What’s the best way to make a weeknight meal special? I say, prepare a deliciously simple meal and pair it with an interesting wine that won’t break the bank. We recently received just such a wine as a tasting sample. Read on for the food and wine pairing that made for such an enjoyable weeknight meal.
The Wine
Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge is a delightful blend produced by well known Rhône Valley producer Michel Chapoutier from his Roussillon estate. This wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan and is an example of the fine quality wines being produced in Roussillon’s Mediterranean climate.
2014 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge Côtes du Roussillon Villages — medium ruby-violet color in the glass with generous fruity, plum aromas. Red and dark fruit flavors combine with savory notes in the background, moderate drying tannins and bright acidity. The body is medium and the finish moderate in length. 14% abv.
The combination of Syrah and Grenache fruit flavors provides an interesting combination of dark and red fruit flavors, but it’s those savory background notes make this wine so memorable. Is it dried marjoram or hints of thyme? Hard to say, but easy to drink. This wine is perfectly balanced with bright acidity and nice tannins. It is delicious on its own, and it paired beautifully our simple meal.
The Food
Oven roasting is one of my favorite cooking methods during the cooler months. Quality ingredients, in this case a Mary’s Free Range chicken, simply seasoned along with a medley of vegetables made a perfect weeknight meal. No sauce or gravy necessary, that saves calories. The chicken was juicy and perfectly browned. The vegetables, a combination of Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, onions and Brussels sprouts were sweet and caramelized. Simply delicious.
The fruit and savory flavors of the wine paired beautifully with the roasted flavors of the chicken and vegetables. The Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge would also pair beautifully with roasted pork or salmon. We enjoyed a prior vintage of this wine with chicken cooked outdoors on the grill.
With a price of about $15 per 750ml bottle, the Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge Côtes du Roussillon Villages is affordable for a weeknight dinner. It is just as well suited to accompany a special dinner or as a gift for friends. Michel Chapoutier also produces a white blend and rosé under the Domaine de Bila-Haut label. We have tasted both, and they are delicious as well. Look for them.
Thank you to Creative Palate Communications for this, and prior tastes of Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge Côtes du Roussillon Villages.
Cheers!
