Mother's Day Wines

By Natalie MacLean

How to thank Mom for all those kisses, compliments and band-aids? Try a great bottle of wine with Mother’s Day brunch or dinner. As a mother myself now, I call my glass of wine at 5 p.m. “Mommy’s little helper.” Here’s to you Mom!


Veuve Clicquot Non Vintage Champagne, France
(about $45)

Many of the famous Champagnes of France bear the names of the young women or “veuves” (widows) who ran these companies at the turn of the century when their husbands died in the war or due to illness. Bollinger, Pommery and Perrier-Laurent are just a few of their names, but perhaps the most famous of all is Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin of Veuve Clicquot. She was a brilliant marketer and a tough old bird when it came to negoting export deals. This bubbly has alluring aromas ripe pears and hazelnuts, with a long toasty finish.

Meaty Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/234261

Ham, Leek, and Three-Cheese Quiche
The refreshing acidity in the bubbly cuts through the rich and creamy quiche for a perfect brunch combo.

Meatless Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/238445

Asparagus with Morels and Tarragon
The effersence in the champagne matches the exuberant flavors in this juicy green, eternally spring dish.



Peter Lehmann 2007 Eden Valley Riesling, Australia
(about $16)

Peter Lehmann is not only famous for his wines, but also for the artwork on his bottle labels. Often these feature women, such as the Queen of Clubs, who represents the gamble that Lehmann and fellow winemakers took in the 1970s to establish the Australian wine industry. An art student at the University of Adelaide, Tom Buchanan, tried to capture the intensity and youthfulness of this Riesling in his portrait of the young woman on the label. The wine has vibrant floral and citrus aromas, a product of the cool climate in the Eden Valley. A fresh, clean white that’s just the way mother wanted us turned out for special occasions.

Meaty Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/104330

Riesling-Poached Trout with Thyme
It’s easy to match wine to a dish that’s been prepared with is: both share refreshing lime notes.

Meatless Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/105276

Caesar Salad with Herbed Croutons
The zesty riesling is a terrific complement to the creamy, tangy flavors of this classic salad.



Gallo Family Vineyards Sonoma Reserve 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, California
(about $15)

Gallo’s image as a jug wine is changing quickly, not only with terrific wines such as this one, but also with a new generation of the family taking the helm. Foremost among them is winemaker Gina Gallo, who has crafted a delicious wine at a great price. Gina, who took the renowned viticulture program at UC Davis, also learned her craft from her grandfather Julio, who started the business in 1933. This full-bodied number is bursting with aromas of dark plums, blackberries and spice.

Meaty Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/109391

Roast Racks of Lamb with New Potatoes and Mint Pesto
Cabernet sauvignon is a classic match with lamb because of its complementary dark berry and mint aromas.

Meatless Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/241753

Vegetarian Cassoulet
This crunchy, rustic cassoulet needs the full-bodied black fruit flavors in the cabernet.



Terramater 2004 Zinfandel Shiraz, Maipo Valley, Chile
(about $11)

Terramater means “Mother Earth,” and this wine marries the distinctive character of Chilean soil with grapes that are more associated with California (Zinafandel) and Australia (Shiraz). As always, mother knows what works together best. This wine has delicious flavors of blackberries, spice and smoke. It reminds me of the advice my own mother used to give me: firm but warm.

Meaty Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/108679

Slow-Braised Short Ribs, Lardons, and Baby Vegetables
The Zinfandel-Shiraz combination matches the smoky sweet flavors of the ribs.

Meatless Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/108167

Grilled Pizza Margherita
Both Zinfandel and Shiraz often make for great pizza wines because they are packed with berry flavors but not the mouth-drying tannins in a cabernet.



Merry Edwards Cuvee Meredith 2005 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California
(about $60)

Merry Edwards, the winemaker and owner of this eponymous winery, is a pioneer in the California wine industry. In 1973, Edwards, whose winemaking career now spans 33 years, was one of the first women to earn a masters degree in food science with an emphasis on enology at the renowned viticulture school at U.C Davis. Her experience and training shows in this wine, which has aromas of black raspberries and blackberries. Edwards aged it in 73 percent new French oak, adding balance and structure. It should age gracefully for 15 years.


Meaty Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/102651

Salmon with Mushroom Orzo and Red Wine Sauce
Salmon and pinot noir is a classic match in both flavor and texture.

Meatless Recipe Pairing:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/235854

Truffled Red Wine Risotto with Parmesan Broth
The silky and earthy flavors in the risotto are echoed in the wine.




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