Wine and Survival
If it weren't for the warmth of friends and neighbors—and friendly invitations to share a bottle of wine—I'd probably give in to my propensity to sleep the winter away. So when my next-door neighbors called with an impromptu offer for dinner at their place, I seized the opportunity.
Social connections are the key to survival in the Minnesota tundra. A glass of crisp Torrontés and some fresh, yummy guacamole doesn't hurt, either.
| White Wine Info Bottle Conquista Grape Torrontés Year 2008 Region Argentina Price ~$8.00 Shop France 44 Food Pairing Asian and Mexican cuisine, chicken, fish, guacamole More wines to pair with guacamole: Champagne Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio |
The lack of vegetation this time of year has me craving bright green, lush avocados. Try my favorite guac recipe—a perfect pairing for this Argentine white: World's Best Guacamole Recipe 3 Haas avocados, peeled and pitted 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 2 Roma tomatoes, diced 1/4 cup diced red onion 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/4 tsp. cumin Salt and pepper Tabasco to taste Mash avocados and lime juice with a fork. Mix in remaining ingredients, transfer mixture to a brightly colored bowl, and serve with tortilla chips. |
"You have to try this wine," my neighbor Annette raved. It was a bottle of Conquista Torrontés, a white wine from Argentina. Because one of my favorite wines of 2009 was also from Argentina, Don Miguel Gascón Malbec, I was eager to give this one a go. It didn't disappoint. With fresh, tropical flavors, I could almost imagine the snow melting away.
Thanks to friends, wine, and a verdant bowl of guacamole, this winter seemed to get just a smidgen shorter.
Diane Timba is a contributing writer at Thursday Happy Hour. Check out her lifestyle wine column here on Wednesdays. Which wines brighten a dreary day for you? Let Diane know in the comments below. Or chat with her on Facebook.
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