And there are definitely a number of food and wine combinations that have been really delicious. While in Bordeaux I enjoyed an Irouleguy white that was paired with roasted chicken and French fries. The wine was a terrific blend of apricot, herbal and citrus notes with balanced acidity and alcohol. It was a lovely complement to the chicken. One of the more interesting lunches during the MW Symposium in Bordeaux featured Chinese food paired with the wines of Sauternes. I have to admit, this was a combination that I have never had before and it was really delicious. The combination of the sweetness of the wine and the spiciness of the dishes created a sense of balance on the palate and the savory aspect of the food added an interesting layer to the wine. Sauternes, a dessert wine made from grapes affected by botrytis, is typically fairly full-bodied and rich with a high level of sweetness. Usually people pair it with desserts or very rich cheeses. The idea of pairing a wine like Sauternes with Chinese food, while not typical, is a great idea and it shows the potential versatility of this kind of wine.

Perhaps one of my favorite pairings this week was last night. We were staying at the Hostellerie du Vert in Mauroux, a small village in Southwest France. The hotel was gorgeous, but even better than the hotel was the food. In fact, it might be the best meal I have had yet. The main course was braised lamb served with a side of fresh vegetables. I am pretty sure that the potatoes had been cooked in very salty watery as they had a rich, salty flavor that was perfect with the lamb. The most interesting part of the meal were the carrots, which had been lightly sautéed with a small amount of cumin seeds. That is definitely something I will try when I get home! We paired the meal with a Malbec from Cahors, and the slight violet character of the wine coupled with a hint of a savory, herbal flavor balanced both the vegetables and the lamb.

So while I don’t have my typical recipe for you this week, I think you can get some interesting ideas from the food and wine pairings above so that you can try your own combinations. And don’t forget, be sure to let me know how they turn out!