dinner for a merlot

[winophite]

Well I'm having a birthday dinner tomorrow and trying to decide on the main course. I want to drink a nice merlot, (Paradigm) and have narrowed my dinner to 3 mains. Glazed baked ham, chicken alfreado on linguini or chicken parmisian. While I know there aren't any wrongs because you should drink what you like, I would like to compliment the wine well beings it's a $40 plus bottle,(one of the most expensive ever for me). Any thoughts, or perhaps should I consider steaks. Thanks WP

[wondersofwine]

If it were me I would consider some form of beef--steak, roast beef, beef tips, etc. Ham might come closer than chicken or maybe a chicken cacciatore dish might work.

[Innkeeper]

Agree with WOW. Of your choices ham is best, but be careful with the glaze. You don't want the dish to get too sweet, and ham is sweet to begin with.

Standing rib roast of beef would be my choice.

[Kcwhippet]

Gotta agree with WOW and IK. BEEF - it's what's for dinner!! I really don't think the Paradigm would work well with the ham or chicken dishes. The Paradigm Merlot is a big wine and it should go with beef - or maybe a hearty lamb dish.

[winophite]

Thanks for the replies. Maybe I should let the little Mrs. decide between beef kabobs or filet mig,she does the tenious task of scewering (bell peppers, onion, bacon, potatoes... And if the kiddos, prefer they can request chicken bobs that include pinapple! Thanks. WP