January Holy Communion Picks
In the months of January, we’re slowing down and reflecting. Not only on the previous year but on how we want to move forward, with intentional and seasonal food choices and the wines that make them shine. We love root vegetables, leafy greens, and foods that bring good luck in some cultures. It’s common to think big red wines are best this time of year, but the truth is that all wines are suitable all year long - it’s up to the foods you pair them with to make them season-appropriate. Keep reading for our January Holy Communion Picks where we pair some of our favorite seasonal dishes with wines from The Communion.
Collard Greens and Black Eyed Peas with Land of Saints Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo County 2021
In kitchens all across the country, pots of black eyed peas and collard greens simmered to perfection on New Years day. Anyone who eats this dish can expect to be blessed with good luck for the coming year. The beans were brought to North America by enslaved people from West Africa and became a common food to include in stews and fritters.
We love pairing this dish with a lighter red, like Land of Saints Pinot Noir - the gentle tannins and herbaceousness help to underscore the understated complexity of the dish.
Harissa Chicken with Lemons and Dates with Echeverria, Sauvignon Blanc, Romi Orange Skin Fermented Valle del Curico (2022)
Harissa chicken always surprises us. Yes, it’s delicious, but it comes together quickly and is easy to make in larger portions. So it’s an easy answer for weeknight dinner parties.
When paired with an orange pet nat like Echeverria Romi Orange Sauvignon Blanc, the herbs and spices of this dish are accentuated. It’s a bit of magic, really.
Cauliflower Steak with Sandhi, Chardonnay Central Coast (2021)
Shout out to everyone who resolved to eat more veggies this year. The veggies part is easy — It’s the wine pairing that’s tricky. We suggest a roasted cauliflower steak with a solid, medium-bodied white wine like Sandhi Chardonnay. The structure of the wine helps to underscore the rich roasted flavors of the cauliflower.
Glazed Grapefruit Bundt Cake with Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d'Asti DOCG 2021
Grapefruit cake most definitely counts as a serving of fruit and vegetables. When pairing sweet foods and wines, consider that the wine should always be as sweet as, or sweeter than the accompanying food. So with a subtly sweet grapefruit bundt cake, you can sip Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d’Asti and sit in awe as the delicate sugars and fruit notes intertwine with the cake.
