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dlf's avatar

Perfect timing for a new Reluctant Bartender post!

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Ferg's avatar

Hey there, Mr. dlf!

Great to hear from you. I miss your insight over at the Cuppa. Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!

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dlf's avatar

To you as well.

Following a horrendous bout of food poisoning some years ago, we no longer do a traditional thanksgiving turkey or any of the normal sides. This year, we are having a green chili & pork stew for dinner. So what wines pair well with that? The ballgames will be paired with a bacon washed maple old fashioned or perhaps two or even three. So high end wine need not apply.

Re cuppa ... I just decided that too much of the discussion from host and commenters was on subjects I either wasn't interested in or was trying to avoid during my down time. I didn't need to mix my entertainment with politics every day. Not a 'stay in your lane' to anyone but myself; it just wasn't MY lane. I'm sure someone else can mention that it is Joltin' Joe's 110th birthday, Bucky F. Dent is now 73 and Hard Hittin' Mark Whiten is 58. :)

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Ferg's avatar

What to pair with green chili and pork stew? Great question! I assume the chilis provide at least a little heat. Given this and the use of pork, I would be tempted to find a nice German Riesling.

Pairing wine with spicy food can be a challenge. The heat can make the tannins in red wine feel harder and more bitter, making the wine less enjoyable. So when pairing with dishes that have spicy heat, I tend to stay away from red wines.

If your wine store has a decent selection of Rieslings, consider an off-dry example. This is not a full-on sweet dessert wine, mind you, but slightly off-dry. The little bit of sweetness will work with the chili heat and the high-acid nature of Riesling will complement the flavors of the stew.

We love an off-dry Riesling with spicy Indian and Thai food too. I bet it would go well with the green chili and pork stew.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family!

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