Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 28, 1995 TAG: 9506280007
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETH CRITTENDEN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"A book of verses underneath the bough, a jug of wine, a loaf of bread - and thou ..."
Omar Khayym had the right idea when he included wine as a necessary part of a picnic for lovers, family or friends. As with any meal, wine adds another element to a picnic's atmosphere. d are refreshing on hot days. Lighter summer foods also match up better to these lighter wines.
When transporting cold wine to a picnic, chill it beforehand and keep it chilled in ice and water, rather than ice alone. This will keep the wine colder and make it easier to replace the bottle once it has been removed. An ice bucket, child's sand bucket or a large plastic bag all make excellent containers.
If picnicking by a cold stream, consider storing the wine nestled in a secure place in the water, bottle upright and recorked tightly, just in case! If you like heavier red wines or white wines at room temperature, protect them from the heat and keep their bottles cool to the touch.
Pouring into a wine glass, even a plastic one, makes an immense difference in the atmosphere of the picnic and the taste and aromas of the wine. Paper cups really diminish the wine's characteristics and the pleasure of sipping it.
Your favorite deli or grocery store is a great place to start for an effortless, impromptu picnic. Sliced meats and cheeses, breads, fruit, even a prepared barbecued or roasted chicken or other prepared salad can round out a filling meal. Pick up a bottle of already-chilled delicate Chardonnay or off-dry White Zinfandel or try a light Pinot Noir and you are set.
Fried chicken was my family's picnic favorite when I was growing up. Mom would bring along baked beans, corn on the cob, carrots and celery sticks and apple pie for an elaborate affair. Chilled dry or off-dry Riesling is my favorite match for all of these foods. A late harvest Riesling can also be served with the pie for an even sweeter touch.
If you can grill at your picnic site, consider marinated lamb or beef kebabs and grilled vegetables served tucked into pita bread halves. The meat can be marinated ahead of time and grilled while you and your guests enjoy the smoky scents and sip a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Think of a dark chocolate torte or truffles with those heavier red wines. White wine lovers should consider a heavier, richer Chardonnay, served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
For a touch of romance or to celebrate a festive occasion, cold champagne or sparkling wine adapts beautifully to picnics. Choose your favorite style, from a dry Natural, Brut, Blanc de Noir to a barely off-dry Blanc de Blanc or Extra Dry to the sweeter Sec or Demi-Sec styles of sparklers.
A cook-out at the lake may invite a chilled crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay with grilled clams and oysters or grilled firm fish. Brush the fish with a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic and dill and you've created a great flavor bridge to those crisp, higher acid wines. Or use the marinade for dunking the cooked shellfish for a similar match. You may want to try a French Muscadet from the Loire Valley as the classic wine match to oysters.
Picnics can range from a French country spread to peanut butter sandwiches (which actually go quite well with off-dry Riesling). For a taste of France, serve pt and soft, ripe cheeses, baguettes, herbed roast chicken, ratatouille and a fancy fruit tart for dessertwith a French Pouilly-Fum or Sancerre or a California Pinot Blanc.
Wine is wonderful with indoor meals, and it goes outdoors with flourish. Cheers!
by CNB