Help needed: Food for A Rhone Tasting

[thewoodman]

All you experts out there, give me some ideas for (relatively) simple appetizers for a tasting of southern Rhone Reds and their new world counterparts (to include CduPapes, Cigare Volant, T vine grenache, Aussie grenaches, Priorat, etc.) Thanks in advance.

[Botafogo]

These wines are engineered to deal with the predominant motif in the local cuisines: FAT!

At a bare minimum some pate, some VERY marbled (NOT lean) smoked or roasted meats, some duck would be nice and some artisinal Lard (yes, I used the L word) would be a nice authentic touch. I cannot say the word SAUSAGE loud enough. On this fine base of fat add flavors from grilled, smoked or charred vegies, Pine Nuts and Mushrooms and don't forget some Rattatouille.

Yes, I am really suggesting you serve LARD to your friends (just like they do in top wineries in these and comparable Italian Zones). Just tell them it is Manteca, sounds more exotic, Roberto

[hotwine]

Simple fare:
- smoked sausage (We like one made with equal measures of venison, feral hog and beef)
- sliced and grilled mushrooms, yellow squash and zucchini, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil
- Italian or French breads, bagette style, with little individual dishes of the olive oil for dipping
- a selection of fancy crackers
- cold veggies for munching: mushrooms, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, celery, with a dip of ranch dressing
- cheeses; have a good variety, already cubed, with toothpicks available. Be sure to include Monterrey Jack
- stuffed jalapeno peppers

That's about as simple as it gets, but it's sure making me hungry.....

Think sausage, mushrooms, breads and olive oil, and you can't go wrong.

[thewoodman]

Thanks for the great ideas...I may not have the guts to serve the lard, although I imagine preparation would be easy.

[Bucko]

Gasp, I have to agree with Roberto.... [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img] SAUSAGE! Grilled veggies and meats work well, even barbeque e.g. Buffalo wings.

Buckalo

[Thomas]

didn't know those things could fly....