Malbec vs Carmenere

Part 2 of My Wine Experiment to establish my own descriptors to wine and eventually determine my favorite in a side by side comparison. This time we travel to compare a 2011 Argentinian Malbec vs Carmenere of the same vintage. Lets start the swirl...

Malbec - Contrary to other Malbecs I've had, this wine had almost no smell to it, it was a more transparent than most as well. First sip was tangy and tart, like a candy. After a minute it became much smoother, I would like to say it was because the wine "opened up" after "breathing" but I'm sure my pallet just adjusted. Light fruit flavors mostly remnant to citrus. I'm sure it would pair well with heavy fair but wasn't my favorite Malbec I've had for sipping, too light.


Carmenere - Wow!! I think it was the first time I've had Carmenere I was different that other red I've had, still working through what specific differences but really enjoyed this one. It had a long and dry finish leaving big raspberry and blackberry flavors lingering for minutes. Definitely more tannic than acidic. It also had some soft leather and charcoally taste which reminded me of camping, I bet it would great with anything on the grill!!

Winner - Carmenere!! Next week: Spanish Rioja vs Garacha

Credit - Ventisquero Reserva 2011 Carmenere & Viento Sur 2011 Malbec

Healthy Baked Salmon

As a follow up to the very popular Health Seared Salmon post, L & I have been experimenting with baked fish not only simplify cooking by mixing veggies in with the fish but also making the meal a little more healthy compared to pan searing in oil. Ok lets start with the fish marinade recipe:

• 1 TBS Olive Oil
• 2 TBS Mustard
• 4 TBS Red Wine Vinegar
• Red Chili Flakes 
• Salt & Pepper
• Dash of Love

You can marinade the fish for hours or just before cooking and use the sauce for dipping. Next cut up a bunch of your favorite vegetables; we usually use yellow and orange peppers, asparagus, sweet potatoes, etc and place them in a glass pan with a little of the marinade. Set the Salmon skin side down over the veggies and bake on medium heat for 20 minutes or so depending on how you like your fish cooked. I personally feel over cooking a fish is a sacrilegious, but thats just me. 

We opened a bottle of Malbec with the meal and tasted great together. Enjoy your baked fish!!