2019 Milhas Grenache with Campfire Beef Stew

Step into the cozy embrace of autumn with Milhas Grenache wine and a hearty bowl of campfire stew. As the leaves turn vibrant hues and a chill fills the air, there's no better time to savor the rich flavors of fall. With its velvety texture and notes of red berries and spices, Milhas Grenache wine is the perfect companion for the season. Whether you're enjoying a glass on its own or pairing it with your favorite autumn dishes, this wine will warm your soul and delight your taste buds.

This month with our wine writers' group we are exploring French Grenache.  Thank you to Deanna for hosting us this month and keeping us organized.  You can find her here: Wineivore 

And speaking of autumn dishes, a bowl of campfire stew is the epitome of comfort food. Picture the crackling of the fire, the aroma of simmering ingredients, and the hearty, filling goodness that warms you from the inside out. Made with tender chunks of meat, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew is a celebration of fall flavors.

The history and characteristics of Milhas Grenache Wine

Milhas Grenache, a captivating red wine, has a rich and storied history that stretches back centuries. Originating from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Languedoc region in southern France, this varietal has long been celebrated for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile.

The Grenache grape, the backbone of this wine, is a hardy and adaptable variety that thrives in the warm, Mediterranean climate of the Languedoc. Cultivated with meticulous care and attention, the grapes are hand-picked at the peak of ripeness, ensuring that each cluster bursts with concentrated flavors and aromas.

The winemaking process for Milhas Grenache is a true labor of love, with skilled vintners employing traditional techniques to coax out the wine's full potential. Fermentation takes place in small, temperature-controlled vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of tannins and the development of the wine's signature velvety texture. The wine is then aged in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, further enhancing its complexity and depth of flavor.

The result is a truly captivating wine that embodies the essence of the Languedoc terroir. Milhas Grenache boasts a deep, ruby-red hue that hints at the richness to come. On the nose, the wine exudes aromas of ripe red berries, such as raspberries and cherries, along with subtle notes of spice, vanilla, and a touch of earthiness.

On the palate, Milhas Grenache is a true delight, with a full-bodied and velvety mouthfeel that envelops the senses. The wine's flavors are a harmonious blend of juicy red fruits, complemented by a delicate oak influence and a hint of warm spices. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure and balance, while the wine's acidity lends a refreshing and lively finish.

Whether sipped on its own or paired with a hearty meal, Milhas Grenache is a wine that captivates the senses and invites you to savor the rich bounty of the Languedoc region. Its versatility and depth of flavor make it the perfect companion for a cozy autumn evening, as you bask in the warmth and comfort of this exceptional wine.

Pairing Milhas Grenache Wine with Campfire Stew

As the cool autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, there's no better way to embrace the season than by pairing the rich, velvety Milhas Grenache wine with the comforting and hearty flavors of campfire stew.

The bold and full-bodied nature of Milhas Grenache makes it an ideal match for the robust and savory elements of a campfire stew. The wine's ripe red fruit notes, subtle spices, and well-integrated tannins complement the tender chunks of meat, earthy vegetables, and aromatic herbs that come together in this quintessential fall dish.

When sipped alongside a steaming bowl of campfire stew, the Milhas Grenache wine acts as a palate-cleansing counterpoint, cutting through the richness of the stew and allowing the individual flavors to shine. The wine's acidity also helps to balance the dish's heartiness, preventing it from becoming overly heavy or cloying.

The velvety mouthfeel of the Milhas Grenache wine also provides a luxurious contrast to the rustic, homestyle texture of the campfire stew. As the wine glides across the tongue, it seamlessly integrates with the tender meat and tender vegetables, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.

Furthermore, the earthy, spice-driven notes in the Milhas Grenache wine mirror the comforting flavors of the campfire stew, creating a synergistic partnership that warms the soul and delights the senses. The wine's subtle oak influence also complements the smoky, campfire-inspired essence of the stew, tying the entire dish together in a beautiful and cohesive way.

Whether enjoying a glass of Milhas Grenache on its own or savoring it alongside a steaming bowl of campfire stew, the experience is one of pure autumnal bliss. The richness of the wine and the heartwarming goodness of the stew come together to create a truly memorable and satisfying dining experience that celebrates the best of the fall season.

The art of making Campfire Stew - A hearty fall recipe

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, there's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of campfire stew. This hearty, slow-simmered dish is the epitome of fall flavors, capturing the essence of the season in every bite.

To craft the perfect campfire stew, it's essential to start with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Begin by selecting a selection of seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery, and dice them into bite-sized pieces. These hardy vegetables will form the foundation of the stew, providing a delightful textural contrast and a wealth of earthy flavors.

Next, choose a lean, flavorful cut of meat, such as beef chuck or lamb shoulder. Brown the meat in batches in a large, heavy-bottomed pot, taking the time to develop a rich, caramelized crust on the exterior. This crucial step not only adds depth of flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture in the final dish.

Once the meat is browned, add the diced vegetables to the pot, along with a generous amount of aromatic herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are classic choices that lend their distinctive flavors to the stew, while a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle hint of heat and complexity.

Deglaze the pot with a robust red wine, such as the velvety Milhas Grenache, allowing the flavorful bits clinging to the bottom of the pan to dissolve and infuse the stew with their rich, concentrated essence. The wine's bold fruit notes and well-integrated tannins will complement the savory elements of the stew, creating a harmonious and satisfying balance.

Finish the stew by adding a rich, flavorful broth, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged. Allow the stew to simmer low and slow, letting the flavors meld and the meat become tender and succulent. As the stew simmers, the aroma will fill the air, beckoning you to gather around the table and indulge in the comforting warmth of this autumnal delight.

Tips for enjoying Milhas Grenache Wine and Campfire Stew together

First and foremost, it's important to serve the Milhas Grenache at the appropriate temperature. This bold, full-bodied red wine is best enjoyed slightly cooler than room temperature, around 16-18°C (60-65°F). This temperature range helps to accentuate the wine's vibrant fruit flavors and smooth tannins, while also preventing it from becoming overly heavy or cloying when paired with the richness of the stew.

As for the stew, it's crucial to allow it to simmer low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender and succulent. This slow-cooking process ensures that the stew's heartiness and depth of flavor are fully developed, creating the perfect foil for the Milhas Grenache's velvety richness.

As you savor each bite of the stew and sip of the wine, take the time to appreciate the interplay of flavors and textures. The wine's ripe red fruit notes, subtle spices, and well-integrated tannins will complement the tender chunks of meat, earthy vegetables, and aromatic herbs in the stew, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different accompaniments to further enhance the pairing. A crusty loaf of bread, a simple green salad, or a side of roasted root vegetables can all serve to balance the richness of the stew and the wine, creating a truly well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Celebrate the richness of fall flavors with Milhas Grenache Wine and Campfire Stew

As the leaves turn vibrant hues and the air grows crisp, there's no better way to embrace the richness of the fall season than by indulging in the delightful pairing of Milhas Grenache wine and campfire stew.

This captivating red wine, with its velvety texture and notes of ripe red berries and subtle spices, is the perfect companion for the heartwarming goodness of the campfire stew. The wine's bold flavors and well-integrated tannins complement the tender chunks of meat, earthy vegetables, and aromatic herbs that come together in this quintessential autumn dish.

So, whether you're hosting a cozy gathering with friends and family or simply treating yourself to a moment of indulgence, be sure to include the Milhas Grenache wine and campfire stew on your autumnal menu. These delightful flavors will warm your soul and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied, perfectly capturing the magic of the fall season.

Check out other wonderful French Grenache pairings here:

Wendy is having Roasted Lobster Tails with Curry Dipping Sauce paired with a French Granache Rosé at A Day in the Life on the Farm

Camilla is tasting A Pays d'Oc Grenache with Iberian Peninsula-Style Squid at Culinary Cam

Terri is pairing a 2019 Milhas Grenache with Campfire Beef Stew at Our Good Life

Gwendolyn is celebrating with Let's Go! Grenache from France at Wine Predator

Jeff is writing about Domaine Lafage: Sustainable Grenache from the Roussillon at Food Wine Click

Deanna is drinking Organic Terra des Dames Wines for Grenache Day at Wineivore