APPETIZER
QUAILS GATE CHENIN BLANC VQA - MLCC $22
Whenever I see seared scallops on a menu I immediately think of the Loire Valley in France for a wine pairing. This region focusses on dry white wines with good minerality and crisp acidity - making them pair incredibly well with Scallops (and Oysters BTW). While France is the inspiration, I have recommended a more local implementation of a Chenin Blanc. This Quails Gate wine will also provide some honey and melon on the palate, giving it a slight sweetness that should pair well with the sweetness of the scallop.
ENTREE
CALITERRA TRIBUTO EDICION LIMITADA CARMENERE MALBEC - MLCC $24
I love a good Scotch Whisky, and I am also a cigar smoker. When I read through the recipe for the Whisky sauce I immediately thought I would end up following our dinner this Sunday with a nice cigar. Since the aromas of tobacco and wood fire pair so nicely with a whisky, I started thinking about a wine that could bring those aromas for all of you non smokers. Chilean Carmenere is a natural fit because the grape itself brings aromas of tobacco, leather and black pepper, and Chilean wineries often use a heavily charred barrel for their red wine ageing. This combination produces a wine that should be an excellent match for our Filet Mignon with Whisky Sauce.