French Cuisine: Wine Pairings and Notes curated by Calabria Market Specialty Foods & Fine Wines.
Salmon Tartar in Phyllo Shells:
Miraval Rose Provence, France Cinsault 60%, Syrah 20%, Grenache 15%, Rolle 5% 12.5% ABV 2023 Appearance: Pale salmon pink with a slightly golden hue, indicative of its crisp freshness. Nose: Elegant aromas of citrus fruits, like lemon and grapefruit, alongside delicate notes of white flowers and a hint of strawberry. There's also a touch of minerality that reflects the terroir. Palate: Crisp and refreshing, with a balanced acidity. The fruit flavors of ripe strawberry, peach, and melon come forward, with subtle hints of herbal and floral notes. Finish: Clean, dry, and smooth, with a lingering touch of citrus zest and a mineral edge. Offers a refined, fresh, and well-rounded profile, making it a popular choice for summer sipping and pairing with seafood, salads.
Cost: $37.99
Chicken Livers with Quick Pickled Onions & Grilled Sourdough:
Omen Pinot Noir Sonoma, USA Pinot Noir 100% 14.9% ABV 2020 Appearance: Light to medium ruby red, often with a translucent quality that reflects its finesse. Nose: Aromas of ripe red fruit, such as cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, are prominent. There may also be hints of baking spices like cinnamon and clove, along with subtle earthy and floral notes, such as rose petals or mushroom. Palate: The taste is generally smooth with a medium body. Flavors of ripe red berries, including cherry and strawberry, are often complemented by undertones of cola, tobacco, or forest floor. There might be a slight touch of oak influence, lending flavors of vanilla or a light smokiness. Finish: The finish tends to be clean and smooth, with lingering red fruit and soft tannins, providing a silky texture. Makes it a versatile pairing with dishes like roasted chicken, duck, grilled vegetables, or mushroom-based meals.
Cost: $43.99
Savoury Onion & Thyme Tartlet with Mixed Greens & Red Wine Vinaigrette:
Hubert Brochard Sancerre Sancerre, France Sauvignon Blanc 100% 13% ABV 2022 Appearance: A pale, straw-yellow color, with hints of green that suggest freshness and vibrancy. Nose: The bouquet is aromatic with intense notes of citrus fruits like grapefruit, lime, and lemon, alongside green apple, gooseberry, and hints of herbaceous qualities, such as grass and fresh herbs. There’s also often a subtle mineral edge, characteristic of Sancerre wines, which adds depth. Palate: Crisp and refreshing with a well-balanced acidity. Flavors of zesty citrus, green apple, and a touch of stone fruit (like white peach) are prominent. It also carries a mineral quality, often described as flinty or chalky, which is typical for Sancerre. Finish: Cean, long, and refreshing, with lingering citrus notes and that signature minerality. Overall, this Sancerre is bright, elegant, and perfectly suited for pairing with seafood, goat cheese, or fresh salads.
Cost: $49.99
Beef Bourguignon with Pommes Aligot:
Saint-Jacques Pomerol Bordeaux, France Merlot 80 %, Cabernet Sauvignon 15 %, Cabernet Franc 5 % 13% ABV 2016 Appearance: Deep ruby to garnet color, often showing rich, intense hues that signal its depth and concentration. Nose: Complex and inviting, with aromas of ripe red fruits like blackberries, plums, and cherries. It often has hints of spice, such as pepper or clove, along with subtle earthy notes, and sometimes a touch of tobacco or leather. There's also often a hint of oak, adding layers of vanilla and cedar. Palate: Full-bodied and round, with a smooth texture. The ripe red fruit flavors are well-integrated, often accompanied by dark fruits like blackcurrant or blueberry. The tannins are usually soft yet structured, providing a velvety mouthfeel. There's also a nice balance of acidity that supports the wine's fruit-forward profile. Finish: Long, with lingering dark fruit flavors, a touch of earthy minerality, and often a subtle hint of chocolate or mocha from the oak influence. It pairs well with roasted meats, lamb, or dishes with earthy flavors like mushrooms and truffles.
Cost: $49.99
Whiskey Spiced Apple Tart Tatin with Crème Anglaise:
Cave Springs Select Late Harvest Riesling Niagara Peninsula, Canada Riesling 100% 12% ABV 2023 Appearance: Pale gold with delicate amber hues, reflecting its richness and concentration. The wine has a luminous clarity, hinting at its vibrant acidity and residual sweetness. Nose: Expressive and aromatic, with layers of ripe apricot, peach, and baked apple. Floral notes of orange blossom and honeysuckle intertwine with a touch of citrus zest. There’s a subtle minerality. Palate: Lush and full-bodied, with flavors of honeyed stone fruits like peach, nectarine, and apricot. These are balanced by a bright, refreshing acidity, which provides structure and prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming. Finish: The finish is long and smooth, with lingering honeyed fruit flavors and a touch of spice or citrus zest. Well-regarded for its balance between sweetness and acidity, making it an excellent pairing with rich desserts, cheeses, or as a standalone treat.
Cost: $37.99
