards and picture-perfect riverside towns.
Mendoza, Argentina: In the heart of Argentine wine country, Mendoza is known worldwide for its robust Malbec wines. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains, the region offers a range of accommodations, even luxury hotels set on vineyard estates. It’s the perfect complement to an extended journey including Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.
Sicily, Italy: From historic wineries on the slopes of Mt. Etna to sun-drenched coastal vineyards, the largest island in the Mediterranean produces iconic wines like Nero d’Avola and Marsala. Travelers will also discover a wealth of historic sites that reflect Sicily’s cultural legacy of Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab and Norman civilizations.
Cape Winelands, South Africa: With rolling vineyards set against dramatic mountain ranges, this region produces world-class wines like Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. Explore charming towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which offer exceptional wineries, gourmet dining and luxury accommodations.
