Seattleite’s Wine Aficionado introduces her new food & wine pairing column.

 

These days, oenophiles are a dime a dozen — after all, wine has been bottled and served in the United States for more than 300 years, and nearly 85% of the country produces it today. According to the Washington Wine Commission, our great state is the second largest wine producer in the nation, with more than 40,000 acres planted of grape vines, ranking it as the state’s fourth largest fruit crop.

Now, Seattleite wine-lovers, it’s time to take things up a notch. Simply put, food is better with wine. Pairing is not a new concept, either — the idea dates back to ancient settlements on the Black Sea, though it was truly perfected by early civilizations that lay on the banks of the Mediterranean. Think Caeser munching on a massive drumstick and slugging back his goblet of purple juice to complement it.

Wine has an extensive background as a staple at dinner tables across the globe. Even the serving vessel has evolved throughout the ages, from clay pitchers and calabashes in the olden days to the gleaming crystal decanters and stemware of contemporary times.

For Corks and Forks, my goal is to introduce the concept of wine pairing in the most approachable way — by starting with dishes served up at popular local restaurants, and then coupling them with wines that are native to the Northwest. Food and drink pairing has never been easier for Seattleites. Enjoy!

 

The Restaurant: Quinn’s Pub, Capitol Hill. Brit-style gastro pub in the hub of a expanding culinary neighborhood.

The Dish: Saffron mussels in a grain mustard and white wine sauce, baguette for necessary dipping on the side. These Northwest gems are sumptuous even when they flying solo, so requesting a wine that will break up the natural richness is key.

The Grape Variety: Semillon. Originating in Bordeaux, France and widely grown in Washington today, this grape is typically on the heavier side with medium acidity and loads of lemon-lime flavors.

Why It Works: This bold, powerful and rich varietal delivers citrus fruits, minerality and crisp acid to rival the sweet spice of saffron and matches the brininess of the salt water-bearded bivalve.

The Recommended Wine Match: Fidelitas 2009 Semillon, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Columbia Valley. A vineyard site that has hot days and cool nights, resulting in higher levels of acidity and ripe fruit, pleasing mollusks and Southwest Asian spices alike.

Corks and Forks appears every other Wednesday.