Monday, September 14, 2015

Ginger & Orange Fried Chicken with New World Viogniers PR#2

Pairing Review #2

This is the 2nd review for the 1st week, and again part of my study of white wines while the weather is still really warm.  


Wine Studied: Bright Fruit Forward New World Viognier 

Wine Selected: The White Knight - Sonoma - 2013 Viognier
Eye:
     Color Depth:  Pale
     Color Hue:   Yellow
     Clarity:   Clear
Nose:
     Aroma Intensity:   Aromatic
     Development:   Youthful
     Aroma:   Oranges & Nectarines
Mouth:
     Dry/Sweet:   Medium Sweet
     Body:   Light
     Acidity:   Fresh
     Tannins:   Low
     Balance:   Good
     Flavor Intensity:   Flavorful
     Flavor:   Stone Fruits
     Finish:   Long (5-7 sec)
Style:   Modern
Cost:  $9.99 at New Seasons



Food Selected: Ginger & Orange Fried Chicken
Reference Source: Perfect Pairings by Evan Goldstein - Page 124
 (I cannot give recipes as they are not mine to give, but this is a great book if you want to learn about pairings.)

Wine:  This wine was good right out of the frig and developed even more as it warmed.  It was easy to drink with its low acidity and bright freshness.

Food:  I needed to change this recipe to make it gluten free so that I could enjoy it over a couple of days without any ill side effects.  I changed the flour requirement of 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour to 3/4 cup gluten free all purpose flour, 1/2 cup of rice flour and 1/4 cup coconut flour (the last complimented the spices really well, so that is why I chose it.)  

I very rarely fry anything, but after this quick, easy and flavorful recipe I will be doing it more often.  Only thing I will change in the future is to reduce the amount of curry and increase the amount of ginger.  I like curry but I love ginger so this is only a personal taste.

Why this Pairing?:  A Viogniers is a wine that has a lot of characteristics of other whites and therefore works with different things well, but foods that are a little on the sweet side and have a richness are a safe bet with this wine.

Pairing:  The wine really cut through the oil and smoothed out all of the heavy spice flavors.  I was shocked at how much I really liked this combination.  I have a tendency to grab a beer with fried foods, but this was so much lighter and more refreshing that I will go for a white wine next time.

Rating:
(Remember this is very subjective, as each person will have their own taste)

Wine:  ****

Food:   *****

Pairing: *****

Conclusion:  This was so good I now have fry oil sitting right by my stove, so simple and quick.  With the wine, the chicken is perfect warm or cold, so a great combo for a summer picnic or an early fall cool evening when fresh fried chicken is so comforting.

Cheers & Ciao


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