A hot summer evening and a delicious wine

A few weekends back, I was invited to my friend Judy’s house for dinner.  I offered to bring dessert because it is berry season and I wanted to eat berries.  I made a delicious raspberry and strawberry “soup” and added whole berries and mint to it. I thought it would be fun to have sparkling wine both to put in the dessert just before serving s well as to drink with dessert.  But what to buy?  Champagne was the obvious choice, especially one with more pinot noir in the blend for those wonderful strawberry aromas, but I didn’t want to spend that much money.  I turned to Brachetto, a red frizzante, off-dry wine from Piedmont. It was the perfect choice.  It was light (low alcohol) and fruity and a fun way to end the evening.  Make sure you serve it chilled. 

Next time you are buying wine, step out of your comfort zone and try something completely new.  Experiment with different varietals or explore a new country or region.  There is so much delicious wine available   Have fun with it!

Cheers, Michelle

 

Comments

[Judy Tapp]

I can say first hand that it was deeeelicious and such a pleasant change from the typical dessert wine - perfect amount of sweetness that complimented the berries and creme fraiche. Mmmmmmmmmm....

[Roland Paris]

Great info, Michelle. But what if I like my comfort zone? :-)

[Michelle Paris]

Roland, maybe your comfort zone can be broadened!

[Andy]

Start charging for advice - more people will tune in. Maybe not as I'm learning. I have had a Niagara sparkling (champagne style) wine with a great chorizo, goat cheese based soup great combo.

[Lindsay]

You scared me when you said Champagne mixed with anything. I'm not ready to have Champagne any other way than straight up. An off-dry frizzante sounds like the perfect choice; and red no less. Care to share your berry soup recipe?