The August pick for French Winophiles is wines from the Loire Valley in France. I am so glad we chose this region, or I would have never found this beautiful Barton & Guestier Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2016. And what a delicious pairing it was with our Crispy Baked Pork Chops that we made from the Sweet and Savory Meals blog.
Typically, Loire Chenin Blanc is characterized by its distinctive high acidity. Most tend to be off-dry to medium sweet, with notes of flowers, straw, and honey. The B & G we drank was floral and off-dry, with a big nose of white florals. There was some minerality in the wine. It was 11.5% alcohol, medium-bodied and with some fruit notes of peach and strawberry. It was also a steal at $10.99 a bottle!
The Crispy Baked Pork Chops were delicious. It is hard to beat a grilled pork steak where I am from but these pork chops were amazing. The crust is truly crispy and the meat is tender and falls from the bone. My husband cooks them slightly pink, and the juices and the crust were a gourmand's food experience! We also had a bunch of carrots shared with us by our neighbors. There is nothing like a fresh carrot freshly harvested. Honey and mint and roasted carrots. Divine!
This is an area of France that I want to travel to. I can't decide if I want to go here, Paris or the area that produces Champagne first. Those of you who have traveled, what do you say? Tell a girl where to go! Since we aren't traveling much, just check out all the blog posts below and take a virtual trip all over the Loire Valley in France!
Those look so tasty. I really enjoy cooking with wine. It adds such a distinct flavor to dishes.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so tasty! I'm pregnant and miss unwinding with a glass of wine. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh my,not only did you give us an insight into beautiful collection of wines, you also gave of this delicious looking pork chop to go with them. Beautiful article.
ReplyDeleteI have been in search of a nice white wine for a refreshing drink in summmer and this looks so perfect. I love how you paired it with that great dish.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could travel to France! I have so many great french cook books.
ReplyDelete$10.99 is a great price for a fabulous French wine! For a Pinot Grigio, check out Dunavar. It's amazing.
It is always interesting to read what sort of wine goes with what foods as someone who doesn't drink it is great to know for when people come around so I can serve something appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI'm digging the look and sound of your wine and pairing Terri! Brava!
ReplyDeleteYes! Your pork chops would be fabulous (you know what I mean ;-) Paris is such an amazing city everyone should go once!
ReplyDeleteThis wine sounds delicious. I need to look for it in our local store.
ReplyDeleteThis dinner is picture perfect! I have not tried a chenin blanc before, but I am adding it to my list!
ReplyDeleteThis dinner sounds so amazing. I need to look for this wine at a local store.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight to find this beautiful wine for such a bargain. Your mention of honey, mint and carrots, sounds delicious. I think I might have to whip something like that up!
ReplyDeleteWow, I think that sounds amazing. I'll need to give it a try, I want to try it!
ReplyDeleteHmm yum! I love that Crispy Baked pork chops! And to be paired with Barton & Guestier Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2016, it sure would taste heaven!
ReplyDeleteI love wine and I can't wait to taste this Barton & Guestier Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2016. I am sure it's divine perfect for summer!
ReplyDeleteWe haven't had pork chops in a while. Those crispy baked pork chops look delicious. -LYNNDEE
ReplyDeleteSounds like another delicious pairing at your place. I'd go anywhere in France just about now!
ReplyDeleteWow, those pork chops! I bet they were perfect with that Vouvray.
ReplyDeleteThat crispy pork chop looks quite tasty!
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