My friends Barb and Dave hosted their 2nd annual chili cook-off last weekend. Crockpots and cast-iron casseroles crowded their kitchen, containing everything from a farmer's market chili and smoky beef chili to chicken chipotle chili—even a Thai-inspired chili. Yum. And, of course, the sides: jalepeno cheddar bread, sweet cornbread, and bottles and bottles of wine.
My favorite wine by far was the 2007 Frei Brother's Zinfandel, a full, fruity wine bold enough to handle the complex flavors in the chili. This was no wimpy wine—it even held up to the big flavors in "Big Red," the spiciest chili in the bunch.
| The Juicy Wine Details Bottle Frei Brothers Reserve Year 2007 Grape Zinfandel Region Sonoma, CA Price ~15.00 Shop Internet Wines |
More Big Reds Marqués de Cáceres Reserva Rioja Don Miguel Gascón Malbec Marqués de Riscal Rioja |
Choosing my favorite chili was much tougher. They were all so different, and so delicious. "Fit to be Thai-ed" got my vote for flavor and creativity alike. But in the end, the spicy and rich "Big Red" came out the big winner—congratulations Big E!
Looking forward to next year's cook-off!
Diane Timba is a contributing writer at Thursday Happy Hour. Check out her lifestyle wine column here on Wednesdays. What's your favorite big wine? Let Diane know in the comments below. Or chat with her on Facebook.
This is so great! I have chili in the crockpot and cornbread will go in the oven when I get home from work. And now I know what wine to serve as well. :)
Posted by: Erin | September 30, 2009 at 02:57 PM
Yum! I can't wait to try this wine- now I just need the chili recipe too!
Posted by: Wendy | October 01, 2009 at 08:43 AM