05/19/05 Food and wines - Warm dressings

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and today is food and wine pairing day. I love salad and of course salad is usually tossed in some sort of salad dressing. Today I want to talk about warm salad dressings that are wonderful tossed over spinach and heartier greens and the wines that go with them. The classic spinach salad with warm bacon dressing has been eclipsed by fancier version using prosciutto ham and balsamic vinegar. Both styles are delicious when the spinach is fresh and the salad is tossed and served immediately to keep it from becoming soggy and cold. I think these are salads that although they can be enjoyed with crisp white wines are really best when served with Dolcetto or a lighter style of Lemberger. Another wonderful warm dressing for fresh spring spinach is made by sautéing minced shallots minced sundried tomatoes and garlic in olive oil and adding a touch of good quality balsamic at the end. It is marvelous served with a fruit forward Merlot or a new world Cabernet Franc. Warm mustard dressing is very good when tossed with a combination of tender young mustard greens and spinach combined. Try it with a sparkling wine or a slightly chilled Rose. If you are a fan of sweet red onions try slicing them thinly and combining the rings with spinach and mandarin oranges. Toss this mixture in a warm sherry vinaigrette topped with toasted almonds and a slice of goat cheese. It will pair well with Gewurztraminer or Champagne. To get a copy of these recipes visit our website at vine to winedot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.