Riesling, Thai food, and 24- Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling

As football season was coming to a close, a different Monday night obsession took over. That obsession? Fox's 24. The story lines seem to be blurring between the seasons, but I could care less. The action always keeps me interested- especially when I’m 2 or 3 wine glasses deep!

This past Monday, my good friend Brett and his wife Kory invited me over for dinner and 24. He informed me in advance that we’d be eating Thai food. Immediately, I suggested I bring over a bottle of Riesling. I often mention in this blog that I am not a big fan of white wine. However, there is an exception. I love a good Riesling when I eat spicy foods like Thai or Indian. In my mind, when eating these types of food, Riesling tops any red wine option out there. It has this unique sweetness that balances out the spicy aspect of these foods perfectly. If you’ve never enjoyed a Riesling with spicy food, I encourage you to do so the next time you find yourself placing an order.

So, getting back to the story, I went to the store and bought the only non-Mondavi Riesling they had- Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley (If you’ve read my past review of a Mondavi wine, you know that I am not a big fan of theirs).  I went to Brett and Kory’s place, packed a plate full of Thai food, and Kory poured us both glasses of wine. As a side note, Kory is pregnant, so it was up to Brett and I to drink the entire bottle. Immediately, Brett pointed out that the Riesling had a scent of pears. I didn’t notice at first, but once he put the thought out there, I started to pick up the scent. Pears or no pears, it just smelt good. As we ate our Thai food, we both agreed that the wine was a great match to our meal. It was the perfect type of sweet, and definitely tasty. Brett asked me if I would buy the wine again, and I said that I would, but only on the condition that I was accompanying it with a spicy meal. I would not buy this wine to sip on as I watched TV or mulled about the house. It’s just not that type of wine. If you try it, I'm sure you'll agree.

Recommendation: Definitely buy it (but only if eating a spicy meal)

Comments

[Wisely Sunshine]

Thanks for the post. Never know about that before.

[Gunnar]

You might want to try Hogue Riesling too. $8.99 at BevMo. SFChronicle Double Gold and Best of class 07.

[TJ]

Domain St. Michelle has a GREAT selection of wines in general.

My wife and I discovered very early on since she likes cooking with spice that red wines (most...maybe a Pinot) reds don't mix well with spicy food. Well actually they mix VERY well! They INTENSIFY the heat factor!!! So I guess if you like pain, drink red with overly spicy food.

Rieslings are a good go-to with spicy food. I find Voignets (spelling I know!) and Gurtz can be decent with spicer dishes. We used to drink Pinot Gris a lot, and have since not bought much. I do recall with some spicy taco's having a Pinot Gris and it tasted good.

I think one would want to stay away from Chards, Muscat or Sav's...any of the overly fruity and sweeter.

Some Rose's go really well the spicer dishes, but not White Zin's ;)

The great go to for every kind of food and every type of occassion is Champaign/Sparkling White Wines! Domain St Michelle has a really great Sparkling white, with intense bubbles, a great nose but we found a rather flat taste to it. PERFECT for pairing a spicy dish with though!

Itailian Prosecco's and Spanish Cava's are another cheaper sparkling wine one could find in most wine shops/places that sell wine.

[TJ]

I tried the Hogue at the Chronicle public tasting. It was very good. I did have it relativly early on in the tasting so I remember it tasting good.

[Gunnar]

Assuming you like Viognier in general, McManis Viognier is another "budget" alternative for slightly sweet and spicy food. Just opened one for lunch ... ok, it's early but it's Friday!

[BertieSkinner26]

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