This our first posting of this new feature from the Review of Washington Wines. Here, and in future Review blog postings, I will suggest food pairings with wines from the current issue of the Review.

 

Grilled Marinated Chicken

For this recipe, I marinate chicken (usually boneless thighs) in my all-purpose marinade: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tb soy sauce, 1 tsp. ground coriander, 1/2 tsp. ground cumin (this is sufficent for 4 thighs, for larger quantities, double or triple the amounts). Marinate for 2-4 hours and grill until tender.

Wine pairings:

2009 Robison Ranch Sangiovese, Walla Walla Valley

2009 Maison Bleue "Le Midi" Grenache, Yakima Valley

2008 Airfield "Spitfire" Red, Yakima Valley

 

Grilled Halibut

I also use my all all-purpose marinade for fish, adding a tablespoon of lime juice to the above ingredients. Marinate for 30-40 minutes, then grill.

Wine pairings:

2009 Upland Estates Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain

2010 Maison Bleue "Notre Vie" Viognier, Yakima Valley

2010 Rotie Cellars Southern White, Columbia Valley

 

Grilled Lamb Chops

I like to put fresh rosemary leaves on top of the chops as they cook. Grilled yellow squash or eggplant make fine accompaniments.

2008 Upland Estates "Teunis" Red, Snipes Mountain

2007 Watermill Estate "Midnight" Red, Walla Walla Valley

2008 Cadaretta "Windthrow" Red, Columbia Valley

 

Grilled Salmon

I use the same marinade as for Grilled Halibut above. Salmon pairs nicely with a medium bodied red.

2009 Gilbert Cellars Grenache, Wahluke Slope

2008 El Corazon "Tiger's Blood" Reserve Carmenere, Walla Walla Valley

2008 Adamant Cellars "Winemaker's Select" Merlot, Walla Walla Valley

 

Braised Short Ribs of Beef

I select thick cuts of beef ribs and braise them with vegetables (diced carrots, celery, onion, leeks, fennel, tomato) and red wine, preferably of the same varietal as will be served with the dish.

2008 Upland Estates Malbec, Snipes Mountain

2009 Gilbert Cellars Malbec, Wahluke Slope

2008 Zerba Cellars Malbec, Walla Walla Valley

2007 Dunham Cellars Syrah, Columbia Valley

2008 Alexandria Nicole "Alderdale" Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills